| 1. |
- Palmblad, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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A 9.4 T Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer : Description and Performance
- 2000
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Ingår i: European journal of mass spectrometry. - 1469-0667 .- 1751-6838. ; 6:3, s. 267-275
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 9.4 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometers (Bruker BioAPEX-94e) have been installed at the Division of Ion Physics, Uppsala University, and at the Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, The BioAPEX-94e FT-ICR instrument is built around a high-field, superconducting magnet and a platform with easily interchangeable ion sources [matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electrospray ionisation (ESI) and electron impact/chemical ionisation (EI/CI)I. In this paper a technical description of the instrument is given. Outstanding performance characteristics are demonstrated, notably clear resolution of C59N+ and (C58C2+)-C-13 (mass difference 3.65 mDa) and mass measurement accuracy at the low ppm level. A wide range of applications in Warwick and Uppsala is described, demonstrating the versatility and high performance of the instrument.
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| 2. |
- Al-Minawi, Ali Z., et al.
(författare)
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The ERCC1/XPF endonuclease is required for completion of homologous recombination at DNA replication forks stalled by inter-strand cross-links
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Nucleic Acids Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0305-1048 .- 1362-4962. ; 37:19, s. 6400-6413
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Both the ERCC1-XPF complex and the proteins involved in homoIogous recombination (HR) have critical roles in inter-strand cross-link (ICL) repair. Here, we report that mitomycin C-induced lesions inhibit replication fork elongation. Furthermore, mitomycin C-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the result of the collapse of ICL-stalled replication forks. These are not formed through replication run off, as we show that mitomycin C or cisplatin-induced DNA lesions are not incised by global genome nucleotide excision repair (GGR). We also suggest that ICL-lesion repair is initiated either by replication or transcription, as the GGR does not incise ICL-lesions. Furthermore, we report that RAD51 foci are induced by cisplatin or mitomycin C independently of ERCC1, but that mitomycin C-induced HR measured in a reporter construct is impaired in ERCC1-defective cells. These data suggest that ERCC1-XPF plays a role in completion of HR in ICL repair. We also find no additional sensitivity to cisplatin by siRNA co-depletion of XRCC3 and ERCC1, showing that the two proteins act on the same pathway to promote survival.
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| 3. |
- Ali, Imran, et al.
(författare)
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Cadmium-induced effects on cellular signaling pathways in the liver of transgenic estrogen reporter mice.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 127:1, s. 66-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Estrogen-like effects of cadmium (Cd) have been reported in several animal studies, and recent epidemiological findings suggest increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers after Cd exposure. The mechanisms underlying these effects are still under investigation. Our aim was to study the effects of Cd on cellular signaling pathways in vivo with special focus on estrogen signaling and to perform benchmark dose analysis on the effects. Transgenic adult ERE-luciferase male mice were exposed subcutaneously to 0.5-500 μg CdCl(2) per kg body weight (bw) or 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) for 3 days. These doses had no effects on organ and bw or testicular histology, indicating subtoxic exposure levels. The transgene luciferase, reporting genomic estrogen response, was significantly increased by EE2 but not by Cd. However, Cd significantly affected kinase phosphorylation and endogenous gene expression. Interestingly, gene expression changes displayed a traditional dose-response relationship, with benchmark dose levels for the expression of Mt1, Mt2, p53, c-fos, and Mdm2 being 92.9, 19.9, 7.6, 259, and 25.9 μg/kg bw, respectively, but changes in kinase phosphorylation were only detected at low exposure levels. Phosphorylation of Erk1/2 was significantly increased even in the lowest dose group, 0.5 μg/kg bw, rendering pErk1/2 a more sensitive sensor of exposure than changes in gene expression. Collectively, our data suggest that the effects triggered by Cd in vivo are markedly concentration dependent. Furthermore, we conclude that the estrogen-like effects of Cd are likely to result from a mechanism different from steroidal estrogens.
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| 4. |
- Ali, Imran, et al.
(författare)
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Estrogen-like effects of cadmium in vivo do not appear to be mediated via the classical estrogen receptor transcriptional pathway.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 118:10, s. 1389-94
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd), a ubiquitous food contaminant, has been proposed to be an endocrine disruptor by inducing estrogenic responses in vivo. Several in vitro studies suggested that these effects are mediated via estrogen receptors (ERs). OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to clarify whether Cd-induced effects in vivo are mediated via classical ER signaling through estrogen responsive element (ERE)-regulated genes or if other signaling pathways are involved. METHODS: We investigated the estrogenic effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) exposure in vivo by applying the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rodent uterotrophic bioassay to transgenic ERE-luciferase reporter mice. Immature female mice were injected subcutaneously with CdCl2 (5, 50, or 500 µg/kg body weight) or with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on 3 consecutive days. We examined uterine weight and histology, vaginal opening, body and organ weights, Cd tissue retention, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and ERE-dependent luciferase expression. RESULTS: CdCl2 increased the height of the uterine luminal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner without increasing the uterine wet weight, altering the timing of vaginal opening, or affecting the luciferase activity in reproductive or nonreproductive organs. However, we observed changes in the phosphorylation of mouse double minute 2 oncoprotein (Mdm2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2) in the liver after CdCl2 exposure. As we expected, EE2 advanced vaginal opening and increased uterine epithelial height, uterine wet weight, and luciferase activity in various tissues. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Cd exposure induces a limited spectrum of estrogenic responses in vivo and that, in certain targets, effects of Cd might not be mediated via classical ER signaling through ERE-regulated genes.
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Eva, 1946-
(författare)
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Vitamin A and ß-carotene metabolism and effects of UV irradiation in human keratinocytes and melanocytes
- 2002
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) are modulators of proliferation and differentiation. Both retinol (ROH) and its metabolite 3,4-didehydroretinol (ddROH) can be converted to retinoic acid (RA) and 3,4-didehydroretinoic acid (ddRA), ligands for the nuclear receptors, which induce gene transcriptions. A perturbed ROH metabolism is observed in several dermatoses and iu non-melanoma skin cancer. Dietary ß-carotene has been considered to play a critical role in the natural defence against cancer. Whether ß-carotene is converted to ROH in the skin has been debated.We have investigated ß-carotene and retinoid metabolism, retinoid binding proteins and retinoid receptors in human keratinocytes (KCs) and melanocytes (MCs) in vitro. Similar studies of vitamin A have been done in human malignant epithelial cells (HeLa) and malignant melanoma cells. The influence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on retinoid metabolism and receptor expression was specially focused upon this thesis. KCs and MCs contained high concentrations of ROH, ddROH, while HeLa- and melanoma cells contained lower levels. KCs contained the highest level of the retinoid-binding proteins CRBP I and CRABP II compared to MCs, HeLa and melanoma cells. High CRABP II levels showed a correlation with the ability to accumulate ddROH. In MCs, CRABP I was highly expressed, but in melanoma cells CRABP II dominated. The difference between MCs and melanoma cells in receptor levels was most pronounced for RARß, which was highly expressed in melanoma cells. Such dissimilarities between benign and malignant MCs might play a role in differentiation and growth regulation. The uptake of [3H]ROH, [3H]RA and ß-carotene was significantly higher in MCs than in KCs. We were able to demonstrate that [14C]ß-carotene was converted to [14C]ROH in both these cell types. This suggests that this local storage of ß-carotene might serve as au alternative supply for vitamin A in the skin.A moderate dose of UVR reduced the concentration of ROH, ddROH and [3H]RA in KCs and MCs by 20-50%. The concentration returned to starting levels in 1-2 days, and could be explained by a retarded metabolism of RA, the biologically most active metabolite. When KCs and MCs were exposed to UVR, the mRNA and protein levels of the three nuclear retinoid receptors (RARα, RARγ and RXRα) decreased rapidly. In MCs these levels were close to normal 3 days postirradiation. In KCs only the RARα mRNA and protein levels returned to baseline within 3 days. This thesis has increased our knowledge of the effects of UVR on retinoid metabolism and retinoid receptors in human cells. Further studies are needed to understand the role of ß-carotene and retinoid signaling in UV induced skin cancer.
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| 6. |
- Bergkvist, Charlotte, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure to dioxin-like pollutants via different food commodities in Swedish children and young adults.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Food and Chemical Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0278-6915 .- 1873-6351. ; 46:11, s. 3360-3367
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs) in terms of toxic equivalents (TEQs) was investigated in Swedish children and young adults. Exposure was estimated from concentration data of six groups of individual food commodities (meat, fish, dairy products, egg, edible fats and other foodstuff) combined with food intake data from a 7-day record book obtained from 670 individuals aged 1-24 years. The results showed that Swedish boys and girls, up to the age of ten, had a median TEQ intake that exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg body weight. Children exceeding the TDI varied from almost all individuals among the youngest children to about 20% among young men and women. Dairy and fish products were the main sources of exposure for the average child, accounting for 59% of the total TEQ intake. The individuals most highly exposed were, on the other hand, characterized by a high consumption of fish. Since children constitute a vulnerable group, results obtained from the present study show that it is essential to perform age specific dietary intake assessments of pollutants and more carefully consider sensitive and/or highly exposed groups in the population in the risk management processes.
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| 7. |
- Beronius, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Health risk assessment procedures for endocrine disrupting compounds within different regulatory frameworks in the European Union
- 2009
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Ingår i: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0273-2300 .- 1096-0295. ; 55:2, s. 111-122
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study we have investigated how different regulatory frameworks in Europe cope with identification and risk assessment of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Four regulatory groups were selected for the investigation: existing industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants in food, pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. The legislation and guidelines for each of these groups were scrutinized and compared in detail. In addition, one recent European risk assessment document each for three identified EDCs, i.e. bisphenol A, dioxins and vinclozolin, were reviewed and compared. We found that the requirements for toxicity testing and availability and scope of risk assessment guidelines varied between the four regulatory frameworks. Also, the general principles regarding the human relevance of the mode of action identified in animal tests differed in the different risk assessments. In conclusion, there is little conformity in the risk assessment processes between these groups of chemicals. Because of the complicated nature of endocrine disruption, test methods, principles and criteria for data interpretation traditionally used might not be directly applicable to EDCs and further development of a transparent and reliable risk assessment process for this type of substances is needed.
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| 8. |
- Beronius, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Risk to all or none? A comparative analysis of controversies in the health risk assessment of Bisphenol A
- 2010
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Ingår i: Reproductive Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-6238 .- 1873-1708. ; 29:2, s. 132-146
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor for which health risk assessment has proven controversial. Conclusions regarding health risks of BPA vary between assessments from "there is no risk to any part of the population" to "there is risk to the entire population". We have carried out a literature study investigating what might be the scientific and/or policy-related reasons for these differences. Ten risk assessments for BPA were scrutinized and several factors were compared between assessments, including estimations of exposure levels, identification of critical study and NOAEL, assessment factors and significance attributed to reports of low-dose effects. Differences in conclusions were mainly influenced by the evaluation of low-dose effects and the uncertainties surrounding the significance of these data for health risk assessment. The results illustrate the impact of differences in risk assessment policy and expert judgment on the risk assessment process and highlight the importance of transparency in this process.
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| 9. |
- Bondesson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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A CASCADE of effects of bisphenol A.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Reproductive Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-6238 .- 1873-1708. ; 28:4, s. 563-7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 10. |
- Borg, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Perfluoroalkylated and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances (PFASs) in Sweden
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna rapport sammanfattar resultatet av ett projekt för att ta fram information och ny kunskap gällande möjliga miljö- och hälsorisker av perfluoralkylerade och polyfluoralkylerade ämnen (PFAS) i Sverige. Projektet har utförts i form av en riskbedömning, bestående av en exponeringsbedömning med svenska monitoringdata för 23 utvalda PFAS i människor, däggdjur, fågel och fisk,en farobedömning med toxikologiska data på däggdjur, fågel och fisk för deutvalda ämnena och en riskkaraktärisering för människa, däggdjur, fågel ochfisk. Detta är den första hälso- och miljöriskbedömningen som undersöker ett stort antal PFAS, individuellt och i kombination. I den hälsorelaterade exponeringsbedömningen valdes två populationer ut– människor exponerade indirekt via miljön (dvs. allmänbefolkningen) och enyrkesexponerad grupp – professionella skidvallare. Exponeringsdata i form avPFAS-halter i blod och serum användes. Resultatet visade att de undersökta PFAS-kongenerna förekom i serum i låga ppb-halter (ng/ml) i allmänbefolkningen. I en liten subpopulation av allmänbefolkningen som ätit kontaminerad fisk kunde högre ppb-halter av PFOS uppmätas. I den yrkesexponerade gruppen förekom avsevärt högre koncentrationer av vissa kongener, t exPFNA och PFOA som uppmätts i höga ppb- eller låga ppm- halter (μg/ml),ca 125 och 200 gånger högre än i den allmänna befolkningen. Tidstrendstudieri den allmänna befolkningen visade att halterna av PFOS, PFDS, PFOSA ochPFOA i serum förefaller minska, medan halterna av PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA,PFDA och PFUnDA istället förefaller öka. I den hälsorelaterade farobedömningen användes främst data och slutsatser från redan existerande faro- eller riskbedömningar, som kompletterades med nytillkomna eller andra relevanta data. Två toxikologiska endpoints somidentifierades som gemensamma för PFAS användes: 1) levertoxicitet, och 2)reproduktions/utvecklingstoxicitet. För kongener som saknade toxikologiska data eller interndoser gjordes en ”read-across”, dvs. extrapolering av data, tillden närmaste mest potenta kongenern för respektive endpoint. Andra toxikologiskaendpoints som uppvisade lägre effektnivåer än lever- eller reproduktionstoxicitet beaktades också. Resultatet av farobedömningen visade att deolika PFAS-kongenerna var relativt lika avseende deras potens för lever- ochreproduktionstoxicitet, med utgångspunkter (på engelska ”point-of-departure”)på 4–89 μg/ml serum respektive 4–> 60 μg/ml serum. Användbara toxikologiskadata med interndoser fanns tillgängliga för 4 av 15 kongener i allmänbefolkningen och 5 av 17 kongener för de yrkesexponerade. För några kongenerkunde ytterligare toxikologiska endpoints identifieras (immuntoxicitet, påverkanpå bröstkörtelutveckling, fetma) vid väldigt låga effektnivåer – vid eller undernuvarande exponeringsnivåer för allmänbefolkningen. Epidemiologiska studiervisade motstridiga resultat.Riskkaraktäriseringen visade inte på någon risk1 för lever- eller reproduktionstoxiciteti allmänbefolkningen, vare sig för enskilda kongener eller i kombination. I den subpopulation som ätit kontaminerad fisk kunde däremot enrisk för levertoxicitet påvisas baserat på uppmätta PFOS-halter. För de yrkesexponeradeskidvallarna kunde en risk för levertoxicitet identifieras, baserat på enskilda kongener och i kombination, samt för reproduktionstoxicitet baserat på den samlade PFAS-exponeringen. Det bör dock understrykas attdenna grupp omfattar ett mycket begränsat antal människor i Sverige.I den miljörelaterade exponeringsbedömningen valdes 5 arter/grupper utmed följande vävnadsmatriser: 1) säl (lever), 2) utter (lever), 3) fågel (ägg),4) marin fisk (lever) och 5) högexponerad sötvattensfisk (muskel), baserat påförekomsten av PFAS i dessa arter. Alla dessa finns i, eller är kopplade till, denakvatiska miljön och visar på hur PFAS sprids till miljön. I de terrestra artersom granskades var halterna av PFAS signifikant lägre. PFOS var den dominerande kongenern i alla arter och kunde uppmätas i låga ppm-nivåer eller högappb-nivåer i säl och utter, fågelägg och högexponerad sötvattensfisk, och i lågappb-nivåer i marin fisk. I säl och utter kunde en nedåtgående trend för halterav sulfonater och en ökande trend för halter av karboxylater urskiljas. I äggfrån pilgrimsfalk var alla uppmätta kongener långkedjiga och en tidstrendstudievisade att nivåer av sulfonater var oförändrade eller nedåtgående, och att karboxylater med en kedjelängd av 11–15 kol minskar, men att PFNA ochPFDA ökar. I marin fisk innehåll alla detekterade kongener sex eller fler kolför sulfonater, och nio eller fler kol för karboxylater, vilket troligen återspeglar den högre biokoncentrationsfaktorn (BCF) för långkedjiga kongener. PFAShalterna var betydligt högre i högexponerad sötvattensfisk än i marin fisk. I den miljörelaterade farobedömningen användes för säl och utter samma toxikologiska endpoints och utgångspunkter som i den hälsorelaterade farobedömningen,baserat på deras gemensamma toxikologiska dataunderlag, menmed skillnad i de specifika kongener som undersökts samt att halter i leveranvändes som interdos istället för serum. Användbara toxikologiska data medinterndoser i lever var tillgängliga för 4 av 17 kongener, varav data för övrigakongener behövde extrapoleras. För fågel togs enbart data från reproduktionstoxicitetsstudiermed interndoser uppmätta i ägg i beaktande, vilka fannstillgängliga för 5 av 15 kongener, varav de övriga behövde extrapoleras. Få relevanta studier på reproduktionstoxicitet av PFAS i fågel fanns tillgängliga, och i dessa kunde endast effekter påvisas för PFOS. Dataunderlaget på PFAS i fågel kan därför anses osäkert med avseende på toxiska effekter, effektnivåeroch de extrapoleringar som gjorts. För fisk så fanns data tillgängliga för 5 av17 kongener och toxiska effektnivåer och utgångspunkter bör betraktas som högst osäkra beroende på att olika typer av studier, arter, och endpoints har använts, vilket gör dem väldigt svåra att jämföra mellan olika kongener. Dessa extrapoleringar är därför högst osäkra.Resultatet av riskkaraktäriseringen för säl och utter visade på risk för levertoxicitetoch reproduktionstoxicitet för enskilda kongener och/eller i kombination.Det bör poängteras att slutsatser gällande säl och utter är baserade pågenomsnittsnivåer av PFAS vid den sista tidpunkten i tidstrendstudier, och att nivåerna kan vara högre på individnivå, vilket skulle resultera i lägre säkerhetsmarginaler.För reproduktionstoxicitet i fågel kunde en risk påvisas, där de högsta halterna i pilgrimsfalksägg (provtagna 2006) översteg de halter iägg där en studie visat toxiska effekter, och där den genomsnittliga halten varnära de toxiska effektnivåerna. Det kan därför inte uteslutas att halterna av PFOS i dessa ägg kan ge upphov skadliga effekter. För marin och högexponerad sötvattensfisk indikerar tillgängliga data ingen risk för skadliga effekter. Det bör dock tydliggöras att data för fisk, monitoring såväl som toxicitetsdata och dess extrapoleringar är förknippade med en hög grad av osäkerhet p.g.a.brister i dataunderlaget.
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| 11. |
- Borg, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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Perinatal tissue distribution of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) in mice.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Abstracts of the 46th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. ; 189:SI, s. S147-S147
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is an industrial chemical that has been used as a surfactant and surface protector for more than fifty years. It has during the last decade emerged as an environmental contaminant due to its widespread presence in humans and wildlife and its persistant, bioaccumulative and toxic properties. PFOS is developmentally toxic and late in utero exposure in rodents affects neonatal survival and growth. Observed symptoms suggest impaired pulmonary function, but the cause of the mortality has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine the perinatal tissue distribution of S35-labelled PFOS in mice using whole-body autoradiography (WBA) combined with liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Pregnant C57Bl/6 mice were dosed orally on gestation day (GD) 16 and sampled on GD18, GD20 and postnatal day (PND) 1 (dams + pups). The results from the WBA and the LSC were unequivocal. In dams, PFOS accumulated primarily in the liver, but also the lungs contained levels higher than the blood. PFOS was readily transferred to the fetus. At GD18 general PFOS levels were higher in the fetus than in the blood of the corresponding dam with accumulation in the liver. At GD20, general PFOS levels remained higher in the fetus than in the dam, with substantial accumulation also in the lung. The accumulation in the lung persisted at PND1. Our results show that the fetus is exposed to higher levels of PFOS than the dam and point towards the lung being the main perinatal target organ of PFOS.
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| 12. |
- Buijs, Jos, et al.
(författare)
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Localized changes in the structural stability of myoglobin upon adsorption onto silica particles, as studied with hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
- 2003
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Ingår i: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. - 0021-9797 .- 1095-7103. ; 263:2, s. 441-448
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A new method is presented for monitoring the conformational stability of various parts of a protein that is physically adsorbed onto nanometer-sized silica particles. The method employs hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange of amide hydrogens, a process that is extremely sensitive to structural features of proteins. The resulting mass increase is analyzed with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry. Higher structural specificity is obtained by enzymatically cleaving the adsorbed proteins prior to mass spectrometric analysis. The mass increases of four peptic fragments of myoglobin are followed as a function of the H/D exchange time. The four peptic fragments cover 90% of the myoglobin structure. Two of the peptic fragments, located in the middle of the myoglobin sequence and close to the heme group, do not show any adsorption-induced changes in their structural stability, whereas the more stable C- and N-terminal fragments are destabilized. Interestingly, for the N-terminal fragment, comprising residues 1–29, two distinct and equally large conformational populations are observed. One of these populations has a stability similar to that in solution (−23 kJ/mol), whereas the other population is highly destabilized upon adsorption (−11 kJ/mol).
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Elmabsout, Ali Ateia, 1977-
(författare)
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CYP26B1 as regulator of retinoic acid in vascular cells and atherosclerotic lesions
- 2012
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD), currently the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is caused mainly by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic multifocal, immunoinflammatory, fibroproliferative disease of medium and large arteries. Atherosclerotic lesions and vascular cells express different genes, among these are genes regulated by retinoic acid. Retinoids have pleiotropic effects and are able to modulate gene expression involved in growth, function and adaptation. During atherosclerosis development, there is endothelial perturbation, lipid accumulation, attraction of immune cells, smooth muscle cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling and eventually fibrous cap formation which results in plaques. Retinoids have been demonstrated to either inhibit or modulate the above processes, resulting in amelioration of atherosclerosis. So far, retinoids are known to have impact on cellular processes in SMC, vascular injury and atherosclerosis. However, little is known about catabolism of retinoids in vascular cells and lesions and the effects of alteration of retinoic catabolizing enzymes on retinoids’ status. Therefore, we investigated the expression of Cytochrome P450 26 (CYP26) which is thought to be dedicated to retinoid catabolism. In vascular SMCs and atherosclerotic lesions, we found that CYP26B1 was the only member of the CYP26 family expressed, and it was highly inducible by atRA. Our data revealed that blocking CYP26B1 by chemical inhibition, or by targeted siRNA knock-down, resulted in significantly increased cellular retinoid levels. This indicates that CYP26B1 is an important modulator of endogenous retinoic acid levels. Therefore, we studied the effect of the CYP26B1 nonsynonymous polymorphism rs224105 on retinoic acid availability and found that the minor allele was associated with an enhanced retinoic acid catabolism rate and also with a slightly larger area of atherosclerotic lesions. The expression of CYP26B1 in human atherosclerotic lesions was localized to macrophage rich areas, suggesting retinoic acid activity in macrophages. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a CYP26B1 splice variant, that lack exon two, is expressed in vascular cells and in vessels walls. It is functional, with a reduced catabolic activity to around 70%, inducible by atRA in vascular cells and expressed 4.5 times more in atherosclerotic lesions compared to normal arteries. Moreover, the statins simvastatin and rosuvastatin reduced CYP26B1 mediated atRA catabolism in a concentration-dependent manner, and in vascular cells increased the mRNA expression of the atRA-responsive genes CYP26B1 and RARβ. This could lead to statins indirectly augmenting retinoic acid action in vascular cells which mimic statins roles. In conclusion, CYP26B1 is a major retinoic acid modulator in vascular cells and atherosclerotic lesions. Blocking of CYP26B1 could provide an advantageous therapeutic alternative to exogenous retinoid administration for treatment of vascular disorders.
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| 15. |
- Fletcher, Nick, et al.
(författare)
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Altered retinoid metabolism in female Long-Evans and Han/Wistar rats following long-term 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-treatment
- 2005
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Ingår i: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 86:2, s. 264-272
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated the effects of long-term low-dose 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure on retinoid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D homeostasis in Long-Evans and Han/Wistar rats using a tumor promotion exposure protocol. Female rats (ten/group) were partially hepatectomized, initiated with nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and given TCDD once per week by sc injection for 20 weeks at calculated daily doses of 0, 1, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/kg bw/day. Groups of nonhepatectomized/uninitiated rats (five/group) were identically maintained. After 20 weeks, the rats were killed, and apolar retinoid levels were determined in the liver and kidneys. No consistent differences were seen between partially hepatectomized/initiated and nonhepatectomized/uninitiated animals with respect to apolar retinoid levels or hepatic TCDD concentration. Further analyses of polar and apolar retinoid levels in liver, plasma, and kidney, as well as free thyroxine (FT4) and vitamin D (25-OH-D(3)) concentrations were carried out in partially hepatectomized/inititated animals. In Long-Evans rats, TCDD exposure dose-dependently decreased hepatic retinyl ester concentrations at doses of 1-100 ng/kg bw/day. Likewise, hepatic all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) concentration was decreased 39 and 54% at 10 and 100 ng/kg bw/day respectively, whereas 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-retinoic acid (9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA), a recently discovered retinoic acid metabolite, was decreased approximately 60% in the liver at 1 ng/kg bw/day. TCDD dose-dependently increased plasma retinol and kidney retinol concentrations, whereas all-trans-RA concentration was also increased in the plasma and kidney at 10 and 100 ng/kg bw/day. Plasma 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA was decreased to below detection limits from doses of 1 ng/kg bw/day TCDD. A qualitatively similar pattern of retinoid disruption was observed in the Han/Wistar rat strain following TCDD exposure. FT4 was decreased to a similar extent in both strains, whereas 25-OH-D(3) was decreased only at 100 ng/kg bw/day in Long-Evans rats. Together these results show that TCDD disrupts both retinoid storage and metabolism of retinoic acid and retinoic acid metabolites in liver, kidney, and plasma from doses as low as 1 ng/kg bw/day. Furthermore, 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA was identified as a novel and sensitive indicator of TCDD exposure, in a resistant and sensitive rat strain, thereby extending the database of low-dose TCDD effects.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Hanberg, Annika, et al.
(författare)
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Phthalates and their metabolites in human breast milk, blood and urine as measures for monitoring exposure in human risk groups
- 2005
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- För att undersöka halter av ftalater i svenskar och vilken matris som bäst lämpar sig för hälsorelaterad miljöövervakning har ftalater och ftalatmetaboliter analyserats i en grupp kvinnor som nyligen fött barn. I samband med förlossning på Universitetssjukhuset i Lund tillfrågades förstföderskor om medverkan och 42 kvinnor kom att ingå i studien. När barnet var 2-3 veckor gammalt pumpade mamman ut 50 mL bröstmjölk. Blod- och urinprov togs en vecka senare. Omfattande förändringar av standardmetoder för provtagning av mjölk och blod gjordes för att minimera risken för kontaminering av proverna. För mjölkprovtagningen användes en specialkonstruerad manuell pump av polykarbonat med ftalatfri packning. Blodprov togs med hjälp av endast kanyl och provrör (eftersom propparna i vaccutainrör innehåller ftalater). Proverna förvarades i värmebehandlade glasbehållare och fosforsyra tillsattes för att motverka metabolism av ftalater i mjölk- och blodprover. Analyserna av bröstmjölk visade värden nära eller under detektionsgränsen (LOD) för flertalet ftalater eller deras metaboliter. Även i blod och serum var nivåerna vanligtvis nära eller under LOD. I urin analyserades endast metaboliter och dessa kunde kvantifieras i 53-100 % av proverna. Nivåerna av ftalatmetaboliter i urin hos de svenska kvinnorna var i paritet med nivåerna hos en allmänbefolkning i USA och Tyskland. Några klara korrelationer mellan nivåer i t ex urin och bröstmjölk respektive blod påvisades inte. Resultaten av studien anger att för närvarande är analys av ftalatmetaboliter i urin den mest framkomliga vägen för skattning av ftalatexponering hos människa. Provtagning och analys av mjölk och blod innebar betydligt större svårigheter. Framför allt framstår risken för kontaminering vid provtagning som betydande och en stor del av ftalaterna och dess metaboliter uppvisade låga halter, vid eller under LOD. Dessutom kan ftalater brytas ned i blod och mjölk. I flertalet internationella publicerade studier av ftalatexponering används urinmetabolit-analyser som ett mått på exponering för ftalater. I en nyligen publicerad amerikansk studie av ett 80-tal nyfödda pojkar sågs ett samband mellan kort ano-genitalt avstånd och nivåer av ftalatmetaboliter i urin hos deras mammor under graviditeten. Den amerikanska studien behöver bekräftas, men metaboliterna var desamma som i vår studie och en jämförelse visar att mediannivåerna var lägre för vissa men högre för andra metaboliter. Vår studie indikerar att svenska kvinnor i fertil ålder inte sällan exponeras för ftalater i nivåer som satts i samband med fosterpåverkan.
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| 18. |
- Hansson, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Artifactual insulin release from differentiated embryonic stem cells.
- 2004
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Ingår i: Diabetes. - 0012-1797. ; 53:10, s. 2603-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several recent reports claim the generation of insulin-producing cells from embryonic stem cells via the differentiation of progenitors that express nestin. Here, we investigate further the properties of these insulin-containing cells. We find that although differentiated cells contain immunoreactive insulin, they do not contain proinsulin-derived C-peptide. Furthermore, we find variable insulin release from these cells upon glucose addition, but C-peptide release is never detected. In addition, many of the insulin-immunoreactive cells are undergoing apoptosis or necrosis. We further show that cells cultured in the presence of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, which previously was reported to facilitate the differentiation of insulin(+) cells, are not C-peptide immunoreactive but take up fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled insulin from the culture medium. Together, these data suggest that nestin(+) progenitor cells give rise to a population of cells that contain insulin, not as a result of biosynthesis but from the uptake of exogenous insulin. We conclude that C-peptide biosynthesis and secretion should be demonstrated to claim insulin production from embryonic stem cell progeny.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Herlin, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Inhibitory effects on osteoblast differentiation in vitro by the polychlorinated biphenyl mixture Aroclor 1254 are mainly associated with the dioxin-like constituents.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Toxicology in Vitro. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3177 .- 0887-2333. ; 29:5, s. 876-883
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture Aroclor 1254 alters bone tissue properties. However, the mechanisms responsible for the observed effects have not yet been clarified. This study compared the effect of Aroclor 1254 on the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers in MC3T3-E1 cells with the corresponding effect of the dioxin reference compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and two PCB congeners belonging to the category of non-dioxin-like PCBs. The aim of the study was to quantify the relative influence of dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like PCB-components on osteoblast differentiation. Expression of marker genes for AhR activity and osteoblast differentiation were analyzed, and relative potency (REP) values were derived from Benchmark concentration-effect curves. Expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were decreased by both Aroclor 1254 and TCDD exposure, while the PCB-congeners PCB19 and PCB52 slightly induced the expression. The relative potency of Aroclor 1254 for inhibitory effects on osteoblast differentiation marker genes was within the expected range as estimated from the chemical composition of Aroclor 1254. These results are consistent with previously observed bone modulations following in vivo exposure to Aroclor 1254 and TCDD, and demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of Aroclor 1254 on osteoblast differentiation by the dioxin-like constituents are over-riding the contribution of non-dioxin-like PCBs.
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| 21. |
- Herlin, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Quantitative characterization of changes in bone geometry, mineral density and biomechanical properties in two rat strains with different Ah-receptor structures after long-term exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
- 2010
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Ingår i: Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0300-483X .- 1879-3185. ; 273:1-3, s. 1-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Both industrial chemicals and environmental pollutants can interfere with bone modeling and remodeling. Recently, detailed toxicological bone studies have been performed following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which exerts most of its toxic effects through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to quantitatively evaluate changes in bone geometry, mineral density and biomechanical properties following long-term exposure to TCDD, and to further investigate the role of AhR in TCDD-induced bone alterations. To this end, tissue material used in the study was derived from TCDD-exposed Long-Evans (L-E) and Han/Wistar (H/W) rats, which differ markedly in sensitivity to TCDD-induced toxicity due to a strain difference in AhR structure. METHODS: Ten weeks old female L-E and H/W rats were administered TCDD s.c. once per week for 20 weeks, at doses corresponding to calculated daily doses of 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000ngTCDD/kgbw (H/W only). Femur, tibia and vertebra from the L-E and H/W rats were analyzed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and biomechanical testing at multiple sites. Dose-response modeling was performed to establish benchmark doses for the analyzed bone parameters, and to quantify strain sensitivity differences for those parameters, which were affected by TCDD exposure in both rat strains. RESULTS: Bone geometry and bone biomechanical parameters were affected by TCDD exposure, while bone mineral density parameters were less affected. The trabecular area at proximal tibia and the endocortical circumference at tibial diaphysis were the parameters that showed the highest maximal responses. Significant strain differences in response to TCDD treatment were observed, with the L-E rat being the most sensitive strain. For the parameters that were affected in both strains, the differences in sensitivity were quantified, showing the most pronounced (about 49-fold) strain difference for cross-sectional area of proximal tibia. CONCLUSION: The study provides novel information about TCDD-induced bone alterations at doses, which are of relevance from a health risk assessment point of view. In addition, the obtained results provide further support for a distinct role of the AhR in TCDD-induced bone alterations, and suggest that the benchmark dose modeling approach is appropriate for quantitative evaluation of bone toxicity parameters.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Johansson, Maria, 1970-
(författare)
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Interaction of Xenobiotics with the Glucocorticoid Hormone System in vitro
- 2002
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Persistent environmental pollutants were examined for their interaction with the glucocorticoid hormone system. The focus was placed on interference with the glucocorticoid synthesis and the glucocorticoid-signalling pathway in various in vitro test systems.Several aryl methyl sulphones competitively inhibited CYP11B1 activity in mouse adrenocortical Y1 cells. The DDT metabolite, 3-methylsulphonyl-2,2’-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1’-dichloroethene (3-MeSO2-DDE) had a higher affinity to the enzyme than the endogenous substrate, 11-deoxycorticosterone. In fact, 3-MeSO2-DDE (Ki 1.6 μM) was almost as potent as the drug metyrapone (Ki 0.8 μM), a well-known inhibitor of the enzyme. 3-MeSO2-DDE inhibited CYP11B1 activity in human adrenocortical H295R carcinoma cells, and at higher concentrations the CYP21 activity. The human H295R cell line seems to be a useful test system for studies of enzyme activities and could be used to screen endocrine disrupting chemicals interfering with the glucocorticoid hormone synthesis.Several chiral PCB methyl sulphones and the fungicide tolylfluanid proved to be antagonists to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in rat hepatoma cells and/or Chinese hamster ovary cells stable transformed with a human GR and a responsive reporter vector. The 4-methylsulphonyl-2,3,6,2’,4’,5’-hexachlorobiphenyl (4-MeSO2-CB149) enantiomers had similar antagonistic effect on the GR. Co-exposure of substances led to additive inhibitory effects on glucocorticoid-regulated protein synthesis in rat hepatoma cells. In general, 4-substituted but not 3-substituted methylsulphonyl-PCBs interacted with the glucocorticoid hormone system.In the environment, humans and wildlife are constantly exposed to a wide range of chemicals. Considering the effects of these substances via mechanisms of actions described in this thesis, interference of xenobiotics with the glucocorticoid hormone system deserves further attention. In conclusion, environmental pollutants can interact with the glucocorticoid hormone system in vitro, yet the effects of the tested substances on this hormone system remain to be established in vivo.
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| 24. |
- Johansson, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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Subclinical hypervitaminosis A causes fragile bones in rats
- 2002
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Ingår i: Bone. - 8756-3282 .- 1873-2763. ; 31:6, s. 685-689
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Excessive intake of vitamin A has been associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in humans. This finding has raised the question of whether long-term intake of relatively moderate doses ("subclinical" hypervitaminosis A) contributes to fracture risk. Although it has been known for more than half a century that toxic doses of vitamin A lead to spontaneous fractures in rats, the lowest intake that induces adverse effects is not known, and the result of exposure to excessive doses that do not cause general toxicity has been rarely investigated. In this study, mature female rats were fed a standard diet with 12 IU vitamin A/g pellet (control, C), or standard diet supplemented with either 120 IU ("10 x C") or 600 IU ("50 x C") vitamin A/g pellet for 12 weeks. Fifteen animals were included in each group. The supplemented diets correspond to a vitamin A intake of approximately 1800 IU/day and 9000 IU/day, respectively. The latter dose is about one third of that previously reported to cause skeletal lesions. At the end of the study, serum retinyl esters were elevated 4- (p < 0.01) and 20-fold (p < 0.001) and the total amount of liver retinoid had increased 3- (p < 0.001) and 7-fold (p < 0.001) in the 10 x C and 50 x C group, respectively. The animals showed no clinical signs of general toxicity, and there were no significant bone changes in the 10 x C group. However, in the 50 x C group, a characteristic thinning of the cortex (cortical area -6.5% [p < 0.001]) and reduction of the diameter of the long bones were evident (bone cross-sectional area -7.2% [p < 0.01] at the midshaft and -11.0% [p < 0.01] at the metaphysis), as measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In agreement with these data and a decreased polar strength strain index (-14.0%, p < 0.01), the three-point bending breaking force of the femur was reduced by 10.3% (p < 0.01) in the 50 x C group. These data indicate that the negative skeletal effects appear at a subchronic vitamin A intake of somewhere between 10 and 50 times the standard diet. This level is considerably lower than previously reported. Our results suggest that long-term ingestion of modest excesses of vitamin A may contribute to fracture risk.
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| 25. |
- Knutsen, Helle Katrine, et al.
(författare)
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Risk for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food.
- 2018
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Ingår i: EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority. - : Wiley. - 1831-4732. ; 16:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and DL-PCBs in feed and food. The data from experimental animal and epidemiological studies were reviewed and it was decided to base the human risk assessment on effects observed in humans and to use animal data as supportive evidence. The critical effect was on semen quality, following pre- and postnatal exposure. The critical study showed a NOAEL of 7.0pg WHO2005-TEQ/g fat in blood sampled at age 9years based on PCDD/F-TEQs. No association was observed when including DL-PCB-TEQs. Using toxicokinetic modelling and taking into account the exposure from breastfeeding and a twofold higher intake during childhood, it was estimated that daily exposure in adolescents and adults should be below 0.25 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. The CONTAM Panelestablished a TWI of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week. With occurrence and consumption data from European countries, the mean and P95 intake of total TEQ by Adolescents, Adults, Elderly and Very Elderly varied between, respectively, 2.1 to 10.5, and 5.3 to 30.4pg TEQ/kg bw/week, implying a considerable exceedance of the TWI. Toddlers and Other Children showed a higher exposure than older age groups, but this was accounted for when deriving the TWI. Exposure to PCDD/F-TEQ only was on average 2.4- and 2.7-fold lower for mean and P95 exposure than for total TEQ. PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs are transferred to milk and eggs, and accumulate in fatty tissues and liver. Transfer rates and bioconcentration factors were identified for various species. The CONTAM Panelwas not able to identify reference values in most farm and companion animals with the exception of NOAELs for mink, chicken and some fish species. The estimated exposure from feed for these species does not imply a risk.
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