Article
Environmental Sciences
Li-Ping Tao, Xue Li, Ming-Zhu Zhao, Jing-Ru Shi, Si-Qi Ji, Wen-Yuan Jiang, Qiu-Ju Liang, Yu-Hang Lei, Yi-Yao Zhou, Rong Cheng, Zhe Shi, Wenhai Deng, Jiayin Zhu, Shu-Yun Zhang
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly chrysene, have toxic effects on the liver by increasing relative liver weight and elevated serum ALT levels; the hepatotoxicity of chrysene is dependent on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), while Nrf2 plays a crucial role in protecting against oxidative liver injury induced by chrysene.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katsutoshi Ito, Takeshi Hano, Mana Ito, Toshimitsu Onduka, Nobuyuki Ohkubo, Kazuhiko Mochida
Summary: This study focuses on bioremediation using marine benthic animals and finds that Thalassodrilides cf. briani can decompose polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated sediments. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal that the organism adapts to the polluted environment by regulating its metabolism.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Christian Vogeley, Katharina M. Rolfes, Jean Krutmann, Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann
Summary: This article summarizes the role of AHR in skin carcinogenesis, focusing on its impact on defense mechanisms such as DNA repair, apoptosis, and anti-tumor immune responses, as well as the possible consequences of simultaneous exposure to different AHR-stimulating environmental factors on the development of cutaneous SCC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sara Abudahab, E. T. Price, M. G. Dozmorov, L. S. Deshpande, J. L. McClay
Summary: This article mainly discusses the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in aging and longevity, as well as several AhR ligands with potential anti-aging properties. The article suggests that AhR-driven expression of xenobiotic metabolism genes into old age may be a key mechanism through which moderate induction of AhR elicits positive benefits on longevity and healthspan. Additionally, the article shows that liver-specific AhR target genes are enriched among genes subject to epigenetic aging through integration of publicly available datasets. Hence, the interplay between AhR and epigenetic aging should be the subject of future research, and a broad range of non-toxic AhR ligands should be investigated for their potential to promote healthspan and longevity.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION HEALTH & AGING
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Xiaoyu Xi, Qinbin Ye, Danping Fan, Xiaoxue Cao, Qiong Wang, Xing Wang, Mengxiao Zhang, Yuan Xu, Cheng Xiao
Summary: Several factors, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being a recently highlighted environmental factor. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of PAHs and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) in RA, and discusses the development of therapeutic drugs targeting AHRs. Challenges and prospects of AHR application in the future are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Goedtke, Heike Sprenger, Ute Hofmann, Felix F. Schmidt, Helen S. Hammer, Ulrich M. Zanger, Oliver Poetz, Albrecht Seidel, Albert Braeuning, Stefanie Hessel-Pras
Summary: PAHs are environmental pollutants generated by incomplete combustion of organic matter, which can induce their own metabolism by activating AHR and CAR. Most PAHs activate AHR, while non-carcinogenic PAHs tend to activate CAR, leading to the expression of respective target genes. Additionally, an increased PAH ring number is associated with AHR activation and DNA double-strand breaks, while smaller PAHs activate CAR but do not cause DNA damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sarah Y. Y. Kado, Keith Bein, Alejandro R. R. Castaneda, Arshia A. A. Pouraryan, Nicole Garrity, Yasuhiro Ishihara, Andrea Rossi, Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann, Colleen A. A. Sweeney, Christoph F. A. Vogel
Summary: IDO2 is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme with a distinct expression pattern compared to IDO1. Recent studies indicate that IDO2 exerts both non-enzymatic and pro-inflammatory activity, which may play a role in diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. This study found that IDO2 expression can be induced by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through endogenous compounds and environmental pollutants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Erik B. Schiferle, Wenxu Ge, Bjorn M. Reinhard
Summary: Despite recycling efforts, plastic waste continues to accumulate in the oceans, leading to the production of micro-and nanoscale plastic particles that can transport carcinogens. The fate and potential threats associated with plastics are still largely unknown.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sona Marvanova, Katerina Pencikova, Lenka Palkova, Miroslav Ciganek, Jiri Petras, Anna Lnenickova, Jan Vondracek, Miroslav Machala
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocyclic compounds (PASHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, but their toxic effects are poorly understood. This study investigated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity of PASHs in different environmental matrices and found that some of them are efficient AhR agonists. Benzo[b]naphtho [2,1-d]thiophene and 2,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene were identified as the most potent compounds. These PASHs, especially benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene, were also found to be dominant in PM2.5 and sediment samples. Overall, PASHs may contribute significantly to the AhR-mediated toxicity of complex environmental samples.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thiloka Kariyawasam, Gregory S. Doran, Julia A. Howitt, Paul D. Prenzler
Summary: PAHs are harmful pollutants in the environment. Extraction and quantification are important steps to understand contamination and implement remediation. Traditional extraction methods have limitations and newer, more environmentally friendly methods are being explored.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christian Vogeley, Natalie C. Sondermann, Selina Woeste, Afaque A. Momin, Viola Gilardino, Frederick Hartung, Markus Heinen, Sophia K. Maass, Melina Mescher, Marius Pollet, Katharina M. Rolfes, Christoph F. A. Vogel, Andrea Rossi, Dieter Lang, Stefan T. Arold, Motoki Nakamura, Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann
Summary: AHR activation contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases and disorders, with EGFR playing a key role in shaping AHR ligand-induced responses.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Durgesh Nandini Das, Nathan Ravi
Summary: The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air has become a global concern due to their ability to cause cancer and alter genetic material. Exposure to environmental chemicals can lead to epigenetic changes, and PAHs, in particular benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), have been classified as cancer-causing agents. Epigenetic alterations play a significant role in PAH-induced carcinogenesis, leading to changes in DNA adduct formation. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to PAHs can lead to various diseases and increase susceptibility. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of epigenetic changes and identify potential targets and biomarkers for diseases caused by PAH exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ulrika Eriksson, Ivan A. Titaley, Magnus Engwall, Maria Larsson
Summary: Tire granulates recovered from end-of-life tires contain a complex mixture of toxic polyaromatic compounds (PACs), which are only partially monitored. This study used chemical analysis and bioassays to determine PAC concentrations and activities in tire granulates, revealing the presence of unknown bioactive compounds that contribute significantly to the effects observed. Further investigations are needed to identify and apportion these toxicants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Philip Tanabe, Daniela M. Pampanin, Hiwot M. Tiruye, Kare B. Jorgensen, Rachel I. Hammond, Rama S. Gadepalli, John M. Rimoldi, Daniel Schlenk
Summary: Previous studies have shown that 2-hydroxychrysene (2-OHCHR) is more toxic than 6-hydroxychrysene (6-OHCHR), reflecting regioselective toxicity. Our hypothesis is that differences in metabolism may contribute to the regioselective toxicity. Our experiments on Japanese medaka embryos indicate that CYP-mediated activation, potentially to 1,2-CAT, may explain the developmental toxicity differences of 2-OHCHR.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David E. Couch, Angie J. Zhang, Craig A. Taatjes, Nils Hansen
Summary: The study provides laboratory confirmation of radical-radical chain reactions of resonance-stabilized species in a controlled pyrolysis environment, which contribute to particle growth in flames, the interstellar medium, and industrial reactors under high temperature and low pressure conditions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Bryan D. James, Mark E. Hahn, Christopher M. Reddy
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cory A. Berger, Collin P. Ward, Sibel I. Karchner, Robert K. Nelson, Christopher M. Reddy, Mark E. Hahn, Ann M. Tarrant
Summary: The study found that weathered oil and co-exposure to UV radiation greatly enhance the stress response of the sea anemone. Bioinformatic analysis suggests phototoxicity and oxidative damage as mechanisms for this enhanced response, which shares similarities with the oxidative stress response in vertebrates.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yvonne Rericha, Dunping Cao, Lisa Truong, Michael T. Simonich, Jennifer A. Field, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: This study investigated the developmental toxicity of short-chain PFAS using embryonic zebrafish model. The results showed that these chemicals had adverse effects on the morphology and behavior of the larvae. Only FBSA induced abnormal morphology and significantly disrupted normal gene expression. Furthermore, the study found differences in tissue concentrations of these chemicals, with FBSA having the highest concentration.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Wanglong Zhang, Heidi Qunhui Xie, Yunping Li, Mingxi Zhou, Zhiguang Zhou, Renjun Wang, Mark E. Hahn, Bin Zhao
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor with diverse biological functions. While initial research focused on its role in regulating drug-metabolizing enzymes and mediating the toxicity of dioxins and related compounds, recent studies have discovered additional functions of AHR. The structural similarity of emerging DLCs to dioxins has led to the observation that AHR predominantly mediates the toxic effects of these compounds. Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of traditional and emerging DLCs is important for environmental science.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Prarthana Shankar, Gloria R. Garcia, Jane K. LaDu, Christopher M. Sullivan, Cheryl L. Dunham, Britton C. Goodale, Katrina M. Waters, Stanislau Stanisheuski, Claudia S. Maier, Preethi Thunga, David M. Reif, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: The study reveals the role of wfikkn1 in AHR signaling, suggesting its involvement in skeletal muscle development and neurological pathways. Mutant zebrafish show behavior deficiencies, but the absence of Wfikkn1 does not significantly alter TCDD-induced behavior effects.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brianna N. Rivera, Lindsay B. Wilson, Doo Nam Kim, Paritosh Pande, Kim A. Anderson, Susan C. Tilton, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: This study analyzed the wristband personal samplers from different communities across three continents and identified fourteen chemicals commonly exposed to individuals. The high frequency of exposure to these chemicals raises concerns about their potential adverse health effects. The study utilized in vitro and non-mammalian in vivo models to evaluate the hazards of personal chemical exposures. The bioactivity of the chemicals was dependent on the model system used, highlighting the importance of using multiple models for bioactivity testing. Mixture effects of the most potent chemicals were observed in both models, suggesting the need for further investigation into the potential mixture effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryan M. Lopez, Joshua R. White, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: This study compared the biocompatibility of different graphene oxide (GO) materials. The results showed that the toxicity of GOs depended on their properties, with mGO being the most toxic. Additionally, the use of sodium cholate as a stabilizer significantly increased the toxicity of GO. The observed effects were size- and oxidation-state-dependent, highlighting the importance of identifying the structure-specific toxicity of GOs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bryan D. James, Sibel I. Karchner, Anna N. Walsh, Neelakanteswar Aluru, Diana G. Franks, Kallen R. Sullivan, Christopher M. Reddy, Collin P. Ward, Mark E. Hahn
Summary: Sunlight can transform plastic into water-soluble products, which may have potential toxicity for vertebrate animals. In this study, we exposed zebrafish larvae to photoproduced and dark leachates from different types of polyethylene bags and films, and evaluated their acute toxicity and gene expression. While we observed no acute toxicity, RNA sequencing revealed differences in the number of differentially expressed genes for each leachate treatment. Gene ontology analysis suggested that the additive-free polyethylene leachates disrupted neuromuscular processes, particularly for the photoproduced leachates. We also found that the composition of photoproduced leachates from conventional bags differed due to titanium dioxide-catalyzed reactions, which may explain the fewer differentially expressed genes elicited by these leachates. This study highlights the product formulation-specific potential toxicity of photoproduced plastic products on gene expression in zebrafish larvae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Prarthana Shankar, Daniel L. Villeneuve
Summary: This study reveals that activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (Ahrs) can cause developmental toxicity and early-life stage mortality through two pathways: SOX9-mediated craniofacial malformations and cardiovascular toxicity. Evidence was collected and evaluated for the reliability of these adverse outcome pathways (AOPs), suggesting that they apply to most vertebrates and many Ahr-activating chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Toxicology
Yvonne Rericha, Michael T. Simonich, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: The existence of thousands of PFAS with evidence of adverse health effects has raised the need for better understanding of PFAS toxicity beyond one-chemical-at-a-time approaches. The zebrafish model has enabled rapid assessment and comparison of PFAS compounds, leading to significant advances in PFAS research. This review focuses on assessing the toxicity and potential modes of action of PFAS using the zebrafish model, and recent data on diverse PFAS structures are enabling prioritization of compounds of concern.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Subham Dasgupta, Jane K. LaDu, Gloria R. Garcia, Sizhen Li, Konoha Tomono-Duval, Yvonne Rericha, Liang Huang, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: This study explores the biological function of an lncRNA called slincR, which is activated by multiple ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), in toxicological responses to environmental chemicals. Using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated slincR zebrafish mutant line, the researchers found that the mutation in slincR affects gene expression and structural development, both endogenously and in the presence of AHR induction, highlighting its importance in the developmental process.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Trent D. Henderson, Jaewoo Choi, Scott W. Leonard, Brian Head, Robyn L. Tanguay, Carrie L. Barton, Maret G. Traber
Summary: Muscle wasting due to aging may be caused by oxidative stress damage and inadequate protection by lipophilic antioxidants like vitamin E. Previous studies on vitamin E-deficient adult zebrafish showed muscular abnormalities and behavioral defects. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between muscle degeneration from aging and oxidative damage from vitamin E deficiency in aging zebrafish through metabolomic analysis. Results showed that both aging and vitamin E deficiency led to changes in metabolite and pathway profiles, but each factor also had unique alterations, suggesting the need for further research with confirmatory approaches.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christian I. Rude, Lane G. Tidwell, Susan C. Tilton, Katrina M. Waters, Kim A. Anderson, Robyn L. Tanguay
Summary: Passive sampling device (PSD) with developmental toxicity assays in zebrafish can effectively detect the whole mixture toxicity of bioavailable non-polar organics in environmental sites. By incorporating RNA-Seq, this study investigated the toxicity of PSD extracts from two locations in Portland Harbor Superfund Site on zebrafish embryos. The results showed that RM 6.5W had higher concentrations of PAHs and exhibited higher toxicity, while the gene expression profiles were similar between the two extracts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bryan D. James, Christopher M. Reddy, Mark E. Hahn, Robert K. Nelson, Asha de Vos, Lihini I. Aluwihare, Terry L. Wade, Anthony H. Knap, Gopal Bera
Summary: In May 2021, the M/V X-Press Pearl containership burned for 2 weeks, causing the largest maritime spill of resinpellets. The spill consisted of nurdles exposed to heat and combustion, burnt plastic pieces, and oil-plastic agglomerates. The burned plastic had a high content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), suggesting the need to classify it as hazardous waste. The disaster highlights the need to re-evaluate the handling and disposal of plastic debris collected from beaches.
ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bryan D. James, Asha de Vos, Lihini I. Aluwihare, Sarah Youngs, Collin P. Ward, Robert K. Nelson, Anna P. M. Michel, Mark E. Hahn, Christopher M. Reddy
Summary: In late May 2021, a container ship caught fire near the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in a massive release of plastic nurdles. These nurdles underwent various changes due to combustion and heat exposure, including discoloration and partial combustion. The study's findings emphasize the need to explore the impact of partially combusted plastic on the environment and highlight the importance of timely information for managing and recovering from such spills.
ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU
(2022)