Article
Environmental Sciences
Shou-En Wu, Ju-Chun Hsu, Yung-Lung Chang, Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Yi-Lin Chiu, Wei-Liang Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on muscle and found that BaP can induce conditions similar to sarcopenia. Antioxidant supplementation may be a treatment option for BaP-induced sarcopenia.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Risa Kohno, Yuka Nagata, Tomohiro Ishihara, Chisato Amma, Yayoi Inomata, Takafumi Seto, Ryo Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated the inflammation induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the alveolar epithelium. BaP treatment increased NLRP1 expression but decreased NLRP3 in A549 cells. The study suggested that BaP-induced NLRP1 expression is mediated through the AhR-ROS axis, and BaP predominantly activates the NLRP1 inflammasome in lung epithelium, contributing to sustained pulmonary inflammation caused by environmental air pollution.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Xiaowei Zheng, Sampath Narayanan, Cheng Xu, Sofie Eliasson Angelstig, Jacob Grunler, Allan Zhao, Alessandro Di Toro, Luciano Bernardi, Massimiliano Mazzone, Peter Carmeliet, Marianna Del Sole, Giancarlo Solaini, Elisabete A. Forsberg, Ao Zhang, Kerstin Brismar, Tomas A. Schiffer, Neda Rajamand Ekberg, Ileana Ruxandra Botusan, Fredrik Palm, Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina
Summary: Excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetes complications is mainly caused by impaired responses to hypoxia due to the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) by hyperglycemia. Restoring HIF-1 function can attenuate ROS overproduction, protect cells against apoptosis and renal injury in diabetes. These findings suggest that targeting HIF-1 repression could be a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic complications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Lou, Meng-di Zhang, Qi Chen, Tu-Ya Bai, Yu-Xia Hu, Feng Gao, Jun Li, Xiao-Li Lv, Qian Zhang, Fu-Hou Chang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) regulates lipid metabolism via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The results showed that BaP inhibited fat synthesis and oxidation while inducing inflammation by activating AhR, leading to dysfunction of white adipose tissue and metabolic complications.
LIPIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guozhu Ye, Han Gao, Xu Zhang, Xinyu Liu, Jinsheng Chen, Xu Liao, Han Zhang, Qiansheng Huang
Summary: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon BaP accelerates lung cancer initiation and progression through AHR signaling and metabolic reprogramming. The study reveals that amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, along with AHR and PPAR-FATP1 signaling, could be potential therapeutic targets for intervening BaP-induced toxicity and related diseases. The novel findings of fatty acid accumulation and high correlations of AHR signaling with amino acid and fatty acid metabolism in BaP-exposed lung epithelial cells are highlighted.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mi Jeong Heo, Ji Ho Suh, Sung Ho Lee, Kyle L. Poulsen, Yu A. An, Bhagavatula Moorthy, Sean M. Hartig, David D. Moore, Kang Ho Kim
Summary: This study identifies a new role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating mitophagy and maintaining hepatic energy homeostasis. AhR inhibition leads to decreased mitochondrial respiration and impaired fasting response of autophagy genes and mitophagy process. The mitophagy receptor BNIP3 is identified as an AhR target gene and its overexpression restores functional mitophagy.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Petr Fojtik, Deborah Beckerova, Katerina Holomkova, Martin Senfluk, Vladimir Rotrekl
Summary: Mild hypoxia attenuates the pluripotency-promoting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human pluripotent stem cells compared to normoxic conditions, due to the downregulation of ROS. In addition, the MAPK pathway also downregulates ROS and attenuates the PI3K/AKT signaling via a novel interaction between these pathways. This ROS-mediated regulatory circuit may have implications for enhancing cultivation and differentiation protocols for hPSCs, as well as providing insights into cancer stem cell signaling regulation.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Voloshina, Vishnu D. Rajput, Natalia Chernikova, Tatiana Minkina, Evgeniy Vechkanov, Saglara Mandzhieva, Mark Voloshin, Maria Krepakova, Tamara Dudnikova, Svetlana Sushkova, Andrey Plotnikov
Summary: Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was found to cause dose-dependent toxic effects on Solanum lycopersicum L., leading to reduced biomass and accumulation of BaP in the plant tissues. Physiological and biochemical indices were severely damaged, and histochemical analysis showed the formation of formazan spots in the leaves. The structure of the roots and leaves of S. lycopersicum also changed depending on the BaP dose.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jangsoon Kim, See-Hyoung Park, Seyoung Yang, Sae Woong Oh, Kitae Kwon, Se Jung Park, Eunbi Yu, Hyeyoun Kim, Jung Yoen Park, Seoyoung Choi, Seoyeon Yang, Minkyung Song, Jae Youl Cho, Jongsung Lee
Summary: Maclurin exhibited antagonistic activity against B[a]P effects by inhibiting AHR signaling and activating Nrf2-mediated signaling, suggesting its potential in protecting from B[a]P-containing pollutants. Additionally, its antioxidant property was demonstrated through ROS inhibition and activation of ARE signaling.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tao Zhang, Yuchen Shen, Ruirong Zhu, Weiyan Shan, Yurong Li, Ming Yan, Yun Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrated that exposure to BaP can cause necroptotic death of osteocytes and activate the JNK/IL-18 pathway via ROS generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weike Shaoyong, Hongli Jin, Xiao Jiang, Bocheng Xu, Yalin Liu, Yizhen Wang, Mingliang Jin
Summary: This study found that benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P)-loaded aged polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) can alter their biological toxicity and increase the risk to human health. The exposure to PSMP@B(a)P exacerbates colon barrier degradation, body weight loss, inflammation, and bacterial translocation. Furthermore, the release of B(a)P from PSMP@B(a)P induced by autophagosome acidification results in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the exacerbation of damage to the tight junction and mucosal barriers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pan Cao, Qian Chen, Chun-Xia Shi, Lu-Wen Wang, Zuo-Jiong Gong
Summary: This study suggests that Sirt1 may protect against acute liver failure by inducing the deacetylation of HIF-1 alpha to reduce ROS.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eryi Wang, Wei Tu, Danh C. Do, Xiaojun Xiao, Shehar B. Bhatti, Liteng Yang, Xizhuo Sun, Damo Xu, Pingchang Yang, Shau-Ku Huang, Peisong Gao, Zhigang Liu
Summary: The study demonstrates that co-exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and dermatophagoides group 1 allergen (Der f 1) enhances airway inflammation in asthma by activating the AhR-RhoA axis, which regulates the expression and signaling activation of TGF beta 1. This suggests a potential therapeutic target for allergic asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yipeng Sun, Zhaowen Shi, Yuhua Lin, Mengzhe Zhang, Jinjin Liu, Linyun Zhu, Qingge Chen, Junjie Bi, Shanqun Li, Zhenhua Ni, Xiongbiao Wang
Summary: This study demonstrated that BaP stimulation increased MUC5AC expression through the activation of the AhR/mitochondrial ROS/ERK pathway. Inhibition of ERK or knockdown of ERK suppressed BaP-induced MUC5AC expression. BaP-induced MUC5AC overexpression was mediated by AhR translocation, mitochondrial ROS production, and ERK activation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yirui Shao, Kexing Wang, Xia Xiong, Hongnan Liu, Jian Zhou, Lijun Zou, Ming Qi, Gang Liu, Ruilin Huang, Zhiliang Tan, Yulong Yin
Summary: The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to oxidative damage from high levels of reactive oxygen species, which can disrupt essential biomolecules. Hypoxia-inducible factors play a critical role in mediating responses to changes in cellular oxygen tension and are involved in various processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding the interactions between HIF and ROS may lead to the development of new therapies for gastrointestinal diseases associated with oxidative stress and HIF-1 alpha.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thanvapon Yingprasertchai, Richard Man Kit Yu, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Wayne A. O'Connor, Geoff R. MacFarlane
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thi Kim Anh Tran, Rafiquel Islam, Diep Le Van, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Richard Man Kit Yu, Geoff R. MacFarlane
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yaqing He, Kim Fung Tsang, Richard Yuen-Chong Kong, Yuk-Tak Chow
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Rafiquel Islam, Steven D. Melvin, Richard Man Kit Yu, Wayne A. O'Connor, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Megan Andrew-Priestley, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: The study found that exposure to environmentally relevant mixtures of estrogens can impact the metabolome of Sydney rock oysters, with the digestive gland being the most sensitive tissue. The altered metabolite profiles in response to the estrogenic exposure suggest a decrease in available ATP energy for cellular functions, which may affect somatic maintenance, growth, reproduction, and fitness of the oysters.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rafiquel Islam, Richard Man Kit Yu, Megan Andrew-Priestley, Nathan Smith, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Wayne A. O'Connor, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: This study analyzed the loads and efficiency of estrogenic compounds in Australian WWTWs, showing significant reduction of most target compounds during the treatment process, with no ecological risk predicted in the effluents.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Rushna Alam, Rafiquel Islam, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Diep Le Van, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Andrea S. Griffin, Richard Man Kit Yu, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: This study analyzed uptake and partitioning patterns of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in saltmarsh taxa globally, finding that most plants accumulate metals in roots, with Cd accumulating more in Juncaceae. Some closely related taxa of salt-secreting species have lower Zn in leaves, possibly due to co-excretion of Na+ and Zn2+ through glands.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Rebecca A. L. Roe, Richard Man Kit Yu, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: Anthropogenic metal pollution poses a significant threat to saltmarsh ecosystems, impacting halophytes at transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels. Developing reliable adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) based on molecular and biological markers is crucial to predicting the broader ecological effects of metal pollution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Rushna Alam, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Taylor J. Stein, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Andrea S. Griffin, Richard Man Kit Yu, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: The study examined the uptake and distribution patterns of metal(loid)s in Suaeda australis from three highly urbanised estuaries in New South Wales, Australia. The most contaminated estuary was found to be Sydney Olympic Park, followed by Hunter Wetlands and Lake Macquarie. Root uptake was greater for essential metals Cu and Zn, as well as non-essential metal Cd and metalloid Se, while lower for Pb and As. Significant barriers for translocation from roots to stems were identified, while unrestricted flow from stems to leaves was observed for all metal(loid)s.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Rushna Alam, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Nora Fung-Yee Tam, Richard Man Kit Yu, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: This study examined the accumulation of metal(loid)s in the halophyte Juncus acutus from anthropogenically impacted estuaries in NSW, Australia. The results showed that As and other metal(loid)s were primarily accumulated in the roots with limited translocation to the culms. This indicates that Juncus acutus is a useful phytostabiliser and a potential bioindicator for metal(loid) accumulation.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Megan Andrew-Priestley, Katie Newton, Margaret E. Platell, Lisa Le Strange, Harry Houridis, Michael Stat, Richard Man Kit Yu, Craig Evans, Zoe Rogers, Jason Pallot, Jaman Van den Broek, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: An impact assessment was conducted on oceanic effluent releases from Belmont wastewater treatment works in Newcastle, Australia. Localized impacts on benthic infaunal assemblages were observed near the outfall, with certain indicator taxa showing increased abundances. Future monitoring may incorporate molecular tools and paired sediment analyses.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafiquel Islam, Steven D. Melvin, Richard Man Kit Yu, Wayne A. O'Connor, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Megan Andrew-Priestley, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the alterations to lipidomic profiles in Sydney rock oysters exposed to estrogenic mixtures. The results showed that exposure to high concentrations of estrogenic mixtures led to significant reductions in phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine in the female gonad, possibly due to decreased algal consumption, reduced synthesis substrates, and induction of lipid peroxidation through reactive oxygen species. No significant changes in lipid metabolism were observed in the male gonad.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Son A. Hoang, Dane Lamb, Binoy Sarkar, Balaji Seshadri, Richard Man Kit Yu, Thi Kim Anh Tran, James O'Connor, Joerg Rinklebe, M. B. Kirkham, Huy Thanh Vo, Nanthi S. Bolan
Summary: The study showed that phosphorus fertilizer can enhance plant growth, photosynthesis, soil microbial activity, and AlkB gene abundance, leading to increased TPH removal rates. Different plant species have varying effects on the remediation of soil contaminated with TPH, and an integrated approach involving wild plant species and optimum P amendment is an efficient way to remediate such soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Keng Po Lai, Chau Fong Tsang, Lei Li, Richard Man Kit Yu, Richard Yuen Chong Kong
Summary: Microplastics in municipal sewage can harbor pathogenic bacteria, promoting their colonization and growth, posing potential threats to public health and aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Rushna Alam, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Richard Man Kit Yu, Geoff R. MacFarlane
Summary: This study found that halophytes living in metal-contaminated saltmarsh habitats may enhance the tolerance of their offspring to metals. The results showed that the offspring of Juncus acutus individuals residing in locations with a history of metal contamination had higher tolerance to metals compared to plants in uncontaminated locations. This suggests that these plants may adapt to metal contamination by transferring metals to their offspring.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafiquel Islam, Richard Man Kit Yu, Wayne A. O'Connor, Thi Kim Anh Tran, Megan Andrew-Priestley, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Geoff R. MacFarlane
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2020)