Pavel Rossner, Helena Libalova, Tereza Cervena, Michal Sima, Zuzana Simova, Kristyna Vrbova, Antonin Ambroz, Zuzana Novakova, Fatima Elzeinova, Anezka Vimrova, Lubos Dittrich, Michal Vojtisek, Martin Pechout, Michal Vojtisek-Lom
{"title":"Real-world outdoor air exposure effects in a model of the human airway epithelium - A comparison of healthy and asthmatic individuals using a mobile laboratory setting.","authors":"Pavel Rossner, Helena Libalova, Tereza Cervena, Michal Sima, Zuzana Simova, Kristyna Vrbova, Antonin Ambroz, Zuzana Novakova, Fatima Elzeinova, Anezka Vimrova, Lubos Dittrich, Michal Vojtisek, Martin Pechout, Michal Vojtisek-Lom","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We developed a mobile laboratory allowing field exposure of lung tissue models to ambient air at localities with various pollution sources (Background, Industrial, Traffic, Urban) in different seasons (summer/fall/winter). In samples originating from healthy and asthmatic individuals, we assessed the parameters of toxicity, lipid peroxidation and immune response; we further performed comprehensive monitoring of air pollutants at sampling sites. We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenylate kinase (AK) production and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), analyzed 15-F<sub>2t</sub>-isopostane (IsoP) and a panel of 20 cytokines/chemokines/growth factors. In the ambient air, we detected particulate matter (PM), and other relevant chemicals (benzene, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), NOx). In the Traffic locality, we found very high concentrations of ultrafine particles and NOx and observed low TEER values in the exposed samples, indicating significant traffic-related toxicity of the ambient air. In the Urban locality, sampled in winter, we observed high PM and BaP levels. We found lower AK levels in samples from healthy individuals exposed in this locality than in the asthmatic samples. In the samples from the Industrial locality, sampled in summer, we detected higher concentrations of TNFα, MIP-1α, Eotaxin, GROα, GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-7 than in the Urban locality samples. We hypothesize that pollen or other plant-related components of the ambient air were responsible for this response. In conclusion, our data proved the feasibility of our mobile laboratory for field measurements of the biological response of lung tissue models exposed to ambient air, reflecting not only the levels of toxic compounds, but also season-specific parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117495"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Margret Jürison, Kaarel Pent, Risto Raimets, Sigmar Naudi, Marika Mänd, Reet Karise
{"title":"Azoxystrobin hides the respiratory failure of low dose sulfoxaflor in bumble bees.","authors":"Margret Jürison, Kaarel Pent, Risto Raimets, Sigmar Naudi, Marika Mänd, Reet Karise","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pollinators are exposed to multiple pesticides during their lifetime. Various pesticides are used in agriculture and thus not all mixtures have been tested against each other and little is known about them. In this article, we investigate the impact of sulfoxaflor, a novel sulfoximine insecticide, and azoxystrobin, a widely used strobilurin fungicide, on bumble bee Bombus terrestris worker survival and physiological functions. The dosages used in this experiment are selected from dose response experiments based on LD<sub>50</sub> data. Due to variable interactive effects on survival, our findings reveal distinct effects on bumble bee metabolic rate and respiratory patterns induced by sulfoxaflor in combination with azoxystrobin, shedding light on previously unexplored aspects of its physiological impact. Notably, we observed noteworthy differences between oral and contact treatments, emphasizing the importance of considering distinct application methods when evaluating pesticide effects and interactions. Specifically, our results indicate that azoxystrobin can mitigate the impact of sulfoxaflor, suggesting dose-dependent antagonistic interaction between these pesticides in contact exposure. In oral exposure, however, Amistar tended to potentiate the sulfoxaflor effect. This study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of pesticide exposure and interactions, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of their implications on pollinator health.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117487"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142794151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Histological, physiological and transcriptomic analysis in hepatopancreas of Procambarus clarkii under heat stress.","authors":"Yongfeng Zou, Panhui Cao, Zhiming Bao, Yu Xu, Zhiqiang Xu, Hui Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117459","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117459","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the context of global warming, heat stress poses a threat to aquatic organisms. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis in hepatopancreas from Procambarus clarkii was conducted to examine the histology, physiological changes, and transcriptome alterations after exposed at 32 and 37 ℃ for 24 and 72 h, respectively, with 26 ℃ as the control group. The results demonstrated that the survival rate of P. clarkii decreased significantly with the stress time and the temperature increased, with a corresponding damage to its hepatopancreas. Significant fluctuations were observed in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and activities of pyruvate kinase (PK), hexokinase (HK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lysozyme (LYS), acid phosphatase (ACP), fatty acid synthase (FAS), as well as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in response to different stress conditions (P < 0.05). Heat stress notably altered the expression of genes related to glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism, as well as oxidative phosphorylation pathways. The expression of genes related to protein processing and degradation pathways in the endoplasmic reticulum was up-regulation. On the contrary, the expression of genes related to ER autophagy was suppressed. Simultaneously, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in lysosomal and phagosomal pathways. In summary, heat stress induced oxidative damage, disrupted metabolic pathways, impacted protein processing, and compromised immune defense mechanisms, ultimately resulting in decreased survival rates of P. clarkii. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of aquatic organisms respond to heat stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117459"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable remediation of Cd-contaminated farmland through the rotation of rapeseed-rice varieties with different Cd accumulation potentials.","authors":"Liang Wang, Qiqing Liu, Jingyi Fu, Yuxuan Xiao, Jun Yang, Xiaoyong Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117453","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117453","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In response to the safety risks posed by cadmium (Cd)-contaminated rice fields worldwide, a suitable production-and-restoration strategy is required for actual agricultural practices. To investigate the remediation effects of different accumulation varieties in rapeseed-rice cropping systems and their influence on Cd migration and transportation, field experiments were conducted based on different planting combinations (FWHR, conventional rice variety (HR) monoculture under fallow; FWLR, low Cd-accumulating rice variety (LR) monoculture under fallow; LOLR, LO (low Cd-accumulating rapeseed variety)-LR rotation; LOHR, LO-HR rotation; HOLR, HO (high Cd-accumulating rapeseed variety)-LR rotation; HOHR, HO-HR rotation). The study found that a rapeseed and rice rotation with appropriate varieties could reduce the rice grain Cd content, increase rice yield, and remove soil Cd without affecting agricultural production efficiency. Compared to the fallow-conventional rice pattern, various rapeseed-rice rotations reduced the Cd content of rice grains by 15 %-38 %, and significantly increased the available potassium (Ava-K) in the subsequent rice soil by 29.6-56.4 mg/kg. The total economic benefits increased by $500-$1800 per hectare. A high accumulation variety of rapeseed and low accumulation variety of rice produced the most effective reduction in Cd levels, with a reduction rate of 38 % in brown rice and an annual removal rate of 24.42 g/hm<sup>2</sup>. This combination also resulted in a 29 % increase in rice yield compared to the fallow-low accumulation variety rice pattern. Structural equation modeling revealed that with the combined action of crop rotation and variety selection the crop rotation directly reduced the soil available Cd or had an indirect effect by weakening the root-zone acidification effect and increasing soil Ava-P. The rotation of rapeseed and rice with carefully selected matching varieties is a feasible solution for the safe production and pollution remediation of Cd-contaminated paddy fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117453"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dong Zhao, Hongyu Chen, Shuo Shen, Enyu Lu, Junlong Feng, Hui Zhi, Lei Wang, Wei Li
{"title":"Degradation kinetics, pathways, transformation products, and toxicity assessment of fluorochloridone in agricultural soils.","authors":"Dong Zhao, Hongyu Chen, Shuo Shen, Enyu Lu, Junlong Feng, Hui Zhi, Lei Wang, Wei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117468","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Flurochloridone (FLC) is a pyrrolidone herbicide used to control broad-leaved weeds in various crop fields. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the environmental fate of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the toxicity of its potential transformation products (TPs). In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the degradation kinetics, pathways, and toxicity of FLC's TPs. Nine TPs were identified in soil using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) and Compound Discoverer software, employing suspect and nontarget screening strategies. The initial report of two TPs, TP204, and TP191 was confirmed through the acquisition or synthesis of their standards. High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was subsequently used for further quantification of these TPs in all samples under examination. The primary transformation reactions of FLC in the environment include oxidative dechlorination, reductive dechlorination, reductive defluorination, acetylation, and hydrolysis. Predictive assessments via ECOSAR, alongside empirical laboratory experiments, revealed that most novel TPs exhibit significantly lower acute toxicity towards Danio rerio, Daphnia magna Straus, and Algae compared to FLC. However, TP204 demonstrated neutral chronic toxicity towards Daphnia magna Straus and Green algae, potentially posing a latent threat to aquatic ecosystems. These results are crucial for elucidating the environmental fate of FLC, assessing environmental risks, and guiding scientific and reasonable use. This research holds significant importance for the ecological environment protection in the Tibetan Plateau region.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117468"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142794171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marian Constantin, Mariana F Chioncel, Livia Petrescu, Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu, Mihaela Paun, Roxana-Elena Cristian, Manuela Sidoroff, Mihai Viorel Dionisie, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
{"title":"From rock to living systems: Lanthanides toxicity and biological interactions.","authors":"Marian Constantin, Mariana F Chioncel, Livia Petrescu, Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu, Mihaela Paun, Roxana-Elena Cristian, Manuela Sidoroff, Mihai Viorel Dionisie, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117494","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since the discovery of lanthanides, the expanding range of applications and the growing demand for lanthanides in different aspects of life have escalated their dispersion in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on the living world. This review explores the interaction between lanthanides and different groups of living organisms (bacteria, algae, lichens, plants, invertebrates, and low vertebrates), reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge. We have aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, highlight existing gaps, and suggest potential areas for future research to enhance the understanding of this topic.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117494"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phthalates esters disrupt demersal fish behavior: Unveiling the brain-gut axis impact.","authors":"Liuqingqing Liu, Xinyao Li, Xianxiang Luo, Xiao Wang, Linjia Liu, Zixi Yuan, Cuizhu Sun, Hao Zheng, Elvis Genbo Xu, Fengmin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The widespread use of plasticizers like phthalate esters (PAEs) has led to environmental and health concerns. The neurobehavioral toxicity of these compounds in marine environments, particularly regulated by the \"brain-gut\" axis, remains unclear, especially concerning wild demersal fish of high ecological value. Our investigation into the behavioral effects of three common PAEs, i.e., dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and their molecular mechanisms on juvenile Sebastes schlegelii, revealed alarming results from molecular to population levels. After a 20-day foodborne exposure at a low marine environmental concentration (1.0 μg g<sup>-1</sup>), we observed that all three PAEs significantly increased the thigmotaxis (behavioral tendency to stay close to physical boundaries) and mobility of juvenile fish by 28.2-59.4 % and 23.3-74.5 %, respectively, indicating anxiety-like behavior of fish. DEHP exhibited the most pronounced effects, followed by DBP and DMP. PAEs accumulated in the juvenile fish in the order of brain > liver > gut > muscle, with DEHP showing the highest brain concentrations (23.2 ± 2.98 μg g<sup>-1</sup>). This accumulation led to oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and neurodegenerative changes in the optic tectum, resulting in cholinergic system dysfunction. In the gut, PAEs caused inflammatory lesions, disrupted the gut barrier, and altered the gut microbiome, exacerbating the neurotoxicity via \"brain-gut\" communication. These findings underscore the significant neurobehavioral toxicity of PAEs, emphasizing their critical impact on fish behavior. We also stress the crucial need for further research on fish and other marine species beyond the laboratory scale to fully understand the broader implications of PAE exposure in marine ecosystems and to guide future conservation efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117470"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Toxicokinetics and tissue dynamics approaches to evaluate the accumulation and elimination of cadmium in black soldier fly larvae.","authors":"Jie Zhang, Xuelian Xu, Chunyan Tang, Zhihui Shi, Yujia Wan, Huan Qiu, Rui Feng, Fengfeng Li, Fen Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is a highly valued resource insect, renowned for its efficient and eco-friendly approach to the treatment of organic waste. A crucial matter that demands clarification is whether the heavy metals are eliminated or remain within BSFL bodies. Our research focused on the toxicokinetic and the dynamic tissue changes of cadmium (Cd) in BSFL exposed to low (50 mg/kg), moderate (300 mg/kg), and high levels (700 mg/kg) of Cd stress, with the goal of offering a novel perspective on this matter. Our results demonstrated a negative correlation with the BAF<sub>kinetic</sub> and a positive correlation with the BAF as Cd concentrations increased. BSFL exhibited significant rates of Cd uptake, with values for Cd<sub>50,</sub> Cd<sub>300</sub>, and Cd<sub>700</sub> being K<sub>1</sub>= 1.3998, 0.9794, and 0.9023 g <sub>substrate</sub> g<sub>larvae</sub><sup>-1</sup> day<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Across all treatments, BSFL were capable of excreting Cd, with a DT<sub>50</sub> less than 2 days. The gut, particularly the midgut, was identified as the primary tissue for Cd enrichment. The anterior midgut played a pivotal role as a critical organ during high Cd exposure, while the middle midgut served as a stable storage organ. The posterior midgut was the preferred tissue for Cd accumulation. Following bioconversion by BSFL, the concentration and bioavailability of Cd in the resulting residue were altered. In conclusion, BSFL possess significant potential for swiftly mitigating high-concentration Cd pollution. Moreover, the application of a 2-day short-term elimination feeding strategy can significantly elevate the food safety and safety for animal consumption of BSFL.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117481"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142793953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Simultaneous exposure to microplastics and heavy metal lead induces oxidative stress, histopathological damage, and immune dysfunction in marine mussel Mytilus coruscus.","authors":"Chuanyue Chen, Xueer Wang, Yingrong Jin, Yinchang Yao, Suchang Li, Zhi Liao, Xiaolin Zhang, Xiaojun Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing deposition of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems is a worldwide concern. MPs can interact with other environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, and change their toxicity. In this study, we focused on the effects of MPs and lead (Pb), as a toxic heavy metal, on marine mussel Mytilus coruscus under separate and co-exposure situations at environmentally relevant concentrations: MPs (1 mg/L) and Pb (50 μg/L). We found that MPs alone or in combination with Pb significantly decreased the respiration and filtration rates of the mussels (p < 0.05). Histological observations revealed varying extents of damage to the gill and digestive gland caused by a single exposure to MPs, which was aggravated by co-exposure to Pb. In addition, co-exposure induced a higher level of oxidative stress, which was reflected by an increase in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. Meanwhile, co-exposure poses a significant threat to the immune function of the mussels, as evidenced by induction of hemocytes to produce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), significantly reducing lysosome activity (p < 0.05), inhibiting the expression of autophagy-related genes, and inducing the expression of apoptosis-related genes, resulting in hemocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the TLR/MyD88/NFκB signaling pathway is involved in the immune response of mussels to environmental stress. This study provides novel perspectives on the toxicity of MPs combined with Pb in marine animals, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their ecotoxicological effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117493"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142790622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Su-Jin Lee, Eunji Kim, Yeeun Jeong, Jae Boum Youm, Hyoung Kyu Kim, Jin Han, Elena A Vasileva, Natalia P Mishchenko, Sergey A Fedoreyev, Valentin A Stonik, Sung Joon Kim, Hyang-Ae Lee
{"title":"Evaluation of the cardiotoxicity of Echinochrome A using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac organoids.","authors":"Su-Jin Lee, Eunji Kim, Yeeun Jeong, Jae Boum Youm, Hyoung Kyu Kim, Jin Han, Elena A Vasileva, Natalia P Mishchenko, Sergey A Fedoreyev, Valentin A Stonik, Sung Joon Kim, Hyang-Ae Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117489","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117489","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Echinochrome A (EchA), a marine-derived natural product, has shown promise in treating cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its cardiac safety remains underexplored. In this study, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac organoids (hCOs) to validate their ability to model the cardiac safety profile of EchA in a human-relevant system. While EchA's therapeutic effects have been reported, prior studies have not evaluated its cardiotoxicity or arrhythmogenic potential in a high-fidelity 3D human cardiac model. The hCOs, characterized by expression of key cardiac markers (cTnT) and functional ion channels (Cav1.2, Nav1.5, hERG), exhibited structural and electrophysiological properties reflective of human cardiac physiology. Using multi-electrode array (MEA) analysis, we assessed the effects of EchA at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 30 µM on electrophysiological parameters, including beat period, field potential amplitude, field potential duration, and spike slope. EchA treatment induced no significant changes in these parameters, confirming its non-toxic electrophysiological profile. Cellular viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays revealed no cytotoxic effects of EchA across tested concentrations. Contractility assays further demonstrated that EchA did not affect contraction velocity, relaxation velocity, or time to 50 % maximal contraction and relaxation. This study fills a critical gap and highlights the translational relevance of hCOs for cardiotoxicity assessment, demonstrating EchA's cardiac safety and supporting its potential therapeutic and environmental applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":303,"journal":{"name":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety","volume":"289 ","pages":"117489"},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142790529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}