-
Association Between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Heavy Metal Exposure: a Systematic Review.Biological Trace Element Research Dec 2023Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a debilitating disease with adverse effects including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Heavy metals can cause severe... (Review)
Review
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a debilitating disease with adverse effects including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Heavy metals can cause severe dysfunction in different body organs including the liver. This review offers the study regarding the positive or negative association between heavy metals exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The method used in this study is a systematic review based on searching in the PubMed, Scopus, and Science direct databases with the keywords of fatty liver, non-alcohol fatty liver, heavy metal, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, thallium, lead, iron, zinc, and nickel. There were 2200 articles searched in databases, and after assessment, 28 articles were selected. Positive association is established between arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, mercury, and fatty liver disease. A negative relationship is found between zinc, copper, and progressive fatty liver disease. Furthermore, laboratory methods for NAFLD diagnosis were examined according to the obtained manuscripts. Among the different diagnostic methods, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive method.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Cadmium; Arsenic; Metals, Heavy; Mercury; Iron; Zinc
PubMed: 36929113
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03629-9 -
Science China. Life Sciences Sep 2023Trace metal elements, such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, are essential nutrients for biological processes. Although their intake demand is low, they play a... (Review)
Review
Trace metal elements, such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, are essential nutrients for biological processes. Although their intake demand is low, they play a crucial role in cell homeostasis as the cofactors of various enzymes. Symbiotic intestinal microorganisms compete with their host for the use of trace metal elements. Moreover, the metabolic processes of trace metal elements in the host and microorganisms affect the organism's health. Supplementation or the lack of trace metal elements in the host can change the intestinal microbial community structure and function. Functional changes in symbiotic microorganisms can affect the host's metabolism of trace metal elements. In this review, we discuss the absorption and transport processes of trace metal elements in the host and symbiotic microorganisms and the effects of dynamic changes in the levels of trace metal elements on the intestinal microbial community structure. We also highlight the participation of trace metal elements as enzyme cofactors in the host immune process. Our findings indicate that the host uses metal nutrition immunity or metal poisoning to resist pathogens and improve immunity.
Topics: Trace Elements; Zinc; Copper; Metals; Iron
PubMed: 37528296
DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2359-4 -
Nature Communications Oct 2023Cytosolic metalloenzymes acquire metals from buffered intracellular pools. How exported metalloenzymes are appropriately metalated is less clear. We provide evidence...
Cytosolic metalloenzymes acquire metals from buffered intracellular pools. How exported metalloenzymes are appropriately metalated is less clear. We provide evidence that TerC family proteins function in metalation of enzymes during export through the general secretion (Sec-dependent) pathway. Bacillus subtilis strains lacking MeeF(YceF) and MeeY(YkoY) have a reduced capacity for protein export and a greatly reduced level of manganese (Mn) in the secreted proteome. MeeF and MeeY copurify with proteins of the general secretory pathway, and in their absence the FtsH membrane protease is essential for viability. MeeF and MeeY are also required for efficient function of the Mn-dependent lipoteichoic acid synthase (LtaS), a membrane-localized enzyme with an extracytoplasmic active site. Thus, MeeF and MeeY, representative of the widely conserved TerC family of membrane transporters, function in the co-translocational metalation of Mn-dependent membrane and extracellular enzymes.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Protein Transport; Bacillus subtilis; Secretory Pathway; Metalloproteins
PubMed: 37794032
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41896-1 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jul 2023Acid mine drainage (AMD) is low-pH with high concentration of sulfates and toxic metal(loid)s (e.g. As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn), thereby posing a global environmental problem.... (Review)
Review
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is low-pH with high concentration of sulfates and toxic metal(loid)s (e.g. As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn), thereby posing a global environmental problem. For decades, microalgae have been used to remediate metal(loid)s in AMD, as they have various adaptive mechanisms for tolerating extreme environmental stress. Their main phycoremediation mechanisms are biosorption, bioaccumulation, coupling with sulfate-reducing bacteria, alkalization, biotransformation, and Fe/Mn mineral formation. This review summarizes how microalgae cope with metal(loid) stress and their specific mechanisms of phycoremediation in AMD. Based on the universal physiological characteristics of microalgae and the properties of their secretions, several Fe/Mn mineralization mechanisms induced by photosynthesis, free radicals, microalgal-bacterial reciprocity, and algal organic matter are proposed. Notably, microalgae can also reduce Fe(III) and inhibit mineralization, which is environmentally unfavorable. Therefore, the comprehensive environmental effects of microalgal co-occurring and cyclical opposing processes must be carefully considered. Using chemical and biological perspectives, this review innovatively proposes several specific processes and mechanisms of Fe/Mn mineralization that are mediated by microalgae, providing a theoretical basis for the geochemistry of metal(loid)s and natural attenuation of pollutants in AMD.
Topics: Microalgae; Ferric Compounds; Metals; Minerals; Metals, Heavy; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37146335
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131498 -
Apoptosis : An International Journal on... Jun 2024Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), plays a critical role in various biological processes, such as tissue injury/repair, development,... (Review)
Review
Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), plays a critical role in various biological processes, such as tissue injury/repair, development, and homeostasis. Dysregulation of RCD pathways can lead to the development of many human diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Maintaining proper metal ion homeostasis is critical for human health. However, imbalances in metal levels within cells can result in cytotoxicity and cell death, leading to a variety of diseases and health problems. In recent years, new types of metal overload-induced cell death have been identified, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and calcicoptosis. This has prompted us to examine the three defined metal-dependent cell death types, and discuss other metals-induced ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and disrupted Ca homeostasis, as well as the roles of Zn in metals' homeostasis and related RCD. We have reviewed the connection between metals-induced RCD and various diseases, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We believe that further research in this area will lead to the discovery of novel types of metal-dependent RCD, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and the development of new therapeutic strategies for human diseases.
Topics: Humans; Ferroptosis; Homeostasis; Animals; Metals; Calcium; Regulated Cell Death; Copper; Zinc; Apoptosis; Neoplasms; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 38324163
DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01927-0 -
Chemosphere Dec 2023Previous studies have suggested that exposure to heavy metals might increase the risk of hyperlipidemia. However, limited research has investigated the association...
Previous studies have suggested that exposure to heavy metals might increase the risk of hyperlipidemia. However, limited research has investigated the association between exposure to mixture of heavy metals and hyperlipidemia risk. To explore the independent and combined effects of heavy metal exposure on hyperlipidemia risk, this study involved 3293 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 2327 with hyperlipidemia and the remaining without. In the individual metal analysis, the logistic regression model confirmed the positive effects of barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and uranium (U) on hyperlipidemia risk, Ba, Cd, Hg and Pb were further validated in restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression model and identified as positive linear relationships. In the metal mixture analysis, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) models consistently revealed a positive correlation between exposure to metal mixture and hyperlipidemia risk, with Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb, and U having significant positive driving roles in the overall effects. These associations were more prominent in young/middle-aged individuals. Moreover, the BKMR model uncovered some interactions between specific heavy metals. In conclusion, this study offers new evidence supporting the link between combined exposure to multiple heavy metals and hyperlipidemia risk, but considering the limitations of this study, further prospective research is required.
Topics: Middle Aged; Adult; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Cadmium; Bayes Theorem; Hyperlipidemias; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Mercury; Barium; Uranium
PubMed: 37788750
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140334 -
MBio Oct 2023During infection, bacteria must overcome the dual threats of metal starvation and intoxication. This work reveals that the zinc-withholding response of the host...
During infection, bacteria must overcome the dual threats of metal starvation and intoxication. This work reveals that the zinc-withholding response of the host sensitizes to copper intoxication. In response to zinc starvation, utilizes the metallophore staphylopine. The current work revealed that the host can leverage the promiscuity of staphylopine to intoxicate during infection. Significantly, staphylopine-like metallophores are produced by a wide range of pathogens, suggesting that this is a conserved weakness that the host can leverage to toxify invaders with copper. Moreover, it challenges the assumption that the broad-spectrum metal binding of metallophores is inherently beneficial to bacteria.
Topics: Copper; Staphylococcus aureus; Metals; Zinc; Bacteria
PubMed: 37737591
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01350-23 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Oct 2023Intrauterine exposure to heavy metals may adversely affect the developing fetus and health later in life, while certain trace elements may be protective. There is...
Intrauterine exposure to heavy metals may adversely affect the developing fetus and health later in life, while certain trace elements may be protective. There is limited data on their dynamic fluctuation in circulating concentration of women from preconception to pregnancy and the degree of transplacental passage to fetus. Such information is critically needed for an optimal design of research studies and intervention strategies. In the present study, we profiled the longitudinal patterns and trajectories of metal(loid)s and trace elements from preconception to late pregnancy and in newborns. We measured whole blood metal(loid)s in women at preconception, 16, 24 and 32 weeks of gestation and in cord blood in 100 mother-newborn pairs. Our data showed that the mean concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were lower during early-, mid-, and late-pregnancy than at preconception. Copper (Cu), and calcium (Ca) concentrations increased after pregnancy (Cu 798 versus 1353, 1488, and 1464 μg/L). Concentrations at preconception were correlated with those during pregnancy for all examined metal(loid)s. Maternal Hg, Pb, and Se concentrations at late-pregnancy were correlated with those in newborn cord blood in various degrees (correlation coefficients: Hg 0.66, Pb 0.29, Se 0.39). The estimated placental transfer ratio for toxic metal(loid)s ranging from 1.68 (Hg) to 0.18 (Cd). Two trajectory groups were identified for Hg, Pb, Cd, Se concentrations. Hg concentrations may be correlated with maternal education levels. The study is the first to present longitudinal circulating concentration trajectories of toxic metal(loid)s and trace elements from preconception to pregnancy stages. A high degree of transplacental passage was observed in toxic metals Pb and Hg which may pose hazards to the developing fetus.
Topics: Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Trace Elements; Cadmium; Lead; Placenta; Metals, Heavy; Mercury; Heavy Metal Poisoning; Fetal Blood
PubMed: 37625333
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115394 -
Essays in Biochemistry Aug 2023Life sustains itself using energy generated by thermodynamic disequilibria, commonly existing as redox disequilibria. Metals are significant players in controlling redox...
Life sustains itself using energy generated by thermodynamic disequilibria, commonly existing as redox disequilibria. Metals are significant players in controlling redox reactions, as they are essential components of the engine that life uses to tap into the thermodynamic disequilibria necessary for metabolism. The number of proteins that evolved to catalyze redox reactions is extraordinary, as is the diversification level of metal cofactors and catalytic domain structures involved. Notwithstanding the importance of the topic, the relationship between metals and the redox reactions they are involved in has been poorly explored. This work reviews the structure and function of different prokaryotic organometallic-protein complexes, highlighting their pivotal role in controlling biogeochemistry. We focus on a specific subset of metal-containing oxidoreductases (EC1 or EC7.1), which are directly involved in biogeochemical cycles, i.e., at least one substrate or product is a small inorganic molecule that is or can be exchanged with the environment. Based on these inclusion criteria, we select and report 59 metalloenzymes, describing the organometallic structure of their active sites, the redox reactions in which they are involved, and their biogeochemical roles.
Topics: Oxidoreductases; Metals; Oxidation-Reduction; Metalloproteins; Catalytic Domain
PubMed: 37503682
DOI: 10.1042/EBC20230012 -
Disease Models & Mechanisms Oct 2023Invasive fungal infections represent a significant global health problem, and present several clinical challenges, including limited treatment options, increasing rates... (Review)
Review
Invasive fungal infections represent a significant global health problem, and present several clinical challenges, including limited treatment options, increasing rates of antifungal drug resistance and compounding comorbidities in affected patients. Metals, such as copper, iron and zinc, are critical for various biological and cellular processes across phyla. In mammals, these metals are important determinants of immune responses, but pathogenic microbes, including fungi, also require access to these metals to fuel their own growth and drive expression of major virulence traits. Therefore, host immune cells have developed strategies to either restrict access to metals to induce starvation of invading pathogens or deploy toxic concentrations within phagosomes to cause metal poisoning. In this Review, we describe the mechanisms regulating fungal scavenging and detoxification of copper, iron and zinc and the importance of these mechanisms for virulence and infection. We also outline how these metals are involved in host immune responses and the consequences of metal deficiencies or overloads on how the host controls invasive fungal infections.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Copper; Virulence; Metals; Iron; Zinc; Invasive Fungal Infections; Mammals
PubMed: 37905492
DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050393