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Chemical Research in Toxicology Sep 2022Exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OP) can have chronic adverse effects that are independent of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the classic target for acute OP...
Exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OP) can have chronic adverse effects that are independent of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the classic target for acute OP toxicity. In pure proteins, the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos oxon induces a cross-link between lysine and glutamate (or aspartate) with loss of water. Tubulin is particularly sensitive to OP-induced cross-linking. Our goal was to explore OP-induced cross-linking in a complex protein sample, MAP-rich tubulin from and to test 8 OP for their capacity to promote isopeptide cross-linking. We treated 100 μg of MAP-rich tubulin with 100 μM chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos oxon, methamidophos, paraoxon, diazinon, diazoxon, monocrotophos, or dichlorvos. Each sample was separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie blue. Five gel slices (at about 30, 50, 150, and 300 kDa, and the top of the separating gel) were removed from the lanes for each of the eight OP samples and from untreated control lanes. These gel slices were subjected to in-gel trypsin digestion. MSMS fragmentation spectra of the tryptic peptides were examined for isopeptide cross-links. Sixteen spectra yielded convincing evidence for isopeptide cross-linked peptides. Ten were from the chlorpyrifos oxon reaction, 1 from dichlorvos, 1 from paraoxon, 1 from diazinon, and 3 from diazoxon. It was concluded that catalysis of protein cross-linking is a general property of organophosphorus pesticides and pesticide metabolites. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD034529.
Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Aspartic Acid; Chlorpyrifos; Diazinon; Dichlorvos; Glutamates; Lysine; Monocrotophos; Organophosphorus Compounds; Paraoxon; Peptides; Pesticides; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; Trypsin; Tubulin; Water
PubMed: 36048166
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00194 -
Andrology Jul 2020Environmental chemicals that interfere with the production and/or action of hormones may have adverse effects on male reproduction. This review focuses on the possible... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Environmental chemicals that interfere with the production and/or action of hormones may have adverse effects on male reproduction. This review focuses on the possible impact of exposure to flame retardant chemicals on male reproduction. Flame retardants are added to a wide variety of combustible materials to prevent fires from starting, slow their spread, and provide time to escape. However, these chemicals are often additive so they leach out into the environment. Governments have restricted the use of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants based on evidence that they are persistent and bioaccumulate and have adverse effects on health. The phasing out of these "legacy" flame retardants has resulted in their replacement with alternatives, such as tetrabromobisphenol A and the organophosphate esters.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the effects of brominated and organophosphate ester flame retardant chemicals on male reproduction.
METHODS
PubMed database was searched for studies reporting the effects of brominated and organophosphate ester flame retardants on male reproduction.
RESULTS
Cell-based, animal model, and human studies provide evidence that the polybrominated diphenyl ethers act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals; further, exposure during critical windows of development may be associated with a permanent impact on male reproduction. In vitro and animal model data are accumulating with respect to the effects of tetrabromobisphenol A and organophosphate esters, but few studies have evaluated their impact on human health.
CONCLUSIONS
More research on human exposure to replacement flame retardants and the possibility that they may be associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes is a high priority.
Topics: Animals; Bromine; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Pollutants; Flame Retardants; Genitalia, Male; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Male; Organophosphates; Polybrominated Biphenyls
PubMed: 32216051
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12789 -
Pharmacological Reviews Mar 2023Lysine-selective molecular tweezers (MTs) are supramolecular host molecules displaying a remarkably broad spectrum of biologic activities. MTs act as inhibitors of the... (Review)
Review
Lysine-selective molecular tweezers (MTs) are supramolecular host molecules displaying a remarkably broad spectrum of biologic activities. MTs act as inhibitors of the self-assembly and toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins using a unique mechanism. They destroy viral membranes and inhibit infection by enveloped viruses, such as HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, by mechanisms unrelated to their action on protein self-assembly. They also disrupt biofilm of Gram-positive bacteria. The efficacy and safety of MTs have been demonstrated in vitro, in cell culture, and in vivo, suggesting that these versatile compounds are attractive therapeutic candidates for various diseases, infections, and injuries. A lead compound called CLR01 has been shown to inhibit the aggregation of various amyloidogenic proteins, facilitate their clearance in vivo, prevent infection by multiple viruses, display potent anti-biofilm activity, and have a high safety margin in animal models. The inhibitory effect of CLR01 against amyloidogenic proteins is highly specific to abnormal self-assembly of amyloidogenic proteins with no disruption of normal mammalian biologic processes at the doses needed for inhibition. Therapeutic effects of CLR01 have been demonstrated in animal models of proteinopathies, lysosomal-storage diseases, and spinal-cord injury. Here we review the activity and mechanisms of action of these intriguing compounds and discuss future research directions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Molecular tweezers are supramolecular host molecules with broad biological applications, including inhibition of abnormal protein aggregation, facilitation of lysosomal clearance of toxic aggregates, disruption of viral membranes, and interference of biofilm formation by Gram-positive bacteria. This review discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of the molecular tweezers, including the discovery of distinct mechanisms acting in vitro and in vivo, and the application of these compounds in multiple preclinical disease models.
Topics: Animals; Organophosphates; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Amyloidogenic Proteins; Biological Products; Mammals
PubMed: 36549866
DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000654 -
Environmental Research Jul 2022Currently, the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the marine environment pose а potential risk to both wildlife and human health. The occurrence of... (Review)
Review
Currently, the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the marine environment pose а potential risk to both wildlife and human health. The occurrence of EDCs in seafood depends of several factors such as source and amounts of EDCs that reach the aquatic environment, physicochemical features of EDCs, and its accumulation in trophic chain. This review highlights the occurrence and distribution of EDCs along the seafood in the last 6 years. The following EDCs were included in this review: brominated flame retardants (PBDEs, PBBs, HBCDDs, TBBPA, and novel flame retardants); pharmaceuticals (paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, carbamazepine), bisphenols, hormones, personal care products (Musk and UV Filters), and pesticides (organochlorides, organophosphates, and pyrethroids). Some of them were found above the threshold that may cause negative effects on human, animal, and environmental health. More control in some countries, as well as new legislation and inspection over the purchase, sale, use, and production of these compounds, are urgently needed. This review provides data to support risk assessment and raises critical gaps to stimulate and improve future research.
Topics: Animals; Endocrine Disruptors; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Organophosphates; Seafood
PubMed: 35150711
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112886 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Apr 2022As a critical sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an essential role in immune and vascular systems. There are five S1P receptors, designated as...
As a critical sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an essential role in immune and vascular systems. There are five S1P receptors, designated as S1PR1 to S1PR5, encoded in the human genome, and their activities are governed by endogenous S1P, lipid-like S1P mimics, or nonlipid-like therapeutic molecules. Among S1PRs, S1PR1 stands out due to its nonredundant functions, such as the egress of T and B cells from the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissues, making it a potential therapeutic target. However, the structural basis of S1PR1 activation and regulation by various agonists remains unclear. Here, we report four atomic resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Gi-coupled human S1PR1 complexes: bound to endogenous agonist d18:1 S1P, benchmark lipid-like S1P mimic phosphorylated Fingolimod [(S)-FTY720-P], or nonlipid-like therapeutic molecule CBP-307 in two binding modes. Our results revealed the similarities and differences of activation of S1PR1 through distinct ligands binding to the amphiphilic orthosteric pocket. We also proposed a two-step “shallow to deep” transition process of CBP-307 for S1PR1 activation. Both binding modes of CBP-307 could activate S1PR1, but from shallow to deep transition may trigger the rotation of the N-terminal helix of Gαi and further stabilize the complex by increasing the Gαi interaction with the cell membrane. We combine with extensive biochemical analysis and molecular dynamic simulations to suggest key steps of S1P binding and receptor activation. The above results decipher the common feature of the S1PR1 agonist recognition and activation mechanism and will firmly promote the development of therapeutics targeting S1PRs.
Topics: Colitis, Ulcerative; Cryoelectron Microscopy; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis; Organophosphates; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical; Sphingosine; Sphingosine 1 Phosphate Receptor Modulators; Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptors
PubMed: 35412894
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117716119 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) have greatly facilitated food production worldwide, and their use is not limited to agriculture and the control of pests and disease... (Review)
Review
Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) have greatly facilitated food production worldwide, and their use is not limited to agriculture and the control of pests and disease vectors. However, these substances can directly affect the immune response of non-target organisms. In this sense, exposure to OPs can have negative effects on innate and adaptive immunity, promoting deregulation in humoral and cellular processes such as phagocytosis, cytokine expression, antibody production, cell proliferation, and differentiation, which are crucial mechanisms for host defense against external agents. This review focuses on the scientific evidence of exposure to OPs and their toxic effects on the immune system of non-target organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates) from a descriptive perspective of the immuno-toxic mechanisms associated with susceptibility to the development of bacterial, viral, and fungal infectious diseases. During the exhaustive review, we found that there is an important gap in the study of non-target organisms, examples of which are echinoderms and chondrichthyans. It is therefore important to increase the number of studies on other species directly or indirectly affected by Ops, to assess the degree of impact at the individual level and how this affects higher levels, such as populations and ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Invertebrates; Insecticides; Vertebrates; Organophosphorus Compounds; Immunity; Organophosphates; Pesticides
PubMed: 36982434
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065360 -
Endocrinology Jun 2023Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are used extensively as flame retardants and plasticizers and are found ubiquitously in the environment and human matrices. Previous...
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are used extensively as flame retardants and plasticizers and are found ubiquitously in the environment and human matrices. Previous studies suggested that exposure to some of these chemicals may disrupt the homeostasis of female sex hormones and have detrimental effects on female fertility. Here, we determined the effects of OPEs on the function of KGN ovarian granulosa cells. We hypothesized that OPEs alter the steroidogenic ability of these cells by dysregulating the expression of transcripts involved in steroid and cholesterol biosynthesis. KGN cells were exposed for 48 hours to 1 of 5 OPEs (1-50μM): triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris(methylphenyl) phosphate (TMPP), isopropylated triphenyl phosphate (IPPP), tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP), and tributoxyethyl phosphate (TBOEP), or to a polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant, 2,2',4,4' tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), in the presence or absence of Bu2cAMP. OPEs increased the basal production of progesterone (P4) and 17β-estradiol (E2) and had either no effect or inhibited Bu2cAMP-stimulated P4 and E2 synthesis; exposure to BDE-47 had no effect. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that OPEs (≥5μM) increased the basal expression of critical genes (STAR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B2, and NR5A1) involved in steroidogenesis; upon stimulation, the expression of all genes tested was downregulated. An overall inhibition in cholesterol biosynthesis was induced by OPEs, characterized by a downregulation in HMGCR and SREBF2 expression. TBOEP consistently showed the least effect. Therefore, OPEs perturbed steroidogenesis in KGN granulosa cells by targeting the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and cholesterol transporters; these effects may have an adverse impact on female reproduction.
Topics: Humans; Female; Esters; Organophosphates; Granulosa Cells; Flame Retardants; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37288667
DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad089 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2020Aptamers are nucleic acid analogues of antibodies with high affinity to different targets, such as cells, viruses, proteins, inorganic materials, and coenzymes.... (Review)
Review
Aptamers are nucleic acid analogues of antibodies with high affinity to different targets, such as cells, viruses, proteins, inorganic materials, and coenzymes. Empirical approaches allow the design of in vitro aptamers that bind particularly to a target molecule with high affinity and selectivity. Theoretical methods allow significant expansion of the possibilities of aptamer design. In this study, we review theoretical and joint theoretical-experimental studies dedicated to aptamer design and modeling. We consider aptamers with different targets, such as proteins, antibiotics, organophosphates, nucleobases, amino acids, and drugs. During nucleic acid modeling and in silico design, a full set of in silico methods can be applied, such as docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and statistical analysis. The typical modeling workflow starts with structure prediction. Then, docking of target and aptamer is performed. Next, MD simulations are performed, which allows for an evaluation of the stability of aptamer/ligand complexes and determination of the binding energies with higher accuracy. Then, aptamer/ligand interactions are analyzed, and mutations of studied aptamers made. Subsequently, the whole procedure of molecular modeling can be reiterated. Thus, the interactions between aptamers and their ligands are complex and difficult to understand using only experimental approaches. Docking and MD are irreplaceable when aptamers are studied in silico.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Computer Simulation; Directed Molecular Evolution; Drug Design; Humans; Ligands; Molecular Docking Simulation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Organophosphates; Proteins; SELEX Aptamer Technique
PubMed: 33182550
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228420 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Dec 2019Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are applied to a variety of consumer products, primarily as flame retardants and plasticizers. OPEs can leach out of products over time and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are applied to a variety of consumer products, primarily as flame retardants and plasticizers. OPEs can leach out of products over time and are consequently prevalent in the environment and frequently detected in human biomonitoring studies. Exposure during pregnancy is of particular concern as OPEs have recently been detected in placental tissues, suggesting they may be transferred to the developing infant. Also, studies have now shown that children typically experience higher exposure to several OPEs compared with adults, indicating they may be disproportionately impacted by these compounds. This review summarizes the current literature on reproductive and child health outcomes of OPE exposures and highlights areas for future research.
RECENT FINDINGS
Experimental animal studies demonstrate potential for OPEs to adversely impact health, and a limited number of epidemiologic studies conducted in adult cohorts suggest that OPEs may interfere with the endocrine system. Neurodevelopment is perhaps the most well studied of children's health endpoints, and several studies indicate that prenatal and early life OPE exposures impact both cognitive and behavioral development. Associations have also been reported with reproductive outcomes (e.g., fertilization and pregnancy loss) and with the timing of parturition and preterm birth. Cross-sectional studies also demonstrate associations between OPEs and respiratory health outcomes, allergic disease, and measures of adiposity. An expanding body of research demonstrates that OPEs are associated with adverse reproductive health and birth outcomes, asthma and allergic disease, early growth and adiposity, and neurodevelopment. Still, additional research is urgently needed to elucidate the full impact of OPEs on children's health.
Topics: Adult; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Esters; Female; Flame Retardants; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Organophosphates; Plasticizers; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
PubMed: 31755035
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00258-0 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022In this review, we discuss Friedel-Crafts-type aromatic amidation and acylation reactions, not exhaustively, but mainly based on our research results. The electrophilic... (Review)
Review
In this review, we discuss Friedel-Crafts-type aromatic amidation and acylation reactions, not exhaustively, but mainly based on our research results. The electrophilic species involved are isocyanate cation and acylium cation, respectively, and both have a common C=O structure, which can be generated from carboxylic acid functionalities in a strong Brønsted acid. Carbamates substituted with methyl salicylate can be easily ionized to the isocyanate cation upon (di)protonation of the salicylate. Carboxylic acids can be used directly as a source of acylium cations. However, aminocarboxylic acids are inert in acidic media because two positively charged sites, ammonium and acylium cation, will be generated, resulting in energetically unfavorable charge-charge repulsion. Nevertheless, the aromatic acylation of aminocarboxylic acids can be achieved by using tailored phosphoric acid esters as Lewis bases to abrogate the charge-charge repulsion. Both examples tame the superelectrophilic character.
Topics: Acids; Acylation; Ammonium Compounds; Carbamates; Carboxylic Acids; Cations; Isocyanates; Lewis Bases; Molecular Structure; Organophosphates; Salicylates
PubMed: 36144714
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185984