The increasing production and extensive application of chemicals have led to their unintended release and contamination in the environment,posing a hazardous threat to wildlife and human health.Numerous studies have d...The increasing production and extensive application of chemicals have led to their unintended release and contamination in the environment,posing a hazardous threat to wildlife and human health.Numerous studies have demonstrated that developmental toxicity could be induced by various emerging chemicals,causing abnormal embryonic and placental development,adverse pregnancy outcomes,obesity,and dysfunction of lipid metabolism in neonates.Given the currently-available experimental technology for developmental toxicological studies,an in vitro model based on stem cells showed promising performance in high-throughput screening of the early-stage developmental toxicity of emerging chemicals.In this review,the deleterious effects of environmental pollutants on stem cells were systemically assorted from the aspects of cytological dysfunction,self-renewal impairment,perturbation in embryoid body(EB)formation,and disruption of committed lineage differentiation.The toxicological data on the molecular level,including the altered expressions of gene and protein biomarkers,epigenomic regulation,and enhanced oxidative stress,were collected and summarized to provide the mechanism explanation for the link between environmental pollutant exposure and unfavorable phenotypes in stem cells.The advantage of the stem cell model in developmental toxicological studies was specifically emphasized.And the perspectives for stem cells were ultimately highlighted in the research field of environmental toxicology,especially developmental toxicology during the early stage of life.展开更多
Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) is a heterocyclic brominated flame retardant that was recently detected in the environment in China.TBC is semi-volatile and can accumulate in the lipid of some species,but ...Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) is a heterocyclic brominated flame retardant that was recently detected in the environment in China.TBC is semi-volatile and can accumulate in the lipid of some species,but little is known about its effect on aquatic organisms.We exposed adult zebrafish to 0,0.25,1 and 4mg/L TBC for 28 d and measured the effect on survival,growth,histopathology,hormone levels,enzyme activity,and gene expression.TBC exposure had no effect on survival or growth.We observed significant damage to the liver and gill,including hepatocellular swelling and fatty degeneration in the liver as well as proliferation and edema of epithelial cells in the gills.In addition,exposure to 4mg/L TBC induced proliferation of goblet cells in the intestine of both sexes,acellular areas in the testis,and thinly scattered vitellogenic granules in vitellogenic oocytes.TBC exposure had no effect on the levels of thyroid hormones,testosterone,estradiol,liver superoxide dismutase activity,malondialdehyde content,and brain cholinesterase activity.By contrast,hepatic vitellogenin and cytochrome P4501A gene expression was significantly down-regulated in both male and female zebrafish in response to TBC exposure.Our results suggest that exposure to TBC causes a variety of potential reproductive and endocrine toxic effects.展开更多
Nanosized zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on the cation exchange resin was synthesized and applied to decompose some water soluble azo dyes. The decomposition efficiency for azo dyes was evaluated by using the aqueo...Nanosized zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on the cation exchange resin was synthesized and applied to decompose some water soluble azo dyes. The decomposition efficiency for azo dyes was evaluated by using the aqueous suspensions and parked column of this material. Batch experiments indicated that this novel material exhibited excellent degradation ability for 0.05 g·L1 of Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 8, Acid Orange 10, Sunset Yellow, and Methyl Orange, with decolorization ratio up to 95% in 4 min; pH value was the key factor for degradation and H+ was one of the reactants; adsorption of azo dyes onto the material existed at the beginning but reduced gradually until disappearing completely. For the packed column system, 58%~90% of azo dyes were decomposed in the 1st circle of solution passing through the column, and the adsorption onto the materials could accelerate the degradation azo dyes with the increasing reaction time. During the degradation process, Fe2+, the product of NZVI, was exchanged to the resin again and could be reduced to Fe0 by KBH4 for reusing. The 10th refreshed NZVI possessed reductive activity up to 90% of the newly systhesized NZVI. Decomposing pollutants in the aqueous solution with columns packed with NZVI immobilized on the cation exchange resin is a promising technology that can solve the reclaiming and refreshing problem of NZVI.展开更多
To assess the interaction effect between cadmium (Cd) and 17-estradiol (E2),male Chinese loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) were exposed to E2 (1 g/L) and Cd (50 or 500 g/L) alone and in combination using a semi-sta...To assess the interaction effect between cadmium (Cd) and 17-estradiol (E2),male Chinese loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) were exposed to E2 (1 g/L) and Cd (50 or 500 g/L) alone and in combination using a semi-static waterborne exposure system.The effects of E2 on the accumulation and distribution of Cd,as well as the effects of Cd on vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis induced by E2,were investigated.Cd mainly accumulated in the kidneys,liver,intestines,and gills,with little amounts in muscles,bones,and gonads.Co-exposure with E2 did not change the main targets for Cd.E2 could induce Vtg synthesis in male Chinese loaches,and co-exposure with 50 or 500 g/L Cd could inhibit the Vtg induced by 1 g/L E2.Compared with the results reported in the literature,it can be concluded that factors such as fish species,Cd dosage,and manner of exposure might make contributions to the interaction between Cd and E2.Our results also suggested that male Chinese loaches are susceptible to Cd,and can be recommended as a potential sentinel species to study the ecotoxicology of heavy metals.展开更多
Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)have been reported to induce faster heat transfer of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)solution to enhance PCR efficiency.AuNPs can also increase the specificity of PCR by functioning analogously ...Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)have been reported to induce faster heat transfer of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)solution to enhance PCR efficiency.AuNPs can also increase the specificity of PCR by functioning analogously to single-stranded DNA binding protein(SSB).However,the simple structure of AuNPs makes it difficult to determine how AuNPs affect PCR efficiency and specificity.This study aimed to elucidate the effect of AuNPs on PCR efficiency by altering the denaturation times and annealing temperatures.In addition,comparative study of the effect of AuNPs on PCR inhibition caused by two competitive primers allowed investigation of the mechanisms of AuNP-enhanced PCR accuracy.Finally,heat-treated salmon sperm DNA was used to evaluate whether AuNPs could eliminate the inhibitory PCR effect caused by DNA impurities.This study demonstrated that enhanced thermal conductivity by AuNPs was the main mechanism for increased PCR efficiency and specificity.AuNPs promoted efficient double-stranded DNA template unwinding and dissociation between mismatched primers,DNA fragments and template,and enhanced PCR efficiency and specificity simultaneously.Thus,this significant finding suggests the future use of AuNP-assisted PCR in different fields,especially in rapid clinical diagnosis and screening by PCR.展开更多
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of metabonome/metabolome has widespread applications in biomedical science researches. However, most of NMR resonances for urinary metabolites remain to be fully...Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of metabonome/metabolome has widespread applications in biomedical science researches. However, most of NMR resonances for urinary metabolites remain to be fully assigned. In the present study, human urine samples from two healthy volunteers were pre-treated with C18 solid-phase extraction and the resultant 5 sub-fractions were subjected to one- and two-dimensional NMR studies, including 1H J-Resolved, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-1H TOCSY, 1H-13C HSQC, and HMBC 2D NMR. More than 70 low molecular weight metabolites were identified, and complete assignments of 1H and 13C resonances including many complex coupled spin systems were obtained.展开更多
Quantum dots (QDs) have received more and more attention as a novel example of nanomaterials. Due to their unique fluorescent characteristics,quantum dots have been successfully applied in biotech-nology and medicine ...Quantum dots (QDs) have received more and more attention as a novel example of nanomaterials. Due to their unique fluorescent characteristics,quantum dots have been successfully applied in biotech-nology and medicine applications. Recently,the toxicity and the potential environmental effects of QDs have become a research hotspot. In this paper,toxicological effects of QDs are reviewed,and the prospects and research directions are given based on the analysis of this research field.展开更多
This study shows that C_(60) can degrade pBR322 plasmid DNA at room temperature without photoactivation. The degradation was enhanced by increasing incubation temperature, reaction time or C_(60) concentration. We als...This study shows that C_(60) can degrade pBR322 plasmid DNA at room temperature without photoactivation. The degradation was enhanced by increasing incubation temperature, reaction time or C_(60) concentration. We also found that superoxide radical anions (O 2 · ) were formed in the C_(60) solution. Superoxide dismutase significantly inhibited DNA cleavage and O 2 · generation induced by C_(60) . These results suggest that DNA cleavage was caused by the formation of reactive oxygen species induced by C_(60) at room temperature. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the DNA degradation was significantly inhibited by acid amide chemicals such as formamide, and by increased ionic strength of the reaction solution. These results indicate that the DNA conformation stability and the surface properties of C_(60) are important factors regulating DNA degradation. We propose that C_(60) can bind DNA, decrease DNA conformation stability, and induce the formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA cleavage at room temperature. Our results provide a possible explanation for the genotoxicity of C_(60) , which should be considered in future use of this particular nano-material.展开更多
Forty-eight vinegar samples including white vinegar,rice vinegar and mature vinegar were collected from several markets in Beijing.Butyltin compounds were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled wi...Forty-eight vinegar samples including white vinegar,rice vinegar and mature vinegar were collected from several markets in Beijing.Butyltin compounds were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and flame photometric detector after in situ ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate.Butyltin species were detected in sixteen vinegar samples and ranged from 0.012 to 14.10 μg Sn L 1.The detection rate of white vinegar is higher than that of rice vinegar and mature vinegar.Vinegar samples with relatively high butyltin concentration(>1.5 μg Sn L 1) were those stored in plastic bags,indicating that the plastic bag was one of the possible sources of butyltin contamination.This was further confirmed by the leaching experiments of three selected plastic bags,and monobutyltin was detected in the leaching solvents.According to the estimation,the average daily intake of total butyltin compounds through vinegar consumption is about 0.04 ng Sn/kg b.w.,much lower than the Tolerable Daily Intake(TDI) of 100 ng Sn/kg b.w.set by the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA).展开更多
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(Nos.22036005,22176119,92043301,22006096)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFA0901101)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province,China(No.202203021222002)the Special Fund for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province,China(No.202204051002024).
文摘The increasing production and extensive application of chemicals have led to their unintended release and contamination in the environment,posing a hazardous threat to wildlife and human health.Numerous studies have demonstrated that developmental toxicity could be induced by various emerging chemicals,causing abnormal embryonic and placental development,adverse pregnancy outcomes,obesity,and dysfunction of lipid metabolism in neonates.Given the currently-available experimental technology for developmental toxicological studies,an in vitro model based on stem cells showed promising performance in high-throughput screening of the early-stage developmental toxicity of emerging chemicals.In this review,the deleterious effects of environmental pollutants on stem cells were systemically assorted from the aspects of cytological dysfunction,self-renewal impairment,perturbation in embryoid body(EB)formation,and disruption of committed lineage differentiation.The toxicological data on the molecular level,including the altered expressions of gene and protein biomarkers,epigenomic regulation,and enhanced oxidative stress,were collected and summarized to provide the mechanism explanation for the link between environmental pollutant exposure and unfavorable phenotypes in stem cells.The advantage of the stem cell model in developmental toxicological studies was specifically emphasized.And the perspectives for stem cells were ultimately highlighted in the research field of environmental toxicology,especially developmental toxicology during the early stage of life.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (20890112 and 20907017)the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB421605)+1 种基金the National High Technology R&D Program of China (2007BAC27B01)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (KF2009-05)
文摘Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC) is a heterocyclic brominated flame retardant that was recently detected in the environment in China.TBC is semi-volatile and can accumulate in the lipid of some species,but little is known about its effect on aquatic organisms.We exposed adult zebrafish to 0,0.25,1 and 4mg/L TBC for 28 d and measured the effect on survival,growth,histopathology,hormone levels,enzyme activity,and gene expression.TBC exposure had no effect on survival or growth.We observed significant damage to the liver and gill,including hepatocellular swelling and fatty degeneration in the liver as well as proliferation and edema of epithelial cells in the gills.In addition,exposure to 4mg/L TBC induced proliferation of goblet cells in the intestine of both sexes,acellular areas in the testis,and thinly scattered vitellogenic granules in vitellogenic oocytes.TBC exposure had no effect on the levels of thyroid hormones,testosterone,estradiol,liver superoxide dismutase activity,malondialdehyde content,and brain cholinesterase activity.By contrast,hepatic vitellogenin and cytochrome P4501A gene expression was significantly down-regulated in both male and female zebrafish in response to TBC exposure.Our results suggest that exposure to TBC causes a variety of potential reproductive and endocrine toxic effects.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20537020)
文摘Nanosized zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on the cation exchange resin was synthesized and applied to decompose some water soluble azo dyes. The decomposition efficiency for azo dyes was evaluated by using the aqueous suspensions and parked column of this material. Batch experiments indicated that this novel material exhibited excellent degradation ability for 0.05 g·L1 of Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 8, Acid Orange 10, Sunset Yellow, and Methyl Orange, with decolorization ratio up to 95% in 4 min; pH value was the key factor for degradation and H+ was one of the reactants; adsorption of azo dyes onto the material existed at the beginning but reduced gradually until disappearing completely. For the packed column system, 58%~90% of azo dyes were decomposed in the 1st circle of solution passing through the column, and the adsorption onto the materials could accelerate the degradation azo dyes with the increasing reaction time. During the degradation process, Fe2+, the product of NZVI, was exchanged to the resin again and could be reduced to Fe0 by KBH4 for reusing. The 10th refreshed NZVI possessed reductive activity up to 90% of the newly systhesized NZVI. Decomposing pollutants in the aqueous solution with columns packed with NZVI immobilized on the cation exchange resin is a promising technology that can solve the reclaiming and refreshing problem of NZVI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (20905007)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (KF2010-09)
文摘To assess the interaction effect between cadmium (Cd) and 17-estradiol (E2),male Chinese loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) were exposed to E2 (1 g/L) and Cd (50 or 500 g/L) alone and in combination using a semi-static waterborne exposure system.The effects of E2 on the accumulation and distribution of Cd,as well as the effects of Cd on vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis induced by E2,were investigated.Cd mainly accumulated in the kidneys,liver,intestines,and gills,with little amounts in muscles,bones,and gonads.Co-exposure with E2 did not change the main targets for Cd.E2 could induce Vtg synthesis in male Chinese loaches,and co-exposure with 50 or 500 g/L Cd could inhibit the Vtg induced by 1 g/L E2.Compared with the results reported in the literature,it can be concluded that factors such as fish species,Cd dosage,and manner of exposure might make contributions to the interaction between Cd and E2.Our results also suggested that male Chinese loaches are susceptible to Cd,and can be recommended as a potential sentinel species to study the ecotoxicology of heavy metals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(20907017)the National Basic Research Program of China(2009CB421605)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(NCET-11-0964)
文摘Gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)have been reported to induce faster heat transfer of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)solution to enhance PCR efficiency.AuNPs can also increase the specificity of PCR by functioning analogously to single-stranded DNA binding protein(SSB).However,the simple structure of AuNPs makes it difficult to determine how AuNPs affect PCR efficiency and specificity.This study aimed to elucidate the effect of AuNPs on PCR efficiency by altering the denaturation times and annealing temperatures.In addition,comparative study of the effect of AuNPs on PCR inhibition caused by two competitive primers allowed investigation of the mechanisms of AuNP-enhanced PCR accuracy.Finally,heat-treated salmon sperm DNA was used to evaluate whether AuNPs could eliminate the inhibitory PCR effect caused by DNA impurities.This study demonstrated that enhanced thermal conductivity by AuNPs was the main mechanism for increased PCR efficiency and specificity.AuNPs promoted efficient double-stranded DNA template unwinding and dissociation between mismatched primers,DNA fragments and template,and enhanced PCR efficiency and specificity simultaneously.Thus,this significant finding suggests the future use of AuNP-assisted PCR in different fields,especially in rapid clinical diagnosis and screening by PCR.
基金Supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No: KZCX2-YW-420-21)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No: 2006AA06Z424)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos: 40590392 and 20575074)
文摘Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of metabonome/metabolome has widespread applications in biomedical science researches. However, most of NMR resonances for urinary metabolites remain to be fully assigned. In the present study, human urine samples from two healthy volunteers were pre-treated with C18 solid-phase extraction and the resultant 5 sub-fractions were subjected to one- and two-dimensional NMR studies, including 1H J-Resolved, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-1H TOCSY, 1H-13C HSQC, and HMBC 2D NMR. More than 70 low molecular weight metabolites were identified, and complete assignments of 1H and 13C resonances including many complex coupled spin systems were obtained.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20537020)the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2003CB415001)
文摘Quantum dots (QDs) have received more and more attention as a novel example of nanomaterials. Due to their unique fluorescent characteristics,quantum dots have been successfully applied in biotech-nology and medicine applications. Recently,the toxicity and the potential environmental effects of QDs have become a research hotspot. In this paper,toxicological effects of QDs are reviewed,and the prospects and research directions are given based on the analysis of this research field.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (20907017, 20890112)the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB421605)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (2007BAC27B01)
文摘This study shows that C_(60) can degrade pBR322 plasmid DNA at room temperature without photoactivation. The degradation was enhanced by increasing incubation temperature, reaction time or C_(60) concentration. We also found that superoxide radical anions (O 2 · ) were formed in the C_(60) solution. Superoxide dismutase significantly inhibited DNA cleavage and O 2 · generation induced by C_(60) . These results suggest that DNA cleavage was caused by the formation of reactive oxygen species induced by C_(60) at room temperature. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the DNA degradation was significantly inhibited by acid amide chemicals such as formamide, and by increased ionic strength of the reaction solution. These results indicate that the DNA conformation stability and the surface properties of C_(60) are important factors regulating DNA degradation. We propose that C_(60) can bind DNA, decrease DNA conformation stability, and induce the formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA cleavage at room temperature. Our results provide a possible explanation for the genotoxicity of C_(60) , which should be considered in future use of this particular nano-material.
基金support under the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB421605)National Key Water Program(2009ZX07207-002-03)National Natural Science Foundation of China (20977096)
文摘Forty-eight vinegar samples including white vinegar,rice vinegar and mature vinegar were collected from several markets in Beijing.Butyltin compounds were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and flame photometric detector after in situ ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate.Butyltin species were detected in sixteen vinegar samples and ranged from 0.012 to 14.10 μg Sn L 1.The detection rate of white vinegar is higher than that of rice vinegar and mature vinegar.Vinegar samples with relatively high butyltin concentration(>1.5 μg Sn L 1) were those stored in plastic bags,indicating that the plastic bag was one of the possible sources of butyltin contamination.This was further confirmed by the leaching experiments of three selected plastic bags,and monobutyltin was detected in the leaching solvents.According to the estimation,the average daily intake of total butyltin compounds through vinegar consumption is about 0.04 ng Sn/kg b.w.,much lower than the Tolerable Daily Intake(TDI) of 100 ng Sn/kg b.w.set by the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA).
