Search Results (61)

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by chromosomal translocation forming the fusion protein that blocks the differentiation of myeloid progenitors and increases the self-renewal of leukemia cells. The introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) has dramatically improved outcomes in APL, making it a leading example of successful treatment through differentiation of cancer cells. However, life-threatening side effects and treatment resistance may develop; therefore, modulation of the safety and efficacy of these drugs may contribute to further improving treatment results. Recently, zinc, involved in the structure and function of transcription factors, has received special attention for its potential role in the development and treatment response of cancer. Zinc homeostasis is disrupted in APL, with intracellular accumulation stabilizing oncogenic proteins. Zinc depletion promotes degradation of PML–RARA and induces apoptosis, while supplementation enhances genotoxic stress in leukemic cells but protects normal hematopoiesis. Zinc also regulates key transcription factors involved in differentiation and proliferation, including RUNX2, KLF4, GFI1, and CREB. In this review, we examine how zinc may impact zinc-finger (ZnF) and non-ZnF transcription factors and differentiation therapy in APL, thereby identifying potential strategies to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects. Full article

Heavy metals (HMs) including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) pose significant challenges to bioenergy crop production due to their persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation in soils and plants. This study not only summarizes the mechanisms of HM absorption, translocation, and accumulation in bioenergy crops, but also critically assesses their impact on crop development, biomass quality, and biorefinery processes. Heavy metals disrupt key physiological processes and modify lignocellulosic composition, which is important for biofuel and biogas production. Global soil contamination from sources like industrial emissions, mining, and agricultural activities exacerbates these problems, posing a threat to both energy security and environmental sustainability. Sustainable management strategies, including phytoremediation, microbial bioremediation, soil amendments, and genetic engineering, are explored to mitigate HM effects while enhancing crop resilience. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating techniques to balance bioenergy production with environmental and human health and safety, including the use of HM-tolerant crop varieties, enhanced biorefinery processes, and robust policy frameworks. Future research should focus on developing scalable remediation technologies and interdisciplinary solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and meet global bioenergy needs. Full article

Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants to decontaminate water and soil. In this work, the capacity of high Andean vegetation in the absorption and translocation of heavy metals was analyzed. Species were identified to analyze the presence of metals in roots, stems, and leaves by spectrometry. The translocation factor was determined and analyzed by means of pattern clusters. Based on the floristic inventory, the dominance of the Poaceae and Asteraceae families was determined, and 12 plant species with a high importance value were selected. According to the ICP-AES, mercury (951.07 mg/kg) was determined in the roots of Lachemilla orbiculata, and chromium (21.88 mg/kg) in Carex bonplandii. Arsenic (2.79 mg/kg) was detected as being significantly higher than the values recorded in lowland plants. Cadmium mobility was high in all species, reaching higher values in Baccharis salicifolia (86.28%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (37.16%). Rumex acetocella accumulated lead in leaves (9.27%), while Taraxacum officinale (1.20%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (1.20%) accumulated silicon. Stabilization of chromium, mercury, and sodium was determined in the roots without translocation to higher organs. Finally, cluster analysis showed physiological interactions between metals as a toxicity mitigation mechanism affecting mobility. These findings suggest that they are hyperaccumulator species. Full article

Potentially toxic elements (PTE), such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), threaten rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop productivity and pose significant risks to human health when they are present in soil. This review summarizes the current understanding of soil and rice contamination with As, Cd, and Pb to provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of these contaminants and the mechanisms regulating their flow from soil to plants. It focuses on the following aspects: (1) these metals’ geochemical distribution and speciation in soil–rice systems; (2) factors influencing the transformation, bioavailability, and uptake of these metals in paddy soils; (3) metal uptake, transport, translocation, and accumulation mechanisms in rice grains; and (4) the roles of transporters involved in metal uptake, transport, and accumulation in rice plants. Moreover, this review contributes to a clearer understanding of the environmental risks associated with these toxic metals in soil–rice ecosystems. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges in simultaneously managing the risks of As, Cd, and Pb contamination in rice. The study findings may help inspire innovative methods, biotechnological applications, and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the accumulation of As, Cd, and Pb in rice grains while effectively addressing multi-metal contamination in paddy soils. Full article

Rice is the main source of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in Chinese diet. The formulation of targeted agronomic interventions for mitigating Cd and As bioaccumulation in rice grains constitutes a critical pathway toward ensuring food safety and public health security. Foliar spraying technology with ionic liquids, effectively reduces Cd/As content in rice. In this study, an ionic liquid of amino acids ([Glu][H₂PO₄]) as a foliar conditioner was applied to two varieties of rice (X24 and Z35) to explore the mechanism of reducing the accumulation of Cd/As in rice. The results showed that [Glu][H₂PO₄] reduced Cd/As levels by up to 58.57% and 44.09%, respectively. [Glu][H₂PO₄] reduced the transfer factor from the root system to flag leaves, nodes, and other organs, thus reducing the Cd/As content in them. [Glu][H₂PO₄] promoted amino acid synthesis in seeds, increased Ca²⁺ level, increased OsGLR3.1–3.5 expression, and decreased OsLsi1–3 expression in flag leaves, thereby Cd/As was inhibited from being absorbed and transported by rice. The results demonstrated that the foliar application of [Glu][H₂PO₄] significantly mitigated the accumulation of Cd/As in rice. This study introduces a novel and effective strategy for reducing Cd/As accumulation in rice, hoping to enhance the safety and quality of rice crops. Full article

Phytoremediation is an economically viable and environmentally friendly technique among various arsenic-contaminated soil remediation technologies. Field plot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of peanut intercropping with sunflower, lucerne, and jute on the growth and development of intercropped crops and the efficiency of arsenic (As) remediation in polluted soil within the intercropping system. The results indicate that intercropping peanuts with other crops can enhance the biomass and yield of the crops. The land equivalent ratios (LER) of the three intercropping patterns were 1.03, 1.70, and 1.17, respectively. The intercropping pattern also influences the absorption and accumulation of As in crops. Total arsenic accumulation in peanuts intercropped with jute reached 493 μg·plant⁻¹, which was significantly higher by 29.5% compared to peanut monoculture. Additionally, the translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BCF) of peanut seeds were significantly higher in peanut-jute intercropping compared to other treatments, but the As content of peanut seeds in all treatments complied with national food safety standards (GB2762-2022, 0.5 mg·kg⁻¹). Intercropping of peanuts altered the pH and Eh values of rhizosphere soil, further influencing the percentage content of various forms of As in the soil, and reducing the mobility and effectiveness of As. The metal removal equivalent ratios (MRER) for the three intercropping patterns were 1.30, 2.11, and 1.26, respectively. The intercropping of peanuts and lucerne resulted in an MRER of 2.11. It indicates that peanut intercropping has a significant promotion and high restoration efficiency on the growth and development of lucerne. Therefore, among the three patterns, the peanut intercropping lucerne pattern has the best effect in applying to contaminated soil, and can better realize the integration of economic and ecological benefits. Full article

Micro-nano plastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental and food contaminants that are raising serious health concerns. Due to the polycontamination of the food web with environmental pollutants (EPs), and now MNPs, the co-ingestion of EPs and MNPs is likely to occur, and the potential synergistic effects of such co-ingestions are completely unstudied. In this study, we therefore sought to determine the effects of the two model EPs, arsenic and boscalid, on the uptake and toxicity of two model MNPs, 25 and 1000 nm polystyrene (PS-25 and PS-1000), and vice versa, employing a triculture small intestinal epithelium model combined with simulated digestion. In 24 h triculture exposures, neither MNPs, EPs, nor MNPs + EPs caused significant toxicity. The presence of PS-25 significantly increased arsenic uptake (from 0.0 to 5.8%, p < 0.001) and translocation (from 5.2 to 9.8%, p < 0.05) but had no effect on boscalid uptake or translocation, whereas PS-1000 had no effect on the uptake or translocation of either EP. The uptake of both PS MNPs was also increased by EPs, rising from 10.6 to 19.5% (p < 0.01) for PS-25 and from 4.8 to 8.5% (p < 0.01) for PS-1000. These findings highlight the need for further studies to assess MNP-EP interactions and possible synergistic adverse health impacts. Full article

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare type of AML, characterized by the t(15;17) translocation and accounting for 8–15% of cases. The introduction of target therapies, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), radically changed the management of APL, making it the most curable AML subtype. However, a small percentage (estimated to be 2%) of AML presenting with APL-like morphology and/or immunophenotype lacks t(15;17). This rare APL-like AML group, whose first case was described in the early 1990s, now includes over 40 entities. These diseases present great heterogeneity in terms of genetic lesions, clinical presentation, sensitivity to targeted agents and chemotherapy, and prognosis. Furthermore, the diagnosis is very challenging. Thus, in this paper, we aim to comprehensively review the literature reports and studies addressing APL-like entities, investigate the biological mechanisms of leukemogenesis, evaluate the clinical characteristics, and discuss future lines of research and possible clinical approaches. Full article

Arsenic exposure can induce liver insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes (DM), but the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of the onset of diabetes, especially in the progression of IR. This study aimed to investigate the role of circRNAs in arsenic-induced hepatic IR and its underlying mechanism. Male C57BL/6J mice were given drinking water containing sodium arsenite (0, 0.5, 5, or 50 ppm) for 12 months. The results show that sodium arsenite increased circ_0000284 expression, decreased insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), and inhibited cell membrane protein levels of insulin-responsive glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4) in the mouse livers, indicating that arsenic exposure causes liver damage and disruptions to glucose metabolism. Furthermore, sodium arsenite reduced glucose consumption and glycogen levels, increased the expression of circ_0000284, reduced the protein levels of IGF2BP2 and PPAR-γ, and inhibited GLUT4 protein levels in the cell membranes of insulin-treated HepG2 cells. However, a circ_0000284 inhibitor reversed arsenic exposure-induced reductions in IGF2BP2, PPAR-γ, and GLUT4 levels in the plasma membrane. These results indicate that circ_0000284 is involved in arsenite-induced hepatic insulin resistance through blocking the plasma membrane translocation of GLUT4 in hepatocytes via IGF2BP2/PPAR-γ. This study provides a scientific basis for finding early biomarkers for the control of arsenic exposure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and discovering new prevention and control measures. Full article

This study aims to understand the risks posed by metals in Peruvian coffee plantations to human health and environmental integrity, ensuring the protection of local communities and the ecosystems reliant on this agricultural activity. To assess the contamination levels, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were surveyed in the soil, roots, and parchment coffee beans cultivated in Amazonas and San Martin regions, using both conventional and organic cultivation. Results showed that As was the metal with the highest concentration in soil (52.37 ± 21.16 mg/kg), roots (11.27 ± 2.3 mg/kg), and coffee beans (10.19 ± 1.69 mg/kg), followed by Cr in soil (22.36 ± 11.47 mg/kg) and roots (8.17 ± 3.85 mg/kg) and Pb in beans (0.7 ± 0.05 mg/kg). Cd was only detected in soil (1.70 ± 1.73 mg/kg). The bioaccumulation (BAF) findings suggest that roots and coffee beans have a low capacity to accumulate As, Cd, Ni, and Pb, but they have the potential capacity to accumulate Cr. The translocation factor (TF) indicated that all values were less than one, except for As from San Martin in conventional and organic cultivation. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that the soil was unpolluted for Cr, Ni, and Pb but was polluted to different extents for As and Cd. Similarly, the ecological risk (ER) pointed to a low risk for Cr, Ni, and Pb and values from low to considered risk for As and Cd depending on the region and cultivation system. Hazard index (adults: 1.68 × 10⁻³, children: 9.26 × 10⁻³) and cancer risk (adults: 1.84 × 10⁻⁷, children: 2.51 × 10⁻⁷) indicated a low risk for humans via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. Full article

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia in which immature promyelocytes abnormally proliferate in the bone marrow. In most cases, the disease is characterised by the translocation t(15;17) (q24;q21), which causes the formation of PML::RARA, an oncogenic fusion protein responsible for blocking myeloid differentiation and survival advantage. Here, we present a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia with two unusual features: basophilic differentiation and a three-way translocation involving chromosomes 12, 15 and 17. In the few cases reported, basophilic differentiation was associated with a poor prognosis. In contrast, our patient responded promptly to the standard treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) and obtained complete remission. To our knowledge, this is the first report of basophilic acute promyelocytic leukemia with the three-way translocation t(12;17;15) (p13; q24;q21). Full article

Arsenic (As) contamination of gold mine tailings poses major threats to the natural environment and human health, necessitating adequate management measures. To investigate the soil As contamination level and the potential of pioneer plants for As remediation, the soil and plants of an abandoned gold mine tailings in the Qinling Mountains were analyzed. The level of As contamination was assessed using the single-factor pollution index and potential ecological risk index, and its bioeffectiveness was analyzed. The enrichment capability of plants was investigated using the bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor. Redundancy analysis and partial least squares regression were employed to investigate factors affecting the distribution of As in soil and plants. The results show that As in soil mainly existed in the difficult-available state, with serious contamination and extremely high ecological risk. Lythrum salicaria L. and Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. are the preferred plants for remediation of As contamination through screening pioneer plants. Soil total nitrogen (STN) and available phosphorus (SAP) are the main factors influencing the characteristics of As distribution in the soil. Soil available potassium (SAK), water content (SWC), and SAP promote the accumulation of As by plants. This study provides plant materials and new ideas for mine ecological remediation. Full article

Soil co-contamination with cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) occurs frequently and has caused increasing concern. This study aimed to explore the transfer characteristics and the chemical forms, subcellular distribution of Cd and As, as well as the synthesis of phytochelatins (PCs) and other chelates in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants grown in a Cd and As co-contaminated soil, shedding light on the mechanisms involved. Compared with the single Cd contamination, Cd–As co-contamination led to a higher accumulation of Cd in peanut plants. Conversely, compared to the single As contamination, the As content increased in peanut shoots but decreased in roots and grains under Cd–As co-contamination. Furthermore, the Cd–As interaction resulted in notable changes in peanut plants’ physiological and biochemical responses. In the roots and shoots, there was an 81.8% and 60.0% increase in water-soluble Cd. In the roots, metallothioneins (MTs) content increased by 50%, while PCs increased by 6.4% in the shoots. These changes promoted the translocation of Cd from roots to grains. The Cd–As interaction also influenced the synthesis of MTs in the roots, showing a 41.2% increase, and facilitated the transfer of As to the shoots. In peanut shoots, Cd increased the cell wall fraction of As by 34.5%, decreased the proportion of water-soluble As by 31.8%, and increased PCs content by 6.9%. These changes inhibited the migration of As from shoots to grains. Overall, Cd–As co-contamination increased Cd in peanut grains by increasing water-soluble forms and MTs in roots, while Cd–As co-contamination decreased As in peanut grains by increasing cell wall fractions and PCs in shoots. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding Cd–As interactions in soil–peanut systems. Full article

Phytoremediation is used to treat wastewater, wherein plants, microorganisms, and soil work together to remediate pollutants. We evaluated the plant processes that can affect metal mobilization during phytoremediation. The experimental columns were filled with silica sand and soil mixture spiked with redox-sensitive metal(loid)s—arsenic, manganese, and iron, and fitted with an ORP probe and oxygen sensors. Three columns were planted with poplars and three others were no-plant controls. Carbon-rich, synthetic food-processing wastewater was applied at 15.4 mm/day to the columns. Leachate water was analyzed every other week for water quality. Both soil and plant tissue samples were analyzed for metal concentrations, and soils were analyzed for microbial populations. Both treatments reduced 65–70% carbon. ORP ranged from −321 mV to 916 mV and affected metal mobilization. Oxic conditions in planted treatments yielded high ORP, oxygen concentration, and nitrates. Microbial communities were enhanced in both treatments, but the planted columns had more microbial abundance and evenness. Plants successfully accumulated metals in roots from soil with an accumulation factor of up to 40 for some metals and translocated to shoots from roots with a translocation factor of 10.62. The crop coefficient was 1.88, indicating accelerated loss of water in planted columns compared to control columns. The results demonstrated the benefits of plants in creating more oxic conditions, removing more wastewater from the rhizosphere, accumulating and translocating metals in the biomass, and enhancing rhizodegradation of pollutants by microbial population enhancement. Knowledge of the soil–plant–microbial processes is useful in designing engineered phytoremediation systems. Full article

Arsenic (As) pollution in wetlands, mainly as As(III) and As(V), has threatened wetland plant growth. It has been well documented that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can alleviate As stress in terrestrial plants. However, whether AM fungi can protect natural wetland plants from As stress remains largely unknown. Therefore, three hydroponic experiments were conducted in which Iris tectorum Maxim. (I. tectorum) plants were exposed to As(III) or As(V) stresses, to investigate the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on As uptake, efflux, and accumulation. The results suggested that short-term kinetics of As influx in I. tectorum followed the Michaelis–Menten function. Mycorrhizal inoculation decreased the maximum uptake rate (V_max) and Michaelis constant (K_m) of plants for As(III) influx, while yielding no significant difference in As(V) influx. Generally, mycorrhizal plants released more As into environments after 72 h efflux, especially under As(V) exposure. Moreover, mycorrhizal plants exhibited potential higher As accumulation capacity, probably due to more active As reduction, which was one of the mechanisms through which AM fungi mitigate As phytotoxicity. Our study has revealed the role of aerobic microorganism AM fungi in regulating As translocation in wetland plants and supports the involvement of AM fungi in alleviating plant As stress in anaerobic wetlands. Full article