Comparative Toxicological Evaluation of Tattoo Inks on Two Model Organisms

Tattooing is a technique that introduces colored substances under the skin in order to color it permanently. Decomposition products of tattoo pigments produce numerous damages for the skin and other organs. We studied the effects of a commercial red ink tattoo, PR170, on Xenopus laevis embryos and Daphnia magna nauplii using concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg/L. For Xenopus, we applied the FETAX protocol analyzing survival, malformations, growth, heart rate, and the expression of genes involved in the development. In D. magna, we evaluated the toxicity with an immobilization test. Moreover, we investigated the production of ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and the expression of the ATP-binding cassette in both models. Our results indicate that PR170 pigment has nanoparticle dimensions, modifies the survival and the ATP-binding cassette activity, and induces oxidative stress that probably produces the observed effects in both models. Deformed embryos were observed in Xenopus, probably due to the modification of expression of genes involved in development. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also modified in this amphibian. We think that these effects are due to the accumulation of PR170 and, in particular, to the presence of the azoic group in the chemical structure of this pigment. Further studies needed to better understand the effects of commercial tattoo inks.

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The Human ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter Superfamily

Genome Research ◽

10.1101/gr.184901 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1156-1166

Author(s):

Michael Dean ◽

Andrey Rzhetsky ◽

Rando Allikmets

Keyword(s):

Abc Transporter ◽

Complete Characterization ◽

Model Organisms ◽

Atp Binding ◽

Evolutionary Analysis ◽

Inherited Disease ◽

New Members ◽

Binding Domains ◽

Human Disorders ◽

Atp Binding Cassette

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily contains membrane proteins that translocate a variety of substrates across extra- and intra-cellular membranes. Genetic variation in these genes is the cause of or contributor to a wide variety of human disorders with Mendelian and complex inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, neurological disease, retinal degeneration, cholesterol and bile transport defects, anemia, and drug response. Conservation of the ATP-binding domains of these genes has allowed the identification of new members of the superfamily based on nucleotide and protein sequence homology. Phylogenetic analysis is used to divide all 48 known ABC transporters into seven distinct subfamilies of proteins. For each gene, the precise map location on human chromosomes, expression data, and localization within the superfamily has been determined. These data allow predictions to be made as to potential functions or disease phenotypes associated with each protein. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge on all human ABC genes in inherited disease and drug resistance. In addition, the availability of the completeDrosophila genome sequence allows the comparison of the known human ABC genes with those in the fly genome. The combined data enable an evolutionary analysis of the superfamily. Complete characterization of all ABC from the human genome and from model organisms will lead to important insights into the physiology and the molecular basis of many human disorders.

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Deficiency of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter B6 in Megakaryocyte Progenitors Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Mice

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvbaha.113.302613 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 751-758 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Andrew J. Murphy ◽

Vincent Sarrazy ◽

Nan Wang ◽

Nora Bijl ◽

Sandra Abramowicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Atp Binding ◽

Platelet Activity ◽

Platelet Production ◽

Expression Of Genes ◽

Density Lipoprotein Receptor ◽

Megakaryocyte Progenitors ◽

Atp Binding Cassette

Objective— The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter B6 (ABCB6) is highly expressed in megakaryocyte progenitors, but its role in platelet production and disease has not been elucidated. Approach and Results— Among various ABC transporters, ABCB6 was highly expressed in megakaryocyte progenitors, exhibiting the same pattern of expression of genes involved in heme synthesis pathway. Transplantation of Abcb6 deficient ( Abcb6 −/− ) bone marrow into low density lipoprotein receptor deficient recipient mice resulted in expansion and proliferation of megakaryocyte progenitors, attributable to increased reactive oxygen species production in response to porphyrin loading. The enhanced megakaryopoiesis in Abcb6 −/− bone marrow–transplanted mice was further illustrated by increased platelet counts, mean platelet volume, and platelet activity. Platelets from Abcb6 −/− bone marrow–transplanted mice had higher levels of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, which was associated with increased plasma chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 levels. There were also increased platelet–leukocyte aggregates, which resulted in leukocyte activation. Abcb6 −/− bone marrow–transplanted mice had accelerated atherosclerosis which was associated with deposition of the chemotactic agent, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 in atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in increased macrophage accumulation. Conclusions— Our findings identify a new role of ABCB6 in preventing atherosclerosis development by dampening platelet production, reactivity, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 deposition in atherosclerotic lesions.

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