NMR-based metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of environmental contamination exposure on fishermen living around the Mundaú Lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil).

Autor: Ursulino JS; Nucleus of Analysis and Research in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NAPRMN, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil., Silva Filho RC; Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil., Rodrigues da Rocha Junior E; Nucleus of Analysis and Research in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NAPRMN, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil., Crispim AC; Nucleus of Analysis and Research in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NAPRMN, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil., Caldas Santos JC; Laboratory of Instrumentation and Development in Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil., Rezende Leite AC; Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil. Electronic address: ana.leite@iqb.ufal.br., Mendonça de Aquino T; Nucleus of Analysis and Research in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NAPRMN, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil. Electronic address: thiago.aquino@iqb.ufal.br.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Chemosphere [Chemosphere] 2024 Sep; Vol. 364, pp. 143261. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Sep 03.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143261
Abstrakt: The Mundaú lagoon in Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil) is a crucial resource for the local population, particularly fishing communities. Recent studies have revealed potential toxic metal contamination in the lagoon, particularly with mercury (Hg) levels exceeding the maximum regulated values. This inorganic contaminant may be impacting the health of fishermen and the local population. In this context, metabolomics, a study of small-molecule metabolites, can offer insights into the physiological impact of environmental contamination on humans. Thus, volunteers from the control and exposed groups were selected, considering the main exposure criteria primarily defined by their proximity and interaction with the lagoon. Blood and urine samples were collected from the volunteers and subjected to analysis using NMR spectroscopy. The data underwent Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) based on metabolic patterns to establish group discrimination or identification. Metabolic pathways were assessed through enrichment analysis. The study revealed several metabolic disturbances in the exposed group's urine and plasma samples compared to control group. Noteworthy findings included arginine and proline metabolism disruptions, indicative of ammonia recycling and urea cycle impairment. These changes suggest compromised ammonia detoxification in the exposed group. Disturbances in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria suggested systemic metabolic stress in energy metabolism. Furthermore, elevated carnitine and ketone levels may indicate compensatory responses to low TCA cycle activity. Alterations in glutamate and glutathione metabolism and imbalances in glutathione levels indicate oxidative stress and impaired detoxification. This study highlights significant metabolic changes in fishermen exposed to contaminated environments, which can affect various metabolic pathways, including energy metabolism and antioxidant processes, potentially making individuals more vulnerable to the adverse effects of environmental contaminants. Finally, this work highlights insights into the relationship between environmental contamination and metabolic pathways, particularly in regions with limited studies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence this work. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
(Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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