Cadmium-Related Effects on Cellular Immunity Comprises Altered Metabolism in Earthworm Coelomocytes

Abstract

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is known to modulate the immune system, challenging soil-dwelling organisms where environmental Cd pollution is high. Since earthworms lack adaptive immunity, we determined Cd-related effects on coelomocytes, the cellular part of innate immunity, which is also the site of detoxification processes. A proteomics approach revealed a set of immunity-related proteins as well as gene products involved in energy metabolism changing in earthworms in response to Cd exposure. Based on these results, we conducted extracellular flux measurements of oxygen and acidification to reveal the effect of Cd on coelomocyte metabolism. We observed a significantly changing oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification, as well as metabolic potential, which can be defined as the response to an induced energy demand. Acute changes in intracellular calcium levels were also observed, indicating impaired coelomocyte activation. Lysosomes, the cell protein recycling center, and mitochondrial parameters did not change. Taken together, we were able to characterize coelomocyte metabolism to reveal a potential link to an impaired immune system upon Cd exposure.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Tolerance to Cadmium: A Case Study of Proteome and Metabolome of Four Different Flax Genotypes

“…The proteins of interest that were accumulated in response to cadmium ( Figure 3 a,c) included a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds (Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), oxidative stress response enzymes (Lactoylglutathione lyase DJ1D, Peroxidase), two ribosomal proteins, proteins of RNA metabolism (a subunit of RNA polymerase and an ortholog of the splicing factor SNW/SKI-interacting protein), an enzyme of tryptophan and histidine biosynthesis (Ribokinase), cupin family storage protein, an ortholog of clavaminate synthase (previously found in response to cadmium in earthworm; [ 21 ]), and proteins involved in vesicle transport and endocytosis (Adaptin ear-binding coat-associated protein, Vesicle-associated protein 1-3). A decrease in abundance was found for 18 proteins, including a 14-3-3 protein (signaling), strictosidine synthase (produces the key intermediate of indole alkaloid biosynthesis), the HSP70 family protein, an ortholog of the berberine bridge enzyme (mutant sensitive to salt stress; [ 22 ]), an enzyme that cleaves 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoglutarate into pyruvate, PLAT domain protein with a putative role in tolerance to abiotic stress [ 23 ], a defense-related protein germin, acetyl-CoA synthetase, and two putative splicing factors (SPF27 and SR45).…”

L-shaped association between dietary riboflavin intake and Cognitive impairment in older adults:NHANES 2011-2014

“…Ribo avin (RF), also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that participates in antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-in ammatory processes [5]. RF is a cofactor for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which is required for nucleotide production.…”

Assessment of Toxicity of Lead and Nickel on the Biochemical and Immunological Parameters of Earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae

“…In addition to biochemical parameters, immunological parameters can also provide valuable information about potential risk factors for heavy metal contamination. In the earthworm immune system, coelomocytes function as immune effector cells, which are present in the coelomic fluid and are involved in various physiological functions Assessment of Toxicity of Lead and Nickel on the Biochemical and Immunological Parameters of Earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae such as, fighting pathogens and coping with environmental stresses (Hockner et al, 2020). Coelomocytes are very sensitive to a variety of pollutants and are widely used for the evaluation of the toxicity of a range of toxins and can be considered as biomarkers of toxicity (Yang et al, 2017).…”