Lead exposure and plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene

Abstract

Epidemiologic data for carcinogenicity in those exposed to lead (Pb) suggests relations with cancers although the totality of the evidence is inconsistent. Alterations in the expression of ERBB receptors have been studied during the development and malignant transformation of different kinds of human tumors where they induce proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis generation. Relevant clinical data demonstrate the role of ERBB2 receptors in the development and malignancy of human cancers. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to give more information on the link between plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene and lead blood levels in a healthy population. Blood samples, socio‑demographic, exposure and health data were obtained from 48 healthy men. Real‑time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect ERBB2 gene transcripts, ΔΔCt method was used to quantify gene expression. Pb blood level was assayed using high‑resolution sector field inductively coupled mass spectrometry and is expressed in µg/dl. Plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene was 6.44±3.07 ΔΔCt; Pb blood levels was 16.07±6.74 µg/dl. Regression analysis revealed a significant association (r2=0.5345; p<0.0001) between Pb levels and mRNA expression in ERBB2. So far, it has still not been established if the expression of ERBB2 receptors is influenced by Pb exposure. On the base of the above reported data, we believe an in vitro study might be useful, to understand the molecular mechanisms implicated.

Role of Emerging Environmental Risk Factors in Thyroid Cancer: A Brief Review

“…Metals present in air, water, and food may impact human health [30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38]. Some metals are essential (chromium, iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), but at high concentration may be toxic, while others metals do not play any specific role in biological processes (aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead).…”

The association between occupational lead exposure and serum levels of selected soluble receptors

“…ERBB2 is a member of the EGFR family, which consists of four members (EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB3, and ERBB4) that act as tyrosine kinase receptors. Ferrante et al (2017) indicated the association between plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene and BLL (16.07 ± 6.74 µg/dl) in a healthy population. However, the authors emphasized that the impact of Pb on ERBB2 receptors is still less understood.…”

“…Apart from the above mentioned mechanisms, some carcinogens not only affect DNA directly but also can lead to cancer development in other ways. A recent study suggests the possible impact of Pb on ERBB-2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 (ERBB2) expression (Ferrante et al, 2017). Alterations in the expression of ERBB receptors were associated with transformation of different types of human tumors in which they induce proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis generation (Tome-Garcia et al, 2014).…”

Oncogenic Role of miRNA in Environmental Exposure to Plasticizers: A Systematic Review

“…It is important to note that the machinery by which plasticizers alter the epigenetic assets of cells require further study to elucidate the biology and biochemistry relatively to epigenetic alterations but also to disease-associated epigenetic alterations. A better understanding of these mechanisms will lead to better prediction of the health effects of plasticizers, allowing more targeted, easy, and appropriate disease-prevention and therapy strategies [49,50].…”