Effects of Arsenic Trioxide Exposure on Heat Shock Protein Response in the Immune Organs of Chickens

Abstract

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), a kind of pentavalent arsenic, has recently been linked to disrupted immune function. Heat shock proteins (Hsps), a group of highly conserved proteins, are rapidly synthesised when living organisms are exposed to various stress conditions. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of As2O3 on the expression level of Hsps (Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp40 and Hsp27) in the immune organs (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius (BF)) of chickens. A total of 72 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were randomly divided into four groups, including the low-As group (L group), middle-As group (M group), high-As group (H group) and control group (C group). Immune organs were collected, and levels of Hsp messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were examined on days 30, 60 and 90. The results showed that the levels of Hsp mRNA (Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp40 and Hsp27) and protein (Hsp70 and Hsp60) expression were significantly increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the As2O3 treatment groups compared with the corresponding control groups. Taken together, these results suggest that As2O3 influences the level of Hsps in immune organs.

Subchronic arsenism-induced oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to apoptosis through mitochondrial and death receptor dependent pathways in chicken immune organs

“…As 2 O 3 was added into the food to make supplements according to the chicken median lethal dose of As 2 O 3 . Based on the mentioned method, we published some studies on arsenic exposure caused the changes of oxidative stress and heat shock in chicken [12, 13]. As 2 O 3 was purchased from the New Technology Development Company, CHINA AGR UNIV.…”

“…were homogenized in liquid nitrogen with a mortar and pestle. According to the method described in the reference [13], total RNA was isolated from immune organs’ powders using RNAiso Plus reagent (Takara, China) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The concentration of RNA was measured by means of a spectrophotometer at OD 260/280 ratio and then reverse-transcribed to cDNA using the PrimeScript RT Reagent Kit (Takara, China).…”

“…The relative mRNA levels of cytokines- and apoptosis-related genes were performed on a BIOER Line Gene 9600 Real-Time PCR System (Hangzhou, China) and determined with the FastStart Universal SYBR Green Master reagents (Roche, USA). The detailed conditions of PCR protocol and calculation method of each gene relative mRNA abundance are indicated in our previous research [13]. …”

“…Moreover, it has been also proved that longtime exposure to arsenic is deleterious to the liver [7], lung epithelial transformed cells [8], skin [9] and arsenic alters multiple cellular pathways, which include expression of cytokines, promotion and resistance of apoptosis and increasing oxidative stress [10], these alterations lead to disease manifestations. Recently, our studies have shown that subchronic exposure to As 2 O 3 in excess of 0.625 mg/kg BW causes inflammation, oxidative stress and heat shock response in the liver [11], brain [12] and immune organs [13]. More and more serious conditions in arsenic-contaminated water and mining activities lead to the excessive arsenic accumulation through the food chains [14], human beings are exposed to arsenic species through their diets, therefore, they are susceptible to arsenic toxicity.…”

The Antagonistic Effect of Selenium on Lead-Induced Inflammatory Factors and Heat Shock Proteins mRNA Expression in Chicken Livers

“…HSP27 may play an important role response to temperature and cadmium stress in large yellow croakers [41]. Arsenic trioxide increased mRNA expression of HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in chicken immune organs [42]. The Pb caused HSP70 high expression and behavioral and histological alterations in Wistar rat brains [43].…”