Heavy metals in the volcanic environment and thyroid cancer

Vigneri, Riccardo; Malandrino, Pasqualino; Gianì, Fiorenza; Russo, Marco; Vigneri, Paolo

doi:10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.027

Cited by 129 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…In particular, the mercury compounds induce severe toxic effects both in human and animal experimental models [3,4], behaving as ED even against thyroid tissue [5,6]. Moreover, high levels of Hg, recently detected together with other heavy metals in volcanic areas [7,8], have been suspected to play a co-causative role in the high incidence of thyroid cancer, as earlier proposed by Zaichick et al [9] However, to date, the molecular alterations occurring in thyroid cells exposed to environmental heavy metals, able to promote the transformation and/or the selective growth of neoplastic cells, are not known, as well as the doses and duration of exposure necessary for such an action [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Low Doses of Methylmercury Induce the Proliferation of Thyroid Cells In Vitro Through Modulation of ERK Pathway

Maggisano

Bulotta

Celano

et al. 2020

IJMS

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Exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors has been associated with an increased frequency of thyroid pathology. In this study, we evaluated the effects of various concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) on immortalized, non-tumorigenic thyroid cells (Nthy-ori-3-1). Exposure to MeHg at 2.5 and 5 µM for 24 h caused a reduction in cell viability with a decrease of the cell population in sub-G0 phase, as detected by MTT and flow cytometry. Conversely, MeHg at the lower concentration of 0.1 µM increased the cell viability with a rise of G2/M phase. An immunoblot analysis showed higher expression levels of phospho-ERK and not of phospho-Akt. Further enhancement of the cell growth rate was observed after a prolonged exposure of the cells up to 18 days to MeHg 0.1 µM. The present findings demonstrate the toxicity of high concentrations of MeHg on thyroid cells, while showing that treatment with lower doses of Hg, as may occur after prolonged exposure to this environmental contaminant, exerts a promoting effect on thyroid cell proliferation, by acting on the ERK-mediated pro-oncogenic signal transduction pathway.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Low Doses of Methylmercury Induce the Proliferation of Thyroid Cells In Vitro Through Modulation of ERK Pathway

Maggisano

Bulotta

Celano

et al. 2020

IJMS

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“…Similar to other carcinogens, the transforming effect of heavy metals is higher in developing organisms, such as the fetus (contaminated via the mother), and individuals in early childhood. The metal concentration in tissues has been rarely measured in the thyroid (117). …”

Section: Environmental Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Issues in Thyroid Diseases

et al. 2017

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Environmental factors are determinant for the appearance of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) in susceptible subjects. Increased iodine intake, selenium, and vitamin D deficiency, exposure to radiation, from nuclear fallout or due to medical radiation, are environmental factors increasing AITD. Cigarette smoking is associated with Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, while it decreases the risk of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity. Viral infections are important environmental factors in the pathogenesis of AITD, too, particularly human parvovirus B19 (EVB19) and hepatitis C virus. Among the many chemical contaminants, halogenated organochlorines and pesticides variably disrupt thyroid function. Polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites and polybrominated diethyl ethers bind to thyroid transport proteins, such as transthyretin, displace thyroxine, and disrupt thyroid function. Among drugs, interferon- and iodine-containing drugs have been associated with AITD. Moreover intestinal dysbiosis causes autoimmune thyroiditis. To reduce the risk to populations and also in each patient, it is necessary to comprehend the association between environmental agents and thyroid dysfunction.

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“…The sequence of events ranging from exposure to heavy metals (dose, duration, metal speciation) to the neoplastic transformation of the thyroid cells is still unknown, and the casual links between exposure to a carcinogenic metal and malignant thyroid transformation are not well established [54]. Moreover, it is very likely that is not the concentration of a single metal that causes the toxic or carcinogenic effect, but rather the synergistic effect of a complex mixture of interacting chemicals that induces organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure.…”

Section: Volcanic Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The toxic effect of trace elements is mediated mostly via the aquiferous sources, and the role of vehicles in the transmission of biocontamination as well as in thyroid tumorigenesis has been underlined [54]. …”

Section: Volcanic Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutritional and Environmental Factors in Thyroid Carcinogenesis

Nettore

Colao

Macchia

2018

IJERPH

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Several epidemiological studies suggest an increased incidence of thyroid carcinoma (TC) in recent years, especially for the papillary histotype (PTC), suggesting that specific carcinogens might promote molecular abnormalities that are typical of PTC. The increased incidence is probably attributed to more intensive and sensitive diagnostic procedures, even if recent data suggest that various toxic elements could explain the phenomenon. Ionizing radiation exposure represents the most accepted risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer that includes both the follicular and papillary histotypes. In this review, we examined the other environmental carcinogens that play a role in TC, such as eating habits, living in volcanic areas, and xenobiotic elements. Among eating habits, iodine intake represents one of the more discussed elements, because its deficiency is associated with follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), while its progressive increment seems to be responsible for PTC. The gas, ash, and lava emissions of volcanoes are composed of various toxic compounds that pollute ground water, vegetables, and animals, contaminating humans via the food chain. Finally, the risk of developing PTC has also been associated with exposure of the population to xenobiotics in the environment or in the home. Their carcinogenic effects are probably caused by their accumulation, but additional studies are necessary to better understand the mechanisms of action.

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Heavy metals in the volcanic environment and thyroid cancer

Cited by 129 publications

References 61 publications

Low Doses of Methylmercury Induce the Proliferation of Thyroid Cells In Vitro Through Modulation of ERK Pathway

Low Doses of Methylmercury Induce the Proliferation of Thyroid Cells In Vitro Through Modulation of ERK Pathway

Environmental Issues in Thyroid Diseases

Nutritional and Environmental Factors in Thyroid Carcinogenesis

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