Serum Proteomic Analysis Based on iTRAQ in Miners Exposed to Soil Containing Rare Earth Elements

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used, raising concerns about human exposure and accumulation.
• Understanding the toxicological effects of REEs at the molecular level is crucial for public health.
• Previous research has indicated potential health risks associated with REE exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the toxic effects of rare earth elements (REEs) accumulated in the human body.
• To analyze the elemental composition of hair and serum proteomic profiles in individuals exposed to REEs.
• To identify molecular mechanisms underlying REE toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure REEs and other elements in human hair.
• Proteomic analysis of serum was performed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ).
• Bioinformatics analysis was employed to analyze differentially expressed proteins and their associated pathways.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher levels of specific REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb, Ho, Tm, Yb) and iron (Fe) were found in the hair of the exposure group compared to the control.
• Calcium (Ca) levels were significantly lower in the hair of the exposure group.
• A total of 29 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the serum, with 16 upregulated and 13 downregulated, linked to various biological processes and KEGG pathways.

Conclusions:

• REE accumulation in the human body can alter elemental homeostasis and induce significant changes in serum protein expression.
• These molecular alterations suggest potential links between REE exposure and adverse health outcomes, including neurovirulence, hepatotoxicity, fibrosis, osteoporosis, and anticoagulation effects.
• This study provides a molecular-level understanding of REE toxicity, laying the groundwork for future research on biological effects, exposure limits, and safe application of REEs.