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Published on: July 29, 2012
Transcriptome sequencing reveals genes involved in cadmium-triggered oxidative stress in the chicken heart
Chunlin Yu1, Mohan Qiu1, Zengrong Zhang1
1Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610066 China; Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 610066 China.
Abstract:
As a ubiquitous heavy metal, cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to various organs. However, the effects and molecular mechanism of Cd toxicity in the chicken heart remain largely unknown. The goal of our study was to investigate the cardiac injury in chickens' exposure to Cd. We detected the levels of oxidative stress-related molecules in the Cd-induced chicken heart, and assessed the histopathological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs between the Cd-induced group and control group. The expression of candidate genes involved in oxidative stress was certified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Our results showed that the expression of glutathione, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased and malondialdehyde was increased in the heart of chickens by Cd induction. The disorderly arranged cardiomyocytes, swelled and enlarged cells, partial cardiomyocyte necrosis, blurred morphological structure, and notable inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the Cd-induced chicken heart. RNA sequencing identified 23 upregulated and 11 downregulated mRNAs in the heart tissues of the chicken in the Cd-induced group, and functional pathways indicated that they were associated with oxidative stress. Moreover, CREM, DUSP8, and ITGA11 expressions were significantly reduced, whereas LAMA1 expression was induced in heart tissue of chickens by Cd treatment. Overall, our findings revealed that oxidative stress and pathological changes in the chicken heart could be triggered by Cd. The mRNA transcriptional profiles identified differentially expressed genes in the chicken heart by Cd induction, revealing oxidative stress-related key genes and enhancing our understanding of Cd toxicity in the chicken heart.
Insights
Cadmium exposure induces cardiac injury in chickens by increasing oxidative stress and causing pathological changes. This study identifies key genes and pathways affected by cadmium toxicity in chicken hearts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal affecting multiple organs.
- The molecular mechanisms of Cd toxicity in the chicken heart are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiac injury in chickens exposed to cadmium.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd-induced cardiac toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of oxidative stress markers (glutathione, malondialdehyde).
- Histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining.
- RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways.
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR to validate gene expression.
Main Results:
- Cadmium exposure decreased antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and increased malondialdehyde.
- Histopathology revealed cardiomyocyte disarray, necrosis, and inflammation.
- RNA sequencing identified 23 upregulated and 11 downregulated mRNAs linked to oxidative stress pathways.
- Key genes like CREM, DUSP8, and ITGA11 were downregulated, while LAMA1 was upregulated.
Conclusions:
- Cadmium exposure triggers oxidative stress and pathological alterations in the chicken heart.
- Differential gene expression analysis highlights key oxidative stress-related genes involved in Cd toxicity.
- This research enhances understanding of cadmium's impact on avian cardiac health.
