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Biomedical subjects

J F Rosen

Publications and source records attributed to J F Rosen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Adverse health effects of lead at low exposure levels: trends in the management of childhood lead poisoning.

An extensive database has provided a direct link between low-level lead exposure during early development and deficits in neurobehavioral-cognitive performance evident late in childhood through adolescence. These consistent studies have demonstrated the presence of a constellation of neurotoxic and other adverse effects of lead at blood lead (BPb) levels at least as low as 10 micrograms/dl). Federal agencies and advisory groups have redefined childhood lead poisoning as a BPb level of 10 micrograms/dl. Before discussing some of these studies in greater detail, the pervasiveness of this entirely preventable disease today in millions of American children must be recognized.

Child

The effects of succimer on the absorption of lead in adults determined by using the stable isotope 204Pb.

The chelating agent succimer (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) is orally effective at inducing a urinary lead diuresis and a decrease in blood lead levels in lead poisoned children and adults. However, there are concerns that succimer may increase the absorption of lead from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during treatment, particularly in cases of continuing lead exposure, which would compromise its effectiveness in reducing whole body lead stores. This preliminary study investigated the effects of succimer on the absorption of lead in adults using a stable lead isotopic tracer (204Pb). Twelve male subjects were divided into control (no succimer), 10, and 30 mg succimer/kg body wt treatment groups of 4 individuals each. All subjects ingested a single tracer dose (200 micrograms) of 204Pb, followed by a single oral dose of placebo (control) or succimer. Whole blood was collected at intervals of 0, 2, 4, and approximately 26 hr following ingestion of the 204Pb tracer, and composite urine and feces samples were collected over the duration of the study (approximately 26 hr). Mean intestinal excretion of 204Pb was reduced in the succimer-treated groups compared to the control (placebo), whereas urinary diuresis of 204Pb was higher in the succimer groups. The amount of lead 204Pb tracer accounted for at the end of the study was lower in the succimer-treated groups. These results suggest that GI lead absorption was enhanced by succimer and that succimer mediated the redistribution of lead from the circulation to other tissues. However, none of the differences between treatment groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05, t test) because of the relatively large within-group variability. This study demonstrates the utility of microgram doses of a stable lead isotopic tracer to assess the efficacy of clinical chelating agents in humans. Future studies are necessary to further clarify the effects of succimer on the absorption and retention of lead in adults and children. Although, based upon these preliminary data, it appears advisable that patients be maintained in a lead-safe environment while being treated with succimer.

Adult

Lead inhibits 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 regulation of calcium metabolism in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8).

We have determined the dose-response of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) on the intracellular free calcium-ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, ROS 17/2.8, using 19F-NMR and the intracellular divalent cation indicator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (5F-BAPTA). The dose-response demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship with maximal elevation of [Ca2+]i at doses of 1 to 10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3. At 10 nM, 1,25-(OH)2D3 elevated the [Ca2+]i from a control level of 118 +/- 4 nM to a peak value of 237 +/- 8 nM within 40 min. 1,25-(OH)2D3 also increased the initial rate of Ca2+ influx into ROS 17/2.8 cells, measured by 45Ca uptake, with a dose-response relationship which paralleled its effect on [Ca2+]i. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with Pb2+ at 1 and 5 microM significantly increased [Ca2+]i but significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i. Simultaneous treatment of naive cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 and Pb2+ produce little reduction of 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced 45Ca uptake while 40 min treatment with Pb2+ before addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced increase in 45Ca influx. These findings suggest that Pb2+ acts by inhibiting 1,25-(OH)2D3-activation of Ca2+ channels and interferes with 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation of Ca2+ metabolism in osteoblastic bone cells.

Animals

Lead intoxication alters basal and parathyroid hormone-regulated cellular calcium homeostasis in rat osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) cells.

The skeleton is the major reservoir of lead and calcium in humans, and plays an important role in systemic calcium regulation. Lead perturbs normal calcium transport and second messenger function, directly or indirectly, in virtually all cells studies so far. Therefore, we and others have postulated that an early and discrete toxic effect of lead is perturbation of one or more loci within the calcium messenger system. To understand further the role of lead on calcium homeostasis in bone, we undertook this study to characterize calcium homeostasis and the effect of lead on calcium homeostasis in rat osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) cells, which exhibit the osteoblast phenotype. ROS cells were incubated in medium containing 45Ca for 20 hours. Monitoring the efflux of 45Ca from the cultures for 210 minutes allowed for the determination of kinetic parameters defining steady state calcium homeostasis. Three distinct intracellular kinetic calcium pools characterized 45Ca homeostasis. Treatment with either 400 ng parathyroid hormone (PTH)/ml culture medium for 1 hour or 25 microM lead for 20 hours increased total cell calcium. Treatment with PTH caused a larger increase of cell calcium in lead-intoxicated cells than either lead intoxication or PTH treatment alone. This increase suggests that lead may perturb normal calcium-mediated PTH responsiveness of the osteoblast. These experiments further establish a kinetic model for the study of calcium homeostasis in osteoblastic bone cells. The studies also advance the hypothesis that lead-induced perturbations of calcium-mediated processes represent an early effect of lead toxicity at the cellular level.

Animals

Lead perturbs epidermal growth factor (EGF) modulation of intracellular calcium metabolism and collagen synthesis in clonal rat osteoblastic (ROS 17/2.8) cells.

EGF, a single-chain polypeptide growth factor important for many cellular functions including glycolysis and protein phosphorylation, is known to modulate calcium metabolism in several cell systems. EGF causes an increase in Ca2+ influx and accumulation of inositol triphosphate and probably exhibits many, if not all, of its effects via the calcium messenger system. Lead is known to interact with and perturb normal calcium signaling pathways; therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine if lead perturbs EGF modulation of calcium metabolism in ROS 17/2.8 cells and if lead impairs collagen synthesis, which is controlled by EGF. To characterize 45Ca kinetics, cells were labelled with 45Ca (1.87 mM Ca) for 20 hr in the presence of 5 microM Pb, 50 ng/ml EGF, or 5 microM Pb and 50 ng/ml EGF. Kinetic parameters were determined from 45Ca efflux curves. Three kinetic compartments described the intracellular metabolism of 45Ca; 5 microM Pb significantly altered the effect of EGF on intracellular calcium metabolism. Calcium distribution was shifted from the fast-exchanging, quantitatively small calcium pools S1 and S2 to the slow-exchanging, quantitatively large S3. There was also a 50% increase in total cell calcium in cells treated with 5 microM Pb and 50 ng/ml EGF over calcium in cells treated with 50 ng/ml EGF alone. Because EGF and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) have similar effects on protein kinase C (PKC) and collagen metabolism, the transient effects of EGF and PMA on 45Ca and 210Pb were also characterized. EGF caused a rapid transient increase in efflux of both isotopes, which was further increased by the addition of PMA. In contrast, PMA pretreatment, which depletes PKC, significantly attenuated the latter effect of EGF, suggesting that downregulation by PKC of EGF-induced increases in 45Ca and 210Pb efflux. Moreover, collagen synthesis was decreased by lead, EGF, and PMA in a similar manner, further suggesting PKC as the common modulator of these effects. These data show that Pb impairs the normal modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis and collagen synthesis by EGF. Furthermore, these results provide additional support to the postulate that an early and discrete effect of lead involves perturbation of the calcium messenger system at one or several loci.

Animals

Need for the lead mobilization test in children with lead poisoning.

We evaluated the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, that children with moderate lead poisoning undergo the lead mobilization test (LMT) to determine the need for a full course of chelation treatment. Current criteria for selection for this test include a blood Pb concentration (bPb) between 25 and 55 micrograms/dl and an erythrocyte protoporphyrin level greater than 35 micrograms/dl. To determine whether the eligibility criteria could be refined to a smaller group of patients, we compared bPb determinations obtained on the day of the LMT in 198 children with moderate Pb poisoning to the results of the LMT. We found that children with bPb less than 25 micrograms/dl were unlikely to respond to the test dose of calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate with a Pb diuresis (24/25 patients had low urinary Pb excretion on the LMT). In contrast, 88% of children with bPb greater than or equal to 40 micrograms/dl were likely to excrete sufficient Pb to indicate the need for a full course of chelation. We conclude that the LMT is indicated for children with bPbs between 25 and 40 micrograms/dl. Children with bPb between 40 and 55 micrograms/dl may receive chelation therapy without having an LMT, if the performance of the LMT is not practical. Patients with levels less than 25 micrograms/dl should be followed clinically and removed from further Pb exposure.

Chelating Agents

Cellular and molecular toxicity of lead in bone.

To fully understand the significance of bone as a target tissue of lead toxicity, as well as a reservoir of systemic lead, it is necessary to define the effects of lead on the cellular components of bone. Skeletal development and the regulation of skeletal mass are ultimately determined by the four different types of cells: osteoblasts, lining cells, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. These cells, which line and penetrate the mineralized matrix, are responsible for matrix formation, mineralization, and bone resorption, under the control of both systemic and local factors. Systemic components of regulation include parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and calcitonin: local regulators include numerous cytokines and growth factors. Lead intoxication directly and indirectly alters many aspects of bone cell function. First, lead may indirectly alter bone cell function through changes in the circulating levels of those hormones, particularly 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which modulate bone cell function. These hormonal changes have been well established in clinical studies, although the functional significance remains to be established. Second, lead may directly alter bone cell function by perturbing the ability of bone cells to respond to hormonal regulation. For example, the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated synthesis of osteocalcin, a calcium-binding protein synthesized by osteoblastic bone cells, is inhibited by low levels of lead. Impaired osteocalcin production may inhibit new bone formation, as well as the functional coupling of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Third, lead may impair the ability of cells to synthesize or secrete other components of the bone matrix, such as collagen or bone sialoproteins (osteopontin). Finally, lead may directly effect or substitute for calcium in the active sites of the calcium messenger system, resulting in loss of physiological regulation. The effects of lead on the recruitment and differentiation of bone cells remains to be established. Compartmental analysis indicates that the kinetic distribution and behavior of intracellular lead in osteoblasts and osteoclasts is similar to several other cell types. Many of the toxic effects of lead on bone cell function may be produced by perturbation of the calcium and cAMP messenger systems in these cells.

Animals

Sequential measurements of bone lead content by L X-ray fluorescence in CaNa2EDTA-treated lead-toxic children.

With the development of L X-ray fluorescence (LXRF) to measure cortical bone lead directly, safely, rapidly, and noninvasively, the present study was undertaken to a) evaluate LXRF as a possible replacement for the CaNa2EDTA test; b) quantify lead in tibial cortical bones of mildly to moderately lead-toxic children before treatment; and c) quantify lead in tibial cortical bones of lead-toxic children sequentially following one to two courses of chelation therapy. The clinical research design was based upon a longitudinal assessment of 59 untreated lead-toxic children. At enrollment, if the blood lead (PbB) was 25 to 55 micrograms/dL and the erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentration was greater than or equal to 35 micrograms/dL, LXRF measurement of tibial bone lead was carried out. One day later, each child underwent a CaNa2EDTA provocative test. If this test was positive, lead-toxic children were admitted to the hospital for 5 days of CaNa2EDTA therapy. These tests were repeated 6 weeks and 6 months after enrollment. Abatement of lead paint hazards was achieved in most apartments by the time of initial hospital discharge. The LXRF instrument consists of a low energy X-ray generator with a silver anode, a lithium-doped silicon detector, a polarizer of incident photons, and a multichannel X-ray analyzer. Partially polarized photons are directed at the subcutaneous, medial mid-tibial cortical bone. The LXRF spectrum, measured 90 degrees from the incident beam, reveals a peak in the 10.5 KeV region, which represents the lead L alpha line.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bone and Bones

Sequential measurements of bone lead content by L X-ray fluorescence in CaNa2EDTA-treated lead-toxic children.

With the development of L X-ray fluorescence (LXRF) to measure cortical bone lead directly, safely, rapidly, and noninvasively, the present study was undertaken to a) evaluate LXRF as a possible replacement for the CaNa2EDTA test; b) quantify lead in tibial cortical bones of mildly to moderately lead-toxic children before treatment; and c) quantify lead in tibial cortical bones of lead-toxic children sequentially following one to two courses of chelation therapy. The clinical research design was based upon a longitudinal assessment of 59 untreated lead-toxic children. At enrollment, if the blood lead (PbB) was 25 to 55 micrograms/dL and the erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentration was greater than or equal to 35 micrograms/dL, LXRF measurement of tibial bone lead was carried out. One day later, each child underwent a CaNa2EDTA provocative test. If this test was positive, lead-toxic children were admitted to the hospital for 5 days of CaNa2EDTA therapy. These tests were repeated 6 weeks and 6 months after enrollment. Abatement of lead paint hazards was achieved in most apartments by the time of initial hospital discharge. The LXRF instrument consists of a low energy X-ray generator with a silver anode, a lithium-doped silicon detector, a polarizer of incident photons, and a multichannel X-ray analyzer. Partially polarized photons are directed at the subcutaneous, medial mid-tibial cortical bone. The LXRF spectrum, measured 90 degrees from the incident beam, reveals a peak in the 10.5 KeV region, which represents the lead L alpha line.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bone and Bones

31P NMR and saturation transfer studies of the effect of Pb2+ on cultured osteoblastic bone cells.

The mechanism of lead toxicity at the cellular level remains unknown, although an effect of lead on intracellular Ca2+ has been described. Since bone is a major target for lead, we have investigated the effect of lead on bioenergetic rates and on the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration in cultured osteoblastic bone cells. Using 31P NMR and the saturation transfer technique we have detected a sizable (18%) transfer of saturation from gamma ATP to Pi in a perfused osteoblastic osteosarcoma bone cell line, Ros 17/2.8, and have found a large (greater than 82%) reduction in the Pi----ATP rate upon treatment with 10 microM Pb2+. The NMR-measured unidirectional rate was much greater than the net rate of ATP synthesis through glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. By using iodoacetate we investigated the mechanism of the saturation transfer and found that it is catalyzed by the glycolytic enzyme couple glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate kinase. The net rate of glycolysis as measured by lactate production and that of oxidative phosphorylation as measured by O2 consumption were found to be significantly decreased by 18 and 74%, respectively, with lead treatment. In addition, from the chemical shifts of intracellular ATP resonances, we found a significant reduction of 21% in the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration upon Pb2+ treatment. The observed lead-induced reduction in ATP synthesis/utilization and the decrease in intracellular free Mg2+ may contribute to the impairment of bone formation during lead intoxication.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Effect of lead on parathyroid hormone-induced responses in rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8) using 19F-NMR.

Using 19F-NMR and the intracellular divalent cation indicator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, we have recently demonstrated that Pb2+ treatment elevates the intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8) (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1989) 86, 5133-5135). In this study, we have examined the effects of Pb2+ on the basal and parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated levels of [Ca2+]i and cAMP in cultured ROS 17/2.8 cells. PTH treatment (400 ng/ml) stimulated a 150% elevation in [Ca2+]i from a control level of 105 +/- 25 nM to a concentration of 260 +/- 24 nM. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with Pb2+ (5 microM) alone produced a 50% elevation in the [Ca2+]i to 155 +/- 23 nM. Pb2+ treatment diminished subsequent elevation in [Ca2+]i in response to PTH administration thereby limiting the peak increase in [Ca2+]i to only 25% or 193 +/- 22 nM. In contrast to the dampening effect of Pb2+ on the peak rise in [Ca2+]i produced by PTH, Pb2+ (1 to 25 microM) had no effect on PTH-induced increments in intracellular cAMP levels. Hence, Pb2+ dissociated the PTH stimulation of adenylate cyclase from PTH effects on [Ca2+]i and shifted the regulation of [Ca2+]i beyond the control of PTH modulation. These observations further extend the hypothesis that an early toxic effect of Pb2+ at the cellular level is perturbation of [Ca2+]i homeostasis.

Animals

Cellular lead toxicity and metabolism in primary and clonal osteoblastic bone cells.

A knowledge of bone lead metabolism is critical for understanding the toxicological importance of bone lead, as a toxicant both to bone cells and to soft tissues of the body, as lead is mobilized from large reservoirs in hard tissues. To further understand the processes that mediate metabolism of lead in bone, it is necessary to determine lead metabolism at the cellular level. Experiments were conducted to determine the intracellular steady-state 210Pb kinetics in cultures of primary and clonal osteoblastic bone cells. Osteoblastic bone cells obtained by sequential collagenase digestion of mouse calvaria or rat osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) cells were labeled with 210Pb as 5 microM lead acetate for 20 hr, and kinetic parameters were determined by measuring the efflux of 210Pb from the cells over a 210-min period. The intracellular metabolism of 210Pb was characterized by three kinetic pools of 210Pb in both cell types. Although the values of these parameters differed between the primary osteoblastic cells and ROS cells, the profile of 210Pb was remarkably similar in both cell types. Both types exhibited one large, slowly exchanging pool (S3), indicative of mitochondrial lead. These data show that primary osteoblastic bone cells and ROS cells exhibit similar steady-state lead kinetics, and intracellular lead distribution. These data also establish a working model of lead kinetics in osteoblastic bone cells and now permit an integrated view of lead kinetics in bone.

Animals

Lead impairs the production of osteocalcin by rat osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) cells.

The serum level of osteocalcin, a bone-specific protein produced by osteoblasts and an index of bone formation, is decreased in lead-intoxicated children. To elucidate the effect of lead on the hormonal regulation of osteocalcin production, ROS 17/2.8 cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, or 25 microM lead acetate for 24 hr, followed by an additional 24-hr lead treatment with or without 100 pg 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3/ml medium. At the end of this period a radioimmunoassay was conducted to determine the amount of osteocalcin present in the cells and secreted into the medium. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased osteocalcin secretion in control cultures, but this increase was prevented by lead in a concentration-dependent manner. Osteocalcin secretion by cultures treated with 10 or 25 microM lead was even lower than in cultures not stimulated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Intracellular levels of osteocalcin were slightly elevated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and there was no lead effect on cellular levels. These data indicate that lead attenuates basal and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated production of osteocalcin in ROS 17/2.8 cells. Because osteocalcin appears to play a central role in bone mineralization, altered osteocalcin production may be a key event in the skeletal toxicity of lead.

Animals

Effect of dietary calcium and lead status on intestinal calcium absorption.

Dietary lead intake was demonstrated to result in two very different effects on intestinal calcium absorption and associated parameters, depending on dietary calcium status. Normal growing 14-day-old chicks were fed diets either low (0.05%) or adequate (1.2%) in calcium and containing varying levels of lead (0%-0.8%) for an additional 10 days. In chicks fed the low calcium diet, ingested lead inhibited intestinal 47Ca absorption, and intestinal calbindin D and alkaline phosphatase synthesis in a dose-dependent fashion. Even at the highest levels of lead, however, this inhibition was limited to the stimulation of these parameters by low dietary calcium. In chicks fed the normal calcium diet, lead exposure did not diminish intestinal 47Ca absorption, or calbindin D or alkaline phosphatase synthesis, but actually elevated the values of these parameters at the higher lead exposure levels. The results indicate that the primary effect of lead, in both cases, occurs at or prior to intestinal protein synthesis and most likely involves the cholecalciferol endocrine system rather than any direct interactions between lead and calcium at the intestinal level.

Alkaline Phosphatase