Assessment of disorders of metabolic process on the base of quantification of target proteins under aerogenic influence of aluminum oxide in children
Authors: Zaitseva Nina V. , Zemlyanova Marina A. , Peskova Ekaterina V. , Bulatova Natalia I. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The study of the mechanisms of the occurrence of adverse events at the molecular level, followed by the study of biological processes at the cellular, tissue, and organ level, allows further investigating the mechanism of the toxic action of chemicals to predict the development of adverse effects in humans.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate disturbances in the signal-transporter pathways of metabolic processes on the base of the quantification of identified target proteins under aerogenic exposure to aluminum oxide in children.
Materials and methods. Using the methods of chemical-analytical, statistical, proteomic, biochemical, histological research, and bioinformation analysis, the adverse effects were assessed in 4–7 years children and Wistar rats exposed to aerogenic and inhalation exposure to aluminum oxide (Al2O3). A comparative analysis of the results obtained in the experiment and natural conditions was carried out.
Results. In children under conditions of long-term aerogenic exposure to Al2O3 at the level of 0.1–1.0 RfC, the urine concentration of the studied substance was found to be up to 2 times higher than the average comparison value and the reference value. In the experiment with chronic inhalation of Al2O3 at a dose equivalent to the real one, the aluminum urine content in rats was 3.5 times higher than the control value. Comparative analysis of proteomic maps in children revealed 23 significantly different protein spots, 8 of which had a relationship between intensity changes and an increase in Al urine concentration.
In rats, 15 significantly different protein spots were found between the groups, 13 of which had a reliable relationship with the exposure marker. In natural and experimental studies, only two identical proteins were found: apolipoprotein A-I and transthyretin; increased levels of ALAT, ASAT and alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, gamma-aminobutyric and glutamic acids, lipid hydroperoxide in the blood serum; increased MDA and decreased AOA in the blood plasma. Pathomorphological changes in the tissues of the brain, heart, and liver were confirmed in the experiment.
Limitations. The research conducted allows drawing a conclusion about the effect of Al2O3 on the body only through the aerogenic route of entry.
Conclusion. Based on the bioinformational analysis of the results obtained and assessment of the cause-and-effect relationships of the transformation of the proteomic profile of blood plasma under natural conditions, verified in the experiment, the leading molecular-cellular events in the development of adverse effects in the form of oxidation, imbalance of lipoprotein and neurotransmitter metabolism, and decreased neurogenesis activity were identified. Metabolic disorders are predicted in the tissues of the heart, blood vessels, liver, and brain under continued conditions of aerogenic exposure to Al2O3. The study of the cascade of events of adverse responses (from the molecular to the organ level) expands knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms of metabolic processes of dysregulation of signal-transporter pathways in the human body in response to the influence of a chemical factor, including Al2O3. This increases the effectiveness of early prediction of the occurrence of the disease and the development of targeted measures to prevent adverse consequences.