個人簡歷

Education/Training:

• 2008-2012: Ph.D., New York University, Environmental Medicine
• 2004-2006: M.S., National Taiwan University, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• 2001-2004: B.S., National Taiwan University, Pharmacy

Professional and Research Experience:

• 2024-present: Professor, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Department of Pharmacology
• 2020-2024: Associate Professor, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Department of Pharmacology
• 2014-2020: Assistant Professor, National Yang-Ming University, Department of Pharmacology
• 2012-2014: Post-Doctor, New York University Langone Medical Center

Awards and Honors:

• 2019: Award for Junior Research Investigator, Dr. Tsung Ming Tu Foundation
• 2018: Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, American Board of Toxicology

Selected Publications:

• Li S-Y, Tsai M-T, Kuo Y-M, Yang H-M, Tong Z-J, Cheng H-W, Lin C-C*, Wang H-T*. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 preserves kidney function by countering acrolein-induced metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. JCI Insight. 2024 Oct 8;9(19):e179871. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.179871 (*Co-corresponding author).
• Jhuo JY, Tong ZJ, PH Ku, Cheng HW, Wang HT*. Acrolein induces mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissues in vitro and in vivo. Environ Pollut. 2023 Nov 1;336:122380. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122380. (*Corresponding author).
• Tsai HC, Tong ZJ, Hwang TL, Wei KC, Chen PY, Huang CY, Chen KT, Lin YJ, Cheng HW, Wang HT*. Acrolein produced by glioma cells under hypoxia inhibits neutrophil AKT activity and suppresses anti-tumoral activities. Free Radic Biol Med. 2023 Oct;207:17-28. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.06.027. (*Corresponding author).
• Tong ZJ, Kuo CW, Yen PC, Lin CC, Tsai MT, Lu SH, Chang YP, Liu WS, Tsou HH, Cheng HW, Wang HT*. Acrolein plays a culprit role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Endocrinol. 2022 Sep 22;187(4):579-592. doi: 10.1530/EJE-22-0493. (*Corresponding author).
• Hong JH, Tong ZJ, Wei TN, Lu YC, Huang CY, Huang CY, Chiang CH, Jaw FS, Cheng HW, Wang HT*. Cigarette smoke containing acrolein contributes to cisplatin resistance in human bladder cancers through the regulation of HER2 pathway or FGFR3 pathway. Mol Cancer Ther. 2022 Mar 21, doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-21-0725. (*Corresponding author).

Abstract

Chinese Title:

家庭危害：丙烯醛的致癌性和腎毒性

English Title:

Household hazard: carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity of acrolein

Abstract

Acrolein, an α, β-unsaturated aldehyde, is prevalent in cigarette smoke, cooking emissions, and automobile exhaust, presenting substantial health risks. Inhalation or exposure to acrolein can result in respiratory irritation, lung damage, and cardiovascular complications, especially among vulnerable populations, such as individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Endogenously, acrolein can be generated through lipid or polyamine oxidation, accumulating in tissues experiencing significant oxidative stress, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Once in tissues, acrolein depletes glutathione, induces lipid peroxidation, disrupts mitochondrial function, and perpetuates a damaging cycle that intensifies oxidative stress and cellular injury. Beyond its role in oxidative stress, acrolein contributes to tissue damage through several mechanisms, including forming protein and DNA adducts via its reactive carbonyl group. Acrolein-protein conjugates (Acr-PCs) disrupt cellular functions and cause endoplasmic reticulum stress, while acrolein-DNA adducts (Acr-dG) result in G-to-T or G-to-A mutations. Emerging evidence implicates acrolein in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a prevalent form of CKD. Furthermore, acrolein has been identified as an endogenous uremic toxin that contributes to urothelial carcinoma in CKD patients and has been linked to cisplatin resistance in bladder cancers. These insights highlight the potential of acrolein as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in treating DKD and cancer. Comprehensive risk assessment of acrolein involves evaluating environmental concentrations, exposure pathways, and its toxicological effects on human health. While regulatory agencies have established exposure limits to reduce harm, ongoing monitoring is critical, particularly in high-risk areas such as industrial and urban settings.