Antagonistic effects of Spirulina platensis against sub-acute deltamethrin toxicity in mice: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Arthrospira Platensis - Potential in Dermatology and Beyond

The search for natural products with benefits for health in general and of potential for treating human disease has gained wider interest world-wide. Here, we analyse current data on the microalga Arthrospira platensis (AP), that has been used in nutrition since ancient times in Fare East and African communities, for medical purposes with a focus on dermatology. Extracts of AP have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. The alga is rich in proteins, lipopolysaccharides and gamma-linolenic acid. AP extracts, phycocyanin compounds and polysaccharide calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) have been evaluated in various models. It could be demonstrated, that AP has significant antioxidant activity, prevents viruses from entry into target cells and inhibits the colonisation of wounds by multi-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, anti-cancer activity was documented in models of oral cancer, melanoma, and UV-induced non-melanoma skin cancer.

Effect of Spirulina platensis ingestion on the abnormal biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in the pancreas and liver of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

CONTEXT

Previous studies have shown that Spirulina platensis Gomont (Phormidiaceae) (SP) extract has beneficial effects on many disease conditions. The putative protective effects of SP were investigated in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigates the antioxidant effects of SP in diabetic Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administrated to induce diabetes. An aqueous suspension of SP powder in distillate water (10% w/v) was administrated orally by gavage (1 mL/day) for 50 days. Histopathological, biochemical and antioxidant analyses were performed. Glycemia, liver function and HOMA-IR were assessed using Spinreact and ELISA kits.

RESULTS

SP exhibited high-antioxidant activity. The IC₅₀ values of the SP aqueous extract were 70.40 and 45.69 mg/L compared to those of the standard antioxidant BHT, which were 27.97 and 19.77 mg/L, for the DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. The diabetic animals showed a significant increase in glycaemia (from 4.05 to 4.28 g/L) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (50.17 mmol/g protein) levels. Treatment with SP significantly reduced glycaemia by 79% and liver function markers [glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase (Alk-p)]) by 25, 36 and 20%, respectively, compared to that of the controls. There was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (48%), total antioxidant status (43%), glutathione peroxidase (37%) and glutathione reductase (16%) in the diabetic rats treated with SP.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results showed that SP has high antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective effects in diabetes.

Short-term and long-term efficacy of classical ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Classical ketogenic diet (KD) and modified Atkins diet (MAD) are two types of KD commonly used for the treatment of intractable epilepsy throughout the world. Studies have shown the efficacy of these diets. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis study has to date compared the efficacy of KD and MAD in a time trend. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to compare the short-term and long-term efficacy of classical KD and MAD in children and adolescents with epilepsy and to determine the efficacy of classical KD and MAD at multiple time points and in a time trend.

METHODS

Main electronic literature databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE, were searched in November 2016. Rate difference and random effects model were used to compare the efficacy of the classical KD and MAD.

RESULTS

Overall, 70 studies were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed a non-significant trend toward a higher efficacy of MAD at month-3 and month-6 (P > 0.05). In the classical KD group, the percentage of responder patients achieving ≥50% seizure reduction was 62, 60, 52, 42, and 46% at month-1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 and for the MAD group was 55, 47, 42, and 29% at month-1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Classical KD does not differ substantially from MAD in ≥50% and ≥90% reduction of seizure frequency at month-3 and month-6. Overall, the number of patients achieving seizure freedom increases over time.

Hepatoprotective efficacy of Spirulina platensis against lead-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in catfish; Clarias gariepinus

Lead (Pb) is a toxic environmental pollutant that induces a broad range of biochemical and physiological hazards in living organisms. We investigated the possible hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) in counteracting the Pb-induced oxidative damage. Ninety-six adult African catfish were allocated into four equal groups. The 1st group (control) fed basal diet while the 2nd group (Pb-treated) fed on basal diet and exposed to 1mg Pb(NO₃)₂/L. The 3rd and 4th groups fed SP-supplemented basal diets at levels of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively and exposed to Pb. Serum samples were used to analyze hepatic function biomarkers, electrolytes, and oxidant and antioxidant status. Lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation were determined in the liver tissues. Pb exposure induced hepatic dysfunction, electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺², and Cl^-) imbalance, as well a significant decrease in GSH content, and LDH, AChE, SOD, CAT and GST enzymes activity. SP supplementation reverted these biochemical and genetic alterations close to control levels. This amelioration was higher with 0.5% SP and at the 4th week of exposure, showing concentration- and time-dependency. Thus, the current study suggests that SP could protect the catfish liver against lead-induced injury by scavenging ROS, sustaining the antioxidant status and diminishing DNA oxidative damage. The dietary inclusion of SP can be used as a promising protective agent to counteract oxidative stress-mediated diseases and toxicities.

Impairment of mitochondrial integrity and redox status in brain regions during a low-dose long-term exposition of rats to pyrethrinoïds: the preventive effect of quercetin

Pyrethrinoïds are synthetic pesticides widely used in agriculture and farms to protect crops from weeds, insects, fungi, and molds. Increased and uncontrolled use of these pollutants can have harmful effects on human health via consumption of contaminated food products. In the present study, deltamethrin (DLT = 3.72 mg/kg) and Bifenthrin (BF = 2.6 mg/kg) were used during a long-term exposition in the rats to assess their effect on mitochondrial integrity and function in different brain areas (hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum). The results of this study have shown that chronic treatment of rats by both DLT and BF, on their own or in a mixture, has induced a significant increase in mitochondrial MDA, but when quercetin (Que) was co-administered with pesticides, this enhancement has been prevented in the almost of treated rats compared to solvent and control groups. In hippocampus area, GSH has significantly increased in all treated rats, except for BF and DLT-Que.-treated groups. In striatum, GSH has been depleted in the BF and DLT-treated groups compared to control and solvent groups; in contrast, when Que. was associated with pesticides, the rate of this tripeptide has been maintained at normal levels. In the cortex and cerebellum, GSH has been depleted significantly in all treated animals but has increased in DLT-Que. and mixture-Que.-treated groups in the cerebral cortex, at the same time; it has been maintained at normal levels in BF-Que.-treated groups in the cerebellum compared to control and solvent rats. On the other side, the results of this study have shown a loss of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in all brain regions of pesticide-treated rats, but such a fall in enzymatic activities has been prevented by Que. when it was co-administered to rats with pesticides at the dose of 5 mg/kg, except in the cerebellum. In addition, this study has shown mitochondria's swelling in almost all the brain areas with exception of the cerebellum, providing information about a loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity in brain neurons of rats exposed to pyrethrinoïds. Furthermore, preventive administration of Que., in association with pesticides (5 mg/kg) or their mixture (10 mg/kg), has prevented mitochondria swelling in almost all of the analyzed brain tissues.

Effects of Deltamethrin on striatum and hippocampus mitochondrial integrity and the protective role of Quercetin in rats

The present work is to evaluate the neurotoxicity induced by pyrethroid insecticide "Deltamethrin" at 0.32 mg/kg/day in two main regions of the Wistar rat brain (hippocampus and striatum) and the protective effects of Quercetin at 10 mg/kg/day on this toxicity after 90 days of exposure. The assay of brain parameters showed that Deltamethrin caused a significant increase of mitochondrial metabolite level (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and enzyme activity (glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase); a decreased amount of mitochondrial glutathione level and catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities; and an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) acid levels of the two regions. Furthermore, mitochondrial functional testing in the brains of treated rats exhibited a significant increase in permeability followed by a mitochondrial swelling. Instead, a statistically significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration (O₂ consumption) was recorded in the striatum and hippocampus. Our study showed that the pesticide caused a significant increase of the cytochrome c amount correlated with activation of neuronal apoptosis mechanisms by the significant increase of caspase-3 of hippocampus and striatum. In particular, the results of behavioral tests (open field, classic maze tests of sucrose, and Morris water maze) have significant changes, namely bad behavior of the treated rats, affecting the level of anxiety, learning, and memory, and general motor activity has mainly been shown in treated rats. In addition, the histological cuts clearly confirm cerebral necrosis in the hippocampus and the striatum caused by the pesticide. They allow us to consider the necrotic areas, black spots, reduction, and denaturation of these brain regions in the treated rats. On the other hand, we have studied the protective effects against the neurotoxicity of Deltamethrin (DLM). In this context, after the gavage of Quercetin at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day, we have noticed an improvement in the entire parameters: mitochondrial enzyme, metabolic, histological, and behavioral parameters. This confirmed the improvement of preventive and curative effect of Quercetin against free radicals induced by the DLM.

Bromuconazole-induced hepatotoxicity is accompanied by upregulation of PXR/CYP3A1 and downregulation of CAR/CYP2B1 gene expression

Despite widespread use of bromuconazole as a pesticide for food crops and fruits, limited studies have been done to evaluate its toxic effects. Here, we evaluated the hepatotoxic effect of bromuconazole using classical toxicological (biochemical analysis and histopathological examination) and gene-based molecular methods. Male rats were treated either orally or topically with bromuconazole at doses equal to no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and 1/10 LD50 for 90 d. Bromuconazole increased activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and ACP), and levels of bilirubin. It also induced hepatic oxidative stress as evidenced by significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significant increase in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. In addition, bromuconazole caused an increase in liver weights and necrobiotic changes (vacuolation and hepatocellular hypertrophy). It also strongly induced the expression of PXR and its downstream target CYP3A1 gene as well as the activity of CYP3A1. However, it inhibited the expression of CAR and its downstream target CYP2B1 gene without significant changing in CYP2B1 activity. Overall, the oral route showed higher hepatotoxic effect and molecular changes than the dermal route and all changes were dose dependent. This is the first investigation to report that bromuconazole-induced liver oxidative damage is accompanied by upregulation of PXR/CYP3A1 and downregulation of CAR/CYP2B1.

Degradation Processes of Pesticides Used in Potato Cultivations

Potato is one of the most important crops, after maize, rice and wheat. Its global production is about 300 million tons per year and is constantly increasing. It grows in temperate climate and is used as a source of starch, food, and in breeding industry.Potato cultivation requires application of numerous agro-technical products, including pesticides, since it can be affected by insects, weeds, fungi, and viruses. In the European Union the most frequently used pesticides in potato cultivations check are: thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin (insecticides), rimsulfuron (herbicide) and metalaxyl (fungicide).Application of pesticides improves crop efficiency, however, as pesticides are not totally selective, it affects also non-target organisms. Moreover, the agrochemicals may accumulate in crops and, as a consequence, negatively influence the quality of food products and consumer health. Additional risks of plant protection products are related to their derivatives, that are created both in the environment (soil, water) and in plant organisms, since many of these compounds may exhibit toxic effects.This article is devoted to the degradation processes of pesticides used in potato crop protection. Attention is also paid to the toxicity of both parent compounds and their degradation products for living organisms, including humans. Information about the level of pesticide contamination in the environment (water, soil) and accumulation level in edible plants complement the current knowledge about the risks associated with widespread use of thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, rimsulfuron and metalaxyl in potato cultivation.

Acute toxication of deltamethrin results in activation of iNOS, 8-OHdG and up-regulation of caspase 3, iNOS gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Deltamethrin is a widely used synthetic pyrethroid pesticide that protects agricultural yields, including crops, fruits, and vegetables from insect-pests. It is known that deltamethrin toxication leads to metabolic disorders and has detrimental effects on the brain and liver in different organisms. However, the harmful effects of deltamethrin toxication on aquatic animals remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of deltamethrin toxication by performing a histopathological examination, an immunofluorescence assay, and a qRT-PCR on common carp. We observed that a low-dose (0.04μM) and a high-dose (0.08μM) of deltamethrin exposure caused lamellar cells hyperplasia and inflammatory cells infiltration in the gills, hyperemia, diffuse hydropic degenerations and focal necrosis in the hepatocytes, necrotic changes in the neurons, and also induced activation of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the gills, liver, and brain depending on the exposure time (24h, 48h, 72h and 96h). In addition, deltamethrin toxication caused the up-regulation of caspase-3 and the inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) of the gene expression depending on the dose (0.04μM and 0.08μM) and the exposure time in the brain (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). Our results indicated that long-term deltamethrin exposure could lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis on the different organs in common carp. Thus, deltamethrin toxication is dangerous for common carp populations, and the usage of deltamethrin should be controlled and restricted in agricultural areas.

Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles using three marine plant species: anti-algal efficiencies against "Oscillatoria simplicissima"

This study aims at controlling of the cyanobacteria Oscillatoria simplicissima, those that produce neurotoxins and have negative impacts on the aquatic organisms, using biosynthesized metal nanoparticles (NPs). Silver-NPs (Ag-NPs) have been successfully biosynthesized using Nannochloropsis oculata and Tetraselmis tetrathele cultures. Also, Ag-NPs and iron oxide-NPs (Fe₃O₄-NPs) were synthesized by Halophila stipulacea aqueous extract. The structural composition of the different biosynthesized NPs was studied. The algae cultures and the extract were used as reductants of AgNO₃, and brown colors due to Ag-NP biosynthesis were observed. Silver signals were recorded in their corresponding EDX spectra. FTIR analyses showed that proteins in N. oculata and T. tetrathele cultures reduced AgNO₃, and aromatic compounds stabilized the biogenic Ag-NPs. H. stipulacea extract contains proteins and polyphenols that could be in charge for the reduction of silver and iron ions into nanoparticles and polysaccharides which stabilized the biosynthesized Ag-NPs and Fe₃O₄-NPs. The Ag-NPs biosynthesized by T. tetrathele cultures and H. stipulacea aqueous extract exerted outstanding negative impacts on O. simplicissima (optical density and total chlorophyll) and the Ag-NPs biosynthesized using N. oculata culture exerted the moderate performance. The study results suggest that the bioactive compounds present in the FTIR profiles of the Ag-NPs and or ionic silver may be the main contributors in their anti-algal effects. A trial to use the biosynthesized Fe₃O₄-NPs using H. stipulacea aqueous extract to separate Ag-NPs was successfully carried out. Since the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials is a hot subject of research, the study outcomes not only provide a green approach for the synthesis of metal-NPs but also open the way for more nanoparticle applications.

Cis-bifenthrin causes immunotoxicity in murine macrophages

Synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) are commonly used insecticides that have been detected in mammals, including humans, indicating a potential threat to human health. Bifenthrin (BF), as well as other pyrethroids, has been shown to possess neurotoxic, reproductive, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential in mammals. However, studies regarding the immunotoxicity of BF and its mechanism are limited. In this study, we aim to exam the immunotoxicity of cis-BF on the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. MTT assay results demonstrated that cis-BF exposure induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We found that the expression of p53 and caspase-3 was up-regulated, while the expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated during cis-BF-induced apoptosis. In addition, we also found that cis-BF exposure caused oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, cis-BF exposure was found to inhibit the increase in transcription levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α responding to LPS stimulation. We also found that the induced increase in IFN-β mRNA levels upon Sendai virus infection was blocked with cis-BF exposure. Finally, we found that cis-BF exposure increased ROS levels and dysregulated mRNA levels of oxidative stress-related genes in RAW 264.7 cells. The present study elucidates the immunotoxicity effect of cis-BF on macrophages and its possible underlying mechanism. The results from this study support the necessity to evaluate immune dysfunction in the risk assessment of cis-BF exposure.

Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina

The highly nutritional and ecofriendly Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive properties. Spirulina contains functional compounds, such as phenolics, phycocyanins, and polysaccharides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects. Studies conducted on Spirulina suggest that it is safe in healthy subjects, but attitude to eating probably affects the acceptability of Spirulina containing foods. Although the antioxidant effect of Spirulina is confirmed by the intervention studies, the concerted modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory responses, suggested by in vitro and animal studies, requires more confirmation in humans. Spirulina supplements seem to affect more effectively the innate immunity, promoting the activity of natural killer cells. The effects on cytokines and on lymphocytes' proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences. In this context, ageing and obesity are both associated with chronic low grade inflammation, immune impairment, and intestinal dysbiosis. Microbial-modulating activities have been reported in vitro, suggesting that the association of Spirulina and probiotics could represent a new strategy to improve the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota. Although Spirulina might represent a functional food with potential beneficial effects on human health, the human interventions used only supplements. Therefore, the effect of food containing Spirulina should be evaluated in the future.

Role of Spirulina in mitigating hemato-toxicity in Swiss albino mice exposed to aluminum and aluminum fluoride

Aluminum is ingested through foods, water, air, and even drugs. Its intake is potentiated further through foods and tea prepared in aluminum utensils and Al salt added in the drinking water for removal of suspended impurities and also fluoride in the affected areas. The ameliorating role of a blue green alga Spirulina is well documented to various pollutants in the animal models. We, therefore, examined its protective role (230 mg/kg body weight) on the hematology of male Swiss albino mice treated with aluminum (sub-acute = 78.4 mg/kg body weight for 7 days, sub-chronic = 7.8 mg/kg body weight for 90 days) and aluminum fluoride (sub-acute = 103 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic = 21 mg/kg body weight), along with their recovery after 90 days of sub-chronic exposure. This study revealed significant reduction in the values of RBC (5-18 %), Hb (15-17 %), PCV (8-14 %), and platelets (26-36 %), and increase in WBC (54-124 %) in the treated mice, particularly after sub-acute exposure. Aluminum fluoride was comparatively more toxic than aluminum. Further, Spirulina supplement not only alleviated toxicity of test chemicals in Swiss albino mice but also led to their better recovery after withdrawal.

Deltamethrin induced RIPK3-mediated caspase-independent non-apoptotic cell death in rat primary hepatocytes

Deltamethrin (DLM), a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is used all over the world for indoor and field pest management. In the present study, we investigated the elicited pathogenesis of DLM-induced hepatotoxicity in rat primary hepatocytes. DLM-induced cell death was accompanied with increased ROS generation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and G2/M arrest. Pre-treatment with N-acetyl cysteine/butylated hydroxyanisole/IM54 could partly rescue hepatocytes suggesting that ROS might play a role in DLM-induced toxicity. Interestingly, DLM treatment resulted in a caspase-independent but non-apoptotic cell death. Pre-treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor (ZVAD-FMK) could not rescue hepatocytes. Unaltered caspase-3 activity and absence of cleaved caspase-3 also corroborated our findings. Further, LDH release and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that DLM incites membrane disintegrity and necrotic damage. Immunochemical staining revealed an increased expression of inflammatory markers (TNFα, NFκB, iNOS, COX-2) following DLM treatment. Moreover, the enhanced RIPK3 expression in DLM treated groups and prominent rescue from cell death by GSK-872 indicated that DLM exposure could induce programmed necrosis in hepatocytes. The present study demonstrates that DLM could induce hepatotoxicity via non-apoptotic mode of cell death.

Virgin olive oil ameliorates deltamethrin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice: A biochemical and immunohistochemical assessment

Objective

A major class of synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, deltamethrin (DM), can elicit pathophysiological effects through oxidative stress in non-targeted organisms such as mammals. There is accumulating evidence that virgin olive oil (VOO), a rich source of polyphenolic components, have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to determine the protective and ameliorative effects of VOO against DM-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods & materials

Mice were randomly divided into four equal groups: DM group, DM plus VOO group, VOO group, and vehicle group. Five weeks after gavaging, kidney samples were taken for biochemical assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), and for immunohistochemical assessment of caspase-3, cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP).

Results

The MDA level in kidney was increased in the DM group, which was significantly decreased after VOO administration in the DM plus VOO group. The GSH level and CAT activiy in kidney were decreased in the DM group, which were significantly increased after VOO administration in the DM plus VOO group. Greater expression of caspase-3, cox-2, and PARP could be detected in the DM group, which was significantly attenuated in the DM plus VOO group. Also, the histopathological changes which were detected in the DM group attenuated after VOO consumption.

Conclusion

Virgin olive oil exerted protective effects against deltamethrin-induced nephrotoxicity, which might be associated with its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties.

Association between pesticide exposure and risk of kidney cancer: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlation between pesticide exposure and kidney cancer. We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Medline (updated to March 1, 2015) to identify all relevant studies. References of the retrieved articles were also identified. Fixed- or random-effect models were used to summarize the estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval for the association between exposure of pesticide and risk of kidney cancer. The pooled RR estimate indicated that pesticide exposure might have an elevated risk for kidney cancer (RR =1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.19). In a subgroup analysis of high quality articles, we detected that pesticide exposure is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer in a subgroup analysis of case-control studies, (Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale score >6) (RR =1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.51). North America studies, odds ratio studies, and studies with effect estimate adjusted for more than two confounder studies. In conclusion, pesticide exposure may be a risk factor for kidney cancer.