Oxidative stress in the brain of cigarette smoke-induced noxiousness: neuroprotective role of Sesbania grandiflora

The protective effects of medicinal plants against cigarette smoking: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUNDS

Cigarette smoking remains a pervasive and harmful habit, and it poses a significant public health concern globally. Tobacco smoke contains numerous toxicants and carcinogens that contribute to the incidence of various diseases, including respiratory ailments, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in exploring natural remedies to mitigate the harmful effects of cigarette smoke (CS). Medicinal plants, with their rich phytochemical compositions, have emerged as potential sources of protective agents against CS-induced damage.

OBJECTIVES

The current review attempts to comprehensively review and provide a thorough analysis of the protective effects of medicinal plants, including ginseng, Aloe vera, Olea europaea, Zea mays, green tea, etc. against CS-related toxicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted. We conducted a literature search using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We selected articles published in English between 1987 and 2025. The search was performed using keywords including cigarette smoking, cigarette smokers, second-hand smokers, natural compounds, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, phytochemicals, and medicinal plants.

RESULTS

This review critically investigated recent literature focusing on the effects of medicinal plant extracts, essential oils, and isolated compounds on reducing the adverse consequences of CS exposure. These investigations encompassed several in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trials, clarifying the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of these plants. The notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties of these botanical interventions were also highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, this review emphasizes the potential of medicinal plants in alleviating the harmful effects of CS. The rich active constituents present in these plants offer various mechanisms that counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis induced by CS exposure. Further research is warranted to reveal the precise molecular mechanisms, derive dosing recommendations, and explore the efficacy of botanical interventions in large-scale clinical trials, ultimately improving public health outcomes and providing valuable insights for the smoking population worldwide.

Green Synthesising ZnO Nanoparticle Using Sesbania grandiflora and Their Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Anti-advanced Glycation End Products and Cytotoxic Effects

Nanotechnology is an emerging area of science with diverse implementations, including medicine and drug delivery. Often for drug delivery, nanoparticles and nanocarriers were used. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with numerous complications, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs advance neurodegeneration, obesity, renal dysfunction, retinopathy, and many more. Here, we have used zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesised with Sesbania grandiflora (hummingbird tree). ZnO nanoparticles and S. grandiflora are known for their biocompatibility and medicinal property, such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant. So, we analysed the anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-AGEs, and cytotoxic effects of green synthesised and characterised ZnO nanoparticles with S. grandiflora (SGZ) and the leaf extract of S. grandiflora. Characterisation results indicated the synthesis of ZnO Nps at maximum concentration; the anti-oxidant assay showed 87.5% free radicle scavenging with DPPH. Additionally, anti-diabetic (72% α-amylase and 65% of α-glucosidase inhibition) and cell viability also exhibited promising results. In conclusion, SGZ can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates from the diet, elevate glucose uptake, and prevent protein glycation. So, it could be a potential tool for treating diabetes, hyperglycemia, and AGE-related diseases.

Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy

Recent years have seen an increased interest in the role of oxidative stress (OS) in pregnancy. Pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to OS, a condition fueled by a systemic inflammatory response that culminates in an elevated presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the circulatory system. The amplified OS in pregnancy can trigger a series of detrimental outcomes such as underdevelopment, abnormal placental function, and a host of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, embryonic resorption, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and, in extreme instances, fetal death. The body's response to mitigate the uncontrolled increase in RNS/ROS levels requires trace elements that take part in non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense processes, namely, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se). Determination of ROS concentrations poses a challenge due to their short half-lives, prompting the use of marker proteins, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). These markers, indicative of oxidative stress intensity, can offer indirect assessments of pregnancy complications. Given the limitations of conducting experimental studies on pregnant women, animal models serve as valuable substitutes for in-depth research. This review of such models delves into the mechanism of OS in pregnancy and underscores the pivotal role of OS markers in their evaluation.

Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Microgliosis and Astrogliosis in the Cerebellum of Mice Chronically Exposed to Waterpipe Smoke

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is prevalent in Asian and Middle Eastern countries and has recently gained worldwide popularity, especially among youth. WPS has potentially harmful chemicals and is associated with a wide range of adverse effects on different organs. However, little is known regarding the impact of WPS inhalation on the brain and especially on the cerebellum. Presently, we aimed at investigating inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as microgliosis and astrogliosis in the cerebellum of BALB/C mice chronically (6 months) exposed to WPS compared with air-exposed mice (control). WPS inhalation augmented the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in cerebellar homogenates. Likewise, WPS increased oxidative stress markers including 8-isoprostane, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and superoxide dismutase. In addition, compared with the air-exposed group, WPS caused an increase in the oxidative DNA damage marker, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, in cerebellar homogenates. Similarly, in comparison with the air group, WPS inhalation elevated the cerebellar homogenate levels of cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Immunofluorescence analysis of the cerebellum showed that WPS exposure significantly augmented the number of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive microglia and astroglia, respectively. Taken together, our data show that chronic exposure to WPS is associated with cerebellar inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, microgliosis and astrogliosis. These actions were associated with a mechanism involving NF-κB activation.

Prophylactic role of olive fruit extract against cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats

Cigarette smoke exposure increases the production of free radicals leading to initiation of several pathological conditions by triggering the oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade. Olive fruit owing to its unique phytochemical composition possesses antioxidant, immune modulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the current experimental trail was designed to investigate the prophylactic role of green and black olives against the oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure in rats. Purposely, rats were divided into five different groups: NC (negative control; normal diet), PC [positive control; normal diet + smoke exposure (SE)], drug (normal diet + SE + citalopram), GO (normal diet + SE + green olive extract), and BO (normal diet + SE + black olive extract). Rats of all groups were exposed to cigarette smoke except "NC" and were sacrificed for collection of blood and organs after 28 days of experimental trial. The percent reduction in total oxidative stress by citalopram and green and black olive extracts in serum was 29.72, 58.69, and 57.97%, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity increased by 30.78, 53.94, and 43.98%, accordingly in comparison to PC. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 29.63, 42.59, and 45.70% in drug, GO, and BO groups, respectively. Likewise, green and black olive extracts reduced the leakage of hepatic enzymes in sera, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 23.44 and 25.80% and 35.62 and 37.61%, alanine transaminase (ALT) by 42.68 and 24.39% and 51.04 and 35.41%, and aspartate transaminase (AST) by 31.51 and 16.07% and 40.50 and 27.09% from PC and drug group, respectively. Additionally, olive extracts also maintained the antioxidant pool, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in serum. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that olive extracts prevented the cigarette smoke-induced necrosis, pyknotic alterations, and congestion in the lung, hepatic, and renal parenchyma. Besides, gene expression analysis revealed that olive extracts and citalopram decreased the brain and lung damage caused by stress-induced upregulation of NRF-2 and MAPK signaling pathways. Hence, it can be concluded that olives (both green and black) can act as promising antioxidant in alleviating the cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress.

Plants and their Bioactive Compounds as a Possible Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury is an outcome of the physical or mechanical impact of external forces on the brain. Thus, the silent epidemic has complex pathophysiology affecting the brain along with extracranial or systemic complications in more than one organ system, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and endocrine system. which is referred to as Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. It is driven by three interconnected mechanisms such as systemic hyperinflammation, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, and immunosuppression-induced sepsis. These multifaceted pathologies accelerate the risk of mortality in clinical settings by interfering with the functions of distant organs through hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, acute lung injury, neurogenic pulmonary edema, reduced gastrointestinal motility, Cushing ulcers, acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, endocrine dysfunction, and many other impairments. The pharmaceutical treatment approach for this is highly specific in its mode of action and linked to a variety of side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, anaphylaxis, teeth, bone staining, etc. Therefore, alternative natural medicine treatments are widely accepted due to their broad complementary or synergistic effects on the physiological system with minor side effects.

CONCLUSION

This review is a compilation of the possible mechanisms behind the occurrence of multiorgan dysfunction and reported medicinal plants with organoprotective activity that have not been yet explored against traumatic brain injury and thereby, highlighting the marked possibilities of their effectiveness in the management of multiorgan dysfunction. As a result, we attempted to respond to the hypothesis against the usage of medicinal plants to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Cigarette Smoke Exposure Increases Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase, Autophagy, Fibrosis, and Senescence in Kidney Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We attempted to investigate fully the possible effects of CS on kidney cells. We found that the viability of a human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) was decreased after treatment with CS extract (CSE). In particular, the effects of CSE at low concentrations did not change the expression of apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, CSE increased autophagy- and fibrosis-related proteins in HK-2 cells. Senescence-related proteins and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) increased after HK-2 cells were treated with CSE. In addition, both RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis data revealed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway is responsible for the changes in CSE-treated HK-2 cells. CSE increased G6PD expression and its activity. Moreover, the inhibition of G6PD activity increased senescence in HK-2 cells. The inhibition of autophagy reinforced senescence in the CSE-treated cells. In a mouse model of CS exposure, CS caused kidney damage, including tubular injury and glomerulosclerosis. CS increased fibrosis, autophagy, and G6PD expression in kidney tissue sections. In conclusion, CS induced G6PD expression, autophagy, fibrosis, and senescence in kidney cells. G6PD has a protective role in CS-induced nephrotoxicity.

Low-cost apparatus for cigarette smoke exposure in rats

BACKGROUND

The effects of tobacco smoke on the central nervous system are usually studied with isolated nicotine, ignoring other compounds present in cigarette smoke. The few studies that use in vivo whole-body cigarette smoke exposure are usually performed in expensive commercial apparatus.

NEW METHOD

We presented a feasible, safe, and low-cost apparatus for cigarette smoke exposure in rodents.

RESULTS

Rats exposed to cigarette smoke in this apparatus showed cotinine levels similar to human active smokers. Additional results showed that cigarette smoke exposure increased glutamate and aspartic acid levels and decreased leucine, isoleucine, ornithine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S)

Our apparatus is feasible, safe, and costs 67-fold less than a commercial automatized smoking machine. Beyond the low cost, it does not require specialized knowledge for building or maintenance.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that our low-cost apparatus is reliable and reproduces cigarette smoke use in humans.

The effect of electronic cigarettes exposure on learning and memory functions: behavioral and molecular analysis

Objective: Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are battery-powered devices that emit vaporized solutions for the user to inhale. ECIGs are marketed as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes. The current study examined the effects of ECIG aerosol exposure on learning and memory, expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus.Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to ECIG aerosol, by a whole-body exposure system, 1 h/day for 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were tested using the Radial Arm Water Maze (RAWM). Hippocampal BDNF protein level, and oxidative stress biomarkers (GPx, SOD, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG ratio) were also assessed.Results: ECIG aerosol exposure for 4 and 12 weeks impaired both short- and long- term memory and induced reductions in the hippocampus BDNF, SOD and GPx activities, and GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.05). No changes in any examined biomarkers were observed after 1-week exposure to ECIG aerosol (p > 0.05).Conclusions: ECIG aerosol exposure impaired functional memory and elicited changes in brain chemistry that are consistent with reduced function and oxidative stress.

The effect of subchronic cigarette smoke exposure on oxidative stress parameters and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in a rat aorta

BACKGROUND

The compounds in cigarette smoke are believed to cause oxidative stress, leading to endothelial dysfunction. Understanding the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction due to cigarette smoke is useful for the development of early and preventive therapy for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with smoking risk factors.

METHODS

In this experimental study, a posttest-only control group design was used. 20 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a smoking group (exposed to 40 cigarettes per day for 4 weeks) and a control group. After the exposure, the animals were sacrificed and aortas were removed for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), intima-media thickness (IMT), and for histological analysis.

RESULTS

Exposure to cigarette smoke caused a significant decrease in SOD activity (24.28 ± 4.90; P = 0.027) and eNOS levels (50.81 ± 4.18; P = 0.014), but no significant effect on the level of MDA (17.08 ± 5.78; P = 0.551). Histological analysis showed an increase in IMT (13.27 ± 2.40; P = 0.000) and disorganization and vacuolation of smooth muscle cells in tunica media after exposure to cigarette smoke. The regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between the eNOS level and IMT (β = -1.012, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Subchronic exposure to cigarette smoke caused a decrease in SOD activity and eNOS levels, but no significant change in MDA levels. This study also indicated that smoking causes IMT thickening and pathological structural changes in the aorta. Another finding indicated that a decrease in eNOS levels could cause an increase in the IMT of the aorta.

Ameliorative property of Sesbania grandiflora on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In diabetic condition, endogenous glucose synthesis will be elevated due to defect in the action of vital enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, which is the main cause for hyperglycemia. The current study was designed to explore the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy of Sesbania grandiflora flower (SGF) extract by evaluating the concentration of C-peptide, insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), hemoglobin (Hb), glycogen and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities in diabetic rats. The study found to lower the level of glucose, HbA1C and simultaneously ameliorated concentrations of C-peptide, insulin, hemoglobin (Hb), glycogen and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities in SGF treated (250 mg/kg body weight for 45 days) diabetic rats. Moreover, SGF administered diabetic rats showed diminished consumption of food and water at the same time improved body weight. The results obtained from the present study were compared with glibenclamide treated (600 µg/kg body weight) diabetic rats. SGF were supplemented to normal rats to rule out toxic effect of SGF, to explore any significant alteration in the above parameters. Hence, the results depict that SGF modulated the carbohydrate metabolic enzymes activities through ameliorating the secretion of insulin and diminishing the level of glucose concentration in STZ-induced diabetic rats by its bioactive compounds.

Traditional Herbal Medicines Against CNS Disorders from Bangladesh

The majority of the population in Bangladesh uses traditional plant-based medicines to manage various ailments, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This review presents ethnobotanical information and relevant scientific studies on plants used in traditional healthcare for the management of various CNS disorders in Bangladesh. The information on the medicinal plants of Bangladesh effective against CNS disorders published in scientific journals, books, and reports was compiled from different electronic databases using specific key words. The present article provides comprehensive information on a total of 224 medicinal plant species belonging to 81 families used for the treatment of CNS disorders by the various peoples of Bangladesh. In total, we reviewed more than 290 relevant papers. In this study, leaves were found as the most often used plant organ, followed by roots, fruits, whole plants, barks, seeds, stems, rhizomes, and flowers. The Fabaceae family contributes the highest number of used species, followed by Rubiaceae, Lamiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Vitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, and Zingiberaceae. The most frequently used species (in decreasing order) are Asparagus racemosus, Centella asiatica, Stephania japonica, Aegle marmelos, Coccinia grandis, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Bacopa monnieri, Abroma augusta, and Scoparia dulcis. This review may serve as a starting point for a rational search for neuroactive natural products against CNS disorders within the Flora of Bangladesh.

Molecular, histological and behavioral evidences for neuroprotective effects of minocycline against nicotine-induced neurodegeneration and cognition impairment: Possible role of CREB-BDNF signaling pathway

AIM

Neurodegeneration is one of the serious adverse effects of stimulant agents such as nicotine. Minocycline possess established neuroprotective properties. The role of CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in mediating the neuroprotective effects of minocycline against nicotine-induced neurodegeneration in rats was evaluated in current study.

METHODS

Seventy adult male rats were divided randomly into seven groups. Group 1 and 2, received 0.7 ml/rat of normal saline (i.p) and nicotine (10 mg/kg, s.c) respectively. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6, treated concurrently with nicotine (10 mg/kg) and minocycline (10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg, i.p, respectively) for 21 days. Group 7 received minocycline alone (40 mg/kg, i.p) for 21 days. From 17th to 21 st days of experiment, Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate learning and spatial memory in rats treated in different groups. According to the critical role of hippocampus in cognitive behavior, hippocampal neurodegenerative parameters (oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers) and also cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were evaluated in isolated hippocampus in day 22 of experiment and after drug treatment. Also hippocampal cell density and tissue changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULT

Nicotine administration impaired the learning and spatial memory in rats and simultaneous treatment with various doses of minocycline attenuated the nicotine-induced cognition disturbances. In addition, nicotine treatment increased lipid peroxidation and the levels of oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and Bax protein, while decreasing reduced form of glutathione (GSH), Bcl-2 protein, P-CREB and BDNF levels in the hippocampus of experimental animals. Nicotine also reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the hippocampus. Minocycline attenuated nicotine-induced neurodegeneration and elevating CREB (both forms) and BDNF levels. Also minocycline treatment alone increases the cognitive activity and increased CREB (both forms) and BDNF levels and decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptotic biomarkers. Minocycline at high doses cause inhibition of nicotine induced cell density and changes in both area of dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 in hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that minocycline, probably through activation of P-CREB/BDNF signaling pathway, confers neuroprotection against nicotine-induced neurodegeneration in rat hippocampus.

Comparative study on the effects of cigarette smoke exposure, ethanol consumption and association: Behavioral parameters, apoptosis, glial fibrillary acid protein and S100β immunoreactivity in different regions of the rat hippocampus

Exposure to cigarette smoke and ethanol are proposed to trigger neurotoxicity, apoptosis, and to impair neuronal signaling. However, it is little known how the combination of both might trigger astrogliosis and the morphological changes capable of affecting a differential susceptibility of hippocampal regions to these licit drugs. The present study investigated the chronic effects of exposure to cigarette smoke and/or ethanol on behavioral parameters, apoptosis, and alteration in immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and S100β in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) of the rat hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: vehicle (VE, glucose 3% in water, 10 mL/kg), cigarette smoke (TOB, total 12 cigarettes per day), ethanol (ethanol, 2 g/kg), and cigarette smoke plus ethanol (TOB plus ethanol, total 12 cigarettes per day plus ethanol 2 g/kg) for 54 days. The groups were submitted to tail-flick, open-field, and inhibitory avoidance tasks. The results showed that ethanol per se worsened the short-term memory. The association between TOB and ethanol increased the immunoreactivity of cleaved caspase-3 in the CA3 and DG regions. The TOB plus ethanol group showed a lower immunoreactivity to GFAP in all regions of the hippocampus. In addition, ethanol and TOB per se also reduced the immunoreactivity for GFAP in the DG. Ethanol increased S100β immunoreactivity only in the DG. In conclusion, this study showed that only ethanol worsened short-term memory, and the DG became more susceptible to changes in the markers investigated. This evidence suggests that DG is more sensitive to neurotoxicity induced by cigarette smoke and ethanol.

Early evidence of stress in immortalized neurons exposed to diesel particles: the role of lipid reshaping behind oxidative stress and inflammation

Diesel combustion is the major source of fine particle road emission, whose solid fraction is represented by diesel exhaust particles (DEP). Many studies indicate the contribution of DEP to the onset of different neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), identifying oxidative stress and neuroinflammation as two cardinal processes of brain damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of DEP (10 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml) on the mouse HT22 cells treated for 3 h or 24 h. Our results demonstrated that DEP contributed to an increased oxidative stress, defined by overexpression of HO-1, Hsp70 and Cyp1b1 protein levels. Moreover, an inflammatory-related processes were also observed, as COX-2 and iNOS levels were higher in treated cells when compared to the control. Furthermore, our investigations highlighted the alteration of fatty acid composition, total cholesterol content in cells and media, and of membrane fluidity, suggesting a lipid reshaping after DEP treatment. Finally, we detected APP and BACE1 increase after 24 h of treatment with 50 μg/ml of DEP. Indeed, our results propose a role of acute exposure in the onset of a deleterious mechanism for AD neurodegeneration, even though no differences were observed in p-APP ^Thr668 levels, BACE1 activity and APP C-terminal fragment beta amount.

The effect of tobacco smoke exposure on the generation of reactive oxygen species and cellular membrane damage using co-culture model of blood brain barrier with astrocytes

Brain tissue is known to be vulnerable to the exposure by tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke can induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing inflammatory activity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of tobacco smoke on cell cytotoxicity, generation of ROS, and cellular membrane damage in astrocytes and BBB using a co-culture system. Cell viability of U373MG cells was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 96.7% to 40.3% by tobacco smoke condensate (TSC). Cell viability of U373MG co-cultured with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was 104.9% at the IC50 value of TSC. Trans-epithelial electric resistance values drastically decreased 80% following 12-h incubation. The value was maintained until 48 h and then increased at 72-h incubation (85%). It then decreased to 75% at 120 h. Generation of ROS increased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 102.7% to 107.9%, when various concentrations of TSC (4-16 mg/mL) were administered to the U373MG monoculture. When TSC was added into U373MG co-cultured with HBMECs, production of ROS ranged from 101.7% to 102.6%, slightly increasing over 12 h. Maximum exposure-generated ROS of 104.8% was reached at 24 h. Cell cytotoxicity and oxidative stress levels in the U373MG co-culture model system with HBMECs were lower than U373MG monoculture. HBMECs effectively acted as a barrier to protect the astrocytes (U373MG) from toxicity of TSC.

Evaluation of globins expression in brain, heart, and lung in rats exposed to side stream cigarette smoke

The side stream cigarette smoke (SSCS) is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoking-induced toxicity. Hemoglobin (Hb), myoglobin (Mb), neuroglobin (Ngb), and cytoglobin (Cygb) are globins with different distributions and functions in the tissues and have similar actions by providing O₂ (oxygen) for respiratory chain, detoxification of ROS and nitric oxide (NO), and protect tissues against irreversible lesions. We aimed to investigate the effects of SSCS exposure on gene and protein expression of Ngb, Cygb, and Mb in different tissue. The Ngb and Cygb gene and protein expression in the cerebral cortex increased after 1 week of rat exposure to SSCS. In hippocampus, the Ngb gene and protein expression increased after 1 week or more of exposure and no change was observed in Cygb gene and protein expression. In myocardium, Mb and Cygb gene expression increased at 1 and 4 weeks of exposure, while protein expression of both increased at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. In lung, observed an increase in Cygb gene and protein expression after 2, 3, and 4 weeks of exposure. The findings suggest that SSCS modulates Ngb, Cygb, and Mb in central and peripheral tissue © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1252-1261, 2017.

Effects of pentachlorophenol on the detoxification system in white-rumped munia (Lonchura striata)

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a priority pollutant due to its persistence and high toxicity, has been used worldwide as a pesticide and biocide. To understand the adverse effects of PCP, adult male white-rumped munias (Lonchura striata) were orally administrated commercial PCP mixed with corn oil at dosages of 0, 0.05, 0.5, and 5mg/(kg·day) for 42day. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found that PCP was preferentially accumulated in the kidney rather than in the liver and muscle in all exposure groups. To examine the function of CYP1A in pollutant metabolism, we isolated two full-length cDNA fragments (designated as CYP1A4 and CYP1A5) from L. striata liver using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. PCP induced the expression of CYP1A5, although no obvious change was observed in CYP1A4 expression. Furthermore, PCP significantly elevated the activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase and decreased the activity of benzyloxy-trifluoromethyl-coumarin, with no significant responses observed in benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase. PCP induced significant changes in antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities and malondialdehyde content, but decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione S-transferase activities and GSH content in the liver of L. striata. The present study demonstrated that PCP had hepatic toxic effects by affecting CYP1As and anti-oxidative status.

Melatonin attenuates intermittent hypoxia-induced lipid peroxidation and local inflammation in rat adrenal medulla

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induces lipid peroxidation and leads to cardiovascular dysfunction, in which impaired activities of the adrenal medulla are involved. This may be caused by CIH-induced injury in the adrenal medulla, for which the mechanism is currently undefined. We tested the hypothesis that melatonin ameliorates the CIH-induced lipid peroxidation, local inflammation and cellular injury in rat adrenal medulla. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to air (normoxic control) or hypoxia mimicking a severe recurrent sleep apnoeic condition for 14 days. The injection of melatonin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given before the daily hypoxic treatment. We found that levels of malondialdehyde and nitrotyrosine were significantly increased in the vehicle-treated hypoxic group, when compared with the normoxic control or hypoxic group treated with melatonin. Also, the protein levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1 and SOD-2) were significantly lowered in the hypoxic group treated with vehicle but not in the melatonin group. In addition, the level of macrophage infiltration and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) and mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) were elevated in the vehicle-treated hypoxic group, but were significantly ameliorated by the melatonin treatment. Moreover, the amount of apoptotic cells in the hypoxic groups was significantly less in the melatonin-treated group. In conclusion, CIH-induced lipid peroxidation causes local inflammation and cellular injury in the adrenal medulla. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of melatonin are indicative of a protective agent against adrenal damage in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.