Antioxidant capacity of omega-3-fatty acids and vitamin E against imidacloprid-induced hepatotoxicity in Japanese quails

Role of nutraceutical against exposure to pesticide residues: power of bioactive compounds

Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops from pests and diseases. However, their indiscriminate use has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Pesticide residues in food and water supplies are a serious health hazards to the general public since long-term exposure can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurotoxicity, among other health problems. In response to these concerns, researchers and health professionals have been exploring alternative approaches to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues. Bioactive substances called nutraceuticals that come from whole foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices have drawn interest because of their ability to mitigate the negative effects of pesticide residues. These substances, which include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, have a variety of biological actions that may assist in the body's detoxification and healing of harm from pesticide exposure. In this context, this review aims to explore the potential of nutraceutical interventions as a promising strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues.

Assessing and mitigating foodborne acetochlor exposure induced ileum toxicity in broiler chicks: The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation and molecular pathways analysis

Excessive acetochlor residues present ecological and food safety challenges. Here, broiler chicks were exposed to varied acetochlor doses to first assess its effects on the gut. Subsequent dietary supplementation with omega-3 was used to assess its anti-contamination effects. Pathologically, acetochlor induced notable ileal lesions including inflammation, barrier disruption, tight junction loss, and cellular anomalies. Mechanistically, acetochlor stimulated the TNFα/TNFR1 and TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, promoting RIPK1/RIPK3 complex formation, MLKL phosphorylation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, Caspase-1 activation, and GSDMD shearing with inflammatory factor release. These mechanisms elucidate ileal cell death patterns essential for understanding chicken enteritis. Omega-3 supplementation showed promise in mitigating inflammation, though its precise counteractive role remains unclear. Our findings suggest early omega-3 intervention offered protective benefits against acetochlor's adverse intestinal effects, emphasizing its potential poultry health management role. Harnessing dietary interventions' therapeutic potential will be pivotal in ensuring sustainable poultry production and food safety despite persistent environmental contaminants.

Allicin and Omega-3 fatty acids attenuates acetaminophen mediated renal toxicity and modulates oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis in rats

Acetaminophen (APAP), a widely used medication known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects, can cause kidney failure if taken in excess. To investigate the potential protective effects of allicin (ALC) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) against acetaminophen-induced kidney damage, a study was conducted using 49 rats divided into seven groups. The control group was given saline, while the other groups received ALC, O3FA, APAP, ALC + APAP, O3FA + APAP, or ALC + O3FA + APAP. After administering APAP, the rats showed decreased levels of total protein and albumin in their blood, along with increased levels of creatinine and urea. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), decreased, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the renal tissues increased. The activation of caspase-3 and HSP70 also suggested an impact on kidney histopathology. Overall, the study found that ALC and/or O3FA may have a protective impact against acetaminophen-induced kidney damage through their anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant defense systems.

Vitamin E-Inhibited Phoxim-Induced Renal Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis In Vivo and In Vitro of Piglets

Exposure to phoxim at low levels caused bioaccumulation with neurotoxicity but also induced oxidative stress, tissue damage, and abnormal nutrient metabolism. This study described that vitamin E ameliorates phoxim-induced nephrotoxicity via inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis. In vivo, 24 healthy piglets were treated with phoxim (0 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and vitamin E + phoxim (vitamin E + phoxim: 200 mg/kg + 500 mg/kg). In vitro, PK15 cells were treated with phoxim (0 mg/L and 1 mg/L) and vitamin E + phoxim (phoxim + vitamin E: 1 mg/L + 1 mg/L) for 12 h and 24 h. Our results indicated that accumulation of ROS, oxidative stress, and renal cell injury through stimulation of mitochondrial apoptosis resulted in phoxim-induced nephrotoxicity. Phoxim resulted in swollen mitochondria, blurred internal cristae, renal glomerular atrophy, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Vitamin E alleviated the adverse effects of phoxim by reducing ROS and improving antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro. Vitamin E significantly increased SDH in vitro (p < 0.01), while it decreased ROS, Bad, and cyto-c in vitro and SOD and CAT in vivo (p < 0.05). Vitamin E ameliorated phoxim-induced renal histopathologic changes, and mitochondria swelled. In addition, vitamin E regulates phoxim-induced apoptosis by alleviating oxidative damage to the mitochondria.

Mitigation of Imidacloprid Toxicity in Poultry Chicken by Selenium Nanoparticles: Growth Performance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Blood Traits

Imidacloprid is an insecticide that protects against insects in the agriculture, animal, and poultry production sectors. Since the accumulation of imidacloprid induces adverse impacts on general health status and quality of the food chain, this study tested the impacts on broilers. Besides, selenium nanoparticles were fed to birds to relieve the negative impacts on growth performance and health status. Birds (1-day age, initial weight 46.05 ± 1.0 g) divided into four groups (triplicates) where 15 chicks of each replicate (45 for each group). The first group (control) was fed the basal diet without either selenium or imidacloprid toxicity. The second group was fed selenium nano form at 3 mg/kg. The third group was fed selenium and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). The fourth group was fed selenium nano form (3 mg/kg) and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). All groups were kept under the same conditions for 35 days. The final weight and weight gain of birds fed selenium nano form showed marked improvement compared to the imidacloprid-exposed group, while the feed intake and feed conversion ratio markedly reduced. The red blood cells showed higher values in birds fed selenium nano than the control and those exposed to imidacloprid. Interestingly, the hemoglobulin and hematocrit increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. Furthermore, the white blood cells increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. The total protein, albumin, and globulin were higher in birds fed selenium nanoparticles than those exposed to imidacloprid with or without selenium feeding. Birds in the control and imidacloprid groups had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde levels than the remaining groups. Accordingly, dietary selenium nanoparticles are suggested in broiler feed to cope with the adverse effects of imidacloprid toxicity.

α-tocopherol ameliorates copper II oxide nanoparticles-induced cytotoxic, biochemical, apoptotic, and genotoxic damages in the rainbow trout gonad cells-2 (RTG-2) culture

We investigated the effects of α-tocopherol on oxidative stress-caused damage caused by copper II oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on Oncorhynchus mykiss gonadal cells (RTG-2) for 24 and 48 h. α-Tocopherol reversed the cell death and alterations in the expressions of genes such as sod1, gpx1a, gpx4b, and igf2 caused by CuO NPs; it also supported the expressions of cat, igf1, and gapdh genes caused by CuO NPs for 24 h and promoted alterations in the expressions of the sod2, gh1, and igf1 genes for 48 h. Additionally, α-tocopherol reversed the caspase 3/7 activity increased by CuO NPs for 24 h and supported it's decrease for 48 h. α-Tocopherol supported the increase in tail DNA (%) affected by CuO NPs for 24 h and reversed it for 48 h. Therefore, α-tocopherol may have the potential to protect against cellular alterations induced by CuO NPs in a time-dependent manner.

Biomarkers of imidacloprid toxicity in Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

The in vivo effect of the oral sublethal doses of 3.014 mg kg^-1 of IMI (1/25 LD₅₀) for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days every other day on Japanese quail was investigated. The results revealed that certain biomarkers in the selected tissues of the quail such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), aminotransaminases (alanine aminotransferase, ALT, and aspartate aminotransaminase, AST), phosphatases (acid phosphatase, ACP, and alkaline phosphatase, ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine-triphosphatase (ATPase), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and blood glucose showed significant inductions, while significant reductions in the levels of glutathione-reduced (GSH), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA) were noticed. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects of imidacloprid on quails were elucidated regarding neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and genotoxicity. Because IMI induced alterations in the levels of these biomarkers in Japanese quail; therefore, Japanese quail as a wild avian can be used as a suite bioindicator to detect imidacloprid toxicity.

Impacts of Continuous and Intermittent Use of Bovine Colostrum on Laying Japanese Quails: Egg Performance and Traits, Blood Biochemical and Antioxidant Status

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is farmed for its eggs and meat across the globe. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the permanent or intermittent use of different levels of BC (bovine colostrum) on the egg performance and traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemical and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. In this study, 200 laying quails were used for a duration of six weeks (week 24 to 30) to measure the selected parameters. Treatments included: (1) control (without BC); (2) 2% continuous BC; (3) 4% BC permanently; and (4) and (5) 2% and 4% BC intermittently (every other week), respectively. According to the results, performance, egg quality, carcass traits, biochemical indices and antioxidant status of BC-fed (continuous and intermittent mode) quails were improved compared to the control-diet-fed birds (p < 0.01). Per our observations, quails fed daily with 4% BC had the highest performance, best egg and carcass quality traits, best blood composition and best antioxidant status of serum, although the same parameters were also improved in birds fed intermittently with 4% BC. The final conclusion is that, although quails fed daily with 4% BC showed the best performance, intermittent feeding exerted comparable effects. Therefore, the intermittent-feeding approach could benefit the birds when colostrum preparation is limited due to the high cost of the related process. This approach could improve the economics of poultry breeding while reducing environmental problems, such as antibiotic resistance.

Biochemical and histopathological investigation of the protective effects of melatonin and vitamin E against the damage caused by acetamiprid in Balb-c mouse testicles at light and electron microscopic level

The protective effects of melatonin (Mel) and vitamin E (Vit E) against the negative effects of acetamiprid (Acmp) on testicles, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in the present study. A total of 50 Balb-c male mice were used in 7 groups; 6 mice in the control groups (distilled water, corn oil, ethanol), and 8 in other groups (Acmp, Acmp + Mel, Acmp + Vit E, Acmp + Vit E + Mel). After the experiment, which lasted 21 days, hematoxylin eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and caspase-3 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on the testicular tissues. Also, the tissues were examined ultrastructurally with the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the Acmp group, there were decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial thickness, epithelial degeneration, decreased spermatozoa in the lumen, decreased PAS-positive staining in the seminiferous epithelial basement membrane, edema in the interstitial area, and hydropic degeneration in Leydig cells. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was higher than in the other groups. TEM examination showed degeneration in tubule cells, lysosomal accumulation in cells of the spermatogenic line, vacuolizations with myelin figures, and necrosis. Hydropic degeneration, electron-dense lipid vacuoles, and chromatolysis were evident in the Leydig cell cytoplasm. In Sertoli cells, electron-dense lysosomal deposits were noted. In biochemical terms, there were decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status (TAS), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were decreased. In the groups with melatonin, vitamin E, and both were applied together, tissue damage, and apoptotic cell death were reduced at both light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. In biochemical terms, there were decreased oxidative parameters and increased hormonal parameters. It was found that vitamin E was more effective in decreasing oxidative parameters and increasing antioxidative parameters when compared to melatonin, and hormonal parameters increased at a higher level in the Acmp + Vit E group than in all groups. As a result, it was found that exposure to Acmp caused damage to testicular tissue, induced oxidative stress in testicles, and decreased plasma LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, and although vitamin E is more effective than melatonin in preventing this damage, both are effective.

Partial Replacement of High-Fat Diet with Beef Tallow Attenuates Dyslipidemia and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in db/db Mice

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndromes (MetS), such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, the consumption of alternative and functional fatty acids to replace saturated fatty acids and/or trans-fatty acids with polyunsaturated fatty acids has become an important dietary strategy for the prevention of MetS. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) reduces various physiological complications, including CVDs, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance, related to inflammatory responses. In this study, we investigated the partial replacement effects of HFD with beef tallow (BT) on dyslipidemia and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in male db/db mice. The animals were grouped to one of four dietary intervention groups (n = 16 per group): (1) normal diet, (2) HFD, (3) HFD partially replaced with regular beef tallow (HFD+BT1), or (4) HFD partially replaced with beef tallow containing a relatively reduced omega-6 fatty acid (n-6)/n-3 ratio (HFD+BT2) than HFD+BT1. After 6 weeks of dietary intervention, 1 mg/kg of phosphate-buffered saline or tunicamycin (TM) was injected intraperitoneally. HFD+BT2 significantly suppressed the serum total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels more than HFD and HFD+BT1, and triglyceride levels in the epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) were remarkably decreased. Mice that received HFD+BT2 had elevated protein expressions of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Moreover, HFD+BT2 effectively inhibited ER stress in the liver and EAT. Consistent with our hypothesis, HFD+BT2 remarkably alleviated dyslipidemia and TM-inducible ER stress, while activating p-AMPK.

Exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides and their characteristic metabolites: Association with human liver cancer

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are commonly applied for pest control in China and around the world. Previous studies reported that NEOs are hepatotoxic to mammals. However, limited studies have explored the associations between NEOs exposure and liver disease. In the present study, we detected six parent NEOs (p-NEOs), including acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, and five characteristic metabolites (m-NEOs), including 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, olefin-imidacloprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) guanidine and 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furyl methyl) urea, in blood samples collected from healthy donors (n = 100; females vs. males: 45 vs. 55; age: 22-91 years) and liver cancer patients (n = 274; females vs. males: 118 vs. 156; age: 11-88 years) in one hospital from Guangzhou city, South China. NEOs were frequently detected (61%-94%) in blood samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.19 ng/mL to 1.28 ng/mL and 0.20 ng/mL to 2.03 ng/mL for healthy and liver cancer populations, respectively. olefin-imidacloprid was the most abundant NEOs in healthy and liver cancer populations, accounting for 23.4% and 20.7%, respectively. Significant positive correlations among most m-NEOs concentrations were found, and associations between m-NEOs and their corresponding p-NEOs were positively correlated. These findings indicated that the sources of m-NEOs were both endogenous and exogeneous. Females had higher median concentrations of NEOs and their metabolites than males. Moreover, the α-fetoprotein values and blood concentrations of target analytes (r = 0.428-0.601, p < 0.05) were positively correlated. Meanwhile, associations between the concentrations of p-NEOs and m-NEOs and liver cancer were found (odds ratio = 2.33-9.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.31-22.7, p < 0.05), indicating that human exposure to NEOs and their metabolites might increase the odds of liver cancer prevalence. Our work provided a new insight into the hepatotoxicity of NEOs and their metabolites, and human health risks of exposure to these pollutants warranted further studies.

Protective Effects of Quercetin on Clothianidin-Induced Liver Damage in the Rat Model

Clothianidin (CTD) is a member of the neonicotinoid group of insecticides. This study was performed to determine the effect of quercetin on clothianidin-induced liver injury (CTD) in rats. Rats were randomly assigned to a normal control (saline), a CTD control-treated group (20 mg/kg) every 3 days for 21 days, and CTD + quercetin-treated groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) for 35 days intraperitoneally. Enzyme activity, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), was measured by spectrophotometry in serum samples by an automatic biochemical analyzer using commercial kits. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrate-nitrite were measured in homogeneous liver tissue samples of animals. A significant increase in ALT and AST enzyme activity was observed in the CTD group in comparison with that of the control groups. In the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) group, the ALT and AST enzyme levels decreased compared to the clothianidin control group significantly (P < 0.05). The MDA value of the liver increased in the clothianidin-treated group compared to that of the control groups (P < 0.05). Decreased tissue TAC level was observed in the CTD-treated group in comparison with that of the control groups (P < 0.05). The MDA level of the liver decreased in the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) group compared to that of the CTD control group (P < 0.05). Quercetin significantly raised the level of TAC in the liver tissue of the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) treated group compared to that of the clothianidin control group (P < 0.05). Liver nitrate-nitrite measurement showed a significant increase in the clothianidin group compared to that of the normal control group (P < 0.05). Nitrate-nitrite level in the liver was decreased in clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) compared to that of the clothianidin control group significantly (P < 0.05). Histopathological investigation revealed that contact to the CTD induced tissue disorganization and inflammatory cell infiltration, but minor histopathological alterations in the liver tissues of rats treated with CTD and quercetin (10 mg/kg) were detected.

Effect of induced sublethal intoxication with neonicotinoid insecticides on Egyptian toads (Sclerophrys regularis)

The toxicity role of insecticides affecting nontarget vertebrate of wildlife population has become essential subject to focus on. In this vein, the current study aimed to illustrate some biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by two neonicotinoids in Egyptian toads. Forty-five toads were collected and divided equally into three groups (15 toads/group): control group, thiamethoxam group, and acetamiprid group. Both treatment groups received thiamethoxam and acetamiprid (30 and 40 mg/L, respectively) four times within 12 days for induction of sublethal toxicity. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected. Both insecticides cause the same changes, but acetamiprid group exhibited a pronounced significant (P ≥ 0.001) effect than thiamethoxam group on increasing serum lipid profile, ALT, and AST. Moreover, acetamiprid showed a significant (P ≥ 0.001) decrease in hepatic total protein, GSH, and SOD and increase in MDA levels in comparison with thiamethoxam and control groups, respectively. The histopathological hepatic examination showed markable alterations in hepatic architecture in treatment groups that was distinct in acetamiprid group. Finally, our findings illustrate the indirect effect of neonicotinoids on toads and may realize their life-threatening factors. Graphical Abstract.

Quercetin antagonizes imidacloprid-induced mitochondrial apoptosis through PTEN/PI3K/AKT in grass carp hepatocytes

Imidacloprid (IMI) is widely used in agriculture, and is toxic to non-target aquatic species. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables that exhibits anti-oxidant activity. In the present study, we treated grass carp hepatocytes (L8824) with 0.1 μM Que and/or 1 mM IMI for 24 h to explore the effect of Que on IMI-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. We found that IMI exposure enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inhibiting the activities of SOD, CAT and T-AOC, exacerbating the accumulation of MDA, aggravating the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (Cyt-C, BAX, Caspase9 and Caspase3) related genes and decreased the expression of anti-apoptosis gene B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). In addition, Que and IMI co-treatment significantly restored the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, downregulated ROS level and apoptosis rate, thereby alleviating the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression of cytochrome c (Cyt-C), Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinases (Caspase9 and 3), increasing the Bcl-2 level. Furthermore, we elucidated that Que could inhibit the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), thus activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway to attenuate IMI-induced apoptosis. Molecular docking provides assertive evidence for the interaction between Que ligand and PTEN receptor. Consequently, these results indicate that Que effectively antagonizes IMI-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in grass carp hepatocytes via regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Partial Replacement of Dietary Fat with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuates the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Inflammation in Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

In this study, we investigated whether the partial replacement of dietary fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ameliorated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and provided each of the following diets: (1) high-fat diet (HFD), (2) HFD with perilla oil (PO), and (3) HFD with corn oil (CO). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) from Escherichia coli O55:B5 or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Following LPS stimulation, serum insulin levels were increased, while PO and CO lowered the serum levels of glucose and insulin. In the liver, LPS increased the triglyceride levels, while PO and CO alleviated the LPS-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation. In the LPS injected rats, the mRNA expression of genes related to inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was attenuated by PO and CO in the liver. Furthermore, hepatic levels of proteins involved in the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, antioxidant response, and ER stress were lowered by PO- and CO-replacement. Therefore, the partial replacement of dietary fat with PUFAs alleviates LPS-induced hepatic inflammation during HFD consumption, which may decrease metabolic abnormalities.

Therapeutic effects of chitosan-embedded vitamin C, E nanoparticles against cisplatin-induced gametogenic and androgenic toxicity in adult male rats

Cisplatin, an anticancer drug used in treating various types of cancers, can cause reproductive toxicities during chemotherapy. Keeping this in view, the present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of normal vitamin C and E and vitamin C and E nanoparticles (embedded in chitosan) against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicities. Vitamins C, E, and their nanoparticles in this regard proved to be an effective therapy. The work aimed to treat cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicities through vitamin C and E and their nanoparticles. Cisplatin exposure caused significant reduction in the weight, testosterone level, and changed lipid profile. Similarly, cisplatin induced significant widespread testicular atrophy and testicular lesions as evidenced by the gaps in the epithelium and loss of differentiating germ cells. Vitamin C and E and their nanoparticles rescued the weight, testosterone level, and testicular disturbances, which is associated with improved histological view of testicular tissues. The current study highlights evidence that designing a medication of vitamin C and E nanoparticles is useful in mitigating cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in cancerous male patients underlying chemotherapy.

The genotoxic effects of perchloroethylene in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and the possible ameliorative role of α-tocopherol

Perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a commercially important chlorinated solvent commonly used in dry cleaning, textile processing, and metal degreasing industries. According to the available studies, the potential genotoxic impacts of this chlorinated solvent on human beings are still controversial. The present work was carried out to determine the genotoxic effects of PCE on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) using chromosome aberrations (CAs) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) tests. Additionally, the antigenotoxic potential of α-tocopherol (α-Toc), a well-known antioxidant agent, on human lymphocytes treated with PCE in vitro was assessed. The cells were exposed for 48 h to PCE (25, 50, 100, and 150 μg/mL) alone as well as in combination with α-Toc (100 μg/mL). The findings of the study suggested that, relative to solvent control, PCE significantly increased the structural CA and MN formation for all concentrations. However, simultaneous treatment of PCE and α-Toc caused a significant reduction of CAs and MNi as compared to cultures treated with PCE alone. Besides, the results showed that PCE has cytotoxic effects on human PBLs as indicated by the significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI). Nevertheless, the co-treatment of α-Toc with PCE did not reduce the cytotoxicity of PCE at a significant level. In conclusion, it can be suggested that PCE is genotoxic and cytotoxic in human PBLs, and α-Toc has an antigenotoxic effect on PCE-induced genotoxicity but has no significant effect on the cytotoxicity triggered by PCE.

Oxidative stress and decreased dopamine levels induced by imidacloprid exposure cause behavioral changes in a neurodevelopmental disorder model in Drosophila melanogaster

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are responsible for behavioral deficits in children. Imidacloprid is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, capable of causing behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster, similar to the ADHD-like phenotypes. We assess whether behavioral damage induced by imidacloprid exposure in Drosophila melanogaster is associated with neurochemical changes and whether these changes are similar to those observed in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD. The fruit flies were divided into four groups, exposed to either a standard diet (control) or a diet containing imidacloprid (200, 400 or 600 ρM) and allowed to mate for 7 days. After hatching, the progeny was subjected to in vivo and ex vivo tests. The ones exposed to imidacloprid showed an increase in hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety and repetitive movements, as well as, a decrease in social interaction. Furthermore, exposure to imidacloprid decreased dopamine levels, cell viability and increased oxidative stress in the flies' progeny. These results demonstrated that the behavioral damage induced by imidacloprid exposure involves a reduction in dopamine levels and oxidative stress and that these neurochemical changes are in line with the events that occur in ASD and ADHD-like phenotypes in other models.

Imidacloprid seed coating poses a risk of acute toxicity to small farmland birds: A weight-of-evidence analysis using data from the grayish baywing Agelaioides badius

The aim of this study was to estimate the risk posed by imidacloprid (IMI) seed coating to passerine birds of the Pampa Region of Argentina using data specifically generated with the grayish baywing (Agelaioides badius). Median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the IMI-based formulation tested was 57.11 mg IMI/kg body weight (bw), with intoxication signs starting from 20.6 mg IMI/kg bw. The feed intake rate (FIR) was estimated experimentally as 4.895 g/day per bird, representing 12.43% of bw. It was calculated that the ingestion of 7-10% of the FIR as treated seeds would be enough to achieve the LD₅₀ for sorghum, corn, sunflower, and alfalfa, whereas consumption of 31 and 54% of FIR was necessary for oat and wheat, respectively. Based on spill data values available in the literature, it was calculated that, for most crops, a baywing would have to forage an area of field corresponding to less than 60 m² to obtain the number of seeds required to reach the LD₅₀. It was also shown that this number of seeds is coherent with the amount of seeds ingested in a bout. In a pilot study, all grayish baywings fed with millet seeds treated with 3 g IMI/kg died within three to five days of exposure. In Tier I risk assessment, the trigger value was achieved for all crops except soybean and a weight-of-evidence risk assessment was performed. All lines of evidence examined are consistent with the view that grayish baywings, and probably other small farmland birds, are exposed to a risk of acute toxicity and mortality under both worst-case and mixed-ration exposure scenarios. The possible impacts on bird species calls for an urgent reconsideration of IMI seed coating practices currently approved in the Pampa Region of Argentina and the various parts of the world where this practice is still in use.

Protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester against imidacloprid-induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a widely used neonicotinoid pesticide in the world, its environmental and human health risk has particularly attracted the attention of researchers. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active polyphenol of propolis, has many pharmacological activities including free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. In this study, protective effect of CAPE against IMI induced liver injury in mice was performed. Administration of 1 and 2.5 mg/kg CAPE markedly prevented serum AST and ALT increase in 5 mg/kg IMI-induced mice. CAPE significantly downregulated liver NO generation and lipid peroxidation, and upregulated glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in a dose-dependent manner in liver of IMI-induced mice. Endoplasmic reticulum stress represented by the swelling of endoplasmic reticulum was observed by transmission electron microscope in IMI group. Pretreatment of 2.5 mg/kg CAPE significantly attenuated the endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by IMI in liver. Western blot analysis illustrated that pretreatment of CAPE downregulated the upregulation of TNF-α and IFN-γ induced by IMI in liver of mice. Moreover, the increase of positive apoptotic hepatocytes further suggested apoptosis might be involved in IMI-induced hepatotoxicity. Pretreatment of 1 and 2.5 mg/kg CAPE significantly decreased positive apoptotic hepatocytes, suggested that CAPE prevented apoptosis in liver of IMI-induced mice. In conclusion, CAPE prevented liver injury in IMI-induced mice via attenuation of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Our findings may have broad biological and environmental implications for future research on the therapeutic strategy to prevent liver injury induced by pesticides.

Protective effects of melatonin and vitamin E in acetamiprid-induced nephrotoxicity

Investigation of probable toxic effects of acetamiprid (ACMP) on kidney and comparative analysis of the probable protective effects of vitamin E and melatonin were conducted in the present study. The ethics committee approval was obtained from Inonu University Medical Faculty Ethics Committee. Fifty Balb-c mice were randomly assigned to control, corn oil, ethyl alcohol, ACMP, ACMP + melatonin, ACMP + vitamin E, and ACMP + melatonin + vitamin E groups. At the end of the experiments, rat kidney tissues were incised under anesthesia. Blood samples and kidney tissues were examined. After 21 days of ACMP administration, it was observed that malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), BUN, creatinine, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, histopathological damage, and Caspase-3 immunoreactivity scores increased, and glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased, and histopathological damages were observed. Melatonin and vitamin E administration led to improvements in oxidative stress parameters, renal functions, inflammatory markers, and histopathological findings. ACMP administration led to nephrotoxicity in rat kidney tissues. Although melatonin and vitamin E administrations were effective on ACMP nephrotoxicity separately, co-administration of both was quite effective. Concomitant use of melatonin and vitamin E could be effective on prevention of toxicity.

Imidacloprid-induced liver fibrosis in quails via activation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway

Imidacloprid (IMI) is one of the most frequently used neonicotinoid insecticide, and its potential toxicity and environmental hazards have gradually attracted people's attention. Liver fibrosis caused by long-term inflammation or oxidative stress can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure, even death. However, the mechanism of liver fibrosis induced by neonicotinoid insecticide remains unclear. This study investigates whether IMI could induce liver fibrosis in quails and a potential mechanism. Our study used a quail 90-day IMI-induced liver fibrosis model. The results showed that IMI induced histopathological lesions, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and changes in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) levels. Furthermore, IMI enhanced the expression of liver fibrosis marker proteins, including collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin 1 (FN-1), by activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that IMI exposure induces liver fibrosis via activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in quails.

Cadmium and nickel co-exposure exacerbates genotoxicity and not oxido-inflammatory stress in liver and kidney of rats: Protective role of omega-3 fatty acid

The present study examined the influence of co-exposure to cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) on hepatorenal function as well as the protective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3FA) in rats. The animals were exposed to Cd (5 mg/kg) and Ni (150 μg/L in drinking water) singly or co-exposed to both metals and ω-3FA at 20 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Results showed that hepatorenal injury resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was not aggravated in the co-exposure group. Moreover, ω-3FA markedly abrogated the reduction in the antioxidant enzyme activities, the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and lipid peroxidation induced by Cd and Ni co-exposure. Additionally, ω-3FA administration markedly suppressed the increase in hepatic and renal myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1 β levels in the co-exposure group. Genotoxicity resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was intensified in the co-exposure group. However, ω-3FA administration markedly ameliorated the genotoxicity and histological lesions in the co-exposure group. Taken together, co-exposure to Cd and Ni aggravated genotoxicity and not oxido-inflammatory stress in the liver and kidney of rats. ω-3FA abated hepatorenal injury and genotoxicity induced by Cd and Ni co-exposure in rats.

Chronic thiamethoxam exposure impairs the HPG and HPT axes in adult Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus): Docking study, hormone levels, histology, and transcriptional responses

Thiamethoxam has emerged as an environmental contaminant detected in aqueous environments, and its endocrine-disrupting effect at chronic exposure in teleosts remains unknown. In the present study, a docking experiment and an in vivo test were integrated to systematically explore the toxic mechanisms of thiamethoxam in fish. Histological analysis, plasma VTG and hormone level (E2, 11-KT, T3 and T4) determinations, and HPG and HPT gene expression quantification were performed after Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) was exposed to thiamethoxam (0, 0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L) for 90 days. According to the docking study, thiamethoxam had different interactions with ERα, AR and TRα via hydrogen bonding. A decrease in body length and plasma T4 was observed in both genders. The histological damage in liver and delayed gonadal development were observed in both genders at 50 μg/L thiamethoxam treatment. In males, the following HPG axis genes were upregulated: gnrh and cyp19b in the brain; vtg and cyp19a in the liver; and cyp17 and cyp19a in the gonad. In females, erɑ in the liver was significantly upregulated with 0.5 μg/L thiamethoxam treatment, and cyp17 in the gonad was upregulated with all treatment. The suppression of cyp19a, gnrh, cyp11a, and ttr was observed at the concentration of 5 μg/L in the female liver. Taken together, the endocrine system of Chinese rare minnow might be disrupted after chronic exposure to thiamethoxam.

Sub-chronic exposure to Kalach 360 SL-induced damage in rats' liver and hematological system

We investigated the effects of sub-chronic exposure to Kalach 360 SL (KL), glyphosate-based herbicide used in Tunisia, on liver and hematological system in different groups of female rats. Group 1 was used as a control, while animals of groups 2 and 3 received orally 0.07 mL and 0.175 mL of KL, respectively (126 and 315 mg of glyphosate/kg), for 60 days. As a result, the KL-exposed groups exhibited hypochromic microcytic anemia, systemic inflammation, cytolysis, decrease in hepatic enzyme activity, and cholestasis. Exposure to different doses of KL could induce erythrocyte destruction (hemolysis) in hematopoietic organs (bones). Moreover, lipid peroxidation contents and protein oxidation markers significantly increased in exposed groups, while enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities decreased considerably, in both erythrocytes and liver tissues, compared with those in controls. Liver histological studies confirmed the presence of inflammatory reaction with pathology involving the damage or necrosis of hepatocytes, however, without fibrosis remodulation. Thus, KL sub-chronic exposure caused hepatonecrosis, systemic inflammation, and hemolysis.

The Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins on Patients With Diabetes and Albuminuria: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins E and C, on patients with diabetes and albuminuria by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

DESIGN

The PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials at the Cochrane Library), Web of Science, OVID, and www.clinicaltrials.gov (latest search: December 10, 2018) databases were searched. This study was limited to randomized controlled trials. Patients with diabetes and albuminuria were included regardless of diabetic type, and patients must have received treatment with vitamins C or E.

RESULTS

Ten studies, representing 445 participants, were identified for analysis. Antioxidant vitamins had significant effects on serum creatinine levels (mean difference = -0.11 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval -0.19 to -0.03, P = .007) and systolic pressure (mean difference = -6.02 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval -9.65 to -2.40, P = .001) with low heterogeneity. Antioxidant vitamins had no effect on albuminuria or proteinuria, diastolic blood pressure, glucose, or lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that antioxidant vitamins can benefit kidney function and systolic blood pressure in patients with diabetes and albuminuria. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to completely understand the effect of antioxidant vitamins in these patients.

Distribution, metabolism and hepatotoxicity of neonicotinoids in small farmland lizard and their effects on GH/IGF axis

The potential endocrine disruption of neonicotinoids poses a significant threat to the survival of small farmland lizards. We systematically evaluated the distribution, metabolism, and toxicity of three neonicotinoids (dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid) in the Eremias argus during a 35-day oral administration exposure. Lizards could quickly transfer and store neonicotinoids into the scale and eliminated through molting. Dinotefuran was most prone to accumulation in lizard tissues, followed by thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid was generally present in the form of its terminal metabolite 6-chloropyridinyl acid. Exposure to dinotefuran resulted in hepatic oxidative stress damage, decreased plasma growth hormone concentration, and down-regulation of ghr, igf1 and igfbp2 gene expression. These indicated that dinotefuran might have potential growth inhibition toxicity to lizards. Although imidacloprid caused severe liver oxidative stress damage, the effect of imidacloprid on GH/IGF axis was not obvious. Compared to dinotefuran and imidacloprid, thiamethoxam had the least damage to liver and minimal impact on GH/IGF axis. This study verified the possible damage of neonicotinoids to lizard liver and the interference of GH/IGF axis for the first time.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced hepatotoxicity in quail (Coturnix japonica) via modulating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and NRF2 mediated antioxidant defense

Among ubiquitously found environmental contaminants in the ecosystem, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an important environmental contaminant used as plasticizer in medical and consumer goods. The bioaccumulation and environmental persistence of DEHP cause serious global health effects in wildlife animals and human, especially hepatotoxicity. Herein, to explore the mechanisms of DEHP induced hepatotoxicity, quail were exposed with 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW/day DEHP by gavage administration daily for 45 days. Notably, the adipose tissue degeneration was observed in the liver of DEHP-exposed quail under the histopathological analysis. DEHP exposure increased the peroxidation product (MDA), GSH and GST, but decreased antioxidant function (T-AOC, SOD and GPX). DEHP induced the oxidative stress and pulsed on NRF2 signal pathway through activating downstream genes. Furthermore, DEHP induced mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) was activated to relieve mitochondrial dysfunctions and mitigated oxidative stress. These findings showed that mitochondrial functions and redox homeostasis were affected by DEHP and resulted in irreversible hepatic injury. In Conclusion, this study suggested that DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity in quail was associated with activating the NRF2 mediated antioxidant defense and mtUPR. These results provided new evidence on molecular mechanism of DEHP induced hepatotoxicity.

Docosahexaenoic acid enhances methylmercury-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell death and eicosapentaenoic acid potentially attenuates these effects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Fish consumption has both the risk of methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning and the benefit of obtaining n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). However, the cellular interaction between MeHg and PUFAs remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MeHg and n-3 PUFA exposure on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The results showed that EPA had a negligible effect on MeHg-induced cell death, whereas DHA promoted it. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations in cells exposed to DHA and MeHg were higher than in those exposed to EPA and MeHg. Treatment with DHA and MeHg markedly induced the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (CHOP and DNAJB9) and Nrf2 target gene (p62 and HMOX-1) mRNA levels. Unexpectedly, EPA supplementation in addition to DHA and MeHg attenuated DHA- and MeHg-induced cell death and suppressed ER stress and expression of Nrf2 target genes. Our results revealed a differential impact of DHA and EPA on MeHg-induced cell death, and combined treatment with DHA and EPA along with MeHg attenuated MeHg-induced toxicity.