Investigation on the role of Spirulina platensis in ameliorating behavioural changes, thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in offspring of pregnant rats exposed to fluoride

Spirulina platensis shields the submandibular gland from cadmium toxicity by bolstering antioxidant defenses and maintaining its structural integrity

Cadmium (Cd), an element categorized as a non-essential transitional metal, has potential hazards to the health of both human beings and animals. Spirulina platensis (SP), a type of blue-green algae, possesses a high concentration of essential antioxidants. The present study aimed to explore the possible defensive role of SP against Cd-induced submandibular gland injury in rats by assessment of biomarkers related to both oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, which were further explored through histopathological examination of submandibular gland tissue. Consequently, the study included 32 mature rats, subdivided into four different groups as follows: control, SP, Cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and CdCl2/SP. The duration of the study was 24days. The results revealed that CdCl2 induced submandibular gland injury as shown by the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and increased inflammatory reactions, in addition to, histopathological changes and overexpression of BAX immunostaining. Concurrent SP administration to CdCl2-treated rats significantly improved all these effects. We concluded that concurrent SP supplement improved the submandibular gland injury provoked by CdCl2.

Fluoride exposure and thyroid hormone levels in pregnancy: The MIREC cohort

BACKGROUND

Fluoride exposure may increase the risk of hypothyroidism, but results from previous studies are inconsistent at low-level fluoride exposure (i.e., ≤0.7 mg/L). Human studies of fluoride and thyroid hormone levels in pregnancy are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

We examined associations between fluoride exposure and maternal thyroid hormone levels in a Canadian pregnancy cohort, with consideration for fetal sex-specific effects.

METHODS

We measured fluoride concentrations in drinking water and spot urine samples collected during each trimester from 1876 pregnant women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. We also measured maternal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and total thyroxine (TT4) levels during the first trimester of pregnancy. We used linear and non-linear regression models to estimate associations between fluoride exposure and levels of TSH, FT4, and TT4. We explored effect modification by fetal sex and considered maternal iodine status as a potential confounder.

RESULTS

A 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride was associated with a 0.30 (95 %CI: 0.08, 0.51) logarithmic unit (i.e., 35.0 %) increase in TSH among women pregnant with females, but not males (B = 0.02; 95 %CI: -0.16, 0.19). Relative to women with urinary fluoride concentrations in the first quartile (0.05-0.32 mg/L), those with levels in the third quartile (0.49-0.75 mg/L) had higher FT4 and TT4 (i.e., inverted J-shaped associations), but the association was not statistically significant after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.06). Water fluoride concentration showed a U-shaped association with maternal FT4, whereby women with water fluoride concentrations in the second (0.13-0.52 mg/L) and third (0.52-0.62 mg/L) quartiles had significantly lower FT4 compared to those with levels in the first quartile (0.04-0.13 mg/L). Adjustment for maternal iodine status did not change the results.

DISCUSSION

Fluoride exposure was associated with alterations in maternal thyroid hormone levels, the magnitude of which appeared to vary by fetal sex. Given the importance of maternal thyroid hormones for fetal neurodevelopment, replication of findings is warranted.

Spirulina platensis ameliorates hepatic oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by aflatoxin B1 in rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a widely distributed mycotoxin, causing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. One of the most famous unicellular cyanobacteria is Spirulina platensis (SP) which is well known for its antioxidant characteristics against many toxicants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective ability of SP against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats intraperitoneally injected with AFB1. Rats were separated into five groups as follows: negative control administered with saline; SP (1000 mg/kg BW) for two weeks; AFB1 (2.5 mg/kg BW) twice on days 12 and 14; AFB1 (twice) + 500 mg SP/kg BW (for two weeks) and AFB1 (twice) + 1000 mg SP/kg BW (for two weeks). Liver and blood samples were assembled for histological and biochemical analyses. AFB1 intoxicated rats showed a marked elevation in serum biochemical parameters (ALP, ALT, and AST), hepatic lipid peroxidation (MDA and NO), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) indicating DNA damage. Moreover, AFB1 caused suppression of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GHS, GSH-Px, and CAT). However, the elevated serum levels of biochemical parameters and PCNA expression were reduced by SP. Moreover, SP lowered oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation markers in a dose-dependent manner. To sum up, SP supplementation is capable of decreasing AFB1 toxicity through its powerful antioxidant activity.

Biomarkers of oral subacute toxicity of deltamethrin in exposed male Albino rats

Deltamethrin is one of the most effective pyrethroid compounds, widely employed in veterinary medicine, public health, and farming. Deltamethrin-triggered oxidative stress largely causes serious harm to an organism. Acute toxicity of this compound was extensively investigated, while less information is available on its oral sub-acute effects. This study assessed, in the male Albino rats, the effects of oral gavage of either 0.874 mg/kg (0.01 LD50) or 8.740 mg/kg (0.10 LD50) of deltamethrin for successive 14 days to investigate its effects on biomarkers and to detect the tissue injury in rats following subacute deltamethrin treatment. It was found that levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the brain, kidney, and liver, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and uric acid in serum, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC)s, eosinophils, and basophils were significantly reduced compared with untreated rats. However, when rats were treated with deltamethrin for successive 14 days, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in serum and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) in brain, kidney, and liver, red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), total protein, monocytes, and basophils and the ratios of neutrophils to lymphocytes, an aggregated marker of systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation indexes, significantly increased compared with the control group. Histologic lesions were observed in the liver, kidney, brain, testis, and epidemies in rats exposed to subacute deltamethrin for 14 days, and most tissues of rats treated with 0.10 LD50 of deltamethrin were more affected than those treated with 0.01 LD50. These findings strongly suggest that subacute exposure to deltamethrin caused significant systemic toxicity through oxidative stress resulting in biochemical and histological changes in the studied tissues. These findings highlight the potential harmful effects of deltamethrin and emphasize the importance of understanding the subacute effects of this compound, particularly in the context of veterinary medicine, public health, and farming.

An interventional clinical trial investigating the effects of Spirulina platensis on dental fluorosis and antioxidant system in lambs reared in endemic areas

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Spirulina platensis primary against dental fluorosis and secondary against oxidative stress in lambs reared in endemic fluorosis areas. Forty-eight lambs aged 5 months were divided into four equal groups (each one including 6 males and 6 females). Groups I and II served as controls belonging respectively to fluorosis-free (Settat) and endemic fluorosis (El Fokra) areas, while the other two Groups III and IV (belonging to El Fokra) received respectively a fixed daily intake of 250 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) of Spirulina platensis. The experiment was carried out for 13 months until the adult incisors appeared for all animals. According to the Dean's Fluorosis Index (DFI), 500 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis (Group IV) protected against dental fluorosis. Moreover, in both male and female lambs, this dose significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced the plasmatic levels of fluoride, proteins, GSH, and MDA compared to the Group II. Furthermore, enzymatic activities of catalase and SOD increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in male and female lambs of the Group IV as compared to Group II. In conclusion, our findings support the potential use of Spirulina platensis as a valuable solution for addressing fluorosis in sheep, warranting further clinical trials.

Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) mitigates the toxicity induced by a mixture of metal and NSAID in Xenopus laevis

Cadmium (Cd) is often detected in the environment due to its wide use in industry; also, NSAIDs are one of the most consumed pharmaceuticals, particularly diclofenac (DCF). Several studies have reported the presence of both contaminants in water bodies at concentrations ranging from ng L-1 to μg L-1; in addition, they have shown that they can induce oxidative stress in aquatic species and disturb signal transduction, cell proliferation, and intercellular communication, which could lead to teratogenesis. Spirulina has been consumed as a dietary supplement; its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and nutritional properties are well documented. This work aimed to evaluate if Spirulina reduces the damage induced by Cd and DCF mixture in Xenopus laevis at early life stages. FETAX assay was carried out: 20 fertilized oocytes were exposed to seven different treatments on triplicate, control, Cd (24.5 μg L-1), DCF (149 μg L-1), Cd + DCF, Cd+DCF+Spirulina (2 mg L-1), Cd+DCF+Spirulina (4 mg L-1), Cd+DCF+Spirulina (10 mg L-1), malformations, mortality, and growth were evaluated after 96 h, also lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were determined after 192 h. Cd increased DCF mortality, Cd and DCF mixture increased the incidence of malformations as well as oxidative damage; on the other hand, the results obtained show that Spirulina can be used to reduce the damage caused by the mixture of Cd and DCF since it promotes growth, reduce mortality, malformations, and oxidative stress in X. laevis.

A Review of the Health-Promoting Properties of Spirulina with a Focus on athletes' Performance and Recovery

Spirulina species are photosynthetic and filamentous bacteria, commonly called 'blue-green microalgae'. Spirulina has a high nutrient content. It contains 60-70% protein with all essential amino acids present, and is rich in several vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Spirulina is also rich in essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. This rich nutritional content provides to Spirulina several health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and insulin-sensitizing properties as well as positive effects in various diseases which could be also interesting for athletes. This paper mainly aims to review the interest and effects of Spirulina supplementation in athletes at rest, and in relation to exercise/training. Spirulina's biochemical composition, health properties/effects in humans, and effects in athletes including nutritional status, body composition, physical performance and intense exercise-related disorders were discussed in this review. Literature data showed that Spirulina seems to have positive effects on body composition especially in overweight and obese subjects which could not be the case in other pathologies and athletes. Spirulina appears to be also effective in improving aerobic fitness especially in untrained and moderately trained subjects. Results reported in the literature suggest that Spirulina may improve strength and power performance despite the minor or no significant effects in highly trained subjects. Most studies have shown that Spirulina improves antioxidant status, prevents and accelerates the recovery of exercise-induced lipid peroxidation, muscle damage and inflammation in trained and untrained subjects. Taken together, the results from these studies are encouraging and may demonstrate the potential benefits of Spirulina supplementation in athletes despite methodological differences.

Fluoride exposure and hypothyroidism in a Canadian pregnancy cohort

BACKGROUND

While fluoride can have thyroid-disrupting effects, associations between low-level fluoride exposure and thyroid conditions remain unclear, especially during pregnancy when insufficient thyroid hormones can adversely impact offspring development.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated associations between fluoride exposure and hypothyroidism in a Canadian pregnancy cohort.

METHODS

We measured fluoride concentrations in drinking water and three dilution-corrected urine samples and estimated fluoride intake based on self-reported beverage consumption. We classified women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study as euthyroid (n = 1301), subclinical hypothyroid (n = 100) or primary hypothyroid (n = 107) based on their thyroid hormone levels in trimester one. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the association between fluoride exposure and classification of either subclinical or primary hypothyroidism and considered maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) status, a marker of autoimmune hypothyroidism, as an effect modifier. In a subsample of 466 mother-child pairs, we used linear regression to explore the association between maternal hypothyroidism and child Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) at ages 3-to-4 years and tested for effect modification by child sex.

RESULTS

A 0.5 mg/L increase in drinking water fluoride concentration was associated with a 1.65 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 2.60) increased odds of primary hypothyroidism. In contrast, we did not find a significant association between urinary fluoride (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.00; 95%CI: 0.73, 1.39) or fluoride intake (aOR: 1.25; 95%CI: 0.99, 1.57) and hypothyroidism. Among women with normal TPOAb levels, the risk of primary hypothyroidism increased with both increasing water fluoride and fluoride intake (aOR water fluoride concentration: 2.85; 95%CI: 1.25, 6.50; aOR fluoride intake: 1.75; 95%CI: 1.27, 2.41). Children born to women with primary hypothyroidism had lower FSIQ scores compared to children of euthyroid women, especially among boys (B coefficient: -8.42; 95 % CI: -15.33, -1.50).

DISCUSSION

Fluoride in drinking water was associated with increased risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women. Thyroid disruption may contribute to developmental neurotoxicity of fluoride.

Fluoride Induced Neurobehavioral Impairments in Experimental Animals: a Brief Review

Fluoride is one of the major toxicants in the environment and is often found in drinking water at higher concentrations. Living organisms including humans exposed to high fluoride levels are found to develop mild-to-severe detrimental pathological conditions called fluorosis. Fluoride can cross the hematoencephalic barrier and settle in various brain regions. This accumulation affects the structure and function of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The neural ultrastructure damages are reflected in metabolic and cognitive activities. Hindrances in synaptic plasticity and signal transmission, early neuronal apoptosis, functional alterations of the intercellular signaling pathway components, improper protein synthesis, dyshomeostasis of the transcriptional and neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses are accounted for the fluoride neurotoxicity. Fluoride causes a decline in brain functions that directly influence the overall quality of life in both humans and animals. Animal studies are widely used to explore the etiology of fluoride-induced neurotoxicity. A good number of these studies support a positive correlation between fluoride intake and toxicity phenotypes closely associated with neurotoxicity. However, the experimental dosages highly surpass the normal environmental concentrations and are difficult to compare with human exposures. The treatment procedures are highly dependent on the dosage, duration of exposure, sex, and age of specimens among other factors which make it difficult to arrive at general conclusions. Our review aims to explore fluoride-induced neuronal damage along with associated histopathological, behavioral, and cognitive effects in experimental models. Furthermore, the correlation of various molecular mechanisms upon fluoride intoxication and associated neurobehavioral deficits has been discussed. Since there is no well-established mechanism to prevent fluorosis, phytochemical-based alleviation of its characteristic indications has been proposed as a possible remedial measure.

A Review on Experimentally Proven Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents against Fluoride Toxicity

Fluoride toxicity, principally by polluted groundwater, is regarded as a momentous global public health risk, as there is no particular and proven treatment for chronic fluoride toxicity i.e., fluorosis which leads to several serious health complications. Scientific literature reveals several medicinal plants and natural products alleviate experimentally induced fluoride toxicity. The present review attempts to collate those experimental studies on medicinal plants and plant derived natural products with fluoride toxicity ameliorative effects. Literature scrutiny was performed by using online bibliographic databases and the studies for the last 15 years were considered. Minerals and semi-synthetic or synthetic analogs of natural products were excluded. Literature study revealed that 25 medicinal plants and 17 natural products exhibited significant protection from fluoride toxicity in experimental animal models i.e., preclinical studies. Two clinical studies on medicinal plants were also found in literature showing beneficial yet poorly correlated outcome. Relevant research in this field could lead to development of a potentially useful agent in therapeutic management of fluoride toxicity in humans.

Interaction of fluoride exposure and CREB1 gene polymorphisms on thyroid function in school-age children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of CREB1 gene polymorphisms and long-term exposure to fluoride on thyroid function of children.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 424 children (including 226 boys and 198 girls) aged 7-12 years old were enrolled in Kaifeng, China by cross-sectional study in 2017. The concentrations of urinary fluoride (UF) and creatinine (UCr) were measured using fluoride ion-selective electrode assay and creatinine assay kit (picric acid method), respectively. The concentration of UCr-adjusted UF (CUF) was calculated. Children were divided into high fluoride exposure group (HFG, CUF >1.41 mg/L) and low fluoride exposure group (LFG, CUF ≤1.41 mg/L) according to the median concentration of CUF (1.41 mg/L). The serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyronine (TT4) levels were detected by the radiation immunoassay. The B-mode ultrasound was performed to test the thyroid volume (Tvol). Genotyping of CREB1 gene was conducted by a custom-by-design 48-plex SNPscan™ Kit. Associations between CUF concentration, CREB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and thyroid function were assessed by multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

Negative and positive associations between serum TT4 level (β = -0.721, 95%CI: -1.209, -0.234) and Tvol (β = 0.031, 95%CI: 0.011, 0.050) and CUF concentration were observed respectively. Children carrying CREB1 rs11904814 TG and rs2254137 AC genotypes had lower TT3 levels (P < 0.05). Children in HFG carrying rs11904814 TT, rs2253206 GG genotypes and rs6740584 C allele easily manifested lower serum TT4 levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, interactions between excessive fluoride exposure and CREB1 SNPs on Tvol were observed, and the interaction among different loci of CREB1 gene could modify serum TT3 level (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoride could alter children's serum TT4 levels and Tvol. Interactions between fluoride exposure and CREB1 polymorphisms may modify thyroid volume of children.

Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions

Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.

The Effect of C-Phycocyanin on Microglia Activation Is Mediated by Toll-like Receptor 4

The blue-green alga Spirulina platensis is rich in phycocyanins, that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological actions. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), in particular, possesses hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Furthermore, several studies have reported both anti- and proinflammatory properties of this pigment. However, the precise mechanism(s) of action of C-PC in these processes remain largely unknown. Therefore, here we explored the C-PC effect in in vitro microglia activation. The effect of C-PC on the expression and release of IL-1β and TNF-α and the activation of NF-κB was examined in primary microglia by real-time PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Treatment with C-PC up-regulated the expression and release of IL-1β and TNF-α. C-PC also promoted the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor. Then, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for the immunoregulatory function of C-PC, we focused on investigating the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Accordingly, several TLR4 inhibitors have been used. Curcumin, ciprofloxacin, L48H37, and CLI-095 that suppresses specifically TLR4 signaling, blocked IL-1β and TNF-α. Overall, these results indicate the immunomodulatory effect of C-PC in microglia cultures and show for the first time that the molecular mechanism implicated in this effect may involve TLR4 activation.

Protective effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) against toxicity induced by cadmium in Xenopus laevis

Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) has been recognized as a superfood and nutraceutical by its high nutritional value and the benefits of its consumption; it is an important source of lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known that spirulina has positive effects on the toxicity induced by pharmaceuticals and metals. Heavy metals such as cadmium, frequently used in industrial activities, are continuously detected in water bodies and can generate adverse effects on aquatic organisms even at low concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) against the toxic effects induced by cadmium in the early life stages of Xenopus laevis. Twenty Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed to five different treatments on triplicate, control, cadmium (CdCl₂ 24.5 μg L^-1) and three spirulina mixtures Cd + S 1 (24.5 μg L^-1 CdCl₂ + 2 mg L^-1 spirulina), Cd + S 2 (24.5 μg L^-1 CdCl₂ + 2 mg L^-1 spirulina), Cd + S 3 (24.5 μg L^-1 CdCl₂ + 10 mg L^-1 spirulina); after 96 h of exposure: Malformations, mortality and length were evaluated; also, after 192 h, lipid peroxidation (LPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. All spirulina treatments decreased mortality from 34 to 50% and reduced malformations on incidence from 36 to 68%. Treatment Cd + S 3 decreased growth inhibition significantly. Spirulina treatment Cd + S 2 decreased lipidic peroxidation and antioxidant activity; these results suggest that spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) can decrease the mortality, frequency of malformations, the severity of malformations, growth inhibition, and oxidative damage induced by cadmium in Xenopus laevis embryos.

Chlorella vulgaris or Spirulina platensis mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis with regard to androgen receptor expression in rats

The current research was constructed to throw the light on the protective possibility of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction in male rats. Forty rats were classified into four groups: (i) control, (ii) rats received lead acetate (30 mg/kg bw), (iii) rats concomitantly received lead acetate and C. vulgaris (300 mg/kg bw), (vi) rats were simultaneously treated with lead acetate and S. platensis (300 mg/kg bw) via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Lead acetate promoted testicular injury as expressed with fall in reproductive organ weights and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Lead acetate disrupted spermatogenesis as indicated by sperm cell count reduction and increased sperm malformation percentage. Lead acetate-deteriorated steroidogenesis is evoked by minimized serum testosterone along with maximized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Testicular oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic cascades are revealed by elevated acid phosphatase (ACP) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) serum leakage, declined testicular total antioxidative capacity (TAC) with elevated total oxidative capacity (TOC), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 levels, lessened androgen receptor (AR) expression, and histopathological lesions against control. Our research highlights that C. vulgaris or S. platensis therapy can modulate lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction via their antioxidant activity as expressed by elevated TAC and reduced TOC, immunomodulatory effect as indicated by lessened TNF-α level, and anti-apoptotic potential that was revealed by minimized caspase-3 levels. As well as restoration of testicular histoarchitecture, androgen receptor, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis were detected with better impacts to S. platensis comparing with C. vulgaris. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed to test S. platensis and C. vulgaris as a promising candidate in treating male infertility.

Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) attenuates Cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats: Evidence for sperm apoptosis and p53/Bcl-2 expression

Cyclophosphamide is an antitumor agent that causes disorders in fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Spirulina platensis against Cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity. 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Experimental groups included three groups. The first experimental group received Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight (BW) orally. The second and third experimental groups received 5 mg/kg BW Cyclophosphamide and 500 and 1,000 mg/kg BW S. platensis orally, respectively. The control groups included a control group, and two S. platensis control groups. Following 28 days, two flow cytometry techniques were used to determine sperm apoptosis and testicular protein expression of tumor protein (p53) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that causes the cell to enter the apoptosis cycle after DNA damage and Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that acts through the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. FITC-Annexin V assay was used for sperm apoptosis evaluation. For protein expression assay, primary and secondary antibodies staining were performed. The Cyclophosphamide group showed a significant increase in sperm apoptosis compared to the control group. Cyclophosphamide significantly increased p53 and decreased Bcl-2 expression compared to the control group. S. platensis co-treated groups exhibited a significant decrease in sperm apoptosis compared to the Cyclophosphamide group. Moreover, S. platensis co-treated groups displayed a significant decreasing in p53 and increasing in Bcl-2 expression compared to the Cyclophosphamide group. The results of this study indicated that S. platensis protected rats against Cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cyclophosphamide is the chemotherapy agent used to treat different cancers. Cyclophosphamide has side effects on the male reproductive system. Spirulina plantesis has a protective effect because of its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Co-administration of Spirulina plantesis with Cyclophosphamide reduces sperm apoptosis also decreases P53 protein expression and increases Bcl-2 protein expression. This study validated the anti-apoptotic potential of Spirulina plantesis against Cyclophosphamide-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Spirulina Microalgae and Brain Health: A Scoping Review of Experimental and Clinical Evidence

Spirulina microalgae contain a plethora of nutrient and non-nutrient molecules providing brain health benefits. Numerous in vivo evidence has provided support for the brain health potential of spirulina, highlighting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms. Preliminary clinical studies have also suggested that spirulina can help to reduce mental fatigue, protect the vascular wall of brain vessels from endothelial damage and regulate internal pressure, thus contributing to the prevention and/or mitigating of cerebrovascular conditions. Furthermore, the use of spirulina in malnourished children appears to ameliorate motor, language, and cognitive skills, suggesting a reinforcing role in developmental mechanisms. Evidence of the central effect of spirulina on appetite regulation has also been shown. This review aims to understand the applicative potential of spirulina microalgae in the prevention and mitigation of brain disorders, highlighting the nutritional value of this "superfood", and providing the current knowledge on relevant molecular mechanisms in the brain associated with its dietary introduction.

Oxy+ (arthrospira) and its medicinal importance: an appraisal

Oxy+ is a natural source of arthrospira found in nature, used as a dietary supplement and manufactured in Aruba for lifefactors. Arthrospira contains good quality of proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, γ-linoleic acid, along with an array of carotene and phytopigments, vitamins, and minerals which are reported to be antioxidant, immunomodulator, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiviral, anticancerous, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective and renoprotective activities. Several studies have shown arthrospira, and active ingredients of it revealed various pharmacological activities. It can be used for the management of various ailments such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, etc. This review attempts to explore the hidden benefits of Oxy+ (arthrospira).

Oxy+ (arthrospira) and its medicinal importance: an appraisal

Oxy+ is a natural source of arthrospira found in nature, used as a dietary supplement and manufactured in Aruba for lifefactors. Arthrospira contains good quality of proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, γ-linoleic acid, along with an array of carotene and phytopigments, vitamins, and minerals which are reported to be antioxidant, immunomodulator, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiviral, anticancerous, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective and renoprotective activities. Several studies have shown arthrospira, and active ingredients of it revealed various pharmacological activities. It can be used for the management of various ailments such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, etc. This review attempts to explore the hidden benefits of Oxy+ (arthrospira).

Manganese-induced neurotoxicity and the potential protective effects of lipoic acid and Spirulina platensis

Manganese (Mn) is essential for many physiological processes; however, its excessive accumulation in the brain causes severe dysfunctions in the nervous system. Oxidative stress is thought to be involved in Mn-induced neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of Mn and the potential protective effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and Spirulina platensis (SP), each alone and in combination. Sixty-four male albino rats were divided into eight equal groups: group 1 was used as control, group 2 received saline, which used as a vehicle, group 3 received ALA (50 mg/kg/day), group 4 received SP (300 mg/kg/day), group 5 received Mn (74 mg/kg, 5 days/week), group 6 received Mn + ALA, group 7 received Mn + SP, group 8 received Mn + ALA + SP. Groups 6, 7 and 8 received the same previously mentioned doses. All treatments were orally gavaged for 8 weeks. Mn administration caused neurobehavioral changes, increases of brain and serum Mn and malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), dopamine and acetylcholine levels. The co-treatment with ALA and SP revealed their ability to protect against oxidative damage, neurobehavioral and biochemical changes induced by Mn.

Alleviated Actions of Plantago albicans Extract on Lead Acetate-Produced Hepatic Damage in Rats Through Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities

The aim of this study was to explore the possible protective mechanisms and to determine the antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds extracted from Plantago albicans against lead acetate-induced hepatic injury. High performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS) assay was used to identify the P. albicans extract phenolic compounds. Animals received 100 mg of lead acetate/kg of body weight (bw) in the drinking water for a period of 30 days. The other groups of rats were orally administered with silymarin (300 mg/kg bw) or the P. albicans extract at two doses (100 and 300 mg/kg of bw), once daily, by gastric gavage for the same time. The P. albicans exhibited high total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. The antioxidant in vitro activity demonstrated that the P. albicans exhibits an important effect against deleterious reactive species. The in vivo results showed that P. albicans prevented the lead acetate-induced significant changes on serum and liver lipid levels. In contrast, P. albicans succeeded in improving the biochemical parameters of serum and liver bringing them closer to the normal values of the control group. It also significantly promoted (P < .05) pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB) in the liver of the experimental animals. The evaluated sample with HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS method showed to contain 10 dominant polyphenols, 2 hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acids), 4 flavones (Apigenin, Luteolin, Cirsiliol, and Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside), and an anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-glucoside). Hence, it can be concluded that P. albicans could be a potent source of health-beneficial phytochemicals providing a novel therapy to protect liver against lead exposure.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction mediated by ROS is a primary point of fluoride-induced damage in Hepa1-6 cells

To evaluate the mechanism of fluoride (F) mitochondrial toxicity, we cultured Hepa1-6 cells with different F concentrations (0, 1 and 2 mmoL/L) and determined cell pathological morphology, mitochondrial respiratory chain damage and cell cycle change. Results showed that the activities and mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes considerably decreased, whereas the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) markedly increased. Breakage of mitochondrial cristae and substantial vacuolated mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy. These results indicate the F-induced oxidative damage in Hepa1-6 cells. The enzyme activities of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III and IV were disordered in Hepa1-6 cells treated by excessive F, thereby indicating a remarkable down-regulation. Further research showed that complex subunits also demonstrated the development of disorder, in which the protein expressions levels of NDUFV2 and SDHA were substantially down-regulated, whereas those of CYC1 and COX Ⅳ were markedly up-regulated. Reductions in ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected with the dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle in Hepa1-6 cells was measured via flow cytometry, and the up-regulated protein expressions of Cyt c, caspase 9, caspase 3 and substantial apoptotic cells were determined. In summary, this study demonstrated that ROS-mediated mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction causes F-induced Hepa1-6 cell damage.

Supplementation with Spirulina platensis Modulates Aortic Vascular Reactivity through Nitric Oxide and Antioxidant Activity

The possible mechanism is involved in the effects of Spirulina platensis on vascular reactivity. Animals were divided into sedentary group (SG) and sedentary groups supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 50 (SG50), 150 (SG150), and 500 mg/kg (SG500). To evaluate reactivity, cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for phenylephrine and acetylcholine. To evaluate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, aorta tissue was preincubated with L-NAME and a new curve was then obtained for phenylephrine. Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity. To contractile reactivity, only SG500 (pD₂ = 5.6 ± 0.04 vs. 6.1 ± 0.06, 6.2 ± 0.02, and 6.2 ± 0.04) showed reduction in phenylephrine contractile potency. L-NAME caused a higher contractile response to phenylephrine in SG150 and SG500. To relaxation, curves for SG150 (pD₂ = 7.0 ± 0.08 vs. 6.4 ± 0.06) and SG500 (pD₂ = 7.3 ± 0.02 vs. 6.4 ± 0.06) were shifted to the left, more so in SG500. Nitrite was increased in SG150 and SG500. Lipid peroxidation was reduced, and oxidation inhibition was increased in all supplemented groups, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. Chronic supplementation with S. platensis (150/500 mg/kg) caused a decrease in contractile response and increase in relaxation and nitrite levels, indicating greater NO production, due to decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant activity.

Synergistic oxidative impact of aluminum chloride and sodium fluoride exposure during early stages of brain development in the rat

Aluminum is widely used in industry and in cooking utensils, especially in countries with low economic and social standards. Fluoride is also used in industry, a major component of toothpaste and is added to the drinking water in many countries to fight teeth decay and cavities. Consequently, the coexistence of aluminum and fluoride is highly probable. Growing evidence indicates that environmental pollutants during the early stages of embryonic development may reprogram the offspring's brain capabilities to encounter oxidative stress during the rest of their postnatal life. This study investigated the impact of sodium fluoride (NaF, 0.15 g/L) and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃, 500 mg/L) added, individually or in combination, to the deionized drinking water starting from day 6 of gestation until just after weaning, or until the age of 70 days postnatal life. A significant decline was observed in tissue contents of vitamin C, reduced glutathione, GSH/GSSH ratio, and the total protein, as well as in the activities of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in almost all cases. On the contrary, lipid peroxidation and NO, as total nitrate, exhibited a significant increase in comparison with the corresponding control. Based on the present results, administration of Al and NaF, alone or in combination abated the quenching effects of the antioxidant system and induced oxidative stress in most brain regions under investigation. In conclusion, aluminum and fluoride are very noxious environmental pollutants that interfere with the proper functions of the brain neurons and their combination together aggravates their hazard.

Deltamethrin toxicity: A review of oxidative stress and metabolism

Deltamethrin is widely used worldwide due to its valuable insecticidal activity against pests and parasites. Increasing evidence has shown that deltamethrin causes varying degrees of toxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress and metabolism are highly correlated with toxicity. For the first time, this review systematically summarizes the deltamethrin toxicity mechanism from the perspective of oxidative stress, including deltamethrin-mediated oxidative damage, antioxidant status, oxidative signaling pathways and modulatory effects of antagonists, synergists and placebos on oxidative stress. Further, deltamethrin metabolism, including metabolites, metabolic enzymes and pathways and deltamethrin metabolite toxicity are discussed. This review will shed new light on deltamethrin toxicity mechanisms and provide effective strategies to ensure pest control and prevention of human and animal poisoning.

Modulation of caspase-3 gene expression and protective effects of garlic and spirulina against CNS neurotoxicity induced by lead exposure in male rats

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant with worldwide health problems. The present study was designed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of Pb in albino rats and to evaluate the ameliorative role of garlic as well as Spirulina maxima against such toxic effects. Forty adult male rats were used in this investigation (10 rats/group). Group I: served as control, Group II: rats received lead acetate (100 mg/kg), Group III: rats received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and garlic (600 mg/kg) and Group IV: rats received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and spirulina (500 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage for one month. Exposure to Pb acetate adversely affected the measured acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation parameters as well as caspase-3 gene expression in brain tissue (cerebrum and cerebellum). Light and electron microscopical examination of the cerebrum and cerebellum showed various lesions after exposure to Pb which were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. On the other hand, administration of garlic and spirulina concomitantly with lead acetate ameliorated most of the undesirable effects. It could be concluded that, the adverse effects induced by lead acetate, were markedly ameliorated by co-treatment with S. maxima more than garlic.

Maternal Protein Malnutrition: Current and Future Perspectives of Spirulina Supplementation in Neuroprotection

Malnutrition has been widely recognized as a grave burden restricting the progress of underdeveloped and developing countries. Maternal, neonatal and postnatal nutritional immunity provides an effective approach to decrease the risk of malnutrition associated stress in adulthood. Particularly, maternal nutritional status is a critical contributor for determining the long-term health aspects of an offspring. Maternal malnutrition leads to increased risk of life, poor immune system, delayed motor development and cognitive dysfunction in the children. An effective immunomodulatory intervention using nutraceutical could be used to enhance immunity against infections. The immune system in early life possesses enormous dynamic capacity to manage both genetic and environment driven processes and can adapt to rapidly changing environmental exposures. These immunomodulatory stimuli or potent nutraceutical strategy can make use of early life plasticity to target pathways of immune ontogeny, which in turn could increase the immunity against infectious diseases arising from malnutrition. This review provides appreciable human and animal data showing enduring effects of protein deprivation on CNS development, oxidative stress and inflammation and associated behavioral and cognitive impairments. Relevant studies on nutritional supplementation and rehabilitation using Spirulina as a potent protein source and neuroprotectant against protein malnutrition (PMN) induced deleterious changes have also been discussed. However, there are many futuristic issues that need to be resolved for proper modulation of these therapeutic interventions to prevent malnutrition.

Spirulina platensis attenuates furan reprotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testis of rats

Furan is a common food contaminant and environmental pollutant. Spirulina platensis (SP) is a blue-green algae extensively used as therapeutic and health supplements. This study aimed to explore the probable beneficial role of SP against the influence of furan on reproductive system of male rats. Adult male rats were divided into control, vehicle control, SP (300 mg/kg bwt/ day, 7 days), furan (16 mg/kg bwt/ day,30 day), SP/furan, furan/SP and furan+SP groups. Hematology, sperm count, sperm morphology, serum testosterone (TES), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular enzymes, and pro inflammatory cytokines were estimated. In addition, histopathology of testis and seminal vesicles and apoptosis were evaluated. Anaemia, leukocytosis, and reduced gonadosomatic index were observed in the furan treated group. TES, LH, FSH, E2, and GSH were significantly decreased following furan treatment. MDA, testicular enzymes, and pro inflammatory cytokines were significantly incremented in testis of furan treated rats. Furan induced apoptic changes in testis. SP significantly counteracted furan reprotoxic impacts, particularly at co-exposure. Conclusively, these findings verified that SP could be candidate therapy against furan reprotoxic impacts.

Spirulina platensis attenuates the associated neurobehavioral and inflammatory response impairments in rats exposed to lead acetate

Heavy metals are well known as environmental pollutants with hazardous impacts on human and animal health because of their wide industrial usage. In the present study, the role of Spirulina platensis in reversing the oxidative stress-mediated brain injury elicited by lead acetate exposure was evaluated. In order to accomplish this aim, rats were orally administered with 300 mg/kg bw Spirulina for 15 d, before and simultaneously with an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bw lead acetate [6 injections through the two weeks]. As a result, the co-administration of Spirulina with lead acetate reversed the most impaired open field behavioral indices; however, this did not happen for swimming performance, inclined plane, and grip strength tests. In addition, it was observed that Spirulina diminished the lead content that accumulated in both the blood and the brain tissue of the exposed rats, and reduced the elevated levels of oxidative damage indices, and brain proinflammatory markers. Also, because of the Spirulina administration, the levels of the depleted biomarkers of antioxidant status and interleukin-10 in the lead-exposed rats were improved. Moreover, Spirulina protected the brain tissue (cerebrum and cerebellum) against the changes elicited by lead exposure, and also decreased the reactivity of HSP70 and Caspase-3 in both cerebrum and cerebellum tissues. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Spirulina has a potential use as a food supplement in the regions highly polluted with heavy metals.

Effects of perinatal fluoride exposure on the expressions of miR-124 and miR-132 in hippocampus of mouse pups

To investigate the effects of perinatal fluoride exposure on learning and memory ability of mouse offspring, ICR female mice were received different doses of sodium fluoride (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/L NaF) from pregnant day 7 to lactational day 21. Pups were exposed to fluoride through the cord blood and breast milk. Open field test showed that compared to the control group, perinatal fluoride exposure significantly decreased the number of entries into the center zone in 100 mg/L NaF group. In the eight-arm maze test, the number of working memory errors, reference memory errors, and the total arm entries were significantly increased in fluoride treatment groups, compared to the control group. Additionally, 100 mg/L NaF significantly elevated the expression levels of miR-124, miR-132, and DiGeorge syndrome chromosomal region 8 (DGCR8) in hippocampus of mouse pups at postnatal day (PND) 21. Contrarily, methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) were dramatically reduced in 50 and 100 mg/L NaF groups, while cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) mRNA level was significantly decreased in all fluoride groups. These findings suggested that the impairment of learning and memory in mouse offspring induced by perinatal fluoride exposure may partly result from the enhanced miR-124 and miR-132 and the alterations of their target genes.

An Evaluation of Neurotoxicity Following Fluoride Exposure from Gestational Through Adult Ages in Long-Evans Hooded Rats

At elevated levels, fluoride (F^-) exposure has been associated with adverse human health effects. In rodents, F^- exposure has been reported to induce deficits in motor performance and learning and memory. In this study, we examined Long-Evans hooded male rats maintained on a standard diet (20.5 ppm F^-) or a low F^- diet (3.24 ppm F^-) with drinking water exposure to 0, 10, or 20 ppm F^- from gestational day 6 through adulthood. At postnatal day 25, brain F^- levels were 0.048 or 0.081 μg/g and femur 235 or 379.8 μg/g for 10 and 20 ppm F^-, respectively. Levels increase with age and in adults, levels for plasma were 0.036 or 0.025 μg/ml; for the brain 0.266 or 0.850 μg/g; and for the femur, 681.2 or 993.4 μg/g. At these exposure levels, we observed no exposure-related differences in motor, sensory, or learning and memory performance on running wheel, open-field activity, light/dark place preference, elevated plus maze, pre-pulse startle inhibition, passive avoidance, hot-plate latency, Morris water maze acquisition, probe test, reversal learning, and Y-maze. Serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were not altered as a function of 10 or 20 ppm F^- in the drinking water. No exposure-related pathology was observed in the heart, liver, kidney, testes, seminal vesicles, or epididymides. Mild inflammation in the prostate gland was observed at 20 ppm F^-. No evidence of neuronal death or glial activation was observed in the hippocampus at 20 ppm F^-.

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.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy and its impact on obstetric outcome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a Malaysian antenatal population and its impact on obstetric outcome.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Obstetric Unit, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Women attending antenatal clinic and Patient Admission Centre (PAC) above 30 weeks gestation were given structured questionnaires to fill. Pregnancy outcome measures were documented and analyzed in relation to the information gathered through the questionnaire. SPSS Version 21 was used to analyze all data obtained.

RESULTS

Out of 447 women, the overall prevalence of CAM usage in pregnancy was 85.2%. It was popular among pregnant mothers aged between 26 and 35 years old and most commonly used in the third trimester (p = 0.0.010) to facilitate labour. Other sociodemographic factors such as race, parity, education, occupation and residence were not significantly important. Traditional herbs was the commonest type of CAM used in pregnancy (58.3%) followed by selusuh (24.3%). About 78.5% of the CAM users delivered vaginally (p = 0.020) but a significant proportion (14.3%) had fetal distress (p = 0.035) compared to non CAM users. The most common type of herbs used was akar kayu bunga Fatimah (37.7%) and gamat (13.4%). In our study, usage of selusuh product and akar kayu bunga Fatimah had a significant impact in achieving vaginal delivery and shortened the duration of labour particularly in multiparae. The usage of Kacip Fatimah and Salindah was associated with preterm labour (p = 0.04)Tongkat Ali herbal coffee had a significant association with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (p = 0.011) and fetal distress (p = 0.04) Meanwhile, the usage of Jamu Mustika Ratu was significantly associated with low birth weight in grandmultiparae (p = 0.026)and spirulina was significantly associated with oligohydramnios (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Usage of CAM in pregnancy in the Malaysian population is of high prevalence CAM in pregnancy has beneficial and adverse obstetric outcomes. More research is needed to establish the safety of usage of various forms of CAM in pregnancy.

Preclinical antitoxic properties of Spirulina (Arthrospira)

CONTEXT

Spirulina (Arthrospira) exerts a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities which are mainly attributed to its antioxidant effect. However, Spirulina has also been reported (both in preclinical and in clinical scenarios) to exhibit other bioactive effects, including an antitoxic potential.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review of the literature, conducted in TOXNET, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Science Direct-Scopus; all available years were included. Searching criteria included the effects of Spirulina on experimental poisonings from arsenic, cadmium, carbon tetrachloride, deltamethrin, fluoride, hexachlorocyclohexane, iron, lead, lindane, and mercury.

RESULTS

In all cases, it was established that the blue-green alga, and its isolated compounds, effectively counteracted these pollutants toxic effects on the exposed organisms. Some molecular mechanisms are proposed, although they have not been fully elucidated yet.

CONCLUSION

Spirulina could be a useful coadjuvant agent within clinical practice for treatment of these or other pollutants poisonings.

The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview

Spirulina is a species of filamentous cyanobacteria that has long been used as a food supplement. In particular, Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima are the most important. Thanks to a high protein and vitamin content, Spirulina is used as a nutraceutical food supplement, although its other potential health benefits have attracted much attention. Oxidative stress and dysfunctional immunity cause many diseases in humans, including atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and hypertension. Thus, the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of these microalgae may play an important role in human health. Here, we discuss the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina in both animals and humans, along with the underlying mechanisms. In addition, its commercial and regulatory status in different countries is discussed as well. Spirulina activates cellular antioxidant enzymes, inhibits lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, scavenges free radicals, and increases the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Notably, there appears to be a threshold level above which Spirulina will taper off the antioxidant activity. Clinical trials show that Spirulina prevents skeletal muscle damage under conditions of exercise-induced oxidative stress and can stimulate the production of antibodies and up- or downregulate the expression of cytokine-encoding genes to induce immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory responses. The molecular mechanism(s) by which Spirulina induces these activities is unclear, but phycocyanin and β-carotene are important molecules. Moreover, Spirulina effectively regulates the ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and IκB pathways. This review provides new insight into the potential therapeutic applications of Spirulina and may provide new ideas for future studies.

Effects of Excess Fluoride and Iodide on Thyroid Function and Morphology

Exposure to high levels of iodide in Cangzhou, Shandong Province, China has been associated with increased incidence of thyroid disease; however, whether fluoride can affect the thyroid remains controversial. To investigate the effects of excess fluoride, we evaluated thyroid gland structure and function in rats exposed to fluoride and iodide, either alone or in combination. Five-week-old Wistar rats (n = 160 total) were randomly divided into eight groups: three groups that were given excess fluoride (15, 30, or 60 ppm F); one group given excess iodide (1200 μg/L I); three groups given excess iodide plus fluoride (1200 μg/L I plus 15, 30, or 60 ppm F); and one control group. The serum concentrations of the thyroid hormones TT3 and TT4 on day 150 were significantly reduced for certain fluoride groups; however, no significant differences were observed in concentrations for the pituitary hormone TSH among any groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that iodide causes an increase in the areas of the colloid lumens and a decrease in the diameters of epithelial cells and nuclei; however, fluoride causes an increase in nuclear diameters. The damage to follicular epithelial cells upon fluoride or iodide treatment was easily observed by transmission electron microscopy, but the effects were most dramatic upon treatment with both fluoride and iodide. These results suggest that iodide causes the most damage but that fluoride can promote specific changes in the function and morphology of the thyroid, either alone or in combination with iodide.

Evaluating the ameliorative efficacy of Spirulina platensis on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in cadmium-intoxicated rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative efficacy of Spirulina platensis (SP) on reproductive dysfunctions induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in male rats. Rats (n = 40) were divided into five groups (eight rats/each). Group 1: served as control without any treatment. Group 2: Rats were administered SP (150 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water for 10 days. Group 3: Rats were subcutaneously injected with CdCl2 (2 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 days. Group 4: Rats were co-treated with both CdCl2 (2 mg/kg BW) and SP (150 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 days (SP prophylactic group). Group 5: Rats received CdCl2 for 10 days followed by administration of SP alone in drinking water daily for another 30 days with the same mentioned routes and doses (SP treatment group). From our findings, the administration of SP alone or co-administration with Cd significantly attenuated the harmful effects of Cd, suggesting its beneficial role in improving spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis after Cd exposure.

The Remedial Efficacy of Spirulina platensis versus Chromium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of Spirulina platensis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups (Gps). Gp1 served as control, rats of Gps 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to Spirulina platensis (300 mg/kg b.wt per os) and sodium dichromate dihydrate (SDD) via drinking water at concentration of 520 mg /l respectively. Chromium administration caused alterations in the renal function markers as evidenced by significant increase of blood urea and creatinine levels accompanied with significant increase in kidney’s chromium residues and MDA level as well as decreased catalase activity and glutathion content in kidney tissue. Histologically, Cr provoked deleterious changes including: vascular congestion, wide spread tubular epithelium necrobiotic changes, atrophy of glomerular tuft and proliferative hyperplasia. The latter was accompanied with positive PCNA expression in kidney tissues as well as DNA ploidy interpretation of major cellular population of degenerated cells, appearance of tetraploid cells, high proliferation index and high DNA index. Morphometrical measurements revealed marked glomerular and tubular lumen alterations. On contrary, spirulina co-treatment with Cr significantly restored the histopathological changes, antioxidants and renal function markers and all the previously mentioned changes as well.

Modulating Effects of Spirulina platensis against Tilmicosin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice

Objective

Tilmicosin (TIL) is a long-acting macrolide antibiotic used to treat cattle for pathogens that cause bovine respiratory disease. However, overdoses of this medication have been reported to induce cardiac damage. Our experimental objective was to evaluate the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) administration against TIL-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

Materials and Methods

Our experimental in vivo animal study used 40 male albino mice that were divided into five groups of eight mice per group. The first group served as a control group and was injected with saline. The second group received SP at dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight for five days. The third group received a single dose of TIL (75 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Groups 4 and 5 were given SP at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days just before administration of TIL at the same dose and regimen used for group 3.

Results

TIL treated animals showed a significant increase in serum cardiac injury biomarkers as well as cardiac lipid peroxidation, however they had evidence of an inhibition in antioxidant biomarkers. SP normalized elevated serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB. Furthermore, SP reduced TIL-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Administration of SP minimized the toxic effects of TIL by its free radicalscavenging and potent antioxidant activity.

The protective effect of dietary Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima against mutagenicity induced by benzo[alpha]pyrene in mice

Benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[α]P) was used to test the possible antimutagenic effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima (SP) on male and female mice. SP was orally administered at 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg of body weight to animals of both sexes for 2 weeks before starting the B[α]P (intraperitoneal injection) at 125 mg/kg of body weight for 5 consecutive days. For the male dominant lethal test, each male was caged with two untreated females per week for 3 weeks. For the female dominant lethal test, each female was caged for 1 week with one untreated male. All the females were evaluated 13-15 days after mating for incidence of pregnancy, total corpora lutea, total implants and pre- and postimplant losses. SP protected from B[α]P-induced pre- and postimplant losses in the male dominant lethal test, and from B[α]P-induced postimplantation losses in treated females. Moreover, SP treatment significantly reduced the detrimental effect of B[α]P on the quality of mouse semen. Our results illustrate the protective effects of SP in relation to B[α]P-induced genetic damage to germ cells. We conclude that SP, owing mainly to the presence of phycocyanin, could be of potential clinical interest in cancer treatment or prevention of relapse.

Analysis of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in spirulina-containing supplements by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Over the last decade the amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has come under intense scrutiny. International laboratory and epidemiological research continues to support the hypothesis that environmental exposure to BMAA (e.g., through dietary practices, water supply) can promote the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases. A wide variety of cyanobacteria spp. have previously been reported to produce BMAA, with production levels dependent upon species, strain and environmental conditions. Since spirulina (Arthrospira spp.) is a member of the cyanobacteria phylum frequently consumed via dietary supplements, the presence of BMAA in such products may have public health implications. In the current work, we have analyzed ten spirulina-containing samples for the presence of BMAA; six pure spirulina samples from two separate raw materials suppliers, and four commercially-available multi-ingredient products containing 1.45 g of spirulina per 8.5 g serving. Because of controversy surrounding the measurement of BMAA, we have used two complementary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods: one based on reversed phase LC (RPLC) with derivatization and the other based on hydrophilic interaction LC (HILIC). Potential matrix effects were corrected for by internal standardization using a stable isotope labeled BMAA standard. BMAA was not detected at low limits of detection (80 ng/g dry weight) in any of these product samples. Although these results are reassuring, BMAA analyses should be conducted on a wider sample selection and, perhaps, as part of ongoing spirulina production quality control testing and specifications.

Protective role of Spirulina platensis against acute deltamethrin-induced toxicity in rats

Deltamethrin is a broad-spectrum synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide widely used for agricultural and veterinary purposes. However, its human and animal exposure leads to hepatonephrotoxicity. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the hepatonephroprotective and antioxidant potential of Spirulina platensis against deltamethrin toxicity in male Wistar albino rats. Deltamethrin treated animals revealed a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters as well as hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation but caused an inhibition in antioxidant biomarkers. Spirulina normalized the elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, APL, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Furthermore, it reduced deltamethrin-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in a dose dependent manner. Therefore, it could be concluded that spirulina administration able to minimize the toxic effects of deltamethrin by its free radical-scavenging and potent antioxidant activity.