1
|
Abu-Elfotuh K, Tolba AMA, Hussein FH, Hamdan AME, Rabeh MA, Alshahri SA, Ali AA, Mosaad SM, Mahmoud NA, Elsaeed MY, Abdelglil RM, El-Awady RR, Galal ERM, Kamal MM, Elsisi AMM, Darwish A, Gowifel AMH, Mahran YF. Anti-Alzheimer Activity of Combinations of Cocoa with Vinpocetine or Other Nutraceuticals in Rat Model: Modulation of Wnt3/β-Catenin/GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 Pathways. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2063. [PMID: 37631278 PMCID: PMC10457980 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating illness with limited therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study is to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AD and explore the potential neuroprotective effects of cocoa, either alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals, in an animal model of aluminum-induced AD. Rats were divided into nine groups: control, aluminum chloride (AlCl3) alone, AlCl3 with cocoa alone, AlCl3 with vinpocetine (VIN), AlCl3 with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), AlCl3 with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), AlCl3 with wheatgrass (WG), AlCl3 with vitamin (Vit) B complex, and AlCl3 with a combination of Vit C, Vit E, and selenium (Se). The animals were treated for five weeks, and we assessed behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical changes, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling, ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. AlCl3 administration induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and downregulation of cellular antioxidants (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, and TAC). AlCl3 also upregulated inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α and IL-1β) and GSK-3β, leading to increased tau phosphorylation, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and downregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, AlCl3 intensified C/EBP, p-PERK, GRP-78, and CHOP, indicating sustained ER stress, and decreased Beclin-1 and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions. These alterations contributed to the observed behavioral and histological changes in the AlCl3-induced AD model. Administration of cocoa, either alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals, particularly VIN or EGCG, demonstrated remarkable amelioration of all assessed parameters. The combination of cocoa with nutraceuticals attenuated the AD-mediated deterioration by modulating interrelated pathophysiological pathways, including inflammation, antioxidant responses, GSK-3β-Wnt/β-catenin signaling, ER stress, and apoptosis. These findings provide insights into the intricate pathogenesis of AD and highlight the neuroprotective effects of nutraceuticals through multiple signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Amina M. A. Tolba
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Girls Branch, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | | | - Ahmed M. E. Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Rabeh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saad A. Alshahri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Azza A. Ali
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (A.A.A.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Sarah M. Mosaad
- Research Unit, Egypt Healthcare Authority, Ismailia Branch, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Nihal A. Mahmoud
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Magdy Y. Elsaeed
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Demietta 34517, Egypt;
| | - Ranya M. Abdelglil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Rehab R. El-Awady
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (R.R.E.-A.); (E.R.M.G.)
| | - Eman Reda M. Galal
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (R.R.E.-A.); (E.R.M.G.)
| | - Mona M. Kamal
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (A.A.A.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Ahmed M. M. Elsisi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University (NUB), Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Ayah M. H. Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo 11571, Egypt;
| | - Yasmen F. Mahran
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Marco G, Afsa S, Galati M, Guerriero G, Mauceri A, Ben Mansour H, Cappello T. Time- and dose-dependent biological effects of a sub-chronic exposure to realistic doses of salicylic acid in the gills of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:88161-88171. [PMID: 35829880 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21866-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly found in seawater and wastewater, salicylic acid (SA) represents one of the most persistent and hazardous compounds for aquatic organisms. This study was therefore designed to elucidate the biological effects of SA in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. During a sub-chronic exposure (12 days), mussels were exposed to five realistic concentrations of SA (C1: 0.05 μg/L; C2: 0.5 μg/L; C3: 5 μg/L; C4: 50 μg/L; C5: 100 μg/L) and gills, selected as the target organ, were collected at different time points (T3: 3 days; T5: 5 days; T12: 12 days). Exposure to SA induced no histological alterations in mussel gills, despite a relevant hemocyte infiltration was observed throughout the exposure as a defensive response to SA. Temporal modulation of glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities suggested the occurrence of antioxidant and detoxifying responses against SA exposure, while lipid peroxidation (LPO), except for a partial increase at T3, was prevented. Inhibition of the cholinergic system was also reported by reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, mainly at T12. Overall, findings from this study contribute to enlarge the current knowledge on the cytotoxicity of SA, on non-target aquatic organisms, and might for the enhancement of new ecopharmacovigilance programs and optimization of the efficacy of wastewater treatment plants for mitigation of pharmaceutical pollution in coastal areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe De Marco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Sabrine Afsa
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to The Environment - APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Mahdia, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mariachiara Galati
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Guerriero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Mauceri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Hedi Ben Mansour
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to The Environment - APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Mahdia, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166, Messina, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khoja S, Liu XB, Truong B, Nitzahn M, Lambert J, Eliav A, Nasser E, Randolph E, Burke KE, White R, Zhu X, Martini PG, Nissim I, Cederbaum SD, Lipshutz GS. Intermittent lipid nanoparticle mRNA administration prevents cortical dysmyelination associated with arginase deficiency. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:859-874. [PMID: 35694211 PMCID: PMC9156989 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arginase deficiency is associated with prominent neuromotor features, including spastic diplegia, clonus, and hyperreflexia; intellectual disability and progressive neurological decline are other signs. In a constitutive murine model, we recently described leukodystrophy as a significant component of the central nervous system features of arginase deficiency. In the present studies, we sought to examine if the administration of a lipid nanoparticle carrying human ARG1 mRNA to constitutive knockout mice could prevent abnormalities in myelination associated with arginase deficiency. Imaging of the cingulum, striatum, and cervical segments of the corticospinal tract revealed a drastic reduction of myelinated axons; signs of degenerating axons were also present with thin myelin layers. Lipid nanoparticle/ARG1 mRNA administration resulted in both light and electron microscopic evidence of a dramatic recovery of myelin density compared with age-matched controls; oligodendrocytes were seen to be extending processes to wrap many axons. Abnormally thin myelin layers, when myelination was present, were resolved with intermittent mRNA administration, indicative of not only a greater density of myelinated axons but also an increase in the thickness of the myelin sheath. In conclusion, lipid nanoparticle/ARG1 mRNA administration in arginase deficiency prevents the associated leukodystrophy and restores normal oligodendrocyte function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Khoja
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Liu
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian Truong
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Nitzahn
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jenna Lambert
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Eliav
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eram Nasser
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emma Randolph
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Rebecca White
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xuling Zhu
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Itzhak Nissim
- Division of Metabolism and Human Genetics, The Children Hospital of Philadelphia and The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perlman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stephen D. Cederbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gerald S. Lipshutz
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Daniel D, Nunes B, Pinto E, Ferreira IMPLVO, Correia AT. Assessment of Paracetamol Toxic Effects under Varying Seawater pH Conditions on the Marine Polychaete Hediste diversicolor Using Biochemical Endpoints. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040581. [PMID: 35453782 PMCID: PMC9031096 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Context of climate change is being widely studied, nevertheless its effects in the toxicity of other contaminants have been poorly study. Particularly, the effects of ocean acidification on the modulation of pharmaceutical absorption and consequent effects, have not been extensively addressed before. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of ocean acidification (specifically pH values of 8.2, 7.9, and 7.6) combined with paracetamol exposure (0, 30, 60, and 120 µg/L) on the polychaeta Hediste diversicolor. To do so, specific biomarkers were measured namely (CAT), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), were quantified to serve as ecotoxicological endpoints. Alterations of CAT, and GSTs activities, and TBARS levels indicate an alteration in redox balances. Differences in exposed pH levels indicate the possible modulation of the absorption of this pharmaceutical in ocean acidifications scenarios. Alterations in AChE were only observed following paracetamol exposure, not being altered by media pH. Hereby obtained results suggest that seawater acidification is detrimental to marine wildlife, since it may enhance toxic effects caused by environmental realistic concentrations of pharmaceuticals. This work is crucial to understand the potential effects of pharmaceuticals in a climate change scenario. Abstract Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are likely to lower ocean pH values, after its dissolution in seawater. Additionally, pharmaceuticals drugs are environmental stressors due to their intrinsic properties and worldwide occurrence. It is thus of the utmost importance to assess the combined effects of pH decreases and pharmaceutical contamination, considering that their absorption (and effects) are likely to be strongly affected by changes in oceanic pH. To attain this goal, individuals of the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor were exposed to distinct pH levels (8.2, 7.9, and 7.6) and environmentally relevant concentrations of the acidic drug paracetamol (PAR: 0, 30, 60, and 120 µg/L). Biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities, as well as peroxidative damage (through thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) quantification), were quantified to serve as ecotoxicological endpoints. Data showed a general increase in CAT and a decrease in GST activities (with significant fluctuations according to the tested conditions of PAR and pH). These changes are likely to be associated with alterations of the redox cycle driven by PAR exposure. In addition, pH levels seemed to condition the toxicity caused by PAR, suggesting that the toxic effects of this drug were in some cases enhanced by more acidic conditions. An inhibition of AChE was observed in animals exposed to the highest concentration of PAR, regardless of the pH value. Moreover, no lipid peroxidation was observed in most individuals, although a significant increase in TBARS levels was observed for polychaetes exposed to the lowest pH. Finally, no alterations of COX activities were recorded on polychaetes exposed to PAR, regardless of the pH level. The obtained results suggest that seawater acidification is detrimental to marine wildlife, since it may enhance toxic effects caused by environmental realistic concentrations of acidic drugs, such as PAR. This work was crucial to evidence that ocean acidification, in the context of a global change scenario of increased levels of both atmospheric and oceanic CO2, is a key factor in understanding the putative enhanced toxicity of most pharmaceutical drugs that are of an acidic nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Daniel
- Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Edgar Pinto
- Escola Superior de Saúde (ESS) do Instituto Politécnico do Porto (IPP), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- LAQV/REQUIMTE-Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE-Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Alberto Teodorico Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (FCS/UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto (ICBAS), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cui B, Wei L, Sun LY, Qu W, Zeng ZG, Liu Y, Zhu ZJ. The effect of liver transplantation for argininemia-the largest experiences in a single center. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:495-504. [PMID: 35558983 PMCID: PMC9085954 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Argininemia, a rare urea cycle disorder resulting from an arginase-1 deficiency, is characterized by a progressive spastic paraplegia. While advances in diagnosis and treatment have increased the management of this condition, not all symptoms are resolved in response to traditional therapies. Interestingly, there exist some rare reports on the use of liver transplantation (LT) for the treatment of argininemia. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of eleven patients with argininemia receiving a LT as performed at our center over the period from January 2015 to November 2019. These patients were included due to their poor responses to protein restriction diets and alternative therapies of nitrogen scavengers. Detailed information on coagulation, liver function, histopathological and morphological examination of liver samples, and other clinical presentations were extracted from these patients. A grading scale was used for evaluating the neurological status, classification of physical growth and quality of life of these patients in response to the LT. RESULTS Prior to LT, high levels of arginine were detected in all of argininemia patients and liver enzymes were elevated in nine of those patients. Nine patients presented with coagulation dysfunction without bleeding symptoms. Spastic paraplegia, irritability, intellectual developmental disability, and growth deficits were hallmarks of these nine patients, while four patients showed repeated, generalized tonic-clonic seizures before the operation. Seven novel mutations were found in these patients. The indication for LT in this series of patients was a presentation of progressive neurological impairments. After LT, the coagulation index and plasma arginine levels returned to normal and episodes of seizure were controlled in four patients. To date, all patients have survived and their LT has resulted a restoration of arginine metabolism and liver function, along with preventing further neurological deterioration, all of which provided an opportunity for future recuperation. Overall, the neurological status, growth deficits and quality of life were all significantly improved after LT with no evidence of severe complications. CONCLUSIONS LT can serve as an effective treatment for argininemia in patients who respond poorly to traditional therapy. An early intervention of LT should be conducted in these patients to prevent neurological damage and improve their quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cui
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ying Sun
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Critical Liver Diseases, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Gui Zeng
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mill J, Patel V, Okonkwo O, Li L, Raife T. Erythrocyte sphingolipid species as biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. J Pharm Anal 2022; 12:178-185. [PMID: 35573876 PMCID: PMC9073235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the early stage is challenging. Informative biomarkers can be of great value for population-based screening. Metabolomics studies have been used to find potential biomarkers, but commonly used tissue sources can be difficult to obtain. The objective of this study was to determine the potential utility of erythrocyte metabolite profiles in screening for AD. Unlike some commonly-used sources such as cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, erythrocytes are plentiful and easily accessed. Moreover, erythrocytes are metabolically active, a feature that distinguishes this sample source from other bodily fluids like plasma and urine. In this preliminary pilot study, the erythrocyte metabolomes of 10 histopathologically confirmed AD patients and 10 patients without AD (control (CTRL)) were compared. Whole blood was collected post-mortem and erythrocytes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Over 750 metabolites were identified in AD and CTRL erythrocytes. Seven were increased in AD while 24 were decreased (P<0.05). The majority of the metabolites increased in AD were associated with amino acid metabolism and all of the decreased metabolites were associated with lipid metabolism. Prominent among the potential biomarkers were 10 sphingolipid or sphingolipid-related species that were consistently decreased in AD patients. Sphingolipids have been previously implicated in AD and other neurological conditions. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that erythrocyte sphingolipid concentrations vary widely in normal, healthy adults. Together, these observations suggest that certain erythrocyte lipid phenotypes could be markers of risk for development of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jericha Mill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Vihar Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Ozioma Okonkwo
- Clinical Science Center, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Corresponding author. School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Thomas Raife
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Recent Advances in Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease Progression through Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:1-17. [PMID: 35656096 PMCID: PMC9159642 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-021-00036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the aging population, but despite extensive research, there is no consensus on the biological cause of AD. While AD research is dominated by protein/peptide-centric research based on the amyloid hypothesis, a theory that designates dysfunction in beta-amyloid production, accumulation, or disposal as the primary cause of AD, many studies focus on metabolomics as a means of understanding the biological processes behind AD progression. In this review, we discuss mass spectrometry (MS)-based AD metabolomics studies, including sample type and preparation, mass spectrometry specifications, and data analysis, as well as biological insights gleaned from these studies, with the hope of informing future AD metabolomic studies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sousa AP, Nunes B. Dangerous connections: biochemical and behavioral traits in Daphnia magna and Daphnia longispina exposed to ecologically relevant amounts of paracetamol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:38792-38808. [PMID: 33740191 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of nontarget organisms to therapeutic agents can cause distinct toxic effects, even at low concentrations. Paracetamol is a painkiller drug, widely used in human and veterinary therapies, being frequently found in the aquatic compartment in considerable amounts. Its toxicity has already been established for some species, but its full ecotoxicological potential is still not sufficiently described. To characterize the ecotoxicity of paracetamol, the present study evaluated several parameters, such as acute immobilization (EC50 calculation), biochemical alterations, and behavioral effects, in two species of freshwater microcrustaceans of the genus Daphnia (D. magna and D. longispina). To increase the relevance of the data obtained, animals were exposed to levels of paracetamol similar to those already reported to occur in the wild. Data showed antioxidant responses in both species, namely an increase of catalase and GSTs activities in D. magna. On the contrary, effects of paracetamol on D. longispina included only an impairment of GSTs activity. Despite the absence of anticholinesterasic effects, behavioral modifications were also observed. This set of data indicates that realistic levels of paracetamol may trigger the activation of the antioxidant defense system of freshwater crustaceans, causing changes in behavioral traits (increase in swimming time, but with a reduction in swimming distance) of unknown etiology that are likely to affect normal life traits of wild populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sousa
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nogueira AF, Nunes B. Effects of paracetamol on the polychaete Hediste diversicolor: occurrence of oxidative stress, cyclooxygenase inhibition and behavioural alterations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:26772-26783. [PMID: 33496946 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12046-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are significant environmental stressors, since they are utilized around the world; they are usually released in to the aquatic system without adequate treatment and several non-target species can be harmed because of their intrinsic properties. Paracetamol is one of the most widely prescribed analgesics in human medical care. Consequently, this compound is systematically reported to occur in the wild, where it may exert toxic effects on non-target species, which are mostly uncharacterized so far. The objective of the present work was to assess the acute (control, 5, 25, 125, 625 and 3125 μg/L) and chronic (control, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/L) effects of paracetamol on behavioural endpoints, as well as on selected oxidative stress biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRed)] and the anti-inflammatory activity biomarker cyclooxygenase (COX), in the polychaete Hediste diversicolor (Annelida: Polychaeta). Exposure to paracetamol caused effects on behavioural traits, with increased burrowing time (96 h) and hypoactivity (28 days). In addition, exposure to paracetamol resulted also in significant increases of SOD activity, but only for intermediate levels of exposure, but for both acute and chronic exposures. Both forms of GPx had their activities significantly increased, especially after chronic exposure. Acutely exposed organisms had their GRed significantly decreased, while chronically exposed worms had their GRed activity augmented only for the lowest tested concentrations. Effects were also observed in terms of COX activity, showing that paracetamol absorption occurred and caused an inhibition of COX activity in both exposure regimes. It is possible to conclude that the exposure to concentrations of paracetamol close to the ones in the environment may be deleterious to marine ecosystems, endangering marine life by changing their overall redox balance, and the biochemical control of inflammatory intermediaries. Behaviour was also modified and the burrowing capacity was adversely affected. This set of effects clearly demonstrate that paracetamol exposure, under realistic conditions, it not exempt of adverse effects on marine invertebrates, such as polychaetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Nogueira
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rebelo D, Correia AT, Nunes B. Acute and chronic effects of environmental realistic concentrations of simvastatin in danio rerio: evidences of oxidative alterations and endocrine disruptive activity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:103522. [PMID: 33144098 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Due to their wide use, pharmaceuticals can be discarded, metabolized and excreted into the environment, potentially affecting aquatic organisms. Lipid-regulating drugs are among the most prescribed medications around the world, to control human cholesterol levels, in more than 20 million patients. Despite this massive use of lipid-regulating drugs, particularly simvastatin, the role of these drugs is not fully characterized and understood in terms of its potential toxicological effects at the environmental level. This work intended to characterize the toxicity of an acute (120 h post-fertilization) and chronic (60 days) exposure to the antihyperlipidemic drug simvastatin (in concentrations of 92.45, 184.9, 369.8, 739.6 and 1479.2 ng L-1), in the freshwater species zebrafish (Danio rerio). The concentrations hereby mentioned were implemented in both exposures, and were based on levels found in wastewater treatment plant influents (11.7 ± 3.2 μg L-1), effluents (2.65 ± 0.8 μg L-1) and Apies River (1.585 ± 0.3 μg L-1), located in Pretoria, South Africa and, particularly in the maximum levels found in effluents from wastewater treatment plants in Portugal (369.8 ng L-1). The acute effects were analysed focusing on behavioural endpoints (erratic and purposeful swimming), total distance travelled and swimming time), biomarkers of oxidative stress (the activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), biotransformation (the activity of glutathione S-transferases) and lipid peroxidation (levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Animals chronically exposed were also histologically analysed for sex determination and gonadal developmental stages identification. In terms of acute exposure, significant alterations were reported in terms of behavioural alterations (hyperactivity), followed by a general reduction in all tested biomarkers. Also, the analysis of chronically exposed fish evidenced no alterations in sex ratio and maturation stages. In addition, the analysis of chronically exposed fish evidenced no alterations in terms of sexual characteristics, suggesting that the chronic exposure of Danio rerio to simvastatin does not alter the sex ratio and maturation stages of individuals. This assumption suggests that simvastatin did not act as an endocrine disruptor. Moreover, the metabolism, neuronal interactions and the antioxidant properties of SIM seem to have modulated the hereby-mentioned results of toxicity. Results from this assay allow inferring that simvastatin can have an ecologically relevant impact in living organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Rebelo
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A T Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4550-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - B Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gomes AS, Castro BB, Nunes B. First characterization of the ecotoxicity of paraffin particles: assessment of biochemical effects in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:45742-45754. [PMID: 32803587 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are a widespread environmental problem, particularly in the form of small particles or fragments (microplastics). With the purpose of gradually replacing the use of plastics in cosmetic products (primary microplastics), the use of paraffin in microspheres has recently been applied. Paraffin waxes are composed by organic molecules usually derived from petroleum, thus assumed to be chemically and biologically inert, having a lower (eco)toxicity and residence time compared with plastic particles. However, the low ecotoxicity of paraffin waxes may be somewhat questionable, because some paraffin constituents can be absorbed and catabolized, thus exerting biological effects. The main objective of this study was to understand the potential toxic effects of paraffin microparticles on key physiological processes of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. To attain this objective, this work assessed the acute and chronic effects of three densities (5, 20, and 80 mg L-1) of four size ranges of paraffin particles (from 100 to 1200 μm) on this epibenthic organism. Although paraffin wax can be generically considered innocuous, the present study was able to demonstrate a significant inhibition in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in acutely exposed organisms and an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase under some specific scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno B Castro
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sousa AP, Nunes B. Standard and biochemical toxicological effects of zinc pyrithione in Daphnia magna and Daphnia longispina. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103402. [PMID: 32693026 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical toxicity in the environment may be the consequence of exposure of living organisms to multiple substances, with distinct putative effects. Among this mulytiplicity of chemicals that occur in the wild, pharmaceutical drugs and antifoulers are prone to exert toxic effects on non-target organisms. To characterize the toxicity elicited by a compound of this specific class, the present study used standard and biochemical-based tools to quantify the toxic response of the antifouler and antidandruff zinc pyrithione in Daphnia magna and Daphnia longispina. The analised parameters were immobility, reproduction, behavioral alteration (swimming patterns), anti-oxidant defense (catalase activity), metabolism (GSTs activities), and neurotoxicity (ChE activity) after exposure to sublethal concentrations of this drug. Exposure to zinc pyrithione has been shown to have neurotoxic and oxidative effects, with changes in swimming behavior. There were no changes in reproductive traits of exposed individuals, from both species. The obtained data demonstrate that ecologically relevant levels of zinc pyrithione can deleteriously alter critical parameters in two distinct freshwater microcrustacean species, although with distinct toxicity patterns and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sousa
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Barbosa I, Pizarro I, Freitas R, Nunes B. Antioxidative and neurotoxicity effects of acute and chronic exposure of the estuarine polychaete Hediste diversicolor to paracetamol. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 77:103377. [PMID: 32251999 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence of anthropogenic drugs in the aquatic ecosystems is a reality nowadays, and a large number of studies have been reporting their putative toxic effects on wildlife. However, the majority of the studies published so far uses standard organisms, whose probability of becoming in contact with drugs in real scenarios of contamination is at least, low. The use of autochthonous organisms in ecotoxicity testing is thus mandatory, and the present study aimed to assess the feasibility of assessing oxidative based stress responses (enzymatic defenses, such as catalase, glutathione-s-transferases, and lipid peroxidation; neurotoxicity as an indirect outcome of oxidizing conditions) on a polychaete species, Hediste diversicolor, after being acutely and chronically exposed to the widely employed drug paracetamol. H. diversicolor showed to be responsive to paracetamol exposure. Data obtained after acute exposure to paracetamol showed that no antioxidant adaptive response was established, but cholinesterasic activity was enhanced. On the contrary, long term exposure of H. diversicolor individuals to paracetamol resulted in clear pro-oxidative effects, with catalase and cholinesterase inhibition, and a significant reduction in the levels of lipoperoxidation. Considering that some of the tested levels (especially those of the chronic test) were already reported in the wild, the here-obtained results are of high environmental significance. In addition, chronic exposure regime yielded more significant results, with important modification of more parameters, suggesting that realistic conditions of exposure are more suited for an integrated assessment of toxicity of drugs in aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Barbosa
- Departmento de Biologia, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês Pizarro
- Departmento de Biologia, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departmento de Biologia, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departmento de Biologia, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nunes B, Daniel D, Canelas GG, Barros J, Correia AT. Toxic effects of environmentally realistic concentrations of diclofenac in organisms from two distinct trophic levels, Hediste diversicolor and Solea senegalensis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 231:108722. [PMID: 32032725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro/Departament of Biology of the University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar/Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - David Daniel
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro/Departament of Biology of the University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gisela Gonçalves Canelas
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa/Faculty of Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University, (FCS/UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joseane Barros
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto/Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar of the University of Porto, (ICBAS), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Teodorico Correia
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa/Faculty of Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University, (FCS/UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental/Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dionísio R, Daniel D, Alkimin GDD, Nunes B. Multi-parametric analysis of ciprofloxacin toxicity at ecologically relevant levels: Short- and long-term effects on Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 74:103295. [PMID: 31786495 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increased presence of emergent compounds, such as pharmaceuticals drugs, in the aquatic compartment has been acknowledged as an evolving environmental issue whose consequences are not yet fully characterized. Specific classes of pharmaceutical drugs, such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can exert toxic effects to non-target species with ecological significance, since these compounds are environmentally stable and persistent, and may interact with some of the key physiologic processes of organisms. Despite such characteristics, knowledge about the effects of these drugs is still scarce, especially to non-target organisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic and acute exposures of the cladoceran Daphnia magna to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Putative toxic effects were assessed, following acute and chronic exposures to ecologically relevant concentrations of ciprofloxacin, through enzymatic (cholinesterase - ChEs, catalase - CAT, glutathione S-transferases - GSTs) and non-enzymatic (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS, glycogen - Gly) biomarkers. In addition, we also determined behavioural (swimming distance - SD) and morphological (body length of the first brood - BL1B) endpoints in animals exposed to this drug. Ciprofloxacin acute exposure resulted in increased CAT and ChEs activities, and inhibited GSTs activity. After chronic exposure, ChEs activity was significantly inhibited, while GSTs activity was significantly enhanced. TBARS levels were only increased at higher concentrations of ciprofloxacin. CAT activity and Gly content did not evidence a clear and significant pattern of variation. SD was slightly inhibited during dark cycles. BL1B presented a significant decrease for animals subjected to an intermediate concentration. Results showed that even ecologically relevant concentrations of ciprofloxacin may cause oxidative stress in individuals of D. magna. The present study showed important data that corroborate the occurrence of significant biochemical alterations in key features of an aquatic organism when exposed to relevant levels of a widely used antibiotic, establishing essential links between environmental exposure to this specific drug and putative toxic challenges that may result in irreversible changes and damages, especially at the individual level. However, changes in the size of neonates suggest that population alterations are likely to occur under real scenarios of chronic contamination by this drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Dionísio
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - David Daniel
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Dias de Alkimin
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghribi R, Correia AT, Elleuch B, Nunes B. Testing the impact of contaminated sediments from the southeast marine coast of Tunisia on biota: a multibiomarker approach using the flatfish Solea senegalensis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29704-29721. [PMID: 31407260 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Coastal marine areas are highly vulnerable to the exposure to various types of stressors and impact of chemical pollution resulting from increasing anthropogenic activities, namely pollution by metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To assess ecosystem quality and functions, biomarkers can provide information about the presence and adverse effects of pollutants. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to evaluate the chronic (28 days) biologic effects of putatively contaminated sediments from the Zarzis area, located in the south of the Gulf of Gabes on the Southern Tunisian coast, on the marine flatfish Solea senegalensis. Sediments were collected at three sampling sites, impacted by wastewater discharges, aquaculture activities, and industrial contamination, and then surveyed for metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Zn, and Pb) and organic contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The quantified biomarkers involved the determination of oxidative stress, phase II metabolism, and the extent of lipid peroxidation (catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase activity: total and selenium-dependent, T-GPx and Se-GPx; activities of glutathione-S-transferases, GSTs; levels of lipid peroxidation, by means of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay, TBARS) and neurotoxicity (activity of acetylcholinesterase, AChE). S. senegalensis exposed to potentially contaminated sediments, collected near the aquaculture facility, presented the highest values for the generality of biomarkers tested, and a significant inhibition of AChE activity. A few lesions have been also recorded in the gills and liver tissues of S. senegalensis following chronic exposure. However, the observed lesions in gills (e.g., epithelial lifting, lamellar fusion, gills hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and leukocyte infiltration) and liver (cytoplasmic vacuolation, enlargement of sinusoids, foci of necrosis, and eosinophilic bodies) were of minimal pathological importance and/or low prevalence that did not significantly affect the weighted histopathological indices. Finally, the biological responses evidenced by this flatfish can be potentially caused by metal and PAH pollution occurring in specific areas in the southeast of Tunisia. The type and extent of the observed biochemical alterations strongly suggest that the contaminated sediments from the surveyed areas could cause early adverse biological effects on exposed biota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayda Ghribi
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie de l'Environnement et d'Ecotechnologie, ENIS, Université de Sfax, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alberto Teodorico Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (FCS/UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - Boubaker Elleuch
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie de l'Environnement et d'Ecotechnologie, ENIS, Université de Sfax, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Almeida F, Nunes B. Effects of acetaminophen in oxidative stress and neurotoxicity biomarkers of the gastropod Phorcus lineatus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:9823-9831. [PMID: 30737714 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The growing use of pharmaceutical drugs has become a major environmental issue considering that these substances (or their metabolites) end up inevitably in sewage waters after excretion. In the wild, these chemicals may affect non-target organisms, and their potential toxicity is not sufficiently studied, a reality that is particularly true for marine organisms. Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is known to be toxic in high dosages, namely, by triggering oxidative effects. These effects may be potentiated in marine organisms subjected to contamination resulting from large human settlements along coastal areas. In order to assess how different exposure regimes (acute vs. chronic) may affect aquatic wildlife, individuals of the gastropod species Phorcus lineatus were acutely (96 h) and chronically (28 days) exposed to ecologically relevant concentrations of acetaminophen. The effects were evaluated through the quantification of selected biomarkers-catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and cholinesterase (ChE) activities. The results from acute exposure showed no significant effects in all three biomarkers, but chronically exposed organisms showed significant increases in the activities of CAT and ChEs. The data show that P. lineatus triggered a defensive biological response in the presence of acetaminophen, and also show that realistically low levels of acetaminophen can exert adaptive changes with unknown consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nunes B. Acute ecotoxicological effects of salicylic acid on the Polychaeta species Hediste diversicolor: evidences of low to moderate pro-oxidative effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:7873-7882. [PMID: 30684172 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-04085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of the aquatic environment by pharmaceutical drugs is an emerging issue in ecotoxicology. Aquatic organisms, in the presence of xenobiotics, tend to activate defensive mechanisms against toxic effects in order to mitigate and/or compensate for the toxic damages that frequently result from these interactions. Salicylic acid (SA) is a common drug, widely used in human medicine due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties, as well as its activity in terms of preventing platelet aggregation, among other clinical and cosmetic uses. It is commonly found in levels of the nanograms per liter to the micrograms per liter range in receiving waters, and its presence has been related to toxic effects in aquatic organisms, including oxidative stress. However, the number of studies that characterize the ecotoxicological profile of salicylates is still scarce and no studies have been published about the putative toxic effects of SA, especially in marine polychaetes. In order to determine the potential ecotoxicological effects caused by SA, individuals of the marine Polychaeta species Hediste diversicolor were exposed for 96 h to ecologically relevant concentrations of this compound, and several biochemical endpoints were evaluated, namely the activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), the phase II biotransformation isoenzymes glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), the cholinergic enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the determination of lipoperoxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay). The obtained results demonstrated that despite the pro-oxidative effects elicited by SA, exposure to realistic levels of this compound was not able to generate a state of oxidative stress, and the adaptive protective responses elicited by exposed individuals were effective enough to minimize and/or inhibit the damage potentially caused by overproduced reactive oxygen species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Daniel D, Dionísio R, de Alkimin GD, Nunes B. Acute and chronic effects of paracetamol exposure on Daphnia magna: how oxidative effects may modulate responses at distinct levels of organization in a model species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:3320-3329. [PMID: 30506442 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The modern usage of pharmaceutical drugs has led to a progressive increase in their presence and environment concentrations, particularly in the aquatic compartment which is the most common final dumping location for this specific class of chemicals. These substances, due to their chemical and biological properties, can exert mostly uncharacterized toxic effects to non-target aquatic species, given the diverse pathways they activate, and the large number of putative targets in the wild. Among drugs in the environment, paracetamol assumes a leading role, considering its widespread therapeutic use and consequently, environmental presence. The present study aimed to assess the acute and chronic effects of paracetamol, in ecologically relevant levels, in the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna, namely focusing on biochemical and reproductive parameters. Considering the pro-oxidant effects of paracetamol, already described for a large set of aquatic organisms, specific enzymes involved in the anti-oxidant and metabolic responses were quantified, namely catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities. Cholinesterases (ChEs) activity was quantified to evaluate the capacity of paracetamol to induce neurotoxicity, an indirect outcome of oxidative effects by paracetamol, that may affect feeding behavior and reproductive outcomes of this crustacean. Paracetamol in the tested levels showed no effect on reproductive traits of D. magna. Results obtained for organisms acutely exposed included significant increases in the activities of both GSTs and CAT, demonstrating a short-term pro-oxidative effect by paracetamol. On the contrary, ChEs activity was significantly decreased in organisms exposed to this drug, showing a possible interference with neurotransmission. On the contrary, no noteworthy effects were reported for organisms chronically exposed to ecologically realistic concentrations, evidencing the transient nature of the obtained biological response. These results demonstrate the responsiveness of D. magna to paracetamol, especially for high levels of exposure that, despite not being environmentally relevant, are able to trigger significant antioxidant responses. No population effects were likely to be caused by realistic levels of paracetamol, and the absence of biochemical changes after chronic exposure suggests that this specific organism may not be deleteriously affected by low levels of paracetamol, under real scenarios of contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Daniel
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Dionísio
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Dias de Alkimin
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Untargeted metabolomic profiling reveals multiple pathway perturbations and new clinical biomarkers in urea cycle disorders. Genet Med 2019; 21:1977-1986. [PMID: 30670878 PMCID: PMC6650380 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Untargeted metabolomic analysis is increasingly being used in the screening and management of individuals with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). We aimed to test whether untargeted metabolomic analysis in plasma might be useful for monitoring the disease course and management of urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Methods: Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis was used to generate z-scores for more than 900 metabolites in plasma from 48 individuals with various UCDs. Pathway analysis was used to identify common pathways that were perturbed in each UCD. Results: Our metabolomic analysis in plasma identified multiple potentially neurotoxic metabolites of arginine in arginase deficiency and, thus, may have utility in monitoring the efficacy of treatment in arginase deficiency. In addition, we were also able to detect multiple biochemical perturbations in all UCDs that likely reflect clinical management, including metabolite alterations secondary to dietary and medication management. Conclusions: In addition to utility in screening for IEM, our results suggest that untargeted metabolomic analysis in plasma may be beneficial for monitoring efficacy of clinical management and off-target effects of medications in UCDs and potentially other IEM.
Collapse
|
21
|
Rodrigues S, Antunes SC, Correia AT, Nunes B. Toxicity of erythromycin to Oncorhynchus mykiss at different biochemical levels: detoxification metabolism, energetic balance, and neurological impairment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:227-239. [PMID: 30387066 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3494-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the last decades, the presence of antibiotics in different aquatic compartments has raised increasing interest and concern, since these compounds are usually persistent and bioactive pseudo pollutants. Erythromycin (ERY) is a macrolide antibiotic, prescribed for human and veterinary medicines but also used in aquaculture and livestock production. Taking into account the recorded environmental levels of ERY, its toxicity to non-target organisms has become a still poorly studied issue, particularly in fish. In this sense, this study investigated the acute and chronic effects of realistic levels of ERY on Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), namely, through the quantification of the activity of enzymes involved in different biochemical pathways, such as detoxification (phase I-7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD); phase II-glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), uridine-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)), neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase (AChE)), and energy production (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)). Both types of exposure caused significant increases in EROD activity in liver of O. mykiss; an increase in GST activity in gills after chronic exposure was also observed. UGT branchial activity was significantly depressed, following the long-term exposure. Thus, EROD, GST, and UGT enzymatic forms seem to be involved in the biotransformation of ERY. In terms of neurotransmission and preferential pathway of energy homeostasis, the exposed organisms appear not to have been affected, as there were no significant alterations in terms of AChE and LDH activities, respectively. The here-obtained data suggest that the observed alterations in terms of detoxification enzymes may have prevented the establishment of a set of toxic responses, namely, neurotoxic and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sara C Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Alberto T Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa (FCS-UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rodrigues S, Antunes SC, Correia AT, Nunes B. Oxytetracycline effects in specific biochemical pathways of detoxification, neurotransmission and energy production in Oncorhynchus mykiss. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 164:100-108. [PMID: 30098505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a tetracycline antibiotic, widely used in human and veterinary medicines, including in aquaculture. Given this use, OTC has been detected in different aquatic environments. Some recent works have demonstrated unintentional biological activity of OTC in non-target aquatic organisms. This study investigated the acute and chronic effects of OTC on the physiology of the fish species Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), namely through the quantification of the activity of enzymes involved in different biochemical pathways, such as detoxification (phase II - glutathione S-transferases - GSTs, uridine-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases - UGTs), neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase - AChE) and energy production (lactate dehydrogenase - LDH). The here-obtained data demonstrated the induction of GSTs activity in gills, and inhibition of AChE activity in eyes tissue, in chronically exposed organisms, as well as alterations in LDH activity following both exposures. Considering this set of results, we can infer that OTC exposure may have induced the glutathione pathway of detoxification in gills with the involvement of GSTs, or indirectly due to the metabolites that may have been produced. In turn, these metabolites may have interfered with the mechanism of neurotransmission, also causing physiological and biochemical disturbances in rainbow trout after OTC exposure, namely disturbances in energetic metabolism. In addition, it is important to stress that such occurrences took place at low, environmentally realistic levels of OTC, suggesting that organisms exposed in the wild may be putative targets of toxic effects by commonly used drugs such as antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - S C Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - A T Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (FCS-UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
| | - B Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rodrigues S, Antunes SC, Correia AT, Nunes B. Ecotoxicological evaluation of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) exposed to the antibiotic oxytetracycline using a multibiomarker approach. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:233-246. [PMID: 30227982 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxytetracycline (OTC) is an antibiotic widely used in human and veterinary medicines. Since the primary toxicity occurs mainly at molecular/biochemical levels, the study of different biological responses corresponds to a sensitive and crucial approach. The aim of the present study was to assess the toxic effects of OTC in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) through the use of multibiomarkers and elucidate about the possible toxicological mechanisms involved. S. aurata were acutely (96 h: 0.04-400 μg/L) and chronically (28 days: 0.0004-4 μg/L) exposed to OTC. Detoxification, antioxidant defense, lipid peroxidation, genotoxicity, neurotransmission and energy metabolism biomarkers were evaluated. OTC impaired the detoxification pathways and caused peroxidative damage and genotoxicity. The relevance of the here-obtained data is high, since significant effects were recorded for levels already reported to occur in the wild, meaning that environmentally-exposed marine organisms (including those cultured at fish farms) are not completely exempt of risks posed by OTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - S C Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - A T Correia
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (FCS-UFP), Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal
| | - B Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Żur J, Piński A, Marchlewicz A, Hupert-Kocurek K, Wojcieszyńska D, Guzik U. Organic micropollutants paracetamol and ibuprofen-toxicity, biodegradation, and genetic background of their utilization by bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:21498-21524. [PMID: 29923050 PMCID: PMC6063337 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are classified as one of the most emerging group of xenobiotics and have been detected in various natural matrices. Among them, monocyclic paracetamol and ibuprofen, widely used to treat mild and moderate pain are the most popular. Since long-term adverse effects of these xenobiotics and their biological and pharmacokinetic activity especially at environmentally relevant concentrations are better understood, degradation of such contaminants has become a major concern. Moreover, to date, conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not fully adapted to remove that kind of micropollutants. Bioremediation processes, which utilize bacterial strains with increased degradation abilities, seem to be a promising alternative to the chemical methods used so far. Nevertheless, despite the wide prevalence of paracetamol and ibuprofen in the environment, toxicity and mechanism of their microbial degradation as well as genetic background of these processes remain not fully characterized. In this review, we described the current state of knowledge about toxicity and biodegradation mechanisms of paracetamol and ibuprofen and provided bioinformatics analysis concerning the genetic bases of these xenobiotics decomposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Żur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Piński
- Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ariel Marchlewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hupert-Kocurek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Danuta Wojcieszyńska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
| | - Urszula Guzik
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pereira BVR, Matus GN, Costa MJ, Santos ACAD, Silva-Zacarin ECM, do Carmo JB, Nunes B. Assessment of biochemical alterations in the neotropical fish species Phalloceros harpagos after acute and chronic exposure to the drugs paracetamol and propranolol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:14899-14910. [PMID: 29546518 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1699-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over time, many pollutants of anthropogenic origin have caused the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Among several characteristics, these compounds can reach the trophic chain, causing deleterious interactions with the biota. Pharmaceutical substances can be included in this scenario as emerging contaminants that reach the aquatic environment because of direct human and veterinary usage, and release by industrial effluents, as well as through domestic dumping of surplus drugs. The effects of these compounds on exposed organisms have been studied since the 1990s, but ecotoxicological data for such chemicals are still scarce especially concerning aquatic organisms from tropical regions. Paracetamol and propranolol were selected for this study since they are frequently found in surface waters. Paracetamol is a drug used as analgesic and antipyretic, while propranolol, a β-blocker, is used in the treatment of hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess the toxic effects of these substances on the neotropical freshwater fish Phalloceros harpagos after acute (96 h) and chronic (28 days) exposures. In order to understand the effects of these drugs on P. harpagos, biochemical markers were selected, including the enzymes involved in oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and neurotransmission (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and cholinesterase activities, respectively). After acute exposure, no significant alterations were observed for catalase activity, suggesting the absence of oxidative stress. On the contrary, significant alterations in glutathione-S-transferases activity were described for the higher concentrations of both pharmaceuticals after acute exposure. In addition, acute exposure to paracetamol caused a significant increase of cholinesterase activity. None of the tested pharmaceuticals caused significant changes in catalase or cholinesterase activities after chronic exposure. Glutathione S-transferases activity was significantly increased for propranolol following chronic exposure, indicating the potential involvement of phase II detoxification pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz V R Pereira
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - Gregorio Nolazco Matus
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - Monica Jones Costa
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - André Cordeiro Alves Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - Elaine C M Silva-Zacarin
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - Janaina Braga do Carmo
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, 18052-780, Brazil
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia/CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schönhoff M, Weineck G, Hoppe J, Hornig S, Cordts K, Atzler D, Gerloff C, Böger R, Neu A, Schwedhelm E, Choe CU. Cognitive performance of 20 healthy humans supplemented with L-homoarginine for 4 weeks. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 50:237-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
27
|
Nunes B, Nunes J, Soares AMVM, Figueira E, Freitas R. Toxicological effects of paracetamol on the clam Ruditapes philippinarum: exposure vs recovery. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 192:198-206. [PMID: 28982071 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of wild organisms to anthropogenic substances never follows a definite time-course and pulsed events can often determine biological responses to such chemicals, confounding the interpretation of toxicological data. This is the case of specific chemicals such as pharmaceutical drugs, which are commonly released by sewage systems into sensitive areas, including estuaries. The presence and amount of these chemicals in the wild can be modulated by events such as dilution due to heavy rain, floods, or by varying patterns of domestic water use (daily vs. seasonal). The present study aimed to obtain additional data about the toxicity of paracetamol towards the marine clam species Ruditapes philippinarum, following realistic modes of exposure. Thus, the toxicity assessment was made after an acute exposure to different concentrations of paracetamol, followed by a recovery period. The adopted toxicological endpoints included energy-related parameters (glycogen content, GLY; protein content, PROT; electron transport system activity, ETS), activity of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; Glutathione-S-transferases, GSTs), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), neurotoxicity (cholinesterases activity, ChEs), and indicators of oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, LPO). The here obtained results showed an increase in SOD and GPx activities after exposure. In organisms exposed to the highest concentration tested it was also possible to observe a significant increase in GSTs activity. However, these alterations in the antioxidant defence system were not able to prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress in exposed organisms. Furthermore, exposure to paracetamol induced neurotoxicity in clams, with a concentration-dependent ChEs inhibition along the exposure concentrations. Exposure to paracetamol also led to an increase of GLY content which resulted from metabolic activity depression along the increasing exposure gradient. In recovering organisms the activities of SOD, GPx and GSTs decreased back towards control values presenting lower values than the ones observed in organisms after acute exposure to paracetamol. No LPO was registered in organisms after the recovery period. In addition, after recovery, clams showed no signs of neurotoxicity, with ChEs activities in previously exposed organisms similar to control clams. After recovery clams seemed to re-establish their metabolic capacity, especially evidenced in clams previously exposed to the highest paracetamol concentration as demonstrated by the increase of ETS activity up to control values. Furthermore, the decrease of GLY content after recovery may indicate that clams increased their metabolic activity and started to use their energetic reserves to re-establish their oxidative status. This set of data shows that an acute exposure to paracetamol can exert deleterious effects that may compromise specific biochemical pathways in sensitive aquatic species, such as R. philippinarum, but organisms can re-establish their biochemical status to control levels after a recovery period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Etelvina Figueira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Delwing-de Lima D, Sasso S, Dalmedico L, Delwing-Dal Magro D, Pereira EM, Wyse ATS. Argininic acid alters markers of cellular oxidative damage in vitro: Protective role of antioxidants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 69:605-611. [PMID: 28554820 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We, herein, investigated the in vitro effects of argininic acid on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), total sulfhydryl content and on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the blood, kidney and liver of 60-day-old rats. We also verified the influence of the antioxidants (each at 1.0mM) trolox and ascorbic acid, as well as of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at 1.0mM, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on the effects elicited by argininic acid on the parameters tested. The liver, renal cortex and renal medulla were homogenized in 10vol (1:10w/v) of 20mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 140mM KCl; and erythrocytes and plasma were prepared from whole blood samples obtained from rats. For in vitro experiments, the samples were pre-incubated for 1h at 37°C in the presence of argininic acid at final concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0μM. Control experiments were performed without the addition of argininic acid. Results showed that argininic acid (5.0μM) enhanced CAT and SOD activities and decreased GSH-Px activity in the erythrocytes, increased CAT and decreased GSH-Px activities in the renal cortex and decreased CAT and SOD activities in the renal medulla of 60-day-old rats, as compared to the control group. Antioxidants and/or L-NAME prevented most of the alterations caused by argininic acid on the oxidative stress parameters evaluated. Data suggest that argininic acid alters antioxidant defenses in the blood and kidney of rats; however, in the presence of antioxidants and L-NAME, most of these alterations in oxidative stress were prevented. These findings suggest that oxidative stress may be make an important contribution to the damage caused by argininic acid in hyperargininemic patients and that treatment with antioxidants may be beneficial in this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Delwing-de Lima
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, CEP 89201-972, Joinville, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, CEP 89201-972, Joinville, SC, Brazil.
| | - Simone Sasso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, CEP 89201-972, Joinville, SC, Brazil
| | - Leticia Dalmedico
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, CEP 89201-972, Joinville, SC, Brazil
| | - Débora Delwing-Dal Magro
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Centro de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Rua Antônio da Veiga, 140, CEP 89012-900, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Manoel Pereira
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, CEP 89201-972, Joinville, SC, Brazil
| | - Angela T S Wyse
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Silva C, Nunes B, Nogueira AJ, Gonçalves F, Pereira JL. In vitro test systems supporting the development of improved pest control methods: a case study with chemical mixtures and bivalve biofoulers. BIOFOULING 2016; 32:1195-1208. [PMID: 27744710 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2016.1241993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Using the bivalve macrofouler Corbicula fluminea, the suitability of in vitro testing as a stepping stone towards the improvement of control methods based on chemical mixtures was addressed in this study. In vitro cholinesterase (ChE) activity inhibition following single exposure of C. fluminea tissue to four model chemicals (the organophosphates dimethoate and dichlorvos, copper and sodium dodecyl phosphate [SDS]) was first assessed. Consequently, mixtures of dimethoate with copper and dichlorvos with SDS were tested and modelled; mixtures with ChE revealed synergistic interactions for both chemical pairs. These synergic combinations were subsequently validated in vivo and the increased control potential of these selected combinations was verified, with gains of up to 50% in C. fluminea mortality relative to corresponding single chemical treatments. Such consistency supports the suitability of using time- and cost-effective surrogate testing platforms to assist the development of biofouling control strategies incorporating mixtures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Silva
- a Department of Biology , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- b Department of Biology, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - António Ja Nogueira
- b Department of Biology, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Fernando Gonçalves
- b Department of Biology, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- b Department of Biology, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sase A, Nawaratna G, Hu S, Wu G, Lubec G. Decreased hippocampal homoarginine and increased nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase levels in rats parallel training in a radial arm maze. Amino Acids 2016; 48:2197-204. [PMID: 27178025 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
L-homoarginine (hArg) is derived from enzymatic guanidination of lysine. It was demonstrated that hArg is a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, blocks lysine transport and inhibits the uptake of arginine into synaptosomes and modulates GABA responses ex vivo. As there is limited information on its physiological roles in the brain, the aim of the study was to show whether hippocampal or frontal lobe (FL) hArg is paralleling training in the radial arm maze (RAM) or NO formation. Hippocampi and FL of male Sprague-Dawley rats were taken from trained or yoked in a RAM. Then hArg and metabolites, NO and NO synthase (NOS) were determined by standard methods. The animals learned the task in the RAM showing significant reduction of working memory errors. hArg showed decreased levels in both brain regions of trained animals as compared to yoked animals. Nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) concentrations and NOS activity were significantly increased in hippocampi, F(1,36) = 170.5; P ≤ 0.0001 and FL, F(1,36) = 74.67; P ≤ 0.0001 of trained animals as compared to yoked animals. Levels of hArg were negatively correlated with NOx in hippocampus (r = -0.6355; P = 0.0483) but not in FL and with lysine in the FL (r = -0.6650; P = 0.0358). NOx levels were positively correlated with NOS in both the hippocampus (r = 0.7474; P = 0.0129) and FL (r = 0.9563; P ≤ 0.0001). These novel findings indicate that hArg is linked to NO formation in hippocampus but not in FL and is paralleling spatial memory in the RAM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajinkya Sase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Room 212, Kleberg Bldg., Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gayan Nawaratna
- Departments of Animal Science and Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Shengdi Hu
- Departments of Animal Science and Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Departments of Animal Science and Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA.
| | - Gert Lubec
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Room 212, Kleberg Bldg., Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Oliveira LLD, Antunes SC, Gonçalves F, Rocha O, Nunes B. Evaluation of ecotoxicological effects of drugs on Daphnia magna using different enzymatic biomarkers. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 119:123-31. [PMID: 25996524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical drugs in the aquatic environment is cause of concern, due to the possibility of toxic phenomena in non-target species, including oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to assess the acute effect of four widely used therapeutic agents: acetaminophen (analgesic), chlorpromazine (antipsychotic), diclofenac (anti-inflammatory) and propranolol (antihypertensive), in the cladoceran species Daphnia magna. Considering the involvement of the mentioned compounds in the impairment of cholinesterasic activity and modifications in cellular redox systems, the purpose of this study was to analyze their effects on biomarkers of neuronal regulation, such as total cholinesterases (ChEs), and enzymatic oxidative stress defense, including as catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), and total and selenium-dependent glutathione-peroxidase (total GPx; Se-GPx) activities. Exposure to acetaminophen caused a significant inhibition of AChE and Se-GPx activities in D. magna relative to the control. Among the biomarkers of oxidative stress, only the activity of CAT was significantly altered in concentration of 0.001mg L(-1) of chlorpromazine, which was not always consistent with the literature. Diclofenac caused a significant inhibition of AChE and Se-dependent GPx, and also in total GPx activities. Propranolol was responsible for a significant decrease in the activity of the latter two enzymes, and also a slight increase of GSTs activity. The results indicated that the exposure to all the tested compounds induced alterations on the cellular redox status in the studied species. In addition, acetaminophen and diclofenac were shown to have the capability of interfering with D. magna neurotransmission, through the inhibition of ChEs. Our data enlighten the need for more research on the ecological consequences of pharmaceuticals in non-target organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laira L D Oliveira
- Post Graduate Program in Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of São Paulo, Engineering School of São Carlos, Avenida Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sara C Antunes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Odete Rocha
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nunes B, Verde MF, Soares AMVM. Biochemical effects of the pharmaceutical drug paracetamol on Anguilla anguilla. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:11574-11584. [PMID: 25827650 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The ever-increasing presence of pharmaceutical drugs in the environment is a motif of concern, and human-use drugs are of particular importance. This is the case of paracetamol, a widely employed drug in human therapeutics, as analgesic and antipyretic, whose toxicity on aquatic organisms is still not fully characterized. The present study aimed to assess the toxic deleterious effects of paracetamol on European eel, Anguila anguilla, by using a comprehensive battery of antioxidant biomarkers (activities of enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)), and the quantification of oxidative damage (measurement of levels of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay)). Other biochemical effects elicited by this substance were also quantified, in terms of anaerobic respiration (activity of lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, AChE, activity). The obtained results showed the occurrence of an oxidative base response, and paracetamol also seemed to inhibit AChE, showing that this drug can also elicit neurotoxicity. The lack of response by both CAT and LDH show that, despite the occurrence of toxicity, eels have detoxification mechanisms that are effective to cope with paracetamol, preventing additional deleterious alterations, including in the main pathway by which they obtain energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Nunes
- Department of Biology, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hyperargininemia due to arginase I deficiency: the original patients and their natural history, and a review of the literature. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1751-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
34
|
Rodríguez-Fuentes G, Rubio-Escalante FJ, Noreña-Barroso E, Escalante-Herrera KS, Schlenk D. Impacts of oxidative stress on acetylcholinesterase transcription, and activity in embryos of zebrafish (Danio rerio) following Chlorpyrifos exposure. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 172-173:19-25. [PMID: 25937383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides cause irreversible inhibition of AChE which leads to neuronal overstimulation and death. Thus, dogma indicates that the target of OP pesticides is AChE, but many authors postulate that these compounds also disturb cellular redox processes, and change the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Interestingly, it has also been reported that oxidative stress plays also a role in the regulation and activity of AChE. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of the antioxidant, vitamin C (VC), the oxidant, t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) and the organophosphate Chlorpyrifos (CPF), on AChE gene transcription and activity in zebrafish embryos after 72h exposure. In addition, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring antioxidant enzymes activities and transcription, and quantification of total glutathione. Apical effects on the development of zebrafish embryos were also measured. With the exception of AChE inhibition and enhanced gene expression, limited effects of CPF on oxidative stress and apical endpoints were found at this developmental stage. Addition of VC had little effect on oxidative stress or AChE, but increased pericardial area and heartbeat rate through an unknown mechanism. TBOOH diminished AChE gene expression and activity, and caused oxidative stress when administered alone. However, in combination with CPF, only reductions in AChE activity were observed with no significant changes in oxidative stress suggesting the adverse apical endpoints in the embryos may have been due to AChE inhibition by CPF rather than oxidative stress. These results give additional evidence to support the role of prooxidants in AChE activity and expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elsa Noreña-Barroso
- Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Possible sources and functions of l-homoarginine in the brain: review of the literature and own findings. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1729-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-1960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
36
|
Barón-Sola Á, Sanz-Alférez S, Del Campo FF. First evidence of accumulation in cyanobacteria of guanidinoacetate, a precursor of the toxin cylindrospermopsin. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:1099-1104. [PMID: 25460748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Guanidinoacetate (GAA) is one of the most extensively studied toxic guanidine compounds. Changes in GAA can affect the nervous system and induce hyperhomocysteinemia, representing a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In cyanobacteria, GAA is thought to be an intermediate in the synthesis of the toxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN), one of the most common known cyanotoxins that affects multiple organs and functions in animals and plants. In spite of the evidence supporting GAA toxicity and its role in CYN synthesis, no data have been reported on the accumulation of GAA in any cyanobacterium. We have analyzed and compared the content of GAA in cultures of diverse cyanobacteria types, both cylindrospermopsin producing (CYN(+)) and not producing (CYN(-)). The results obtained show that GAA accumulates in the majority of the strains tested, although the highest content was found in one of the CYN(+) strain, Aphanizomenon ovalisporum UAM-MAO. In this strain, both GAA and CYN can be located within and out the cells. In conclusion, GAA appears to be a general cyanobacterial metabolite that due to its proven toxic should be considered when studying and managing cyanobacteria toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Barón-Sola
- Departamento de Biología, C/Darwin 2, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Sanz-Alférez
- Departamento de Biología, C/Darwin 2, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca F Del Campo
- Departamento de Biología, C/Darwin 2, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ferreira AGK, Scherer EB, da Cunha AA, Manfredini V, Biancini GB, Vanzin CS, Vargas CR, Wyse ATS. Hyperprolinemia induces DNA, protein and lipid damage in blood of rats: antioxidant protection. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 54:20-5. [PMID: 24980685 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of hyperprolinemia on oxidative damage to biomolecules (protein, lipids and DNA) and the antioxidant status in blood of rats. The influence of the antioxidants on the effects elicited by proline was also examined. Wistar rats received two daily injections of proline and/or vitamin E plus C (6th-28th day of life) and were killed 12h after the last injection. Results showed that hyperprolinemia induced a significant oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA demonstrated by increased carbonyl content, malondialdehyde levels and a greater damage index in comet assay, respectively. The concomitant antioxidants administration to proline treatment completely prevented oxidative damage to proteins, but partially prevented lipids and DNA damage. We also observed that the non-enzymatic antioxidant potential was decreased by proline treatment and partially prevented by antioxidant supplementation. The plasma levels of vitamins E and C significantly increased in rats treated exogenously with these vitamins but, interestingly, when proline was administered concomitantly with vitamin E plus C, the levels of these vitamins were similar to those found in plasma of control and proline rats. Our findings suggest that hyperprolinemia promotes oxidative damage to the three major classes of macromolecules in blood of rats. These effects were accomplished by decrease in non-enzymatic antioxidant potential and decrease in vitamins administered exogenously, which significantly decreased oxidative damage to biomolecules studied. These data suggest that antioxidants may be an effective adjuvant therapeutic to limit oxidative damage caused by proline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andréa G K Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Emilene B Scherer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline A da Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanusa Manfredini
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 585, Caixa Postal 118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Simioni Vanzin
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Carmen R Vargas
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, UFRGS, Av. Ipiranga 2752, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela T S Wyse
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Amara IB, Soudani N, Hakim A, Troudi A, Zeghal KM, Boudawara T, Zeghal N. Protective effects of vitamin E and selenium against dimethoate-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo: biochemical and histological studies. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2013; 28:630-643. [PMID: 21887815 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the study of free radical-mediated damage to biological systems due to pesticide exposure. However, there is a lack of consensus as to which determinations are best used to quantify future risks arising from xenobiotic exposure and natural antioxidant interventions. Our study investigated the potential ability of selenium and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate cardiotoxicity induced by dimethoate. Female Wistar rats were exposed for 30 days either to dimethoate (0.2 g L⁻¹ of drinking water), dimethoate+selenium (0.5 mg kg⁻¹ of diet), dimethoate+vitamin E (100 mg kg⁻¹ of diet), or dimethoate+selenium+vitamin E. The exposure of rats to dimethoate promoted oxidative stress with a rise in malondialdehyde, advanced protein oxidation, and protein carbonyl levels. An increase of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities was also noted. A fall in acetylcholinesterase and Na⁺ K⁺-ATPase activities, glutathione, nonprotein thiols, vitamins C and E levels was observed. Plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased and those of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased. Coadministration of selenium or vitamin E to the diet of dimethoate-treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results and the potential protective effects of selenium and vitamin E against cardiotoxicity induced by dimethoate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Ben Amara
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, BP1171, 3000 Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Effect of Nigella sativa and wheat germ oils on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bfopcu.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
40
|
Berlinck RGS, Trindade-Silva AE, Santos MFC. The chemistry and biology of organic guanidine derivatives. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:1382-406. [PMID: 22991131 DOI: 10.1039/c2np20071f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The chemistry and biology of organic natural guanidines are reviewed, including the isolation, structure determination, synthesis, biosynthesis and biological activities of alkaloids, non-ribosomal peptides, guanidine-bearing terpenes, polyketides and shikimic acid derivatives from natural sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Reduction of butyrylcholinesterase activity in plasma from patients with disorders of propionate metabolism is prevented by treatment with L-carnitine and protein restriction. Clin Biochem 2012; 45:77-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
42
|
Troudi A, Amara IB, Samet AM, Fetoui H, Soudani N, Guermazi F, Boudawara T, Zeghal N. Oxidative stress and thyroid impairment after gibberellic acid treatment in pregnant and lactating rats and their offspring. Biofactors 2011; 37:429-38. [PMID: 22009886 DOI: 10.1002/biof.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gibberellic acid (GA₃) has been worldwide used in agriculture as a plant growth regulator. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of GA₃ on the morphology and the thyroid hormone levels in adult rats and their suckling pups. Animals were given daily 200 ppm GA₃ in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Compared with a control group, GA₃-treated mothers and pups showed an increase in body and thyroid weights, a decrease in plasma FT₄ and FT₃ levels, which were more pronounced in pups than in their mothers. Thyroid iodine content was also decreased in pups. These biochemical modifications corresponded histologically; the majority of follicles had cubical epithelial cells, which surrounded empty vesicular cavities. Toxicity was objectified by a significant increase in plasma malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products levels in GA₃-treated dams and their suckling pups; while, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in plasma of both dams and their pups. Moreover, a significant decline was observed in plasma glutathione, nonprotein thiols, and vitamin C levels. We conclude that GA₃ treatment affects thyroid function and plasma antioxidant status in adult rats and their progeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afef Troudi
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, University of Sfax, Faculty of Science, BP1171, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Amara IB, Soudani N, Hakim A, Bouaziz H, Troudi A, Zeghal KM, Zeghal N. Dimethoate-induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes of female adult rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 28:222-37. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233711410909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide hazards have been accentuated by the sharp rise in their agricultural, industrial and domestic use. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause oxidative damage. Our study investigated the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate erythrocyte oxidative damage induced by dimethoate (DM), an organophosphate pesticide. Female Wistar rats were exposed to DM (0.2g/L−1 of drinking water), DM + Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet), DM + vitamin E (100 mg/kg of diet), or DM + Se + vitamin E. Rats exposed to DM for 30 days showed an increase in malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in their erythocytes, while Na+,K+-ATPase and catalase activities, glutathione, non-protein thiol, vitamin E and vitamin C levels decreased. We also noted an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, marker of haemolysis and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase, the principal mode of organophosphorus action. Co-administration of Se or vitamin E to the diet of DM-treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. But the combined effect of Se and vitamin E was more powerful in antagonizing DM-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, our investigation revealed that both Se and vitamin E were useful elements in preventing DM-induced erythrocytes damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Ben Amara
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nejla Soudani
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Hakim
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hanen Bouaziz
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Afef Troudi
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Najiba Zeghal
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sfax Faculty of Science, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|