The protective effect of flaxseed oil on lead acetate-induced renal toxicity in rats

A cross-sectional study of the association between blood metal mixtures exposure and hyperuricemia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between blood metal mixture and HUA risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed based on the populations from Kailuan cohort trial in China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was utilized to detect the blood concentrations of iron (Fe), lead (Pb), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn). Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were employed to assess the relationships.

RESULTS

There were 3706 participants included in this study, and 464 (12.52%) were with HUA. The mean level of uric acid was 485.60 μmol/L in the subjects with HUA, which was remarkably increased compared to those without HUA (293.10 μmol/L). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of HUA were 2.15 (1.40, 3.29) for Pb, 3.42 (2.24, 5.23) for Fe, 1.61 (1.15, 2.25) for Ca, 3.06 (2.04, 4.59) for Mg, and 1.69 (1.26, 2.28) for Zn by comparing the highest and lowest metal quartiles using the single-metal logistic regression model. Meanwhile, the WQS regression models demonstrated a positive association between metal mixtures and HUA risk, to which, Fe, Mg, Pb, and Zn were the major contributors. Pb, Fe, and Zn were still robust in multiple-metal models. Age, gender, weight, smoking, and drinking status could modify these relationships with significant interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-exposure to Fe, Pb, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mg, Se, and Mn were related to increased HUA risk in Chinese adults, of with, Pb, Fe, and Zn appeared to have greater impacts. These relationships were more obvious in adults aged < 60 years, or women, or overweight, or non-smoking, or drinking with significant interactions. Key Points • Increased Fe, Pb, Mg, Ca, and Zn were related to increased HUA risk in dose-response fashion among Chinese adults. • The metal mixture dominated by Fe, Mg, Pb, and Zn was positively associated with HUA risk. Fe, Pb, and Zn were still robust in MM model. • Such association was stronger showed in adults aged < 60 years, or women, or overweight, or non-smoking, or drinking with significant interactions.

Co-exposure to multiple heavy metals and metalloid induces dose dependent modulation in antioxidative, inflammatory, DNA damage and apoptic pathways progressing to renal dysfunction in mice

Humans are exposed to a cocktail of heavy metal toxicants at the same time in the environment rather than single metal. The kidney is often a site of early damage due to high renal contact to these pollutants. This study was done to examine the cumulative toxic effect of multiple elements prevalent in the environment. To explore the effect of subchronic exposure to heavy metal mixture male and female Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 14 groups and given varying doses [MPL (maximum permissible limit), 1X, 5X, 10X, 50X, or 100X] of the multiple metals and metalloid mixtures via drinking water for 8 weeks. It was determined that metal treatment caused increased metal load in renal tissue. The kidney function deteriorated in response to 10X, 50X, 100X concentration of the dosing mixture was found associated to oxidative stress, glomerular damage, necrosis, cell death and further exacerbation of the inflammation.

Sparassis latifolia polysaccharide alleviated lipid metabolism abnormalities in kidney of lead-exposed mice by regulating oxidative stress-mediated inflammation and autophagy based on multi-omics

Lead is a common environmental pollutant which can accumulate in the kidney and cause renal injury. However, regulatory effects and mechanisms of Sparassis latifolia polysaccharide (SLP) on lipid metabolism abnormality in kidney exposed to lead are not clarified. In this study, mice were used to construct an animal model to observe the histopathological changes in kidney, measure lead content, damage indicators, differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) in key signaling pathways that cause lipid metabolism abnormalities based on lipidomics and transcriptomics, which were later validated using qPCR and western blotting. Co-treatment of Pb and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were used to verify the link between SLP and oxidative stress. Our results indicated that treatment with SLP identified 276 DEMs (including metabolism of glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, glycerolipid and fatty acid) and 177 DEGs (including genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy and lipid metabolism). Notably, regulatory effects of SLP on abnormal lipid metabolism in kidney were mainly associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy; SLP could regulate abnormal lipid metabolism in kidney by reducing oxidative stress and affecting its downstream-regulated autophagy and inflammatory to alleviate renal injury caused by lead exposure. This study provides a theoretical basis for SLP intervention in lead injury.

Flaxseed oil attenuates PFOS-induced testicular damage by regulating RNA alternative splicing

Background: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent, widely present environmental pollutant, and its toxicity to male reproduction has gradually attracted attention. Flaxseed oil (FO) is a dietary oil abundant in α-linolenic acid and has been demonstrated to possess multiple health benefits. However, whether FO protects against PFOS-induced testicular injury and its mechanism remain unclear. Methods: C57/BL6 mice were gavaged with different concentrations of FO or PFOS (10 mg kg-1) for 28 days. Blood and testicular tissues were collected for histopathology, proteomics, and biochemical and molecular analyses. Results: Our results showed that FO supplementation significantly attenuated PFOS-induced testicular injury, as indicated by histopathological changes, decreased oxidative stress level, increased sperm count, decreased rate of sperm malformation, and improved functional markers of spermatogenesis. Proteomic analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were notably enriched in spliceosome pathways. Machine learning algorithms were used to screen the hub gene, and PRPF3 and PUF60 proteins were found to be important for FO to exert protective benefits to testicular injury. Western blot results confirmed that FO supplementation could increase the protein expression of PRPF3 and decrease the protein expression of PUF60 in PFOS-exposed mice. Conclusions: This study revealed that FO can alleviate PFOS-induced testicular dysfunction by regulating RNA alternative splicing. The spliceosome-related proteins PRPF3 and PUF60 may be the potential targets for FO to alleviate PFOS-induced testicular injury. FO supplementation may be an effective dietary intervention to prevent adverse effects of PFOS on testes.

Assessment of the effect of sodium tetraborate on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in lead-induced nephrotoxicity

Exposure to Pb, a toxic heavy metal, is a risk factor for renal damage. Borax, an essential trace element in cellular metabolism, is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods. This study investigated the effects of sodium tetraborate (ST), a source of borax, on renal oxidative stress and inflammation in rats exposed to Pb. Wistar Albino rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups: Control (0.5 mL, i.p. isotonic), Pb (50 mg/kg/day/i.p.), ST (4.0 mg/kg/day/oral), and Pb + ST groups. At the end of the five-day experimental period, kidney tissue samples were obtained and analyzed. Histopathologically, the Pb-induced damage observed in the Pb group improved in the Pb + ST group. Immunohistochemically, Pb administration increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and caspase-3. When evaluated biochemically, Pb application inhibited catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and activated superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. An increase in malondialdehyde levels was considered an indicator of damage. ST application increases glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. These results indicate that ST might play a protective role against Pb-induced renal damage via the upregulation of renal tissue antioxidants and cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspase-3 immunoexpression.

Renal-protective effect of Asparagus officinalis aqueous extract against lead-induced nephrotoxicity mouse model

Lead is one of the cursed substances that threaten all human life. Lead poisoning can occur through food or water contaminations and it is hard to be detected. This incognito metal accumulates over time and resides in the liver, kidneys, and brain tissues leading to serious medical conditions, affecting organ functions, causing failure, kidney tubule degeneration, and destroying neuronal development. However, known metal chelators have bad negative effects. Asparagus officinalis (AO) is a promising herb; its root extract exhibited antioxidant, antiapoptotic, protective, and immunomodulatory activities. Inspired by those reasons, this study investigated to which extent Asparagus extract affected male mice's renal toxicity caused by lead acetate (LA) and antioxidant defense system. This work screened for its nephroprotective activity in four mouse groups: negative and positive control, LA group with renal injury, and diseased but pretreated mice with AO extract (AOE). Kidney index and kidney function biomarkers were evaluated. Antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also tested. Furthermore, inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), renal pro-apoptotic protein (Bax), antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2), and caspase-3 levels were evaluated. The results showed that LA administration induced oxidative stress, renal inflammation, apoptosis, and renal histopathological alteration. However, due to its antioxidant activities, AOE was found to restrain oxidative stress, therefore preventing inflammation and apoptosis. Collectively, AOE perfectly clogged lead poisoning sneaking, stopped the bad deterioration, and succeeded to protect kidney tissues from toxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis.

A comprehensive review of the health benefits of flaxseed oil in relation to its chemical composition and comparison with other omega-3-rich oils

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L) is an ancient perennial plant species regarded as a multipurpose plant owing to its richness in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) including α-linolenic acid (ALA). The extensive biochemical analysis of flaxseed resulted in the identification of its bioactive, i.e., lignans with potential application in the improvement of human health. Flaxseed oil, fibers, and lignans exert potential health benefits including reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and autoimmune and neurological disorders that have led to the diversification of flaxseed plant applications. This comprehensive review focuses on flaxseed oil as the major product of flaxseed with emphasis on the interrelationship between its chemical composition and biological effects. Effects reviewed include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiulcer, anti-osteoporotic, cardioprotective, metabolic, and neuroprotective. This study provides an overview of flaxseed oil effects with the reported action mechanisms related to its phytochemical composition and in comparison, to other PUFA-rich oils. This study presents the most updated and comprehensive review summarizing flaxseed oil's health benefits for the treatment of various diseases.

Curcumin-loaded cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles ameliorates lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats via attenuation of oxidative stress

A substantial global health burden is associated with neurotoxicity caused by lead (Pb) exposure and the common mechanism of this toxicity is mainly via oxidative damage. Curcumin has remarkable pharmacological activities but remains clinically constrained due to its poor bioavailability when orally administered. Currently, cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CSCaCO3NP) is gaining more acceptance in nanomedicine as a nanocarrier to various therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of curcumin-loaded CSCaCO3NP (Cur-CSCaCO3NP) on lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats. A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Each group consists of 6 rats apart from the control group which consists of 12 rats. During the 4 weeks induction phase, all rats received a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead while the control group received normal saline. The treatment phase lasted for 4 weeks, and all rats received various doses of treatments as follows: group C (Cur 100) received 100 mg/kg of curcumin, group D (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 50) received 50 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP, and group E (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 100) received 100 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP. The motor function test was carried out using the horizontal bar method. The cerebral and cerebellar oxidative biomarker levels were estimated using ELISA and enzyme assay kits. Lead-administered rats revealed a significant decrease in motor scores and SOD activities with a resultant increase in MDA levels. Furthermore, marked cellular death of the cerebral and cerebellar cortex was observed. Conversely, treatment with Cur-CSCaCO3NP demonstrated enhanced ameliorative effects when compared with free curcumin treatment by significantly reversing the aforementioned alterations caused by lead. Thus, CSCaCO3NP enhanced the efficacy of curcumin by ameliorating the lead-induced neurotoxicity via enhanced attenuation of oxidative stress.

A review of important heavy metals toxicity with special emphasis on nephrotoxicity and its management in cattle

Toxicity with heavy metals has proven to be a significant hazard with several health problems linked to it. Heavy metals bioaccumulate in living organisms, pollute the food chain, and possibly threaten the health of animals. Many industries, fertilizers, traffic, automobile, paint, groundwater, and animal feed are sources of contamination of heavy metals. Few metals, such as aluminum (Al), may be eliminated by the elimination processes, but other metals like lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Ca) accumulate in the body and food chain, leading to chronic toxicity in animals. Even if these metals have no biological purpose, their toxic effects are still present in some form that is damaging to the animal body and its appropriate functioning. Cadmium (Cd) and Pb have negative impacts on a number of physiological and biochemical processes when exposed to sub-lethal doses. The nephrotoxic effects of Pb, As, and Cd are well known, and high amounts of naturally occurring environmental metals as well as occupational populations with high exposures have an adverse relationship between kidney damage and toxic metal exposure. Metal toxicity is determined by the absorbed dosage, the route of exposure, and the duration of exposure, whether acute or chronic. This can lead to numerous disorders and can also result in excessive damage due to oxidative stress generated by free radical production. Heavy metals concentration can be decreased through various procedures including bioremediation, pyrolysis, phytoremediation, rhizofiltration, biochar, and thermal process. This review discusses few heavy metals, their toxicity mechanisms, and their health impacts on cattle with special emphasis on the kidneys.

A comprehensive review of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): health-affecting compounds, mechanism of toxicity, detoxification, anticancer and potential risk

Flaxseed consumption (Linum usitatissimum L.) has increased due to its potential health benefits, such as protection against inflammation, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. However, flaxseeds also contains various anti-nutritive and toxic compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides, and phytic acids etc. In this case, the long-term consumption of flaxseed may pose health risks due to these non-nutritional substances, which may be life threatening if consumed in high doses, although if appropriately utilized these may prevent/treat various diseases by preventing/inhibiting and or reversing the toxicity induced by other compounds. Therefore, it is necessary to remove or suppress the harmful and anti-nutritive effects of flaxseeds before these are utilized for large-scale as food for human consumption. Interestingly, the toxic compounds of flaxseed also undergoes biochemical detoxification in the body, transforming into less toxic or inactive forms like α-ketoglutarate cyanohydrin etc. However, such detoxification is also a challenge for the development, scalability, and real-time quantification of these bioactive substances. This review focuses on the health affecting composition of flaxseed, along with health benefits and potential toxicity of its components, detoxification methods and mechanisms with evidence supported by animal and human studies.

Acute Oral Administration of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Suppresses Lead Acetate-Induced Genotoxicity, Inflammation, and ROS Generation in Mice Renal and Cardiac Tissues

Lead, a highly toxic pollutant, causes numerous health problems and affects nearly all biological systems thus arousing interest in using antioxidants to reduce its toxic effects. Therefore, the undertaken study estimated the influence of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) on the lead acetate-induced genotoxicity and inflammation in the kidney and heart tissues of mice. Twenty male mice were randomly divided into negative control and lead acetate and/or CeO2-NPs administrated groups. Comet and diphenylamine assays were conducted to assess the DNA damage and the expression of apoptosis-related genes and inflammatory cytokines were also measured in addition to the estimation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Co-administration of CeO2-NPs significantly reduced the DNA damage and ROS generation caused by lead acetate in the kidney and heart tissues. The co-administration of CeO2-NPs also ameliorated the lead acetate-induced dysregulation in the expression levels of p53, K-ras, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 in the kidney and heart. Conclusion: the co-administration of CeO2-NPs suppresses the genotoxicity, inflammation, and ROS generation resulting from lead acetate administration and restoring the genomic DNA integrity; thus, administration of CeO2-NPs is recommended to minimize the lead acetate-induced hazards.

Synergistic hepatoprotective effects of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids from Indian flax and sesame seed oils against CCl4-induced oxidative stress-mediated liver damage in rats

Flaxseed (FS) and sesame seed (SS) are traditional and functional foods in traditional Indian medicine for treating various disorders. The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of bioactive-fatty acids (FAs) from FS and SS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in rats. Pre and post-treatments for 28 consecutive days significantly increased the activities of in vivo antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX), whereas, lipid peroxidation (LPO) activity was markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in liver and kidneys. A significant reduction was observed in the hematological parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin in the serum of post-treated animals compared to the negative control. The results were confirmed histopathologically. The results suggested that the ω-3 and ω-6 FAs from flaxseed oil (FSO) and sesame seed oil (SSO), respectively, showed potential synergistic hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects that were mediated mainly by ω-3 and ω-6 FAs present in the respective seed oils.

Prevention of Hepatorenal Insufficiency Associated with Lead Exposure by Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Beverages Using In Vivo Assay

Lead pollution is a major environmental challenge worldwide. Therefore, dietary interventions that are aimed at preventing lead's deleterious effects on body organs are needed. The study's goal was to study and compare the protective effect of cold and hot beverages of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) red calyces (CRB and HRB, respectively) on liver and kidney insufficiency associated with lead exposure in male rats. Adult albino rats (32 males) were divided into four groups of equal number, including a normal control (group 1), while groups from 2 to 4 received lead acetate (20 mg/kg body weight/day) and were kept untreated (group 2). The 3rd and the 4th groups received CRB and HRB (0.5 ml/100 g body weight/day), respectively, for 6 weeks. The gain in the body and relative weights of the liver and kidneys were calculated. Liver and kidney functions were determined in serum, while lead, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, and oxidative stress markers were established in tissues. Specimens from the liver and kidney of sacrificed rats were histopathologically examined. The total activity of antioxidants and total content of anthocyanin of both beverages were determined. Lead exposure resulted in its accumulation in tissues, leading to overweight and liver and kidney insufficiency along with oxidative stress, which was further confirmed by histological staining. CRB was more efficient than HRB in preventing the deleterious effects of lead intoxication. Due to their antioxidant properties, the present study proved that Roselle red calyx beverages, particularly the cold ones, are protective agents against lead-associated disorders in a rat model.

A Review on Sarcocornia Species: Ethnopharmacology, Nutritional Properties, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Propagation

Sarcocornia A. J. Scott is a halophytic edible succulent plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. To date, the genus includes 28 species distributed worldwide in saline environments, usually salt marshes. Sarcocornia (Scott) is similar to Salicornia (L.), which has a recognized commercial value in morphological and taxonomical traits. Species of both genera are commonly named samphire or glassworts in Europe, and their fleshy shoots are commercialized under their traditional names. Due to their nutritional, organoleptic and medicinal properties, Sarcocornia species have a high economic potential in various biotechnology sectors. Being highly tolerant to salt, they can be cultivated in saline conditions, and dissimilar to Salicornia, they are perennial, i.e., they can be harvested year-round. Therefore, Sarcocornia species are considered promising gourmet vegetables to be explored in the context of climate change, soil and water salinization and eco-sustainability. We hereby put together and reviewed the most relevant information on Sarcocornia taxonomy, morphology, nutritional and pharmacological properties, uses in ethnomedicine, potential applications in biotechnology, and propagation strategies.

Study on the Efficacy and Mechanism of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide against Lead-Induced Renal Injury in Mice

Lead is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants in the environment. Prolonged exposure to lead will induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys, which in turn causes kidney injury. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is well known for its numerous pharmacological properties. This study aims to explore the efficacy and mechanism of LBP against lead-induced kidney damage in mice. Symptoms of renal injury were induced in mice by using 25 mg/kg lead acetate (PbAc₂), and different doses of LBP (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg BW) were orally administrated to PbAc₂-treated mice for five weeks. The results of the pharmacodynamics experiment showed that the renal pathological damages, serum creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney index of PbAc₂-treated mice could be significantly alleviated by treatment with LBP. Further, LBP treatment significantly increased the weight and feed intake of PbAc₂-treated mice. The dose effect results indicated that a medium dose of LBP was superior to high and low doses. The results of mechanistic experiments showed that LBP could attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys of mice with lead toxicity by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.

Linseed ameliorates renal apoptosis in rat fetuses induced by single or combined exposure to diesel nanoparticles or fenitrothion by inhibiting transcriptional activation of p21/p53 and caspase-3/9 through pro-oxidant stimulus

Gestational exposure to environmental pollutants can induce oxidative injury and apoptosis since the fetal organs are sensitively vulnerable to these chemicals. In this work, we have investigated the renal anti-apoptotic efficiency of linseed (LS) against the oxidative stress-mediated upregulation of the fetal apoptosis-related genes following the prenatal intoxication with diesel nanoparticles (DNPs) and/or fenitrothion (FNT). A fifty-six timed-pregnant rats were equally divided to eight groups; control, LS (20% in diet), DNPs (0.5 mg/kg by intratracheal inoculation), FNT (3.76 mg/kg by gavage), DNPs+FNT, LS + DNPs, LS + FNT, and LS + DNPs+FNT. The transmission electron microscope analysis revealed the spherical shape of diesel particles with a homogeneous nanosized range (20-92.3 nm) and the crystallinity was confirmed by electron diffraction microscopy. Administration of DNPs and/or FNT significantly increased fetal renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and glutathione reductase as compared with the control group. However, they declined the level of glutathione together with the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Furthermore, DNPs and/or FNT elicited many histopathological changes in fetal renal cells, markedly up-regulated apoptosis-related gene expressions (p53, p21 caspase-3, and caspase-9), and evoked DNA breaks as detected by comet assay. Interestingly, LS supplementation significantly ameliorated the disturbances in oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, downregulated the apoptosis gene expressions, and alleviated DNA damage alongside renal cell architecture. These findings reveal that the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic characteristics of LS are acceptable defender pointers for the renal injury especially during gestational exposure to DNPs and/or FNT.

Ferulago angulata extract improves the quality of buck spermatozoa post-thaw and counteracts the harmful effects of diazinon and lead

During cryopreservation, spermatozoa are exposed to chemical or physical stress that has adverse effects on the quality of mammalian spermatozoa. Recently, much attention has been paid to environmental contaminants (ECs) in livestock, because of their detrimental effects on livestock productivity and fertility. ECs like diazinon (DZN) and lead acetate (LA) are considered ubiquitous and induced oxidative stress, which decreases spermatozoa quality. Since Ferulago angulata extract (FAE) has antioxidant properties, the present study investigated the effect of FAE supplementation in a freezing extender, in the presence or absence of DZN + LA, during cryopreservation, on the quality and fertility ability of buck spermatozoa after thawing. Pooled ejaculates were diluted with a freezing extender and supplemented with FAE (0.002%, w/v) in the presence or absence of DZN (100 μM) + LA (12.5 μM). Post-thaw spermatozoa parameters, ROS production, fertilization ability, and developmental competence of oocytes inseminated with FAE/DZN + LA treated spermatozoa were calculated. The results demonstrated that FAE improves cryopreserved spermatozoa motility, viability, membrane integrity, fertilizability, and developmental competence, and reduced spermatozoa ROS production in the presence or absence of DZN + LA. Besides, FAE significantly restored the adverse effects of DZN + LA exposure during cryopreservation on inner cell mass (ICM) count, trophectoderm (TE) cell count, total cell number (TCN), and the ratio between ICM to TCN. In conclusion, FAE on its own resulted in an improvement in the buck spermatozoa's quality and fertility. Therefore, the addition of FAE, as a natural antioxidant to buck semen extender, can increase spermatozoa cryotolerance and post-thaw resistance even when exposed to ECs.

Effect of flaxseed oil on biochemical parameters, hormonal indexes and stereological changes in ovariectomized rats

The ovariectomized rat is a widely used preclinical model for studying postmenopausal and its complications. In this study, the therapeutic effect of flaxseed oil on the ovariectomized adult rats was investigated. Our results showed that biochemical parameters including calcium, oestrogen and progesterone levels increase 8 weeks after ovariectomy in rats. Also, the amount of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly after 8 weeks compared with the OVX rat. The healing potential of flaxseed oil was proven by successfully recovering the affected tissue and preventing the unpleasant symptoms of ovariectomized rats. The biological effects of flaxseed oil may be due to high amounts of fatty acids, phytoestrogens and an array of antioxidants. The results suggest that flaxseed oil can mimic the action of oestrogen and can be a potential treatment for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Luteolin protects against testicular injury induced by lead acetate by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to humans, especially male reproductive organs. Luteolin (LUT) is a naturally occurring flavonoid with numerous biological activities. Our aim was to investigate the possible reproprotective effect of LUT against testicular deficits induced by Pb intoxication. In the present study, 28 rats were distributed into 4 groups: control, LUT (50 mg/kg), lead acetate (PbAc, 20 mg/kg), and LUT + PbAc groups, in which rats were pre-treated with LUT 3 hr before PbAc injection. All animals were treated for 7 days. Oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers along with histopathological changes have been examined using spectrophotometric, ELISA, real-time PCR, and histopathological methods. PbAc injection elevated Pb concentration in testicular tissue and decreased levels of sex hormones. PbAc intoxication exacerbated lipoperoxidation and nitric oxide formation, depleted superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities along with glutathione and its originated enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase). At the molecular level, PbAc deactivated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 in the testicular tissue. In addition, PbAc toxicity induced inflammatory and apoptotic cascades in testicular tissue as evidenced by the increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, inducible nitric oxide synthase, Bax, and caspase 3, while Bcl-2 was declined. Histopathological examination of testicular tissue also revealed that PbAc caused degeneration alterations in spermatogenic cells, the spermatogenic epithelial cells were disconnected from the basement membrane, and the seminiferous tubules were vacuolated. Remarkably, pre-treatment with LUT minimized significantly the testicular damage induced by PbAc. Therefore, we conclude that LUT may have a beneficial effect against PbAc-induced testicular injury through preventing oxidative challenge, inflammation, and finally apoptosis.

Curcumin-loaded cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles: A novel strategy for the treatment of lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats

Lead (Pb) toxicity affects the hepatic and renal systems resulting to homeostasis imbalance. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant but has restrained clinical applications due to its poor bioavailability. Nanomedicine showed promising potentials in drug delivery and has brought forth the use of cockle shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CSCaCO₃NP) to enhance the effectiveness and targeted delivery of curcumin (Cur). Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of curcumin-loaded CSCaCO₃NP (Cur- CSCaCO₃NP) on lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats. Thirty-six male adults Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. All groups contained six rats each except for group A, which contained 12 rats. All rats apart from the rats in group A (control) were orally administered a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead for four weeks. Six rats from group A and B were euthanized after four weeks of lead induction. Oral administration of curcumin (100 mg/kg) for group C and Cur-CSCaCO₃NP (50 and 100 mg/kg) for groups D and E respectively, commenced immediately after 4 weeks of lead induction which lasted for 4 weeks. All rats were euthanized at the 8th week of the experiment. Further, biochemical, histological and hematological analysis were performed. The findings revealed a biochemical, hematological and histological changes in lead-induced rats. However, treatments with the Cur-CSCaCO₃NP and free curcumin reversed the aforementioned changes. Although, Cur-CSCaCO₃NP presented better therapeutic effects on lead-induced toxicity in rats when compared to free curcumin as there was significant improvements in hematological, biochemical and histological changes which is parallel with attenuation of oxidative stress. The findings of the current study hold great prospects for Cur-CSCaCO₃NP as a novel approach for effective oral treatment of lead-induced hepato-renal impairments.

Luteolin protects against lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants affecting living organisms. It induces nephrotoxicity with significant alterations in renal structure and function. Luteolin (LUT) a flavonoid present in various plant products is well known for exhibiting numerous pharmacological properties. We evaluated the protective efficacy of LUT against Pb-induced renal injury in male Wistar rats. Four experimental groups: control, LUT (50 mg/kg, orally), PbAc (20 mg/kg, i.p.), LUT + PbAc (at the aforementioned doses) were maintained for 7 days. PbAc administration significantly increased renal Pb accumulation, urea, and creatinine levels in serum, and induced renal histological alterations. Additionally, compared to the control rats, PbAc-treated rats exhibited significantly low levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and expression (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), as well as high MDA levels. Moreover, PbAc exposure downregulated Nfe212 and Homx1 mRNA expression and significantly increased inflammatory marker (TNF-α, IL-1β and NO) levels in renal tissue. PbAc significantly upregulated the synthesis of apoptotic related proteins and downregulated antiapoptotic protein expression. Notably, LUT pretreatment of PbAc-treated rats provided significant nephroprotection and reversed the alterations in the abovementioned parameters. In conclusion, LUT provided significant protection against PbAc intoxication via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Xanthones protects lead-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) via activating Nrf-2 and modulating NF-kB, MAPK pathway

Xanthones from a tropical fruit of Garcinia mangostana L. is known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. The current study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of xanthones against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). To accomplish, in vitro antioxidant assays of xanthones, in vivo oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, inflammatory parameters were evaluated using PbAc-induced IRC male mice. The study was supported by in silico molecular docking of respective organ receptor protein-ligand interaction. Results revealed that xanthones potentially scavenged the DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radicals. Oxidative stress, kidney dysfunction, inflammatory markers, and kidney apoptosis increased by PbAc were attenuated with the co-treatment of xanthones. The treatment remarkably improved the tissue architecture. Of note, in silico prediction of activity study showed that protective role of xanthones could be due to its efficacy to activate the Nrf-2, regulate the intracellular [Ca2+], as well as downregulate the NF-kB, MAPK pathway. In a nutshell, xanthones could be a potential candidate for the management of PbAc-induced kidney damage.

Lead-induced oxidative damage in rats/mice: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in the environment and is an environmental genotoxic metal. Pb accumulation in the body could cause the oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to perform a systematic evaluation of the extent of oxidative damage in rats/mice induced by lead.

METHODS

All relevant articles in English or Chinese were retrieved from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biological Medicine databases from their inception date until July 22, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 108 eligible articles were included in this study. The indicators of oxidative stress included malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). The meta-analysis showed that lead significantly increased oxidants levels, such as MDA, GSSG, ROS, and H₂O₂ (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the level of antioxidants, such as CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, SOD, and GST (P < 0.05). The intraperitoneal mode was more effective than water drinking mode in reducing the levels of CAT, GPx, GSH, and SOD (P < 0.05). Other factors that influenced the overall oxidative stress, including species of animals, type of tissues, and intervention dosage and time, were comprehensively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The results of meta-analysis indicated that mice were more sensitive to lead than rats, and intraperitoneal mode was an effective intervention mean. High doses and long periods of lead treatment can cause serious oxidative damage. Moreover, testicular was more vulnerable to lead than other tissues. These results provided scientific evidence for preventing and treating lead toxicity.

Role of some natural anti-oxidants in the down regulation of Kim, VCAM1, Cystatin C protein expression in lead acetate-induced acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Lead is a dangerous systemic toxicant and can provoke life-threatening renal injury. The plan of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of curcumin (CRMN) and L-ascorbic acid (L-ascb) alone or together to counteract lead acetate (Pb-acetate)-induced renal damage in rats and to find out the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceuticals.

METHODS

Pb-acetate (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was injected in male rats along with L-ascb (250 mg/kg/day) and/or CRMN (200 mg/kg/day) orally for 7 days.

RESULTS

Pb-acetate administration increased serum urea, creatinine and uric acid. Renal tissue showed a marked depletion in reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity and elevation in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels. Serum C-reactive protein and IL-1β levels were elevated. Up-regulation of the expression of kidney injury molecule, vascular adhesion molecule-1 and Cystatin C were noticed after Pb-acetate administration. DNA fragmentation was also increased in renal tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a destructed partial layer of Bowman's capsule, proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Treatment with the aforementioned antioxidants ameliorated most of the altered measured biomarker levels.

CONCLUSION

Interestingly, the combination of L-ascb and CRMN showed the superlative protective effect against Pb-acetate-induced nephrotoxicity.

Increased blood lead level induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of spray painters

Background The aim of this study was to know the present scenario of blood lead level and its effect on serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters of spray painters. Methods We included 42 male spray painters and 50 control subjects with an age range of 20-45 years. Blood lead level, serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters, i.e. erythrocyte catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma ceruloplasmin, nitric oxide, uric acid and bilirubin, were quantified by standard methods. Results We observed the significant elevated blood lead (p < 0.001, 458%), lipid peroxide (p < 0.001, 170%), uric acid (p < 0.001, 25.6%) and bilirubin (p < 0.01, 24.5%) and the significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes like SOD (p < 0.001, -50.4%), catalase (p < 0.001, -34.33%), ceruloplasmin (p < 0.001, -32.7%) and nitric oxide (p < 0.001, -39.58%) in the study group as compared to control. A significant positive correlation coefficient (r) of blood lead level with lipid peroxide (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), uric acid (r = 0.33 p < 0.05) and bilirubin (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with SOD (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), catalase (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), ceruloplasmin (r = -0.27, p < 0.05) and nitric oxide (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) were observed. Conclusions Elevated blood lead level induces serum lipid peroxide and alters the antioxidant enzymes of spray painters. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the blood lead level by taking proper precautions while spraying the paints, and additional antioxidant supplementation like vitamin C, multivitamin and multiminerals will be useful in reducing oxidative stress.

The effect of ferulic acid against lead-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in kidney and testes of rats

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells. Reactive oxygen species contains oxygen radicals that easily react with other molecules in the biological system. For decades, lead acetate (Pb(C₂H₃O2)₂) is used as an additive for many widely used chemical products such as insecticides, hair dyes, and cosmetics; however, contact with lead acetate may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of using ferulic acid to inhibit lead acetate-induced toxicity in rats is investigated. Lead acetate was orally given at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, either alone or with ferulic acid at dose 25 mg/kg. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined. In addition, histopathological changes of testes and kidney were examined. Results showed that administration of lead acetate induced oxidative stress through attenuation of luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum. Moreover, the kidney and testes of lead acetate-treated animals exhibited elevation of ROS level, lipid peroxide levels, as well as lysosomal enzyme activity such acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-glucosminidase. DNA fragmentation and histological changes were also observed in lead acetate-treated group. In contrast, ferulic acid treatment reduced the deleterious effects induced by lead acetate in both testes and kidney tissues. These results illustrated that ferulic acid has a protective action against toxicity caused by lead acetate in rats. In conclusions, ferulic acid may have future therapeutic relevance in the prevention of lead acetate-induced testicular and renal toxicity in rats.

Metal-induced nephrotoxicity to diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats

The present study was conducted to examine the nephrotoxic effects of heavy metals including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. Animals were exposed to heavy metals for 30 days, Pb was injected as lead acetate (C₄H₆O₄Pb), Mn was injected as manganese chloride (MnCl₂), Cd was injected as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), and As was administered orally to rats in the form of sodium arsenite (AsO₂Na). Results showed that metal deposition trends in tissues were Pb > As > Cd > Mn and the urinary metal levels were Pb > Cd > As > Mn. Diabetic metal alone, as well as metal mixture-treated groups, showed decreased urinary metal levels as compared with non-diabetic metal alone and metal mixture-treated groups. Both diabetic- and non-diabetic metal mixture-treated groups revealed an increasing trend of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. In addition, heavy metal treatments resulted in elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the kidney tissue while decreased levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GHS) were observed in the kidney tissue in comparison with the control group. The histological analysis of the kidney tissues showed tubular degeneration, fibrosis, and vacuolation as a result of heavy metal exposure. The present study revealed that co-exposure of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Mn, As) induced more nephrotoxicity as compared with the metal alone treatment. Moreover, diabetic Wistar rats are more prone to kidney damage as a result of heavy metal exposure.

Pre-treatment with Beta Carotene Gives Protection Against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Bromobenzene via Modulation of Antioxidant System, Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Pro-apoptotic Factors

Bromobenzene is an environmental toxin which causes hepatotoxicity, and the secondary metabolites on biotransformation cause nephrotoxicity. The objective of this study was to assess the alleviation of the nephrotoxic effect of bromobenzene by beta carotene in female Wistar albino rats. Beta carotene (10 mg/kg b.w.p.o.) was delivered orally to the rats for 9 days before bromobenzene (10 mM/kg b.w.p.o.) was intragastrically intubated. Kidney markers, antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. In addition, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were measured in serum and in kidney tissue homogenate using ELISA. Caspase, COX-2 and NF-κB were measured with the help of Western blotting. Histopathological analysis of the kidney was done for the control and experimental rats. Bromobenzene induction caused elevation in levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, cytokines and lipid per oxidation along with deterioration in histological observations and antioxidant status. Pre-treatment with beta carotene significantly (*p < 0.05) normalised the levels of kidney markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, as shown by improved antioxidant status. The anti-apoptotic activity was evidenced by inhibition of protein expression of caspase, COX-2 and NF-κB. This significant reversal (*p < 0.05) of the above variations in comparison with the control group as noticed in the bromobenzene-administered rats demonstrates that beta carotene possesses promising nephroprotective effect through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity and therefore suggests its use as a potential therapeutic agent for protection from bromobenzene and hence environmental pollutant toxicity.

Glycine supplementation mitigates lead-induced renal injury in mice

Purpose

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant responsible for various organ damages including renal injury. It seems that OS and associated events are crucial mechanisms of lead-induced renal dysfunction. The current study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of glycine against renal injury caused by lead in mice.

Materials and methods

Mature male mice (n=32) were allocated into four groups. The following treatment regimens were the control (vehicle-treated); Pb-acetate (20 mg/kg/day, gavage); Pb-acetate + glycine (500 mg/kg/day, IP); and Pb-acetate + glycine (1,000 mg/kg/day, IP). Pb-acetate + glycine was administered for 14 consecutive days, Pb-acetate was given first and then glycine at least 6 hours later. On day 15, the subjects were anesthetized, and samples were collected. Serum biomarkers such as BUN and serum creatinine were monitored along with formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, kidney GSH level, and histopathological changes.

Results

Based on the results, BUN and serum creatinine levels significantly increased following exposure to lead. Glycine supplementation (500 and 1,000 mg/kg, IP) decreased BUN and creatinine serum levels (P<0.001). Biomarkers of OS were also reduced in renal tissue following glycine therapy in Pb-exposed mice (P<0.001). Histopathological changes were observed in mice treated with lead as tubular dilation, protein cast, vacuolization, and inflammation. In this regard, glycine inhibited histopathological alterations in kidney caused by lead exposure.

Conclusion

It was found that glycine treatment significantly mitigated Pb-induced renal injury most likely through alleviating OS and the associated deleterious outcomes on the kidney tissue.

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

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

Toxicodynamics of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic- induced kidney toxicity and treatment strategy: A mini review

Environmental pollution has become a concerning matter to human beings. Flint water crisis in the USA pointed out that pollution by heavy metal is getting worse day by day, predominantly by Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic. Despite of not having any biological role in flora and fauna, they exhibit detrimental effect following exposure (acute or chronic). Even at low dose, they affect brain, kidney and heart. Oxidative stress has been termed as cause and effect in heavy metal-induced kidney toxicity. In treatment strategy, different chelating agent, vitamins and minerals are included, though chelating agents has been showed different fatal drawbacks. Interestingly, plants and plants derived compounds had shown possible effectiveness against heavy metals induced kidney toxicity. This review will provide detail information on toxicodynamics of Pb, Cd, Hg and As, treatment strategy along with the possible beneficiary role of plant derived compound to protect kidney.

Ameliorative effects of Spirulina platensis against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in newborn rats: Modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes

Our experimental work was aimed at evaluating the safety and protective effects of dietary spirulina supplementation on the kidney of newborn rats, the offspring of lead contaminated lactating mothers. Female rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control) was given a normal diet, group II (positive control, S) received a diet enriched with spirulina, group III received only lead through drinking water (Pb), and group IV received both a diet enriched with spirulina and lead contaminated water (S Pb). The treatment of pregnant rats with lead administrated in drinking water, from the 5^th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery, induced an increased level of renal lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, hydrogen peroxide and advanced oxidation protein product, a decreased renal content of glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in newborns. A statistically significant increase of renal DNA, mRNA, hematological parameters as well as in plasma urea and creatinine serum levels and lactate dehydrogenase was seen in pups, while those of uric acid declined. Interestingly, these biochemical modifications were accompanied by a significant decrease of lactate dehydrogenase in kidney, plasma alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl-transpeptidase levels, urinary levels of creatinine and urea. Conversely, supplementation of lead-treated mother's with spirulina alleviated hematotoxicity induced by lead as evidenced, by restoring the biochemical markers cited above to near normal levels. Nevertheless, the distorted histoarchitecture in rat kidney attenuated following spirulina supplementation. It can be then concluded that spirulina is an important protective source against kidney impairments.

Modulation of oxidative stress response by flaxseed oil: Role of lipid peroxidation and underlying mechanisms

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) are majorly classified as ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω-3:20-5), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, ω-3:22-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, ω-3:18-3) are known ω-3 fatty acids, extracted from animal (e.g fish oil) and plant sources (e.g flaxseed oil). Furthermore, linoleic acid (LA, ω-6:18-2) is recognized as ω-6 fatty acid and the most prominent biological fatty acid with a pro-inflammatory response. Flaxseed oil has variety of biological roles, due to the significant amount of ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids. Numerous studies have reported that ALA (ω-3:18-3) and LA (ω-6:18-2) has diverse pharmacological activities. The ALA (ω-3:18-3) and LA (ω-6:18-2) are recognised to be the pharmacological antagonist. For example, ALA (ω-3:18-3) is recognised as anti-inflammatory, whereas LA (ω-6:18-2) is considered to be pro-inflammatory. PUFA's get oxidized in three ways; firstly, free radical-mediated pathway, secondly non-free radical non-enzymatic metabolism, and lastly enzymatic degradation. The present report is an attempt to summarize various modes of PUFA's metabolism and elaborate biological effects of the associated metabolites concerning flaxseed oil.

The antioxidant effect of mulberry and jamun fruit wines by ameliorating oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Polyphenols act by scavenging reactive oxygen species during oxidative stress and hence are useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes. This study describes the effect of polyphenol rich mulberry and jamun wines fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. To male adult Wistar rats, divided into groups (n = 10 per group) intraperitoneal injection was administered with streptozotocin at 38 mg per kg body weight for inducing diabetes. After confirmation of diabetes, rats divided into groups were fed each day with 5.7 milliliter per kg body weight of mulberry, jamun, white and red grape wines for 6 weeks. One group of animals received resveratrol at 20 mg per kg body weight. After six weeks of treatment, blood glucose, urinary profile, lipid profile, plasma, liver, kidney, brain and eye antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and hepatic glutathione (GSH) content were determined. Though wine and resveratrol feeding did not improve the glycemic status of diabetic rats, increases in antioxidant enzymes and GSH content accompanied by reduced NEFA and lipid peroxidation were observed. The kidneys and brains of resveratrol fed rats showed significant reduction in malondialdehyde equivalents, exhibited an improved antioxidant status of tissues and an increased glutathione content. The findings suggested that the wines can ameliorate the consequences of diabetes due to their antioxidants.

Preventive use of berberine in inhibition of lead-induced renal injury in rats

The kidney is one of the main organs affected by lead toxicity. We investigated the effects of berberine on lead-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Animals received an aqueous solution of lead acetate (500 mg Pb/L in the drinking water) and/or berberine (50 mg/kg, i.g.) for 8 weeks. Lead caused an increase in malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) and total oxidant status (P < 0.01), and a decrease in reduced glutathione (P < 0.001), catalase (P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Berberine prevented the prooxidant and antioxidant imbalance induced by lead (P < 0.001). Berberine corrected the increased relative kidney weight (P < 0.05) and biomarkers of renal function (creatinine (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.05), uric acid (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.01), and total protein (P < 0.05)) in lead group. It also attenuated lead-induced abnormal renal structure. The results confirmed renoprotective effects of berberine in an animal model of lead-induced nephrotoxicity by molecular, biochemical, and histopathological analysis through inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defense system mechanisms. Therefore, berberine makes a good candidate to protect against the deleterious effect of chronic lead intoxication.

Possible antioxidant effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on hepatic cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) pretreatment against cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were divided into control group, LBP group (300 mg/kg orally, once a day, for 30 days), Cd group (CdCl₂ 4 mg/kg i.p. once), and LBP + Cd group (LBP 300 mg/kg orally, once a day, for 30 days + CdCl₂ 4 mg/kg i.p. 24 h after the last treatment). Cd liver injury was examined by morphological/histological changes, transaminases, total protein concentration, and oxidative stress evaluated by MDA, 3NT, GSH, SOD, and TEAC activities. Cd intoxication caused gross morphological changes with hyperemia of the parenchyma, increased volume, and disappearance of the anatomical limits of the lobes associated with an increase of ALT, GSH, and TEAC in plasma and a decrease of MDA, GSH, and TEAC in liver, SOD, and total proteins in plasma. LBP pretreatment caused a slight improvement in the histological architecture and in the 3NT amount together with a significant improvement of hematic parameters. On the basis of the obtained results, we can affirm that LBP pretreatment can ameliorate liver conditions, but further studies are needed to better evaluate the protective antioxidant effects of LBP against Cd-induced toxicity.

Possible antioxidant effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on hepatic cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) pretreatment against cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were divided into control group, LBP group (300 mg/kg orally, once a day, for 30 days), Cd group (CdCl₂ 4 mg/kg i.p. once), and LBP + Cd group (LBP 300 mg/kg orally, once a day, for 30 days + CdCl₂ 4 mg/kg i.p. 24 h after the last treatment). Cd liver injury was examined by morphological/histological changes, transaminases, total protein concentration, and oxidative stress evaluated by MDA, 3NT, GSH, SOD, and TEAC activities. Cd intoxication caused gross morphological changes with hyperemia of the parenchyma, increased volume, and disappearance of the anatomical limits of the lobes associated with an increase of ALT, GSH, and TEAC in plasma and a decrease of MDA, GSH, and TEAC in liver, SOD, and total proteins in plasma. LBP pretreatment caused a slight improvement in the histological architecture and in the 3NT amount together with a significant improvement of hematic parameters. On the basis of the obtained results, we can affirm that LBP pretreatment can ameliorate liver conditions, but further studies are needed to better evaluate the protective antioxidant effects of LBP against Cd-induced toxicity.

Indigofera oblongifolia Ameliorates Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in a Rat Model

Lead (Pb) enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and depletes the antioxidant molecules that cause tissue damage. In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of Indigofera oblongifolia (hasr in Arabic) against lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Exposure of rats to lead acetate (PbAc; 20 mg/kg body weight; intraperitoneal injection) induced a significant change in both of body weight loss and the relative testis weight. Furthermore, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and a marked depletion of glutathione were evident in the testis of the PbAc group compared to the control group. Also, PbAc significantly reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Pre-administration of I. oblongifolia leaves extract (IOLE; 100 mg/kg body weight) to the PbAc-treated rats restored most of the parameters mentioned above to near-normal levels. Additionally, pretreatment of animals with IOLE accompanied with a significant decrease in the toxic effects of PbAc as shown by caspase-3 and Bax expressions and prevented the histological injury in the testis. On the basis of the above results, I. oblongifolia appeared to be a promising agent for protection against lead-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in the testis of rat.

Gamma-Glutamyl Cysteine Attenuates Tissue Damage and Enhances Tissue Regeneration in a rat Model of Lead-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Lead is a biohazardous metal that is commonly involved in human illness including renal injury. Although it is a non-redox reactive metal, lead-induced renal injury is largely based on oxidative stress. The current work aimed at exploring the possible protective effect of γ-glutamyl cysteine (γGC) against lead-induced renal injury. Rats were allocated to normal and γGC control groups, lead-treated group, and lead and γGC-treated group. γGC alleviated lead-induced renal injury as evidenced by attenuation of histopathological aberration, amelioration of oxidative injury as demonstrated by significant reduction in lipid and protein oxidation, elevation of total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione level. The activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly elevated. γGC significantly decreased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β and the activity of the apoptotic marker caspase-3. In addition, γGC reduced kidney lead content, enhanced weight gain, and improved renal function as demonstrated by reduced serum levels of urea and creatinine. Importantly, γGC upregulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, denoting enhanced renal regenerative capacity. Together, our findings highlight evidence for alleviating effects of γGC against lead-induced renal injury that is potentially mediated through diminution of oxidative tissue injury, reduction of inflammatory response, attenuation of apoptosis, and enhancement of renal regenerative capacity.

The detrimental effects of lead on human and animal health

Lead, a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb (from Latin: Plumbum, meaning “the liquid silver”) and has an atomic number 82 in the periodic table. It was the first element that was characterized by its kind of toxicity. In animal systems, lead (Pb) has been incriminated in a wide spectrum of toxic effects and it is considered one of the persistent ubiquitous heavy metals. Being exposed to this metal could lead to the change of testicular functions in human beings as well as in the wildlife. The lead poising is a real threat to the public health, especially in the developing countries. Accordingly, great efforts on the part of the occupational and public health have been taken to curb the dangers of this metal. Hematopoietic, renal, reproductive, and central nervous system are among the parts of the human body and systems that are vulnerable toward the dangers following exposure to high level of Pb. In this review, we discussed the massive harmful impact that leads acetate toxicity has on the animals and the worrying fact that this harmful toxicant can be found quite easily in the environment and abundance. Highlighting its (Pb) effects on various organs in the biological systems, its economic, as well as scientific importance, with the view to educate the public/professionals who work in this area. In this study, we focus on the current studies and research related to lead toxicity in animals and also to a certain extent toward human as well.

Indigofera oblongifolia mitigates lead-acetate-induced kidney damage and apoptosis in a rat model

This study was conducted to appraise the protective effect of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract on lead acetate (PbAc)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. PbAc was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 5 days, either alone or together with the methanol extract of I. oblongifolia (100 mg/kg). Kidney lead (Pb) concentration; oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxidation, nitrite/nitrate, and glutathione (GSH); and antioxidant enzyme activities, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase, and GSH reductase were all determined. The PbAc injection elicited a marked elevation in Pb concentration, lipid peroxidation, and nitrite/nitrate, with a concomitant depletion in GSH content compared with the control and a remarkable decrease in antioxidant enzymes. Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, Pb accumulation, and histological changes in the kidneys were successfully prevented by the pre-administration of I. oblongifolia extract. In addition, the elevated expression of proapoptotic protein, Bax, in the kidneys of the PbAc-injected rats was reduced as a result of I. oblongifolia pre-administration, while the hitherto reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was elevated. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that I. oblongifolia successfully minimizes the deleterious effects in kidney function and histological coherence associated with nephrotoxicity by strengthening the antioxidant defense system, suppressing oxidative stress, and mitigating apoptosis.