Effects of K074 and pralidoxime on antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase response in malathion-poisoned mice

Ginseng® Alleviates Malathion-Induced Hepatorenal Injury through Modulation of the Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Apoptotic, and Anti-Inflammatory Markers in Male Rats

This study aims to see if Ginseng^® can reduce the hepatorenal damage caused by malathion. Four groups of forty male Wistar albino rats were alienated. Group 1 was a control group that got orally supplied corn oil (vehicle). Group 2 was intoxicated by malathion dissolved in corn oil orally at 135 mg/kg/day. Group 3 orally received both malathion + Panax Ginseng^® (300 mg/kg/day). Group 4 was orally given Panax Ginseng^® at a 300 mg/kg/day dose. Treatments were administered daily and continued for up to 30 consecutive days. Malathion's toxic effect on both hepatic and renal tissues was revealed by a considerable loss in body weight and biochemically by a marked increase in liver enzymes, LDH, ACP, cholesterol, and functional renal markers with a marked decrease in serum TP, albumin, and TG levels with decreased AchE and Paraoxonase activity. Additionally, malondialdehydes, nitric oxide (nitrite), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, and TNFα with a significant drop in the antioxidant activities were reported in the malathion group. Malathion upregulated the inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes, while Nrf2, Bcl2, and HO-1 were downregulated. Ginseng^® and malathion co-treatment reduced malathion's harmful effects by restoring metabolic indicators, enhancing antioxidant pursuit, lowering the inflammatory reaction, and alleviating pathological alterations. So, Ginseng^® may have protective effects against hepatic and renal malathion-induced toxicity on biochemical, antioxidant, molecular, and cell levels.

Ornipural® Mitigates Malathion-Induced Hepato-Renal Damage in Rats via Amelioration of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, Restoration of Antioxidant Activity, and Attenuation of Inflammatory Response

The current study was instigated by investigating the ameliorative potential of Ornipural^® solution against the hepato-renal toxicity of malathion. A total number of 35 male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into five groups. Group 1 served as control and received normal saline intraperitoneally. Group 2, the sham group, were administered only corn oil (vehicle of malathion) orally. Group 3 was orally intoxicated by malathion in corn oil at a dose of 135 mg/kg BW via intra-gastric gavage. Group 4 received malathion orally concomitantly with Ornipural^® intraperitoneally. Group 5 was given Ornipural^® solution in saline via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of (1 mL/kg BW). Animals received the treatment regime for 30 days. Histopathological examination revealed the harmful effect of malathion on hepatic and renal tissue. The results showed that malathion induced a significant decrease in body weight and marked elevation in the activity of liver enzymes, LDH, and ACP. In contrast, the activity of AchE and Paraoxonase was markedly decreased. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the serum content of bilirubin, cholesterol, and kidney injury markers. A significant elevation in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (nitrite), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine was observed, along with a substantial reduction in antioxidant activity. Furthermore, malathion increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the upregulation of IL-1B, BAX, and IFN-β genes, and the downregulation of Nrf2, Bcl2, and HO-1 genes. Concurrent administration of Ornipural^® with malathion attenuated the detrimental impact of malathion through ameliorating metabolic biomarkers, restoring antioxidant activity, reducing the inflammatory response, and improving pathologic microscopic alterations. It could be concluded that Ornipural^® solution demonstrates hepatorenal defensive impacts against malathion toxicity at biochemical, antioxidants, molecular, and cellular levels.

The protective role of resveratrol against sulfoxaflor-induced toxicity in testis of adult male rats

This work was designed to explore the protective role of resveratrol (RES) against sulfoxaflor (Sulfx)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. The animals were divided into six groups: Control group, Sulfx treated groups (79.5 and 205 mg/kg/day), RES treated group (20 mg/kg/day), RES + Sulfx treated groups (20 mg/kg Res + 79.5 or 205 mg/kg Sulfx) orally for 28 consecutive days. Testicular samples were collected from all groups at the end of the treatment period. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress and cellular energy parameters; tissue samples were prepared for histopathological examination. In addition, caspase-3 activity was calculated to assess spermatogenesis. Finally, DNA laddering assay was performed to detect DNA fragmentation as a hallmark of apoptosis. Our results showed that Sulfx treatment induced a significant increase in testicular levels of MDA, NOx, GSSG and reduced GSH level and cellular energy parameters in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological study which showed pathological changes in Sulfx treated groups. A significant increase in caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation was also observed. However, concomitant administration of RES to Sulfx -treated rats showed significant modulation against Sulfx-induced reproductive toxicity and attenuated the biochemical, apoptotic and histopathological changes. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposure to Sulfx at the two selected doses induces testicular toxicity and these effects can be ameliorated by supplementation of RES.

Organophosphate toxicity: updates of malathion potential toxic effects in mammals and potential treatments

Organophosphorus insecticides toxicity is still considered a major global health problem. Malathion is one of the most commonly used organophosphates nowadays, as being considered to possess relatively low toxicity compared with other organophosphates. However, widespread use may lead to excessive exposure from multiple sources. Mechanisms of MAL toxicity include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, change of oxidants/antioxidants balance, DNA damage, and facilitation of apoptotic cell damage. Exposure to malathion has been associated with different toxicities that nearly affect every single organ in our bodies, with CNS toxicity being the most well documented. Malathion toxic effects on liver, kidney, testis, ovaries, lung, pancreas, and blood were also reported. Moreover, malathion was considered as a genotoxic and carcinogenic chemical compound. Evidence exists for adverse effects associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure in both animals and humans. This review summarizes the toxic data available about malathion in mammals and discusses new potential therapeutic modalities, with the aim to highlight the importance of increasing awareness about its potential risk and reevaluation of the allowed daily exposure level.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in organophosphate pesticide-induced neurotoxicity and its amelioration: a review

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used for controlling pests worldwide. The inhibitory effects of these pesticides on acetylcholinesterase lead to neurotoxic damages. The oxidative stress is responsible for several neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, seizure, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Strong evidence suggests that dysfunction of mitochondria and oxidative stress are involved in neurological diseases. OPs can disturb the function of mitochondria by inducing oxidative stress. In the present study, we tried to highlight the role of dysfunction of mitochondria and the induction of oxidative stress in the neurotoxicity induced by OPs. Additionally, the amelioration of OP-induced oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunctional through the chemical and natural antioxidants have been discussed.

Efficacy Assessment of an Uncharged Reactivator of NOP-Inhibited Acetylcholinesterase Based on Tetrahydroacridine Pyridine-Aldoxime Hybrid in Mouse Compared to Pralidoxime

(1) Background: Human exposure to organophosphorus compounds employed as pesticides or as chemical warfare agents induces deleterious effects due to cholinesterase inhibition. One therapeutic approach is the reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase by oximes. While currently available oximes are unable to reach the central nervous system to reactivate cholinesterases or to display a wide spectrum of action against the variety of organophosphorus compounds, we aim to identify new reactivators without such drawbacks. (2) Methods: This study gathers an exhaustive work to assess in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and toxicity of a hybrid tetrahydroacridine pyridinaldoxime reactivator, KM297, compared to pralidoxime. (3) Results: Blood–brain barrier crossing assay carried out on a human in vitro model established that KM297 has an endothelial permeability coefficient twice that of pralidoxime. It also presents higher cytotoxicity, particularly on bone marrow-derived cells. Its strong cholinesterase inhibition potency seems to be correlated to its low protective efficacy in mice exposed to paraoxon. Ventilatory monitoring of KM297-treated mice by double-chamber plethysmography shows toxic effects at the selected therapeutic dose. This breathing assessment could help define the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) dose of new oximes which would have a maximum therapeutic effect without any toxic side effects.

Tobacco Nitrosamine Exposures Contribute to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Associated Cerebellar Dysgenesis

Variability in the phenotypic features and severity of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is not fully linked to alcohol dose. We hypothesize that FASD-type neurodevelopmental abnormalities may be caused by exposures to the tobacco-specific nitrosamine, NNK, since a high percentage of pregnant women who drink also smoke. In vitro experiments using PNET2 human cerebellar neuronal cultures examined ethanol and NNK effects on viability and mitochondrial function. Early postnatal rat cerebellar slice cultures were used to examine effects of ethanol and NNK on cerebellar histology and neuroglial and stress protein expression. Ethanol (50 mM) decreased viability and ATP content and increased mitochondrial mass, while NNK (100 μM or higher) selectively inhibited mitochondrial function. The slice culture studies demonstrated striking adverse effects of ethanol, NNK and ethanol+NNK exposures manifested by architectural disorganization of the cortex with relative reductions of internal granule cells, increases in external granule cells, and loss of Purkinje cells. Ethanol, NNK, and ethanol+NNK inhibited expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). In addition, ethanol increased activated Caspase 3, NNK decreased tau and phospho-tau, and ethanol+NNK inhibited expression of Aspartyl-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), which mediates neuronal migration. In conclusion, ethanol and NNK were shown to exert independent but overlapping adverse effects on cerebellar cortical development, neuronal viability, function, and neuroglial protein expression. These findings support our hypothesis that NNK exposures via tobacco smoking in pregnancy can contribute to FASD-associated neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

Potential Co-Factor Role of Tobacco Specific Nitrosamine Exposures in the Pathogenesis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND

Cerebellar developmental abnormalities in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are linked to impairments in insulin signaling. However, co-morbid alcohol and tobacco abuses during pregnancy are common. Since smoking leads to tobacco specific Nitrosamine (NNK) exposures which have been shown to cause brain insulin resistance, we hypothesized that neurodevelopmental abnormalities in FASD could be mediated by ethanol and/or NNK.

METHODS

Long Evans rat pups were intraperitoneal (IP) administered ethanol (2 g/kg) on postnatal days (P) 2, 4, 6 and/or NNK (2 mg/kg) on P3, P5, and P7 to simulate third trimester human exposures. The Cerebellar function, histology, insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) signaling, and neuroglial protein expression were assessed.

RESULTS

Ethanol, NNK and ethanol+NNK groups had significant impairments in motor function (rotarod tests), abnormalities in cerebellar structure (Purkinje cell loss, simplification and irregularity of folia, and altered white matter), signaling through the insulin and IGF-1 receptors, IRS-1, Akt and GSK-3β, and reduced expression of several important neuroglial proteins. Despite similar functional effects, the mechanisms and severity of NNK and ethanol+NNK induced alterations in cerebellar protein expression differed from those of ethanol.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol and NNK exert independent but overlapping adverse effects on cerebellar development, function, insulin signaling through cell survival, plasticity, metabolic pathways, and neuroglial protein expression. The results support the hypothesis that tobacco smoke exposure can serve as a co-factor mediating long-term effects on brain structure and function in FASD.

Differential Effects of 3rd Trimester-Equivalent Binge Ethanol and Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine Ketone Exposures on Brain Insulin Signaling in Adolescence

BACKGROUND

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is associated with impairments in insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling through Akt pathways and altered expression of neuro-glial proteins needed for structural and functional integrity of the brain. However, alcohol abuse correlates with smoking, and tobacco smoke contains 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), which like other nitrosamines, impairs insulin and IGF signaling.

HYPOTHESIS

NNK exposure can serve as a co-factor in mediating long-term neuro-developmental abnormalities associated with FASD.

DESIGN

Long Evans rat pups were IP administered ethanol (2 g/kg) on postnatal days (P) 2, 4, 6 and/or NNK (2 mg/kg) on P3, P5, and P7, simulating third trimester human exposures. Temporal lobes from P30 rats (young adolescent) were used to measure signaling through the insulin/IGF-1/Akt pathways by multiplex ELISAs, and expression of neuroglial proteins by duplex ELISAs.

RESULTS

Ethanol, NNK, and ethanol + NNK exposures significantly inhibited insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, and IRS-1 and myelin-associated glycoprotein expression. However, the major long-term adverse effects on Akt pathway downstream signaling and its targeted proteins including choline acetyltransferase, Tau, pTau, ubiquitin, and aspartate-β-hydroxylase were due to NNK rather than ethanol.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol and tobacco exposures can both contribute to long-term brain abnormalities currently regarded fetal ethanol effects. However, the findings suggest that many of the adverse effects on brain function are attributable to smoking, including impairments in signaling through survival and metabolic pathways, and altered expression of genes that regulate myelin synthesis, maturation and integrity and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, public health measures should address both substances of abuse to prevent "FASD".

Crystalline pyrazine-2-amidoxime isolated by diffusion method and its structural and behavioral analysis in the context of crystal engineering and microbiological activity

The physicochemical characterizations of PAOX were obtained both in solid-state and solution, and its two anti-conformers were observed in the X-ray. Its antimicrobial properties were tested against reference strains of bacteria and yeast.

Differential Contributions of Alcohol and the Nicotine-Derived Nitrosamine Ketone (NNK) to Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Resistance in the Adolescent Rat Brain

AIMS

Since epidemiologic studies suggest that tobacco smoke toxins, e.g. the nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) tobacco-specific nitrosamine, can be a co-factor in alcohol-related brain disease (ARBD), we examined the independent and additive effects of alcohol and NNK exposures on spatial learning/memory, and brain insulin/IGF signaling, neuronal function and oxidative stress.

METHODS

Adolescent Long Evans rats were fed liquid diets containing 0 or 26% caloric ethanol for 8 weeks. During weeks 3-8, rats were treated with i.p. NNK (2 mg/kg, 3×/week) or saline. In weeks 7-8, ethanol groups were binge-administered ethanol (2 g/kg; 3×/week). In week 8, at 12 weeks of age, rats were subjected to Morris Water Maze tests. Temporal lobes were used to assess molecular indices of insulin/IGF resistance, oxidative stress and neuronal function.

RESULTS

Ethanol and NNK impaired spatial learning, and NNK ± ethanol impaired memory. Linear trend analysis demonstrated worsening performance from control to ethanol, to NNK, and then ethanol + NNK. Ethanol ± NNK, caused brain atrophy, inhibited insulin signaling through the insulin receptor and Akt, activated GSK-3β, increased protein carbonyl and 3-nitrotyrosine, and reduced acetylcholinesterase. NNK increased NTyr. Ethanol + NNK had synergistic stimulatory effects on 8-iso-PGF-2α, inhibitory effects on p-p70S6K, tau and p-tau and trend effects on insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) receptor expression and phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol, NNK and combined ethanol + NNK exposures that begin in adolescence impair spatial learning and memory in young adults. The ethanol and/or NNK exposures differentially impair insulin/IGF signaling through neuronal growth, survival and plasticity pathways, increase cellular injury and oxidative stress and reduce expression of critical proteins needed for neuronal function.

Kinin-B2 receptor exerted neuroprotection after diisopropylfluorophosphate-induced neuronal damage

The kinin-B2 receptor (B2BKR) activated by its endogenous ligand bradykinin participates in various metabolic processes including the control of arterial pressure and inflammation. Recently, functions for this receptor in brain development and protection against glutamate-provoked excitotoxicity have been proposed. Here, we report neuroprotective properties for bradykinin against organophosphate poisoning using acute hippocampal slices as an in vitro model. Following slice perfusion for 10min with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) to initiate the noxious stimulus, responses of pyramidal neurons upon an electric impulse were reduced to less than 30% of control amplitudes. Effects on synaptic-elicited population spikes were reverted when preparations had been exposed to bradykinin 30min after challenging with DFP. Accordingly, bradykinin-induced population spike recovery was abolished by HOE-140, a B2BKR antagonist. However, the kinin-B1 receptor (B1BKR) agonist Lys-des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, inducing the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK/MAPK) and cell death, abolished bradykinin-mediated neuroprotection, an effect, which was reverted by the ERK inhibitor PD98059. In agreement with pivotal B1BKR functions in this process, antagonism of endogenous B1BKR activity alone was enough for restoring population spike activity. On the other hand pralidoxime, an oxime, reactivating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after organophosphate poisoning, induced population spike recovery after DFP exposure in the presence of bradykinin and Lys-des-Arg(9)-bradykinin. Lys-des-Arg(9)-bradykinin did not revert protection exerted by pralidoxime, however when instead bradykinin and Ly-des-Arg(9)-bradykinin were superfused together, recovery of population spikes diminished. These findings again confirm the neuroprotective feature of bradykinin, which is, diminished by its endogenous metabolites, stimulating the B1BKR, providing a novel understanding of the physiological roles of these receptors.

Impaired insulin/IGF signaling in experimental alcohol-related myopathy

Alcohol-related myopathy (Alc-M) is highly prevalent among heavy drinkers, although its pathogenesis is not well understood. We hypothesize that Alc-M is mediated by combined effects of insulin/IGF resistance and oxidative stress, similar to the effects of ethanol on liver and brain. We tested this hypothesis using an established model in which adult rats were pair-fed for 8 weeks with isocaloric diets containing 0% (N = 8) or 35.5% (N = 13) ethanol by caloric content. Gastrocnemius muscles were examined by histology, morphometrics, qRT-PCR analysis, and ELISAs. Chronic ethanol feeding reduced myofiber size and mRNA expression of IGF-1 polypeptide, insulin, IGF-1, and IGF-2 receptors, IRS-1, and IRS-2. Multiplex ELISAs demonstrated ethanol-associated inhibition of insulin, IRS-1, Akt, and p70S6K signaling, and increased activation of GSK-3β. In addition, ethanol-exposed muscles had increased 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal immunoreactivity, reflecting lipid peroxidation, and reduced levels of mitochondrial Complex IV, Complex V, and acetylcholinesterase. These results demonstrate that experimental Alc-M is associated with inhibition of insulin/IGF/IRS and downstream signaling that mediates metabolism and cell survival, similar to findings in alcoholic liver and brain degeneration. Moreover, the increased oxidative stress, which could be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction, may have led to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, which itself is sufficient to cause myofiber atrophy and degeneration.