Effects of insecticides fenitrothion, endosulfan and abamectin on antioxidant parameters of isolated rat hepatocytes

Fenitrothion induces glucose metabolism disorders in rat liver BRL cells by inhibiting AMPKα and IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a common organophosphorus pesticide that is widely used in both agricultural and domestic pest control. FNT has been frequently detected in various environmental media, including the human body, and is a notable contaminant. Epidemiological investigations have recently shown the implications of exposure to FNT in the incidence of various metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus in humans, indicating that FNT may be a potential endocrine disruptor. However, the effects of FNT exposure on glucose homeostasis and their underlying mechanisms in model organisms remain largely unknown, which may limit our understanding of the health risks of FNT. In this study, FNT (4 5, 90, 180, and 4 50 μM) exposure model of rat hepatocytes (Buffalo Rat Liver, BRL cells) was established to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of its toxicity on glucose metabolism. Several key processes of glucose metabolism were detected in this study. The results showed significantly increased glucose levels in the culture medium and decreased glycogen content in the FNT-exposed BRL cells. The results of quantitative real-time PCR and enzymology showed the abnormal expression of genes and activity/content of glucose metabolic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, which might promote gluconeogenesis and inhibit glucose uptake, glycolysis, and glycogenesis. Furthermore, gluconeogenesis and glycolytic were carried out in the mitochondrial membrane. The abnormal of mitochondrial membrane potential may be a potential mechanism underlying FNT-induced glucose metabolism disorder. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression implicated that FNT may disrupt glucose metabolism by inhibiting the AMPKα and IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In conclusion, results provide in vitro evidence that FNT can cause glucose metabolism disorder, which emphasizes the potential health risks of exposure to FNT in inducing diabetes mellitus.

Protective Role of Melatonin Against Abamectin-Induced Biochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Alterations in the Testicular Tissues of Rats

Abamectin is one of the most widely used pesticides due to its strong insecticidal and anthelmintic activities. Melatonin is a neurohormone with potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of melatonin against abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control group (1 mL/kg/day corn oil), melatonin-treated group (10 mg/kg/day), abamectin-treated group (0.5 mg/kg/day), and melatonin plus abamectin-treated group. Test substances were administered via oral gavage once daily for 28 days. While MDA and 8-OHdG levels increased in the testicular tissue of rats treated with abamectin, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST enzyme activities decreased significantly. While interleukin-17 levels, TNF-α, and caspase3 expression increased in the testicular tissue, acetylcholinesterase activity decreased. At the same time, serum gonadotropins (luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones) and testosterone levels decreased. Light microscope examinations of testicular tissues revealed severe histopathological changes, such as atrophic hyalinized seminiferous tubules, basement membrane irregularity, degeneration, spermatogenic cell loss, and necrosis. Electron microscopy examinations revealed large vacuoles in Sertoli and spermatogenic cells, swelling and vacuolization in mitochondria, lysosomal structures, and increased pyknotic nuclei. In contrast, melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Abamectin-induced behavioral alterations link to energy metabolism disorder and ferroptosis via oxidative stress in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

The increasing application of abamectin (ABM) in agriculture has raised concerns regarding its environmental safety and potential adverse effects on aquatic environment safety. In the present study, the toxic effects of ABM exposure on the adult Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis were investigated, with a focus on locomotion impairment, behavioral changes, oxidative stress, energy metabolism disruption, and ferroptosis. Crabs were exposed to sublethal concentrations of ABM at 2, 20 and 200 μg/L. After 21 d chronic exposure to 200 μg/L, residual ABM in hepatopancreas and muscles were detected as 12.24 ± 6.67 and 8.75 ± 5.42 μg/Kg, respectively. By using acute exposure experiments (96 h), we observed significant locomotion and behavioral alterations, alongside biochemical evidences of oxidative stress and energy metabolism impairment. The presence of ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, was notably identified in the hepatopancreas. Functional tests with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation showed restored behavioral responses and decrease of ferroptosis levels. It suggests that mitigating oxidative stress could counteract ABM-induced toxicity. Our findings highlight the critical roles of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in mediating the toxic effects of ABM on E. sinensis, underscoring the need for strategies to mitigate environmental exposure to pesticides.

Sex comparison of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis triggers induced by single-dose Abamectin in albino rats

Abamectin (AB) is widely used in agriculture and has been employed as an insecticide, nematicide, and livestock pest control agent. However, it may also pose a serious threat to mammals. The primary purpose of this research was to compare the sex variations between male and female rats during exposure and to assess the risk of toxicity of abamectin, which are still largely unknown. The twenty albino rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 5): 1) the male control group; 2) the male treatment group treated with AB (1 mg/kg B.W.); 3) the female control group; and 4) the female treatment group treated with AB (1 mg/kg B.W.). AB administration caused a drop in body weight in females more than males with showing oxidative stress in both sexes of animals, as characterized by an increase in MDA content and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Reported sex-specific effects suggested that females are more susceptible from males in brain tissues for alteration of antioxidant markers while females' liver and kidney tissues showed more level of lipid peroxidation than males. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with a significant decrease in NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) and a significant decrease in mitochondrial ATPase, which led to apoptosis and histopathological alterations in the targeted tissues, indicating that females are higher sensitive than males to these biological events. In brief, the results of this study led to female rats are generally more sensitive than male rats to neurobehavioral and hepatic complications associated with abamectin treatment. Further evaluation should be performed to determine the adverse outcome pathways involved and to determine the effects of sex on improving the risk assessment of abamectin in both sexes.

Pesticide avermectin-induced hepatotoxicity and growth inhibition in carp: Ameliorative capacity and potential mechanisms of quercetin as a dietary additive

Flavonoid quercetin (QUE) has biological activities of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis, however, its protective effects against avermectin (AVM) induced liver toxicity in carp remains unclear. The objective of this research is to explore the biologically potent effects of QUE in AVM-induced hepatotoxicity in carp and its underlying mechanism. Therefore, we established a liver injury model in carp induced by AVM to evaluate QUE against AVM induced liver toxicity in carp. In this investigation, AVM dosage was determined as 2.404 μg/L for both groups, and an experimentation of 30 days duration was carried out. Various methods including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, biochemical kits, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, TUNEL, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, immunofluorescence (Hoseinifar, et al.,), and oil red O staining were used in this study. Results showed that the growth inhibition of carp was relieved in the QUE treatment group comparing to the AVM group. In the QUE treatment group, there was a significant decrease in the levels of ALT and AST in carp liver tissue. Additionally, the histopathological damage and lipid accumulation were alleviated compared to the AVM group. Moreover, QUE prevented AVM induced decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the mRNA levels of liver pro-inflammatory factors of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (iL-1β), interleukin-6 (iL-6), interleukin-10 (iL-10) and the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were significantly down-regulated in the QUE treatment group in comparison to the AVM group. We also found that QUE could affect the expression of Bcl2-associated x (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cleaved-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (CCaspase3) key apoptotic proteins and TUNEL-labeled apoptotic hepatocytes by regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a signal pathway. In summary, QUE alleviated the growth inhibition, liver oxidative damage, lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, and apoptosis of carp induced by AVM. QUE is a potential protective agent against liver injury induced by AVM in carp.

Risk assessment of pesticide compounds: IPT and TCZ cause hepatotoxicity, activate stress pathway and affect the composition of intestinal flora in red swamp crayfish (Procambarusclarkii)

Isoprothiolane (IPT) and tricyclazole (TCZ) are widely used in rice farming and recently in combined rice-fish farming. However, co-cultured animals are affected by these pesticides. To investigate the organismal effects and toxicity of pesticides, crayfish were exposed to 0, 1, 10, or 100 ppt TCZ or IPT for 7 days. Pesticide bioaccumulation, survival rate, metabolic parameters, structure of intestinal flora, and antioxidant-, apoptosis-, and HSP-related gene expression were determined. Pesticide exposure caused bioaccumulation of IPT or TCZ in the hepatopancreas and muscles of crayfish; however, IPT bioaccumulation was higher than that of TCZ. Both groups showed significant changes in hepatopancreatic serum biochemical parameters. Mitochondrial damage and chromosomal agglutination were observed in hepatopancreatic cells exposed to 100 ppt IPT or TCZ. IPT induced more significant changes in serum biochemical parameters than TCZ. The results of intestinal flora showed that Vibro, Flavobacterium, Anaerorhabdus and Shewanella may have potential for use as a bacterial marker of TCZ and IPT. Antioxidant-, apoptosis-, and HSP-related gene expression was disrupted by pesticide exposure, and was more seriously affected by IPT. The results suggest that IPT or TCZ induce hepatopancreatic cell toxicity; however, IPT or TCZ content in dietary crayfish exposed to 1 ppt was below the food safety residue standard. The data indicated that IPT exposure may be more toxic than TCZ exposure in hepatopancreas and intestines and toxicity of organism are alleviated by activating the pathway of stress-response, providing an understanding of pesticide compounds in rice-fish farming and food safety.

Imidacloprid Induces Neurotoxicity in Albino Male Rats by Inhibiting Acetylcholinesterase Activity, Altering Antioxidant Status, and Primary DNA Damage

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a neonicotinoid insecticide used worldwide, either alone or in combination with other pesticides. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of IMI on the central nervous system of rats and its mechanism of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage by oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Fifteen male rats, divided into three groups, were used: the first group received 5 ml/kg body weight corn oil as a control, the second received a high oral dose of IMI (45 mg/kg body weight), while the third received a low dose (22 mg/kg body weight). After 28 days, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress markers, histopathological alterations, and DNA damage were examined in the brains of these rats. The AChE activities decreased significantly after IMI exposure, reaching 2.45 and 2.75 nmol/min/mg protein in high dose and low dose, respectively, compared to the control group (3.75 nmol/g tissues), while the concentration of malondialdehyde MDA increased significantly (29.28 and 23.92 nmol/g tissues) vs. the control group (19.28 nmol/g tissues). The antioxidant status parameters such as reduced glutathione (GSH) content was 13.77 and 17.63 nmol/g, catalase (CAT) activity was 22.56 and 26.65 µmol/min/g, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was 6.66 and 7.23 µmol/min/g in both doses against the control group (21.37 nmol/g, 30.67 µmol/min/g, 11.76 µmol/min/g), respectively, and histopathological changes in the brain tissues were observed. More in vivo research using epigenetic methods is needed to determine the ability of IMI and its metabolites to cause neurotoxicity and DNA lesions in mammalian brains.

Cytotoxicity induced by abamectin in hepatopancreas cells of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis: An in vitro assay

Toxic effects of abamectin on non-target aquatic organisms have been well documented due to its extensive use in both agricultural and aquacultural areas. However, knowledge of the abamectin induced cytotoxicity in crustacean hepatopancreas is still incomplete. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of abamectin on hepatopancreas cells of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis by an in vitro assay. The results showed that abamectin inhibited cell viability with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Increased olive tail moment (OTM) values and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents indicate the DNA damage under abamectin exposure. The up-regulation of the typical apoptosis-related protein BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) and the down-regulation of B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) demonstrate apoptosis in hepatopancreas cells. Meanwhile, the activities of both caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased, indicating caspase-mediated apoptosis. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed the up-regulation of antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The mRNA expression of Cap 'n' Collar isoform-C (CncC) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) was also significantly increased, implying the involvement of the Nrf2/MAPK pathway in the antioxidative response. The alteration of innate immune-associated genes Toll-like receptor (TLR) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) also indicates the influence of abamectin on immune status. In summary, the present study reveals the cytotoxicity of abamectin on hepatopancreas cells of E. sinensis and this in vitro cell culture model could be used for further assessment of pesticide toxicity.

Rutin and Hesperidin Revoke the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Paclitaxel in Male Wistar Rats via Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities

Paclitaxel, one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs, is used to treat various cancers but it is exceedingly toxic when used long-term and can harm the liver. This study aimed to see if rutin, hesperidin, and their combination could protect male Wistar rats against paclitaxel (Taxol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were subdivided into 5 groups (each of six rats). The normal group was orally given the equivalent volume of vehicles for 6 weeks. The paclitaxel-administered control group received intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel at a dose of 2 mg/Kg body weight twice a week for 6 weeks. Treated paclitaxel-administered groups were given paclitaxel similar to the paclitaxel-administered control group together with oral supplementation of rutin, hesperidin, and their combination at a dose of 10 mg/Kg body weight every other day for 6 weeks. The treatment of paclitaxel-administered rats with rutin and hesperidin significantly reduced paclitaxel-induced increases in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities as well as total bilirubin level and liver lipid peroxidation. However, the levels of serum albumin, liver glutathione content, and the activities of liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased. Furthermore, paclitaxel-induced harmful hepatic histological changes (central vein and portal area blood vessel congestion, fatty changes, and moderate necrotic changes with focal nuclear pyknosis, focal mononuclear infiltration, and Kupffer cell proliferation) were remarkably enhanced by rutin and hesperidin treatments. Moreover, the elevated hepatic proapoptotic mediator (caspase-3) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α) expressions were decreased by the three treatments in paclitaxel-administered rats. The cotreatment with rutin and hesperidin was the most effective in restoring the majority of liver function and histological integrity. Therefore, rutin, hesperidin, and their combination may exert hepatic protective effects in paclitaxel-administered rats by improving antioxidant defenses and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.

Exposure to emamectin benzoate confers cytotoxic effects on human molt-4 T-cells and possible ameliorative role of vitamin E and dithiothreitol

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is an avermectin insecticide that is extensively used for pest control, but there are few reports concerning its cytotoxic effects on human lymphocytes. In the current study, the hematotoxicity of EMB was evaluated in Molt-4 T-cells, a human T-lymphoblastic cell line with high motility, and the role of vitamin E (VitE) and dithiothreitol (DTT) in attenuating EMB cytotoxicity was characterized. Exposure of Molt-4 cells to EMB decreased cell viability and proliferation, induced a loss of cell clusters, and significantly increased membrane collapse and chromatin condensation. Moreover, EMB significantly increased cell death and suppressed transglutaminase activity. EMB treatment modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased the expression of p105, p50, and p65/RelA in cytosolic and nuclear fractions, and increased nuclear IκBα expression. EMB increased oxidative stress, as demonstrated by a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with non-cytotoxic concentrations of VitE or DTT ameliorated the hematotoxicity induced by pretreatment with EMB, increased Molt-4 cell viability, raised the IC₅₀ values of EMB, limited intracellular ROS generation, and mitigated EMB-mediated effects on NF-κB signaling. The results indicate the potential cytotoxicity of EMB on human lymphocytes, and demonstrate that VitE and DTT treatment can reduce the cytotoxic effects of EMB.

Abamectin causes toxicity to the carp respiratory system by triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy

Abamectin is a commonly used pesticide in agriculture and fisheries and poses a risk to aquatic species. However, the mechanism of its toxic effects on fish remains to be discovered. In this study, we explored the effects of abamectin exposure at different concentrations on the respiratory system of carp. Carp were divided into three groups, namely the control group, low-dose abamectin treatment group, and high-dose abamectin treatment group. Gill tissue was collected after abamectin exposure for histopathological, biochemical, tunnel, mRNA, and protein expression analysis. Histopathological analysis indicated that abamectin damaged the gill structure. Biochemical analysis showed that abamectin triggered oxidative stress with lowered antioxidant enzyme activities and increased MDA content. Moreover, abamectin led to enhanced INOS levels and pro-inflammatory transcription, activating inflammation. Tunnel results demonstrated that exposure to abamectin induced gill cell apoptosis through an exogenous pathway. In addition, exposure to abamectin activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, leading to inhibition of autophagy. Overall, abamectin caused respiratory system toxicity in carp via triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy. The study suggests that abamectin has a profound toxicity mechanism in the respiratory system of carp, contributing to a better understanding of pesticide risk assessment in aquatic systems.

The potential effect of Moringa oleifera ethanolic leaf extract against oxidative stress, immune response disruption induced by abamectin exposure in Oreochromis niloticus

Abamectin (ABM), a naturally fermented product of Streptomyces avermitilis, is applied to pest control in livestock and agriculture fields. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the protective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (MOE) on biochemical changes including oxidative stress indices, immune response marker, lipid profiles as well as mRNA expression of immune related genes, and abamectin (ABM, 5% EC) residue levels in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to a sub-lethal concentration (0.5 µg/l) for 28 days. Disturbance in liver and kidney biomarkers was markedly increased in ABM-exposed fish compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde levels in the liver and brain tissues, as well as the activities of glutathione-s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxides, all increased significantly in ABM group. Additionally, ABM exposure increased the levels of interleukin 10 beta and growth factor gene expression. On the other hand, fish exposed to ABM had significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein, glutathione peroxides in brain, glutathione in liver and brain tissues, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 1 beta as compared to the control group. The recorded detrimental effects of ABM on tilapia have been overcome by the addition of MOE to the diet (1%) and ameliorating hepato-renal damage and enhancing antioxidant activity, innate immune responses, and upregulating the anti-inflammatory gene expression. Therefore, it could be concluded that MOE dietary supplementation at 1% could be used to counteract the oxidative stress, immune response disruption induced by abamectin exposure in Oreochromis niloticus, and reduce its accumulation in fish tissues.

Ameliorating effect of the biological Zinc nanoparticles in abamectin induced hepato-renal injury in a rat model: Implication of oxidative stress, biochemical markers and COX-2 signaling pathways

Extensive use of abamectin (ABM) as an anthelmintic in veterinary systems adversely affects the health and welfare of animals and humans. Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have therapeutic benefits and ameliorate the effect of environmental pollutants. In this study, we assessed the ameliorative effect of ZnNPs against the sub-lethal toxicity of ABM in rats. Forty healthy rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 10); the control received normal saline and test rats were treated orally twice weekly with ABM (1 mg/kg bwt), ZnNPs (10 mg/kg bwt) and ABM + ZnNPs for 28 days. Upon completion of the study period, blood and tissue samples were collected and prepared for hematological, biochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Our results showed that ABM treatment significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HC), and platelet (PLT); while it significantly increased white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes. ABM also significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities: superoxide dismuthase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) and increased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. ABM significantly raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, which was restored by co-administration of ZnNPs. Moreover, ZnNPs ameliorated ABM-mediated negative histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues, exhibiting a significant protective effect. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) + immuno-expression were reduced after pretreatment with ZnNPs. These findings suggested that co-administration of ZnNPs with ABM mitigated its toxicity by combating oxidative stress and boosting antioxidant capacity, indicating the efficacy of ZnNPs in attenuating ABM toxicity.

Toxicity assessment of emamectin benzoate and its commercially available formulations in Pakistan by in vivo and in vitro assays

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is generally considered a safe insecticide in agriculture and veterinary practices, yet, it can cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate toxic effects of 80% EMB and its commercially used formulations (Tycon 1.9% EC and Tycon plus 5% EW) in Pakistan and tested for acute toxicity in albino rats, rabbits and fish (Labeo rohita). Genotoxicity was investigated by in vivo comet assay and bone marrow micronucleues test in the rats. In vitro mutagenicity was tested in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. The tested EMB formulations were found moderately toxic (oral LD₅₀: 122-168 mg/kg), causing severe eye irritation in rabbits, highly toxic to fish (LC₅₀: 9-43 μg/L) and found non mutagenic. Oral administrations of EMB (80% and 5%) at 100 mg/kg of body weight to male rats reduced red blood cells, hemoglobin, and slightly increased the blood glucose, urea and liver enzymes levels but had no significant damage to DNA. EMB induced bone marrow toxicity was observed as reduction of polychromatic erythrocytes. Overall, EMB exposure was highly toxic to fish, and caused hemo- and hepatotoxicity in rats. These findings warrant cautious use of EMB formulations in agrochemicals and veterinary medicine.

Protective action of polysaccharides from Laurencia papillose (Rhodophyta) against imidacloprid induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in male albino rats

Imidacloprid (IMI), the main component of neonicotinoid insecticides, promotes oxidative stress and genotoxicity in mammals. The aim of this experiment is to assess oxidative stress in liver cells and genotoxicity of erythrocytes for rats exposed to sub-lethal doses of IMI and the protective effects for Rhodophyta as antioxidant material versus imidacloprid. A total of 30 adult male albino rats (average body weight, 190–200 g) were divided into six groups (n=5) as follows: group 1 served as the control, group 2 received 200 mg/kg red algae, group 3 received 45 mg/kg IMI (high-dose group), group 4 received 22.5 mg/kg IMI (low-dose group), group 5 received 200 mg/kg red algae +45 mg/kg IMI, and group 6 received 200 mg/kg red algae +22.5 mg/kg IMI. After 28 d of treatment, the antioxidant activity of the crude extract of red algae was assessed in terms of free radical scavenging activity and found to be higher in TCA (75.57%) followed by DPPH (50.08%) at concentration 100 μg extract and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and reductions in glutathione were observed in liver cells were intoxicated with high and low doses of IMI. Moreover decreases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase parameters in same previous groups which indicated oxidative stress. In addition significant increases in micronucleus frequency (MN) in the bone marrow of the rats as a genotoxicity marker which indicated DNA damage in erythrocytes cells with alterations in the histopathology of liver cells were also noted such as necrosis, inflammatory cells, infiltration, and necrobiotic changes. Whereas Rhodophyta succeeded in alleviation the oxidative damage and genotoxicity induced by the insecticide. In conclusion, IMI demonstrates hazardous effects, such as alterations in antioxidant status and mutagenicity of erythrocytes and polysaccharides from Rhodophyta has good antioxidant activity in vivo model systems against imidacloprid.

Investigation of the effects of hesperidin administration on abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways

In this study, the potential effects of hesperidin (HES) on chronic toxicity caused by abamectin (ABM) in the testicular tissue were investigated through oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy pathways. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Animals in the ABM group were orally administered 1 mg/kg ABM every other day for 28 days, while HES used against ABM was given at 100 or 200 mg/kg 30 min after ABM administration for 28 days. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, ERS, apoptosis, and autophagy in the testicular tissues removed after the animals are sacrificed were analyzed using biochemical, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or western blot techniques. The results obtained showed that ABM caused oxidative stress, and triggered ERS, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. On the other hand, HES showed antioxidant effect by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and glutathione levels in testis tissue and attenuated lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, MAPK14 reduced the NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels, presenting an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, Bax protected against apoptosis and autophagy by reducing the caspase-3, beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B expressions, and increasing Bcl-2 expression. It was observed that HES also interrupted the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing IL-6 expression. Taken into consideration together, HES provided significant protection against the destruction caused by ABM in testicular tissue with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects. Thus, it was revealed that HES has the potential to serve as an alternative treatment option in ABM toxicity.

Insights into the ecotoxicological perturbations induced by the biocide Abamectin in the white snail, Theba pisana

Abamectin (avermectin B1, ABM) has been widely used as a biocide in agriculture, veterinary and medicine around the world. Yet, there is still a lack of knowledge about the ecotoxicological effects of ABM. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity and sub-lethal (20% and 60% LD₅₀) biochemical responses of ABM on the non-target land snail, Theba pisana. Mortality of snails increased with the dose increase, resulting 48 h- LD₅₀ value of 1.048 µg/snail. The biochemical results showed a decrease in glycogen content and lipids for two sub-lethal doses after all time intervals, whereas increased the level of total proteins after exposure to 60% LD₅₀ ABM. Overall, the tested sub-lethal doses significantly decreased the total energy reserves. ABM-exposure to snails elevated γ-Glutamyl transferase and Lactate dehydrogenase activities at all-time intervals. A significant increase of Glutathione-S-transferase activity was also recorded in snails exposed to 20% and 60% LD₅₀ after 7 days and all time intervals, respectively. However, ABM inhibited the activity of Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine aminotransferase after 7 days of exposure. Our investigation provides new insights into the disturbances of energy reserves and enzyme activities in T. pisana that are sensitive and may be used as biomarkers for assessing ABM toxicity.

The ameliorative effect of curcumin on hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes dysregulation and hepatorenal damage induced by fenitrothion oral intoxication in male rats

This research aimed to assess curcumin (CUR) effects on fenitrothion (FNT), a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide, -induced hepatorenal damage. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were allocated at random to five equal groups orally administered distilled water containing 1% carboxyl methylcellulose, corn oil (1 mL/rat), CUR (100 mg/kg b.wt.), FNT (5 mg/kg b.wt.), or CUR + FNT. CUR and FNT were dosed three times a week for two months. At the end of this trial, blood and tissue samples (liver and kidney) were subjected to molecular, biochemical, and histopathological assessments. The results revealed that CUR significantly diminished the FNT-induced up-regulation of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 transcriptional levels. Moreover, CUR significantly suppressed the increment of the serum levels of hepatic alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and kidney damage indicators (urea and creatinine) in FNT-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, in the hepatic and renal tissues, CUR remarkably restored the FNT-associated depletion of the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). In addition, CUR notably reduced the FNT-induced increment in malondialdehyde content in the hepatic and renal tissues. Besides, the pathological aberrations in liver and kidney tissues resulting from FNT exposure were significantly abolished in FNT + CUR treated rats. Overall, CUR could be an effective ameliorative agent against negative pesticide impacts like FNT.

Protective effects of apigenin against edifenphos-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes

Edifenphos (EDF) is an organophosphorus pesticide with antifungal and anti-insecticidal properties. However, EDF accumulates in various agricultural products and causes potential hazards to human health. Although numerous reports have indicated EDF accumulation in agricultural products, toxic effects on cellular system is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of EDF in rat hepatocytes and its amelioration by apigenin (a dietary flavonoid). Results showed that EDF inhibited the cell viability, induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and caspase-9/-3 activation in rat hepatocytes. Incubation of hepatocytes with N-acetyl cysteine (ROS scavenger) significantly abrogated the ROS generation and apoptosis caused by EDF. In addition, this study also showed that apigenin significantly suppressed the toxic effects of EDF by quenching ROS production thereby abrogating the caspase-9/-3 and apoptosis activation in hepatocytes. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that EDF induces cytotoxicity and DNA damage in hepatocytes, and apigenin can be considered as an effective dietary anti-oxidant regimen against EDF- induced toxicity in cellular system.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A comprehensive review of strobilurin fungicide toxicity in aquatic species: Emphasis on mode of action from the zebrafish model

Strobilurins are popular fungicides used in agriculture on a global scale. Due to their widespread use as agrochemicals, they can enter aquatic environments at concentrations that can elicit adverse effects in organisms. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge regarding the toxic effects of strobilurin fungicides on aquatic species, including algal species, Daphnia magna, and fish species, to determine risk to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Data show that the toxicities of strobilurins vary widely across aquatic species. Strobilurins bind cytochrome bc1 in mitochondrial complex III in fungi, and as such, research in aquatic species has focused on mitochondria-related endpoints following exposures to strobilurins. In fish, studies into the activities of mitochondrial complexes and the expression of genes involved in the electron transfer chain have been conducted, converging on the theme that mitochondrial complexes and their enzymes are impaired by strobilurins. In general, the order of toxicity of strobilurins for fish species are pyraoxystrobin > pyraclostrobin ≈ trifloxystrobin > picoxystrobin > kresoxim-methyl > fluoxastrobin > azoxystrobin. In addition to mitochondrial toxicity, studies also report genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption, and each of these events can potentially impact whole organism-level processes such as development, reproduction, and behavior. Screening data from the US Environmental Protection Agency ToxCast database supports the hypothesis that these fungicides may act as endocrine disruptors, and high throughput data suggest estrogen receptor alpha and thyroid hormone receptor beta can be activated by some strobilurins. It is recommended that studies investigate the potential for endocrine disruption by strobilurins more thoroughly in aquatic species. Based on molecular, physiological, and developmental outcomes, a proposed adverse outcome pathway is presented with complex III inhibition in the electron transfer chain as a molecular initiating event. This review comprehensively addresses sub-lethal toxicity mechanisms of strobilurin fungicides, important as the detection of strobilurins in aquatic environments suggests exposure risks in wildlife.

Three widely used pesticides and their mixtures induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis through the ROS-related caspase pathway in HepG2 cells

Difenoconazole, cypermethrin and triazophos are widely used pesticides in agricultural production and frequently detected in foods. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of these pesticides and their mixtures on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content, apoptosis rate and DNA fragmentation and synthesis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). The order of inhibitory effects for the individual pesticides was ranked as difenoconazole > cypermethrin > triazophos. The enhanced expression of caspase-3, caspase-7 and PARP activity was observed in HepG2 cells, which was 1.7, 1.3 and 1.6-fold higher than the control, respectively, along with significant protein cleavage; and induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, the pesticide mixtures significantly increased ROS level (up to 1.3-fold), induced DNA fragmentation (up to 1.8-fold), inhibited DNA synthesis (up to 53%), and damaged the cells by destroying the cell membrane and producing a large amount of LDH at concentration range of 10-30 μM. Specifically, mixtures containing difenoconazole showed stronger toxicities than individual pesticides, implying higher health risks associated with mixtures. Our results show that three widely used pesticides exhibited cytotoxicity and apoptosis through the ROS-related caspase pathway, providing a basis for evaluation of health risks from pesticide mixtures via food consumption.

Flavonoid-rich fraction attenuates permethrin-induced toxicity by modulating ROS-mediated hepatic oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction ex vivo and in vivo in rat

The present study explores the antioxidant, anti-microbial, and hepatoprotective potentials of flavonoid-rich fractions from Fumaria officinalis against permethrin-induced liver damage ex vivo/in vivo in rat. However, HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the richness of 6 components in ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) where ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and myricetin are the most abundant. The in vitro assays showed that EAFs have impressive antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. Ex vivo, permethrin (PER) (100 μM) induced a decrease of hepatic AST and ALT activities and 25-OH vitamin D and vitamin C levels and an increase of ALP and LDH activities, TBARS, and ϒ-GT levels with a disturbance of oxidative status. The hepatoprotective effect of EAF (1 mg/mL) against PER was confirmed by the amelioration of oxidative stress profile. In vivo, permethrin was found to increase absolute and relative liver weights, plasma transaminase activities, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, hepatic and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation levels. This pesticide triggered a decrease of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺-ATPases and mitochondrial enzyme activities. The co-treatment with EAF reestablished the hepatic and mitochondrial function, which could be attributed to its richness in phenolic compounds.

Detrimental Effects of Bisphenol Compounds on Physiology and Reproduction in Fish: A Literature Review

Bisphenol-A is one of the most studied endocrine-chemicals, which is widely used all over the world in plastic manufacture. Because of its extensive use, it has become one of the most abundant chemical environmental pollutants, especially in aquatic environments. BPA is known to affect fish reproduction via estrogen receptors but many studies advocate that BPA affects almost all aspects of fish physiology. The possible modes of action include genomic, as well as and non-genomic mechanisms, estrogen, androgen, and thyroid receptor-mediated effects. Due to the high detrimental effects of BPA, various analogs of BPA are being used as alternatives. Recent evidence suggests that the analogs of BPA have similar modes of action, with accompanying effects on fish physiology and reproduction. In this review, a detailed comparison of effects produced by BPA and analogs and their mode of action is discussed.

Lufenuron induces reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects in pregnant albino rats and their fetuses

Insecticides and other agrochemicals have become indispensable components of the agricultural system to ensure a notable increase in crop yield and food production. As a natural consequence, chemical residues result in significantly increased contamination of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The present study evaluated the teratogenic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress effects of residual-level lufenuron exposure on pregnant rats during the organogenesis gestational period of both mother and fetus. The tested dams were divided into three groups; control (untreated), low-dose group (orally administered with 0.4 mg/kg lufenuron) and high-dose group (orally administered with 0.8 mg/kg lufenuron). The dams of the two treatment groups showed teratogenic abnormalities represented by the asymmetrical distribution of fetuses in both uterine horns, accompanied by observed resorption sites and intensive bleeding in the uterine horns, whereas their fetuses suffered from growth retardation, morphologic malformations, and skeletal deformations. Histologic examination of the liver and kidney tissues obtained from mothers and fetuses after lufenuron exposure revealed multiple histopathologic changes. DNA fragmentation and cell cycle perturbation were also detected in the liver cells of lufenuron-treated pregnant dams and their fetuses through comet assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, lufenuron-induced oxidative stress in the liver of mothers and fetuses was confirmed by the increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased levels of enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). Taken together, it can be concluded that lufenuron has a great potential in exerting teratogenic, genotoxic, and oxidative stresses on pregnant rats and their fetuses upon chronic exposure to residual levels during the organogenesis gestational period. The obtained results in the present study imply that women and their fetuses may have the same risk.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism Related to Fluazinam Stress of Panonychus citri (Acarina: Tetranychidae)

Simple Summary

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, is an important pest that causes serious citrus production losses in China. The insecticide fluazinam has a good control effect on the pest mites; however, its mechanism of action on mites remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic sequencing and differential expression genes in P. citri treated with fluazinam, and identified some of the genes potential involved in detoxification metabolism related with the fluazinam exposure. Evaluating the efficacy of fluazinam, and analyzing the transcriptome data of P. citri under fluazinam stress, potentially provide a new agent for prevention and control of P. citri, and also preliminary research results for exploring the mechanism of action of fluazinam on P. citri. Given the up-regulated expression levels of genes for Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase, we speculate that they play an important role in fluazinam-stress action on P. citri.

Abstract

The use of a large number of chemical acaricides to control these pest mites has led to an increasing problem of pesticide resistance, which has always been the difficulty in integrated pest management (IPM). Fluazinam has a good control effect on Panonychus citri, the serious pest on citrus; however, we only know the mechanism of action of fluazinam as a fungicide and its mechanism of action on mites remains unclear. Through analysis using Illumina high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing and differential expression genes in P. citri treated with fluazinam, 59 cytochrome P450 genes, 23 glutathione s-transferase genes, five carboxylate esterase genes, 11 superoxide dismutase genes and 15 catalase genes were identified. The Gene Ontology enrichment and the enrichment of KEGG results showed that the treatment were enrichment for redox enzyme pathways. Evaluating the efficacy of fluazinam, and analyzing the transcriptome data of P. citri under fluazinam stress, potentially provide a new agent for prevention and control of P. citri, and also preliminary research results for exploring the mechanism of action of fluazinam on P. citri. Given the up-regulated expression levels of genes for Mn-superoxide dismutase and catalase, we speculate that they play an important role in fluazinam-stress action on P. citri.

Abamectin at environmentally-realistic concentrations cause oxidative stress and genotoxic damage in juvenile fish (Schizothorax prenanti)

Abamectin (ABM) has been extensively used in Chinese aquaculture systems for parasite control, but no information is available regarding its effects on the important freshwater commercial fish species Schizothorax prenanti. We performed an acute toxicity test to determine the effects of ABM on S. prenanti, and the 48- and 96-h median lethal concentration values were 33.32 and 15.98 μg/L, respectively. In a second test, animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of ABM (0.5, 2 or 8 μg/L) for 8 days, and various cytological and biochemical parameters were measured. ABM caused DNA damage in hepatocytes, with significant increases in Olive Tail Moment values and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. Hepatocytic apoptosis occurred following all treatments, and was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caspase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, there were significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and increases in malonaldehyde levels. ABM-induced hepatocytic apoptosis in S. prenanti was probably triggered by ROS generation following a cascade reaction of caspases in mitochondrial or death receptor pathways, which caused antioxidant inhibition, oxidative product accumulation, and DNA damage in the liver.

Oxidative state of the frugivorous bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in agricultural and urban areas of southern Brazil

Exposure to contaminants is one of the main threats to all living organisms. In this context, bats have been used to indicate environmental contaminants in urban and agricultural environments, since they are extremely sensitive to changes in the ecosystem and easily accumulate waste in their body tissues. Among bats, Sturnira lilium, is a frugivorous species widely distributed and abundant in Brazil that uses an extensive variety of habitats and shelters. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative state of S. lilium individuals in agricultural and urban areas in southern Brazil. Individuals were sampled in agricultural and urban areas from November 2017 to March 2018 through the mist-net method. Parameters of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, non-protein thiols (NPSH), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were determined based on liver tissue. A total of 46 individuals were captured, 29 of them in urban areas and 17 in agricultural areas. We found that S. lilium individuals from agricultural areas showed a significant increase in TBARS, NPSH, and SOD activity, compared to individuals from urban areas. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT did not differ. The present findings suggest that the species S. lilium, which are widely distributed and abundant in Brazil in urban and agricultural areas, can usefully be employed in biomonitoring programs. Further studies are to be encouraged to refine our knowledge on the potential DNA damage caused by environmental contamination, as well as identify potential contaminants to bats.

Cytotoxicity induced by abamectin exposure in haemocytes of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

Abamectin is widely utilized in both agricultural and aquaculture areas in China for pest control. However, information about toxic effects of abamectin on non-target aquatic organisms is still incomplete. The Chinese mitten crab, Erocheir sinensis has been extensively bred in the rice-crab co-culture system for years, resulting in the frequent exposure to pesticides including abamectin. In the present study, a primary haemocyte culture model was established to investigate the immune response under exposure of abamectin. The results showed that medium osmolarity ranging from 360 to 480 mOsM/Kg was optimal for primary haemocyte culture from E. sinensis. Abamectin could induce significant decrease of cell viability, inhibition of phagocytic activity, as well as decline of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities. All parameters decreased in time- and dose- dependent manners throughout the experiment, indicating the remarkable immunosuppression of abamectin on E. sinensis and also the sensitivity of the cytotoxicology model of haemocytes in vitro under abamectin exposure. In addition, a dose dependent increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found after 6 h exposure. It revealed that excessive generation of ROS may a main reason to the degradation of cell viability, and moreover, the decrease in immune function.

Biopesticide emamectin benzoate in the liver of male mice: evaluation of oxidative toxicity with stress protein, DNA oxidation, and apoptosis biomarkers

Emamectin benzoate (EMB), which is used as a pesticide in agriculture, household, and veterinary medicine, can cause tissue damage with oxidative toxicity and can be considered as inducing apoptosis. In the present study, male mice were conducted by oral administration in EMB doses 25, 50, and 100 (mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels using spectrophotometric methods were measured. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) which is DNA oxidation biomarker and, stress protein (HSP70) levels, caspase 3 enzyme activities were measured by ELISA techniques. This study shows that in vivo administration of EMB caused a marked induction of oxidative damage in liver tissue as demonstrated by an increased level of TBARS and reduced GSH level. The increase in HSP70 level did not prevent the apoptosis caused by the increase of caspase 3 enzyme activity. Toxicity caused by EMB also showed the formation of genotoxicity with an increase in DNA oxidation biomarker 8-OHdG levels. As a result of the study, the effects of toxicity caused by EMB on lipid; protein; and DNA, structural macromolecules in cells, and the importance of enzymatic and non-enzymatic bonds of the cell's protective systems were determined. Consequently, under experimental conditions, EMB exposure caused toxicity in the liver of male mice, and significant adverse effects were determined with biomarkers.

Oxidative stress, immunological response, and heat shock proteins induction in the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis following avermectin exposure

In this study, the Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis were exposed to avermectin at 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.24, and 0.48 mg/L respectively for 96 hours. The results showed that levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in hepatopancreas were slightly induced at concentration of 0.03 and 0.06 mg/L, but significantly (P < .05) decreased at higher concentrations, meanwhile similar trend of the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme were observed. Significant induction of HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA expression was detected at 24 hours whereas no significant change was found in HSP60. In addition, levels of reactive oxygen species in hepatocytes increased in dose- and time- dependent manners, and cell viabilities of hepatocytes and haemocytes decreased. These results indicated that sublethal concentration exposure of avermectin had a prominent oxidative stress effect on E. sinensis based on the antioxidative and immunological activity inhibition, and HSP60, 70, and 90 perform a protective response during the exposure.

Low-dose endosulfan inhibits proliferation and induces senescence and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in human lymphocytes, preferentially impacting cytotoxic cells

Endosulfan is a DDT-era organochlorine pesticide. Due to past and current environmental contamination, investigation of endosulfan exposure is of current importance. Acute high dose exposure precipitates neural/endocrine system damage, but the effects on the immune system and of lower doses are not well-characterized. Two relatively low concentrations of endosulfan (i.e. 0.1 and 17 µM ENDO) were investigated in an in vitro study using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to understand effects of relatively low doses (0.1-25.0 µM [≈0.04-10 ppm/40-10,000 ppb]) of ENDO upon normal human T- and B-lymphocytes and NK cells. The study here found that 17 µM ENDO inhibited phytohemagglutinin-M (PHA)-induced human PBMC proliferation. It was also seen that senescence and apoptosis among non-stimulated cells was increased, specifically within CD8 and NK populations, and that CD4:CD8 ratios also were increased. Treatment of non-stimulated PBMC with ENDO led to overall increases in production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, -4, and -6, and decreased production of anti-inflammatory IL-10, suggesting an immunosenescence secretory phenotype. Interestingly, when the cells were pre-stimulated with mitogen (PHA), ENDO became inhibitory against the mitogen-induced proliferation and cytokine formation - with the exception of that of TNFα and IL-6, suggesting differential effects of ENDO on activated cells. Thus, at the organismal level, ENDO might also display differential effects during states of autoimmune disease or chronic viral infection in the exposed host.

Amelioration of fenitrothion induced oxidative DNA damage and inactivation of caspase-3 in the brain and spleen tissues of male rats by N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has largely been used as an effective chemo- protective agent owing to their beneficial effect in restoring several physiological parameters and relieving oxidative stress. Interestingly, it has been suggested that NAC mechanisms of action extend beyond being a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and that they may involve several neurotropic and inflammatory pathways. Exposure to fenitrothion, an organophosphorus insecticide, promotes oxidative stress and induces several deleterious changes in the immune response and various tissues including cerebrum and spleen. The main objective of our study was to investigate ameliorative efficacy of N-acetylcysteine for immunological and neurological alterations and oxidative DNA damage induced by fenitrothion toxicity in cerebrum and spleen tissues of male rats. Our results revealed that oral exposure to fenitrothion for 30 days caused a reduction in the erythrocyte count in addition to leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and neutrophilia. Also, this route of administration increased the serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-2 with reduction in serum immunoglobulins (IgG & IgM) concentrations. Furthermore, a significant downregulation in the antioxidant markers (GSH & SOD) with an elevation of free radical (MDA) levels were noticed. Regarding the brain, fenitrothion administration inhibited AchE activity and increased brain GABA, serotonin and dopamine levels. Moreover, it induced an elevation in oxidative DNA damage indicated by 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8OH2dG) and mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including Bax, and p53, but Bcl-2 expression was reduced. N-acetylcysteine co-treatment restored the normal physiological tone in most of these parameters. Immunostaining for GFAP and Caspase-3 markers in the brain and spleen tissues were increased respectively. In conclusion, N-acetylcysteine supplementation has an ameliorative effect against immunotoxic, neurotoxic and oxidative DNA damage induced by fenitrothion exposure.

Abamectin induces apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling in MGC803 cells

Abamectin (ABA) is one of the most widely used compounds in agriculture and veterinary medicine. However, the cytotoxicity of ABA in human gastric cells is utterly unknown. In this study, ABA suppressed the proliferation of MGC803 cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1-phase. Moreover, ABA induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis by inducing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2, and activation of caspase-3. ABA significantly improved the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and reduced P62 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Through detection of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, we found ABA induced the accumulation of intracellular ROS and then reduced PI3K/AKT signaling activation related to MGC803 cell apoptosis and autophagy. Our results indicate that ABA exerts cytotoxic effects on human MGC803 cells through apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. Furthermore, ABA may be a potential risk to human gastric health.

Purification and characterization of glutathione S-transferase from blueberry fruits (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) and investigated of some pesticide inhibition effects on enzyme activity

Pesticides cause pollution by remaining in water, soil, fruits and vegetables for a long time and also reach human through the food chain. It was thought that some pesticides used in agriculture could adversely affect the antioxidant enzyme system and the minimum inhibition values were studied. glutathione s-transferase (GST), an important antioxidant enzyme, catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione with toxic metabolites. It was purified from the blueberry fruits. The purification of the enzyme was performed separately by affinity and gel filtration chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was determined by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Characterization studies were done for the enzyme. For this purpose, optimal pH, temperature, Km and Vmax values for GSH and CDNB were also determined for the enzyme as 7.2 in K-phosphate buffer, 50 °C, 1.0 M, 7.0 in K-phosphate buffer, 1.57 mM; 0.17 mM and 0.048 EU/mL, 0.0159 EU/mL, respectively. Additionally, inhibitory effects of some pesticides; dichlorvos, acetamiprid, cyhalothrin, haloxyfop-p-Methyl, 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, glyphosate isopropylamine salt were examined the enzyme activity in vitro by performing Lineweaver-Burk graphs and plotting activity % IC50 and Ki values were calculated for each of pesticides. All of the pesticides inhibited the GST enzyme at millimolar level. Pesticide showing the best inhibitory effect was found as dichlorvos. The Ki value which is the inhibition constant of this pesticide was 0.0175 ± 0.005.

Modulatory effect of Turnera diffusa against testicular toxicity induced by fenitrothion and/or hexavalent chromium in rats

Oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species have been implicated in pesticides and heavy metals toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Turnera diffusa Willd (damiana) on counteracting fenitrothion (FNT) and/or potassium dichromate (CrVI)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative injury in rats. FNT and/or CrVI intoxicated animals revealed a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels. While, reduced glutathione and protein content, as well as antioxidant enzymes, phosphatases, and aminotransferases activities, were significantly decreased. In addition, significant changes in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were detected. Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical alterations were observed in rat testes and this supported the observed biochemical changes. On the other hand, rats treated with damiana alone decreased lipid peroxidation and increased most of the examined parameters. Moreover, damiana pretreatment to FNT and/or CrVI-intoxicated rats showed significant improvement in lipid peroxidation, enzyme activities, and hormones as compared with their respective treated groups. Conclusively, rats treated with both FNT and/or CrVI showed pronounced hazardous effect especially in their combination group in addition, Turnera diffusa had a potential protective role against FNT and/or CrVI induced testicular toxicity.

The effect of α-tocopherol and dithiothreitol in ameliorating emamectin benzoate cytotoxicity in human K562 cells involving the modulation of ROS accumulation and NF-κB signaling

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) toxicity contributes a potential risk to environment and human health. To investigate the effect of α-tocopherol (VitE) and dithiothreitol (DTT) in ameliorating EMB-induced cytotoxicity in human K562 cells, in vitro cultured human K562 cells were incubated with different concentrations of EMB in supplement with VitE and DTT when the cells were in the logarithmic phase. Next, the cell growth inhibition was evaluated using the MTT assay and cellular morphology observation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was monitored using DCFH-DA probe and NF-κB signaling was determined using Western blotting. The results demonstrated that treatment with EMB (time- and concentration-dependent) showed significantly greater inhibition on K562 cell viability, heavier chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, and stronger suppression of NF-κB/p105 and p65/RelA expression of K562 cells than the control group (p < 0.01). The supplementation of VitE or DTT could help protect K562 cells against EMB-induced cytotoxicity by improving cell viability, preventing ROS accumulation and up-regulating NF-κB signaling through their ameliorating effects against oxidative stress induced by EMB. VitE had a stronger synergistic effect in limiting EMB cytotoxicity than DTT. Our findings indicate that VitE and DTT are potent antioxidants for human K562 cells, offering a promising means of ameliorating EMB cytotoxicity.

Use of multiple endpoints to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of abamectin and thiamethoxam on Theba pisana snails

The ecotoxicological effects of dietary exposure to sublethal concentration (1/20 LC₅₀) of abamectin (ABM) and thiamethoxam (TMX) for two weeks exposure and one week recovery on oxidative stress parameters; lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage as well as immunological parameters; cell death, phagocytosis, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), lectins, superoxide anion (O₂^-) generation, phenoloxidase (PO), peroxidase (POD) and hemocyanin (Hc) of the land snail, Theba pisana were examined. The results showed that both tested compounds significantly increased DNA damage, LPO content, the activity of CAT and GST, cell death, POD activity, Hc level, whereas, significantly declined in phagocytic activity, LMS, lectins level, O2^- generation, PO activity, and GSH content compared to the controls after two week exposure. After one week of recovery, the measured biochemical parameters of treated snails were slightly repaired but their levels were still less than that of the level of untreated animals. Overall, based on acute toxicity endpoints, ABM appeared to be more harmful than TMX against this animal. Indeed, the different patterns of endpoint responses could represent a useful picture to characterise exposure to these pesticides in the land snail, T. pisana. This battery of snail endpoints might be a promising option to biomonitor the health of the terrestrial ecosystem and to offer valuable insights to the pesticides toxicity mechanisms.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials Toxicity in Fish

Due to their unique physicochemical properties, graphene-based nanoparticles (GPNs) constitute one of the most promising types of nanomaterials used in biomedical research. GPNs have been used as polymeric conduits for nerve regeneration and carriers for targeted drug delivery and in the treatment of cancer via photothermal therapy. Moreover, they have been used as tracers to study the distribution of bioactive compounds used in healthcare. Due to their extensive use, GPN released into the environment would probably pose a threat to living organisms and ultimately to human health. Their accumulation in the aquatic environment creates problems to aquatic habitats as well as to food chains. Until now the potential toxic effects of GPN are not properly understood. Despite agglomeration and long persistence in the environment, GPNs are able to cross the cellular barriers successfully, entered into the cells, and are able to interact with almost all the cellular sites including the plasma membrane, cytoplasmic organelles, and nucleus. Their interaction with DNA creates more potential threats to both the genome and epigenome. In this brief review, we focused on fish, mainly zebrafish (Danio rerio), as a potential target animal of GPN toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem.

Roles of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract in Improving the Impact of High Dietary Intake of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Liver Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, Genotoxicity, DNA Damage, and PCNA Alterations in Male Rats

It is common for food to be made more palatable through the use of the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate, also known as vetsin powder. The purpose of the study described in this paper was to explore how vetsin-induced hepatic toxicity, DNA fragmentation, damage, and oxidative stress modifications could be mitigated with moringa leaf extract (MLE). To that end, 40 male rats were separated into four groups: normal control, positive control or MLE, vetsin, and vetsin combined with MLE. Results indicated that, compared to the control group, the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), liver malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, injury, PCNA, and P53 expressions were significantly enhanced by the administration of vetsin (P < 0.05). However, the vetsin group had significantly reduced levels of albumin, globulin, total protein, liver glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD), catalase, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activities (P < 0.05) by comparison to control. Meanwhile, modifications in liver functions, oxidative stress, DNA damage, liver injury, and PCNA expression were alleviated when vetsin was administered alongside MLE. The authors conclude that vetsin may have many side effects and that MLE can ameliorate biochemical changes, oxidative stress, hepatic injury, PCNA, and P53 alterations induced by vetsin administration.

Developmental toxicity, oxidative stress and immunotoxicity induced by three strobilurins (pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin and picoxystrobin) in zebrafish embryos

Strobilurins is the most widely used class of fungicides, but is reported highly toxic to some aquatic organisms. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to a range concentrations of three strobilurins (pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin and picoxystrobin) for 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) to assess their aquatic toxicity. The 96-h LC₅₀ values of pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin and picoxystrobin to embryos were 61, 55, 86 μg/L, respectively. A series of symptoms were observed in developmental embryos during acute exposure, including decreased heartbeat, hatching inhibition, growth regression, and morphological deformities. Moreover, the three fungicides induced oxidative stress in embryos through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents, inhibiting superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content as well as differently changing catalase (CAT) activity and mRNA levels of genes related to antioxidant system (Mn-sod, Cu/Zn-sod, Cat, Nrf2, Ucp2 and Bcl2). In addition, exposure to the three strobilurins resulted in significant upregulation of IFN and CC-chem as well as differently changed expressions of TNFa, IL-1b, C1C and IL-8, which related to the innate immune system, suggesting that these fungicides caused immunotoxicity during zebrafish embryo development. The different response of enzymes and genes in embryos exposed to the three fungicides might be the cause that leads to the difference of their toxicity. This work made a comparison of the toxicity of three strobilurins to zebrafish embryos on multi-levels and would provide a better understanding of the toxic effects of strobilurins on aquatic organisms.

Attenuating effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and betaine on abamectin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Abamectin (ABM) is a widely utilized potent anthelmintic and insecticidal agent. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and betaine (BET) against ABM-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty rats were divided into five groups, receiving either oral saline solution (normal control), oral ABM at a dose of 2 mg/kg BW (1/5 LD50), CAPE (10 μmol/kg BW intraperitoneally) followed by ABM, or BET supplementation at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW followed by ABM administration, while group V rats received a combination of i.p. CAPE and oral BET in the same doses before receiving ABM. Biochemical analysis showed that ABM administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum levels of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and cholesterol, as well as serum creatinine and urea. Compared to the control group, ABM-intoxicated rats had significantly (p < 0.05) higher tissue concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, as well as lower tissue glutathione concentration, total antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzymatic activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). Histopathological examination of hepatic and renal tissues of ABM-intoxicated rats showed acute inflammatory and necrotic changes. Pretreatment with CAPE and/or BET reversed the biochemical and histopathological alterations of ABM on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, CAPE and BET (alone or in combination) could be promising protective agents against ABM-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Future studies should confirm our findings and evaluate the other molecular effects are involved in the combination chemoprotection of CAPE and BET.

Modulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities in rat liver by co-administration of morin, endosulfan, and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Morin is a flavonoid which is present in many plants. Endosulfan and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) are toxic chemicals that humans are exposed to in their daily lives. In this study, the protective role of morin was investigated in endosulfan and DMBA treated rats. Eight groups, each comprising seven 2.5-month-old adult male Wistar rats (weighing 170-255 g), were used. Endosulfan, morin, and DMBA were administered individually or in combinations, at 5 mg/kg body weight (bw) (three times/week), 25 mg/kg bw (three times/week), and 30 mg/kg bw (once/week for three weeks) via oral gavage, respectively. On day 54 of the administration period, the rats were killed. DMBA + endosulfan co-administration significantly increased CYP1A1-, CYP1A2-, CYP2E-, and GST-associated activities in the rats compared to the control. DMBA + endosulfan + morin significantly increased CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A, and GST associated activities in the rats relative to the control. Histopathological studies were performed to investigate protective effects of morin on liver damage. The results indicated that DMBA + endosulfan treatment induced liver damage, and morin reduced this damage. These findings suggest that CYP1A, CYP3A, and GST enzyme activities participate in the protective mechanism of morin against endosulfan and DMBA induced toxicity.

Selective effects of fenitrothion on murine splenic T-lymphocyte populations and cytokine/granzyme production

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro effects of fenitrothion (FNT) on mouse splenic lymphocytes. Here, naïve mice had their spleens harvested and splenocytes isolated. After exposure to FNT for 48 hr: splenocyte viability was measured using a tetrazolium dye assay; cell phenotypes, i.e., B-cells (CD19⁺), T-cells (CD3⁺), and T-cell subsets (CD4⁺ and CD8⁺), were quantified by flow cytometry; and, production of cytokines/granzyme-B was assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ability for FNT to induce oxidative stress in the cells was evaluated by measuring hydroxyl radical (·OH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production and changes in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The results showed that FNT significantly inhibited splenocyte proliferation, and decreased production of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon gamma, IL-4, and granzyme B, but had no impact on IL-6 production. FNT also selectively decreased splenic T-cell levels but did not induce changes in CD19⁺ B-cells. Further, within the T-cell populations, percentages of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T-cells (particularly CD8⁺ T-cells) were reduced. Lastly, FNT selectively increased MDA and ·OH production and inhibited SOD and GSH-Px activities in the splenic lymphocytes. These findings suggest that, due to oxidative damage, FNT selectively inhibits splenic T-lymphocyte survival and cytokine/granzyme production in vitro.

Effects of DDT and permethrin on rat hepatocytes cultivated in microfluidic biochips: Metabolomics and gene expression study

Dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and permethrin (PMT) are amongst most prevalent pesticides in the environment. Although their toxicity has been extensively studied, molecular mechanisms and metabolic effects remain unclear, including in liver where their detoxification occurs. Here, we used metabolomics, coupled to RT-qPCR analysis, to examine effects of DDT and PMT on hepatocytes cultivated in biochips. At 150 μM, DDT caused cell death, cytochrome P450 induction and modulation of estrogen metabolism. Metabolomics analysis showed an increase in some lipids and sugars after 6 h, and a decrease in fatty acids (tetradecanoate, octanoate and linoleate) after 24 h exposure. We also found a change in expression associated with genes involved in hepatic estrogen, lipid, and sugar metabolism. PMT at 150 μM perturbed lipid/sugar homeostasis and estrogen signaling pathway, between 2 and 6 h. After 24 h, lipids and sugars were found to decrease, suggesting continuous energy demand to detoxify PMT. Finally, at 15 μM, DDT and PMT appeared to have a small effect on metabolism and were detoxified after 24 h. Our results show a time-dependent perturbation of sugar/lipid homeostasis by DDT and PMT at 150 μM. Furthermore, DDT at high dose led to cell death, inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

The chronic exposure to abamectin causes spatial memory deficit and depressive behavior in mice

It is known that abamectin (ABA), which is a component belonging to the group of avermectins, has been broadly used as biopesticide. Although its effect on non-target aquatic organisms is known, knowledge about its impacts on terrestrial animals such as mammals remains incipient. Thus, we aim at investigating the effects (phycical and neural-behavioral) from the chronic exposure (90 days) to ABA (1/10 of LD₅₀) on Swiss and C57Bl/6J mice from both sexes. Accordingly, at the end of the experimental period the animals were subjected to the following tests: Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT), Morris Water Maze (MWM), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Forced Swimming Test (FST). We showed that the new-object recognition indexes in the NORT test sessions did not differ between experimental groups; however, animals exposed to ABA, regardless of sex or strain, recorded longer latency time to find the quadrant holding the platform in the MWM training sessions, as well as stayed shorter in this quadrant. Such results highlight the negative effect of the pesticide on the animals' spatial memory evocation, without evident influence from their genetic status and sex. With regard to TST, we also did not observe differences in immobility time between groups; however, Swiss mice (males and females) presented depressive behavior in the FST, and apparent influence from their genetic status in their responses during the test. Therefore, our study confirms the neurotoxic potential of ABA and is pioneer in reporting memory deficit and depressive behavior in mammal experimental models.

Zinc Ameliorate Oxidative Stress and Hormonal Disturbance Induced by Methomyl, Abamectin, and Their Mixture in Male Rats

Exposure to mixtures of toxicants (e.g., pesticides) is common in real life and a subject of current concern. The present investigation was undertaken to assess some toxicological effects in male rats following exposure to methomyl (MET), abamectin (ABM), and their combination (MET+ABM), and to evaluate the ameliorative effect of zinc co-administration. Three groups of rats were designated for MET, ABM, and the mixture treatments. Three other groups were designated for zinc in conjunction with the pesticides. Additionally, one group received water only (control), and the other represented a positive zinc treatment. The obtained results revealed that MET was acutely more toxic than ABM. The tested pesticides induced significant elevation in lipid peroxidation and catalase levels, while declined the levels of the other tested parameters e.g., Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR), Cytochrome P₄₅₀ (CYP₄₅₀), testosterone, and thyroxine). Biochemical alterations induced by the mixture were greater than those recorded for each of the individual insecticides. The joint action analysis, based on the obtained biochemical data, revealed the dominance of antagonistic action among MET and ABM. Zinc supplementation achieved noticeable ameliorative effects. It was concluded that zinc may act as a powerful antioxidant, especially in individuals who are occupationally exposed daily to low doses of such pesticides.

Pre-treatment with melatonin decreases abamectin induced toxicity in a nocturnal insect Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

AIM

Oxidative stress is an important component of the mechanism of pesticide toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time-dependent melatonin effects against abamectin-induced oxidative stress in a S.litura model. Larvae were divided into 5 different groups; (1) control group,(2) Melatonin group (4.3×10^-5M/100ml diet), (3) Abamectin group 1.5ml/L, (4) Pre-melatonin treated group (PM) (4.3×10^-5M/100ml diet) before abamectin exposure 1.5ml/L, (5) Post-melatonin treated group (TM) after abamectin exposure. Melatonin was supplemented via artificial diet in PM and TM animals during 24h.

MAIN METHODS

Midgut, fatbody, and hemolymph, were collected for the analysis of oxidative stress markers (Total ROS, GSH, nitrite, TBARS, LPO), antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, GST, CAT, POX, APOX) in fifth instar larvae. Midgut damage was examined by using morphological analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results observed that ABA group showed significant changes (p<0.001) in the ROS and carbonyl content in midgut. The increase of antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, POX, and APOX) in midgut was led by the continuous free radical scavenger cascade of melatonin. Significant (p<0.01) increases in CAT and APOX levels were seen in the fatbody of PM and TM treated insects.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, the results of the study revealed that abamectin toxicity generates oxidative stress in the insect, while pre-melatonin treatment reduces this damage due to its antioxidant properties, especially POX levels in midgut, fatbody, and hemolymph. Therefore, indoleamine can play a vital role curtailing the abamectin toxicity in time dependent manner in S.litura.