Exposure to alcohol and tobacco smoke causes oxidative stress in rats

Associations between exposure to phthalates and liver function among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology

Phthalates can induce hepatotoxicity in animal studies. We aimed to assess the associations of individual and mixture of urinary phthalate metabolites with serum liver function indicators among 764 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). In linear models, we observed inverse correlations between urinary mono-benzyl phthalate and serum total protein (TP) as well as globulin (β=-0.27 and -0.23, respectively, P<0.05). Additionally, negative associations were identified between mono-isobutyl phthalate and mono-butyl phthalate (MBP) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine transaminase ratio (AST/ALT) (P<0.05). MBP and the sum of all phthalate metabolites (∑all.phth.m) were positively associated with bilirubin, with β ranging from 0.14 to 0.47. Most phthalate metabolites were also positively related to gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (all P<0.05). In Bayesian kernel machine regression models, phthalate mixture was positively associated with bilirubin and GGT, whereas inversely associated with AST/ALT and TP. Our results suggest that phthalate exposure may impair liver function among women undergoing ART.

Association of composite dietary antioxidant index with depression and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly population

Current research has shown an increasing acceptance of interventions for depression through dietary modifications. However, whether composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) is associated with depression and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly population remains unknown. This study aimed to explore those associations in American middle-aged and elderly population. Weighted logistic regression models and weighted Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the association of CDAI, covariates, depression, and all-cause mortality, respectively. The stability of the results was also determined by a linear trend test based on CDAI quintiles. Restricted cubic spline curves were employed to test for non-linear relationships. In the model adjusted for all covariates, significant associations were found with the ORs (95% CI) for CDAI and depression [0.77 (0.67, 0.89)] and the HRs (95% CI) for CDAI with all-cause mortality[0.91 (0.83, 1.00)]. Upon conducting restricted cubic spline curves, we found that the association between CDAI and depression was linear, whereas the association between CDAI and all-cause mortality was non-linear with an inflection point of -0.19. Statistical significance was only found before the inflection point. In this study of middle-aged and elderly Americans, CDAI was linearly negatively associated with depression and non-linearly negatively associated with all-cause mortality.

Chronic alcohol and nicotine consumption as catalyst for systemic inflammatory storm and bone destruction in apical periodontitis

AIM

To assess the periapical alveolar bone pattern and the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, biochemical markers and metabolites in rats subjected to chronic alcohol and nicotine consumption and induced apical periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, Alcohol, Nicotine and Alcohol+Nicotine. The alcohol groups were exposed to self-administration of a 25% alcohol solution, while the other groups were given only filtered water. The nicotine groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of a nicotine solution (0.19 μL of nicotine/mL), whereas the other groups received saline solution. Periapical lesions were induced by exposing the pulps of the left mandibular first molars for 28 days. After euthanasia, the mandibles were removed and the percentage bone volume, bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number of the periapical bone were measured using micro-computed tomography images. Serum samples were collected for analysis of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α), biochemical and metabolomic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 5%. Nonparametric data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test, while one-way anova followed by Tukey's test was performed for parametric data.

RESULTS

The groups exposed to alcohol or nicotine consumption exhibited an altered bone pattern indicating lower bone density and higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to the Control group (p < .05). Significant differences were observed among the groups in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, albumin, uric acid, bilirubin and calcium. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant differences in glycine, phosphocholine, lysine, lactate, valine, pyruvate and lipids (CH2 CH2 CO), n(CH2 ) and n(CH3 ). Most of these parameters were even more altered in the simultaneous consumption of both substances compared to single consumption.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol and nicotine chronic consumption altered several metabolic markers, impaired liver and kidney function, increased the production of systemic proinflammatory mediators and harmed the periapical bone microarchitecture in the presence of apical periodontitis. The simultaneous consumption of alcohol and nicotine intensified these detrimental effects.

Evaluation of the Protective and Regenerative Properties of Commercially Available Artichoke Leaf Powder Extract on Plasma and Liver Oxidative Stress Parameters

Hepatocellular damage by the harmful effects of xenobiotics, which increase the production of free radicals, is a widespread phenomenon. The extract from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L. available as an artichoke preparation (natural source) of antioxidants may serve as a potential hepatoprotective factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the protective and regenerative properties of artichoke preparation on the liver in three extract doses: 0.5; 1.0; and 1.5 g/kg bw/day. The evaluation was conducted by measuring the levels of oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GST), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), SH- group, nitrosylated protein (RSNO), as well as such liver enzymes as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the plasma and liver homogenate of rats with liver damage induced by CCl4 (1 mL/kg bw). Measurements were taken in plasma and liver homogenate. The results have demonstrated that the artichoke preparation, owing to its high antioxidative potential, exhibits protective and regenerative effects on the liver. This is supported by the observation of higher GSH levels in the plasma of rats treated with artichoke extract for two weeks before CCl4 exposure. Furthermore, the artichoke extract has shown regenerative properties, as evidenced by lower ALT, AST, and SOD activity in the group treated with artichoke extract after CCl4 exposure. These findings suggest that the in vivo administration of artichoke preparation may be beneficial for the protection and regeneration of the liver.

Effects of medwakh smoking on salivary metabolomics and its association with altered oral redox homeostasis among youth

The use of alternative tobacco products, particularly medwakh, has expanded among youth in the Middle East and around the world. The present study is conducted to investigate the biochemical and pathophysiological changes caused by medwakh smoking, and to examine the salivary metabolomics profile of medwakh smokers. Saliva samples were collected from 30 non-smokers and 30 medwakh smokers and subjected to metabolomic analysis by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The CRP and Glutathione Peroxidase 1 activity levels in the study samples were quantified by ELISA and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by TAC assay kits. Statistical measurements and thorough validation of data obtained from untargeted metabolomics identified 37 uniquely and differentially abundant metabolites in saliva of medwakh smokers. The levels of phthalate, L-sorbose, cytosine, uridine, alpha-hydroxy hippurate, and L-nicotine were noticeably high in medwakh smokers. Likewise, 20 metabolic pathways were differentially altered in medwakh smokers. This study identified a distinctive saliva metabolomics profile in medwakh smokers associated with altered redox homeostasis, metabolic pathways, antioxidant system, and CRP levels. The impact of the altered metabolites in medwakh smokers and their diagnostic utility require further research in large cohorts.

Jia-ga-song-tang protection against alcoholic liver and intestinal damage

Gut-liver axis and cellular homeostasis play key roles in alcohol liver disease (ALD). Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a stress-sensitive guarantor of cellular homeostasis. We investigated whether the beneficial effects and underlying mechanisms of Jia-ga-song Tang (JGST) against ALD were associated with gut-liver axis and cellular homeostasis. A predictive network depicting the relationship between Jia-Ga-Song-Tang (JGST) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was designed by Network pharmacology. Next, 5% v/v Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid diet was used to establish the ALD. JGST protected the liver damage, repaired the intestines to alleviate the Two-hit on the liver, and balanced the cellular homeostasis. It was manifested in repairing the liver and intestinal pathological structure, reducing serum ALT, AST, and liver TG, TC, MDA, CAT, and increasing liver GSH, and intestine GSH-Px. JGST mainly inhibited the liver mRNA levels of HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, FASN, and PPARα and activated the intestinal mRNA levels of HO-1 and NQO1, while inhibiting the liver protein levels of HO-1, NQO1. Furthermore, LPS and LBP in the plasma and the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGFβ1, CD14, and Myd88 were reduced after treatment to prove that JGST protects the liver from Two-hit. Ethanol was used to intervene in HepG2 and IEC-6 to establish an ALD cell model and treated by Germacrone, ML385, and TBHQ. repaired the intestinal barrier, and inhibited Nrf2 in IEC-6, but protect the HepG2 by activating Nrf2 to balance cellular homeostasis. Our results reinforce that JGST provides an effective protective method for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by regulating Gut-liver axis and cellular homeostasis.

Effects of excessive alcohol drinking on nicotine biotransformation in rats

Alcohol and nicotine (tobacco smoke) are often used together, and taking both addictive substances is associated with an increased risk of certain diseases. It is extremely important to understand the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms of the interaction between nicotine and ethanol, which are still not fully understood. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of chronic alcohol consumption on nicotine biotransformation in ethanol-preferring and non-preferring male and female rats. Rats were divided into four groups depending on their alcohol preferences and gender. Nicotine, nornicotine, nicotine N-oxide, cotinine, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and cotinine N-oxide in rats plasma were determined by LC-MS/MS after five days of exposure to tobacco smoke. A non-compartmental analysis of nicotine and its metabolites was used for pharmacokinetic parameters calculation. Our experimental results showed that the rate of nicotine elimination depends on gender, regardless of alcohol preferences (significantly slower in females than in males). Mean residence timeof nornicotine, cotinine, and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine were significantly higher in alcohol-preferring male rats than in alcohol preferring female rats. In non-alcohol preferring female rats compared to ethanol-preferring female rats, significantly more nicotine N-oxide (fivefold) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (twofold) reached the general circulation unchanged. Drinking ethanol influenced the elimination of nornicotine and cotinine in male rats. Ethanol consumption was identified as a modifier of nicotine pharmacokinetics and this was gender-dependent.

Biochemical Mechanisms Associating Alcohol Use Disorders with Cancers

Simple Summary

Of all yearly deaths attributable to alcohol consumption globally, approximately 12% are due to cancers, representing approximately 0.4 million deceased individuals. Ethanol metabolism disturbs cell biochemistry by targeting the structure and function of essential biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids) and by provoking alterations in cell programming that lead to cancer development and cancer malignancy. A better understanding of the metabolic and cell signaling realm affected by ethanol is paramount to designing effective treatments and preventive actions tailored to specific neoplasias.

Abstract

The World Health Organization identifies alcohol as a cause of several neoplasias of the oropharynx cavity, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, larynx, liver, or female breast. We review ethanol’s nonoxidative and oxidative metabolism and one-carbon metabolism that encompasses both redox and transfer reactions that influence crucial cell proliferation machinery. Ethanol favors the uncontrolled production and action of free radicals, which interfere with the maintenance of essential cellular functions. We focus on the generation of protein, DNA, and lipid adducts that interfere with the cellular processes related to growth and differentiation. Ethanol’s effects on stem cells, which are responsible for building and repairing tissues, are reviewed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) of different origins suffer disturbances related to the expression of cell surface markers, enzymes, and transcription factors after ethanol exposure with the consequent dysregulation of mechanisms related to cancer metastasis or resistance to treatments. Our analysis aims to underline and discuss potential targets that show more sensitivity to ethanol’s action and identify specific metabolic routes and metabolic realms that may be corrected to recover metabolic homeostasis after pharmacological intervention. Specifically, research should pay attention to re-establishing metabolic fluxes by fine-tuning the functioning of specific pathways related to one-carbon metabolism and antioxidant processes.

Activity of glutathione S-transferase and its π isoenzyme in the context of single nucleotide polymorphism in the GSTP1 gene (rs1695) and tobacco smoke exposure in the patients with acute pancreatitis and healthy subjects

Oxidative stress associated with the course of acute pancreatitis (AP) can cause changes in the involvement of antioxidants, which can result in the increased production of free radicals with pro-inflammatory potential. Through its noncatalytic activity, the glutathione S-transferase and its π isoenzyme (GST-π), apart from cellular xenobiotics detoxification, are involved in the regulation of cellular signalling, metabolism and apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SNP rs1695 in the GSTP1 gene on GST and GST-π activity in healthy subjects and patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). The concentration of glutathione (GSH) as an important component of the antioxidant system, necessary for environmental xenobiotics detoxification by GST, and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress induced by inflammation were also assessed. SNP was examined in 39 AP patients and 51 healthy subjects using PCR-RFLP methods. GST activity (in plasma and erythrocyte lysate) and GST-π activity (in erythrocyte lysate) were measured using the spectrophotometric method with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and ethacrynic acid as substrate, respectively. Blood GSH concentration was measured using the Patterson method. Concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and MDA were measured using commercial tests. In the blood of non-smoking AP patients with GG genotypes for SNP rs1695 in the GSTP1 gene, the lowest GST-π activity was shown. It was accompanied by the lowest hsCRP concentration in this group. In the blood of smoking healthy subjects with AG genotype, a decrease in GST-π activity was noted compared to non-smokers from this group. However, in the blood of smokers with AP, a gradually decreasing GST-π activity was noted in individuals with AA genotype, which was associated with the increasing MDA concentration. It confirms the role of GST-π in the neutralization of oxidative stress induced by the exposure to smoke xenobiotics.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase and the risk of head and neck cancer mortality

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between baseline serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and the mortality risk of head and neck cancers.

METHODS

A total of 481 414 Korean participants aged 40-79 years at enrollment were examined. The hazard ratios for head and neck cancer mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, which were adjusted for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

In the overall study population, high gamma-glutamyltransferase levels were significantly associated with head and neck cancers mortality in a dose-response linear relation (p < 0.001). After excluding participants (n = 125) who died of head and neck cancers within five years of enrollment, the main results remained similar to those of the analysis of all 313 head and neck cancers deaths in the study population.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity is positively associated with an increased mortality risk in head and neck cancers in a dose-dependent manner.

Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers and liver and renal functional parameters in patients during treatment a mental health unit to treat alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence is one of the main reasons for inpatient admission to psychiatric hospitals. The abuse of this chemical substance can cause modifications in our organism and among them, variations in the oxidative stress parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital unit to treat alcohol dependence, comparing oxidative stress, renal and hepatic function parameters from the moment of admission to those obtained at discharge. Hepatic function was verified through gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline-phosphatase (ALP), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) activity measurements. Urea and creatinine serum levels were measured for kidney function evaluation. Oxidative stress was evaluated by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Medications used during hospital stay were record and their influence over the measured parameters analyzed. Twenty-eight patients (82% male, 44 ± 13 years old) were included in this study. A significant increase in BMI of patients after the period of hospitalization could be observed. There were reductions in creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT and ALP serum levels. SOD levels were lower at discharge, while GPx and FRAP presented higher levels. Chlorpromazine use showed influence over some hepatic function markers (ALT, GGT and ALP) and oxidative stress parameters (CAT and GPx); while carbamazepine use influenced GGT and FRAP. Patients on alcohol dependence treatment had significant improvements of renal and hepatic function parameters and higher GPx and FRAP values after the hospitalization period, which indicates reversion of alcohol effects over oxidative stress parameters.

Vitamin D Deficiency Aggravates Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Inflammation during Chronic Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in alcoholics. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of vitamin D deficiency on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were fed with modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets for 6 weeks to establish an animal model of chronic alcohol-induced liver injury. In the VDD+EtOH group, mice were fed with modified diets, in which vitamin D was depleted. Vitamin D deficiency aggravated alcohol-induced liver injury. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency aggravated hepatocyte apoptosis during alcohol-induced liver injury. Although it has a little effect on hepatic TG content, vitamin D deficiency promoted alcohol-induced hepatic GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation. Further analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency further increased alcohol-induced upregulation of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (inos), two NADPH oxidase subunits p47phox and gp91phox, and heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1. By contrast, vitamin D deficiency attenuated alcohol-induced upregulation of hepatic antioxidant enzyme genes, such as superoxide dismutase (sod) 1 and gshpx. In addition, vitamin D deficiency significantly elevated alcohol-induced upregulation of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Taken together, these results suggest that vitamin D deficiency aggravates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation during chronic alcohol-induced liver injury.

Trace Element Levels and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Patients with Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a well-known cause of imbalance in trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant status of individuals with long time consumption. However, the levels of these parameters in the patients on the early stages of alcohol dependence without liver damage differ on various studies. The aim of our study was to measure the levels of trace elements in the serum and oxidative/antioxidative system members in the red blood cells (RBC) of early-stage alcoholic individuals and compare with control subjects. Our study included 21 male patients recently hospitalized for alcohol abuse and 25 healthy non-abusing male controls. Levels of Fe, Zn, and Cu in the serum and MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH in the red blood cells (RBC) of the subjects were measured. Fe, Zn, and Cu levels were lower in the study group when compared to the controls. Levels of lipid peroxidation marker MDA was high, whereas the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were decreased in our study group. However, levels of GSH, an antioxidant compound were higher in the alcohol abuse group. RBC SOD levels were positively correlated with Fe, Cu, Zn, and CAT. There was a positive correlation between Fe-Cu, Zn-Fe, Zn-Cu, CAT-Zn, and CAT-SOD. MDA was negatively correlated with Fe, Zn, SOD, and CAT. The results obtained from present study indicate that high levels of alcohol intake are related with increased oxidative damage and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes and trace elements. Additionally, antioxidant compensation mechanisms are still on process in the early stages of chronic alcohol exposure.

Genetic susceptibility of glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTM1/T1 and P1) to coronary artery disease in Asian Indians

Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes may modulate the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of present study was to investigate the potential association between the polymorphisms of GSTM1/T1 and P1 genes and their influence on diverse clinical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in Asian Indians. The present study includes 562 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 564 healthy control subjects from the north Indian population. Anthropometric and clinical measurements were performed for all the participants. The oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were also measured. The genotyping of the GSTM1/T1 and P1 genes was performed using the multiplex-PCR and PCR-RFLP methods. The CAD patients exhibit significantly high values of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat (%), glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein, and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels compared to control subjects (P < 0.001). Malondialdehyde levels were significantly enhanced, and the total antioxidant capacity was reduced in CAD patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference in body mass index and total cholesterol levels were observed in CAD patients and control subjects. The frequencies of the GSTM1 and GSTM1/T1 null genotypes in the CAD patients were significantly higher than the control subjects. In contrast, the GSTT1(-) genotype frequencies were significantly lower in CAD patients than the controls. Logistic regression analysis of the data revealed the null genotype of GSTM1 and the GG genotype of the GSTP1 (313A/G) gene were associated with an approximately twofold enhanced risk of developing CAD, whereas GSTT1(-) plays a defensive role against CAD development in north Indians. Upon stratification of data according to the genotypes of the GSTM1/T1 and P1 genes, we did not find significant a difference among the various metabolic traits in CAD patients and controls. Our results suggest that oxidative damage induced by lipid peroxidation with reduced antioxidant capacity and genetic variants in GST genes (GSTM1/T1 and P1) may modify the risk of CAD development in Asian Indian population.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in a long-term hexavalent chromium-exposed population in North China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) as a human carcinogen. As reported, cancer mortality was higher in Cr(VI)-contaminated areas. Scientists have recommended studying its health impact on people living in contaminated areas. This study aims to evaluate the health risk for people living in Cr(VI)-contaminated areas.

DESIGN

We conducted a cross-sectional study in rural areas of north-eastern China. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were used as oxidative stress parameters, and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a DNA damage biomarker. We collected information on demographics, lifestyles and length of residence from all participants using a questionnaire. Biological specimens and environmental media samples were collected on the same day as the survey was done. We used t-test, χ² test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and multivariate linear regression analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 319 participants exposed to Cr(VI) and 307 unexposed participants, with 447 women and 179 men. These participants met the following criteria: (1) living in the areas for more than 10 years; (2) age older than 18 years; and (3) without occupational chromium exposure.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that serum concentration of MDA (p<0.001), serum activities of CAT (p<0.001) and GSH-Px (p<0.001), as well as urine concentration of 8-OHdG (p=0.008) in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the unexposed group. However, serum SOD activity was significantly lower in the exposed group, compared with that in the unexposed group (p<0.001). Cr(VI) exposure and smoking have an interaction effect on GSH-Px activity (p<0.05). Cr(VI) exposure and alcohol drinking also have an interaction effect on GSH-Px activity (p<0.05). Longer residence in the exposed areas increased the oxidative levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study showed elevated oxidative stress and DNA damage in people exposed to Cr(VI).

Crocin attenuates cigarette smoke-induced lung injury and cardiac dysfunction by anti-oxidative effects: the role of Nrf2 antioxidant system in preventing oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been emerging as a great health problem in world. Cigarette smoke is known to cause oxidative stress and deplete glutathione (GSH) levels. Nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is involved in transcriptional regulation of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLc). Antioxidant compounds may be of therapeutic value in monitoring disease progression. Crocin demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of crocin against CSE-mediated oxidative stress, inflammatory process, Nrf2 modifications and impairment of cardiac function in rats with COPD.

METHODS

Eighty rats were divided into four groups: Control, Cigarette smoke exposure (CSE), Crocin, Crocin+CS. Each group was divided into the two parts: 1) to evaluate lung inflammatory and oxidative process, 2) to evaluate the effect of Cigarette smoke induced-lung injuries on cardiac electrocardiogram (such as heart rate and QRS complex) and hemodynamic parameters (such as perfusion pressure and left ventricular developed pressure).

RESULTS

CSE rats showed a significant increase in cotinine concentration (17.24 ng/ml), and inflammatory parameters and a decrease in PO2 (75.87 mmHg) and expression of PKC (0.86 fold), PI3K (0.79 fold), MAPK (0.87 fold), Nrf2 (0.8 fold) and GCLc (0.75 fold) genes, antioxidant activity, and finally cardiac abnormalities in electrocardiogram and hemodynamic parameters. Co-treatment whit crocin could restore all these values to normal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

CS induced-COPD in rat model provides evidence that chronic CS exposure leads to lung injury and mediated cardiac dysfunction. Crocin co-treatment by modulating of Nrf2 pathway protected lung injury caused by COPD and its related cardiac dysfunction. In this study, we showed the importance of Nrf2 activators as a therapeutic target for the development of novel therapy for lung oxidative injuries.

Tobacco smoke exposure induces irreversible alteration of testicular function in prepubertal rats

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a serious public health problem and an important risk factor of many diseases. The present study evaluated whether or not the influence of prolonged tobacco smoke (TS) exposure on spermatic indices and reproductive hormones would be reversible in young and adult rats.

METHODS

Prepubertal and adult rats were grouped into five (I, II, III, IV, and V) separately (n=5/group) and exposed to TS at target concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg nicotine/day, respectively for 30 days using the whole body exposure inhalation method. Groups I, II, and III were sacrificed 24 h after TS exposure, while groups IV and V were allowed to recover for 30 days before they were sacrificed.

RESULTS

Sperm count and motility were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in exposed prepubertal and adult rats. Additionally, sperm morphology was unaltered, testosterone was reduced, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were elevated compared to the non-TS exposed control group. The reductions in sperm count and motility were reversed only in adult recovery rats. LH and FSH elevations were reversed in all recovery animals, but testosterone concentrations remained lower than control. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels in testes of exposed rats were significantly increased. This was reversed only in adult recovery rats that received 0.5 mg nicotine. Testicular levels of catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were unaltered, except in prepubertal rats wherein catalase was decreased in both treated and recovery groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The TS exposure alters sperm characteristics reversibly in adult, but irreversibly in prepubertal rats, which is attributable to elevation of oxidative stress.

Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption (more than 40–80 g/day for males and more than 20–40 g/day for females) could induce serious liver injury. In this study, effects of lemon juice on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice were evaluated. The serum biochemical profiles and hepatic lipid peroxidation levels, triacylglycerol (TG) contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes were examined for evaluating the hepatoprotective effects of lemon juice in mice. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant capacities of lemon juice were determined. The results showed that lemon juice significantly inhibited alcohol-induced increase of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hepatic TG, and lipid peroxidation levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological changes induced by alcohol were also remarkably improved by lemon juice treatment. These findings suggest that lemon juice has protective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The protective effects might be related to the antioxidant capacity of lemon juice because lemon juice showed in vitro antioxidant capacity.

The effect of tobacco smoke on oxytocin concentrations and selected oxidative stress parameters in plasma during pregnancy and post-partum - an experimental model

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking is a serious threat to life and health of society. Among the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of tobacco smoke are foetuses and newborns. The objective of the research was to assess the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on oxytocin levels and biochemical oxidative stress parameters during pregnancy and after birth in an experimental model.

METHODS

In the experiment, exposure to tobacco smoke of gravid and non-gravid rats was monitored. A reliable biomarker of exposure - cotinine - was used in the process and it was determined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, which ensured high analytical accuracy and precision. Determination of oxytocin was performed by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of selected oxidative stress parameters: total protein concentration, uric acid, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, protein S-nitrosylation and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were measured by spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke was a lower medium body mass of rat foetuses and pups. Oxidative stress during pregnancy, additionally intensified by tobacco smoke exposure, led to adaptive changes in properties of plasmatic antioxidant barriers. Moreover, the disturbance of oxidoreductive balance by tobacco smoke affects oxytocin fluctuations, what was observed in this study during lactation period. Therefore, women who smoke may breastfeed their children less frequently and for a shorter period.

Origin, Function, and Fate of Metallothionein in Human Blood

Toxic heavy metals, toxic organic compounds, reactive oxygen species (ROS), infections, and temperature are well-known metallothionein (MT) inducers in human blood. The current review aims to summarize synthesis, function, and fate of human blood MT in response to the known MT inducers. Part of the MTs that are synthesized in different organs such as the liver, kidney, and spleen is transported and stored in different blood cells and in plasma. Cells of the circulatory system also synthesize MT. From the circulation, MT returns to the kidney where the metal-bound MTs are degraded to release the metal ion that in turn induces MT expression therein. The blood MTs play important roles in metal detoxification, transportation, and storage. By neutralizing ROS, MTs protect blood cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Arguably, MTs are also involved in immune suppression. Given the permeating distribution of blood MT throughout the body as well as its diverse role in the protection against harmful environmental factors and in metal homeostasis, MT could be better recognized as a major public health protein.

Interactions between ethanol and cigarette smoke in a mouse lung carcinogenesis model

Both ethanol and cigarette smoke are classified as human carcinogens. They can synergize, especially in tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract that are targeted by both agents. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of ethanol and smoke in the respiratory tract, either following transplacental exposure and/or postnatal exposure. We designed two consecutive studies in mouse models by exposing Swiss H mice to oral ethanol and/or inhaled mainstream cigarette smoke for up to 4 months, at various prenatal and postnatal life stages. Clastogenic effects and histopathological alterations were evaluated after 4 and 8 months, respectively. Ethanol was per se devoid of clastogenic effects in mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. However, especially in mice exposed both transplacentally throughout pregnancy and in the postnatal life, ethanol administration was associated not only with liver damage but also with pro-angiogenetic effects in the lung by stimulating the proliferation of blood vessels. In addition, these mice developed pulmonary emphysema, alveolar epithelial hyperplasias, microadenomas, and benign tumors. On the other hand, ethanol interfered in the lung carcinogenesis process resulting from the concomitant exposure of mice to smoke. In fact, ethanol significantly attenuated some smoke-related preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the respiratory tract, such as alveolar epithelial hyperplasia, microadenomas, and even malignant tumors. In addition, ethanol attenuated cigarette smoke clastogenicity. In conclusion, preclinical studies provide evidence that, in spite of its pulmonary toxicity, ethanol may mitigate some noxious effects of cigarette smoke in the respiratory tract.

Modulation by Ethanol of Cigarette Smoke Clastogenicity in Cells of Adult Mice and of Transplacentally Exposed Fetuses

Cigarette smoke (CS) and ethanol (EtOH) are known to synergize in the causation of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract and of the liver. Little is known about possible interactions between these agents in other organs. These premises prompted us to evaluate the clastogenic effects resulting from the inhalation for 3 weeks of mainstream CS and oral administration of EtOH, which were tested either individually or in combination in cells of adult BDF1 mice and their fetuses. CS exerted clastogenic effects in haematopoietic cells of adult male mice by increasing the frequency of micronucleated erythroid cells both in bone marrow and in peripheral blood as well as the frequency of micronucleated and polynucleated pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Likewise, exposure to CS of pregnant mice resulted in a clastogenic damage in maternal bone marrow cells and in the liver and peripheral blood of their fetuses. Under all experimental conditions, EtOH was consistently devoid of clastogenic effects when given alone. In adult mice, EtOH exhibited a mild stimulating effect on the clastogenicity of CS in haematopoietic cells, while an opposite effect was observed in the respiratory tract, where EtOH attenuated the cytogenetic alterations induced by CS in pulmonary alveolar macrophages. At variance with the mild synergism observed in haematopoietic cells of adult mice, EtOH inhibited the clastogenicity of CS in the liver and peripheral blood cells of transplacentally exposed fetuses. Therefore, the effects of EtOH in CS-exposed mice show different trends depending both on the life stage and on the cells analyzed.

The Effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora edulis and Solanum muricatum on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury

Previous studies have shown that fruits have different effects on alcohol metabolism and alcohol-induced liver injury. The present work selected three fruits and aimed at studying the effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora edulis and Solanum muricatum on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The animals were treated daily with alcohol and fruit juices for fifteen days. Chronic treatment with alcohol increased the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased total protein (TP). Histopathological evaluation also showed that ethanol induced extensive fat droplets in hepatocyte cytoplasm. Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis normalized various biochemical parameters. Solanum muricatum increased the level of ALT and induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. These results strongly suggest that treatment with Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis could protect liver from the injury of alcohol, while Solanum muricatum could aggravate the damage.

Influence of tobacco smoke exposure on pharmacokinetics of ethyl alcohol in alcohol preferring and non-preferring rats

BACKGROUND

A vast majority of people who abuse alcohol are also defined as "heavy smokers". Tobacco smokes induces CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6 isoenzymes, but on the other hand, ethanol activates CYP2E1, which can be important during combined, chronic use of both of them. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of tobacco smoke xenobiotics on ethanol pharmacokinetics and the level of its metabolites in alcohol preferring and non-preferring rats.

METHODS

Ethanol, acetaldehyde, methanol, n-propanol and n-butanol were determined in whole blood by means of gas chromatography. Cotinine in serum was determined by LC-MS/MS. A non-compartmental analysis (cotinine, acetaldehyde) and Widmark equation (ethanol) were used for pharmacokinetic parameters calculation.

RESULTS

Ethanol levels were lower in animals exposed to tobacco smoke compared to rats receiving this xenobiotic, without a prior exposure to tobacco smoke. Lower values of the studied pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in the alcohol preferring males compared to the non-alcohol preferring rats. Both n-propanol and n-butanol had higher values of the pharmacokinetic parameters analyzed in the animals exposed to tobacco smoke and ethanol compared to those, which ethanol was administered only once.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in maximum concentration and the area under concentration-time curve for ethanol after its administration to rats preferring alcohol and exposed to tobacco smoke are accompanied by a decrease in the volume of distribution. The changes in the volume of distribution may be caused by an increase in the first-pass effect, in the intestinal tract and/or in the liver. The acetaldehyde elimination rate constant was significantly higher in alcohol-preferring animals.

Altered oxidative stress/antioxidant status in blood of alcoholic subjects is associated with alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is implicated in pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This study investigated the possible correlation among the erythrocyte indices of oxidative stress, the leukocyte panels of antioxidant proteins (metallothioneins), the serum biochemical parameters and the liver steatosis grade.

METHODS

A total of 118 cases including 60 alcoholic subjects and 58 controls were enrolled. All the alcoholic subjects were screened for body mass index (BMI), liver steatosis, and blood chemistry and serology. The level of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured in the blood and correlated with clinical findings.

RESULTS

Alcoholic subjects showed higher BMI, moderate/severe hepatic steatosis, increase in the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, alpha 1 and beta 2 globulins, iron and a decrease in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and beta 1 globulin with respect to the reference values. Moreover, alcoholic subjects showed: (i) an increase in Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) content representing a good estimation of global oxidative stress; (ii) a stimulation of the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and SOD; (iii) a modulation of expression of metallothioneins, with a down-regulation of MT-1A and an up-regulation of MT-1E isoforms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that alcoholism is strongly associated with altered pattern of blood metallothioneins; this parameter combined with the score calculated by an ad hoc implemented algorithm (HePaTest) could offer a non-invasive alternative approach for evaluating alcohol-related damages and could be used in follow-up of alcoholic patients.