Curcumin attenuates acrylamide-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in HepG2 cells by ROS scavenging

Pulmonary damage induction upon Acrylic amide exposure via activating miRNA-223-3p and miRNA-325-3p inflammasome/pyroptosis and fibrosis signaling pathway: New mechanistic approaches of A green-synthesized extract

Exposure to acrylic amide (AD) has garnered worldwide attention due to its potential adverse health effects, prompting calls from the World Health Organization for intensified research into associated risks. Despite this, the relationship between oral acrylic amide (acrylamide) (AD) exposure and pulmonary dysfunction remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between internal oral exposure to AD and the decline in lung function, while exploring potential mediating factors such as tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles green-synthesized moringa extract (ZNO-MONPs) (10 mg/kg b.wt) against ACR toxicity and conducted comprehensive miRNA expression profiling to uncover novel targets and mechanisms of AD toxicity (miRNA 223-3 P and miRNA 325-3 P). Furthermore, we employed computational techniques to predict the interactions between acrylic amide and/or MO-extract components and tissue proteins. Using a rat model, we exposed animals to oral acrylamide (20 mg/kg b.wt for 2 months). Our findings revealed that AD significantly downregulated the expression of miRNA 223-3 P and miRNA 325-3 P, targeting NLRP-3 & GSDMD, respectively, indicating the induction of pyroptosis in pulmonary tissue via an inflammasome activating pathway. Moreover, AD exposure resulted in lipid peroxidative damage and reduced levels of GPX, CAT, GSH, and GSSG. Notably, AD exposure upregulated apoptotic, pyroptotic, and inflammatory genes, accompanied by histopathological damage in lung tissue. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques detected elevated levels of indicative harmful proteins including vimentin and 4HNE. Conversely, concurrent administration of ZNO-MONPs with AD significantly elevated the expression of miRNA 223-3 P and miRNA 325-3 P, protecting against oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in rat lungs. In conclusion, our study highlights the efficacy of ZNO-MONPs NPs in protecting pulmonary tissue against the detrimental impacts of foodborne toxin AD.

Antioxidants Amelioration Is Insufficient to Prevent Acrylamide and Alpha-Solanine Synergistic Toxicity in BEAS-2B Cells

Cells produce free radicals and antioxidants when exposed to toxic compounds during cellular metabolism. However, free radicals are deleterious to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Antioxidants neutralize and eliminate free radicals from cells, preventing cell damage. Therefore, the study aims to determine whether the antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) will ameliorate the maximum dose of acrylamide and alpha (α)-solanine synergistic toxic effects in exposed BEAS-2B cells. These toxic compounds are consumed worldwide by eating potato products. BEAS-2B cells were simultaneously treated with BHA 10 μM and BHT 20 μM and incubated in a 5% CO2 humidified incubator for 24 h, followed by individual or combined treatment with acrylamide (3.5 mM) and α-solanine (44 mM) for 48 h, including the controls. Cell morphology, DNA, RNA, and protein were analyzed. The antioxidants did not prevent acrylamide and α-solanine synergistic effects in exposed BEAS-2B cells. However, cell morphology was altered; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed reduced RNA constituents but not DNA. In addition, the toxic compounds synergistically inhibited AKT/PKB expression and its downstream genes. The study showed BHA and BHT are not protective against the synergetic toxic effects of acrylamide and α-solanine in exposed BEAS-2B cells.

Acrylamide, acrylic acid, or 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid induced cytotoxic in Photobacterium phosphoreum, PC12, and SK-N-SH cells

In enhancing oil recovery, more and more new water-soluble polymers are developed to replace the high toxicity and low stability acrylamide (ACR) monomer. The common replacement monomer is acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), which are considered safe and efficient. In this study, AA, ACR and AMPS caused remarkable cytotoxicity in Photobacterium phosphoreum, the rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and the Human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH). ACR is much more lethal than AA and AMPS in PC12 and SK-N-SH cells, meanwhile, the toxicity of AA and AMPS decreases with the decrease of acid. Furthermore, similar to ACR, AA, and AMPS can induce severe DNA double-strand breakage in PC12 and SK-N-SH cells. Both AA and ACR can cause cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in PC12 and SK-N-SH cells. In addition, like ACR, AA, and AMPS can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in both PC12 and SK-N-SH cells. The acute toxicity of AA and AMPS is lower than ACR, however, the decline in acute toxicity in monomers does not mean toxic-free. We should focus on the toxicity of AA and ACR and reduce occupational contact to protect employee occupational health.

An in vitro Approach to Protective Effect of Lactoferrin on Acrylamide-induced Oxidative Damage

Acrylamide is a compound that occurs with high temperature during food processing and causes oxidative damage. Recently, the importance of antioxidative components is increasing to prevent oxidative damage. Lactoferrin is an antioxidant protein mainly found in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the dose-dependent protective effects of lactoferrin on oxidative damage caused by acrylamide. In this study, HepG2 cell lines were treated with lactoferrin doses (0, 25, 50, 100µM) and half maximal inhibitory concentration of acrylamide. After 24 hours malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase levels were measured. Acrylamide significantly increased malondialdehyde levels in HepG2 cells compared to the control group; however, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductace significantly reduced. On the other hand, added lactoferrin doses (50-100µM) significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels. Besides, it was found that glutathione reductase, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels significantly increased. As a result, the protective effect of lactoferrin against the oxidative damage caused by acrylamide in HepG2 cells was determined. This effect is thought to be due to the antioxidant capacity of lactoferrin. In this context, it is recommended that more studies are carried out on the mechanism of action of lactoferrin on oxidative stress caused by acrylamide.

Curcumin attenuates Cr (VI)-induced cell growth and migration by targeting autophagy-dependent reprogrammed metabolism

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is a well-established carcinogen. Cr (VI)-treated cells are phenotypically characterized by aberrant levels of growth and migration. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the plant turmeric, has been found to possess antiproliferation, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the effect of curcumin on Cr (VI)-induced cell survival and migration and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Cell viability assay on A549 and human embryonic lung fibroblast cells showed that curcumin at the concentration of 10 µM could significantly attenuate Cr (VI)-induced viability in both cell lines. Following Western blot assay and metabolomics assays, cotreatment with curcumin and Cr (VI) resulted in the suppression of Cr (VI)-induced glycolysis-, autophagy-, and migration-related proteins. Meanwhile, curcumin increased Cr (VI)-reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-related proteins, COXIV and ND1. Moreover, curcumin suppressed Cr (VI)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial mass decrease, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Treatment with curcumin for 24 h significantly attenuated pcATG4B-induced autophagy and the subsequent expression of glucose transporter 1, hexokinase II, and pyruvate kinase M2. Wound healing and transwell assay demonstrated that curcumin reduced Cr (VI)-induced cell migration. Taken together, these results showed that curcumin was able to attenuate Cr (VI)-induced cell viability and migration by targeting autophagy-dependent reprogrammed metabolism from OXPHOS to glycolysis.

Quercetin Attenuates Quinocetone-Induced Cell Apoptosis In Vitro by Activating the P38/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Inhibiting the ROS/Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway

Quinocetone (QCT), a member of the quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides (QdNOs) family, can cause genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, however, the precise molecular mechanisms of QCT are unclear. This present study investigated the protective effect of quercetin on QCT-induced cytotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms in human L02 and HepG2 cells. The results showed that quercetin treatment (at 7.5–30 μM) significantly improved QCT-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in human L02 and HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, quercetin treatment at 30 μM significantly inhibited QCT-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an increase in the expression of the CytC protein and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and an increase in caspases-9 and -3 activity, and finally improved cell apoptosis. Quercetin pretreatment promoted the expression of the phosphorylation of p38, Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 significantly inhibited quercetin-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Consistently, pharmacological inhibitions of the Nrf2 or p38 pathways both promoted QCT-induced cytotoxicity and partly abolished the protective effects of quercetin. In conclusion, for the first time, our results reveal that quercetin could improve QCT-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis by activating the p38/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting the ROS/mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Our study highlights that quercetin may be a promising candidate for preventing QdNOs-induced cytotoxicity in humans or animals.

Acrylamide-Derived Ionome, Metabolic, and Cell Cycle Alterations Are Alleviated by Ascorbic Acid in the Fission Yeast

Acrylamide (AA), is a chemical with multiple industrial applications, however, it can be found in foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Due to its genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, AA has been classified as a potential carcinogen. With the use of spectrophotometry, ICP-OES, fluorescence spectroscopy, and microscopy cell growth, metabolic activity, apoptosis, ROS production, MDA formation, CAT and SOD activity, ionome balance, and chromosome segregation were determined in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. AA caused growth and metabolic activity retardation, enhanced ROS and MDA production, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activity. This led to damage to the cell homeostasis due to ionome balance disruption. Moreover, AA-induced oxidative stress caused alterations in the cell cycle regulation resulting in chromosome segregation errors, as 4.07% of cells displayed sister chromatid non-disjunction during mitosis. Ascorbic acid (AsA, Vitamin C), a strong natural antioxidant, was used to alleviate the negative impact of AA. Cell pre-treatment with AsA significantly improved AA impaired growth, and antioxidant capacity, and supported ionome balance maintenance mainly due to the promotion of calcium uptake. Chromosome missegregation was reduced to 1.79% (44% improvement) by AsA pre-incubation. Results of our multiapproach analyses suggest that AA-induced oxidative stress is the major cause of alteration to cell homeostasis and cell cycle regulation.

Catechins protect against acrylamide- and glycidamide-induced cellular toxicity via rescuing cellular apoptosis and DNA damage

Acrylamide (AA) occurs in both various environmental and dietary sources and has raised widespread concern as a probable carcinogen. Glycidamide (GA) is the main genotoxic metabolite through P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). In the present study, we investigate the protective effect of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epicatechin (EC) against AA- and GA-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that EC and EGCG inhibited AA- and GA-induced cytotoxicity and mitochondria-mediated cellular apoptosis. Moreover, exposure to AA (100 μg/mL) and GA (50 μg/mL) caused cell cycle arrest and DNA damage, while EC and EGCG ranging from 12.5 to 50 μg/mL rescued cell cycle arrest and inhibited DNA damage. Furthermore, EC and EGCG down-regulated pro-apoptotic protein Bax and Caspase 3 after 24 h treatment in HepG2 cells exposed to AA (100 μg/mL) or GA (50 μg/mL). Also, the intervention with EC or EGCG up-regulated DNA repair related protein PARP and down-regulated expression of cleaved-PARP. Besides, EC exerted better protective effect than EGCG against AA- and GA-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Altogether, EC and EGCG were effective in protecting AA- and GA-induced hepatotoxicity via rescuing cellular apoptosis and DNA damage, as well as promoting cell cycle progression in HepG2 cells.

Co-crystallization of curcumin for improved photodynamic inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and its application for the preservation of cooked clams

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural active product widely used as photosensitizer in photodynamic inactivation (PDI) due to low toxicity and low cost. However, the main challenge that limit the efficacy of CUR in PDI are its low solubility in water medium and hence low bioavailability. The co-crystallization is a novel process enables improvements in physicochemical properties such as solubility and bioavailability of water insoluble compound by the incidence of molecular interactions between the active pharmaceutical ingredient and conformer. The main objective of this work is to produce CUR-d-Tyr co-crystal (CDC) by co-crystallization technique using d-Tyrosine (d-Tyr) as the conformer in order to increase CUR water solubility as well as antimicrobial photodynamic activity. CDC presented a different crystalline structure compared with pure CUR. The solubility of CDC in water medium was about 16.5 times greater than pure CUR. The co-crystallization process increased CUR-mediated photodynamic inactivation efficacy of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), probably due to alterations in its bioavailability. Moreover, cell membrane damage and production of cytotoxic singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was proved as main photosensitization mechanism. Furthermore, the application of CDC-mediated PDI on cooked clam reduced weightlessness of cooked clams, inhibited lipid oxidation, and maintained a better appearance, serving as a promising preservation techniques in food industry.

Recent Trends and Practices Toward Assessment and Rehabilitation of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights From Human Gait

The study of human movement and biomechanics forms an integral part of various clinical assessments and provides valuable information toward diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders where the motor symptoms predominate. Conventional gait and postural balance analysis techniques like force platforms, motion cameras, etc., are complex, expensive equipment requiring specialist operators, thereby posing a significant challenge toward translation to the clinics. The current manuscript presents an overview and relevant literature summarizing the umbrella of factors associated with neurodegenerative disorder management: from the pathogenesis and motor symptoms of commonly occurring disorders to current alternate practices toward its quantification and mitigation. This article reviews recent advances in technologies and methodologies for managing important neurodegenerative gait and balance disorders, emphasizing assessment and rehabilitation/assistance. The review predominantly focuses on the application of inertial sensors toward various facets of gait analysis, including event detection, spatiotemporal gait parameter measurement, estimation of joint kinematics, and postural balance analysis. In addition, the use of other sensing principles such as foot-force interaction measurement, electromyography techniques, electrogoniometers, force-myography, ultrasonic, piezoelectric, and microphone sensors has also been explored. The review also examined the commercially available wearable gait analysis systems. Additionally, a summary of recent progress in therapeutic approaches, viz., wearables, virtual reality (VR), and phytochemical compounds, has also been presented, explicitly targeting the neuro-motor and functional impairments associated with these disorders. Efforts toward therapeutic and functional rehabilitation through VR, wearables, and different phytochemical compounds are presented using recent examples of research across the commonly occurring neurodegenerative conditions [viz., Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)]. Studies exploring the potential role of Phyto compounds in mitigating commonly associated neurodegenerative pathologies such as mitochondrial dysfunction, α-synuclein accumulation, imbalance of free radicals, etc., are also discussed in breadth. Parameters such as joint angles, plantar pressure, and muscle force can be measured using portable and wearable sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, footswitches, force sensors, etc. Kinetic foot insoles and inertial measurement tools are widely explored for studying kinematic and kinetic parameters associated with gait. With advanced correlation algorithms and extensive RCTs, such measurement techniques can be an effective clinical and home-based monitoring and rehabilitation tool for neuro-impaired gait. As evident from the present literature, although the vast majority of works reported are not clinically and extensively validated to derive a firm conclusion about the effectiveness of such techniques, wearable sensors present a promising impact toward dealing with neurodegenerative motor disorders.

Curcumin Attenuates the PERK-eIF2α Signaling to Relieve Acrylamide-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH‑SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound with neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. Acrylamide (ACR) is a by-product of food processing that produces neurotoxicity in humans and animals. The pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α) signaling is involved in the occurrence of neurotoxicities. This study is aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on ACR-induced cytotoxicity and explore the role of PERK-eIF2α signaling in this process. ACR exposure at 2.5 mM for 24 h caused oxidative stress as revealed by the distinct increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. ACR induced phosphorylated tau aggregation, phosphorylated cAMP response elements binding protein (CREB) reduction, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio up-regulation in SH-SY5Y cells. ACR also activated the PERK-eIF2α signaling in SH-SY5Y cells and triggered the activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), up-regulated activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Curcumin pretreatment significantly attenuated ACR-induced neuronal toxicity as revealed by the ameliorated cell viability, mitigated intracellular ROS and MDA level, and elevated GSH content. Moreover, curcumin pretreatment inhibited PERK-dependent eIF2α phosphorylation, further suppressed GSK-3β and ATF4 function, and abolished abnormal tau phosphorylation, P-CREB reduction, and CHOP-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. These results provided empirical evidence between curcumin and PERK-eIF2α signaling in ACR-induced neurotoxicity.

Blumea laciniata protected Hep G2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans against acrylamide-induced toxicity via insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway

Acrylamide (AC), a proved toxin is mainly used in industrial fields and proved to possess various toxicities. In recent years, AC has been found in starch-containing foods due to Maillard reaction in a high-temperature process. Therefore, how to mitigate the toxic effect of AC is a research spot. Blumea laciniata is a widely used folk medicine in Asia and the extract from B. laciniata (EBL) exhibited a strong protection on cells against oxidative stress. In this work, we used EBL to protect Hep G2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans against AC toxicity. As the results turned out, EBL increased cell viability under AC stress and notably reduced the cell apoptosis through decreasing the high level of ROS. Moreover, EBL extended the survival time of C. elegans, while EBL failed to prolong the survival time of mutants that were in Insulin signaling pathway. Besides, the expressions of antioxidant enzymes were activated after the worms were treated with EBL and daf-16 gene was activated. Our results indicated that EBL exhibited a protective effect against AC induced toxicity in Hep G2 cells and C. elegans via Insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. These outcomes may provide a promising natural drug to alleviate the toxic effect of AC.

The Protective Agents Used against Acrylamide Toxicity: An In Vitro Cell Culture Study-Based Review

Acrylamide is a dangerous electrophile with the potency to react with many biological moieties including proteins, and nucleic acids as well as other macromolecules. Acrylamide was first only known a chemical exposed in working areas as a neurotoxicant, it was later discovered that beyond just being a neurotoxicant exposed in industrial areas, acrylamide is exposed via daily foods as well. As such, several strategies have been sought to be developed to relieve the toxic spectrum of this chemical. The utilization of a protective agent against acrylamide toxicity was one of those strategies. To date, many agents with protective potency have been investigated. Herein, we compiled these agents and their effects shown in in vitro studies. We used the search engines of Web of Knowledge and searched the keywords "acrylamide" and "protect" in the titles along with the keyword "cell" in the topics. Twenty-one directly related articles out of 35 articles were examined. Briefly, all agents used against acrylamide were reported to exhibit protective activity. In most of these reports, 5 mM concentration of acrylamide and 24-hour treatment were the employed dose and duration. Usually, the beneficial agents were pre-treated to the cells. PC12 cells were the most utilized cell line, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways were the most studied pathways. This study, beside other importance, can be utilized as a guide for how the protective studies against acrylamide were done and which parameters were investigated in in vitro acrylamide studies. In conclusion, taking measures is of utmost importance to prevent or alleviate the toxicity of acrylamide, to which we are daily exposed even in our homes. Therefore, future studies should persist in focusing on mitigating acrylamide toxicity.

Morin protects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats: an investigation into different signal pathways

The presented study investigates the effects of morin against toxicity induced by acrylamide (ACR) in the brains of Sprague Dawley rats. In this study, neurotoxicity was induced by orally administering 38.27 mg/kg/b.w ACR to rats through gastric gavage for 10 days. Morin was administered at the same time and at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg/b.w) with ACR. Biochemical and Western blot analyses showed that ACR increased malondialdehyde (MDA), p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p53, caspase-3, bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), Beclin-1, light chain 3A (LC3A), and light chain 3B (LC3B) levels and decreased those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), b-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in brain tissue and therefore induced neurotoxicity by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. On the other hand, it was determined that morin positively affected the levels of these markers by displaying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic properties and had a protective effect on ACR-induced neurotoxicity. As a result, morin is an effective substance against brain damage caused by ACR, yet further studies are needed to use it effectively.

Acrylamide Induced Oxidative Cellular Senescence in Embryonic Fibroblast Cell Line (NIH 3T3): A Protection by Carvacrol

Background: Stress-induced cellular senescence is a perpetual state of cell cycle arrest occurring in proliferating cells in response to stressful conditions. It is believed that oxidative stress plays a unique role in this process. As a reactive chemical compound that can induce oxidative stress, acrylamide is widely applied in several fields. Carvacrol is a liquid phenolic monoterpenoid found in essential oils of some plants and is known for its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol on oxidative stress and cellular senescence induced by acrylamide in the NIH 3T3 cell line. Methods: NIH 3T3 embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to different concentrations of acrylamide, carvacrol, and H2O2 in a cell culture medium. The level of β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, as a marker of cellular senescence, was measured using staining and quantitative assays. Furthermore, to measure oxidative stress parameters, the content of glutathione and lipid peroxidation were determined. Results: Acrylamide could induce premature senescence evident by the elevated lipid peroxidation and SA-β-gal activity and declined cell viability and glutathione. Moreover, carvacrol showed beneficial effects on both acrylamide- and H2O2-induced cellular senescence by significantly reversing or subsiding the effect of oxidative stress and mediating its consequences. Conclusions: It can be concluded that carvacrol has protective effects against oxidative cellular senescence induced by acrylamide in the NIH 3T3 cell line.

Assessment of intracellular accumulation of cadmium and thallium

The aim of the study was to develop fast and accurate method for assessment of intracellular level of cadmium (Cd) and thallium (Tl), and to establish accumulation of the metals in the cells. HepG2 cells were treated with Cd or Tl (1.0 or 10.0 mg/L; 24 h) and level of Cd or Tl was assessed. ICP-MS was applied and the method was optimized and validated. Correlation coefficient (R²) for Cd was 0.9999 with intercept 0.0732 while for Tl was 1.00009 with intercept -0.1497, and limit of detection (LOD) for Cd was 0.020 μg/L and for Tl 0.097 μg/L. Both metals, Cd and Tl, accumulate in the cells in concentration-dependent manner. However, higher uptake of Cd in comparison to Tl was observed. Cells treated with the same concentration of the metal (1.0 mg/L) accumulated 10.0% of Cd and 1.0% of Tl. Higher uptake of Cd than Tl can explain higher toxicity of Cd toward HepG2 cells. Obtained results imply to the importance of monitoring the level of metals in the cells in order to connect changes at the molecular level with exposure to specific metal.

Activity Guided Isolation of Phenolic Compositions from Anneslea fragrans Wall. and Their Cytoprotective Effect against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells

Anneslea fragrans Wall., commonly known as “Pangpo Tea”, is traditionally used as a folk medicine and healthy tea for the treatment of liver and intestine diseases. The aim of this study was to purify the antioxidative and cytoprotective polyphenols from A. fragrans leaves. After fractionation with polar and nonpolar organic solvents, the fractions of aqueous ethanol extract were evaluated for their total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays). The n-butanol fraction (BF) showed the highest TPC and TFC with the strongest antioxidant activity. The bio-guided chromatography of BF led to the purification of six flavonoids (1–6) and one benzoquinolethanoid (7). The structures of these compounds were determined by NMR and MS techniques. Compound 6 had the strongest antioxidant capacity, which was followed by 5 and 2. The protective effect of the isolated compounds on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells revealed that the compounds 5 and 6 exhibited better protective effects by inhibiting ROS productions, having no significant difference with vitamin C (p > 0.05), whereas 6 showed the best anti-apoptosis activity. The results suggest that A. fragrans could serve as a valuable antioxidant phytochemical source for developing functional food and health nutraceutical products.

Superparamagnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as T2 contrast agent in MRI: in vitro study

Superparamagnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄) possess favourite advantages for theranostic applications. Most of previous studies reported that CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are suitable candidates for induction of hyperthermia and transfection agents for drug delivery. The present study synthesized and investigated the potential use of CoFe₂O₄ as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using a conventional MRI system. The CoFe₂O₄ were synthesized using co-precipitation method and characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX and VSM techniques. Relaxivities r₁ and r₂ of CoFe₂O₄ were then calculated using a 1.5 Tesla clinical magnetic field. The cytotoxicity of CoFe₂O₄ was evaluated by the MTT assay. Finally, the optimal concentrations of MNPs for MRI uses were calculated through the analysis of T₂ weighted imaging cell phantoms. The superparamagnetic CoFe2O4 NPs with an average stable size of 10.45 nm were synthesized. Relaxivity r₁,₂ calculations resulted in suitable r₂ and r₂/ r₁ with values of 58.6 and 51 that confirmed the size dependency on relaxivity values. The optimal concentration of MNPs for MR image acquisition was calculated as 0.154 mM. Conclusion: CoFe₂O₄ synthesized in this study could be considered as a suitable T₂ weighted contrast agent because of its high r₂/r₁ value.

Effects of acrylamide on protein degradation pathways in human liver-derived cells and the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine and curcumin

Acrylamide is a harmful chemical, and its metabolism occurs mainly in the liver. Acrylamide can form adducts on proteins. Protein homeostasis is vital for metabolic and secretory functions of the liver. No study has investigated the effect of acrylamide on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Also, the effect of acrylamide on autophagy and its regulation is not fully known. We aimed to investigate the effects of acrylamide on the UPS, autophagy, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in HepG2 cells as well as to examine the effects of N-acetylcysteine and curcumin on these parameters in acrylamide-treated cells. HepG2 cells were initially treated with variable concentrations of acrylamide (0.01-0.1-1-10 mM) for 24 hours. Then, HepG2 cells were treated with 5 mM N-acetylcysteine and 6.79 µM curcumin in the presence of 10 mM acrylamide for 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Ubiquitinated protein, mTOR, microtubule-associated proteins 1 A/1B light chain 3B-II (LC3B-II), and HSP70 levels were measured by immunoblotting. Acrylamide at 10 mM concentration, without any significant change at lower concentrations, caused an increase in ubiquitinated protein, LC3B-II, and HSP70 levels and a decrease in mTOR phosphorylation. Furthermore, 5 mM N-acetylcysteine caused a decrease in ubiquitinated protein and HSP70 levels; however, 6.79 µM curcumin did not affect 10 mM in acrylamide-treated cells. Our study showed that acrylamide at high concentration inhibits UPS and mTOR, activates autophagy, and increases HSP70 levels in HepG2 cells, and N-acetylcysteine reduces UPS inhibition and HSP70 levels in acrylamide-treated cells.

New Polyphenol-Containing LDL Nano-Preparations in Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage: A Potential Route for Cell-Targeted PP Delivery

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) preparations of the chosen polyphenols (PPs) were prepared for the first time in the literature. The solubility of the PPs in the lipidic core of the LDL increased with the increase of their lipophilicity. The anti-/pro-oxidative properties and toxicity of LDL-entrapped PPs toward A 2780 human ovarian cancer cells were examined. The obtained preparations were found to be stable in PBS, and characterized by low toxicity. A binding affinity study revealed that the uptake of PP-loaded LDL particles is non-receptor-specific under experimental conditions. The antioxidative potential of the obtained PPs-doped LDL preparations was shown to be higher than for the PPs themselves, probably due to facilitating transport of LDL preparations into the cellular milieu, where they can interact with the cellular systems and change the redox status of the cell. The PPs-loaded LDL displayed the highest protective effect against Fenton-type reaction induced oxidative DNA damage.

Optimized Extraction of Polysaccharides from Bergenia emeiensis Rhizome, Their Antioxidant Ability and Protection of Cells from Acrylamide-induced Cell Death

Bergeniaemeiensis is a traditional herb in Chinese folk medicine. Most related studies are focused on the bioactivity of bergenin, neglecting other bioactive compounds. In our previous work, polysaccharides were identified in B. emeiensis rhizome. To evaluate the extraction process and the antioxidant ability of these polysaccharides, a response surface method and antioxidant assays were applied. The results showed that the yield of polysaccharides was highly affected by extraction time, followed by temperature and solvent-to-sample ratio. Under the optimal conditions (43 °C, 30 min and 21 mL/g), the yield was 158.34 ± 0.98 mg/g. After removing other impurities, the purity of the polysaccharides from B. emeiensis (PBE) was 95.97 ± 0.92%. The infrared spectrum showed that PBE had a typical polysaccharide structure. Further investigations exhibited the PBE could scavenge well DPPH and ABTS free radicals and chelate Fe2+, showing an excellent antioxidant capacity. In addition, PBE also enhanced the cell viability of HEK 239T and Hep G2 cells under acrylamide-exposure conditions, exhibiting great protection against the damage induced by acrylamide. Therefore, PBE can be considered a potential natural antioxidant candidate for use in the pharmaceutical industry as a health product.

Curcumin Supplementation Alleviates Polymyxin E-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Background

The last-line agent for gram-negative bacteria that have developed resistance towards commonly used antibiotics is polymyxin E (PolyE). The renal toxicity attributed to this agent limits its use, proper dosing, and eventually its clinical efficacy. Although the exact mechanism of PolyE-induced nephrotoxicity is not obvious, some investigations suggest the role of oxidative stress and its associated events in this complication. Curcumin (CUR) is a potent antioxidant molecule. The aim of the current investigation was the evaluation of the potential nephroprotective properties of CUR in PolyE-treated mice.

Materials and Methods

Mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 per group). PolyE (15 mg/kg/day, i.v, for 7 days) alone or in combination with CUR (10, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p) were administered to mice. Renal injury biomarkers, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and kidney histopathological alterations, were evaluated.

Results

Plasma creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) significantly raised in PolyE group. Oxidative stress biomarkers consisting of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) also increased, and concomitantly GSH and antioxidant capacity of renal cells significantly decreased following the use of PolyE. Interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and glomerular atrophy were all induced by the use of PolyE in the mice kidney. CUR (10, 100, and 200 mg/kg, i.p) treatment alleviated PolyE-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in the kidney tissue significantly.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, CUR has a protective role against renal toxicity induced by PolyE. Hence, more research is necessary until this compound could be clinically applicable to alleviate PolyE-induced renal injury.

Protective effects of morin against acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity: A multi-biomarker approach

Acrylamide (ACR) is a heat-induced carcinogen substance that is found in some foods due to cooking or other thermal processes. The aim of present study was to assess the probable protective effects of morin against ACR-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. The rats were treated with ACR (38.27 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) alone or with morin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) for 10 consecutive days. Morin treatment attenuated the ACR-induced liver and kidney tissue injury by diminishing the serum AST, ALP, ALT, urea and creatinine levels. Morin increased activities of SOD, CAT and GPx and levels of GSH, and suppressed lipid peroxidation in ACR induced tissues. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expressions of p53, EGFR, nephrin and AQP2 in the ACR-induced liver and kidney tissues were decreased after administration of morin. In addition, morin reversed the changes in levels of apoptotic, autophagic and inflammatory parameters such as caspase-3, bax, bcl-2, cytochrome c, beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, p38α MAPK, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 in the ACR-induced toxicity. Morin also affected the protein levels by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and thus alleviated ACR-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Overall, these findings may shed some lights on new approaches for the treatment of ACR-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Mixture toxicity of the combinations of silver nanoparticles and environmental pollutants

Although toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been well studied, the mixture toxicity of the combination of AgNPs and other environmental pollutants is still largely unknown. Here, we investigated the mixture toxicity of the combinations of AgNPs and common environmental pollutants such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) on human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) at noncytotoxic concentrations based on analyses of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and modes of cell death. In addition, DNA microarray analysis was performed to understand the cellular responses at a molecular level. AgNPs-As and AgNPs-Cd combinations exhibited synergistic effect on cytotoxicity while AgNPs-Cr showed additive effect. The AgNPs-Cd combination caused much stronger synergism than AgNPs-As combination. Based on cellular and molecular level analyses, the synergistic effect could be explained by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induced DNA damage and consequently apoptotic cell death. On the other hand, the additive effect caused by AgNPs-Cr could be attributed to reduction of the mixture toxicity by precipitation of Cr ions. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrated that the mixture toxicity of AgNPs with As, Cd, or Cr at noncytotoxic concentrations had different toxicity effects. Particularly, toxicogenomic approach using DNA microarray was useful to assess the mechanisms of the mixture toxicity.

Influence of Acrylamide Administration on the Neurochemical Characteristics of Enteric Nervous System (ENS) Neurons in the Porcine Duodenum

The digestive tract, especially the small intestine, is one of the main routes of acrylamide absorption and is therefore highly exposed to the toxic effect of acrylamide contained in food. The aim of this experiment was to elucidate the effect of low (tolerable daily intake—TDI) and high (ten times higher than TDI) doses of acrylamide on the neurochemical phenotype of duodenal enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons using the pig as an animal model. The experiment was performed on 15 immature gilts of the Danish Landrace assigned to three experimental groups: control (C) group—pigs administered empty gelatine capsules, low dose (LD) group—pigs administered capsules with acrylamide at the TDI dose (0.5 μg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day), and the high dose (HD) group—pigs administered capsules with acrylamide at a ten times higher dose than the TDI (5 μg/kg b.w./day) with a morning feeding for 4 weeks. Administration of acrylamide, even in a low (TDI) dose, led to an increase in the percentage of enteric neurons immunoreactive to substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), galanin (GAL), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VACHT) in the porcine duodenum. The severity of the changes clearly depended on the dose of acrylamide and the examined plexus. The obtained results suggest the participation of these neuroactive substances in acrylamide-inducted plasticity and the protection of ENS neurons, which may be an important line of defence from the harmful action of acrylamide.

Role of Oxidative Stress, MAPKinase and Apoptosis Pathways in the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone Against Acrylamide-Induced Central Nervous System Toxicity in Rat

The present study evaluated biochemical endpoints characterizing acrylamide (ACR) neurotoxicity in the cortex of rats, following the possible neuroprotective activity of thymoquinone (TQ), an active constituent of Nigella sativa. ACR (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) concurrently with TQ (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 11 days were administered to rats. As positive control, vitamin E was used. After 11 days of injections, narrow beam test (NBT) was performed. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured and Western blotting was done for mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKinases) and apoptosis pathways proteins in the rats' cortex. Additionally, Evans blue assay was done to evaluate the integrity of blood brain barrier (BBB). Administration of ACR significantly induced gait abnormalities. A significant decrease and increase in the levels of GSH and MDA was observed in the cortex of ACR-treated rats, respectively. The elevation in the levels of caspases 3 and 9, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) content, and Bax/Bcl-2, P-P38/P38 and P-JNK/JNK ratios accompanied by reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) content and P-ERK/ERK ratio were noticed in the ACR group. TQ (5 mg/kg) improved gait abnormalities, and restored these changes. ACR affected the integrity of BBB while TQ was able to maintain the integrity of this barrier. TQ reversed the alterations in the protein contents of MAP kinase and apoptosis signaling pathways as well as MBP and GFAP contents, induced by ACR. It protected against ACR-mediated neurotoxicity, partly through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.

A protective study of curcumin associated with Cr6+ induced oxidative stress, genetic damage, transcription of genes related to apoptosis and histopathology of fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Ameliorative potential of curcumin against Cr⁶⁺-induced eco-toxicological manifestations was assessed in liver of exposed Channa punctatus (Actinopterygii) in six groups for 45 d; Group I as control. Group II with 3 mg/L of curcumin; group III with 7.89 mg/L of Cr⁶⁺. Groups IV, V and VI were simultaneously co-exposed with 7.89 mg/L of Cr⁶⁺ and three different curcumin concentrations, 1, 2, and 3 mg/L, respectively. In group III, SOD-CAT, GR significantly (p < 0.05) increased; decreased GSH level; elevated MN and AC frequencies; and a significant (p < 0.05) up-regulation of cat (2.72-fold), p53 (1.73-fold), bax (1.33-fold) and apaf-1 (2.13-fold) together with a significant (p < 0.05) down-regulation of bcl-2 (0.51-fold). Co-exposure significantly (p < 0.05) brought down activities of SOD-CAT, GR, raised GSH, decreased micronuclei and apoptotic frequencies along with recovery of histopathological anomalies in liver. This study establishes the protective role of curcumin against Cr⁶⁺-induced hepatotoxicity in fish.

Effect of acrylamide on BEAS-2B normal human lung cells: Cytotoxic, oxidative, apoptotic and morphometric analysis

Due to the broad toxic relevance of acrylamide, many measures have been taken since the 1900s. These measures increased day by day when acrylamide was discovered in foods in 2002, and its toxic spectrum was found to be wider than expected. Therefore, in some countries, the products with higher acrylamide content were restricted. On the other hand, the effects of acrylamide on the respiratory system cells have yet to be well understood. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effect of acrylamide on lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Initially, the cytotoxic effect of acrylamide on BEAS-2B was determined by MTT assay. Then, cellular oxidative stress was measured. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted for Annexin-V and caspase 3/7. Furthermore, Bax, Bcl-2 and Nrf-2 proteins were evaluated by immunocytochemistry. Finally, acrylamide-induced cellular morphological changes were observed under confocal and TEM microscopes. According to MTT results, the IC50 concentration of acrylamide was 2.00 mM. After acrylamide treatment, oxidative stress increased dose-dependently. Annexin V-labelled apoptotic cells and caspase 3/7 activity were higher than untreated cells in acrylamide-treated cells. Immunocytochemical examination revealed a marked decrease in Bcl-2, an increase in Bax and Nrf-2 protein staining upon acrylamide treatment. Furthermore, in confocal and TEM microscopy, apoptotic hallmarks were pronounced. In the present study, acrylamide was suggested to display anti-proliferative activity, decrease viability, induce apoptosis and oxidative stress and cause morphological changes in BEAS-2B cells.

In vitro investigation of the effects of boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin on DNA damage

BACKROUND

Stem cells provide an opportunity to analyse the effects of xenobiotic on cell viability, differentiation and cell functions. Evaluation of the possible cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects on bone marrow CD34+ stem cells is important for their ability to differentiate into blood cells, and also for bone marrow diseases therapy. Boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin are potential nanoformulation agents that can be used together in the treatment of cancer or bone marrow diseases. Therefore, it is important to evaluate their possible effects on different cell lines.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects of boron nitride nanotubes which are commonly used in pyroelectric, piezoelectric and optical applications, but there is not enough information about its biocompatibility. Also, it was intended to research the effects of curcumin being used frequently in treatment processes for antioxidant properties.

METHODS

The possible cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects of boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin on CD34+ cells, HeLa and V79 cells were evaluated by MTT assay and Comet assay, respectively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin had cytotoxic effects and cause DNA damage on CD34+ cells, HeLa and V79 cells at several concentrations, probably because of increased ROS level. However, there were not concentration - dependent effect and there were controversial toxicity results of the studied cell lines. Its mechanism needs to be enlightened by further analysis for potential targeted drug development. Graphical abstract.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin on acrylamide-induced apoptosis mediated by MAPK signaling pathway in Leydig cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of curcumin (CUR), against acrylamide (AA)-induced toxic effects on Leydig cells. The AA and CUR-treated cells were evaluated for cell viability, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide), antioxidant levels (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase), apoptosis/necrosis rates and phosphorylation status of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Leydig cells were exposed to four concentrations of AA (1, 10, 100, 1000 µM) in the presence and absence of CUR (2.5 µM) for 24 hours. According to the present result, AA concentration-dependently, increased the oxidative stress parameters and suppressed the antioxidant enzyme levels, meanwhile induced apoptosis and activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and c-Jun NH ₂ -terminal kinase. Moreover, CUR ameliorated the detrimental effects of AA. Thus, AA-induced apoptosis through activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and CUR has a protective effect against AA-induced damage in Leydig cells.

Cytotoxicity of gamma irradiated aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A

Toxicity of gamma irradiated mycotoxins aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was investigated in vitro. AFB₁ and OTA stock solutions (50 mM, in methanol) were gamma irradiated (5 and 10 kGy) and non-irradiated and irradiated mycotoxins solutions were tested for cytotoxicity on Pk15, HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines (MTT assay, 1-500 μM concentration range; 24 h exposure). Degradation of mycotoxin molecules was examined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). AFB₁ and OTA radiolytic products were less toxic than the parent mycotoxins to all of the tested cell lines. Gamma irradiation even at 5 kGy had effect on AFB₁ and OTA molecules however, this effect was dependent on chemical structure of mycotoxin. Since gamma irradiation at low dose reduced initial level of both mycotoxins, and gamma irradiated mycotoxins had lower toxicity in comparison to non-irradiated mycotoxins, it can be concluded that gamma irradiation could be used as decontamination method.

Nanoemulsions improve the efficacy of turmeric in palmitate- and high fat diet-induced cellular and animal models

Turmeric is a well-known functional food exhibiting multiple biological activities in health and disease. However, low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability limit its therapeutic potential. Herein, we investigated the utility of nanoemulsions as a carrier to improve the efficacy of turmeric. Compared with turmeric extract (TE), 5% TE-loaded nanoemulsion (TE-NE), which contains 20-fold lower curcumin content than TE, achieved similar inhibition of palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Exposure of HepG2 cells to 5% TE-NE also suppressed the palmitate-induced accumulation of lipid vacuoles and reactive oxygen species comparably with TE, and was accompanied by decreased levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2), cleaved caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Consistent with these effects in HepG2 cells, oral administration of 5% TE-NE to mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) markedly suppressed lipid accumulation in liver, leading to a significant reduction in body weight and adipose tissue weight, equivalent to the effects observed with TE. Compared with TE, 5% TE-NE also equivalently inhibited the levels of SREBP-1, PPAR-γ2, cleaved caspase-3, and PARP in the liver of mice fed a HFD. Furthermore, TE and 5% TE-NE significantly improved serum lipid profiles in a similar manner. These observations indicate that nanoemulsions can improve the efficacy of turmeric, thereby eliciting more potent biological efficacy against palmitate- and high fat diet (HFD)-induced cellular damage.

Acrylamide exerts its cytotoxicity in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells by apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Acrylamide is a chemical utilized in various industries, and many studies have demonstrated its toxicity. The NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic cell line is the standard cell line of fibroblasts, which have a pivotal role with their versatile functions in the body. However, only two studies have attempted to investigate the effect of acrylamide on these crucial cells. To fill this knowledge gap, we aimed to determine the effects of acrylamide on NIH/3T3 cells.

METHOD

First, we performed the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and calculated the IC₅₀ dose of acrylamide. Then, we treated cells with the IC₅₀ dose of acrylamide for 24 h and determined whether the dominant death mode of NIH/3T3 cells was apoptosis or necrosis by annexin V and caspase 3/7 assays. Finally, we performed confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis for observing the morphological alterations.

RESULTS

MTT assay results showed that acrylamide treatment reduced the viability of NIH/3T3 cells dose-dependently and that the IC₅₀ of acrylamide was 6.73 mM. Based on annexin V and caspase 3/7 assays, the dominant death mode of NIH/3T3 cells was determined to be apoptosis. Also, caspase 3/7 activities of the acrylamide-treated NIH/3T3 cells were three times greater than those of the untreated NIH/3T3 cells. Furthermore, we observed membrane blebbing, nuclear chromatin clumping, and cytoplasmic vacuolization in TEM analysis and apparent apoptotic bodies, nuclear fragmentations, and condensations in confocal microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggested that the IC₅₀ of acrylamide against NIH/3T3 cells for 24 h was 6.73 mM and that acrylamide exerted its cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on these cells mainly via apoptosis.

Effects of acrylamide on oxidant/antioxidant parameters and CYP2E1 expression in rat pancreatic endocrine cells

Oxidative stress is one of the principle mechanism of acrylamide-induced toxicity. Acrylamide is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to glycidamide or by direct conjugation with glutathione. Bearing in mind that up to now the effects of acrylamide on oxidative stress status and CYP2E1 level in endocrine pancreas have not been studied we performed qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical evaluation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), catalase (CAT) and CYP2E1 expression in islets of Langerhans of rats subchronically treated with 25 or 50mg/kg bw of acrylamide. Since the majority of cells (>80%) in rodent islets are beta cells, in parallel studies, we employed the Rin-5F beta cell line to examine effects of acrylamide on redox status and the activity of CAT, SOD and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), their gene expression, and CYP2E1, NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and iNOS expression. Immunohistochemically stained pancreatic sections revealed that acrylamide induced increase of iNOS and decrease of CYP2E1 protein expression, while expression of antioxidant enzymes was not significantly affected by acrylamide in islets of Langerhans. Analysis of Mallory-Azan stained pancreatic sections revealed increased diameter of blood vessels lumen in pancreatic islets of acrylamide-treated rats. Increase in the GST activity, lipid peroxidation and nitrite level, and decrease in GSH content, CAT and SOD activities was observed in acrylamide-exposed Rin-5F cells. Level of mRNA was increased for iNOS, SOD1 and SOD2, and decreased for GSTP1, Nrf2 and CYP2E1 in acrylamide-treated Rin-5F cells. This is the first report of the effects of acrylamide on oxidant/antioxidant parameters and CYP2E1 expression in pancreatic endocrine cells.

Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation of other compounds or neutralize free radicals. Spices and herbs are rich sources of antioxidants. They have been used in food and beverages to enhance flavor, aroma and color. Due to their excellent antioxidant activity, spices and herbs have also been used to treat some diseases. In this review article, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of spices and culinary herbs are presented. The content of flavonoids and total polyphenols in different spices and herbs are summarized. The applications of spices and their impacts on human health are briefly described. The extraction and analytical methods for determination of antioxidant capacity are concisely reviewed.

Acrylamide-derived cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects on A549 cells

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide is a very common compound even reaching up to our daily foods. It has been studied in a wealth of cell lines on which it proved to have various toxic effects. Among these cell lines, human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) is one of that on which acrylamide's toxicity has not been studied well yet.

AIM

We intended to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) dose of acrylamide and to investigate its cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on A549 cells.

METHODS

We determined the IC₅₀ dose by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then, the mode of cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry using Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Next, we performed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy analyses for morphological alterations and apoptotic indices.

RESULTS

According to the MTT assay results, A549 cell viability decreases proportionally with increasing acrylamide concentrations and IC₅₀ for A549 was 4.6 mM for 24 h. Annexin-V FITC/PI assay results indicated that acrylamide induces apoptosis in 64% of the A549 cells. TEM and confocal microscopy analyses showed nuclear condensations, fragmentations, cytoskeleton laceration, and membrane blebbing, which are morphological characteristics of apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our research suggests that acrylamide causes cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects on A549 cells at 4.6 mM IC₅₀ dose in 24 h.

Inhibitory effects of Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica) on the formation and genotoxicity of a potent carcinogen, acrylamide

BACKGROUND

The formation of acrylamide (AA) in cooked foods has raised human health concerns. AA is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to glycidamide (GA), which forms DNA adducts. This study examined the inhibitory effects of wasabi (Japanese horseradish, Wasabia japonica) roots and leaves as well as their active component, allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), on the formation and genotoxicity of AA.

RESULTS

AA formation (51.8 ± 4.2 µg kg^-1 ) was inhibited with ≥2 mg mL^-1 of AIT. Wasabi roots also inhibited AA formation (∼90% reduction), but wasabi leaves were not effective at 2 mg mL^-1 . Wasabi roots and leaves decreased the number of cells with micronuclei by approximately 33 and 24% respectively compared with the AA treatment group. Moreover, wasabi roots and leaves (100 mg kg^-1 body weight (BW) day^-1 for each) decreased AA (100 mg kg^-1 BW day^-1 )-induced DNA damage. The AA-induced CYP2E1 activity was decreased by 39 and 26% with wasabi roots and leaves respectively. Further, the activity of glutathione S-transferase, which catalyzes the detoxification of AA via glutathione conjugation, increased by 54 and 33% with wasabi roots and leaves respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that wasabi roots and leaves are effective ingredients for inhibiting the formation and genotoxicity of AA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Modulatory effect of curcumin against genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by cisplatin and methotrexate in male mice

The use of dietary antioxidants to modulate the toxic side effects induced by the anticancer drugs used in chemotherapy is currently eliciting considerable interest. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective role of the antioxidant curcumin (CMN) against genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by cisplatin and methotrexate. Male mice were administered CMN orally in the dosages of 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg for three consecutive days before a single intraperitoneal injection of either cisplatin (6.5 mg/kg) or methotrexate (10 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 24 h after treatment with the used anticancer drugs. The protective role of CMN against the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the tested anticancer drugs was evaluated by using micronucleus and comet assay. The oxidative stress induced by the two anticancer drugs was assessed by determining malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels in kidney tissues. The results indicated that CMN pretreatment at the tested doses reduced the incidence of micronuclei and DNA damage induced by cisplatin and methotrexate. Moreover, malondialdhyde level was significantly decreased while glutathione level was significantly increased in CMN pretreated groups compared with cisplatin- and methotrexate-treated groups. This protective effect of CMN could be attributed to its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion promotes the protective effect of blackberry extract against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress

Acrylamide (AA)-induced toxicity has been associated with accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species. The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate the protective effect of blackberry digests produced after (BBD) in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion against AA-induced oxidative damage. The results indicated that the BBD (0.5 mg/mL) pretreatment significantly suppressed AA-induced intracellular ROS generation (56.6 ± 2.9% of AA treatment), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease (297 ± 18% of AA treatment) and glutathione (GSH) depletion (307 ± 23% of AA treatment), thereby ameliorating cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LC/MS/MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds with high contents in BBD, including ellagic acid, ellagic acid pentoside, ellagic acid glucuronoside, methyl-ellagic acid pentoside, methyl-ellagic acid glucuronoside, cyanidin glucoside, gallic acid and galloyl esters, as primary active compounds responsible for antioxidant action. Collectively, our study uncovered that the protective effect of blackberry was reserved after gastrointestinal digestion in combating exogenous pollutant-induced oxidative stress.

Effect of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in a primary astrocytes/microglial co-culture model

Acrylamide (AA), is a common food contaminant generated by heat processing. Astrocytes and microglia are the two major glial cell types in the brain that play pivotal but different roles in maintaining optimal brain function. The objective of this study is to investigate the neurotoxicity of AA, using a primary astrocytes/microglia co-culture model. Co-cultural cells obtained from Balb/c mice were cultured and treated with 0-1.0mM AA for 24-96h. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative end produces formation and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. The expression of nuclear-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-κB) and selected down-stream genes were measured. Results showed that AA treatment led toa dose-dependent toxicity. Oxidative stress was induced as indicated by an increase of ROS, a decrease of GSH levels, and an increase in the formation of 4-hydroxynonenal-adduct and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine-adduct. Both Nrf2 and NF-κB pathway contributed to the initiation of oxidative stress but the timing of two factors was different. Nrf2 and its related downstream genes were activated earlier than that in NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, AA-induced neurotoxicity attribute to oxidative stress via Nrf2 and NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the co-culture cell model was proven to be a viable model to study AA neurotoxicity.