Protective effects of isoflavone on some biochemical parameters affected by cypermethrin in male rabbits

Sub-lethal effects of organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides on muscle tissue transaminases of Oreochromis niloticus in vivo

Organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides have been commonly used in public health and agriculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the sub-lethal effects of organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides on transaminases: glutamate oxaloacetate/aspartate transaminase (AST) and glutamate pyruvate/alanine transaminase (ALT) in Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to malathion (OP), chlorpyrifos (OP) and λ-cyhalothrin (synthetic pyrethroid) at sub-lethal concentrations of 1.425, 0.125 and 0.0039 ppm, respectively for 24 and 48 h. AST and ALT activities were shown to be remarkably (p < 0.05) decreased and increased, respectively in O. niloticus treated with the insecticides. The highest and lowest inhibition in AST level were noted as -12.2% and -12.2% in chlorpyrifos and λ-cyhalothrin 24 h treated fish samples, respectively. The highest and lowest elevation in ALT level were recorded as + 313% and 237% in 48 h chlorpyrifos and 24 h malathion treated fish samples, respectively. This indicates that the insecticides used in this study did not result in death but in changes in AST and ALT enzyme activities. Therefore, organophosphates (malathion, chlorpyrifos) and synthetic pyrethroid (λ-cyhalothrin) insecticides are toxic to fishes and could affects their survival in their natural habitat.

Pyrethroid based pesticides - chemical and biological aspects

Human and animal welfare primarily depends on the availability of food and surrounding environment. Over a century and half, the quest to identify agents that can enhance food production and protection from vector borne diseases resulted in the identification and use of a variety of pesticides, of which the pyrethroid based ones emerged as the best choice. Pesticides while improved the quality of life, on the other hand caused enormous health risks. Because of their percolation into drinking water and food chain and usage in domestic settings, humans unintentionally get exposed to the pesticides on a daily basis. The health hazards of almost all known pesticides at a variety of doses and exposure times are reported. This review provides a comprehensive summation on the historical, epidemiological, chemical and biological (physiological, biochemical and molecular) aspects of pyrethroid based insecticides. An overview of the available knowledge suggests that the synthetic pyrethroids vary in their chemical and toxic nature and pose health hazards that range from simple nausea to cancers. Despite large number of reports, studies that focused on identifying the health hazards using doses that are equivalent or relevant to human exposure are lacking. It is high time such studies are conducted to provide concrete evidence on the hazards of consuming pesticide contaminated food. Policy decisions to decrease the residual levels of pesticides in agricultural products and also to encourage organic farming is suggested.

The potential acute and chronic toxicity of cyfluthrin on the soil model organism, Eisenia fetida

In this study, the acute (72h and 14 d) and chronic (28 d and 8 weeks) effects of cyfluthrin on earthworms were evaluated across different endpoints, which are mortality, growth, reproduction and enzyme activities. Cyfluthrin was rated as moderately toxic in 72-h filter paper test and low toxic in 14-day soil test. The exposure of earthworms to cyfluthrin-polluted soil for 8 weeks showed that growth of earthworms was inhibited by cyfluthrin, cocoon production and hatching were inhibited by 20-60mg/kg cyfluthrin. Moreover, 28-day soil test on the responses of enzymes associated with antioxidation and detoxification showed that the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S- transferase (GST) were initially increased by cyfluthrin at 5-20mg/kg, but reduced at 30-60mg/kg, peroxidase (POD) was increased by 26-102% by cyfluthrin in the early period, except 5mg/kg on day 7, and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) was increased by 29-335% by cyfluthrin after 3 days. Cyfluthrin degraded with a half-life of 24.8-34.8 d, showing the inconsistency between the continuous toxic responses of earthworms and degradation of cyfluthrin in soil. The variable responses of these indexes indicated that different level endpoints should be jointly considered for better evaluation of the environmental risk of contaminants in soil.

Long term biochemical changes in offspring of rats fed diet containing alpha-cypermethrin

To investigate the possible developmental programming, we analyzed the effects of maternal and postnatal low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure on metabolic and redox parameters in the offspring. Postnatal changes in plasma biochemical parameters and plasma and tissue oxidative stress markers were determined in offspring of dams fed standard chow or diet containing alpha cypermethrin at 1.50mg/kg/day during gestation and lactation, weaned on to standard chow or on treated diet until adulthood (5months). Our results showed that exposure to alpha cypermethrin induced a significant reduction in body weight, food intake and metabolic alterations such as an increase in plasma glucose, triglyceride, urea, creatinine and AST levels in both postnatal and prenatal/postnatal treated female and male rats. This increase was more pronounced in prenatal/postnatal exposed rats. Alpha-cypermethrin exposure resulted in an imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant status, marked by high levels of carbonyl proteins and MDA, and low levels of antioxidants in erythrocytes, liver and kidney of both male and female offspring. Offspring of exposed dams have pre-existing oxidative stress that was accentuated with postnatal pesticide exposure. In conclusion, maternal alpha-cypermethrin exposure affected metabolism leading to permanent changes in biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and redox markers in the offspring. These abnormalities in offspring were worsened under postnatal pesticide exposure from weaning to adulthood.

The acute and chronic toxic effect of cypermethrin, propetamphos, and their combinations in rats

This study was aimed at determining the acute and chronic toxic effects of cypermethrin, propetamphos, and combined cypermethrin and propetamphos. Four groups, each comprising 10 animals, were established for the acute (a) and chronic (b) toxicity trials, and in total, 80 male Wistar albino rats were used. In the acute toxicity trial, the first group was maintained for control purposes, and groups 2a, 3a, and 4a were administered only once with 80 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin, 25 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos and 80 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin combined with 25 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos, respectively, by gavage directly into the stomach. In the chronic toxicity trial, the first group was also maintained for control purposes, while groups 2b, 3b, and 4b were administered daily with 12 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin, 4 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos, and 12 mg/kg.bw of cypermethrin combined with 4 mg/kg.bw of propetamphos respectively, by gavage directly into the stomach for 60 days. Blood and tissue (liver, kidney, brain, spleen, and testis) samples were taken 24 h after pesticide administration in the acute toxicity trial and at the end of day 60 in the chronic toxicity trial. Oxidative stress (MDA, NO, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and G6PD) parameters, serum biochemical parameters (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, protein, and albumin) and hepatic drug-metabolizing parameters (CYP2E1, CYPB5, CYTC, GST, and GSH) were investigated in the samples. When administered either alone or in combination, both pesticides inhibited the antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA and NO levels. For the drug-metabolizing parameters investigated, particularly in the chronic period, either increase (CYP2E1, CYPB5, and CYTC) or decrease (GST and GSH) was observed. Furthermore, some negative changes were detected in the serum biochemical parameters. In result, cypermethrin and propetamphos combinations and long-term exposure to these combinations produced a greater toxic effect than the administration of these insecticides alone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1415-1429, 2016.

Long-term exposure to cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide cause liver and kidney inflammation and induce genotoxicity in New Zealand white male rabbits

Cypermethrin (CY) is a frequently used class II pyrethroid pesticide, while piperonyl butoxide (PBO) plays a major role in the pesticide formulation of synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are metabolized in mammals via oxidation and ester hydrolysis. PBO can prevent the metabolism of CY and enhances its pesticide effect. While this potentiation effect reduces the amount of pesticide required to eliminate insects, it is not clear how this mixture affects mammals. In our in vivo experiment, New Zealand white male rabbits were exposed to low and high doses of CY, PBO, and their combinations, for 4 months. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were monitored by measuring binucleated cells with micronuclei (BNMN), micronuclei (MN) and the cytokinesis block proliferation index (CBPI) in lymphocytes. After two months of exposure, a statistically significant increase in the frequency of BNMN was observed for all exposed animals (p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent way. MN were significantly elevated compared to controls (p < 0.001), with high dose groups reaching a 442% increase when co-exposed. BNMN and MN continued to increase after four months. Histopathological examination of lesions showed damage involving inflammation, attaining lymphoplasmatocytic infiltration in the high dose groups. Both CY and PBO cause liver and kidney inflammation and induce genotoxicity.

Effects of exposure to pyrethroid cyfluthrin on serotonin and dopamine levels in brain regions of male rats

The effects of cyfluthrin oral exposure (1, 5, 10 and 20mg/kg bw, 6 days) on brain region monoamine levels of male rats were examined. Cyfluthrin-treated rats (1, 5 and 10mg/kg bw, orally 6 days), had no visible injury, i.e., no clinical signs of dysfunction were observed. However, rats treated with cyfluthrin at the highest dose (20mg/kg bw, orally 6 days) showed skeletal muscle contraction in the hind limbs, slight movement incoordination without any signs of dyskinesia and tremor after 1-2h of treatment. These signs were reversible at 6h after dose. After last dose of cyfluthrin, dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolites levels were determined in brain regions hypothalamus, midbrain, hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex by HPLC. Cyfluthrin (1mg/kg bw, orally 6 days) did not affect the DA, 5-HT and metabolites levels in the brain regions studied. Cyfluthrin (5, 10 and 20mg/kg bw, orally 6 days) caused a statistically significant decrease in DA and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA levels and in 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA levels in a brain region- and dose-related manner. Moreover, cyfluthrin (20mg/kg bw, orally 6 days) evoked a statistically significant increase in 5-HT turnover in striatum and midbrain, and in DA turnover in striatum and prefrontal cortex. These findings indicate that serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission is affected by exposure to cyfluthrin and may contribute to the overall spectrum of neurotoxicity caused by this pyrethroid.

The toxic effect of cypermethrin, amitraz and combinations of cypermethrin-amitraz in rats

In this study, the effects of cypermethrin (CYP), amitraz (AMT) and combined cypermethrin-amitraz (CYP-AMT) on some serum biochemical, oxidative stress and drug-metabolising parameters were investigated in male Wistar albino rats. CYP, AMT and combined CYP-AMT were administered at doses of 80 mg kg(-1) bw(-1) of CYP and 170 mg kg(-1) bw(-1) of AMT for 1 day (single dose), and at doses of 12 mg kg(-1) bw(-1) of CYP and 25 mg kg(-1) bw(-1) of AMT for 40 days by oral gavage. Oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)), serum biochemical (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, asparatate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin) in blood/tissues (liver, kidney, brain, spleen and testis) and hepatic drug-metabolising (cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (CYPb5), NADPH-cytochrome c reductase/NADPH cytocrome P450 reductase (CYTC), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH)) parameters were measured in liver samples taken on days 1 and 40. In result, it was determined that CYP, AMT and their combinations led to significant changes in the parameters investigated, and it was ascertained that long-term exposure to insecticides and the administration of insecticide combinations produced greater toxic effects in comparison with the administration of insecticides alone.

Malathion-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats: biochemical and histopathological studies

The increasing use of organophosphorus pesticides in the environment constitutes an ecotoxicological hazard especially for humans and non-target animals. Hereby, we analyzed the toxic effects of malathion on the histological structure of liver and biochemical parameters in male rats. Three groups received daily different amounts of malathion: 1/1000, 1/100, and 1/10 LD50 for 30 days. The weights of treated rat's liver have increased. Analyzed tissues showed centrilobular and sinusoidal congestion, hepatocyte hypertrophy, cellular vacuolization, anucleated hepatocytes, depletion of organelles affecting the majority of cells, and presence of necrotic foci into the hepatic parenchyma. Histological sections of the liver showed important hepatocyte glycogen storage. We conclude that malathion stimulates the filing of glycogen in a dose-dependent manner. Biochemical parameters showed that alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels increased in the treated groups when the level of total protein decreased in intoxicated groups.

Evidence for dose-additive effects of a type II pyrethroid mixture. In vitro assessment

Despite the widespread use of pyrethroid insecticides that led to common exposure in the population, few studies have been conducted to quantitatively assess dose-additive effects of pyrethroids using a funcional measure involved in the common toxic mode of action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency and efficacy of 6 Type II pyretroids (α-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, λ-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, cyphenothrin and esfenvalerate) to evoke induction of both nitric oxide and lipid peroxides levels measured as malondialdehyde in three in vitro models (SH-SY5Y, HepG2 and Caco-2 human cells) as well as to test the hypothesis of dose additivity for mixtures of these same 6 pyrethroids. Concentration-responses for 6 pyrethroids were determined as well as the response to mixtures of all 6 pyrethroids. Additivity was tested assuming a dose-additive model. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was the most sensitive in vitro model. The rank order of potency for cell SH-SY5Y viability MTT assay was deltamethrin>cyphenothrin>λ-cyhalothrin>cyfluthrin>esfenvalerate>α-cypermethrin. When 6 pyrethroids were present in the mixture at an equitoxic mixing ratio, the action on nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) production was consistent with a dose-additive model. The results of the present study are consistent with previous reports of additivity of pyrethroids in vivo e in vitro.

Toxicity Assessment of Cadinene Sesquiterpenes from Eupatorium adenophorum in Mice

This study evaluated toxic efficacy of Eupatorium adenophorum extracts, against the Kunming mice. In acute study, we firstly tested median lethal dose (LD50) in mice of three cadinene sesquiterpenes 2-deoxo-2-(acetyloxy)-9-oxoageraphorone (DAOA), 9-oxo-agerophorone (OA) and 9-oxo-10,11-dehydro-agerophorone (ODA) from Eupatorium adenophorum (Ea). DAOA (215-4640 mg/kg BW, given orally) showed lowest LD50 at 926 mg/kg BW for male mice in contrast with OA (1470 mg/kg BW) and ODA (1470 mg/kg BW). In sub-acute study, repeated doses (75-300 mg/kg BW, for 7 days) of DAOA/OA increased blood parameters, liver and spleen index in dose dependent relationship, along with decrease in thymus index. The blood biochemical and histopathological examination showed that DAOA/OA dose 300 mg/kg BW significantly causes pathological changes of hepatic lobules and hepatocytes, which are consistent with cholestasis and hepatic injury. 75 mg/kg dose of DAOA/OA was found to be approximately/totally safe over the span of 7 days treatment showing no change in all above described parameters. Cadinene sesquiterpenes guarantee low risk to environment as a type of low toxic botanical components, which may find potential application in biopesticides development field.

Antioxidant action of soy isoflavones on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in exercised rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Isoflavones are widely believed to be beneficial to human health, in relation to their antioxidant potentials. Exercise can cause an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. This study was conducted in order to investigate the ability of isoflavones in amelioration of oxidative stress induced by exercise.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: isoflavone-free with no exercise (CON-sd), isoflavone-free with exercise (CON-ex), isoflavone-supplemented with no exercise (ISF-sd), and isoflavone-supplemented with exercise (ISF-ex). Animals exercised on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. TBARS as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, GSH-px, and catalase were determined in liver tissue. Serum lipid profile was also examined.

RESULTS

A significant effect of isoflavone alone was observed on abdominal fat pad mass. ISF-ex had significantly less abdominal fat pad than CON-ex. Both exercise and isoflavone treatment had significant effects on lowering plasma triglyceride (TG), thus, the ISF-ex group had a significantly lower TG level than the CON-sd group, by 30.9%. However, no differences were observed in plasma cholesterol, HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Exercise, isoflavone, and exercise-isoflavone interaction effects were significant on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.005, respectively). The CON-ex group showed a higher TBARS level than the other three groups. By contrast, in the ISF-ex group, TBARS was restored to the level of the ISF-sd or CON-sd group. Isoflavone had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P = 0.022) and catalase activities (P = 0.049). Significantly higher SOD and catalase activities were observed in ISF-ex than CON-ex. SOD and catalase activities showed an inverse pattern of TBARS. Taken together, isoflavones increased the activities of SOD and catalase with concomitant decreases in TBARS, indicative of decreased oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Isoflavone supplementation enhances antioxidant action with attenuation of exercise-induced oxidative stress, as measured by decreases in TBARS, and inhibits body fat accumulation and plasma TG increase. Antioxidative effects ascribed to isoflavones may be partially exerted via enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities.

Oxidative stress, hematological and biochemical alterations in farmers exposed to pesticides

In this study, a cohort of farmers from the Mateur region in the North of Tunisia, were interviewed and examined for the biochemical effects of pesticides. We studied their haematological profile, lipid parameters, serum markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. We also evaluated the activities of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and thiolactonase-paroxonase (PON). Moreover, lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. The duration of pesticide use and the farmers' age were considered in the analysis. Our results revealed significant differences in some haematological parameters, in liver and kidney functions, in the lipidic status of the pesticide-exposed group. We also reported an increase in the index of incidence of cardiovascular risk in farmer populations. A significant decrease in AChE, BChE and PON levels was found among farmers. Lipid peroxidation, however, increased. The activities of SOD and CAT were remarkably elevated in farmer populations. There was a significant relation between changes in biological markers, the duration of pesticide use and the farmers' age. This study indicates that a long-term exposure to pesticides may play an important role in the development of vascular diseases via metabolic disorders of lipoproteins, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, inhibition of BChE and decrease in thiolactonase-PON levels.

Cytotoxicity induced by deltamethrin and its metabolites in SH-SY5Y cells can be differentially prevented by selected antioxidants

Deltamethrin, an α-cyano pyrethroid insecticide, is a relatively potent neurotoxicant. The main deltamethrin metabolism mechanisms are ester cleavage and oxidation at the 2' and 4' position of the terminal aromatic ring. Although some aspects of the toxicity properties of deltamethrin have been reported, limited information is available about the metabolites cytotoxic actions. The aims of this study are to examine in vitro neurotoxicity of deltamethrin and its metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), 2'-OH-deltamethrin, and 4'-OH-deltamethrin and to evaluate melatonin (0.1, 1μM), trolox (0.3, 1μM) and N-acetylcysteine (500, 1000μM) protective role in SH-SY5Y cells. MTT and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays were carried out to assess the cytotoxicity of deltamethrin and its metabolites. Of the three metabolites tested, while 3-PBA (0.01-1000μM) did not show neurotoxicity, 2'-OH- and 4'-OH-deltamethrin (10-1000μM) were more toxic than deltamethrin (10-1000μM). Levels of both nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde were significantly increased in deltamethrin and 4'-OH-deltamethrin-treated cells. Compared to other antioxidants, 1μM MEL treatment effectively protected against deltamethrin and 4'-OH-deltamethrin-induced lipid peroxidation and ameliorated the NO adverse effect that might have been caused. These results suggest that oxidative stress observed is one of the major mechanisms of deltamethrin-induced neurotoxicity and it may be attributed in part to deltamethrin disposition and metabolism.

Genistein suppresses spontaneous oviduct tumorigenesis in quail

Spontaneous leiomyomas of the oviduct are common tumors of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and laying hens. This makes it a good animal model for screening potential agents for testing in the prevention and treatment of human myoma uteri. Genistein has been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. We investigated the effects of genistein supplementation on the development of fibroid tumors in the oviduct, serum oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane, 4-hydroxyalkenal (HAE), 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels], soy isoflavone levels, and tissue biomarkers [Connexin 43 (Cx43), Bcl-2, and Bax and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression] in Japanese quail. One hundred and fifty quail (12 mo old) were assigned to 3 experimental groups as 5 replicates of pens containing 10 birds in each. Birds were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 400 mg or 800 mg of genistein/kg of diet. The animals were sacrificed after 315 days, and the tumors were identified. Genistein supplementation significantly decreased the incidence of fibroid tumors as compared to control birds (P = 0.04). The tumors in genistein-fed birds were smaller than those found in control birds (P = 0.02). Serum MDA, 8-isoprostane, and HAE levels were lower in treatment groups than in control group (MDA: 2.01 vs. 0.82; 8-isoprostane: 135 vs. 101; HAE: 1.45 vs. 0.73; P <or= 0.01). The concentrations of serum 8-OHdG, which is a marker of oxidative damage, in the groups were 27.5, 22.4, and 21.3 ng/ml, respectively (P = 0.05). The expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, Bcl-2, was 4.18 and 4.61 in the genistein groups and 6.21 in the control group, and the expression of Bax was 10.93 and 16.78 in the genistein groups and 7.60 in the control group (P < 0.001 for Bax). Cx43 level was 2.56 and 2.40 in the genistein groups compared with 5.15 in the control group. None of the differences in the Cx43 and Bcl-2 of the groups were significant. The expression of heat shock proteins, Hsp60 and Hsp70, were not different between groups, although Hsp70 level of the genistein groups (19.73) was lower than the control group (27.8). The results indicate that dietary supplementation of genistein reduces the incidence and size of spontaneously occurring leiomyoma of the oviduct in the Japanese quail. Clinical trials should be conducted to investigate the efficacy of genistein supplementation in the prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyoma in humans.

Aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) prevents cypermethrin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Cypermethrin (CM) is an important type II pyrethroid pesticide used extensively in pest control and is reported to cause hepatic and renal toxicity. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been implicated in the toxicology of pyrethroids. Fenugreek is known for its antitoxic and antioxidant potential. We have investigated the protective effect of aqueous extract of germinated fenugreek seeds in CM-induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Male Wistar rats were treated with 1/10 LD(50) (25 mg/kg body weight) of CM and 10% aqueous extract of fenugreek (GFaq) for 60 days. CM treatment caused increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), depletion in glutathione (GSH) and reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver and kidneys. There was a significant reduction in total phospholipids and increased activities of phospholipases A (PLA) and C (PLC) in liver and kidneys and increased activities of serum marker enzymes, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine tansaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). Treatment with 10% GFaq showed replenishment of antioxidant status and brought all the values to near normal, indicating the protective effect of fenugreek. Phytochemicals present in fenugreek could play an important role in ameliorating the pesticide-induced toxicity.

The effect of total extract of Securigera securidaca L. seeds on serum lipid profiles, antioxidant status, and vascular function in hypercholesterolemic rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

Seeds of Securigera securidaca are used for the treatment of disorders such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and epilepsy in Iranian folk medicine. The possible hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. securidaca seeds as well as the effect of the extract on vascular reactivity were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-fat fed wistar rats received orally different doses of the extract for 20 days. At the end of the experiment vein blood and liver were collected to measure the lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative enzyme activities. The thoracic aorta was excised and used for isolated vessel preparation and histological study.

RESULTS

The extract produced significant reductions (p<0.05) in the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride with concomitant reduction in lipid deposition in the liver. The extract also suppressed markedly (p<0.001) the hypercholesterolemia-induced elevation of malondialdehyde levels both in serum and liver. In hypercholesterolemic rats the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was improved significantly (p<0.05) by 100mg/kg/day of the extract. However, in histological study no atherosclerotic lesion was observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that S. securidaca seed in addition to decrease lipid levels and peroxidation, is able to improve vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation in hypercholesterolemia.

Effect of selected antioxidants in beta-cyfluthrin-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes in vitro

beta-Cyfluthrin is one of the most widely used type II pyrethroid in agriculture. The aim of this study was to examine (1) the possibility of beta-cyfluthrin to induce oxidative stress in human erythrocytes in vitro and its effect on catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as (2) the role of melatonin (MEL; 2mM), its precursor--N-acetylserotonin (NAS; 1mM), quercetin (Q; 80 microM) and rutin (R; 80 microM) in alleviating the cytotoxic effects of beta-cyfluthrin. Erythrocytes were divided into portions. The first portion was incubated for 4h at 37 degrees C with different concentrations (0, 43, 215, 1075 ppm) of beta-cyfluthrin. The other portions were preincubated with selected antioxidant, respectively for 30 min and followed by beta-cyfluthrin incubation for 4h. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, CAT and SOD activities, as well as haemolysis percentage (H) were measured in all treatment portions of erythrocytes. It could be concluded that the in vitro toxicity of beta-cyfluthrin may be associated with oxidative stress. Significant reduction in the activities of CAT was observed at all beta-cyfluthrin concentrations, while SOD activities were significantly decreased only in erythrocytes incubated with the highest beta-cyfluthrin concentration. SOD activity of the non-pretreated erythrocytes exposed to the lowest dose of beta-cyfluthrin was significantly greater when compared to comparably beta-cyfluthrin-exposed antioxidant pretreated cells. The highest concentration of beta-cyfluthrin has caused over 35% haemolysis, and the lowest concentration about 15%. MEL pretreatment had no effect on H and MDA induction by beta-cyfluthrin. NAS, Q and R reduced H and MDA level, but could not prevent induction of these parameters. Compared to other antioxidants NAS appeared to maintain better the CAT activity at control levels for all doses of beta-cyfluthrin. Pretreatment with Q was found to protect against the decrease in SOD activity induced by beta-cyfluthrin.

Evaluation of protective effect of bee pollen against propoxur toxicity in rat

In this study, 28 Wistar female rats (200-250g) were used and divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was allocated as the control group. Groups 2-4 were administered 100mg/kg/bw/day bee pollen, 20mg/kg/bw/day propoxur, and 100mg/kg/bw/day bee pollen plus 20mg/kg/bw/day propoxur by gavage for 14 days, respectively. At the end of the 14th day, blood and tissues (the liver, kidney, brain, and heart) were collected from all animals. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px) and some other biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, total bilirubin, GGT, LDH, AST, ALT, and ALP) were analyzed. According to the data obtained, propoxur was determined to lead to negative changes in most of the biochemical parameters investigated and the administration of bee pollen was determined to alleviate these effects.

Chronic exposure to pyrethroid-based allethrin and prallethrin mosquito repellents alters plasma biochemical profile

Continuous exposure of humans to pyrethroid-based mosquito repellents for longer durations may lead to adverse health effects. No information is available on long-term use of these mosquito repellents pertaining to the biochemical changes in human subjects. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to evaluate the status of health in human volunteers exposed to two commercially available mosquito repellent pyrethroids, allethrin and prallethrin, in terms of changes in plasma biochemical profile. Results of this study showed less but significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, phospholipids, nitrite and nitrate, lipidperoxides with a decrease in plasma cholesterol. No significant changes were observed in the contents of total protein, albumin, globulin, HDL-C and LDL-C. However, SGPT activity increased significantly in persons exposed to only allethrin. Though the present investigation involving a limited number of human subjects indicates the onset of both protective changes as well as derangement in metabolism, a detailed and rigorous study is greatly warranted to arrive at a definite conclusion about the effects of pyrethroid mosquito repellents.

Clinical toxicoses of domestic rabbits

Toxicoses are an uncommon presentation to rabbit practitioners; however, veterinarians who accept rabbits as patients should be familiar with the basic concepts of toxicosis management and the specific syndromes associated with clinical toxicoses. The objective of this article is to present clinically relevant information for veterinarians presented with rabbits exhibiting characteristic signs of toxicosis. In addition, specific mention is made to the most common clinical toxicoses, including lead, chemicals, rodenticides, aflatoxins, and poisonous plants.

Acute intoxication of deltamethrin in monosex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus with special reference to the clinical, biochemical and haematological effects

Deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, potential toxic pollutant and significant direct risk to the aquatic ecosystems, was investigated in the present study for its toxic impact on adult monosex Nile tilapia on the basis of acute static bioassay test, and comparison of clinical, biochemical and haemato logical examinations with deltamethrin-free control group. The 96hLC(50) value of deltamethrin for monosex tilapia was 14.6μg/L. The abnormal behavioral responses and toxic symptoms were described. Fish exposed to the higher deltamethrin concentration (15μg/L) for 96h showed significantly higher lymphocytes, total leucocytic and erythrocytic counts, haemoglobin percentage and packed cell volume content and significantly lower neutrophils compared to the control group. Deltamethrin caused adverse effects in the form of hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypoglycemia and significant increase of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. The results provide evidence that deltamethrin pollution may have adverse impacts and was highly toxic to monosex tilapia.

Lambda-cyhalothrin-induced changes in oxidative stress biomarkers in rabbit erythrocytes and alleviation effect of some antioxidants

Erythrocytes are a convenient model to understand the membrane oxidative damage induced by various xenobiotic-prooxidants. This study was designed to investigate (1) the possibility of lambda-cyhalothrin (LC), a type II pyrethroid, to induce oxidative stress response in rabbit erythrocytes in vitro and its effect on selected antioxidant enzymes and (2) the role of vitamin C (VC; 20mM) and vitamin E (VE; 2mM) in alleviating the cytotoxic effects of LC. Erythrocytes were divided into three groups. The first group, previously prepared erythrocytes was incubated for 4h at 37 degrees C with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5mM) of LC. The second and third groups were preincubated with VC or VE, respectively for 20 min and followed by LC incubation for 4h. Following in vitro exposure, LC caused a significant induction of oxidative damage in erythrocytes at different concentrations as evidenced by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. However, a significant decrease in the content of sulfhydryl groups (SH-groups), and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were observed. The response was concentration dependent. VC or VE pretreated erythrocytes showed a significant protection against the cytotoxic effects induced by LC on the studied parameters. In conclusion, antioxidant vitamins especially VE could be able to ameliorate LC-induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and altering antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Morus alba L. (Egyptian mulberry) root bark fractions supplementation in cholesterol-fed rats

The 70% alcohol extract of the Egyptian Morus alba L. root bark was fractionated over cellulose CC eluted with water, 50% methanol and finally with 100% methanol to yield 3 fractions (MRBF-1, MRBF-2 and MRBF-3), respectively. In continuation of chromatographic purification of 70% alcohol extract fractions of the Egyptian M. alba L. root bark, 4 compounds namely: mulberroside A, 5,7,2'-trihydroxyflavanone-4'-O-beta-D-glucoside and albanols A and B were isolated from MRBF-2 for the first time from the Egyptian plant. Experimentally induced atherosclerosis was produced by feeding rats a diet enriched in coconut oil (25% by weight) and cholesterol (2% by weight) for 21 days. Then, hypercholesterolemic rats were orally administered (MRBF-1, MRBF-2 and MRBF-3 fractions) in a dose of 500 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 15 successive days, in order to evaluate their expected hypocholesterolemic activity. Lipid profile parameters such as plasma total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, LDL:HDL ratio and triglycerides, as well as plasma and liver lipid peroxides and glutathione-S-transferase enzyme levels, serum paraoxonase enzyme level, LDL oxidation, LDL aggregation and LDL retention, were measured. Plasma and liver glutathione-S-transferase enzyme levels were unaffected in all studied groups. The results revealed that the administration of (MRBF-2 and/or MRBF-3) fractions resulted in alleviation of atherosclerotic state. Administration of MRBF-3 significantly retained plasma and liver peroxides towards their normal levels, and also, produced significant increase in resistance towards major atherogenic modifications; namely LDL oxidation, LDL aggregation and LDL retention by 44%, 30%, and 33%, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that the consumption of MRBF-2 and (MRBF-3, in some extent) fractions of M. alba L. root bark 70% alcohol extract may act as a potent hypocholesterolemic nutrient and powerful antioxidant via the inhibition of LDL atherogenic modifications and lipid peroxides formation in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Influence of Prevastein, an isoflavone-rich soy product, on mammary gland development and tumorigenesis in Tg.NK (MMTV/c-neu) mice

We investigated spontaneous mammary tumor development and mammary gland morphogenesis in female Tg.NK mice postnatally exposed to dietary soy isoflavones (0, 11, 39, and 130 mg aglycones/kg diet) added to a Western-style diet. Instead of preventing mammary tumorigenesis, the highest dose of isoflavones was associated with a small but significant increase in the number and size of tumors as compared to mice administered a Western-style control diet (P < 0.05). At postnatal Week 6, dynamic activity (measured as apoptotic density) at the highest dose and the degree of branching of the mammary tree in all isoflavone-exposed groups was increased as compared to controls (P < 0.05). At adulthood, the epithelium appeared more quiescent in the medium- and high-dose groups evident by reduced apoptotic density and a reduction in the percentage of terminal end buds (TEBs), respectively, as compared to controls (P < 0.05). The number of actively dividing cells within the TEBs was unaffected by isoflavone exposure as was the activity of drug-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, isoflavones may augment mammary gland and mammary tumor development.

Antioxidant activities and lipid lowering effects of isoflavone in male rabbits

Dietary flavonoids appear to play a role in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and the soy isoflavones have been the focus of particular. Consumption of soy isoflavones may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease both through reduction in serum lipids and by the antioxidant properties. We have therefore investigate the effects of either 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses of isoflavones on the levels of free radicals, lipids and lipoproteins in male New Zealand White rabbits. Animals were orally given 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses of isoflavones. The tested doses were given to rabbits every other day for 13 weeks. Treatment with isoflavones caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in the concentrations of free radicals in plasma by 33% and 35%, liver by 18% and 27%, brain by 12% and 33%, testes by 40% and 21%, and kidney by 38% and 20% for 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses, respectively, as compared to the control. On the other hand, the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) did not change in treated animals as compared to control. Also, results showed that isoflavones caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of plasma total lipids (TL) by 16% and 19%, total cholesterol by 20% and 20%, triglyceride (TG) by 18% and 23%, low density lipoprotein (LDL) by 19%, 22%, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by 18% and 23%, and LDL:HDL ratio by 36% and 39% for 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses, respectively, as compared to the control. While the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 29% and 32%. The present results showed that the 5 mg/kg dose of isoflavone seemed to be related to a better plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles and antioxidant activity.