Ascorbic acid modulates testicular toxicity of Ampligo® 150 ZC insecticide in male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid (AA) against lambda cyhalothrin insecticide formulation Ampligo® (AP)-induced testicular toxicity in rabbit laboratory strain ITELV2006 (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups and treated by oral gavage for 21 consecutive days: Group 1 served as a control and received 1 ml of distilled water, group 2 was supplemented with1ml of ascorbic acid (AA) dilution (200 mg/kg b.w), Group 3 was treated with a dose of AP at 20 mg/kg bw (1 µl/1 ml of distilled water/animal), whereas group 4 was co-administered AA and AP as the same dose of group 2 and 3, respectively. Hormonal, histomorphometrical, and immunohistochemical methods were performed at the end of the study to detect testes damage. The results showed that AP exposure significantly reduced body weight, absolute and relative testicular weights, and testosterone levels. AP caused changes in testes tissue, namely incomplete spermatogenic series and necrosis of the spermatogonial cells lining in the seminiferous tubules of rabbits. Co-administrating AA clearly modulated body and testes weights, hormonal parameters, and histopathological damage. Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level expression in the testes of the AP group. However, supplementation of the AP rabbits with AA modulated the observed result. Taken together, these data suggest that AA may protect against Ampligo-induced testicular damage.

A Common Feature of Pesticides: Oxidative Stress-The Role of Oxidative Stress in Pesticide-Induced Toxicity

Pesticides are important chemicals or biological agents that deter or kill pests. The use of pesticides has continued to increase as it is still considered the most effective method to reduce pests and increase crop growth. However, pesticides have other consequences, including potential toxicity to humans and wildlife. Pesticides have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and birth defects. Labels on pesticides also suggest limiting exposure to these hazardous chemicals. Based on experimental evidence, various types of pesticides all seem to have a common effect, the induction of oxidative stress in different cell types and animal models. Pesticide-induced oxidative stress is caused by both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are associated with several diseases including cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. ROS and RNS can activate at least five independent signaling pathways including mitochondrial-induced apoptosis. Limited in vitro studies also suggest that exogenous antioxidants can reduce or prevent the deleterious effects of pesticides.

Pesticide residues in honey and their potential reproductive toxicity

Honey is the sweet natural substance produced by honeybees. It may be contaminated with pesticide residues due to its intensive use. Almost no reviews have addressed pesticide residues in honey, calculated a hazard index or discussed their potential reproductive toxicity. The focus of this article is primarily to summarize advances in research related to pesticide residues, estimate daily intake of pesticide residues from consuming honey only and discuss the potential reproductive toxicity associated with those residues. The results showed that 92 pesticide residues were found in honey samples from 27 countries. Six residues belong to class IA toxicity, eight residues belong to class IB toxicity, 42 residues belong to class II, 35 residues belong to class III and one residue belong to class IV toxicity. The calculated hazard indices (HIs) suggest high potential health risk by consuming honey. In addition, residues found in honey are known to impair semen quality among exposed individuals and experimental animal models. In conclusion, consumption of honey as one of many food items contaminated with pesticide residues may induce male and female reproductive toxicity in consumers.

Effects of resveratrol on the inflammatory response and renal injury in hyperuricemic rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hyperuricemic nephropathy is a common cause of acute kidney injury. Resveratrol can ameliorate kidney injury, but the explicit mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on the inflammatory response and renal injury in hyperuricemic rats.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A rat model of hyperuricemic nephropathy was established by the oral administration of a mixture of adenine and potassium oxinate. Biochemical analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess the rat kidney function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to evaluate the immune and oxidative responses.

RESULTS

The expression levels of urine albumin and β2-microglobulin were significantly decreased after resveratrol treatment. In addition, the levels of serum creatinine and uric acid were significantly decreased in the resveratrol groups, compared with the control group. The levels of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, in kidney tissue and serum were also increased in the hyperuricemic rats, and resveratrol treatment inhibited their expression. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity in kidney tissue as well as the superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase levels in serum were all decreased by resveratrol treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol may protect against hyperuricemic nephropathy through regulating the inflammatory response.

SIRT1-mediated amelioration of oxidative stress in kidney of alcohol-aflatoxin-B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by resveratrol is catalase dependent and GPx independent

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of primary liver cancer and dietary exposure to aflatoxins is a major risk factor of HCC. The current study aimed to assess the role of resveratrol and nicotinamide in renal toxicity during alcohol-aflatoxin-B1-induced HCC. The results revealed that resveratrol treatment normalized the level of urea, lipid peroxidation, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, which were increased in HCC. It also downregulated the increased expression of sirtuin 1 in HCC kidney. Furthermore, amelioration of oxidative stress in kidney of HCC rats by resveratrol was observed to be catalase dependent and glutathione peroxidase independent.

Impacts of resveratrol versus platelet-rich plasma for treatment of experimentally lithium-induced thyroid follicular cell toxicity in rats. A histological and immunohistochemical study

Lithium (Li) is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of mental disorders, associated with many serious hazards. Resveratrol (RSV) has various beneficial therapeutic effects. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a new promising curative tool. This study aimed to assess the impacts of RSV versus PRP on lithium-induced thyroid follicular cell toxicity in adult male rats. Forty-nine adult male rats were divided into four groups: group I: control rats; group II: lithium-treated rats; group III: lithium- and resveratrol-treated rats; group IV: lithium and PRP-treated rats. Thyroid specimens were taken and processed for histological and immunohistochemical methods. Morphometrical studies and statistical analysis were done. Group II showed distorted thyroid follicles, significantly increased collagen fibers, and highly positive P53 immunostaining (P < 0.01). Ultrastructural examination showed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and damaged mitochondria. Groups III and IV exhibited significant amelioration of the histological and electron microscopic changes mentioned previously. PRP remedy was more effective than RSV for treatment of Li-induced thyroid follicular cell toxicity.