Stone quarrying induces organ dysfunction and oxidative stress in Meriones libycus

Coenzyme Q10 mitigates cadmium cardiotoxicity by downregulating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and attenuating oxidative stress in mice

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) occurs naturally in the body and possesses antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Cardiotoxicity has emerged as a serious effect of the exposure to cadmium (Cd). This study investigated the curative potential of CoQ10 on Cd cardiotoxicity in mice, emphasizing the involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Mice received a single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg) and a week after, CoQ10 (100 mg/kg) was supplemented daily for 14 days. Mice that received Cd exhibited cardiac injury manifested by the elevated circulating cardiac troponin T (cTnT), CK-MB, LDH and AST. The histopathological and ultrastructural investigations supported the biochemical findings of cardiotoxicity in Cd-exposed mice. Cd administration increased cardiac MDA, NO and 8-oxodG while suppressed GSH and antioxidant enzymes. CoQ10 decreased serum CK-MB, LDH, AST and cTnT, ameliorated histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the heart of mice, decreased cardiac MDA, NO, and 8-OHdG and improved antioxidants. CoQ10 downregulated NF-κB p65, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β, MCP-1, JNK1, and TGF-β in the heart of Cd-administered mice. Moreover, in silico molecular docking revealed the binding potential between CoQ10 and NF-κB, ASC1 PYD domain, NLRP3 PYD domain, MCP-1, and JNK. In conclusion, CoQ10 ameliorated Cd cardiotoxicity by preventing OS and inflammation and modulating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in mice. Therefore, CoQ10 exhibits potent therapeutic benefits in safeguarding cardiac tissue from the harmful consequences of exposure to Cd.

Assessing the Impact of Quarrying as an Environmental Ethic Crisis: A Case Study of Limestone Mining in a Rural Community

In this study, we investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. The need for the study arose when we realised the deteriorating effect of the quality of life in our community, which is located next to a limestone quarry. To obtain a deeper understanding of the adverse impact on the environment and the quality of life of the people living in the community around the quarry, we explored the workers from the community, and the members of the community-based organisation's (CBO) experiences. We employed a qualitative method research approach, using a single case study design. We adopted a utilitarian perspective and Pinchot's conservation as ethical systems that determine morality based on the greatest good for the greatest number. Both provide a framework for analysing environmental problems and ethical crises associated with limestone quarrying. We generated data using face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. We present and discuss data through the following themes: analysis of the social and cultural impacts on local communities and indigenous people, assessment of the ecological consequences on biodiversity and habitat destruction, and examination of the effects on water resources, air quality, and soil erosion. The results show that the negative effects of the quarry on the environment have always worried the local people. The company's disrespect for the community and ignorance of the laws governing quarry activities is the root of the ethical dilemma. The detrimental effects that the operations have on human health and safety as well as the environment is the other ethical dilemma, which includes, land degradation, vibrations, air, and water pollution.

The melatonin receptor agonist agomelatine protects against acute pancreatitis induced by cadmium by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress and modulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Pancreatitis is a serious effect of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) and inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are implicated in Cd-induced pancreatic injury. This study evaluated the effect of the melatonin receptor agonist agomelatine (AGM) on Cd-induced acute pancreatitis (AP), pointing to its modulatory effect on inflammation, OS, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Rats were supplemented with AGM orally for 14 days and a single injection of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on day 7. Cd increased serum amylase and lipase and caused pancreatic endocrine and exocrine tissue injury. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were elevated, nuclear factor (NF)-kB p65, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and CD40 were upregulated, and antioxidants were decreased in the pancreas of Cd-administered rats. AGM ameliorated serum amylase and lipase and pancreatic OS, NF-kB p65, CD40, pro-inflammatory mediators and caspase-3, prevented tissue injury and enhanced antioxidants. AGM downregulated Keap1 and enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 in the pancreas of Cd-administered rats. In silico findings revealed the binding affinity of AGM with Keap1, HO-1, CD40L and caspase-3. In conclusion, AGM protected against AP induced by Cd by preventing inflammation, OS and apoptosis and modulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Cadmium cardiotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress and upregulated TLR-4/NF-kB pathway in rats; protective role of agomelatine

Cardiotoxicity is one of the hazardous effects of the exposure to the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). Inflammation and oxidative injury are implicated in the cardiotoxic mechanism of Cd. The melatonin receptor agonist agomelatine (AGM) showed promising effects against oxidative and inflammatory responses. This study evaluated the effect of AGM on Cd-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, pointing to its modulatory effect on TLR-4/NF-kB pathway and HSP70. Rats received AGM for 14 days and a single dose of Cd on day 7 and blood and heart samples were collected for analyses. Cd increased serum CK-MB, AST and LDH and caused cardiac tissue injury. Cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and MPO were elevated and GSH, SOD and GST decreased in Cd-administered rats. AGM ameliorated serum CK-MB, AST and LDH and cardiac MDA, NO and MPO, prevented tissue injury and enhanced antioxidants. AGM downregulated serum CRP and cardiac TLR-4, NF-kB, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 in Cd-administered rats. HSP70 was upregulated in the heart of Cd-challenged rats treated with AGM. In silico findings revealed the binding affinity of AGM with TLR-4 and NF-kB. In conclusion, AGM protected against Cd cardiotoxicity by preventing myocardial injury and oxidative stress and modulating HSP70 and TLR-4/NF-kB pathway.

Impact of petroleum industry on goats in Saudi Arabia: heavy metal accumulation, oxidative stress, and tissue injury

Heavy metals (HMs) constitute a group of persistent toxic pollutants, and the petroleum industry is one of the sources of these metals. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) in Plantago ovata and milk and tissues of domestic goats in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Plant samples and blood, milk, muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from domestic goats and the levels of Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were determined. Liver and kidney tissue injury, oxidative stress, and expression of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers were evaluated. Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were increased in Plantago ovata as well as in milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney of goats collected from the polluted site. Aminotransferases, creatinine, and urea were increased in serum, and histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney of goats at the oil extraction site. Malondialdehyde and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bax, and caspase-3 were increased, whereas cellular antioxidants and Bcl-2 were decreased in liver and kidney of goats at the polluted site. In conclusion, petroleum industry caused liver and kidney injury, oxidative stress, and upregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers in goats. These findings highlight the negative impact of petroleum industry on the environment and call attention to the assessment of its effect on the health of nearby communities.

Health risks and perceptions of residents exposed to multiple sources of air pollutions: A cross-sectional study on landfill and stone mining in Danang city, Vietnam

Health risks and perceptions of residents living nearby landfills or stone mines/quarries have been well documented; however, the multiple impacts of these two pollution sources have yet to be investigated. This study aims at giving insights into the impacts of residents exposed to two pollution sources in Danang city, Vietnam: Khanh Son landfill and Phuoc Tuong quarry. In this cross-sectional study, 7-point-Likert scale questionnaires were used to collect information from 314 respondents which were divided into three groups: i) Landfill-Stone mine (LS) exposed group within 1 km from both sources, ii) Stone mine (ST) exposed group within 1 km from the stone mine, and iii) the far-exposed group about 2-3 km from the two emission sites. Air pollutants (including H₂S, CH₄, and total suspended particles (TSP)) and noise levels were also sampled. In addition, we estimated the potential health risk assessment due to the exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the study areas. The findings have shown that 1) There is a statistical difference (p-value < 0.001) between the two exposed groups and far-exposed group regarding health risks and residents' perceptions; 2) Compared to the ST exposed group, the LS exposed group statistically showed a higher perception to bad odours and skin diseases; lower satisfaction with regards to the personal health condition and the operation of the landfill; and higher willingness to change current living locations; and 3) There is evidence to indicate that elevated concentrations of air pollutants are associated with the high self-reported health risks and residents' perceptions. Urgent actions should be focused on the LS exposed group, landfill and quarry operations to prevent further adverse health effects.

Heavy Metal Accumulation, Tissue Injury, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Dromedary Camels Living near Petroleum Industry Sites in Saudi Arabia

The petroleum industry can impact the environment and human health. Heavy metals (HMs), including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V), are toxic pollutants found in petroleum that can cause several severe diseases. This study investigated the impact of the oil industry on the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, pointing to HMs accumulation, tissue injury, redox imbalance, inflammation, and apoptosis. Soil and camel samples (milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney) were collected from a site near an oil industry field and another two sites to analyze HMs. Pb, Cd, Ni, and V were increased in the soil and in the camel’s milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney at the polluted site. Serum aminotransferases, urea, and creatinine were elevated, and histopathological alterations were observed in the liver and kidney of camels at the oil industry site. Hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bax, and caspase-3 were increased, whereas cellular antioxidants and Bcl-2 declined in camels at the oil extraction site. In conclusion, the oil industry caused soil and tissue accumulation of HMs, liver and kidney injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in camels living close to the oil extraction site. These findings pinpoint the negative impact of the oil industry on the environment, animal, and human health.

Effect of Visnagin on Altered Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis, and Testicular Injury Induced by the Heavy Metal Lead

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant causing serious health problems, including impairment of reproduction. Visnagin (VIS) is a furanochromone with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its protective efficacy against Pb toxicity has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the protective effect of VIS on Pb reproductive toxicity, impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

METHODS

Rats received VIS (30 or 60 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 3 weeks and blood and testes samples were collected.

RESULTS

Pb intoxication impaired the pituitary-testicular axis (PTA) manifested by the decreased serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone. Pb decreased sperm count, motility and viability, increased sperm abnormalities, and downregulated the steroidogenesis markers StAR, CYP17A1, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the testis of rats. VIS significantly increased serum gonadotropins and testosterone, alleviated sperm parameters and upregulated steroidogenesis. In addition, VIS decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, testicular lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, downregulated Bax, and enhanced antioxidants and Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate the protective effect of VIS against Pb reproductive toxicity in rats. VIS improved serum gonadotropins and testosterone, enhanced steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and attenuated oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, VIS is a promising candidate for the protection against Pb-induced reproduction impairment.

Umbelliferone Inhibits Spermatogenic Defects and Testicular Injury in Lead-Intoxicated Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Improving Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling

INTRODUCTION

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxic metal that threatens human health. Umbelliferone (UMB) is a coumarin with known medicinal and protective properties against cytotoxicity. This study explored the ameliorative effect of UMB against Pb-induced testicular toxicity in rats, focusing on steroidogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats received lead acetate (50 mg/kg) and UMB (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Pb-intoxicated rats exhibited testicular tissue injury and decreased serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone. The count, viability, motility and normal morphology of the sperms were decreased accompanied with downregulated steroidogenesis markers in Pb-induced group. UMB prevented testicular injury, increased serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone, upregulated steroidogenesis markers and improved the semen quality. In addition, UMB attenuated oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage, downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and Bax, boosted antioxidant defenses and Bcl-2, and upregulated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in Pb-intoxicated rats.

CONCLUSION

UMB prevents Pb-induced testicular injury by suppressing oxidative damage, inflammation and cell death, and boosting antioxidant defenses, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and pituitary-gonadal axis. Thus, UMB may represent a protective and cost-effective agent against Pb testicular toxicity, pending further investigations to elucidate other underlying mechanisms.

Allam A, A. El-Serehy H, N. Maodaa S, M. Mahmoud A. Use of Spilopelia senegalensis as a Biomonitor of Heavy Metal Contamination from Mining Activities in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

Simple Summary

Bioindicators and biomonitors are living organisms utilized to appraise the health of the environment or natural ecosystem. Mining, which refers to extraction of valuable materials from the earth, represents a source of heavy metals that can impact the environment, biodiversity, and human health. We investigated the value of the laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) as a biomonitor of environmental contamination with heavy metals from mining practices. Our results revealed the accumulation of heavy metals in the liver, kidneys, and lungs of the laughing dove collected from the mining site. The doves exhibited tissue dysfunction and injury, and decreased antioxidants. These results show the value of the laughing dove as a biomonitor of environmental pollution with heavy metals.

Abstract

Environmental pollution with heavy metals (HMs) is of serious ecological and public health concern worldwide. Mining is one of the main sources of HMs and can impact the environment, species diversity, and human health. This study assessed the value of Spilopelia senegalensis as a biomonitor of environmental contamination with metal(loid)s caused by mining activities. S. senegalensis was collected from a gold mining site and a reference site, and metal(loid)s and biochemical parameters were determined. Lead, cadmium, mercury, vanadium, arsenic, copper, zinc, and iron were significantly increased in the liver, kidney, and lung of S. senegalensis from the mining site. Serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and urea were significantly elevated in S. senegalensis from the mining site. Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were increased, whereas glutathione and antioxidant enzymes were diminished in the liver and kidney of S. senegalensis from the mining site. In addition, multiple histological alterations were observed in the liver, kidney, and lung of S. senegalensis. In conclusion, mining activities provoke the accumulation of metal(loid)s, oxidative stress, and tissue injury in S. senegalensis. Therefore, S. senegalensis is a valuable biomonitor of environmental pollution caused by mining activities and could be utilized in epidemiological avian studies of human health.