Effects of diazinon on the ovarian tissue of rats: a histochemical and ultrastructural study

Despite the negative environmental and biologic effects, organophosphates have currently been widely used. We aimed to examine the possible negative effects of diazinon, a type of organophosphate, on rat ovarian tissue. Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. No treatment was given to control, olive oil was applied to sham group. Experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with 30 and 60 mg/kg/day diazinon, respectively. 24 h later, ovarian tissues were extracted, preparated, examined via light and electron microscope. In the experimental groups granulosa and corpus luteum showed degenerative changes. Dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and morphological alterations of mitochondria in granulosa cells were detected utrastructurally. Also, accumulation of lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles was observed in cells of corpus luteum. A statistically significant dose-dependent decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase reactivity and a statistically significant increase in caspase-3 expression in cells of atretic follicles and corpus luteum were observed. Results show that exposure to a single dose of diazinon may disrupt antioxidant system, trigger atresia in follicles and negatively effect corpus luteum functions. It was concluded that studies applying possible antioxidant treatments should be carried out to reduce and prevent the negative effects of diazinon on the reproductive system.

The role of miRNA-21 and hypoxia inducible factor-1 in predicting post mortem interval in cardiac muscles of aluminum phosphide deaths

BACKGROUND

The assessment of the postmortem interval (PMI) represents one of the major challenges in forensic pathology. Because of their stability, microRNAs, or miRNAs, are anticipated to be helpful in forensic research.

OBJECTIVE

To see if estimation of PMI is possible using miRNA-21 and Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression levels in the heart samples from aluminum phosphide toxicity (Alpt).

METHODS

This was a cross sectional study on 60 post-mortem samples (heart tissues) collected at different intervals during forensic autopsies. The two groups were allocated equally according to the cause of death into Group I (non-toxicated deaths, n = 30): Deaths caused by other than toxicity, and Group II (toxicated deaths, n = 30): Deaths due to Alpt. MDA (Malondialdehyde) and GSH (Glutathione), were measured in heart tissues using ELIZA. MiRNA- 21and HIF-1α expression levels were measured in heart tissues at different PMI using RT-Q PCR. ROC curve for detection of toxicated deaths using miRNA-21 and HIF was carried out.

RESULTS

miRNA-21 and HIF-1α expression levels in Alp deaths were up regulated while GSH was downregulated with statistically significant difference. There was positive correlation between miRNA-21, HIF-1α and MDA with PMI while there was negative correlation between GSH and PMI in Alp deaths. In prediction of post mortem interval in Alp deaths miRNA-21 sensitivity and specificity were (75.9 %, 51.7 %, respectively) while HIF-1α sensitivity and specificity were 100 %.

CONCLUSION

PMI can be calculated using the degree to which particular miRNA-21 and HIF-1α are expressed in the heart tissue. The combination of miRNA-21 with HIF-1α in post mortem estimation is precious indicators.

β-Hexachlorocyclohexane triggers neuroinflammatory activity, epigenetic histone post-translational modifications and cognitive dysfunction

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which encompass pesticides and industrial chemicals widely utilized across the globe, pose a covert threat to human health. β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is an organochlorine pesticide with striking stability, still illegally dumped in many countries, and recognized as responsible for several pathogenetic mechanisms. This study represents a pioneering exploration into the neurotoxic effects induced by the exposure to β-HCH specifically targeting neuronal cells (N2a), microglia (BV-2), and C57BL/6 mice. As shown by western blot and qPCR analyses, the administration of β-HCH triggered a modulation of NF-κB, a key factor influencing both inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. We demonstrated by proteomic and western blot techniques epigenetic modifications in H3 histone induced by β-HCH. Histone acetylation of H3K9 and H3K27 increased in N2a, and in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice administered with β-HCH, whereas it decreased in BV-2 cells and in the hippocampus. We also observed a severe detrimental effect on recognition memory and spatial navigation by the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and the Object Place Recognition Task (OPRT) behavioural tests. Cognitive impairment was linked to decreased expression of the genes BDNF and SNAP-25, which are mediators involved in synaptic function and activity. The obtained results expand our understanding of the harmful impact produced by β-HCH exposure by highlighting its implication in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. These findings will support intervention programs to limit the risk induced by exposure to POPs. Regulatory agencies should block further illicit use, causing environmental hazards and endangering human and animal health.

Assessing the Risks of Pesticide Exposure: Implications for Endocrine Disruption and Male Fertility

Pesticides serve as essential tools in agriculture and public health, aiding in pest control and disease management. However, their widespread use has prompted concerns regarding their adverse effects on humans and animals. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the toxicity profile of pesticides, focusing on their detrimental impacts on the nervous, hepatic, cardiac, and pulmonary systems, and their impact on reproductive functions. Additionally, it discusses how pesticides mimic hormones, thereby inducing dysfunction in the endocrine system. Pesticides disrupt the endocrine system, leading to neurological impairments, hepatocellular abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction, and respiratory issues. Furthermore, they also exert adverse effects on reproductive organs, disrupting hormone levels and causing reproductive dysfunction. Mechanistically, pesticides interfere with neurotransmitter function, enzyme activity, and hormone regulation. This review highlights the effects of pesticides on male reproduction, particularly sperm capacitation, the process wherein ejaculated sperm undergo physiological changes within the female reproductive tract, acquiring the ability to fertilize an oocyte. Pesticides have been reported to inhibit the morphological changes crucial for sperm capacitation, resulting in poor sperm capacitation and eventual male infertility. Understanding the toxic effects of pesticides is crucial for mitigating their impact on human and animal health, and in guiding future research endeavors.

Determinants of urinary dialkyl phosphate metabolites in midlife women: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS)

BACKGROUND

Biomonitoring data and determinants of urinary dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites, markers of organophosphate pesticides, in racially diverse, non-occupationally exposed populations are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated urinary concentrations and potential determinants of DAP metabolites of organophosphate pesticides in a multi-site, multi-racial/ethnic cohort of women aged 45-56 years, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS).

METHODS

We analyzed 963 urine samples collected in 1999-2000, the baseline of SWAN-MPS for longitudinal studies, and quantified DAP metabolites, including dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAPs): dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP); and diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAPs): diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy. Adjusted least squared geometric means (LSGMs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to compare DAP concentrations by socio-demographic, behavioral and dietary factors.

RESULTS

The geometric means (geometric standard deviations) of total DAPs, DMAPs, and DEAPs were 141 (2.63) nmol/L, 102 (2.99) nmol/L, and 26.8 (2.46) nmol/L, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with DMAPs and DEAPs: LSGM (95% CI) = 68.8 (55.7-84.9) and 21.0 (17.7-25.0) nmol/L for women with obesity vs. 102 (84.7-123) and 30.1 (25.7-35.1) nmol/L for women with normal/underweight, respectively. Fruit consumption was positively (74.9 (62.1-90.2) for less than 5-6 servings/week vs. 105 (84.8-130) nmol/L for 1 serving/day and more) whereas meat consumption was inversely associated with DMAPs (110 (95.0-128) for seldom vs. 82.3 (59.5-114) nmol/L for often consumption). Fresh apple consumption appears to be attributed to the DMAP differences. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with DEAPs (27.5 (23.1-32.7) for 2 drinks/week and more vs. 23.0 (20.0-26.6) nmol/L for less than 1 drink/month). Black women had higher concentrations of DEAPs compared with White women (27.3 (21.2-35.2) vs. 23.2 (20.2-26.7) nmol/L).

IMPACT STATEMENT

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are synthetic chemicals and currently the most widely used type of insecticides. We examined multi-site, multi-ethnic cohort of midlife women in the U.S. that offers a unique opportunity to evaluate major determinants of OP exposure. We improved OP metabolite detection rates and obtained accurate concentrations using an improved analytical technique. Our findings suggest that consumptions of fruit, meat and alcohol are important determinants of OP exposure for midlife women. Higher concentrations of diethyl OP metabolites in Black women compared to White women, even after accounting for dietary intake, suggests additional, but unknown racial-ethnic differences that affect exposure.

Fludioxonil induces cardiotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in two cardiomyocyte models

Fludioxonil (Flu) is a phenylpyrrole fungicide and is currently used in over 900 agricultural products globally. Flu possesses endocrine-disrupting chemical-like properties and has been shown to mediate various physiological and pathological changes, such as apoptosis and differentiation, in diverse cell lines. However, the effects of Flu on cardiomyocytes have not been studied so far. The present study investigated the effects of Flu on mitochondria in AC16 human cardiomyocytes and H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Flu decreased cell viability in a water-soluble tetrazolium assay and mediated morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis in AC16 and H9c2 cells. We confirmed that annexin V positive cells were increased by Flu through annexin V/propidium iodide staining. This suggests that the decrease in cell viability due to Flu may be associated with increased apoptotic changes. Flu consistently increased the expression of pro-apoptotic markers such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved-caspase 3. Further, Flu reduced the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in AC16 and H9c2 cells, which is associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as observed through JC-1 staining. In addition, Flu augmented the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which can trigger oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that Flu induces mitochondrial dysregulation in cardiomyocytes via the downregulation of the OCR and MMP and upregulation of the oxidative stress, consequently resulting in the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. This study provides evidence of the risk of Flu toxicity on cardiomyocytes leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases and suggests that the use of Flu in agriculture should be done with caution and awareness of the probable health consequences of exposure to Flu.

Investigation of the miRNA levels changes to acceptable daily intake dose pesticide mixture exposure on rat mesentery and pancreas

Consumers are constantly exposed to a variety of chemical mixtures as part of their everyday activities and lifestyle. Food, water and commercial products are only some examples of the possible ways people get exposed to these mixtures. However, following federal and local guidelines for risk assessment related to chemical exposure, risk analysis focuses on a single substance exposure scenario and not on a mixture, as in real life. Realizing the pronounced gap of this methodology, the real-life risk simulation scenario approach tries to address this problem by investigating the possible effect of long-term exposure to chemical mixtures closely resembling the actual circumstances of modern life. As part of this effort, this study aimed to identify the cumulative effects of pesticides belonging to different classes and commonly used commercial products on long-term exposure with realistic doses. Sprague Dawley rats were given a pesticide mix of active ingredients and formulation chemicals in a daily acceptable dose (ADI) and 10xADI for 90 days. Following thorough everyday documentation of possible side-effects, after 90 days all animals were sacrificed and their organs were examined. Exposure to pesticides particularly affects the miRNA levels at that point will provide us with more information about whether they can be potential biomarkers.

Persistent diazinon induced neurotoxicity: The effect on inhibitory avoidance memory performance, amyloid precursor proteins, and TNF-α levels in the prefrontal cortex of rats

INTRODUCTION

Organophosphate pesticides (Ops) like diazinon (DZN) have well-known neurotoxic effects and low-level chronic exposure has been linked to detrimental neurobehavioral impairments and memory deficits. However, it's not entirely clear how DZN-induced biological changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) contribute to these effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of DZN exposure on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory function, amyloid precursor expression (APP), and proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the rat cortex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into 4 groups and recived 2 mg/kg DZN for 5-days or 12-weeks and two control groups recived the same volume of vehicle. IA memory was assesed using the shuttle box apparatus. Rats were sacrificed and the prefrontal cortex PFC were removed. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to messure TNF-α, and amyloid protein precursors gene expression and protein levels.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that DZN caused body weight loss and a notable decline in performance on the IA memory. Additionally, 5-days exposure increased APP and APLP2 protein levels in the PFC, while 12-weeks exposure decreased these levels. Furthermore, expression of APP and APLP2 gens were decreased in PFC. TNF-α levels increased as a result of 5-days exposure to DZN, but these levels dropped to normal after 12-weeks administration, and this observation was significant.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, exposure to low doses of DZN leads to disturbances in IA memory performance and also alternations in amyloid beta precursors that can be related to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The ameliorative effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on chlorpyrifos induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model: Biochemical, molecular and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used insecticide that causes toxicity to living organisms through the production of free radicals. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) are a new antioxidant agent that has proved therapeutic effects. We evaluated the effect of CeO2NPs on CPF hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Forty rats were randomized into four groups. Group I: rats received 1 ml corn oil by gastric tube once daily and 0.5 ml PBS by intra-peritoneal injection twice a week for 4 weeks. Group II: received CeO2NPs 0.5 mg/kg in PBS by i.p. injection, twice weekly for four weeks. Group III: were treated with oral administration of CPF 13.5 mg/kg in corn oil daily for 4 weeks. Group IV: received CPF as in group III, then each animal received CeO2NPs twice weekly for four weeks as in group II. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, rats were anesthetized and sera were collected for liver enzymes assessment. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed, livers were excised, the right lobe of each liver was fixed for immunohistochemical studies, and the left lobe was homogenized for oxidative profile assessment and molecular analysis.

RESULTS

CPF group showed significant increase in liver transaminases, disturbance of the oxidative profile with up-regulation of BAX expression and down-regulation in the Bcl-2, Gadd45 and NFE2L2. CPF caused severe histopathological liver damage as well as significant increase in anti-Caspase 3 and TNF immunostaining. The CeO2NPs treated group revealed significant improvement of all previous parameters.

CONCLUSION

CeO2NPs could alleviate CPF hepatoxicity through decreasing expression of the inflammatory and apoptotic proteins and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Avermectin induces cardiac toxicity in early embryonic stage of zebrafish

Avermectin is a widely used insecticide, and it is mainly effective against animal parasites and insects. Given its extensive use in agriculture, a large amount of avermectin is accumulated in natural waters. Avermectin is a neurotoxin that affects the autonomous behavior of zebrafish and inhibits neurological responses in invertebrates via GABA-chloride channels. In this study, we used zebrafish as a model organism to explore the lethal teratogenic effects of different avermectin concentrations. We found that 50-μg/L avermectin could cause significant malformation abnormalities during the development of zebrafish heart, changes in heart rate, and significant reduction in hatching rate and body length. Transcriptome data revealed that 499 genes were upregulated and 877 genes were downregulated at 72 h post-fertilization (hpf), whereas 1805 genes were upregulated and 836 genes were downregulated at 120 hpf. According to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, avermectin affected cardiac circulation and myocardial fiber development. KEGG analysis revealed that avermectin treatment significantly altered the activity of signal pathways associated with cardiac rhythm and vascular smooth muscle contraction. The main target of avermectin was identified as the heart, as it affected heart development and function by altering cardiac-related gene expression that led to a heart defect phenotype. Our findings indicate that developing zebrafish are sensitive to avermectin, which targets the heart.

Chlorpyrifos induces apoptosis and necroptosis via the activation of CYP450s pathway mediated by nuclear receptors in LMH cells

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorus pesticide, is detected commonly in environments, where it is thought to be highly toxic to non-target organisms. However, the mechanism of CYP450s pathway mediated by nuclear receptors on CPF-induced apoptosis and necroptosis at the cellular level and the effect of CPF on the cytotoxicity of the chicken hepatocarcinoma cell line (LMH) has also not been reported in detail. Therefore, this experiment aims to explore whether CPF can improve apoptosis and necroptosis in LMH cells by activating the nuclear receptors/CYP450s axis. LMH cells, the subject of this study, were exposed to 5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 15 μg/mL doses of CPF. With the increase of CPF concentration, the increase of nuclear receptor level led to the up-regulation of CYP450s activity. With the massive production of ROS, the expression of apoptotic pathway genes (Bax, Caspase9, and Caspase3) enhanced, while Bcl-2 expression dropped sharply. The expression of programmed necroptosis genes (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) heightened, and Caspase8 reduced considerably. In short, our data suggests that excessive activation of nuclear receptors and CYP450s induced by CPF promotes ROS production, which directs apoptosis and programmed necroptosis in LMH cells.

Synergistic action of organophosphates and COVID-19 on inflammation, oxidative stress, and renin-angiotensin system can amplify the risk of cardiovascular maladies

Organophosphates (OPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, widely used as pesticides in agricultural fields. In addition, they serve as flame-retardants, plasticizers, antifoaming or antiwear agents in lacquers, hydraulic fluids, and floor polishing agents. Therefore, world-wide and massive application of these compounds have increased the risk of unintentional exposure to non-targets including the human beings. OPs are neurotoxic agents as they inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase at synaptic cleft. Moreover, they can fuel cardiovascular issues in the form of myocardities, cardiac oedema, arrhythmia, systolic malfunction, infarction, and altered electrophysiology. Such pathological outcomes might increase the severity of cardiovascular diseases which are the leading cause of mortality in the developing world. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is the ongoing global health emergency caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similar to OPs, SARS-CoV-2 disrupts cytokine homeostasis, redox-balance, and angiotensin-II/AT₁R axis to promote cardiovascular injuries. Therefore, during the current pandemic milieu, unintentional exposure to OPs through several environmental sources could escalate cardiac maladies in patients with COVID-19.

Raising the Alarm: Environmental Factors in the Onset and Maintenance of Chronic (Low-Grade) Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is defined by several pathophysiological characteristics, such as dysbiosis of the microbiota, epithelial barrier hyperpermeability, systemic dissemination of endotoxins and chronic inflammation. In addition to well-reported environmental factors in non-communicable disease, such as smoking, diet, and exercise, humans are frequently exposed to myriads more environmental factors, from pesticides to food additives. Such factors are ubiquitous across both our diet and indoor/outdoor environments. A major route of human exposure to these factors is ingestion, which frequently occurs due to their intentional addition (intentional food additives) and/or unintentional contamination (unintentional food contaminants) of food products-often linked to environmental pollution. Understanding how this persistent, diverse exposure impacts GI health is of paramount importance, as deterioration of the GI barrier is proposed to be the first step towards systemic inflammation and chronic disease. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the impact of ingestion of environmental factors on inflammatory processes in the GI tract. In this review, we highlight human exposure to intentional food additives (e.g. emulsifiers, bulking agents) and unintentional food contaminants (e.g. persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, microplastics), then present evidence for their association with chronic disease, modification of the GI microbiota, increased permeability of the GI barrier, systemic dissemination of endotoxins, local (and distal) pro-inflammatory signalling, and induction of oxidative stress and/or endoplasmic reticulum stress. We also propose a link to NLRP3-inflammasome activation. These findings highlight the contribution of common environmental factors towards deterioration of GI health and the induction of pathophysiology associated with onset and maintenance of chronic inflammation in the GI tract.

Cardiotoxicity of Chemical Substances: An Emerging Hazard Class

(1) Background: Human health risks and hazards from chemical substances are well regulated internationally. However, cardiotoxicity, is not defined as a stand-alone hazard and therefore there are no defined criteria for the classification of substances as cardiotoxic. Identifying and regulating substances that cause cardiovascular adverse effects would undoubtedly strengthen the national health systems. (2) Methods: To overcome the aforementioned gap, a roadmap is proposed for identifying regulatory criteria from animal studies and endorse legislation in order to classify substances as cardiotoxic. The roadmap consists of: (i) the identification of the appropriate animal species and strains; (ii) the identification of the lines of scientific evidence (e.g., histopathological, biochemical and echocardiographic indices etc.) from animal studies with relevance to humans; (iii) the statistical analysis and meta-analysis for each line of scientific evidence after exposure to well-established cardiotoxicants to humans (e.g., anthracyclines) in order to identify threshold values or range of normal and/ or altered values due to exposure; (iv) validation of the above described lines of evidence in animals exposed to other alleged cardiotoxic substances (e.g., anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) and pesticides); (v) establishment of mechanisms of action based on information of either known or alleged cardiotoxicants; and (vi) introduction of novel indices and in silico methods. (3) Results: Preliminary results in rats indicate a clear distinction from normal values to values measured in rats exposed to anthracyclines regarding left ventricle (LV) fractional shortening (FS) and LV ejection fraction (EF). A distinctive pattern is similarly observed for Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band isoenzyme (CK-MB) and cardiac tissue glutathione (GSH). These findings are encouraging and indicate that there is room for targeted research to this end, and that these specific indices and biochemical markers should be further investigated in order to be developed to regulatory criteria. (4) Conclusions: Further research should be conducted by both the scientific and regulatory community that aims to clearly define the cardiotoxicity hazard caused by chemicals and develop a full set of scientific criteria.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in liver of male albino rats after exposing to sub-chronic intoxication of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and imidacloprid

The adverse effects of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and imidacloprid on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress biomarkers were studied in rat liver. The liver deficiency was also confirmed by histological analysis and gel electrophoresis. Each insecticide was administered orally with five doses per week for 28 days to male albino rats at 1/50 of the LD₅₀ per insecticide. The results demonstrated that the mitochondrial dysfunction was confirmed by a significant decrease in NADH dehydrogenase and ATPase activities. Oxidative stress biomarkers include malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were significantly increased. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in the mitochondria of the rat liver. HPLC analysis showed a significant increase of the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-2DG) as a biomarker of the DNA damage in rat liver. In addition, the residue levels of 0.96 and 0.29 μg/mL serum were found for cypermethrin and imidacloprid, respectively. However, chlorpyrifos not detected using the HPLC analysis. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) analysis showed a change in the pattern and sequence of complexions of the electron transport chain in liver mitochondria with treatment by such insecticides. The hepatic histological examination also showed symptoms of abnormalities after exposure to these insecticides.

Cardiotoxicity of some pesticides and their amelioration

Pesticides are used to control pests that harm plants, animals, and humans. Their application results in the contamination of the food and water systems. Pesticides may cause harm to the human body via occupational exposure or the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Once a pesticide enters the human body, it may create health consequences such as cardiotoxicity. There is not enough information about pesticides that cause cardiotoxicity in the literature. Currently, there are few reports that summarized the cardiotoxicity due to some pesticide groups. This necessitates reviewing the current literature regarding pesticides and cardiotoxicity and to summarize them in a concrete review. The objectives of this review article were to summarize the advances in research related to pesticides and cardiotoxicity, to classify pesticides into certain groups according to cardiotoxicity, to discuss the possible mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, and to present the agents that ameliorate cardiotoxicity. Approximately 60 pesticides were involved in cardiotoxicity: 30, 13, and 17 were insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, respectively. The interesting outcome of this study is that 30 and 13 pesticides from toxicity classes II and III, respectively, are involved in cardiotoxicity. The use of standard antidotes for pesticide poisoning shows health consequences among users. Alternative safe medical management is the use of cardiotoxicity-ameliorating agents. This review identifies 24 ameliorating agents that were successfully used to manage 60 cases. The most effective agents were vitamin C, curcumin, vitamin E, quercetin, selenium, chrysin, and garlic extract. Vitamin C showed ameliorating effects in a wide range of toxicities. The exposure mode to pesticide residues, where 1, 2, 3, and 4 are aerial exposure to pesticide drift, home and/or office exposure, exposure due to drinking contaminated water, and consumption of contaminated food, respectively. General cardiotoxicity is represented by 5, whereas 6, 7, 8 and 9 are electrocardiogram (ECG) of hypotension due to exposure to OP residues, ECG of myocardial infraction due to exposure to OPs, ECG of hypertension due to exposure to OC and/or PY, and normal ECG respectively.

Multi-organ Toxicity Attenuation by Cerium Oxide and Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles: Comparing the Beneficial Effects on Tissues Oxidative Damage Induced by Sub-acute Exposure to Diazinon

BACKGROUND

Excessive use of diazinon, as an organophosphate pesticide (OP), contributes to cytotoxic and pathologic cellular damage and, in particular, oxidative stress. However, metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as cerium oxide (CeO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), with the property of free radical scavenging demonstrated beneficial effects in the alleviation of oxidative stress biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study include evaluating beneficial effects of CeO2 NPs, Y2O3 NPs, and their combination against diazinon-induced oxidative stress in different tissues of brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen.

METHODS

Eight randomized groups of 6 adult male Wistar rats were formed. Each group of rats administered a different combination of diazinon, CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs daily and levels of oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol molecules (TTM) and total anti-oxidant power (TAP) and catalase enzyme, were measured after 2 weeks of the treatment.

RESULTS

Measurements of the mentioned markers in the brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen showed that the administration of NPs could significantly alleviate the oxidative stress induced by diazinon. However, the findings of this study illustrated that the combination of both CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs led to a better reduction in oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSION

Sub-acute exposure of diazinon in rats led to increased levels of oxidative stress markers in pivotal tissues such as the brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs neutralize the oxidative stress to compensate diazinon-induced tissue damages. Lay Summary: Organophosphate pesticides (OPs), which are mainly used for pest control, are responsible for the entry of pesticides into the human food cycle. Organophosphate such as diazinon increases the molecular biomarkers of oxidative stress inside the cells of vital tissues such as the heart, liver, lungs, etc. Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as cerium oxide (CeO2) and yitrium oxide (Y2O3) can have free radical scavenging potential under oxidative stress and through various mechanisms. Although these nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress, it should be borne in the design of the study that additional doses of these substances reverse the beneficial effects.

Subchronic neurotoxicity of diazinon in albino mice: Impact of oxidative stress, AChE activity, and gene expression disturbances in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus on mood, spatial learning, and memory function

Diazinon (DZN) with prominent neurotoxic effects perturbs CNS function via multiple mechanisms. This investigation intends to explore mood, spatial learning, and memory dysfunction, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, and neurodegeneration-related gene expression in the cortex and hippocampus regions of mice exposed to DZN for 63 consecutive days (subchronic exposure). Adult male albino mice were orally given sublethal DZN (DZNL = 0.1 mg/kg, DZNM = 1 mg/kg and DZNH = 10 mg/kg). All mice in the DZNH group died within 3 weeks postexposure. DZNL and DZNM caused body and brain weight loss (p < 0.05). Completing 9 weeks of DZN exposure, a marked decline in AChE activity and oxidative stress level was indicated in both brain regions (p < 0.05). Also, synaptophysin, vesicular acetylcholine transferase, and glutamate decarboxylase gene expressions were affected in both brain regions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the present study revealed that DZN administration increased anxiety and depressive-like behaviors (p < 0.0001). Spatial learning and short- and long-memory were severely affected by DZNL and DZNM treatments (p < 0.0001). Taken together, subchronic exposure to low and medium doses of DZN can cause AChE inhibition, oxidative damage, and neurotransmitter disturbances in brain cells and induce neurodegeneration. These changes would impair mood, spatial learning, and memory function.

Benomyl induced oxidative stress related DNA damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

Benomyl, benzimidazole group pesticide, has been prohibited in Europe and USA since 2003 due to its toxic effects and it has been still determined as food and environmental contaminant. In the present study, the toxic effect mechanisms of benomyl were evaluated in rat cardiomyoblast (H9c2) cells. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT and NRU assay and, oxidative stress potential was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione levels. DNA damage was assessed by alkaline comet assay. Relative expressions of apoptosis related genes were evaluated; furthermore, NF-κB and JNK protein levels were determined. At 4 μM concentration (at which cell viability was >70%), benomyl increased 2-fold of ROS production level and 2-fold of apoptosis as well as DNA damage. Benomyl down-regulated miR21, TNF-α and Akt1 ≥ 48.75 and ≥ 97.90; respectively. PTEN, JNK and NF-κB expressions were upregulated. The dramatic changes in JNK and NF-κB expression levels were not observed in protein levels. These findings showed the oxidative stress related DNA damage and apoptosis in cardiomyoblast cells exposed to benomyl. However, further mechanistic and in vivo studies are needed to understand the cardiotoxic effects of benomyl and benzimidazol fungucides.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Lung Cancer Risk: A Propensity Score Analyses

Purpose

Occupational exposure to pesticides is thought to be associated with lung cancer, but studies have yielded conflicting results. We performed a propensity score (PS) based analyses to evaluate the relationship between occupational exposure to pesticides and lung cancer risk in the Korea National Cancer Center community-based cohort study (KNCCCS).

Materials and Methods

During the follow-up period, 123 incidental lung cancer cases were identified, of the 7,471 subjects in the final statistical analysis. Information about occupational exposure to pesticides and other factors was collected at enrollment (2003–2010). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted. Four PS-based approaches (i.e., matching, stratification, inverse probability-of-treatment weighting, and the use of the PS as a covariate) were adopted, and the results were compared. PS was obtained from the logistic regression model. Absolute standardized differences according to occupational exposure to pesticides were provided to evaluate the balance in baseline characteristics.

Results

In the Cox proportional hazards regression model, the hazard ratio (HR) for lung cancer according to occupational exposure to pesticides was 1.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 2.98). With all the propensity score matching (PSM) methods, the HRs for lung cancer based on exposure to pesticides ranged from 1.65 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.64) (continuous term with PSM) to 2.84 (95% CI, 1.81 to 4.46) (stratification by 5 strata of the PS). The results varied slightly based on the method used, but the direction and statistical significance remained the same.

Conclusion

Our results strengthen the evidence for an association between occupational exposure to pesticides and the risk of lung cancer.

Immunotoxic role of organophosphates: An unseen risk escalating SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity

Consistent gathering of immunotoxic substances on earth is a serious global issue affecting people under pathogenic stress. Organophosphates are among such hazardous compounds that are ubiquitous in nature. They fuel oxidative stress to impair antiviral immune response in living entities. Aside, organophosphates promote cytokine burst and pyroptosis in broncho-alveolar chambers leading to severe respiratory ailments. At present, we witness COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. Infection triggers cytokine storm coupled with inflammatory manifestations and pulmonary disorders in patients. Since organophosphate-exposure promotes necroinflammation and respiratory troubles hence during current pandemic situation, additional exposure to such chemicals can exacerbate inflammatory outcome and pulmonary maladies in patients, or pre-exposure to organophosphates might turn-out to be a risk factor for compromised immunity. Fortunately, antioxidants alleviate organophosphate-induced immunosuppression and hence under co-exposure circumstances, dietary intake of antioxidants would be beneficial to boost immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Effects of chlorpyrifos exposure on liver inflammation and intestinal flora structure in mice

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate insecticide commonly used to treat fruit and vegetable crops. CPF can cause severe adverse effects on body organs including the liver and central nervous system. This study investigated the CPF-induced inflammation in mice and explored the role of intestinal flora changes in liver inflammation. Adult C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to a CPF of 0.01-, 0.1-, 1- and 10-mg/kg bodyweight for 12 weeks. The mice in experimental group given CPF solution dissolved in corn oil vehicle by gavage, was administered by intraoral gavage for 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Histopathological examination and inflammatory factor detection were performed on mice liver tissue. Faeces were used for 16S ribosomal RNA high-throughput sequencing to explore the impact of CPF on intestinal flora structure and diversity. The results showed that 1- and 10-mg/kg CPF caused different degrees of liver focal inflammation. The structure of intestinal flora changed significantly in mice including the decreased beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Prevotella and Butyricimonas) and increased pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter and Desulfovibrio). Meanwhile, the results of Q-RT-PCR showed that there was more total bacterial DNA in the liver tissue of the mice treated with 10-mg/kg groups. In conclusion, the imbalance of intestinal flora, the decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria and the increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria, as well as the increase of total bacterial DNA in the liver tissues, maybe associated with the liver focal inflammation induced by CPF.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in agricultural workers after exposure to pesticides

BACKGROUND

Recent epidemiological studies on workers describe that exposure to pesticides can induce oxidative stress by increased production of free radicals that can accumulate in the cell and damage biological macromolecules, for example, RNA, DNA, DNA repair proteins and other proteins and/or modify antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as detoxification and scavenger enzymes. This study aimed to assess oxidative stress and DNA damage among workers exposed to pesticides.

METHODS

For this purpose, 52 pesticide exposed workers and 52 organic farmers were enrolled. They were assessed: the pesticide exposure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (TG), oxidized glutathione levels (GSSG), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), levels.

RESULTS

Correlation between pesticide exposure was positively associated with high TBARS and 8-oxodG levels (p <  0.001). A negative association was founded with TG and GSSG and pesticide exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation results seem to indicate a mild augment in oxidative stress associated with pesticide exposure, followed by an adaptive response to increase the antioxidant defenses to prevent sustained oxidative adverse effects stress.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in agricultural workers after exposure to pesticides

BACKGROUND

Recent epidemiological studies on workers describe that exposure to pesticides can induce oxidative stress by increased production of free radicals that can accumulate in the cell and damage biological macromolecules, for example, RNA, DNA, DNA repair proteins and other proteins and/or modify antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as detoxification and scavenger enzymes. This study aimed to assess oxidative stress and DNA damage among workers exposed to pesticides.

METHODS

For this purpose, 52 pesticide exposed workers and 52 organic farmers were enrolled. They were assessed: the pesticide exposure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (TG), oxidized glutathione levels (GSSG), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), levels.

RESULTS

Correlation between pesticide exposure was positively associated with high TBARS and 8-oxodG levels (p <  0.001). A negative association was founded with TG and GSSG and pesticide exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation results seem to indicate a mild augment in oxidative stress associated with pesticide exposure, followed by an adaptive response to increase the antioxidant defenses to prevent sustained oxidative adverse effects stress.

Tranilast prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial hypertrophy and angiotensin II synthesis in rats

An increase in oxidative stress is an important pathological mechanism of heart injury induced by doxorubicin (DOX). Tranilast is an anti-allergy drug that has been shown to possess good antioxidant activity in previous studies. The overexpression and secretion of chymase by mast cells (MCs) increase the pathological overexpression of angiotensin II (Ang II), which plays a crucial role in myocardial hypertrophy and the deterioration of heart disease. The MC stabilizer tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid; tran) prevents mast cells from degranulating, which may reduce DOX-induced Ang II synthesis. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized that tranilast will protect rats from DOX-induced myocardial damage via its antioxidant activity, thereby inhibiting Ang II expression. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group) that received DOX, a combination of DOX and tranilast or saline (the control group) to test this hypothesis. Tranilast suppressed chymase expression, reduced Ang II levels and prevented the myocardial hypertrophy and the deterioration of heart function induced by DOX. Based on the findings of the present study, the suppression of chymase-dependent Ang-II production and the direct effect of tranilast on the inhibition of apoptosis and fibrosis because of its antioxidant stress capacity may contribute to the protective effect of tranilast against DOX-induced myocardial hypertrophy.

High-Throughput Screening to Identify Chemical Cardiotoxic Potential

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is one of the most prevalent public health concerns, and mounting evidence supports the contribution of environmental chemicals to CV disease burden. In this study, we performed cardiotoxicity profiling for the Tox21 chemical library by focusing on high-throughput screening (HTS) assays whose targets are associated with adverse events related to CV failure modes. Our objective was to develop new hypotheses around environmental chemicals of potential interest for adverse CV outcomes using Tox21/ToxCast HTS data. Molecular and cellular events linked to six failure modes of CV toxicity were cross-referenced with 1399 Tox21/ToxCast assays to identify cardio-relevant bioactivity signatures. The resulting 40 targets, measured in 314 assays, were integrated via a ToxPi visualization tool and ranking system to prioritize 1138 chemicals based upon formal integration across multiple domains of information. Filtering was performed based on cytotoxicity and generalized cell stress endpoints to try and isolate chemicals with effects specific to CV biology, and bioactivity- and structure-based clustering identified subgroups of chemicals preferentially affecting targets such as ion channels and vascular tissue biology. Our approach identified drugs with known cardiotoxic effects, such as estrogenic modulators like clomiphene and raloxifene, anti-arrhythmic drugs like amiodarone and haloperidol, and antipsychotic drugs like chlorpromazine. Several classes of environmental chemicals such as organotins, bisphenol-like chemicals, pesticides, and quaternary ammonium compounds demonstrated strong bioactivity against CV targets; these were compared to existing data in the literature (e.g., from cardiomyocytes, animal data, or human epidemiological studies) and prioritized for further testing.

Cypermethrin poisoning manifesting with prolonged bradycardia: A case report

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Cypermethrin poisoning can present as a medical emergency with neurological, gastrointestinal or cardiac manifestations.

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Prolonged bradycardia following acute oral intoxication with cypermethrin is a rare entity.

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In view of the absence of antidote, conservative management has been found effective in prolonged bradycardia induced by cypermethrin toxicity.

Pyrethrins and their synthetic derivatives known as pyrethroids are highly effective insecticides used worldwide in the agricultural fields and households. Cypermethrin is a type II pyrethroid which acts primarily by delaying the closure of voltage-sensitive sodium channels at higher concentrations. Its toxicity in humans occur due to accidental or intentional exposure through inhalation, skin contact or via ingestion. Acute oral intoxication of cypermethrin commonly manifests with neurotoxic and gastrointestinal effects in humans. Cardiotoxic effects following ingestion of this compound have occurred in a few cases but underreported to date. This case highlights a case of intentional cypermethrin poisoning with acute effects in the form of prolonged bradycardia symptomatically managed with a muscarinic antagonist like atropine sulphate.

Phenyl Saligenin Phosphate Disrupts Cell Morphology and the Actin Cytoskeleton in Differentiating H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts and Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Progenitor Cells

We have previously shown that phenyl saligenin phosphate (PSP), an organophosphorus compound which is classed as a weak inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, triggered cytotoxicity in mitotic and differentiated H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The aim of this study was to assess whether sublethal concentrations of PSP could disrupt the morphology of differentiating rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hiPSC-CMs) and to assess the underlying cytoskeletal changes. PSP-induced changes in protein expression were monitored via Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and proteomic analysis. PSP-mediated cytotoxicity was determined by measuring MTT reduction, LDH release, and caspase-3 activity. Sublethal exposure to PSP (3 μM) induced morphological changes in differentiating H9c2 cells (7, 9, and 13 days), reflected by reduced numbers of spindle-shaped cells. Moreover, this treatment (7 days) attenuated the expression of the cytoskeletal proteins cardiac troponin I, tropomyosin-1, and α-actin. Further proteomic analysis identified nine proteins (e.g., heat shock protein 90-β and calumenin) which were down-regulated by PSP exposure in H9c2 cells. To assess the cytotoxic effects of organophosphorus compounds in a human cell model, we determined their effects on human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocyte progenitor cells. Chlorpyrifos and diazinon-induced cytotoxicity (48 h) was evident only at concentrations >100 μM. By contrast, PSP exhibited cytotoxicity in hiPSC-CMs at a concentration of 25 μM following 48 h exposure. Finally, sublethal exposure to PSP (3 μM; 7 days) induced morphological changes and decreased the expression of cardiac troponin I, tropomyosin-1, and α-actin in hiPSC-CMs. In summary, our data suggest cardiomyocyte morphology is disrupted in both cell models by sublethal concentrations of PSP via modulation of cytoskeletal protein expression.

COVID-19, an opportunity to reevaluate the correlation between long-term effects of anthropogenic pollutants on viral epidemic/pandemic events and prevalence

Occupational, residential, dietary and environmental exposures to mixtures of synthetic anthropogenic chemicals after World War II have a strong relationship with the increase of chronic diseases, health cost and environmental pollution. The link between environment and immunity is particularly intriguing as it is known that chemicals and drugs can cause immunotoxicity (e.g., allergies and autoimmune diseases). In this review, we emphasize the relationship between long-term exposure to xenobiotic mixtures and immune deficiency inherent to chronic diseases and epidemics/pandemics. We also address the immunotoxicologic risk of vulnerable groups, taking into account biochemical and biophysical properties of SARS-CoV-2 and its immunopathological implications. We particularly underline the common mechanisms by which xenobiotics and SARS-CoV-2 act at the cellular and molecular level. We discuss how long-term exposure to thousand chemicals in mixtures, mostly fossil fuel derivatives, exposure toparticle matters, metals, ultraviolet (UV)–B radiation, ionizing radiation and lifestyle contribute to immunodeficiency observed in the contemporary pandemic, such as COVID-19, and thus threaten global public health, human prosperity and achievements, and global economy. Finally, we propose metrics which are needed to address the diverse health effects of anthropogenic COVID-19 crisis at present and those required to prevent similar future pandemics.

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Developmental exposure to environmental factors can disrupt the immune system.

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Long-term low-dose exposure to chemical mixtures is linked to imunodeficiency

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Immunodeficiency contributes to chronic diseases and the current Covid-19 pandemics.

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Environmental chemicals and microorganisms share similar molecular pathomechanisms (AhR pathway).

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Understanding the underlying pathomechanisms helps to improve public health.

Investigation of the cardiotoxic effects of parenteral nutrition in rabbits

INTRODUCTION

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is used for the intravenous delivery of nutrients to patients who cannot take food orally. However, it is not clear whether PN also negatively impacts cardiac tissue. The present empirical study investigated the cardiac effects of PN in rabbits.

METHODS

The effects of PN were examined in three groups of rabbits: animals in the PN + fasting group (n = 14) had been fully fasted before receiving a full PN dose via an intravenous central catheter; the PN + oral feeding group (n = 14) received half of the daily calorie requirement as a half dose of PN via an intravenous central catheter; the third group consisted of controls (n = 14) with full enteral feeding and full enteral fluid intake with no PN and no central venous catheter. At the end of the 10-day study period, the rabbits were subjected to echocardiographic examination and euthanized. Blood and tissue samples were obtained from all groups. DNA was isolated from nucleated blood cells. Tissue samples were examined by both light and electron microscopy, relative telomere length was determined from DNA, and blood samples were analyzed biochemically.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, there were no statistically significant differences in weight change between the three groups. Echocardiography revealed minimally impaired diastolic function in the PN + fasting group compared to the other groups. Biochemical and histopathological analyses, relative telomere length determination, and electron micrographs showed significant cardiac damage in the PN + fasting group but not in the PN + oral feeding group or the control group. The blood biochemical analyses showed hyperglycemia and a low insulin level in the PN + fasting group but not in the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of PN and fasting may damage the cardiac muscle cells of rabbits via a mechanism involving hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Additional enteral feeding may protect against the destructive effects of PN on cardiac tissue.

Functional and Mechanistic Neurotoxicity Profiling Using Human iPSC-Derived Neural 3D Cultures

Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and appear to be on the rise. Whereas the reason for this increase remains unknown, environmental factors are a suspected contributor. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop more complex, biologically relevant, and predictive in vitro assays to screen larger sets of compounds with the potential for neurotoxicity. Here, we employed a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based 3D neural platform composed of mature cortical neurons and astrocytes as a model for this purpose. The iPSC-derived human 3D cortical neuron/astrocyte co-cultures (3D neural cultures) present spontaneous synchronized, readily detectable calcium oscillations. This advanced neural platform was optimized for high-throughput screening in 384-well plates and displays highly consistent, functional performance across different wells and plates. Characterization of oscillation profiles in 3D neural cultures was performed through multi-parametric analysis that included the calcium oscillation rate and peak width, amplitude, and waveform irregularities. Cellular and mitochondrial toxicity were assessed by high-content imaging. For assay characterization, we used a set of neuromodulators with known mechanisms of action. We then explored the neurotoxic profile of a library of 87 compounds that included pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, flame retardants, and other chemicals. Our results demonstrated that 57% of the tested compounds exhibited effects in the assay. The compounds were then ranked according to their effective concentrations based on in vitro activity. Our results show that a human iPSC-derived 3D neural culture assay platform is a promising biologically relevant tool to assess the neurotoxic potential of drugs and environmental toxicants.

Role of anabolic agents in colorectal carcinogenesis: Myths and realities (Review)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the four leading causes of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Even though over the past few decades the global scientific community has made tremendous efforts to understand this entity, many questions remain to be raised on this issue and even more to be answered. Epidemiological findings have unveiled numerous environmental and genetic risk factors, each one contributing to a certain degree to the final account of new CRC cases. Moreover, different trends have been revealed regarding the age of onset of CRC between the two sexes. That, in addition to newly introduced therapeutic approaches for various diseases based on androgens, anti‑androgens and anabolic hormones has raised some concerns regarding their possible carcinogenic effects or their synergistic potential with other substances/risk factors, predisposing the individual to CRC. Notably, despite the intense research on experimental settings and population studies, the conclusions regarding the majority of anabolic substances are ambiguous. Some of these indicate the carcinogenic properties of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), growth hormone and insulin‑like growth factor (IGF) and others, demonstrating their neutral nature or even their protective one, as in the case of vitamin D. Thus, the synergistic nature of anabolic substances with other CRC risk factors (such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and smoking) has emerged, suggesting a more holistic approach.

Exercise benefits the cardiac, autonomic and inflammatory responses to organophosphate toxicity

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DFP promotes cardiac and autonomic dysfunction.

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DFP led to mild neuroinflammation.

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Exercise training prevents/attenuates some of the impairments provoked by DFP.

The organophosphate, diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), may impair cardiovascular, autonomic and immune function while exercise training is thougt to be restorative. Experiments determined effects of wheel exercise in C57B1 male mice, testing cardiovascular and autonomic function and characterization of the immunological profile. Sedentary (S) and exercise (ET) groups were treated with corticosterone (CORT) followed by injection of DFP. This model was associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the S group, measured using echocardiography (ECHO). Chronic exercise ameliorated the cardiac deficit. Autonomic balance, accessed by heart rate variability (HRV), showed increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic modulation in S group. Autonomic balance in ET mice was not affected by DFP. Our DFP model resulted in mild neuroinflammation seen by increased IL5, IL12 and MIP2 in brain and plasma IL6 and IL1a. DFP had a negative impact on cardiac/autonomic function and inflammatory markers, effects reduced by exercise. Data suggest a beneficial effect of exercise training on the cardiovascular and autonomic responses to DFP/CORT.

Association between intake of fruits and vegetables by pesticide residue status and coronary heart disease risk

BACKGROUND

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is recommended for the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). FVs are also an important source of exposure to pesticide residues. Whether the relations of FV intake with CHD differ according to pesticide residue status is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of high- and low-pesticide-residue FVs with the risk of CHD.

METHODS

We followed 145,789 women and 24,353 men free of cardiovascular disease and cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) at baseline and participating in three ongoing prospective cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS: 1998-2012), the NHS-II (1999-2013), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS: 1998-2012). FV intake was assessed via food frequency questionnaires. We categorized FVs as having high- or low-pesticide-residues using a validated method based on pesticide surveillance data from the US Department of Agriculture. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of CHD in relation to high- and low-pesticide-residue FV intake.

RESULTS

A total of 3707 incident CHD events were identified during 2,241,977 person-years of follow-up. In multivariable-adjusted models, a greater intake of low-pesticide-residue FVs was associated with a lower risk of CHD whereas high-pesticide-residue FV intake was unrelated to CHD risk. Specifically, compared with individuals consuming <1 serving/day of low-pesticide-residue FVs, those consuming ≥4 servings/day had 20% (95CI: 4%, 33%) lower risk of CHD. The corresponding HR (comparing ≥4 servings/day to <1 serving/day) for high-pesticide-residue FV intake and CHD was 0.97 (95%CI: 0.72, 1.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested exposure to pesticide residues through FV intake may modify some cardiovascular benefits of FV consumption. Further confirmation of these findings, especially using biomarkers for assessment of pesticide exposure, is needed.

Rotenone and 3-bromopyruvate toxicity impacts electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats

3-Bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a promising agent that has been widely studied in the treatment of cancer and pulmonary hypertension. Rotenone is a pesticide commonly used on farms and was shown to have anti-cancer activity and delay fibrosis progression in chronic kidney disease in a recent study. However, there are few studies showing the toxicity of rotenone and 3-BrPA in the myocardium. To support further medical exploration, it is necessary to clarify the side effects of these compounds on the heart. This study was designed to examine the cardiotoxicity of 3-BrPA and rotenone by investigating electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats. Forty male rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10 in each group) and injected intraperitoneally with 3-BrPA, rotenone or a combination of 3-BrPA and rotenone. The ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), corrected QT interval (QTc), and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) inducibility were measured. The expression of Cx43, Kir2.1, Kir6.2, DHPRα₁, KCNH2, caspase3, caspase9, Bax, Bcl2, and P53 was detected. Masson's trichrome, TUNEL, HE, and PAS staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect pathological and ultrastructural changes. Our results showed that rotenone alone and rotenone combined with 3-BrPA significantly increased the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Rotenone combined with 3-BrPA caused myocardial apoptosis, and rotenone alone and rotenone combined with 3-BrPA caused electrical and structural cardiac remodeling in rats.

Organophosphate pesticide metabolite concentrations in urine during pregnancy and offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic traits

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides has been associated with altered neuronal cell development and behavioral changes in animal offspring. However, the few studies investigating the association between prenatal OP pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autistic traits in children produced mixed findings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to examine whether maternal urinary concentrations of OP pesticide metabolites are associated with ADHD and autistic traits in children participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

METHOD

Maternal concentrations of 6 dialkylphosphates (DAPs) were measured using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry in urine samples collected at <18 weeks, 18-25 weeks, and > 25 weeks of gestation in 784 mother-child pairs. DAP metabolite concentrations were expressed as molar concentrations divided by creatinine levels and log10 transformed. ADHD traits were measured at ages 3, 6, and 10 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (n = 781) and autistic traits were measured at age 6 years using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) (n = 622). First, regression models were fit for the averaged prenatal exposure across pregnancy. Second, we investigated associations for each collection phase separately, and applied a mutually adjusted model in which the effect of prenatal DAP concentrations from each time period on ADHD and autistic traits were jointly estimated. All associations were adjusted for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Median DAP metabolite concentration was 309 nmol/g creatinine at <18 weeks, 316 nmol/g creatinine at 18-25 weeks, and 308 nmol/g creatinine at >25 weeks of gestation. Overall, DAP metabolite concentrations were not associated with ADHD traits. For instance, a log10 increase in averaged total DAP concentrations across gestation was not associated with a lower ADHD score (-0.03 per SD 95 CI: -0.28 to 0.23). Similarly, no associations between maternal DAP concentrations and autistic traits were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of maternal urinary DAP metabolite concentrations during pregnancy, we did not observe associations with ADHD and autistic traits in children. These are important null observations because of the relatively high background DAP concentrations across pregnancy, the relatively large sample size, and the 10-year follow-up of the offspring. Given the measurement error inherent in our OP pesticide exposure biomarkers, future studies using more urine samples are needed to accurately measure OP pesticide exposure over pregnancy in relation to ADHD and autistic traits.

A mixture of routinely encountered xenobiotics induces both redox adaptations and perturbations in blood and tissues of rats after a long-term low-dose exposure regimen: The time and dose issue

Exposure of humans to xenobiotic mixtures is a continuous state during their everyday routine. However, the majority of toxicological studies assess the in vivo effects of individual substances rather than mixtures. Therefore, our main objective was to evaluate the impact of the 12- and 18-month exposure of rats to a mixture containing 13 pesticides, food, and life-style additives in three dosage levels (i.e. 0.0025 × NOAEL, 0.01 × NOAEL, and 0.05 × NOAEL), on redox biomarkers in blood and tissues. Our results indicate that the exposure to the mixture induces physiological adaptations by enhancing the blood antioxidant mechanism (i.e., increased glutathione, catalase and total antioxidant capacity and decreased protein carbonyls and TBARS) at 12 months of exposure. On the contrary, exposure to the 0.05 × NOAEL dose for 18 months induces significant perturbations in blood and tissue redox profile (i.e., increased carbonyls and TBARS). This study simulates a scenario of real-life risk exposure to mixtures of xenobiotics through a long-term low-dose administration regimen in rats. The results obtained could support, at least in part, the necessity of introducing testing of combined stimuli at reference doses and long term for the evaluation of the risk from exposure to chemicals.

Discovery of potent telomerase activators: Unfolding new therapeutic and anti-aging perspectives

Telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, decreases with age and it has been associated with aging‑related diseases. Environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle factors, affect the rate of telomere shortening which can be reversed by telomerase. Telomerase activation by natural molecules has been suggested to be an anti‑aging modulator that can play a role in the treatment of aging‑related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural compounds on telomerase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The tested compounds included Centella asiatica extract formulation (08AGTLF), Astragalus extract formulation (Nutrient 4), TA‑65 (containing Astragalus membranaceus extract), oleanolic acid (OA), maslinic acid (MA), and 3 multi‑nutrient formulas (Nutrients 1, 2 and 3) at various concentrations. The mean absorbance values of telomerase activity measured following treatment with some of the above‑mentioned formulations were statistically significantly higher compared to those of the untreated cells. In particular, in order of importance with respect to telomerase activation from highest to lowest, 08AGTLF, OA, Nutrient 4, TA‑65, MA, Nutrient 3 and Nutrient 2, triggered statistically significant increase in telomerase activity compared to the untreated cells. 08AGTLF reached the highest levels of telomerase activity reported to date, at least to our knowledge, increasing telomerase activity by 8.8 folds compared to untreated cells, while Nutrient 4 and OA were also potent activators (4.3‑fold and 5.9‑fold increase, respectively). On the whole, this study indicates that the synergistic effect of nutrients and natural compounds can activate telomerase and produce more potent formulations. Human clinical studies using these formulations are required to evaluate their mode of action. This would reveal the health benefits of telomerase activation through natural molecules and would shed new light onto the treatment of aging‑related diseases.

Ameliorative Effect of Beta vulgaris Root Extract on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Liver Injury in Rats

Exposure to organophosphorus insecticides causes several health problems to animals and humans. Red beetroot (RBR) is rich in antioxidant ingredients and possesses a promising hepatoprotective activity. This study evaluated the potential of RBR extract to prevent chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced liver injury, with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Rats received 10 mg/kg CPF and were treated with 300 mg/kg RBR extract for 28 days. CPF caused liver injury evidenced by elevated serum levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, along with several histological alterations. Hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in CPF-intoxicated rats. RBR prevented CPF-induced histological alterations, and ameliorated liver function, LPO, NO, iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. RBR boosted glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, and increased Nrf2 expression. In addition, RBR diminished Bax and caspase-3, and increased Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, RBR prevented CPF-induced liver injury via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. RBR enhanced antioxidant defenses, suggesting that it could be used as a potential therapeutic intervention to minimize CPF hepatotoxicity.

Pulmonary thrombosis in acute organophosphate poisoning-Case report and literature overview of prothrombotic preconditioning in organophosphate toxicity

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Acute OP poisoning complicated with pulmonary thrombosis during the first week of poisoning.

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Antidote treatment included atropine, whereas diazepam was administered in the first 48 h.

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There was no administration of oximes due to unavailability.

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Prolonged hypoxemia in acute OP intoxication indicates exclusion of thrombotic pulmonary event.

Objective

Acute organophosphate (OP) poisonings are presented with acetylcholine-receptor overstimulation. There have been a few case reports of thrombotic complications in acute OP poisonings, as well as prolonged thrombosis preconditions in patients who survived this type of intoxications. The paper presents a case with pulmonary thrombosis (PT) that develops in the subacute phase of intentional acute OP poisoning, treated only with atropine, as well as a literature overview of OP-induced prothrombotic toxicity.

Case report

A middle aged woman was brought to the hospital after ingestion of unknown insecticide with suicidal intentions. She had a history of HTA (arterial hypertension), hyperlipidemia and untreated depression. The clinical features of poisoning were miosis, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Soon after admission, she developed difficulties in breathing with decrease of serum pseudocholinesterase (2590...1769...1644...800 U/l), bibasal pulmonary crackles, drop of SpO₂ to 84%. Antidote treatment included carbo medicinalis, atropine, and diazepam, without use of oximes. The seventh day pseudocholinesterase, the levels started to rise but the patient’s hyposaturation (SpO₂ 86-88%) persisted. Chest ultrasound detected hypoechoic subpleural lesion to the right. Haemostatic tests showed increased D-Dimmer (2312 ng/ml) with hypercoagulability. The CT pulmonary angiography confirmed PT and after the administration of low molecular heparin, her clinical condition improved.

Conclusion

Acute organophosphate poisoning treated with atropine showed a potential for inducing prothrombotic coagulation abnormalities, presented with PT. This life-threatening complication may additionally contribute to prolonged morbidity and mortality in OP poisonings, especially in patients with medical history of comorbidites.

Effects of single and combined toxic exposures on the gut microbiome: Current knowledge and future directions

Human populations are chronically exposed to mixtures of toxic chemicals. Predicting the health effects of these mixtures require a large amount of information on the mode of action of their components. Xenobiotic metabolism by bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract has a major influence on human health. Our review aims to explore the literature for studies looking to characterize the different modes of action and outcomes of major chemical pollutants, and some components of cosmetics and food additives, on gut microbial communities in order to facilitate an estimation of their potential mixture effects. We identified good evidence that exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, nanoparticles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and non-caloric artificial sweeteners affect the gut microbiome and which is associated with the development of metabolic, malignant, inflammatory, or immune diseases. Answering the question 'Who is there?' is not sufficient to define the mode of action of a toxicant in predictive modeling of mixture effects. Therefore, we recommend that new studies focus to simulate real-life exposure to diverse chemicals (toxicants, cosmetic/food additives), including as mixtures, and which combine metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomic analytical methods achieving in that way a comprehensive evaluation of effects on human health.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in blood of workers exposed to non-cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides

In occupational settings workers are often exposed to pesticides at relatively high doses compared to environmental exposures. Long-term exposure to pesticides has been associated with numerous adverse health effects in epidemiological studies, and oxidative stress is often claimed as one of the underlying mechanisms. In fact, different pesticides have been reported to induce oxidative stress due to the generation of free radicals and/or alteration in antioxidant defense enzymes. The present study examined greenhouse workers regularly exposed to diverse pesticides under integrated production system, and a group of controls of the same geographic area without any chemical exposure. Two different periods of the same crop season were assessed, one of high exposure (with greater use of pesticides) and other of low exposure (in which a less use of these compounds was made). Non-specific biomarkers of oxidative stress, e.g. thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ferric reducing ability of serum (FRAS), total thiol groups (SHT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were measured in serum samples from all study subjects, alongside erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results are suggestive of a mild increase in oxidative stress associated with pesticide exposure, which was compensated by an adaptive response to raise the antioxidant defenses and thus counter the detrimental effects of sustained oxidative stress. This response led to significantly increased levels of FRAS, SHT and PON1 in greenhouse workers relative to controls. Furthermore, AChE was decreased likely as a result of oxidative stress as workers did not use organophosphate insecticides.

Molecular and clinical aspects of embryotoxicity induced by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are widely used for a variety of medical, agricultural and public health purposes. Consequently, exposure is highly possible during lifetime. However, their systematic use raises concerns for the potential impact on the fetus and newborn since these substances may affect angiogenesis, the neonatal and maternal intensive care, neuroimmune function and response, mammary growth/lactation via cholinergic/non-cholinergic central and peripheral neuroendocrine pathways. New methodologies, neuroscientific technologies and research studies are needed to harness existing knowledge along with the proper management, availability for new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, with stable pharmacodynamics and clinical outcomes.

Pesticides and cardiotoxicity. Where do we stand?

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most significant causes of mortality in humans. Pesticides toxicity and risk for human health are controlled at a European level through a well-developed regulatory network, but cardiotoxicity is not described as a separate hazard class. Specific classification criteria should be developed within the frame of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 in order to classify chemicals as cardiotoxic, if applicable to avoid long-term cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to review the cardiac pathology and function impairment due to exposure to pesticides (i.e. organophosphates, organothiophisphates, organochlorines, carbamates, pyrethroids, dipyridyl herbicides, triazoles, triazines) based on both animal and human data. The majority of human data on cardiotoxicity of pesticides come from poisoning cases and epidemiological data. Several cardiovascular complications have been reported in animal models including electrocardiogram abnormalities, myocardial infarction, impaired systolic and diastolic performance, functional remodeling and histopathological findings, such as haemorrhage, vacuolisation, signs of apoptosis and degeneration.

Six months exposure to a real life mixture of 13 chemicals' below individual NOAELs induced non monotonic sex-dependent biochemical and redox status changes in rats

This study assessed the potential adverse health effects of long-term low-dose exposure to chemical mixtures simulating complex real-life human exposures. Four groups of Sprague Dawley rats were administered mixtures containing carbaryl, dimethoate, glyphosate, methomyl, methyl parathion, triadimefon, aspartame, sodium benzoate, calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate, ethylparaben, butylparaben, bisphenol A, and acacia gum at doses of 0, 0.25, 1 or 5 times the respective Toxicological Reference Values (TRV): acceptable daily intake (ADI) or tolerable daily intake (TDI) in a 24 weeks toxicity study. Body weight gain, feed and water consumption were evaluated weekly. At 24 weeks blood was collected and biochemistry parameters and redox status markers were assessed. Adverse effects were observed on body weight gain and in hepatotoxic parameters such as the total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), especially in low dose and affecting mainly male rats. The low dose group showed increased catalase activity both in females and males, whereas the high dose group exhibited decreased protein carbonyl and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in both sex groups. Non-monotonic effects and adaptive responses on liver function tests and redox status, leading to non-linear dose-responses curves, are probably produced by modulation of different mechanisms.