Copper stress in rice: Perception, signaling, bioremediation and future prospects

Copper (Cu) is an indispensable micronutrient for plants, animals, and microorganisms and plays a vital role in different physiological processes. However, excessive Cu accumulation in agricultural soil, often through anthropogenic action, poses a potential risk to plant health and crop productivity. This review article provided a comprehensive overview of the available information regarding Cu dynamics in agricultural soils, major sources of Cu contamination, factors influencing its mobility and bioavailability, and mechanisms of Cu uptake and translocation in rice plants. This review examined the impact of Cu toxicity on the germination, growth, and photosynthesis of rice plants. It also highlighted molecular mechanisms underlying Cu stress signaling and the plant defense strategy, involving chelation, compartmentalization, and antioxidant responses. This review also identified significant areas that need further research, such as Cu uptake mechanism in rice, Cu signaling process, and the assessment of Cu-polluted paddy soil and rice toxicity under diverse environmental conditions. The development of rice varieties with reduced Cu accumulation through comprehensive breeding programs is also necessary. Regulatory measures, fungicide management, plant selection, soil and environmental investigation are recommended to prevent Cu buildup in agricultural lands to achieve sustainable agricultural goals.

Tracking the Variations in Trace and Heavy Elements in Smoking Products Marketed in Oman and Egypt: Risk Assessment After Implementation of Constraining Protocols

Tobacco smoking is becoming one of the major worldwide concerns regarding environmental pollution as well as health threats. In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the Framework Convention On Tobacco Control (FCTC), which outlined protocols for controlling tobacco products. Oman was one of the leading countries to follow these protocols; however, Egypt has only followed these protocols recently in 2020. One of the main challenges in tobacco product control is the variation in their trace element's types and amounts from country to country owing to differences in agriculture techniques and used chemical additives. Smoking releases different toxic metal ions found in them into the air, and hence, analyzing trace amounts of metals in tobacco smoking products is becoming more critical. The proposed research aims to evaluate the current levels of 11 heavy metals (namely, As, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Be, Ba, Mn, Ni, Fe, and Hg) in 22 tobacco products available in Egypt and Oman using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and a direct mercury analyzer. Although some elements such as Be, Co, and Cd were absent, the positive detection of As and Pb and the levels of Ba, Cr, and Ni are still alarming, especially for heavy smokers. The obtained results were then statistically related to previously published data in 2017 to explore the effectiveness of implementing the FCTC protocols within the Egyptian market. The outcomes suggested a positive impact of FCTC protocol implementation in Egypt, besides the lower levels of elemental content for Omani products compared to the Egyptian market.

Source, toxicity and carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals

Heavy metals are chemical elements with unique properties that are toxic even in low concentrations and affect human health with different functions. Agricultural and industrial activities, improper disposal of household solid waste and residues related to industrial producers, discharge of household wastewater and agricultural fertilizers are the most important ways in which toxic heavy metals enter the environment, which harms human health and life. A narrative review of the literature was done from 2000 to 2022 based on searched databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, and Science Direct (Scopus). All relevant studies published 2000 until 2022 gathered. According to the databases, 820 articles were retrieved. 186 and 50 articles were found and selected based on records identified through database searching and additional records identified through other sources. In the next stage, 97 studies were screened after review and 64 full-text articles entered into the analysis process. Finally, 45 articles were selected in this study. Adverse effects of heavy metals on various conditions in the body depend on a number of factors, including dose, route of exposure and chemical species, as well as age, sex, genetics, nutritional status, and duration of exposure to the heavy metal. The existence of significant relationships between long-term and short-term exposure to toxic heavy metals and their adverse effects, including carcinogenicity, has been extensively studied and proven through numerous experiments. However, the mechanisms associated with this complication have not been properly identified, so in future research, there is a great need for comprehensive studies on the carcinogenicity of heavy metals.

Novel protective aspects of dietary polyphenols against pesticidal toxicity and its prospective application in rice-fish mode: A Review

The rice fish system represents an innovative and sustainable approach to integrated farming, combining rice cultivation with fish rearing in the same ecosystem. However, one of the major challenges in this system is the pesticidal pollution resulting from various sources, which poses risks to fish health and overall ecosystem balance. In recent years, dietary polyphenols have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with potential chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties. These polyphenols, derived from various plant sources, have shown great potential in reducing the toxicity of pesticides and improving the health of fish within the rice fish system. This review aims to explore the novel aspects of using dietary polyphenols to mitigate pesticidal toxicity and enhance fish health in the rice fish system. It provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols and their beneficial effects on fish health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. Furthermore, the review discusses the potential application methods of dietary polyphenols, such as direct supplementation in fish diets or through incorporation into the rice fields. By understanding the interplay between dietary polyphenols and pesticides in the rice fish system, researchers can develop innovative and sustainable strategies to promote fish health, minimize pesticide impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of this integrated farming approach. The information presented in this review will be valuable for scientists, aqua-culturists, and policymakers aiming to implement eco-friendly and health-enhancing practices in the rice fish system.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 on serum metabolites and gut microbiota in a lead-exposed population

In this study, we investigated the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) CCFM8661 on the gut microbiota, and the serum and fecal metabolomes in lead (Pb)-exposed individuals. The volunteers recruited for this study were divided into two treatment groups, (i) the placebo (control) and (ii) the L. plantarum CCFM8661 treatment groups. The analysis revealed that probiotic intervention reversed some of the changes in Pb exposure-induced intestinal bacterial abundance, including the abundance of Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, Clostridiaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae. An analysis of the fecal metabolome identified 26 differential metabolites involved in purine metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and other pathways. Serum metabolite analysis showed that L. plantarum CCFM8661 treatment altered the serum metabolite levels of various metabolic pathways, such as the glycerophospholipid, amino acid, and glutathione metabolism pathways. These results suggest that L. plantarum CCFM8661 may have beneficial effects on Pb-exposed populations by modulating the gut microbiota, host serum metabolism, and the metabolism of the gut microbiota.

Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification

The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life. Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process. Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.

Sensitive detection of heavy metal stress in aquatic plants by dissolved oxygen-quenched fluorescence/materials movement-induced beam deflection method

Sensitive detection of heavy metal (HM) stress in aquatic plants by dissolved oxygen (DO)-quenched fluorescence/materials movement-induced beam deflection method is demonstrated. Egeria densa Planchon and Cu2+ were used as a model aquatic plant and HM ion, respectively. Reproducibility and experimental errors of the method were first investigated in a control culture solution only containing 10-6 M Ru (II) complex (Tris (2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) chloride) without addition of any fertilizer and Cu2+. Changes of DO concentration (∆DO) and deflection (∆DE) during the monitoring periods were used as parameters to quantitatively evaluate the experimental errors and detection limits. Averages or means ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and standard deviations (σ∆DO, σ∆DE) of ∆DO and ∆DE in seven control experiments with different aquatic plants sheets during both the respiration and photosynthesis processes were obtained. Next, DO and deflection at the middle vicinities of the aquatic plant were monitored during 2 h of both respiration and photosynthesis in presence of 10-10 ~ 10-6 M Cu2+. Experimental results showed that the aquatic plant began to suffer from the HM stress in some extent in presence of 10-9 M Cu2+. When the concentration of Cu2+ was higher than 10-8 M, changing trends of both DO and deflection with time were not reversed during the respiration and photosynthesis, implying that the materials movements in the physiological activities had been altered greatly. It is demonstrated that the method could sensitively detect the HM stress in the aquatic plants given by nM HM ions in culture solution without addition of a fertilizer. Furthermore, detection limits of the method were quantitatively discussed by considering [Formula: see text] σ∆DO and [Formula: see text] σ∆DE as the minimum detectable changes of DO and deflection caused by the HM stress, respectively.

Liposomal silymarin anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic features in lung cells: An implication in cadmium toxicity

BACKGROUND

Several metallic elements with high atomic weight and density are serious systemic toxicants, and their wide environmental distribution increase the risk of their exposure to human. Silymarin (SL), a polyphenol from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) plant has shown protective role against heavy metal toxicity. However, its low aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism limits its therapeutic potential in clinic.

METHODS

We compared the role of silymarin nanoliposomes (SL-L) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity in normal MRC-5 and A 549 cancer cells. MRC-5 and A 549 cells exposed to Cd at 25 and 0.25 µM respectively, were treated with various non-toxic SL-L concentrations (2.5, 5, 10 µM) and cells viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis and levels of cleaved PARP and caspase-3 proteins were determined following incubation.

RESULTS

Results indicated that Cd exposure significantly increased apoptosis due to ROS generation, and showed greater toxicity on cancer cells compared to normal cells. While SL-L at higher concentrations (25 µM and higher) exhibits pro-apoptotic features, lower concentrations (10 and 2.5 µM for MRC-5 and A 549 cancer cells, respectively) played a protective and anti-oxidant role in Cd induced toxicity in both cells. Further, lower SL-L was required to protect cancer cells against Cd toxicity. In general, treatment with SL-L significantly improved cell survival by decreasing ROS levels, cleaved PARP and caspase-3 in both MRC-5 and A 549 cells compared to free silymarin.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated that SL-L potential in protecting against Cd-induced toxicity depends on concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic balance.

Mechanisms Associated with Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment Induced by Arsenic Exposure

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid naturally present in the environment, in food, water, soil, and air; however, its chronic exposure, even with low doses, represents a public health concern. For a long time, As was used as a pigment, pesticide, wood preservative, and for medical applications; its industrial use has recently decreased or has been discontinued due to its toxicity. Due to its versatile applications and distribution, there is a wide spectrum of human As exposure sources, mainly contaminated drinking water. The fact that As is present in drinking water implies chronic human exposure to this metalloid; it has become a worldwide health problem, since over 200 million people live where As levels exceed safe ranges. Many health problems have been associated with As chronic exposure including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disturbances, and brain dysfunctions. Because As can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the brain represents a target organ where this metalloid can exert its long-term toxic effects. Many mechanisms of As neurotoxicity have been described: oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction; all of them can converge, thus leading to impaired cellular functions, cell death, and in consequence, long-term detrimental effects. Here, we provide a current overview of As toxicity and integrated the global mechanisms involved in cognitive and behavioral impairment induced by As exposure show experimental strategies against its neurotoxicity.

Design and Synthesis of Poly(2,2'-Bipyridyl) Ligands for Induction of Cell Death in Cancer Cells: Control of Anticancer Activity by Complexation/Decomplexation with Biorelevant Metal Cations

Chelation therapy is a medical procedure for removing toxic metals from human organs and tissues and for the treatment of diseases by using metal-chelating agents. For example, iron chelation therapy is designed not only for the treatment of metal poisoning but also for some diseases that are induced by iron overload, cancer chemotherapy, and related diseases. However, the use of such metal chelators needs to be generally carried out very carefully, because of the side effects possibly due to the non-specific complexation with intracellular metal cations. Herein, we report on the preparation and characterization of some new poly(bpy) ligands (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridyl) that contain one-three bpy ligand moieties and their anticancer activity against Jurkat, MOLT-4, U937, HeLa S3, and A549 cell lines. The results of MTT assays revealed that the tris(bpy) and bis(bpy) ligands exhibit potent activity for inducing the cell death in cancer cells. Mechanistic studies suggest that the main pathway responsible for the cell death by these poly(bpy) ligands is apoptotic cell death. It was also found that the anticancer activity of the poly(bpy) ligands could be controlled by the complexation (anticancer activity is turned OFF) and decomplexation (anticancer activity is turned ON) with biorelevant metal cations. In this paper, these results will be described.

Origin, dietary exposure, and toxicity of endocrine-disrupting food chemical contaminants: A comprehensive review

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a growing public health concern worldwide. Consumption of foodstuffs is currently thought to be one of the principal exposure routes to EDCs. However, alternative ways of human exposure are through inhalation of chemicals and dermal contact. These compounds in food products such as canned food, bottled water, dairy products, fish, meat, egg, and vegetables are a ubiquitous concern to the general population. Therefore, understanding EDCs' properties, such as origin, exposure, toxicological impact, and legal aspects are vital to control their release to the environment and food. The present paper provides an overview of the EDCs and their possible disrupting impact on the endocrine system and other organs.

Ameliorative effect of Brassica oleracea var. Italica extract on oxidative damage of arsenic in the rat's brain: biochemical, pathological, and behavioral aspects

Brain damage caused by the metal accumulation may result in the permanent injuries including severe neurological disorders. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the medicinal efficacy of broccoli extract in arsenic-induced brain poisoning. Twenty-eight female rats were classified into 4 groups; control, receiving sodium arsenate (As), As + broccoli extract (As + Bc), and (Bc). Then, the Elevated Plus-Maze and pathological-biochemical assessment of the brain tissue were performed. Moreover, the GC-MS was used to explore the quantity and quality of broccoli extract. The catalase had a significant decrease in the As group compared to that of the control group; As + Bc and Bc groups also showed a significant increase compared to that of the As group. Glutathione peroxidase was the lowest in the As group (1.84 ± 0.97) and the highest in the Bc group (5.51 ± 2.31). The Treatment significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the As + Bc group. In addition, in terms of behavioral changes, the duration of presence in the open arm was reduced in the As group compared to that of the control group. Besides, the open arm duration increased significantly in the Bc group. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in estrogen and gonadotropin hormones in the Bc group compared to the other groups. Pathological findings showed that the condition of cortical neurons was improved and the surrounding space was reduced in As + Bc compared to that of the As group. In addition, more than 30% of the extract's compounds are made up Phytol,1-isothiocyanate-4-[methylsulfinyl] butane, and γ-Sitosterol. Thereby, the broccoli extract with active substances was highly effective in enhancing the behavioral and pathological parameters switch in rats with arsenic-induced poisoned brains.

Removal of lead ions from wastewater using magnesium sulfide nanoparticles caged alginate microbeads

In this study, an adsorbent made of alginate (Alg) caged magnesium sulfide nanoparticles (MgS) microbeads were used to treat lead ions (Pb²⁺ ions). The MgS nanoparticles were synthesized at low temperatures, and Alg@MgS hydrogel microbeads were made by the ion exchange process of the composite materials. The newly fabricated Alg@MgS was characterized by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The adsorption conditions were optimized for the maximum removal of Pb²⁺ ions by adjusting several physicochemical parameters, including pH, initial concentration of lead ions, Alg/MgS dosage, reaction temperature, equilibration time, and the presence of co-ions. This is accomplished by removing the maximum amount of Pb²⁺ ions. Moreover, the adsorbent utilized more than six times with a substantial amount (not less than 60%) of Pb²⁺ ions was eliminated. Considering the ability of sodium alginate (SA) for excellent metal chelation and controlled nanosized pore structure, the adsorption equilibrium of Alg@MgS can be reached in 60 min, and the highest adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺ was 84.7 mg/g. The sorption mechanism was explored by employing several isotherms. It was found that the Freundlich model fits the adsorption process quite accurately. The pseudo-second-order model adequately described the adsorption kinetics.

Heavy metal accumulation efficiency and subsequent of cytogenotoxicity evaluation in the medicinal plant Equisetum hyemale

Heavy metals in soils represent a threat to the environment, food safety, as well as human and animal health. The bioaccumulation of these elements in plants might enhance medium- and long-term adverse health risk promoting genetic alterations that lead to dermal, gastrointestinal, circulatory, renal, and brain disorders. The present study aimed to determine the bioaccumulation potential and cytogenotoxic effect of Equisetum hyemale extracts. E. hyemale seedlings were divided into two groups: exposed group (plants cultivated in soil with heavy metals solution) and control (plants cultivated in soil with distilled water). Heavy metals were quantified in the cultivation soils (control and exposed) and extracts (ethanolic and infusion) of vegetative parts from E. hyemale cultivated in both soils. Root length and cytogenotoxic effect were determined utilizing Allium cepa bioassay. Data demonstrated that Equisetum hyemale present the ability to absorb and bioaccumulate different heavy metals including lead, copper, cobalt manganese, zinc, iron and chromium. Given this property E. hyemale may be considered a reliable bioindicator to assess cytogenotoxicity of certain substances that exert adverse risks to environment and human and animal health.

Thymoquinone supplementation mitigates arsenic-induced cytotoxic and genotoxic alterations in rat liver

Arsenic, a widespread environmental toxin, produces multiple organ toxicity, including hepatotoxicity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is known to restore liver functions in several hepatic injury models. This study aims to assess the mitigative potential of TQ against sodium arsenate (NaAs)-induced cytotoxic and genotoxic alterations in the liver. Rats were randomly distributed to control, NaAs, TQ, and NaAs+TQ groups. NaAs+TQ and TQ group of rats were pre-treated with TQ (1.5 mg/kg bwt, orally) for 14 days, and the treatment was further continued for 30 days, with and without NaAs treatment (5 mg/kg bwt, orally), respectively. The deleterious histological alterations in the liver of arsenic intoxicated animals were accompanied by an upsurge in the activities of serum ALT and AST, the diagnostic indicators of liver injury. NaAs caused pronounced alterations in the activities of membrane marker and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of hepatic antioxidant defense. Significant hepatocyte DNA damage and hepatic arsenic accumulation were also observed in arsenic-exposed rats. TQ supplementation alleviated these adverse alterations and improved the overall hepatic metabolic and antioxidant status in NaAs-administered rats. Prevention of oxidative injury could be the key mechanism of TQ-elicited protective effects. TQ may have an excellent scope as a dietary supplement in the management of arsenic-induced hepatic pathophysiology.

Adansonia digitata L. fruit shell extract alleviates lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice via modulation of oxidative stress and a possible chelating activity

BACKGROUND

Lead is a ubiquitous environmental heavy metal known to induce neurotoxicity. It has been postulated that substance with high antioxidant capacity could alleviate lead-induced neurotoxicity. Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract (ADFS) has been reported to have high phenolic contents and exerts antioxidant activity. This study investigated the effects of Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract on lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

Male balb/c mice (n = 7) were administered with Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg) 30 mins before ADFS (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) or succimer (50 mg/kg) per orally for 28 days. Motor activities were evaluated on days 29 and 30 through horizontal bar and open field tests respectively. Further, spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and haematoxylin and eosin staining were carried-out to determine the expression of oxidative stress biomarkers, level of lead concentration in the brain and histology of the cerebellum respectively.

RESULTS

Lead acetate exposure significantly (p < 0.05) induced motor deficits in horizontal bar test and open field test, caused oxidative stress, high concentration of lead in the brain as well as histological aberration in the cerebellum. ADFS significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the motor deficits evident by increased muscle strength and number of lines crossed. Further, ADFS significantly reversed oxidative stress evident by increased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH and decreased level of MDA. There was also significant (p < 0.05) decrease in brain lead concentration as well as reduced cerebellar cells death.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that ADFS attenuated motor deficits via inhibition of oxidative stress and chelating activity which is comparable to succimer. Hence, ADFS should be explored for possible development of chelating agent against lead and other heavy metals toxicity.

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

Aging is a very complex process that is accompanied by a degenerative impairment in many of the major functions of the human body over time. This inevitable process is influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences such as xenobiotic pollution, infectious agents, UV radiation, diet-borne toxins, and so on. Many external and internal signs and symptoms are related with the aging process and senescence, including skin dryness and wrinkles, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress, a consequence of the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is one of the main provoking factors causing aging-related damages and concerns, due to the generation of highly reactive byproducts such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the metabolism, which result in cellular damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants can prevent these processes and extend healthy longevity due to the ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals or interrupt their propagation, thereby lowering the level of oxidative stress. This review focuses on supporting the antioxidant system of the organism by balancing the diet through the consumption of the necessary amount of natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, probiotics, plants’ fibers, nutritional supplements, polyphenols, some phytoextracts, and drinking water.

Phytochemical: a treatment option for heavy metal induced neurotoxicity

Heavy metals are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. Some heavy metals are necessary while present in the growing medium in moderate concentrations known to be essential heavy metals as they required for the body functioning as a nutrient. But there are some unwanted metals and are also toxic to the environment and create a harmful impact on the body, which termed to be non-essential heavy metals. Upon exposure, the heavy metals decrease the major antioxidants of cells and enzymes with the thiol group and affect cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis. It interacts with the DNA repair mechanism and initiates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It subsequently binds to the mitochondria and may inhibit respiratory and oxidative phosphorylation in even low concentrations. This mechanism leads to damage antioxidant repair mechanism of neuronal cells and turns into neurotoxicity. Now, phytochemicals have led to good practices in the health system. Phytochemicals that are present in the fruits and herbs can preserve upon free radical damage. Thus, this review paper summarized various phytochemicals which can be utilized as a treatment option to reverse the effect of the toxicity caused by the ingestion of heavy metals in our body through various environmental or lifestyles ways.

Neuroprotective effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against bisphenol A-induced neurotoxicity in rats: involvement of neuronal apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway

The exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is inevitable owing to its common use in the production of polycarbonate plastics. Studies to reduce side effects are gaining importance since BPA causes severe toxicities in important tissues such as testes, lungs, brain, liver and kidney. The current study was planned to study ameliorative effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) on BPA induced neurotoxicity. Fourty Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: I-Control group, II-18β-GA group (100 mg/kg), III- BPA group (250 mg/kg), IV-250 mg/kg BPA + 50 mg/kg 18β-GA group, V-250 mg/kg BPA + 100 mg/kg 18β-GA group. BPA intoxication was associated with increased MDA level while reduced GSH concentration, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. BPA supplementation caused apoptosis in the brain by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. BPA also caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF-6 and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that BPA administration activated JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, p38 MAPK and JNK in the brain. However, co-treatment with 18β-GA at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway in brain tissue. Overall, the data of this study indicate that brain damage associated with BPA toxicity could be ameliorated by 18β-GA administration.

Natural Dietary Compounds in the Treatment of Arsenic Toxicity

Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) compounds leads to its accumulation in the body, with skin lesions and cancer being the most typical outcomes. Treating As-induced diseases continues to be challenging as there is no specific, safe, and efficacious therapeutic management. Therapeutic and preventive measures available to combat As toxicity refer to chelation therapy, antioxidant therapy, and the intake of natural dietary compounds. Although chelation therapy is the most commonly used method for detoxifying As, it has several side effects resulting in various toxicities such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and other adverse consequences. Drugs of plant origin and natural dietary compounds show efficient and progressive relief from As-mediated toxicity without any particular side effects. These natural compounds have also been found to aid the elimination of As from the body and, therefore, can be more effective than conventional therapeutic agents in ameliorating As toxicity. This review provides an overview of the recently updated knowledge on treating As poisoning through natural dietary compounds. This updated information may serve as a basis for defining novel prophylactic and therapeutic formulations.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Pleurospermum candollei: An Insight into Potential for Natural Products Development

The purpose of this study was to find the biological propensities of the vegetable plant Pleurospermum candollei by investigating its phytochemical profile and biological activities. Phytochemical analysis was done by spectroscopic methods to investigate the amount of total polyphenols, and biological evaluation was done by the different antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase), thrombolytic, and antibacterial activities. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in methanolic extract (240.69 ± 2.94 mg GAE/g and 167.59 ± 3.47 mg QE/g); the fractions showed comparatively less quantity (57.02 ± 1.31 to 144.02 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g, and 48.21 ± 0.75 to 96.58 ± 2.30 mg QE/g). The effect of these bioactive contents was also related to biological activities. GCMS analysis led to the identification of bioactive compounds with different biological effects from methanolic extract (antioxidant; 55.07%, antimicrobial; 56.41%), while the identified compounds from the n-hexane fraction with antioxidant properties constituted 67.86%, and those with antimicrobial effects constituted 82.95%; however, the synergetic effect of polyphenols may also have contributed to the highest value of biological activities of methanolic extract. Molecular docking was also performed to understand the relationship of identified secondary metabolites with enzyme-inhibitory activities. The thrombolytic activity was also significant (40.18 ± 1.80 to 57.15 ± 1.10 % clot lysis) in comparison with streptokinase (78.5 ± 1.53 to 82.34 ± 1.25% clot lysis). Methanolic extract also showed good activity against Gram-positive strains of bacteria, and the highest activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of this study will improve our knowledge of phytochemistry, and biological activities of P. candollei, which seems to be a ray of hope to design formulations of natural products for the improvement of health and prevention of chronic diseases; however, further research may address the development of novel drugs for use in pharmaceuticals.

Musa sp. Leaves Extract Ameliorates the Hepato-Renal Toxicities Induced by Cadmium in Mice

Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD₅₀ determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD₅₀ of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.

Ayurveda intervention for brass-induced heavy metal toxicity: A report from the single-arm pilot study

BACKGROUND

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy that also contains additional elements, including lead. Industrial operations on brass produce dust and fumes that can be harmful to an individual's health. Ayurveda recommends Dadima Svarasa and Triphala Churna for the management of symptoms caused due to brass toxicity.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain preliminary evidence on the efficacy of Triphala Churna (powder mixture of three myrobalans) and Dadima Svarasa (pomegranate juice) in the management of brass-associated high serum level of copper, zinc, lead, and their harms through an open-label single-arm pilot study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 workers with brass toxicity and increased level of one or more of the serum ions including copper, zinc and lead were prescribed. 5gm Triphala powder once daily and Dadima Svarasa 40 ml in two divided doses were administered daily for 28 days. Changes in serum concentration of heavy metals and common health problems like anorexia, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, nose irritation, eye irritation, epigastric pain, abdominal distention, chest pain, dyspnea, cough, lumbar pain, body ache, numbness, and occupational dermatitis were reported at baseline and end of the trial.

RESULTS

Trial drugs were found to produce significant decrease in mean values of serum copper (p < 0.001) and serum lead (p < 0.001) whereas significant increase in mean values of serum zinc (p > 0.001) was observed. Significant relief was observed in nausea (p = 0.005), anorexia (p = 0.000), epigastric pain (p = 0.001), abdominal distention (p = 0.014), weakness (p = 0.005) and body ache (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Triphala Churna along with Dadima Svarasa are safe and effective in the management of brass-associated high serum levels of copper and lead and their health hazards.

The modulatory potential of herbal antioxidants against oxidative stress and heavy metal pollution: plants against environmental oxidative stress

Free radicals, principally reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to oxidative stress in human beings. Free radicals have different mechanisms of action and affect lipids, proteins, and DNA. Heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic are environmental pollutants that may induce oxidative stress and produce ROS, leading to harmful effects on different body systems such as the liver and brain. On the other side, antioxidants can have protective effects against oxidative stress and decrease their toxicity. Herbal antioxidants have potential antioxidative effects. These antioxidants positively affect neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerotic diseases, lung fibrosis, kidney injuries, and liver toxicities induced by oxidative agents, including heavy metals. In this manuscript, we explained the mechanisms of oxidative stress, and also discussed heavy metals which contribute to human oxidative stress. We further discussed different herbal antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, and their clinical use for various diseases.

Melatonin: a pleiotropic hormone as a novel potent therapeutic candidate in arsenic toxicity

BACKGROUND

Arsenic is a natural element which exists in the environment in inorganic and organic forms. In humans, the main reason for the toxicity of arsenic is its uptake via water sources. As polluted water and the problems associated with it can be found in many countries. Therefore, considering all these positive effects of melatonin, this review is aimed at melatonin supplementation therapy on arsenic toxicity which seems to be a suitable therapeutic agent to eliminate the adverse effects of arsenic.

METHODS AND RESULTS

It is seen in previous studies that chronic exposure to arsenic could cause serious dys functions of organs and induce different degrees of toxicities that is one of the first hazardous materials in the classification of substances by the United States Environmental Protection Agency so leads to costly cleanup operations burdening the economy. Arsenic harmfulness degree depends on the bioavailability, chemical form, valence state, detoxification, and metabolism of human body. The oxidative stress has a major role in arsenic-induced toxicity; on the other hand, it was discovered that melatonin is a powerful scavenger for free radical and it's an extensive-spectrum antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

Due to its highly lipophilic and small size properties, melatonin accesses all intracellular organs by easily passing via the cell membrane and prevents protein, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation. In particular, melatonin, by protecting and reducing oxidative stress in mitochondria, can normalize homeostasis and mitochondrial function and ultimately prevent apoptosis and cell death.

A Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Other Metals in Pharmaceutical Herbal Products and Dietary Supplements Containing Ginkgo biloba in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

The use of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba has increased worldwide. However, G. biloba is capable of assimilating both essential and toxic metals, and the ingestion of contaminated products can cause damage to health. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in 26 items containing Ginkgo biloba (pharmaceutical herbal products, dietary supplements, and traditional herbal remedies) purchased in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Metal analysis was performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. All of the products were contaminated with Pb, 54% of them with As, and 81% with Cd. The lowest values of Pb, As, and Cd were detected in pharmaceutical herbal products > dietary supplements > traditional herbal remedies. The daily intake dose (DID) of pharmaceutical herbal products was within the established limits for the five metals. Dietary supplements and traditional herbal remedies exceeded the DID limits for Pb. The hazard quotients estimation and non-carcinogenic cumulative hazard estimation index for Mn, As, and Cd indicated no human health risk. Our results suggest that products containing G. biloba for sale in Mexico are not a health risk.

Oral Nigella sativa oil administration alleviates arsenic-induced redox imbalance, DNA damage, and metabolic and histological alterations in rat liver

Arsenic, an omnipresent environmental contaminant, is regarded as a potent hepatotoxin. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) consumption has been shown to improve hepatic functions in various in vivo models of acute hepatic injury. The present study evaluates the protective efficacy of NSO against sodium arsenate (As)-induced deleterious alterations in the liver. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, control, As, NSO, and AsNSO. After pre-treating rats in AsNSO and NSO groups with NSO (2 mL/kg bwt, orally) for 14 days, NSO treatment was further extended for 30 days, with and without As treatment (5 mg/kg bwt, orally), respectively. As induced an upsurge in serum ALT and AST activities indicating liver injury, as also confirmed by the histopathological findings. As caused significant alterations in the activities of membrane marker enzymes and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, and in the vital components of antioxidant defense system. Marked DNA damage and hepatic arsenic accumulation were also observed in As-treated rats. Oral NSO administration ameliorated these deleterious alterations and improved overall hepatic antioxidant and metabolic status in As-treated rats. Prevention of oxidative damage could be the underlying mechanism of NSO-mediated protective effects. The results suggest that NSO could be a useful dietary supplement in the management of arsenic hepatotoxicity.

Investigation of toxic heavy metals content and estimation of potential health risks in Chinese herbal medicine

The content of toxic heavy metals (THMs), including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), was determined in a total of 10,245 samples for 279 types of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The exceeding rate (ER) for the four THMs were calculated based on diverse permissible limits (PLs) established by different organizations and national pharmacopeias. Cluster analysis was used to classify the degree risk of THMs contamination according to the calculated ER. Results revealed that Cibotii rhizome, Selaginellae herba, Morindae officinalis radix, Asprellae ilicis radix, and Toxicodendri resina exhibited high-degree risk of Pb contamination. Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Spirodelae herba, and Naturalis indigo possessed high-degree risk of As contamination. Tetrapanacis medulla, Centipedae herba, Cyathulae radix, Linderae radix, Meretricis/Cyclinae concha, and Tabanus displayed high-degree risk of Cd contamination. Toxicodendri resina has high-degree risk of Hg contamination. In addition, six types of CHM, including Asprellae ilicis radix, Toxicodendri resina, Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Haematitum, and Hedyotidis diffusae herba, may have non-carcinogenic health risk after consumption of raw materials because the calculated hazard quotient and hazard index were over 1.0. In summary, these data provide useful information about THMs contamination in CHM.

A review of plant metabolites with metal interaction capacity: a green approach for industrial applications

Rapid industrial development is responsible for severe problems related to environmental pollution. Many human and industrial activities require different metals and, as a result, great amounts of metals/heavy metals are discharged into the water and soil making them dangerous for both human and ecosystems and this is being aggravated by intensive demand and utilization. In addition, compounds with metal binding capacities are needed to be used for several purposes including in activities related to the removal and/or recovery of metals from effluents and soils, as metals' corrosion inhibitors, in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and as metal related pharmaceuticals, preferably a with minimum risks associated to the environment. Plants are able to synthesize an uncountable number of compounds with numerous functions, including compounds with metal binding capabilities. In fact, some of the plants' secondary metabolites can bind to various metals through different mechanisms, as such they are excellent sources of such compounds due to their high availability and vast diversity. In addition, the use of plant-based compounds is desirable from an environmental and economical point of view, thus being potential candidates for utilization in different industrial activities, replacing conventional physiochemical methods. This review focuses on the ability of some classes of compounds that can be found in relatively high concentrations in plants, having good metal binding capacities and thus with potential utilization in metal based industrial activities and that can be involved in the progressive development of new environmentally friendly strategies.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and its bioactive compound gallic acid on reducing toxicities of heavy metals and metalloid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Moringa oleifera leaf extract is rich in antioxidants and has high potential for use to alleviate metal toxicity. Previously, we have reported the roles of aqueous M. oleifera leaf extract in mitigating intracellular cadmium (Cd) accumulation and Cd-induced oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective role of aqueous and/or ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extracts (AMOLE and/or EMOLE) against other metal(loid)s in the eukaryotic model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our results show that only the AMOLE remarkably promoted the growth of yeast cells grown in the presence of arsenite (As(III)), Cd, nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Although the AMOLE contained lower amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and displayed lower DPPH scavenging capacity than the EMOLE, both AMOLE and EMOLE had the same capacity for reducing intracellular ROS levels in yeast cells exposed to As(III), Cd, Ni, and Pb. Moreover, the AMOLE was more effective than the EMOLE in inhibiting intracellular accumulation of these toxic metal(loid)s. In addition, we found that gallic acid, one of important phenolic constituents present in both extracts, could protect yeast cells against As(III) toxicity, likely through its role in decreasing As(III) accumulation and As(III)-induced ROS production. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of gallic acid appear to play a critical role in chelating As(III). The present study suggests the promising applications of the AMOLE (and also gallic acid) as protective agents against hazardous metal(loid)s.

The Effect of Dietary Humic Preparations on the Content of Essential and Non-Essential Chemical Elements in Hen Eggs

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with two humic preparations, Humokarbowit (HKW) and Humobentofet (HBF), on the mineral content of the albumen and egg yolk of Lohmann Brown hens. The content of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S), microelements (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Si, Sr, Zn) and trace elements (Ag, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Ga, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, Tl, V, W, Y and Zr) in the feed mixture (FM), albumen and yolk were presented. The material was collected from laying hens kept in a cage system in two groups, control (C) and enriched (E), with standard feed and feed enriched with humic preparations, respectively. The enriched feed mixture was characterised by a significantly higher Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Co, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Mg, Ni, S, Sb, Si, Zn and Zr content compared to the standard, basal mixture. Only some of these elements were found in significantly increased levels in albumen (Bi, Co, Ni, S) and yolk (Bi, Fe, K, Sb). Another noteworthy finding was a significantly lower concentration of Na in the content of eggs from the E-Group, which corresponds to the content of this important macronutrient in the feed. In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of elements such as Al, I, Li, Sr, Ti, Tl, Y, W was noted with a reduction in Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Rb, Sn in Group-E, which indicates a complicated egg formation processes, including biotransfer-essential and non-essential chemical elements.

Arsenic intoxication: general aspects and chelating agents

Arsenic (As) is widely used in the modern industry, especially in the production of pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, and semiconductors. The sources of As such as contaminated water, air, soil, but also food, can cause serious human diseases. The complex mechanism of As toxicity in the human body is associated with the generation of free radicals and the induction of oxidative damage in the cell. One effective strategy in reducing the toxic effects of As is the usage of chelating agents, which provide the formation of inert chelator–metal complexes with their further excretion from the body. This review discusses different aspects of the use of metal chelators, alone or in combination, in the treatment of As poisoning. Consideration is given to the therapeutic effect of thiol chelators such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate, 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, penicillamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and other recent agents against As toxicity. The review also considers the possible role of flavonoids, trace elements, and herbal drugs as promising natural chelating and detoxifying agents.