Dose-dependent effect of deltamethrin in testis, liver, and kidney of wistar rats

Impact of sub chronic administration of deltamethrin on autoimmune activity in rat

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a newer kind of insecticide that is used on pets, livestock, and crops, as well as to combat malaria vectors and household pests. It belongs to the synthetic pyrethroid group and is being promoted as an alternative to organophosphate chemicals due to its persistent and destructive effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of sub-chronic oral exposure to DLM on autoimmune activity in rats. Three groups of male albino rats (15 rats/group) including the control group, the ethanol-treated group (1 ml/rat), and the DLM-treated group (5 mg/kg b.w). Samples of blood were taken from all groups at 4-, 8- and 12-week intervals for the determination of hematological, cytokines, and immunological parameters. T lymphocyte subsets and Treg lymphocytes were determined in serum using flow cytometric acquisition. The results revealed that DLM significantly increased TNF-α, IL-33, IL-6, IL-17, IgG, IgM, WBCs, differential count, and platelets while decreasing Hb concentration and RBCs. Additionally, DLM decreased the number of T-cell subsets (CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD8) and Treg lymphocytes. All of these impacts became more severe over time. It is possible to conclude that the sub-chronic oral exposure to DLM disturbed autoimmune activity through the disturbances in immunological indices, CDs subset Treg lymphocytes.

The Protective effects of Vitamin E against alterations of rat testis structure induced by deltamethrin; histological, ultrastructure, and biochemical study

Deltamethrin is a widely used synthetic pyrethroid pesticide. It causes reproductive toxicity. Aim of the work: it evaluates the impact of vitamin E in restoration of the testicular integrity of albino rats after toxicity induced by Deltamethrin. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were included, and they were further sub-divided into four experimental groups; Group A: six rats served as controls. Group B (Model): 10 rats equally divided into two sub-groups (B1): the rats received deltamethrin dissolved in oil in a dose of 0.6 mg/kg/daily by nasogastric gavage for 2 weeks. (B2): the rats received Deltamethrin in the same dose of group B1 for 1 month. Group C (Protected): 10 rats equally divided into two sub-groups (C1): the rats received deltamethrin orally 0.6 mg/kg/day concomitant with Vitamin E dissolved in 1 ml of corn oil in a dose 200 mg/kg/day by nasogastric gavage for 2 weeks. (C2): the rats received deltamethrin concomitant with Vitamin E in the same dose of group C1 for 1 month. Group D (Treatment): 10 rats received deltamethrin for 1 month followed by Vitamin E for another month in the same previously prescribed doses. Significant decreases in serum testosterone level, GSH, catalase activity, and significant increase in MDA in the deltamethrin-treated group were detected. Moreover, histological and ultrastructural examinations of the testis seminiferous tubules showed detrimental alterations in the deltamethrin group which were duration dependent. Vitamin E administration reversed such alterations. Vitamin E ameliorates the testicular dysfunction caused by Deltamethrin.

Biomarkers of oral subacute toxicity of deltamethrin in exposed male Albino rats

Deltamethrin is one of the most effective pyrethroid compounds, widely employed in veterinary medicine, public health, and farming. Deltamethrin-triggered oxidative stress largely causes serious harm to an organism. Acute toxicity of this compound was extensively investigated, while less information is available on its oral sub-acute effects. This study assessed, in the male Albino rats, the effects of oral gavage of either 0.874 mg/kg (0.01 LD50) or 8.740 mg/kg (0.10 LD50) of deltamethrin for successive 14 days to investigate its effects on biomarkers and to detect the tissue injury in rats following subacute deltamethrin treatment. It was found that levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the brain, kidney, and liver, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and uric acid in serum, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC)s, eosinophils, and basophils were significantly reduced compared with untreated rats. However, when rats were treated with deltamethrin for successive 14 days, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in serum and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) in brain, kidney, and liver, red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), total protein, monocytes, and basophils and the ratios of neutrophils to lymphocytes, an aggregated marker of systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation indexes, significantly increased compared with the control group. Histologic lesions were observed in the liver, kidney, brain, testis, and epidemies in rats exposed to subacute deltamethrin for 14 days, and most tissues of rats treated with 0.10 LD50 of deltamethrin were more affected than those treated with 0.01 LD50. These findings strongly suggest that subacute exposure to deltamethrin caused significant systemic toxicity through oxidative stress resulting in biochemical and histological changes in the studied tissues. These findings highlight the potential harmful effects of deltamethrin and emphasize the importance of understanding the subacute effects of this compound, particularly in the context of veterinary medicine, public health, and farming.

Protective effect of nebivolol on rat ovary exposed to deltamethrin toxicity

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of nebivolol against possible damage to the ovarian tissue due to the application of deltamethrin as a toxic agent, by evaluating histopathological proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signal molecules immunohistochemically.

METHODS

The animals were divided into three groups as control, deltamethrin and deltamethrin + nebivolol groups. Vaginal smears were taken after the animals were mated and detected on the first day of pregnancy. After the sixth day, deltamethrin (0.5 mL of 30 mg/kg BW undiluted ULV), and 2 mL of sterile nebivolol solution were administered intraperitoneally every day for 6-21 periods. After routine histopathological follow-up, the ovarian tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain.

RESULTS

Control group showed normal histology of ovarium. In deltamethrin group, hyperplasic cells, degenerative follicles, pyknotic nuclei, inflammation and hemorrhagic areas were observed. Nebivolol treatment restored these pathologies. Deltamethrin treatment increased TNF-α and PCNA reaction. However, nebivolol decreased the expression.

CONCLUSIONS

It was thought that deltamethrin toxicity adversely affected follicle development by inducing degeneration and apoptotic process in preantral and antra follicle cells, and nebivolol administration might reduce inflammation and slow down the apoptotic signal in the nuclear phase and regulate reorganization.

Systematic evaluation of the toxicological effects of deltamethrin exposure in zebrafish larvae

Deltamethrin (DM) is a widely used pesticide and has been generally detected in aquatic systems. To systematically investigate the toxic effects, zebrafish embryos were treated with various concentrations of DM for 120h. The LC₅₀ was determined to be 102 μg L^-1. Lethal concentrations of DM induced severe morphological defects in the surviving individuals. Under non-lethal concentrations, DM suppressed the development of neurons in the larvae, which was associated with the reduction in locomotor activity. DM exposure induced cardiovascular toxicity, including suppressed growth of blood vessels and enhanced heart rates. DM also disrupted the development of bones in the larvae. Moreover, liver degeneration, apoptosis and oxidative stress were observed in the larvae treated with DM. Correspondingly, the transcriptional levels of the genes related to the toxic effects were altered by DM. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study provided evidence that DM showed multiple toxic effects on aquatic organisms.

Assessment of the Oxidative Damage and Genotoxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Exploring the Protective Role of Holy Basil Oil Nanoemulsions in Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the oxidative damage, genotoxicity, and DNA damage in the liver of rats treated with titanium nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) with an average size of 28.0 nm and ξ-potential of - 33.97 mV, and to estimate the protective role of holy basil essential oil nanoemulsion (HBEON). Six groups of Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally for 3 weeks as follows: the control group, HBEO or HBEON-treated groups (5 mg/kg b.w), TiO₂-NPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and the groups treated with TiO₂-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON. Samples of blood and tissues were collected for different analyses. The results revealed that 55 compounds were identified in HBEO, and linalool and methyl chavicol were the major compounds (53.9%, 12.63%, respectively). HBEON were semi-round with the average size and ζ-potential of 120 ± 4.5 nm and - 28 ± 1.3 mV, respectively. TiO₂-NP administration increased the serum biochemical indices, oxidative stress markers, serum cytokines, DNA fragmentation, and DNA breakages; decreased the antioxidant enzymes; and induced histological alterations in the liver. Co-administration of TiO₂-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON improved all the tested parameters and the liver histology, and HBEON was more effective than HBEO. Therefore, HEBON is a promising candidate able to protect against oxidative damage, disturbances in biochemical markers, gene expression, DNA damage, and histological changes resulting from exposure to TiO₂-NPs and may be applicable in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

The functional link between TCTP and Drsl1 in deltamethrin-stressed Drosophila Kc cells

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a growth and development related protein found in almost all eukaryotes and can be involved in a variety of cellular life activities. Our previous studies found that TCTP is involved in the response of Drosophila Kc cells to deltamethrin (DM) stimulation, and it may be a candidate gene related to DM stress. Therefore, we would further investigate the functions of TCTP and its mechanism under DM stress. The qPCR results showed that the expression level of Drsl1 increasing first and then decreasing with the change of DM concentration and treatment duration. The optimal concentration was 20 ppm and the optimal time was 24 h. qPCR and WB results together showed that the expression levels of TCTP and Drsl1 were positively correlated. The flow cytometry showed the expression levels of TCTP and Drsl1 in deltamethrin-stressed cells are related to apoptosis. The apoptosis rate reached the highest level in the cells with simultaneous interference of both genes. Taken together, our data mainly suggest that TCTP interacts with Drsl1 in response to DM stress in Drosophila Kc cells, which helps to investigate the mechanisms of DM toxicity and the mechanisms by which insects develop resistance to it.

Synergistic effect of environmental food pollutants: Pesticides and marine biotoxins

Emerging marine biotoxins such as ciguatoxins and pyrethroid compounds, widely used in agriculture, are independently treated as environmental toxicants. Their maximum residue levels in food components are set without considering their possible synergistic effects as consequence of their interaction with the same cellular target. There is an absolute lack of data on the possible combined cellular effects that biological and chemical pollutants, may have. Nowadays, an increasing presence of ciguatoxins in European Coasts has been reported and these toxins can affect human health. Similarly, the increasing use of phytosanitary products for control of food plagues has raised exponentially during the last decades due to climate change. The lack of data and regulation evaluating the combined effect of environmental pollutants with the same molecular target led us to analyse their in vitro effects. In this work, the effects of ciguatoxins and pyrethroids in human sodium channels were investigated. The results presented in this study indicate that both types of compounds have a profound synergistic effect in voltage-dependent sodium channels. These food pollutants act by decreasing the maximum peak inward sodium currents and hyperpolarizing the sodium channels activation, effects that are boosted by the simultaneous presence of both compounds. A fact that highlights the need to re-evaluate their limits in feedstock as well as their potential in vivo toxicity considering that they act on the same cellular target. Moreover, this work sets the cellular basis to further apply this type of studies to other water and food pollutants that may act synergistically and thus implement the corresponding regulatory limits taking into account its presence in a healthy diet.

Subchronic toxicity of oral deltamethrin in laying chickens

Pyrethroid pesticides, with low toxicity to birds and mammals and short persistence in the environment, are widely used now. With the development of intensive poultry farming, pesticide application leads to residues in poultry products and pollution in ecological environment. The aim of the present study was to examine deltamethrin subchronic toxicity in laying chickens. One hundred and twelve laying chickens were randomly assigned to 14 groups including 13 groups medicated with deltamethrin (n = 8) and one unmedicated group used as control (n = 8). Tissue samples were collected during and after administration for weighing and histopathological analysis. A single dose of deltamethrin (20 mg·kg^-1·BW·d) was administered orally to laying chickens for 14 days. The results showed that deltamethrin has no significant effect on the relative organ weight of laying chickens (p > 0.05). The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and cholinesterase in the plasma gradually decreased over time in the medicated group (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine significantly increased during treatment (p < 0.05), and significant liver damage and loss of intestinal villous epithelium were observed. The intestinal wall thickness, villus height, and crypt depth of laying chickens were altered by deltamethrin treatment. During treatment was withdrawn, the intestinal repair was more extensive than the liver repair.

Improvement of the antioxidant activity of thyme essential oil against biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disturbances in gene expression in vivo

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are widely utilized in medicine and industry; however, their safety in biological organisms is still unclear. In this study, we determined the bioactive constitutes of thyme essential oil (TEO) and utilized the nanoemulsion technique to improve its protective efficiency against oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and DNA damage of biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs).

METHODS

TEO nanoemulsion (TEON) was prepared using whey protein isolate (WPI). Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups and treated orally for 21 days including the control group, TEO, or TEON- treated groups (5 mg/kg b.w), TiO₂-NPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w) and the groups received TiO₂-NPs plus TEO or TEON. Blood and tissues samples were collected for different assays.

RESULTS

The GC-MS analysis identified 17 bioactive compounds in TEO and thymol and carvacrol were the major compounds. TEON was irregular with average particles size of 230 ± 3.7 nm and ζ-potential of -24.17 mV. However, TiO2-NPs showed a polygonal shape with an average size of 50 ± 2.4 nm and ζ-potential of -30.44 mV. Animals that received TiO2-NPs showed severe disturbances in liver and kidney indices, lipid profile, oxidant/antioxidant indices, inflammatory cytokines, gene expressions, increased DNA damage, and pathological changes in hepatic tissue. Both TEO and TEON showed potential protection against these hazards and TEON was more effective than TEO.

CONCLUSION

The nanoemulsion of TEO enhances the oil bioactivity, improves its antioxidant characteristics, and protects against oxidative damage and genotoxicity of TiO2-NPs.

Synthesis of encapsulated fish oil using whey protein isolate to prevent the oxidative damage and cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in rats

Fish oil exhibited several beneficial effects on human health; however, its applications face several challenges such as its effects on the organoleptic properties of food and its susceptibility to oxidation. Titanium dioxide NPs (TiO₂-NPs) are utilized widely in pharmaceutical and food applications although there are some reports about their oxidative damage to living organisms. The current work was undertaken to identify fatty acids content in mullet fish oil, encapsulation, and characterization of the oil, and to assess the protective efficiency of the encapsulated mullet fish oil (EMFO) against the oxidative damage and genotoxicity of TiO₂-NPs in rats. Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed to 6 groups and treated for 21 days included the control group; TiO₂-NPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w); the groups treated with EMFO (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w) and the groups received TiO₂-NPs plus EMFO at the low or high dose. Samples of blood, liver, and kidney were taken for different assays and histological studies. The GC-FID analysis showed that a total of 14 different fatty acids were found in Mullet fish oil included 41.4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), 31.1% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 25.1% saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The structure of EMFO was spherical with an average diameter of 234.5 nm and a zeta potential of -6.24 mV and was stable up to 10 days at 25 °C with EE of 81.08%. The PV of EMFO was decreased at 5 days then increased at 15 days; however, TBARS was increased throughout the storage time over 15 days. The biological evaluation showed that TiO₂-NPs disturb the hepato-nephro functions, lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes activity, and their corresponding gene expression along with severe pathological alterations in both hepatic and renal tissue. Co-administration of EMFO induced a strong antioxidant role, and the high level could normalize the majority of the parameters tested and the histological picture of the hepatic and renal tissues. These results pointed out that the encapsulation technology enhances the protective role of EMFO against oxidative stress and genotoxicity of TiO₂-NPs through the prevention of ω-3 PUFAs oxidation and controlling their release.

Elimination of oxidative stress and genotoxicity of biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles in rats via supplementation with whey protein-coated thyme essential oil

The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is growing dramatically; however, the toxicity of these biosynthesized particles against living organisms is not fully explored. Therefore, this study was designed to synthesize and characterize TiO₂-NPs, encapsulation and characterization thyme essential oil (ETEO), and determination of the bioactive constituents of ETEO using GC-MS and evaluate their protective role against TiO₂-NPs-induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity in rats. Six groups of rats were treated orally for 30 days including the control group, TiO₂-NPs (300 mg/kg b.w)-treated group, ETEO at low (50 mg/kg b.w) or high dose (100 mg/kg b.w)-treated groups, and TiO₂-NPs plus ETEO at the two doses-treated groups. Blood and tissues were collected for different assays. The GC-MS results indicated the presence of 21 compounds belonging to phenols, terpene derivatives, and heterocyclic compounds. The synthesized TiO₂-NPs were 45 nm tetragonal particles with a zeta potential of -27.34 mV; however, ETEO were 119 nm round particles with a zeta potential of -28.33 mV. TiO₂-NPs administration disturbs the liver and kidney markers, lipid profile, cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, the apoptotic and antioxidant hepatic mRNA expression, and induced histological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues. ETEO could improve all these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that ETEO is a promising candidate for the protection against TiO₂-NPs and can be applied safely in food applications.

Inhibition of the Nrf2/p38MAPK pathway involved in deltamethrin-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in quail kidney

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a broad-spectrum and effective pyrethroid insecticide. However, DLM has good residual activity on most surfaces and many insects, so it poses a threat to the environment and health of animals and human. Exposure to DLM can cause kidney injury, but the mechanism is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the possible mechanism of quail kidney injury induced by chronic exposure to different doses of DLM for 12 weeks. The results showed that chronic exposure to DLM induced apoptosis and fibrosis of quail kidney through the promotion of oxidative stress by down-regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), up-regulating the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK). Furthermore, DLM-induced kidney apoptosis in quails as evidenced by increased expression of B-cell lymphoma gene 2-associated X while decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma-extra large. Simultaneously, DLM-induced kidney fibrosis in quails as evidenced by increased expression of fibrosis maker proteins. Overall, the results demonstrate that chronic DLM exposure induces kidney apoptosis and fibrosis via inhibition of the Nrf2/p38MAPK pathway. This study provides a new understanding for the mechanism of DLM-induced quail kidney injury and also provides a theoretical basis for treatment of the DLM poisoning.

Matlodextrin-cinnamon essential oil nanoformulation as a potent protective against titanium nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and reproductive disturbances in male mice

Recently, bio-nanofabrication becomes one of the widest methods for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs); however, there is scanty literature exploring the toxicity of these green NPs against living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective role of encapsulated cinnamon oil (ECO) against titanium oxide nanoparticle (TiO2NP)-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, chromosomal aberration, and reproductive disturbances in male mice. Sixty male Balb/c mice were distributed into six groups treated orally for 3 weeks and included control group, TiO2NP-treated group (25 mg/kg b.w), ECO at low or high dose-treated groups (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w), and the groups that received TiO2NPs plus ECO at a low or high dose. The results of GC-MS revealed the isolation of 21 compounds and the majority was cinnamaldehyde. The average size zeta potential of TiO2NPs and ECO were 28.9 and 321 nm and -33.97 and -17.35 mV, respectively. TiO2NP administration induced significant changes in liver and kidney function, decreased antioxidant capacity, and increased oxidative stress markers in liver and kidney, DNA damage in the hepatocytes, the number of chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow and germ cells, and sperm abnormalities along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, and testis. Co-administration of TiO2NPs and ECO could alleviate these disturbances in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that ECO is a promising and safe candidate for the protection against the health hazards of TiO2NPs.

Exposure to pesticides and oxidative stress in Brazilian agricultural communities

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress may be an important mechanism linking pesticide exposure to several diseases. We evaluated the association between pesticide exposures and oxidative stress biomarkers in Brazilian agricultural workers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy agricultural (N = 52) and non-agricultural workers (N = 68) in a rural community in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Regular pesticide use, sociodemographic, and lifestyle information was obtained by questionnaire. Oxidative stress biomarkers (N = 7) were measured in serum and plasma. We calculated percent differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in oxidative stress biomarkers for use of pesticides adjusted for sex, age, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption, using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Living close to or in the fields was associated with glutathione peroxidase activity but not with any other markers. We observed significant positive associations between 8-isoprostane levels and activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase with reported use of certain insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Our results also indicate a significant and negative association between glutathione-S-transferase activity and insecticide use.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that use of pesticides may be associated with differences in oxidative stress biomarkers.

Nerve Growth Factor Protects Against Pyrethroid-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress in Primary Hippocampal Neurons

Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors crucial for growth and survival of neurons in the developing and adult brain. Reduction in neurotrophin levels is associated with reduced neurogenesis and cognitive deficits in rodents. Recently, we demonstrated that long-term exposure to low levels of the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin causes hippocampal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and learning deficits in mice. Here, we found that nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA and protein were selectively reduced in the hippocampus of deltamethrin-treated mice. To explore potential mechanisms responsible for this observation, we employed mouse primary hippocampal neurons. Exposure of neurons to deltamethrin (1-5 μM) caused ER stress as indicated by increased levels of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). These changes were accompanied by increased levels of caspase-12, activated caspase-3, and decreased levels of NGF. Inhibition of ER stress with the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) inhibitor salubrinal abolished deltamethrin-induced activation of caspase-12 and caspase-3, and restored NGF levels. Furthermore, deltamethrin decreased Akt (protein kinase B) phosphorylation, which was significantly prevented by co-treatment with NGF or SC-79 in cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the loss of NGF following ER stress may contribute to deltamethrin-induced apoptosis in the hippocampus through the Akt signaling pathway, and that this may provide a plausible mechanism for impaired learning and memory observed following exposure of mice to deltamethrin.

Utilization of rGO-PEI-supported AgNPs for sensitive recognition of deltamethrin in human plasma samples: A new platform for the biomedical analysis of pesticides in human biofluids

In this study, the rGO-PEI-AgNPs sensor was designed as a new effective platform to sensitive monitoring of deltamethrin in human plasma samples. For this purpose, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-supported polyethylenimine (PEI) was used as a suitable substrate for dispersion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as amplification and catalytic element. Therefore, a novel interface (rGO-PEI-AgNPs) was prepared by the fully electrochemical method on the surface of glassy carbon electrodes. The engineered nano-sensor showed a wide dynamic range of 10 nM to 1 mM and low limit of quantification (LLOQ) as 10 nM in human plasma sample, which revealed excellent analytical performance for the recognition of deltamethrin with high sensitivity and reproducibility through differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry techniques. The results confirm that rGO-PEI-AgNPs as a novel biocompatible interface can provide appropriate, reliable, affordable, rapid, and user-friendly diagnostic tools in the detection of deltamethrin in human real samples.

Effect of diosmin on lipid peoxidation and organ damage against subacute deltamethrin exposure in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of diosmin against subacute deltamethrin exposure. For this purpose, 40 male Wistar albino rats were used. The animals were assigned to the following 4 groups: control group (received corn oil vehicle alone), diosmin-treated group (50 mg/kg bw/day orally), deltamethrin-exposed group (5 mg/kg bw/day, orally) and coadministered group (5 mg/kg bw/day deltamethrin and 50 mg/kg bw/day diosmin, orally) for 28 days. Some lipid peroxidation/antioxidant status/biochemical markers were evaluated in blood/tissue (liver, kidney, brain, heart and testis) samples and the histopathological architecture was assessed. Compared with the control group, no alteration was detected in the parameters and histological findings of the diosmin-treated group. Deltamethrin toxicity was associated with significantly increased plasma, cardiac, hepatic, renal, cerebral and testicular levels of MDA and NO, and significantly decreased GSH levels (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme status (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities) displayed either decrease or increase (p < 0.05). Significant increase was detected in AST and ALT activities and urea and creatinine levels (p < 0.05). The values of the group coadministered with deltamethrin and diosmin were similar to the values of the control group. Diosmin ameliorated deltamethrin-induced lymphocytic and histiocytic infiltration and subendocardial oedema in the heart. Combined administration also minimized hepatic, renal, testicular and cerebral histopathological findings. The alterations detected in various toxicological parameters correlated well with the histopathological changes observed in various organs. In conclusion, it is suggested that diosmin could provide protection against deltamethrin-induced toxicity and organ damage in rats.

Effect of pyrethroid pesticides on the testis of male rats: A meta-analysis

This study quantitatively evaluated the effects of pyrethroid pesticides on the testis of male rats. An extensive literature search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Pooled standard mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval was calculated via the random-effects model. I ² was used to evaluate heterogeneity among studies. A total of 19 studies were included for analysis in our study. Results indicated that the sperm count of rats exposed to fenvalerate was lower than that of rats in control groups. The sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone level of rats exposed to cypermethrin and deltamethrin were lower than those of rats in control groups. Moreover, the sperm morphology of rats exposed to these pyrethroid pesticides was abnormal compared with that of rats in control groups. The present meta-analysis indicates that pyrethroid pesticides decrease rat sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone level and cause abnormal rat sperm morphology. Therefore, pyrethroid pesticides can damage the testis of male rats.

Neuromodulatory effect of cinnamon oil on behavioural disturbance, CYP1A1, iNOStranscripts and neurochemical alterations induced by deltamethrin in rat brain

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of deltamethrin (DLM)on brain function and to find whether DLM-induced neurotoxicity is prevented by the treatment with cinnamon oil. Four groups of ten Wistar albino male rats each were used. Group I (control) received saline only. Group II received cinnamon oil alone at 0.5 mg/kg B.W. intraperitonally, whereas Group III received orally DLM alone at 6 mg/kg B.W. Groups IV was treated with cinnamon oil plus DLM for 21 days to induce neurotoxicity. Rat behaviour, brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE), serotonin, oxidative stress profile were assessed. Serum sampling for the assessment of corticosterone concentration was also carried out. Finally, we demonstrate the gene expression of CYP1A1 and iNOS and the histological picture of the brain. Considering the behaviour assessment, DLM administration alone caused neurobehavioral deficits manifested by anxiety-like behavior which represented ina marked decrease in the sleeping frequency and duration, and marked increase the digging frequency and a wake non-active behavior duration. Moreover, the open field result showed a significant decrease in central square entries and duration. The neurochemical analysis revealed that DLM significantly suppressed AChE activity and elevated serotonin and corticosterone concentrations. Furthermore, results revealed thatthe brain reduced glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were significantly altered in DLM treated rats. Neurochemical disturbances were confirmed by histopathological changes in the brain. Furthermore, DLM up-regulates the mRNA expression of brain CYP1A1 and iNOS. Co-treatment with cinnamon oil exhibited significant improvement in behavioural performance and the brain antioxidant capacities with an increase in AChE activity and diminished the concentration of serotonin, serum corticosterone and MDA. Cinnamon oil treatment resulted in down-regulation of CYP1A1 and iNOS and improve the histologically picture. In conclusion, cinnamon oil ameliorated DLM-induced neurotoxicity through preventing oxidative stress-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis of brain in rats.

Pyrethroids Toxicity to Male Reproductive System and Offspring as a Function of Oxidative Stress Induction: Rodent Studies

Pyrethroids may be related to male reproductive system damage. However, the results of many previous studies are contradictory and uncertain. Therefore, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to assess the relationship between pyrethroid exposure and male reproductive system damage. A total of 72 articles were identified, among which 57 were selected for meta-analysis, and 15 were selected for qualitative analysis. Pyrethroid exposure affected sperm count (SMD= -2.0424; 95% CI, -2.4699 to -1.6149), sperm motility (SMD=-3.606; 95% CI, -4.5172 to -2.6948), sperm morphology (SMD=2.686; 95% CI, 1.9744 to 3.3976), testis weight (SMD=-1.1591; 95% CI, -1.6145 to -0.7038), epididymal weight (SMD=-1.1576; 95% CI, -1.7455 to -0.5697), and serum testosterone level (SMD=-1.9194; 95% CI, -2.4589 to -1.3798) in the studies of rats. We found that gestational and lactational exposure to pyrethroids can reduce sperm count (SMD=1.8469; 95% CI, -2.9010 to -0.7927), sperm motility (SMD=-2.7151; 95% CI, -3.9574 to -1.4728), testis weight (SMD=-1.4361; 95% CI, -1.8873 to -0.9848), and epididymal weight (SMD=-0.6639; 95% CI, -0.9544 to -0.3733) of F1 offspring. Exposure to pyrethroids can increase malondialdehyde (SMD=3.3451; 95% CI 1.9914 to 4.6988) oxide in testes and can reduce the activities of glutathione (SMD=-2.075; 95% CI -3.0651 to -1.0848), superoxide dismutase (SMD=-2.4856; 95% CI -3.9612 to -1.0100), and catalase (SMD=-2.7564; 95% CI -3.9788 to -1.5340). Pyrethroid exposure and oxidative stress could damage male sperm quality. Gestational and lactational pyrethroid exposure affects the reproductive system of F1 offspring.

Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Repairs the Oxidative Misbalance following Sub-Chronic Exposure to Sodium Fluoride in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The potential antioxidant property of Moringa oleifera (MO) has been the recent focus of an increased number of studies. However few studies investigated its antioxidative ability against sodium fluoride-induced redox balance breakdown in Oreochromis niloticus. Thus, this study evaluates the effects of MO against the oxidative stress induced by sub-chronic exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF). A total of 264 fish (40 ± 3 g BW) were used to calculate the 96 hr-LC50 of NaF and perform the sub-chronic exposure study. 96 hr-LC50 of NaF was calculated as (61 mg/L). The 1/10 dose of the calculated 96 hr-LC50 (6.1 mg/L) was used to complete the sub chronic exposure for eight weeks. Fish were divided into four groups (n = 51; three replicates each); control, non-treated group; NaF group (exposed to NaF 6.1 mg/L); MO group (treated with 1% MO of diet); and NaF+MO (exposed to NaF 6.1 mg/L and treated with 1% MO of diet). The results revealed that the sub-chronic exposure to NaF (6.1 mg/L) was substantially increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the gills, liver, kidney, and muscle tissue in a time-dependent manner. In addition, a significant reduction in mRNA expression of GST in the liver was reported following NaF exposure. On the contrary, dietary supplementation of MO to NaF-exposed fish resulted in a significant reduction in MDA levels, and a significant elevation of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, and TAC activities in a time-dependent manner, in addition to significant elevation of GST mRNA expression in liver tissue. It could be concluded that a 1% MO (w/w) ration is a promising antioxidant plant that may successfully use to interfere with the oxidation processes induced by NaF in various tissues of Oreochromis niloticus.

Nano-curcumin versus curcumin in amelioration of deltamethrin-induced hippocampal damage

We aimed to prove that oxidative stress is the main mechanism responsible for hippocampal neurotoxicity induced by deltamethrin (DLM). The protective role of curcumin (CMN) and nano-curcumin (NCMN) over this toxicity was studied. The rats were categorized into four groups: control, DLM, CMN and NCMN. The study continued for 30 days. Hippocampus was processed for histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Caspase-3, glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured for DLM-induced oxidative stress (increased MDA by 354%/decreased GSH by 61%, SOD by 61%, CAT 57%). Oxidative stress induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons through increasing Nrf2, gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase heavy subunit (GCS-HS) and light subunit (GCS-LS) and decreasing AChE. It increases the activity of astrocytes through increasing GFAP. Finally, oxidative stress has a bad impaction on cognitive function. Improvement of oxidative stress was observed with use of CMN and NCMN (decrease of MDA/increase of GSH, SOD, CAT). The level of Nrf2, GCS-HS and GCS-LS decreased, while AChE, GFAP increased. Improvement of cognitive function was observed in both groups. In conclusion, oxidative stress is the common mechanism responsible for DLM-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. It exerts apoptosis of hippocampal neurons through increasing Nrf2, HS-GCS, LS-GCS and decreasing AChE. In addition, it activates astrocytes through increasing expression of GFAP. The protective role of CMN and CMMN is related to their potent antioxidant effect. Much improvement has been detected with NCMN as compared to CMN.

Acaricidal efficacy of deltamethrin-zinc oxide nanocomposite on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus tick

In the veterinary field, there is a great concern about the issue of acaricides resistance in cattle ticks. A comparative study was designed to evaluate the in vitro acaricidal efficacy of imidacloprid nano-emulsion, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), deltamethrin, deltamethrin-ZnO NPs, and deltamethrin-Ag NPs. In addition, the novel formulations of deltamethrin (deltamethrin-ZnO NPs and deltamethrin-Ag NPs) against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus were also evaluated by in vivo animal efficacy trials. Nanoparticles and their loaded forms, deltamethrin-Ag NPs and deltamethrin-ZnO NPs, were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR). The adulticidal activity of deltamethrin-ZnO NPs at different concentrations; 2 mL/L, 1 mL/L, 0.5 mL/L and 0.25 mL/L induced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) lethal effect on adult ticks compared to deltamethrin-Ag NPs at the same concentrations. The larvicidal efficacy of deltamethrin-ZnO NPs resulted in a complete larval mortality within 24 h of exposure, while deltamethrin and deltamethrin-Ag NPs exhibited 100% immobility of larvae 48 h post-exposure. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments showed a considerable reduction in the tick's survival after using deltamethrin-ZnO NPs. There was no significant effect of different treatments on liver or kidney function tests at pre- and post-treatment of animals. In conclusion, deltamethrin-ZnO nanocomposite was the most effective adulticide and larvicide against R. (B.) annulatus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for using deltamethrin-ZnO NPs as an acaricide.

Deltamethrin toxicity: A review of oxidative stress and metabolism

Deltamethrin is widely used worldwide due to its valuable insecticidal activity against pests and parasites. Increasing evidence has shown that deltamethrin causes varying degrees of toxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress and metabolism are highly correlated with toxicity. For the first time, this review systematically summarizes the deltamethrin toxicity mechanism from the perspective of oxidative stress, including deltamethrin-mediated oxidative damage, antioxidant status, oxidative signaling pathways and modulatory effects of antagonists, synergists and placebos on oxidative stress. Further, deltamethrin metabolism, including metabolites, metabolic enzymes and pathways and deltamethrin metabolite toxicity are discussed. This review will shed new light on deltamethrin toxicity mechanisms and provide effective strategies to ensure pest control and prevention of human and animal poisoning.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticides on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: A reproductive health perspective

Pyrethroids, a class of ubiquitous insecticides, have been recognized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). A lot of studies have implied the endocrine-disrupting effects of pyrethroids on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, there are few review articles regarding the effects of pyrethroids on the HPG axis of mammal and human, especially new research progress made in this area. The present review sums up the effects of pyrethroids on the HPG axis-related reproductive outcomes, including epidemiological investigations based on human biomonitoring, animal studies and in vitro tests. Mechanisms have described that the endocrine-disrupting effects of pyrethroids on mammal can be mediated via the interaction with steroid receptors, the direct action on ion channels and signaling molecules. Finally, we summarize the current research gaps and suggest future directions in this topic.

Regional Susceptibility to ER Stress and Protection by Salubrinal Following a Single Exposure to Deltamethrin

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a significant contributor to neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. Recently, we reported that repeated exposure to the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin caused ER stress in the hippocampus of adult mice, which was accompanied by deficits in learning (Hossain et al., 2015). Here, we investigated regional susceptibility to ER stress and the ability of salubrinal, an inhibitor of ER stress, to reduce apoptosis following a single oral administration of deltamethrin (6 mg/kg). Deltamethrin significantly increased the ER stress marker C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) in the hippocampus by 148% at 24 and 48 h compared with age-matched controls. In contrast, CHOP was increased by 146% in the frontal cortex only at 48 h after deltamethrin exposure. Similarly, the level of GRP-78 was increased by 314% and 262% in the hippocampus at 24 and 48 h, whereas the same factors were increased by 178% at 24 h and 139% at 48 h in the frontal cortex. These changes were accompanied by increased levels of activated caspase-12, caspase-3, and TUNEL-positive cells in both brain regions, with the hippocampus showing a more robust response. Pre-treatment of mice with the eIf2α inhibitor salubrinal prevented deltamethrin-induced caspase-3 activation and attenuated the number of TUNEL-positive cells. These data demonstrate that the hippocampus appears to be particularly vulnerable to deltamethrin exposure in adult animals, which may contribute to observed effects of deltamethrin on cognitive function.

Sertraline-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats: evaluation of possible underlying mechanisms

This study was conducted to clarify the toxic effects of sertraline (SRT) on the reproductive system of male rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Rats were treated orally with SRT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg kg-1 for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment period, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were investigated by computer-assisted sperm analysis system whereas sperm DNA damage was detected by comet assay. The oxidative status of the testes was investigated, and a histopathological examination was conducted. Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured to determine the effects of SRT on the spermatogenesis process. One-way ANOVA, post-hoc Dunnett's T3 test for the sperm comet assay, and post-hoc Tukey's test for the others were performed for statistical analysis. The results showed that SRT caused an increase in sperm DNA damage and induced histopathological lesions in all groups treated with SRT. There was abnormal sperm morphology and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 10 mg kg-1 treatment group. More dramatic changes were observed in the 20 mg kg-1 treatment group. Decreased sperm count was accompanied by a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology, DNA damage, and degeneration in cellular-tubular structures. Serum LH and testosterone levels were elevated in the 20 mg kg-1 treatment group. Decreased glutathione (GSH) and increased MDA were signs of enhanced oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, SRT induced testicular toxicity in a dose-dependent manner and OS is suggested as a crucial mechanism.

Protective effect of green tea extract on the deltamethrin-induced toxicity in mice testis: An experimental study

Background

Deltamethrin (DM) is one of the environmental factors that can have destructive effects on the male fertility. Green tea (GT) as a medicinal herb, has antioxidant property.

Objective

The present study investigated the protective role of GT extract in improving the harmful effects of DM on the testis.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 35 adult male mice (25–30 gr) were divided in to five groups (n = 7/each). The control group received only normal saline. Sham received 0.2 ml corn oil. Green tea group received only GT of 150 mg/kg. bw; deltamethrin group received the DM at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg. bw; GT + DM received both GT and DM. The effect of GT was assessed by measuring oxidative stress markers, sperm parameters, histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

The results showed that the count and motility of spermatozoa, testosterone, and Malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.001) and the abnormal spermatozoa increased (p < 0.001) in DM group compared to control group. Moreover, enhanced caspase-3expression and apoptosis were observed in DM-treated mice compared to control group. Histologically, DM with a degenerative effect on testicular tissue reduced the spermatogenesis progenitor cells. The epithelial height and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were also reduced in the DM group. Treatment with GT in the DM-treated mice significantly improved these changes.

Conclusion

With these findings, it was concluded that the GT treatment with antioxidant activity and anti-apoptotic property could protect the testicular injury induced by DM.

Safety Evaluation of Various Vector Repellents in Combination with Deltamethrin in Wistar Rats

Background:

Vector repellents are used globally to avoid insect bites and control transmission of diseases. It is important to ensure safety levels of these compounds, although they are noxious to insects. Vector repellents when used in combination are known to bring additional benefits in getting rid of the harmful insects. Unfortunately, the safety levels of various vector repellents such as Deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Depa (N,N-diethyl phenylacetamide), and Deb (N,N-diethylbenzamide) are not studied in combination with the widely used pyrethroid deltamethrin (Del).

Materials and Methods:

In this study, safety evaluation of various vector repellents by oral route in combination with Del was studied by assessing body weight and organ weight changes, hematological parameters, and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats.

Results:

The results revealed significant changes in liver marker enzymes in Del, Deb, Del + Depa, and Del + Deet groups. Urea levels were significantly altered after treatment with various repellents and in combination with Del, except Deb-alone group. Hematological and rest of the biochemical parameters were found to be unaltered in all the treatment groups. Significant changes in the liver weight were found in Deb, Depa, Deet, Del + Deb, and Del + Deet groups.

Conclusions:

Taken together, the overall results of this study indicate that single, high oral dose of various insect repellents did not show any additive toxicity.

Sublethal chronic effects of oral dietary exposure to deltamethrin in Swiss albino mice

The hazards of dietary exposure to environmentally relevant levels of deltamethrin are poorly understood though studies enunciate the acute toxicity hazards. In this study, prolonged exposure to low levels of deltamethrin in mice was investigated. The mice were exposed daily via gavage method for 60 days. Four doses (0.1, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 mg/kg bwt/d) were selected, which are equal to or less than the maximum residue limits for deltamethrin permitted in animal food/feed. Liver, kidney, lungs, spleen, and testes were collected on day 61 for histology, residue, and biochemical analysis (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), total bilirubin (TBIL), total proteins (TPs), cholesterol (CHOL), urea, and creatinine). No significant changes were observed in body weight gain in all treatment groups ( p > 0.05). The gas chromatography analysis indicated that none of the tissue samples contained deltamethrin residues above the limits of quantification. The significant differences in biochemical profile (AST, ALT, TBIL, and creatinine) reported in animals exposed to 0.1 and 0.05 mg/kg bwt/d deltamethrin ( p < 0.05) suggest respective tissue injury and lipid peroxidation; however, few significant changes in urea and CHOL were also reported in doses 0.01 and 0.005 mg/kg bwt. No significant differences in TP and ALKP were observed ( p > 0.05). The target organs for deltamethrin toxicity showed prominent histopathological changes in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.05 mg/kg bwt. Other two doses showed no or sporadic changes. Our findings suggest that chronic exposure to environmentally relevant levels of deltamethrin can have detrimental effects on vital organs in the circumstances allowing daily exposure, in congruence with available literature.

Curcumin and Quercetin Ameliorated Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin-Induced Reproductive System Impairment in Male Wistar Rats by Upregulating The Activity of Pituitary-Gonadal Hormones and Steroidogenic Enzymes

Background

Dietary antioxidants protect tissues and organs against insecticides/xenobiotic-induced damage. In the present study, we evaluated the results of exposure to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, cypermethrin (Cyp) and deltamethrin (Del) and possible protective effects of curcumin and quercetin on reproductive system in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

In this controlled experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 animals. Group A served as control, group B was exposed to Cyp (2 mg/kg.bw), group C was exposed to Del (2 mg/kg.bw), group D was exposed to Cyp+Del (2 mg/kg.bw each), group E was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with curcumin (100 mg/kg.bw), group F was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with quercetin (100 mg/kg.bw) and group G was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with quercetin+curcumin for 45 days.

Results

Exposure to Cyp and Del caused decreases in reproductive organs weight, sperm count, sperm motility, level of sex hormones viz. testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), steroidogenic enzymes viz. 3β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-HSD, non-enzymatic antioxi- dant glutathione (GSH) and enzymatic antioxidants viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity and increases in sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The exposure also adversely affected the histo-achitecture of testes. Single and combined treatment with curcumin and quercetin significantly ameliorated Cyp and Del-induced damage in reproductive system.

Conclusion

Curcumin and quercetin protected against Cyp and Del-induced reproductive system toxicity and oxidative damage in rats. The increases in activities of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD with concomitant increases in testosterone were mainly responsible for ameliorating effects of curcumin and quercetin. Curcumin showed slightly better activity as compared to quercetin. The combination of both antioxidants offered more protection compared to each one alone.

The implication of p66shc in oxidative stress induced by deltamethrin

Deltamethrin (DLT) is effective against a broad spectrum of insects. Exposure to DLT has been demonstrated to cause oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by DLT is little known. Groups of rats were gavaged with DLT once daily for 7 days at six dosages: 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg. The intensity of neurotoxicity and liver dysfunction caused by DLT were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. We found that DLT caused the increase of cytosolic superoxide in tissues. Western blot analysis showed that both the expression of p66shc and Ser36 phosphorylated p66shc, which were involved in ROS generation, were increased in tissues treated with DLT. Further investigation showed that DLT treatment resulted in the increase of intracellular ROS accompanied with elevated p66shc expression in different cell lines. And treatment of cells with DLT induced p66shc phosphorylation at Ser36 and the translocation of p66shc from cytoplasm to mitochondria. Moreover, the overexpression of wildtype p66shc caused the increase of DLT-mediated ROS level in SH-SY5Y cells, but cells overexpressing p66shcSer36Ala mutant plasmid had the opposite effect. And p66shc suppression by siRNA blunted DLT-mediated ROS generation. Taken together, our findings indicated p66shc mediated DLT-induced oxidative stress, which may be partly responsible for toxic effects.

Acute, sub-acute toxicity and antioxidant activities (in vitro and in vivo) of Reichardia picroide crude extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Reichardia picroide is a species mainly used for alimentary purposes, but it is traditionally known to be used as hypoglycemiant, diuretic, depurative, galactagogue and tonic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To date, there are no studies corroborating both its safety and antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study, thus, was to assess the safety profile of Reichardia picroide methanolic extract (RPE) and as well as on its antioxidant and antihemolytic activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute toxicity of RPE was carried out based on OECD guidelines 425. Signs accompanying toxicity and possible death of animals were monitored for two weeks to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the RPE. In sub-acute toxicity study, the extract was administered by gavage at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. The antioxidant activity of RPE was investigated through various methods both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The admistrated doses did not produce mortality or changes in general behaviors of the tested males and females mice. The LD₅₀ was found to be superior to 5000mg/kg DW. Moreover, daily administration of RPE at doses ranged from 500 to 1000mg/kg could result in alteration of liver and kidney histology. Significant decrease in liver enzymes (ALT and AST), urea and creatinine levels in female plasma was recorded. The RPE was, in vitro, strong in DPPH scavenging and hemolytic inhibition, benificial in lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing power. In addition, it exhibited, in vivo, a strong effect on GSH level increasing and lipid peroxidation inhibition in liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be suggested, based on the results of this study, that the crude extract of Reichardia picroide was non-toxic in acute administration and the use of this extract is safe at doses ≤ 250mg/kg. This study supports the application of Reichardia picroides in alimentary and traditional medicine purposes. Moreover, antioxidant activity results suggested that Reichardia picroide had potent antioxidant activities and could be utilized as new natural antioxidant in food and therapeutics.

Toxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Titanium Dioxide Bulk Salt in the Liver and Blood of Male Sprague-Dawley Rats Assessed by Different Assays

This study evaluated the toxic effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) bulk salt as well as its nanoparticles (NPs) in anatase phase with mean crystallite size of 36.15 nm in male Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous injections at four different dose levels of either control (0), 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of body weight (BW) of rat for 28 days on alternate days. Animal mortality, haematology, micronucleus assay, liver histology and activities of liver tissue damage markers like, alkaline phosphate (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), as well as oxidative stress indicators like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were investigated. The study revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among control and experimental groups in all the haematological parameters at the end of experiment. Significantly elevated levels (P < 0.05) of ALT, AST and ALP were found for the group treated with TiO2 NPs at the dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight as compared to control. TiO2 and TiO2 NPs caused dose-dependent genotoxicity in the blood cells of the treated rat as revealed by micronuclei test. The highest frequency of micronuclei was observed in rats treated with NPs at the dose of 150 mg/kg BW which was significantly different (P < 0.001) from all other experimental groups after 28 days of exposure. Similarly, all the treatments showed dose-dependent oxidative stress in the treated rats. However, the significantly high decline in the activities of CAT, SOD, and GST as well as elevation in malondialdehyde and GSH was observed in the group receiving NPs at the rate of 150 mg/kg BW. TiO2 also caused histological alterations in the liver. The study revealed that higher dose of TiO2 NPs exerted significantly harmful effects on liver and blood as compared to its lower doses as well as from all other doses of their bulk counterparts.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Freshwater Fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) Exposed to Sodium Fluoride: Antioxidant Defense and Role of Ascorbic Acid

The present study highlights fluoride -induced toxicity and the protective role of ascorbic acid in the liver and ovary of freshwater fish, Heteropneustis fossilis. The fish specimens were exposed to different concentrations (35 mg F/L and 70 mg F/L) of fluoride. Parameters related to oxidative stress were studied at the end of the experiment. The biomarkers selected for the study were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances for assessing the extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defense system such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. The fluoride exposure significantly elevated the level of LPO, CAT, SOD, and GST in the tissues of treated group as well as modulated the activities of GSH and level of GPx after exposure as compared to the control. A significant decrease in GPx activity was found in these tissues suggesting that fluoride exposure increases the level of free radical, as well as CAT activity. Pre- and post treatment with ascorbic acid decreased the LPO, SOD, CAT, GST level, and increased GSH, GPx levels in the liver and ovary.

Subacute Toxicity Profile of Lacidipine Nanoformulation in Wistar Rats

The present study was aimed at investigating the safety of Lacidipine (LCDP) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in Wistar rats. NLCs were formulated using ultrasound dispersion technique. Animals were orally treated once daily with NLCs containing 0.140 mg, 0.350 mg, and 0.875 mg of LCDP as low, medium, and high dose per kg body weight, respectively, during 28 days along with blank formulation and pure LCDP. Control rats were fed with water. Animals were observed throughout experiment period and their body weight was recorded once weekly. Overnight fasted rats were sacrificed on the 29th day. Study revealed no signs or symptoms of toxicity or morbidity. No significant changes in the body weight were observed between treated and control group. Significant increase in left testis weight and liver weight was observed in male and female rats, respectively. Haematological estimation revealed significant decrease in haemoglobin count in male rats while female rats showed significant increase in granulocyte count. All the serum clinical parameters were within the normal range and no gross histopathological changes were observed. No delayed effect was noted in satellite group. The results indicate that developed LCDP loaded NLCs are safe when administered orally in rats.