Corn oil and Soybean oil effect as vehicles on behavioral and oxidative stress profiles in developmentally exposed offspring mice

Corn and soybean oils are among the most frequently used vehicles for water-insoluble compounds in toxicological studies. These two vegetable oils are nutrients and may induce some biological effects on animals that might interfere with the experimental results. However, their chronic effects on a developing brain have not been reported. This study aims to evaluate the neurobehavioral and brain biochemical effects of both oils on male and female Swiss albino mice. Pregnant female mice were exposed to 1 µl/g/d of either tap water, corn oil (CO), or soybean oil (SO) from early gestation (GD1) until weaning then offspring mice were exposed to the same treatment regimen until adulthood (PND70). Our results showed that developmental exposure to both oils induced body weight changes in offspring mice. In addition, we detected some behavioral abnormalities where both oil-treated groups showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity and greater levels of anxiety behavior. Moreover, our results suggest that continuous exposure to these oils may alter motor coordination, spatial memory and induce depression-like behavior in adult mice. These alterations were accompanied by increased malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in specific brain regions. Together, these data suggest that exposure to CO and SO as vehicles in developmental studies may interfere with the behavioral response and brain redox homeostasis in offspring mice.

Impact of glyphosate-based herbicide exposure through maternal milk on offspring's antioxidant status, neurodevelopment, and behavior

Glyphosate-based Herbicide (GBH) is a widely used pesticide that functions as a broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide. Despite advanced research to describe the neurotoxic potential of GBH, the harmful effects on maternal behavior and neurodevelopment of offspring remain unclear. This study was conducted to highlight the effects of GBH on the antioxidant system, anxiety traits, social interaction, and cognitive and sensorimotor functions in pups exposed to 25 or 50 mg/l daily via their mother's milk. Concerning the biochemical biomarkers, GBH administered during the early stages of development negatively affected the status of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the brain structures of the pups. Furthermore, our results showed a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) specific activity within the brains of treated pups. The results of the behavioral tests indicated that the treated offspring developed anxiety, memory, and sociability disorders, as evidenced by the Open Field, Y-maze, object recognition task, and social interaction tests. Through neurodevelopmental testing, we also showed sensorimotor impairment (righting reflex and negative geotaxis) and abnormal maternal behavior. Altogether, our study clearly demonstrates that the developing brain is sensitive to GBH.

Toxicokinetics of rare earth element oxides administered intravenously to rats

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in a wide range of applications. However, their toxicokinetic behaviors in animals and humans are not yet fully documented, hindering health risk assessments. We used a rat experimental model to provide novel data on the toxicokinetics of the insoluble oxide forms of praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), cerium (Ce) and yttrium (Y) administered intravenously. Detailed blood, urinary and fecal time courses were documented through serial sampling over 21 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to a mixture of these REE oxides administered at two different doses (0.3 or 1 mg kg-1 bw of each REE oxide commercially sold as bulk μm-sized particles). Tissue REE levels at the time of sacrifice were also measured. Significant effects of the dose on REE time courses in blood and on cumulative urinary and fecal excretion rates were observed for all four REE oxides assessed, as lower cumulative excretion rates were noted at the higher REE dose. In the liver, the main accumulation organ, the fraction of the administered REE dose remaining in the tissue at necropsy was similar at both doses. Toxicokinetic data for the REE oxides were compared to similar data for their chloride salts (also administered intravenously in a mixture, at 0.3 and 1 mg kg-1 bw of each REE chloride) obtained from a previous study. Compared to their chloride counterparts, faster elimination of REE oxides from the blood was observed in the first hours post-dosing. Furthermore, higher mean residence time (MRT) values as well as slower cumulative urinary and fecal excretion were determined for the REE oxides. Also, while liver REE retention was similar for both REE forms, the fractions of the administered REEs recovered in the spleen and lungs were noticeably higher for the REE oxides, at both dose levels. This study highlights the importance of both the dose and form of the administered REEs on their toxicokinetic profiles. Results indicate that chronic exposure and increased doses of REEs may favor bioaccumulation in the body, in particular for insoluble oxide forms of REEs, which are eliminated more slowly from the body.

Renal Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Induced by Silica Nanoparticles in Male Rats and Its Molecular Mechanisms

Background

The utilization of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is gaining popularity in various applications, but it poses a potential risk to human and environmental health. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of SiNPs-induced kidney damage are still largely unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the SiNPs-induced damage in the kidney and further explore the possible mechanisms of SiNPs-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods

Thirty adult male rats were divided into 3 different groups. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were administered SiNPs at 2 dosage levels (25 and 100 mg/kg of body weight), while the rats in the control group received no treatment for 28 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]), glutathione (GSH) levels, and oxidation markers (such as lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and protein oxidation [protein carbonyl (PCO)]) were analyzed in the kidney tissue. Additionally, renal fibrogenesis was studied through histopathological examination and the expression levels of fibrotic biomarkers.

Results

The findings revealed that in vivo treatment with SiNPs significantly triggered oxidative stress in kidney tissues in a dose-dependent manner. This was characterized by increased production of ROS, elevated levels of MDA, PCO, and nitric oxide (NO), along with a significant decline in the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and reduced GSH. These changes were consistent with the histopathological analysis, which indicated interstitial fibrosis with mononuclear inflammatory cell aggregation, tubular degeneration, glomerulonephritis, and glomerular atrophy. The fibrosis index was confirmed using Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, there was a significant upregulation of fibrosis-related genes, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2/9), whereas the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) was downregulated.

Conclusions

This study provided a new research clue for the role of ROS and deregulated TGF-β signaling pathway in SiNPs nephrotoxicity.

Toxicokinetics of praseodymium and cerium administered as chloride salts in Sprague-Dawley rats: impacts of the dose and of co-exposure with additional rare earth elements

We conducted a rat exposure study to assess the impacts of dose and co-exposure with other rare earth elements (REEs) on the toxicokinetics of praseodymium (Pr) and cerium (Ce). We first determined the kinetic profiles of elemental Pr and Ce in blood, urine and feces along with tissue levels at sacrifice on the seventh day following intravenous injection of PrCl3 or CeCl3 at 0.3 or 1 mg/kg bw (of the chloride salts) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5 per group). In blood, Pr and Ce half-lives for the initial phase (t1/2α) increased with increasing doses, while their half-lives for the terminal phase (t1/2β) were similar at both doses. In urine, a minor excretion route, no significant effect of the dose on the cumulative excretion was apparent. In feces, a major excretion route, the fraction of the Pr dose recovered was significantly lower at the 1 mg/kg bw dose compared to the 0.3 mg/kg bw dose, while no significant dose effect was apparent for Ce. In the liver and spleen, which are the main sites of REEs accumulation, there was a significant effect of the dose only for Ce retention in the spleen (i.e., increased retention of Ce in spleen at higher dose). Results were compared with those of a previous toxicokinetic study with a similar design but an exposure to a quaternary mixture of CeCl3, PrCl3, NdCl3 and YCl3, each administered at 0.3 mg/kg bw or 1 mg/kg bw. A mixture effect was apparent for the initial elimination phase (t1/2α) of Pr and Ce from blood and for the fecal excretion of Ce at the 1 mg/kg bw. In urine and liver, there was no evident overall mixture effect; in the spleen, there was a higher retention of Pr and Ce in rats exposed to the mixture at the 0.3 mg/kg bw, but not at the 1 mg/kg bw dose. Overall, this study showed that the dose and mixture exposure are two important factors to consider as determinants of the toxicokinetics of REEs.

Punicalagin attenuates myocardial oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats: Biochemical, immunohistochemical, and in silico molecular docking studies

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening ischemic disease and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Punicalagin (PU), the major ellagitannin found in pomegranates, is characterized by multiple antioxidant activities. The aim of this study is to assess the protective effects of PU against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial damage and to investigate its underlying vascular mechanisms using rat model. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into five groups and were treated orally (p.o.) with PU (25 and 50 mg/kg) for 14 days. ISO was administered subcutaneously (S.C.) (85 mg/kg) on the 15th and 16th days to induce Myocardial infarction. Cardiac markers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines levels were determined in the heart tissue. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to determine the protein expression pathways of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in all the groups. In silico study was carried out to evaluate the molecular interaction of PU with some molecular targets. RESULTS: Our results showed that ISO-induced cardiac tissue injury was evidenced by increased serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), associated with several histopathological changes. ISO also induced an increase of MDA, PCO, NO, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), along with a decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities in the myocardial tissues. In addition, an increase of TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, Nrf2 and (HO-1) was observed. Pre-treatment with PU reduced myocardial infract area, ameliorated histopathological alterations in myocardium, and decreased activities of myocardial injury marker enzymes in ISO-induced rats. In addition, PU remarkably restored ISO-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation and decrease of antioxidants, significantly reduced myocardial pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations in this animal model. Molecular docking analysis of PU with protein targets showed potent interactions with negative binding energies. In conclusion, PU can protect the myocardium from oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and cell death induced by ISO by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and antioxidants.

CHRONIC THIACLOPRID EXPOSURE IMPAIRS COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND TRIGGERS MITOCHONDRIAL APOPTOSIS PATHWAY IN RAT STRIATUM AND HIPPOCAMPUS: NEUROPREVENTIVE EFFECT OF BITTER APRICOT KERNELS EXTRACT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.)

Thiacloprid (THI) is a nicotinic receptor agonist widely used as pesticide in Algeria, however it is susceptible to accumulate in various fruits and vegetables and pouring downstream into food plates and contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, several natural compounds are provided with cytoprotective potential and, therefore, are able to act against the harmful effects of toxicants such as pesticides. This study focused on striatum (str) and hippocampus (hipp) mitochondrial toxicity assessment, evaluation of behavioral function and intrinsic apoptosis pathway in rats exposed to THI at low-dose (0.020 mg/kg) for 3 months. In addition, this study examined neuroprotective potential of bitter apricot kernel extract when administered concomitantly with THI at the dose of 50 mg/kg. In current study, assessment of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and swelling, evaluation of mitochondrial redox status, cholinergic function (Ach E) and apoptosis markers (Caspase 9 and 3, Bax and Bcl2, Cytochrome c and cytosolic calcium) were performed in both brain areas, besides behavioral and histopathological examination. The results showed an increase of lipid peroxidation in both of str and hipp with a values of 1,14 ± 0,04 nmol/mg of proteins (pr) and 1,58 ± 0,09 nmol/mg pr.  respectively  and a significant decrease in GSH (0,09 ± 0,01 mmol/mg pr. in hipp and 0,08±0,01 mmol/mg pr. in  str), the results also showed a change in the activity of antioxidants enzymes  SOD (16,37±1,09 UI/mg pr. in hipp14,54±1,46 UI/mg pr. in str) , CAT (0,010±0,01 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 0,005±0,004 UI/mg pr. in str), GPx (0,01± 0,001 nmol/mg pr. in both hipp and str) and GST (23,73±1,68 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 17,56± 1,04 UI/mg pr. in str), as well as an abrupt increase in mPTP opening with a value of  (0,057±0,005 in str and 0,054±0,005 in hipp) , which leaded to mitochondrial swelling where the level o mitochondrial swelling was (0,016±0,002 in str and 0,106±0,003 in hipp), the swelling was associated also with a high  releasing of Cyt-c with a values of (4,48 ± 1,26 µg/ml in str and 5,32 ± 1,08 µg/ml in hipp ) and Ca++( 2,26±0,06 mmol/l in str and 2,32±0,07 mmol/l in hipp) into the cytosol, the results also showed a significant decreasing of Bcl2 (16,4 ± 1,86 ng/mg pr in str and 14,8± 0,82 ng/mg pr in hipp), in the other hand the rates of caspase-9 were (278±14 mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 212 ±24 mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), caspase3 (184± 16mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 250 ±14mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), and BAX (0,926 ng/mg pr in str and 1,189 ng/mg pr in hipp) were increased.  The results of this study revealed also a decrease of memorization processes and learning abilities, at the same time a decrease in Ach E activity (14,02± 0,78 nmol/min/mg pr. in str and 22,35± 1,77 nmol/min/mg pr. in hipp) was recorded. Inversely, bitter apricot kernels extract showed higher cytoprotective potential against THI neurotoxicity, since mitochondrial redox homeostasis and membrane integrity were recovered, cognitive impairment and brain tissue damage were also prevented. In conclusion, THI induced mitochondrial disorders, triggered apoptosis signaling pathway and impaired cognitive functions which were prevented by bitter apricot kernels extract when associated with this pesticide.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox dysfunction in nephrotoxicity induced by pyrethroid permethrin are ameliorated by flavonoid-rich fraction

The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the potential anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction extracted from Fumaria officinalis (EAF) against permethrin (PER). Male wistar rats were treated daily by gavage during 7 days as follows: group C: negative control rats received 2 mL/kg bw of corn oil, group EAF: positive control rats received EAF at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw dissolved in water, group PER: rats received PER at a dose of 34.05 mg/kg bw and group (PER + EAF): rats received PER (34.05 mg/kg bw) and EAF (200 mg/kg bw). In vitro study showed the ability of EAF to inhibit protein denaturation and heat-induced hemolysis confirming its anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, PER treatment decreased calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma. It induced oxidative stress objectified by an increase in the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and a perturbation of antioxidant system in kidney and mitochondria. The activities of NADH-ubiquinone reductase, ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome C oxidase activities were reduced. These alterations were confirmed by histopathological studies. Co-treatment with EAF improved the antioxidant status and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The nephroprotective effects of EAF could be attributed to its modulation of detoxification enzymes and/or free radical scavenging actions.

The pyrethroid insecticide permethrin confers hepatotoxicity through DNA damage and mitochondria-associated apoptosis induction in rat: Palliative benefits of Fumaria officinalis

Permethrin (PER) is a pyrethroid pesticide that is extensively used as an insecticide in world because of its high activity and its low mammalian toxicity. The current study was conducted to investigate the protective action of Fumaria officinalis against PER-induced liver injury in male rats. However, HPLC-DAD showed the richness of 6 components in F. officinalis (F) including quercetin, ferulic acid, and naringenin which were the most abundant. Total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were studied by phytochemical screening. In vitro, antioxidant properties showed that F. officinalis exhibited the highest DPPH radical, FRAP, and H₂ O₂ tests and total antioxidant capacity. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control group (C), positive control group (F) (200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW), PER group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW), and PER + F group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW and 200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW). Oral administration of PER led to promote a decrease of body weight and Ca²⁺ -ATPases and Mg²⁺ -ATPases activities and an increase of plasma C-reactive protein level, transaminases, and hepatic ϒ-GT activities as well as hepatic and mitochondrial oxidative stress. An increase in plasma lactate-to pyruvate ratio and a reduction in complexes enzymes I, III, and IV activities were also observed. In addition, histoarchitecture of liver in PER-treated rats showed apoptosis and necrosis as confirmed by DNA fragmentation. F. officinalis significantly exerted hepatoprotective effect by modulating hepatic alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genotoxicity. This effect could be attributed to phenolics compounds such as polyphenols, condensed tannins, and flavonoids.

Silica Nanoparticles Induce Hepatotoxicity by Triggering Oxidative Damage, Apoptosis, and Bax-Bcl2 Signaling Pathway

The increase in the usage of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in the industrial and medical fields has raised concerns about their possible adverse effects on human health. The present study aimed to investigate the potential adverse effects of SiNPs at daily doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 28 consecutive days on markers of liver damage in adult male rats. Results revealed that SiNPs induced a marked increase in serum markers of liver damage, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT). SiNPs also induced an elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in liver, along with an increase in oxidative stress markers (NO, MDA, PCO, and H₂O₂), and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that SiNPs also induced upregulation of pro-apoptotic gene expression (including Bax, p53, Caspase-9/3) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that SiNPs induced hepatocyte alterations, which was accompanied by sinusoidal dilatation, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, and the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver. Taken together, these data showed that SiNPs trigger hepatic damage through ROS-activated caspase signaling pathway, which plays a fundamental role in SiNP-induced apoptosis in the liver.

Subacute silica nanoparticle exposure induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rat hippocampus combined with disruption of cholinergic system and behavioral functions

Increasing environmental exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and limited neurotoxicity studies pose a challenge for safety evaluation and management of these materials. This study aimed to explore the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of subacute exposure to SiNPs by the intraperitoneal route on hippocampus function in rats. Data showed that SiNPs induced a significant increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress markers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein oxidation (PCO) and nitrite (NO) production accompanied by reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and decreased glutathione (GSH). Phenotypically, SiNPs exhibited spatial learning and memory impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM) test, a decrease of the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test (NORT) and higher anxiety-like behavior. SiNPs affected the cholinergic system as reflected by reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity. In addition, SiNPs significantly increased mRNA expression level of genes related to inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2) and decreased mRNA expression level of genes related to cholinergic system including choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), AChE, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (m1AChR) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Histopathological results further showed an alteration in the hippocampus of treated animals associated with marked vacuolation in different hippocampus areas. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of SiNPs-induced hippocampal alterations leading to impairment of cognitive and behavioral functions, and implicating oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus, as well as disruption of cholinergic system.

Effect of the dose on the toxicokinetics of a quaternary mixture of rare earth elements administered to rats

Large human biomonitoring studies are starting to assess exposure to rare earth elements (REEs). Yet, there is a paucity of data on the toxicokinetics of these substances to help interpret biomonitoring data. The objective of the study was to document the effect of the administered dose on the toxicokinetics of REEs. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenously with 0.3, 1 or 10 mg/kg body weight (bw) of praseodynium chloride (PrCl3), cerium chloride (CeCl3), neodymium chloride (NdCl3) and yttrium chloride (YCl3) administered together as a mixture. Serial blood samples were withdrawn up to 72 h following injection, and urine and feces were collected at predefined time intervals up to 7 days post-dosing. The REEs were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). For a given REE dose, the time courses in blood, urine and feces were similar for all four REEs. However, the REE dose administered significantly impacted their kinetics, as lower cumulative excretion in urine and feces was associated with higher REE doses. The fraction of REE remaining in rat tissues at the terminal necropsy on post-dosing day 7 also increased with the dose administered, most notably in the lungs and spleen at the 10 mg/kg bw dose. The toxicokinetic parameters calculated from the blood concentration-time profiles further showed significant increases in the mean residence time (MRTIV) for all four REEs at the 10 mg/kg bw dose. The shift in the REE kinetics at high dose may be explained by a higher retention in lysosomes, the main organelle responsible for accumulation of these REEs in different tissues.

Flavonoid-rich fraction attenuates permethrin-induced toxicity by modulating ROS-mediated hepatic oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction ex vivo and in vivo in rat

The present study explores the antioxidant, anti-microbial, and hepatoprotective potentials of flavonoid-rich fractions from Fumaria officinalis against permethrin-induced liver damage ex vivo/in vivo in rat. However, HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the richness of 6 components in ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) where ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and myricetin are the most abundant. The in vitro assays showed that EAFs have impressive antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. Ex vivo, permethrin (PER) (100 μM) induced a decrease of hepatic AST and ALT activities and 25-OH vitamin D and vitamin C levels and an increase of ALP and LDH activities, TBARS, and ϒ-GT levels with a disturbance of oxidative status. The hepatoprotective effect of EAF (1 mg/mL) against PER was confirmed by the amelioration of oxidative stress profile. In vivo, permethrin was found to increase absolute and relative liver weights, plasma transaminase activities, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, hepatic and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation levels. This pesticide triggered a decrease of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺-ATPases and mitochondrial enzyme activities. The co-treatment with EAF reestablished the hepatic and mitochondrial function, which could be attributed to its richness in phenolic compounds.

Potentiation of the apoptotic signaling pathway in both the striatum and hippocampus and neurobehavioral impairment in rats exposed chronically to a low-dose of cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal. It accumulates in biological tissues, especially in fish which constitutes a first rank food for humans, particularly in the coastal areas. This study investigates the effect of long-term exposure to low Cd concentration (17 μg/kg/day) in rat striatum and hippocampus. In this study, the neurobehavioral ability changes were assessed by applying cognitive standard testing at the end of the rats' exposure period. In addition, the examination of mitochondrial swelling was performed at the same time of evaluation of its redox status in the brain regions studied through stress parameters (GSH, MDA, GST, and CAT). This study examined also whether this long-term exposure can modify the apoptotic signaling pathway via assessment of apoptotic markers (caspase-8 and 9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Cyt-c) in cell lysates. The results of this study showed changes in neurobehavioral abilities of animals and a stronger mitochondrial swelling associated with a significant decrease in antioxidant systems (GSH, GST, and CAT) and conversely an increase in the lipoperoxidation end product (MDA) in both the striatal and hippocampal mitochondria. In addition, the results revealed a significant increase in pro-apoptotic intracellular components such as caspase-9, Cyt-c, and Bax, and showed also an evident decrease in Bcl-2 levels. In conclusion, our results reported that chronic exposure to Cd produces behavioral and cognitive perturbations, enhances oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial edema and Cyt-c leakage, and, ultimately, potentiates apoptosis signaling pathway in both brain regions in rats.

CYP2E1 inhibition and NF_κB Signaling Pathway are Involved in the Protective Molecular Effect of Origanum floribundum against Acetaminophen-induced acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The present study aimed to estimate the potential and the molecular mechanism of the hydro-ethanolic extract of O.floribundum against acetaminophen (AC) induced hepatotoxicity. Four groups of female Wistar rats (n=6) was formed to study the hepatoprotective effect of O.floribundum extract against acetaminophen overdose (2 g/kg): Groups N and AC received orally tap water for 03 days and Groups O. floribundum + AC and N+O.floribundum: received orally O. floribundum extract (400 mg/kg). After 1hour (h) of the last dose administered, the paracetamol solution (2 g/kg) is administered orally for group AC and O. floribundum + AC. The hydroethanolic extract of O. floribundum shows strong antioxidant activity "in-vitro". After 24 h, a single dose of acetaminophen increased significantly serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly and decreased total protein and albumin levels compared to the normal group. These alterations are confirmed by histological observations with inflammation markers (congestion, inflammatory cells infiltration). These observed effects are mainly due to the over-expression of the CYP2E1 and NF_ κ B genes marked in this study by quantitative RT-PCR. Also, acetaminophen overdose leads to activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). leading to hepatocyte necrosis. Pretreatment with O.floribundum before acetaminophen administration removes all previously observed biochemical, histological. and mitochondrial manifestations. These results suggest that O.floribundum has a potent antioxidant power and an interesting hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen toxicity partly due to the inhibition of CYP2E1 and NF_ κ B genes expression.

Natural dietary compound naringin inhibits glioblastoma cancer neoangiogenesis

Background

Flavonoids, which existed nearly in all fruits and vegetables, are considered as a class of plant-secondary metabolites with a polyphenolic structure and have properties with health-improving potential. Yet, not so many experimental focus on the benefits of flavonoid in vivo after external application. Here we assessed the impacts of naringin in vitro and in vivo in the human glioma U-87 cells implanted into athymic mice.

Methods

Tumor size and animal survival time were followed in naringin-treated mice bearing subcutaneous gliomas. To define the effects of naringin on angiogenesis, in vitro, tube formation and migration were assayed using endothelial HUVEC cell line.

Results

Low concentration of naringin remarkably inhibited tubulogenesis and reduced cell invasion. Moreover, naringin has been shown to have a toxicity effect on U-87 cells in a dose-dependent way. Furthermore, naringin administration (120 mg/kg/day) applies serious anti-cancer belongings on glioblastoma, as demonstrated by a slow cancer progression.

Conclusions

Our study has provided the first evidence on the antitumor effect of naringin, which is somehow due to the inhibition of invasion and angiogenesis.

Bifenthrin insecticide promotes oxidative stress and increases inflammatory mediators in human neuroblastoma cells through NF-kappaB pathway

The extensive application of bifenthrin (BF) insecticide in agriculture has raised serious concerns with regard to increased risks of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, our group showed that BF exposure in rodent models induced oxidative stress and inflammation markers in various regions of the brain (frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus) and this was associated with behavioral changes. This study aimed to confirm such inflammatory and oxidative stress in an in vitro cell culture model of SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. Markers of oxidative stress (ROS, NO, MDA, H₂O₂), antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, GPx, SOD) and inflammatory response (TNF-α, IL-6, PGE₂) were analyzed in SK-N-SH cells after 24 h of exposure to different concentrations of BF (1-20 μM). Protein synthesis and mRNA expression of the enzymes implicated in the synthesis of PGE₂ were also measured (COX-2, mPGES-1) as well as nuclear factor κappaB (NF-κBp65) and antioxidant nuclear erythroid-2 like factor-2 (Nrf-2). Cell viability was analyzed by MTT-tetrazolio (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Exposure of SK-N-SH cells to BF resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in the number of viable cells (reduction of MTT and increase in LDH activity). There was also a BF concentration-dependent increase in oxidative stress markers (ROS release, NO, MDA and H₂O₂) and decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPx activities). There was further a concentration-dependent increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and inflammatory mediator PGE₂, increase in protein synthesis and mRNA expression of inflammatory markers (COX-2, mPGES-1 and NF-κBp65) and decrease in protein synthesis and mRNA expression of antioxidant Nrf-2. Our data shows that BF induces various oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells as well as the activation of NF-κBp65 signaling pathway. This is in line with prior results in brain regions of rodents exposed in vivo to BF showing increased oxidative stress in response to BF exposure, occurring in pro-inflammatory conditions and likely activating programmed cell death.

Lambda-cyhalothrin exposure alters purine nucleotide hydrolysis and nucleotidase gene expression pattern in platelets and liver of rats

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a broad-spectrum pesticide widely used in agriculture throughout the world. This pesticide is considered a potential contaminant of surface and underground water as well as food, posing a risk to ecosystems and humans. In this sense, we decided to evaluate the activity of enzymes belonging to the purinergic system, which is linked with regulation of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (Ado) molecules involved in the regulation of inflammatory response. However, there are no data concerning the effects of LCT exposure on the purinergic system, where extracellular nucleotides act as signaling molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate nucleotide hydrolysis by E-NTPDase (ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase), Ecto-NPP (ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase), ecto-5'-nucleotidase and ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) in platelets and liver of adult rats on days 7, 30, 45 and 60 after daily gavage with 6.2 and 31.1 mg/kg bw of LCT. Gene expression patterns of NTPDases1-3 and 5'-nucleotidase were also determined in those tissues. In parallel, lambda-cyhalothrin metabolites [3-(2-chloro-3,3,3- trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid (CFMP), 4-hydroxyphenoxybenzoic acid (4-OH-3-PBA), and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA)] were measured in plasma. Results showed that exposure rats to LCT caused a significant increase in the assessed enzymes activities. Gene expression pattern of ectonucleotidases further revealed a significant increase in E-NTPDase1, E-NTPDase2, and E-NTPDase3 mRNA levels after LCT administration at all times. A dose-dependent increase in LCT metabolite levels was also observed but there no significant variations in levels from weeks to week, suggesting steady-steady equilibrium. Correlation analyses revealed that LCT metabolites in the liver and plasma were positively correlated with the adenine nucleotides hydrolyzing enzyme, E-ADA and E-NPP activities in platelets and liver of rats exposed to lambda-cyhalothin. Our results show that LCT and its metabolites may affect purinergic enzymatic cascade and cause alterations in energy metabolism.

Pyrethroid bifenthrin induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage, associated with cognitive and memory impairment in murine hippocampus

Exposure to synthetic pyrethroid (SPs) pesticides such as bifenthrin (BF) has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and cognitive impairments, but the underlying neurobiological mechanism is poorly understood so far. The present study has been designed to evaluate changes in behavior and in biomarkers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of rats subchronically treated with BF. Rats exposed daily to BF at doses of 0.6 and 2.1 mg/kg b. w. for 60 days exhibited spatial and cognitive impairments as well as memory dysfunction after 60 days. This repeated BF treatment also significantly increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β), (IL-6), nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappaB pathway (NF-kappaB), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in the hippocampus. It further resulted in a significant increase in protein levels of Nrf2, COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and NF-kappaB. This was accompanied by oxidative/nitrosative stress in the hippocampus of treated rats, as shown by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), and nitric oxide (NO), and reduced levels of enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants. The data are in line with those obtained in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) isolated from mouse brain and exposed to BF for 72 h, showing neuronal death only at the high dose of 20 μM when compared to controls. These findings suggest that exposure to BF induces neuronal damage, alters redox state, and causes neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, which might lead to cognitive and memory impairment.

Inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms potentiate bifenthrin-induced neurological alterations and anxiety-like behavior in adult rats

Bifenthrin (BF) is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide widely used in several countries to manage insect pests on diverse agricultural crops. Growing evidence indicates that BF exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. However, the mechanisms by which BF induces neurological and anxiety alterations in the frontal cortex and striatum are not well known. The present in vivo study was carried out to determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation are involved in such alterations. Thirty-six Wistar rats were thus randomly divided into three groups and were orally administered with BF (0.6 and 2.1 mg/kg body weight, respectively) or the vehicle (corn oil), on a daily basis for 60 days. Results revealed that BF exposure in rats enhanced anxiety-like behavior after 60 days of treatment, as assessed with the elevated plus-maze test by decreases in the percentage of time spent in open arms and frequency of entries into these arms. BF-treated rats also exhibited increased oxidation of lipids and carbonylated proteins in the frontal cortex and striatum, and decreased glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Treatment with BF also increased protein synthesis and mRNA expression of the inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and nuclear factor-kappaBp65 (NF-kBp65), as well as the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and ROS. Moreover, BF exposure significantly decreased protein synthesis and mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as gene expression of muscarinic-cholinergic receptors (mAchR) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the frontal cortex and striatum. These data suggest that BF induced neurological alterations in the frontal cortex and striatum of rats, and that this may be associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via the activation of Nrf2/NF-kBp65 pathways, which might promote anxiety-like behavior.

Inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of bifenthrin in primary microglia and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroids, such as bifenthrin (BF), are among the most widely used class of insecticides that pose serious risks to human and wildlife health. Pyrethroids are proposed to affect astrocytic functions and to cause neuron injury in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are key cells involved in innate immune responses in the CNS, and microglia activation has been linked to inflammation and neurotoxicity. However, little information is known about the effects of BF-induced toxicity in primary microglial cells as well as in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs).

METHODS

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses induced by BF were evaluated in primary microglial cells and OHSCs incubated with different concentrations of BF (1-20 μM) for 4 and 24 h. mRNA and protein synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear erythroid-2 like factor-2 (Nrf-2), and microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) was also studied by qPCR and Western blot. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT-tetrazolio (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Neurotoxicity in OHSCs was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Exposure of microglial cells to BF for 24 h resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the number of viable cells. At sub-cytotoxic concentrations, BF increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNF-alpha synthesis, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, at both 4- and 24-h time points, respectively. Furthermore, BF incubation decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and H2O2 formation. In addition, BF significantly induced protein synthesis and mRNA expression of oxidative and inflammatory mediators after 4 and 24 h, including Nrf-2, COX-2, mPGES-1, and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). A 24-h exposure of OHSCs to BF also increased neuronal death compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, depletion of microglia from OHSCs potently enhanced neuronal death induced by BF.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, BF exhibited cytotoxic effects in primary microglial cells, accompanied by the induction of various inflammatory and oxidative stress markers including the Nrf-2/COX-2/mPGES-1/NF-kappaB pathways. Moreover, the study provided evidence that BF induced neuronal death in OHSCs and suggests that microglia exert a protective function against BF toxicity.

Citrus limon from Tunisia: Phytochemical and Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities

Natural plant extracts contain a variety of phenolic compounds which are assigned various biological activities. Our work aims to make a quantitative and qualitative characterization of the Zest (ZL) and the Flesh (FL) of lemon (Citrus limon), to valorize the pharmacological uses of lemon, by evaluating in vitro activities (DPPH, free radical scavenging and reducing power). The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiproliferative activities were sought in the ability of Citrus limon extracts to protect DNA and protein. We found that the ZL contains high amounts of phenolics responsible for the important antioxidant properties of the extract. However, the FL is richer in flavonoids than the ZL. The FL extract was also found to be more effective than the ZL in protecting plasmid DNA against the strand breakage induced by hydroxyl radicals. We also concluded that the FL extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity unlike ZL. Analysis by LC/MS-MS identified 6 compounds (Caffeoyl N-Tryptophan, Hydroxycinnamoyl-Oglucoside acid, Vicenin 2, Eriocitrin, Kaempferol-3-O- rutinoside, and Quercetin-3-rutinoside). These preliminary results showed that Citrus limon has antibacterial and antioxidant activity in vitro. It would be interesting to conduct further studies to evaluate the in vivo potential in an animal model.

Impairment of mitochondrial integrity and redox status in brain regions during a low-dose long-term exposition of rats to pyrethrinoïds: the preventive effect of quercetin

Pyrethrinoïds are synthetic pesticides widely used in agriculture and farms to protect crops from weeds, insects, fungi, and molds. Increased and uncontrolled use of these pollutants can have harmful effects on human health via consumption of contaminated food products. In the present study, deltamethrin (DLT = 3.72 mg/kg) and Bifenthrin (BF = 2.6 mg/kg) were used during a long-term exposition in the rats to assess their effect on mitochondrial integrity and function in different brain areas (hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum). The results of this study have shown that chronic treatment of rats by both DLT and BF, on their own or in a mixture, has induced a significant increase in mitochondrial MDA, but when quercetin (Que) was co-administered with pesticides, this enhancement has been prevented in the almost of treated rats compared to solvent and control groups. In hippocampus area, GSH has significantly increased in all treated rats, except for BF and DLT-Que.-treated groups. In striatum, GSH has been depleted in the BF and DLT-treated groups compared to control and solvent groups; in contrast, when Que. was associated with pesticides, the rate of this tripeptide has been maintained at normal levels. In the cortex and cerebellum, GSH has been depleted significantly in all treated animals but has increased in DLT-Que. and mixture-Que.-treated groups in the cerebral cortex, at the same time; it has been maintained at normal levels in BF-Que.-treated groups in the cerebellum compared to control and solvent rats. On the other side, the results of this study have shown a loss of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in all brain regions of pesticide-treated rats, but such a fall in enzymatic activities has been prevented by Que. when it was co-administered to rats with pesticides at the dose of 5 mg/kg, except in the cerebellum. In addition, this study has shown mitochondria's swelling in almost all the brain areas with exception of the cerebellum, providing information about a loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity in brain neurons of rats exposed to pyrethrinoïds. Furthermore, preventive administration of Que., in association with pesticides (5 mg/kg) or their mixture (10 mg/kg), has prevented mitochondria swelling in almost all of the analyzed brain tissues.

Berberis vulgaris L. effects on oxidative stress and liver injury in lead-intoxicated mice

Background

Berberis vulgaris L. (BV), commonly known as “Aghriss” in Moroccan pharmacopoeia, is used to cure liver disorders and other diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of BV aqueous extract against lead-induced toxicity in mice liver.

Methods

Sixty IOPS mice were divided into six groups and were treated as follows: group 1 (normal control) received double distilled water; group 2 (toxic control) received lead acetate (5 mg/kg body weight/day) in double distilled water for 40 days; groups 3–6 received BV aqueous extract at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight , respectively, once daily for 30 days from 11 day after beginning of lead acetate exposure to the end of the experiment.

Results

Toxic control group showed a significant alteration of serum alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), total bilirubin (TB), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histological assessment of lead-intoxicated mice liver revealed alterations in hepatocytes and focal necrosis. BV treatment significantly prevented lead accumulation, increased ALT, AST, TC, and TB, inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls(PCO) formation. Additionally, BV extract normalized the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx), GSH and architecture of liver tissues.

Conclusions

BV aqueous extract exerts significant hepatoprotective effects against lead-induced oxidative stress and liver dysfunction. The BV effect may be mediated through the enhancement of antioxidant status, lead-chelating abilities and free radicals quenching.

Pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin and its metabolites induce liver injury through the activation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory gene expression in rats following acute and subchronic exposure

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LTC) [α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclo-propanecarboxylate] is a synthetic type II pyrethroid insecticide commonly used in residential and agricultural areas. The potential hepatotoxicity of pyrethroids remains unclear and could easily be assessed by measuring common clinical indicators of liver disease. To understand more about the potential risks for humans associated with LTC exposure, male adult rats were orally exposed to 6.2 and 31.1 mg/kg bw of LTC for 7, 30, 45, and 60 days. Histopathological changes and alterations of main parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the liver were evaluated. Further, lambda-cyhalothrin metabolites [3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid (CFMP), 4-hydroxyphenoxybenzoic acid (4-OH-3-PBA), and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA)] in the liver tissues were identified and quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadripole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS-Q-ToF). Results revealed that LTC exposure significantly increased markers of hepatic oxidative stress in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, and this was associated with an accumulation of CFMP and 3-PBA in the liver tissues. In addition, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6 and IL-1β) gene expressions were significantly increased in the liver of exposed rats compared to controls. Correlation analyses revealed that CFMP and 3-PBA metabolite levels in the liver tissues were significantly correlated with the indexes of oxidative stress, redox status, and inflammatory markers in rats exposed to lambda-cyhalothin. Overall, this study provided novel evidence that hepatic damage is likely due to increased oxidative stress and inflammation under the condition of acute and subchronic exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin and that LTC metabolites (CFMP and 3-PBA) could be used as potential biomarker in human biomonitoring studies.

Naringenin ameliorates renal and platelet purinergic signalling alterations in high-cholesterol fed rats through the suppression of ROS and NF-κB signaling pathways

Naringenin (NGEN) is a natural flavonoid aglycone of naringin that has been reported to have a wide range of pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of NGEN on oxidative and inflammatory parameters, as well as to evaluate the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides in kidney and platelet membranes of rats exposed to a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) for 90 days. Kidney oxidative stress and mRNA expression of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) genes were evaluated by real time RT-PCR. The co-administration of NGEN (50 mg kg(-1)) for 90 days significantly prevented renal failure in HCD rats as indicated by an improvement of renal markers. Histopathological observation findings are also consistent with these effects. Moreover, NGEN (50 mg kg(-1)) significantly decreased the lipid profile and inhibited pro-oxidant and inflammation marker levels in the kidney of HCD rats. Furthermore, the NTPDase activities were significantly decreased in platelets and kidney membranes of HCD-treated rats and these alterations were improved by NGEN. In conclusion, this study suggests that naringenin can potentially improve the renal failure and platelet alterations observed in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet probably through its antioxidant effects.

Neurobehavioral deficits and brain oxidative stress induced by chronic low dose exposure of persistent organic pollutants mixture in adult female rat

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are long-lived organic compounds that are considered one of the major risks to ecosystem and human health. Recently, great concerns are raised about POPs mixtures and its potential toxicity even in low doses of daily human exposure. The brain is mostly targeted by these lipophilic compounds because of its important contain in lipids. So, it would be quite interesting to study the effects of exposure to these mixtures and evaluate their combined toxicity on brain cells. The present study was designed to characterize the cognitive and locomotors deficits and brain areas redox status in rat model. An orally chronic exposure to a representative mixture of POPs composed of endosulfan (2.6 μg/kg), chlorpyrifos (5.2 μg/kg), naphthalene (0.023 μg/kg) and benzopyrane (0.002 μg/kg); the same mixture with concentration multiplied by 10 and 100 was also tested. Exposed rats have shown a disturbance of memory and a decrease in learning ability concluded by Morris water maze and the open field tests results and anxiolytic behaviour in the test of light/dark box compared to control. Concerning brain redox homeostasis, exposed rats have shown an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) amount and an alteration in glutathione (GSH) levels in both the brain mitochondria and cytosolic fractions of the cerebellum, striatum and hippocampus. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in levels of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) and a highly significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in both cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions. The current study suggests that environmental exposure to daily even low doses of POPs mixtures through diet induces oxidative stress status in the brain and especially in the mitochondria with important cognitive and locomotor behaviour variations in the rats.

Endocrine disrupting potential and reproductive dysfunction in male mice exposed to deltamethrin

Pesticide exposure may affect semen quality and male fertility in humans. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the adverse effects of deltamethrin (Delta), a synthetic pyrethroid, on exposed male mice and their offspring. Adult male Albino/Swiss mice received deltamethrin (5 mg/kg) daily for 35 days and mated with untreated females to produce offspring. Classical measurements of ejaculate and sperm quality and testicular histopathological changes were assessed. Deltamethrin treatment affects sperm quality and quantity in the ejaculated semen of mice that had also markedly impaired libido as measured by indices of mating and fertility and number of pregnant females housed with male mice exposed to this pesticide. Exposure mice to deltamethrin significantly decreased their testosterone and inhibin B levels and affected reproductive performance. Testes of exposed mice showed marked histopathological alterations as compared to the control group. The mice exposed to 5 mg/kg body weight/day of deltamethrin showed severe alterations of the seminiferous tubules, sloughing of the germ cells, the vacuolization of germ cell cytoplasm, and the disruption of spermatogenic cells compared to the control group. Altered pregnancy outcomes were directly attributed to damage of sperm of male mice exposed to deltamethrin compared to the control group. We concluded that exposure to deltamethrin affected the reproductive system of male mice explored by altered total sperm density, motility, and morphology in mice spermatozoa.

Naringin suppresses cell metastasis and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) via the inhibition of ERK-P38-JNK signaling pathway in human glioblastoma

Naringin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone 7-rhamnoglucoside), a natural flavonoid, has pharmacological properties. In the present study, we investigated the anti-metastatic activity of naringin and its molecular mechanism(s) of action in human glioblastoma cells. Naringin exhibits inhibitory effects on the invasion and adhesion of U87 cells in a concentration-dependent manner by Matrigel Transwell and cell adhesion assays. Naringin also inhibited the migration of U87 cells in a concentration-dependent manner by wound-healing assay. Additional experiments showed that naringin treatment reduced the enzymatic activities and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 using a gelatin zymography assay and western blot analyses. Furthermore, naringin was able to reduce the protein phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase by western blotting. Collectively, our data showed that naringin attenuated the MAPK signaling pathways including ERK, JNK and p38 and resulted in the downregulation of the expression and enzymatic activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, contributing to the inhibition of metastasis in U87 cells. These findings proved that naringin may offer further application as an antimetastatic agent.

Naringenin protects cardiac hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress and subsequent necroptosis in rats

BACKGROUND

In earlier studies, the supplementation of the natural compound Naringenin (NGEN), improved the liver oxidative and inflammatory status, which indicates its direct effect via inhibition of the nuclear factor κB pathway on high cholesterol-induced hepatic damages. In this regard, the present study highlights the mechanisms associated with the protective efficacy of NGEN in the heart tissue of hypercholesterolemic diet rats.

RESULTS

The animals exposed to a high cholesterol diet (HCD) for 90 days exhibited a significant increase in the levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities, nitric oxide (NO) levels, protein and lipid oxidative markers and cardiac lipids profile. Moreover, hypercholesterolemia decreased the levels of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions as proved by the decrease in the mitochondrial complexes in comparison to controls. Importantly, cholesterol-feeding significantly increased myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear DNA damage and led to the activation of gene expression of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) mRNA that contributed to the elucidation of cholesterol-induced necroptosis, a recently described type of programmed necrosis, in the cardiac tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the co-administration of NGEN (50 mg/kg/bw) in HCD rats improved all the altered parameters and provided insight into a possible molecular mechanism underlying NGEN suppression of necroptosis pathway in the heart.

Alteration in systemic markers of oxidative and antioxidative status in Tunisian patients with asthma: relationships with clinical severity and airflow limitation

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the systemic oxidant-antioxidant status in Tunisian patients with asthma.

METHODS

We evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as thiobarbituric acid complexes, total protein carbonyls (PCs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). The levels of total thiols, protein sulfhydryls, glutathione (GSH), together with hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, iron and total antioxidant status (TAS) were colorimetrically estimated. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were assessed in plasma and erythrocytes by spectrophotometry. We also determined the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite in plasma from asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The volume of fractionated exhaled NO (FeNO) was evaluated by the Medisoft HypAir method. Estimation of DNA damage was determined using the comet assay.

RESULTS

Asthmatic patients showed increased levels of MDA in comparison to healthy controls (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in protein carbonyls (p = 0.79) and AOPP (p = 0.98). Patients with asthma also had significantly lower levels of total thiols (355.9 ± 15.72 versus 667.9 ± 22.65, p < 0.001), protein sulfhydryls (333.99 ± 16.41 versus 591.95 ± 24.28, p < 0.001) and glutathione (p < 0.001). They also showed decreased GSH-Px activity (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences in measurements of catalase and SOD enzyme activities were observed between the two groups (respectively, p = 0.06 and p = 0.55). In addition, ascorbic acid and nitric oxide levels were decreased in asthmatics in comparison to controls (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that oxidative stress and defective anti-oxidative status are major alterations in Tunisian patients with asthma.

Naringenin Mitigates Iron-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavioral Impairment, Mitochondrial Dysfunctions, Ectonucleotidases and Acetylcholinesterase Alteration Activities in Rat Hippocampus

Studies demonstrated that the iron chelating antioxidant restores brain dysfunction induced by iron toxicity in animals. Earlier, we found that iron overload-induced cerebral cortex apoptosis correlated with oxidative stress could be protected by naringenin (NGEN). In this respect, the present study is focused on the mechanisms associated with the protective efficacy of NGEN, natural flavonoid compound abundant in the peels of citrus fruit, on iron induced impairment of the anxiogenic-like behaviour, purinergic and cholinergic dysfunctions with oxidative stress related disorders on mitochondrial function in the rat hippocampus. Results showed that administration of NGEN (50 mg/kg/day) by gavage significantly ameliorated anxiogenic-like behaviour impairment induced by the exposure to 50 mg of Fe-dextran/kg/day intraperitoneally for 28 days in rats, decreased iron-induced reactive oxygen species formation and restored the iron-induced decrease of the acetylcholinesterase expression level, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial complexes activities in the hippocampus of rats. Moreover, NGEN was able to restore the alteration on the activity and expression of ectonucleotidases such as adenosine triphosphate diphosphohydrolase and 5'-nucleotidase, enzymes which hydrolyze and therefore control extracellular ATP and adenosine concentrations in the synaptic cleft. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the neuroprotective role of NGEN, emphasizing the influence of including this flavonoid in the diet for human health, possibly preventing brain injury associated with iron overload.

Protective effects of oat oil on deltamethrin-induced reprotoxicity in male mice

Oats (Avena sativa L.), which are used in foods, are a potential economically viable source of oil. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of oats oil to alleviate oxidative damage of testis induced by deltamethrin, which is a pyrethroid pesticide that exerts a wide range of effects on non-targeted organisms. The reprotoxicity caused by orally administered deltamethrin (DEL) to mice can be effectively antagonized by the beneficial effects of oats oil (OO) as an antioxidant. Thirty-two male albino mice were divided into four equal groups: a control group, a group of mice given deltamethrin (5 mg per kg b.w.), a group administered deltamethrin after receiving oats oil (6 g per kg b.w.), and a group receiving only OO. Exposure to deltamethrin at a dose of 5 mg per kg b.w. per day caused oxidative stress in testis, proven by a decrease in the epididymal sperm count and motility, an increase in the number of abnormal morphologies in spermatozoa and a significant increase of lipid peroxidation (LP) in the testis when compared to control animals. Co-administration of oats oil to the DEL-treated mice ameliorated the testicular biochemical parameters as well as the histological impairments in testis. We concluded that oats oil ameliorated the toxic effects of deltamethrin in testis explored by reduced LP and improved total sperm density, motility and morphology in mice spermatozoa, suggesting its role as a potential antioxidant.

Increased oxidative stress and altered levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in Tunisian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlation with disease severity and airflow obstruction

This study was aimed to evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Tunisians. We assessed 16 parameters related to the oxidative status that include malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein carbonyls (PCs), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). We also examined the activity of glutathione peroxydase (GSH-Px), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the plasma and erythrocytes. Levels of total thiols, reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, iron, and protein sulfhydryls were determined using spectrophotometry. We also evaluated the level of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite in plasma from COPD patients and healthy controls. Estimation of DNA damage was determined using the comet assay. Pulmonary functional tests were performed by body plethysmography. Levels of MDA, PC, DNA damage, and AOPP were significantly increased while total thiols, GSH, and TAS were decreased in COPD patients. GSH-Px activity was higher in COPD patients while no difference was found for catalase and SOD. We also observed a lower level of NO and peroxynitrite in COPD patients. Decreased levels of peroxynitrite were found to correlate with disease progression, as well as with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity among COPD patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that NO is associated with pathological pathways that help to predict patient outcome independently of the degree of airflow obstruction. These results indicate the presence of a systemic oxidative stress and highlight the importance of NO and peroxynitrite as major effectors in COPD development and airflow obstruction.

Protective effects of naringenin on iron-overload-induced cerebral cortex neurotoxicity correlated with oxidative stress

Iron is a component of several metalloproteins involved in crucial metabolic processes such as oxygen sensing and transport, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. This metal progressively accumulates in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Naringenin (NGEN), a natural flavonoid compound, has been reported to possess neuroprotective effect against PD-related pathology, however, the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects are poorly defined. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism involved in the cytoprotection of NGEN against iron-induced neurotoxicity in the cerebral cortex of Wistar rats. Animals that were given repetitive injections of iron dextran for a total of 4 weeks showed a significant increase in lipid and protein markers such as thiobarbituric reactive acid substances, protein carbonyl product content levels, and DNA apoptosis in the cerebral cortex. These changes were accompanied by a decrease of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and catalase and in the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants like total thiols and ascorbic acid. The activity of glutathione peroxidase remained unchanged in rats. A significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities was also shown, with a substantial rise in the nitric oxide levels. Coadministration of NGEN to iron-treated rats significantly improved antioxidant enzyme activities and attenuated oxidative damages observed in the cerebral cortex. The potential effect of NGEN to prevent iron-induced neurotoxicity was also reflected by the microscopic study, indicative of its neuroprotective effects.

Quercetin attenuates lambda cyhalothrin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Quercetin (Qe) against oxidative stress induced by λ cyhalothrin (LTC) in reproductive system. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups. First group was allocated as the control group. Second group was given a Qe alone while the third group received a LTC alone. Animals in the fourth group were given a Qe with LTC. Caudae epididymis was removed for sperm analysis. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in the testis. Additionally, the different histopathologic changes were observed in the testis of animals. LTC exposure significantly increased the abnormal morphology and LPO. On the contrary, sperm motility, viability and count, levels of GSH, and activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST were significantly decreased compared to controls. Qe with LTC offset the decrease in functional sperm parameters, antioxidants enzymatic activities, and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels when compared with LTC-treated rats. Furthermore, LTC showed irregular seminiferous tubules containing only Sertoli cells and Qe with LTC caused regular seminiferous tubules showing spermatogenesis at level of spermatocytes. We conclude that LTC-induced oxidative stress and functional sperm parameters in male rats, and dietary of Qe attenuates the reproductive toxicity of LTC to restore the antioxidant system and sperm parameters in male rats.

Exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, increases reactive oxygen species production and induces genotoxicity in rat peripheral blood

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LTC) is a synthetic pyrethroid with a broad spectrum of insecticidal and acaricidal activities used to control a wide range of insect pests in a variety of applications. However, there is little known about its adverse effects, in particular those related to its genotoxicity in humans. To elucidate the genotoxicity mechanisms of LTC, the micronuclei (MN) frequencies, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), erythrocyte osmotic fragility, nitrite (NO) formation, protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) production were evaluated for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. Our results show that exposure rat to LTC (1/10DL50 = 6.23 mg/kg) for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days induced a noticeable genotoxic effect in rat peripheral blood evidenced by a significant increase in the frequency of MN only at day 21 of treatment. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Further, a significant (p < 0.01) increase in ROS contents, NO formation, PCO levels and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes were observed at different times of treatments, suggesting the implication of oxidative stress in its toxicity. These results confirm the genotoxic and the pro-oxidant effects of LTC in rat peripheral blood.

Synthetic pyrethroid increases lipid and protein oxidation and induces glutathione depletion in the cerebellum of adult rats: ameliorative effect of vitamin C

The wide use and wide-spectrum toxicity of synthetic pyrethroid (SP) insecticides make them an emerging ecotoxicological concern. The objective of the current study was aimed to investigate the involvement of oxidative stress in lambda-cyhalothrin (LTC)-induced cerebellum damages in adult rats and to evaluate the possible protective effect of vitamin C (vit C) as antioxidant. Exposure of rats to LTC during 3 weeks caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) and protein carbonyls (PCO) along with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and gluthione-S-transferase (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The oral administration of vit C (200 mg/kg per d) to LTC-treated rats significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the levels of LPO, NO and PCO and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of GSH and antioxidant enzymes. Our results showed that the administration of vit C could ameliorate some of the oxidative damage in the cerebellum induced by SPs exposure, suggesting that the ascorbic acid could exhibit a potential antioxidant activity against neurotoxicity induced by pesticides exposure.

Carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in rats

In this study, the protective effects of vanillin were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced kidney damages in Wistar albino rats. CCl4 (1 ml/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) caused a significant induction of renal disorder, oxidative damage and DNA fragmentation as evidenced by increased plasma creatinine, urea and uric acid levels, increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and protein carbonyl. Furthermore, glutathione levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly decreased. A smear without ladder formation on agarose gel was also shown, indicating random DNA degradation. Pretreatment of rats with vanillin (150 mg/kg/day, i.p.), for 3 consecutive days before CCl4 injection, protected kidney against the increase of MDA and degradation of membrane proteins compared to CCl4-treated rats and exhibited marked prevention against CCl4-induced nephropathology, oxidative stress and DNA damage. Kidney histological sections showed glomerular hypertrophy and tubular dilatation in CCl4-treated rats, however, in vanillin pretreated rats, these histopathological changes were less important and present a similar structure to that of control rats. These data indicated the protective role of vanillin against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity and suggested its significant contribution of these beneficial effects.