Screening of Toxic Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides with a Focus on Acetamiprid: A Review

Recently, neonicotinoids have become the fastest-growing class of insecticides in conventional crop protection, with extensive usage against a wide range of sucking and chewing pests. Neonicotinoids are widely used due to their high toxicity to invertebrates, simplicity, flexibility with which they may be applied, and lengthy persistence, and their systemic nature ensures that they spread to all sections of the target crop. However, these properties raise the risk of environmental contaminations and potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Acetamiprid is a new generation insecticide, which is a safer alternative for controlling insect pests because of its low toxicity to honeybees. Acetamiprid is intended to target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects, but its widespread usage has resulted in negative impacts on non-target animals such as mammals. This review summarizes in vivo and in vitro animal studies that investigated the toxicity of specific neonicotinoids. With summarized data, it can be presumed that certain concentrations of neonicotinoids in the reproductive system cause oxidative stress in the testis; spermatogenesis disruption; spermatozoa degradation; interruptions to endocrine function and Sertoli and Leydig cell function. In the female reproductive system, acetamiprid evokes pathomorphological alterations in follicles, along with metabolic changes in the ovaries.

Biogenic Elements and Heavy Metals in Hermann's Tortoises-Testudo hermanni: Effect on Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Status Parameters

BACKGROUND

Conservation of species diversity is the need of the hour for preserving life forms on Earth. Extinction of any part of the ecosystem has negative impacts on many processes and systems. The objective of this work was to analyze some biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic elements and heavy metals in Testudo hermanni (n = 16).

METHODS

Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPS).

RESULTS

Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann's tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports correlations among four heavy metals, and their levels were again correlated with biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann's tortoises.

Ejaculatory Abstinence Affects the Sperm Quality in Normozoospermic Men-How Does the Seminal Bacteriome Respond?

This study was designed to describe bacterial profiles of ejaculates collected following a long and short ejaculatory abstinence set in the context of changes in the conventional, oxidative, and immunological characteristics of semen. Two specimens were collected in succession from normozoospermic men (n = 51) following 2 days and 2 h, respectively. Semen samples were processed and analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines. Afterwards, sperm DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial function, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage to sperm lipids and proteins were evaluated in each specimen. Selected cytokine levels were quantified using the ELISA method. Bacterial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry revealed that samples collected following two days of abstinence presented with a higher bacterial load and diversity, and a greater prevalence of potentially uropathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Only staphylococci and Escherichia coli remained present in specimens obtained after 2 h of abstinence. Whilst all samples accomplished the criteria set by WHO, a significantly higher motility (p < 0.05), membrane integrity (p < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), and DNA integrity (p < 0.0001) were detected following 2 h of ejaculatory abstinence. On the other hand, significantly higher ROS levels (p < 0.001), protein oxidation (p < 0.001), and lipid peroxidation (p < 0.01) accompanied by significantly higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.05), interleukin-6 (p < 0.01), and interferon gamma (p < 0.05) were observed in specimens collected after two days of abstinence. It may be summarized that shorter ejaculatory abstinence does not compromise sperm quality in normozoospermic men, while it contributes to a decreased occurrence of bacteria in semen which is accompanied by a lower probability of damage to spermatozoa by ROS or pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Microbiota, Phagocytic Activity, Biochemical Parameters and Parasite Control in Horses with Application of Autochthonous, Bacteriocin-Producing, Probiotic Strain Enterococcus faecium EF 412

The beneficial influence of bacteriocin-producing, probiotic, mostly non-autochthonous bacteria has already been reported in various animals. However, their use in horses provides limited information, and results with autochthonous bacteria have not been reported. Therefore, the main objective of this model study was to test the effect of autochthonous, bacteriocin-producing faecal strain Enterococcus faecium EF 412 application in horses. One gram of freeze-dried EF 412 strain (10⁹ CFU/mL for 21 days) was applied to horses in a small feed ball. Clinically healthy horses (12), Slovak warm-blood breed of various ages (5-13 years), were involved in a 35-day-long experiment, also functioning as control for themselves. They were stabled in separate boxes (university property), fed twice a day (hay, whole oats or grazed) with water access ad libitum. Sampling was performed at the start of the experiment, i.e. at days 0/1, 21 (3 weeks of EF 412 application) and at day 35 (2 weeks of EF 412 cessation). EF 412 colonized GIT of horses was 3.54 ± 0.75 CFU/g (log 10) at day 21. The eggs of the nematode Strongylus spp. were not found in horses after EF 412 application, and Eimeria spp. oocysts were similarly not found. The other microbiota were not reduced as evaluated by the use of standard method. Using next-generation sequencing, at phylum level, phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominated and at family level, they were Bacteroidales BS11 and S24-7 gut goups and Lentisphaerae. In horses, the increasing tendency in phagocytic activity was noted after EF 412 application. Biochemical parameters were in the physiological range. Total protein value was significantly decreased at day 21 compared with day 0/1 as well as with day 35 (P < 0.05). Cholesterol and triglycerides were influenced (decreased) at day 21 compared with day 0/1 and day 35. Neither nematode eggs Strongylus spp. nor Eimeria spp. oocysts were found in faeces after EF 412 application. Autochthonous, faecal strain E. faecium EF 412 showed promising application potential.

THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L. ON CELLULAR PARAMETERS AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN VITRO

Tribulus terrestris L. is an herbaceous plant native to India, widely used as a natural sexual stimulant by traditional medicine in China, India, and Greece, and also for the treatment of various diseases for example low blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, kidney, and skin diseases, etc. Tribulus extracts are rich in numerous biologically active compounds, such as steroidal saponins, alkaloids, lignan amides, and flavonoids, which are useful for the effective treatment of sexual performance, hormonal and sexual problems. The main goal of our in vitro study was to demonstrate the potential consequences of Tribulus terrestris L. extract on TM3 cell parameters such as cell viability, membrane integrity, lysosomal activity, and steroid hormone secretion. The extract was applied to mice Leydig cells at various concentrations (ranging from 37.5 µg/mL to 600 µg/mL) for 24 h. Based on the obtained data, we may claim statistically significant inhibition of cell viability at 300 µg/mL (P < 0.0001) and 600 µg/mL (P < 0.0001). At the same concentrations, there was a statistically significant decline in both cell membrane integrity (P < 0.05; P < 0,0001) and lysosomal activity (P < 0.05; P < 0.001). Hormone secretion was significantly increased at 200 µg/mL (P < 0.05). To better understand how Tribulus terrestris L. affects the reproductive systems of animals or humans, further research must be done.

EFFECT OF SOUS VIDE HEAT TREATMENT ON PHTHALIC ACID ESTERS CONTENT IN MEAT

The chemical composition and content of DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) in pork shoulder before and after heat treatment in the package by the sous vide method was analyzed. The meat was analyzed raw and after heat treatment at 50 °C and 60 °C. The heat treatment time in the sous vide water bath was 4 hours, 4 hours + 1 hour after 24 hours, 8 hours and 8 hours and 1 hour after 24 hours. The fat content in meat treated at 50 °C was 6.04 in raw meat and after heat treatment after 4 hours. 7.51 and after 8 h. 6.81 g.100g-1, in the shoulder after heat treatment at 60 °C was after 4 hours 6.24 and after 8 h. 6.76 g.100g-1. The content of fatty acids during the sous vide treatment did not significantly change with exception of vaccenic acid, the content of which was statistically significantly reduced at temperatures of 50 °C also at 60 °C. The DBP content in raw shoulder at 50 °C during sous vide heat treatment it increased to 1.91 μg.g-1. The DEHP content during the heat treatment it increased to 23.95 μg.g–1 in the treatment of 4+1 hours.  The DBP content in raw shoulder after heat treatment at 60 °C increased to 1.84 μg.g–1 during treatment for 4+1 hours. The DEHP content decreased to 8.72 in the treatment of 4+1 hours and to 4.021 μg.g–1. Based on our results, we can conclude that at both monitored temperatures of sous vide method, the DBP content increased and the DEHP content decreased. The DBP content in raw shoulder at 50°C heat treatment increased to 1.91 μg.g-1 at 4+1 hour heat treatment and to 3.02 at 8+1 hour. The DEHP content increased to 23.95 μg.g-1 in the treatment of 4+1 hours. The content of DBP and DEHP in the packaging material before use was 29.08 μg.g-1, it gradually decreased with the length of the heat treatment, to 15.09 μg.g-1 in the treatment of 8+1 hours. The DEHP content in the unused package decreased to1.27 μg.g-1 at heat treatment of 8+1 hours. At the heat treatment at of 60°C in the packaging material gradually decreased to 3.18 μg.g-1. The DEHP content decreased to 2.54 μg.g-1.

Mercury in scarletina bolete mushroom (Neoboletus luridiformis): Intake, spatial distribution in the fruiting body, accumulation ability and health risk assessment

In the present work, we focused on two aspects of mercury (Hg) bioconcentration in the above-ground parts of Neoboletus luridiformis. In the first part, we monitored the bioconcentration potential of individual anatomical parts of a particular fruiting body and evaluated the obtained data by the spline interpolation method. In the second part, we focused on assessing the mercury content in 378 samples of N. luridiformis and associated samples of substrates from 38 localities with different levels of Hg content in Slovakia. From the obtained data of Hg content in samples of substrate and fungi, we evaluated ecological indicators (geoaccumulation index - Igeo, contamination factor - Cf a potential ecological risk - PER), bioconcentration indicators (bioconcentration factor - BCF; cap/stipe quotient - Qc/s) and health indicators (percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake - %PTWI a target hazard quotient - THQ). Based on the Hg distribution results, the highest Hg content was found in the tubes & pores (3.86 mg/kg DW), followed by the flesh of cap (1.82 mg/kg DW). The lowest Hg content was in the stipe (1.23 mg/kg DW). The results of the BCF values indicate that the studied species can be included in the category of mercury accumulators. The results of the ecological indices representing the state of soil pollution pointed out that two localities (Malachov and Nižná Slaná) stood apart from all monitored localities and showed a state of an extremely disturbed environment. This fact was also reflected in the values of Hg content in the fruiting bodies of the studied mushroom species. In the case of the consumption of mushrooms from these localities, it can be stated that long-term and regular consumption could have a negative non-carcinogenic effect on the health of consumers. It was confirmed by the %PTWI (Malachov: 57.8%; Nižná Slaná: 53.2%) and THQ (Malachov: 1.11 Nižná Slaná: 1.02). The locality Čačín-Jelšovec is interesting from the bioconcentration characteristics point of view, where the level of environmental pollution was the lowest (Hg content in the soil was below the background value) compared to other localities, however, the THQ value was the highest (1.29).

Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg⁻¹ of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL₁, LDL₂, and atherogenic LDL₃₋₇ subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

In vivo effects of aflatoxin B1 and benzo[a]pyrene on the heart muscle of chicken embryos

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on the heart muscle of chicken embryos of the broiler line Ross 308. The benzo[a]pyrene in the organic oil solution was injected in ovo on the 6th day of the incubation in doses of: 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg weight of eggs; the aflatoxin B1 in the organic oil solution was injected in ovo on the 6th day of the incubation into the yolk in doses of 80, 120 and 240 ng/kg weight of eggs. Multiple biochemical and hepatic parameters have been observed, including sodium, potassium, chloride, cholesterol, uric acid, total proteins, aminotransferase aspartate, and aminotransferase alanine. A low dose of AFB1 and BaP administered in ovo during early embryonic development had a significant impact on chicken embryonic development, as demonstrated by alterations in biochemical, mineral, and hepatic parameters.

Antifungal and synergistic activities of some selected essential oils on the growth of significant indoor fungi of the genus Aspergillus

The study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of twenty-five essential oils (EOs) and the potential synergistic activity of the most effective EOs against significant indoor fungi of the genus Aspergillus [A. fumigatus (KBio-122), A. flavus (KBio-134), A. terreus (KBio-145) and A. niger (KBio-202)]. The chemical composition of all EOs was evaluated by the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis. The antifungal susceptibility of EOs was evaluated by using the broth microdilution method. The most effective EOs were selected to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) at a concentration range from 256 to 0.125 μg/mL. For the synergistic activities, the most effective EOs were tested using the chessboard pattern. The most sensitive strain to treatments with essential oils alone and in the combination of EOs was A. flavus (KBio-134). The chessboard assay showed that combinations of lemongrass and thyme EOs proved the most potent synergistic antifungal activity (FICI = 0.1875) against A. fumigatus (KBio-122). The synergy displayed by a combination of some EOs may be used to control fungal growth or increasing resistance to available synthetic antifungals, consequently permitting the reduction of their most active doses.

Consumption of bitter apricot seeds affects lipid and endocrine profile in women

Natural products have been attracting increasing attention in human diet, both due to the possible negative effects of synthetic food additives on human health and the increased consumer perception. Apricot seeds contain a wide variety of bioactive components and their consumption is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of bitter apricot seeds on blood lipid and endocrine profile in Slovak women (n = 18, 41.60 ± 11.28 years) of reproductive age. Volunteers consumed 60 mg.kg^-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 42 days. During the experiment, three blood collections were carried out (at the beginning of the experiment - day 0, and after 21 and 42 days of consumption apricot seeds). Lipid profile was measured in terms of - total cholesterol (T-C, enzymatic photometric method), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C, calculated using the Friedewald equation), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C, direct clearance method), triglycerides (TG, enzymatic colorimetric method) whereas endocrine profile - follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione was assessed by ELISA. The blood levels of T-C, HDL-C and T-C did not change significantly (P > 0.05), however, the level of LDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 42 days. On the other hand, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of T-C and TG after 21 days. The blood level of FSH, testosterone and androstenedione increased significantly (P < 0.05) although the levels of LH, PRL, P4 and E2 did not change (P > 0.05) after 42 days. The level of PRL and testosterone significantly (P < 0.05) increased and E2 significantly decreased after 21 days of apricot seeds consumption. The study suggests that daily consumption of apricot seeds may affect plasma lipid and endocrine profile in women of reproductive age.

The effect of different sample collection methods on rabbit blood parameters

Nowadays great deal of research is physiological field is conducted on experimental animals and there is a lot of criticism from the wide public on methods used. Therefore, recently there is a lot of effort focused on the welfare of the animals. Main aim of this study is to determine the effect of experimental sample collection method on the selected parameters of stress. In the experiment two sample collections of rabbit blood from marginal ear vein were realized - first using standard method with one person fixing the animal and other collecting the blood using gently fixating the animal. In the second groups experimental method of inserting the experimental animal into a sack and further collection in dark was realized. During the experiment the levels of cortisol - main stress indicator in organism and other health parameters of animals including mineral profile and haematological parameters were observed. Our results show no significant changes in levels of cortisol but also a decreasing tendency in the sample from the second (dark) collection. Haematological parameters were generally in the reference values and any significant changes except levels of lymphocytes and percent of lymphocytes which shown significant increase in the second collection period were found. Also the levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and percent of neutrophils unveiled a significant decrease in values. Values of mineral profile parameters have indicated no significant changes except the levels of phosphorus. Based on the result we can state that the experimental sample collection has no effect on blood parameters of the animals but we spectated a statistically insignificant decrease in the levels of cortisol which can suggest that the dark collection is possibly less stressful to the animals.

THE EFFECT OF APRICOT SEEDS ON MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF RABBIT LIVER

Natural phytosubstances, such as amygdalin, used in alternative medicine has gained popularity. However, some researchers suspect the protective properties of amygdalin due to a lack of clinical studies. The aim of the present in vivo study was to determine the effect of apricot seed administration on microscopic changes in the liver using a rabbit as a biological model. Sixteen male rabbits 45 days old were randomly divided into four groups (control group without any apricot seed administration, and experimental groups fed by crushed apricot seeds at the doses 60, 300 and 420 mg/kg b.w., mixed with commercial feed), which was administered orally a daily during a ten-month period. The liver tissue samples were evaluated by histological analysis. Significant changes were observed in the microscopic structure of rabbit livers after apricot seed ingestion. The morphometric evaluation of rabbit livers after the application of apricot seeds showed an increase of binucleated cells in the vena centralis region (P≤0.001) at the highest dose and in the peripheral zone at all the doses used (P≤0.001, P≤0.01, P≤0.05) compared to control. On the other hand, distinct inhibition in the number of binucleated cells in the region vena centralis at the doses 300 (P≤0.01) and 420 mg/kg b.w. (P≤0.05) and in the peripheral zone at all the doses used (P≤0.001, P≤0.01) was observed. No significant differences between the control and experimental groups in vena centralis after apricot seed treatment were found (P≥0.05). In addition, the effect of apricot seeds on the relative volume of liver structures – vena centralis, stroma and parenchyma after the application of apricot seeds to rabbit males were assessed. No significant differences between control and experimental groups in the relative volume of vena centralis were found (P≥0.05). On the other hand, the relative volume of the stroma was increased at doses 60 (P≤0.05) and 300 (P≤0.01) mg/kg b.w. Interestingly, the relative volume of parenchyma was significantly decreased (P≤0.05) after the application of apricot seeds in two experimental groups 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. The current study provides experimental evidence that apricot seeds might affect the liver microscopic structure in rabbits in vivo and thus amygdalin present in apricot seeds might present a potential risk for animal health. However, the toxic effect could not be accurately corroborated, as in many cases changes were dose-dependent and not recorded at the highest dose used in the study.

Escherichia coli as a carrier of tetracyclines and penicillins resistance in wild pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Wild animals like pheasant seem to be a good source of information about human activities. Therefore, the wild pheasants and relative stable appendix microcenosis were selected for antibiotic resistance testing. Penicillin resistance by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and tetracyclines resistance by genetic methods using specific primers were tested. Differences between tetracycline and penicillin resistance were detected. Results showed high prevalence of resistant Escherichia coli isolated from wild pheasant appendix. E. coli isolated from wild pheasant appendix carried plasmids for penicillins and tetracyclines resistance where they were responsible for enzymatic degradation of penicillin and carried genes for regulating efflux pumps for tetracyclines. Results showed that tetracyclines and penicillins resistance is widespread between wild pheasants with a carrier as Escherichia coli isolated from relative stable microcenosis of appendix.

Concentration of Micro- and Macro-Elements in Green and Roasted Coffee: Influence of Roasting Degree and Risk Assessment for the Consumers

The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of 15 macro- and micro-elements in 10 commercially available plantation Arabica coffee brands. The elemental concentration was studied in 50 samples of green and roasted coffee beans of various roasting degrees and their infusions. There were four different roasting degrees: City + (C+), Full city (FC), Full city ++ (FC++), and Dark (D). The attention was given to the impact of the roasting process on the elemental composition. Statistically significant differences were found between the green coffee beans and the different roasting degrees in both macro- and micro-elements. The results showed that roasting degrees affected the concentration of elements in resulting infusions. Dietary intakes for macro- and micro-elements based on RDA and PTWI (in the case of Al) were calculated. Based on the RDA values for macro- and micro-elements, it can be concluded that coffee infusions are not an important source of elements in nutrition. In the case of Al, consumption of coffee was considered non-hazardous based on the PTWI value.

Influence of long-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

The present study was designed to reveal whether long-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds causes changes in lipid profile and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The study group consisted of 12 healthy adult volunteers (5 females and 7 males). The average age of women was 41.60 ± 11.28 years and the average age of men was 36.71 ± 13.70 years. Volunteers consumed 60 mg kg^-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 12 weeks. Volunteers were recruited from the general population of Slovak Republic. After 12 weeks, mean body weight of the participants increased from 77.34 to 78.22 kg (P > 0.05). The average total cholesterol levels decreased from 4.86 mmol L^-1 at the beginning of the study to 4.44 mmol L^-1 at the end of the study (P < 0.05). We did not observe any significant increase in high-density cholesterol (from 1.55 to 1.60 mmol L^-1). The average low-density cholesterol levels decreased from 2.93 mmol L^-1 at the beginning of the study to 2.31 mmol L^-1 at the end of the study (P < 0.001). Concentration of triglycerides increased significantly over the 12-week intervention period from 0.84 to 1.17 mmol L^-1. After the intervention, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level decreased from 1.92 to 1.23 mg L^-1, but results were non-significant (P > 0.05). Creatine kinase serum levels increased from 2.31 to 2.77 mg L^-1 (P > 0.05) over the 12-week intervention period. The results suggest that regular intake of bitter apricot seeds may be considered potentially useful for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Ceramides in the skin barrier

The skin barrier, which is essential for human survival on dry land, is located in the uppermost skin layer, the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum consists of corneocytes surrounded by multilamellar lipid membranes that prevent excessive water loss from the body and entrance of undesired substances from the environment. To ensure this protective function, the composition and organization of the lipid membranes is highly specialized. The major skin barrier lipids are ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol in an approximately equimolar ratio. With hundreds of molecular species of ceramide, skin barrier lipids are a highly complex mixture that complicate the investigation of its behaviour. In this minireview, the structures of the major skin barrier lipids, formation of the stratum corneum lipid membranes and their molecular organization are described.

In vitro effect of 4-nonylphenol on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulated hormone secretion, cell viability and reactive oxygen species generation in mice Leydig cells

Nonylphenol is considered an endocrine disruptor and has been reported to affect male reproductive functions. In our in vitro study, we evaluated the effects of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on cholesterol levels, hormone formation and viability in cultured Leydig cells from adult ICR male mice. We also determined the potential impact of 4-NP on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after 44 h of cultivation. The cells were cultured with addition of 0.04; 0.2; 1.0; 2.5 and 5.0 μg/mL of 4-NP in the present of 1 IU/mL human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and compared to the control. The quantity of cholesterol was determined from culture medium using photometry. Determination of hormone production was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Metabolic activity assay was used for quantification of cell viability. The chemiluminescence technique, which uses a luminometer to measure reactive oxygen species, was employed. Applied doses of 4-NP (0.04-5.0 μg/mL) slight increase cholesterol levels and decrease production of dehydroepiandrosterone after 44 h of cultivation, but not significantly. Incubation of 4-NP treated cells with hCG significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited androstenedione, but not testosterone, formation at the highest concentration (5.0 μg/mL). The viability was significantly (P < 0.05); (P < 0.001) increased at 1.0; 2.5 and 5.0 μg/mL of 4-NP after 44 h treatment. Furthermore, 44 h treatment of 4-NP (0.04-5.0 μg/mL) caused significant (P < 0.001) intracellular accumulation of ROS in exposed cells. Taken together, the results of our in vitro study reported herein is consistent with the conclusion that 4-nonylphenol is able to influence hormonal profile, cell viability and generate ROS.

Antioxidant efficiency of lycopene on oxidative stress - induced damage in bovine spermatozoa

Background

Lycopene (LYC) is a natural carotenoid with powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities. The aim of this study was to investigate if lycopene has the ability to reverse ROS-mediated alterations to the motility, viability and intracellular antioxidant profile of bovine spermatozoa subjected to ferrous ascorbate (FeAA). Spermatozoa were washed out of fresh bovine semen, suspended in 2.9 % sodium citrate and subjected to LYC treatment (0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 mmol/L) in the presence or absence of FeAA (150 μmol/L FeSO₄ and 750 μmol/L ascorbic acid) during a 6 h in vitro culture. Spermatozoa motion characteristics were assessed using the SpermVision™ computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) system. Cell viability was examined with the metabolic activity (MTT) assay, ROS generation was quantified via luminometry and the nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) test was applied to quantify the intracellular superoxide formation. Cell lysates were prepared at the end of the in vitro culture to investigate the intracellular activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results

FeAA treatment led to a reduced spermatozoa motility (P < 0.001), viability (P < 0.001) and a decline of the antioxidant capacity of spermatozoa (P < 0.001) but increased the ROS generation (P < 0.001), superoxide production (P < 0.001) and lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001). LYC administration resulted in a preservation of the spermatozoa motion parameters (P < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (P < 0.001) and antioxidant characteristics (P < 0.001 with respect to SOD; P < 0.01 in relation to CAT; P < 0.05 as for GPx and GSH) with a concentration range of 1 and 2 mmol/L LYC revealed to be the most effective.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LYC exhibits significant ROS-scavenging and antioxidant properties which may prevent spermatozoa alterations caused by oxidative stress, and preserve the functionality of male reproductive cells.

ENERGETIC PROFILE OF RABBITS AFTER AMYGDALIN ADMINISTRATION

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glucoside initially obtained from the seeds of bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis). It is a natural product that owns antitumor activity and has also been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, leprosy and diabetes. It is composed of one molecule of benzaldehyde, two molecules of glucose and one molecule of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanide is not cancerocidal as long as glucose is available. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether amygdalin is able to cause changes in the energetic profile of rabbit as a biological model. A 12 adult male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: the control group without any amygdalin administration and two experimental groups receiving daily intramuscular injections (IM) of amygdalin at 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg b.w. respectively over the period of 28 days. The body weight of each experimental animal was recorded weekly during the whole study. Serum levels of energetic profile (glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol) were determined. Intramuscular application of amygdalin did not affect (P≥0.05) the serum levels of none of selected biochemical parameters significantly. In this in vivo study, no obvious beneficial or negative effects of amygdalin on energetic profile of male rabbits were demonstrated.

Resveratrol offers protection to oxidative stress induced by ferrous ascorbate in bovine spermatozoa

Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol and phytoestrogen exhibiting cardioprotective, anticancer, antibacterial and vasorelaxing properties. It is also a powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and chelating agent. This study was designed to determine the efficiency of RES to reverse the ROS-mediated impairment of the motility, viability and intracellular antioxidant profile of bovine spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were washed out of fresh bovine semen, suspended in 2.9% sodium citrate and subjected to RES treatment (5, 10, 25 and 50 μmol L(-1)) in the presence or absence of a pro-oxidant, i.e., ferrous ascorbate (FeAA; 150 μmol L(-1) FeSO4 and 750 μmol L(-1) ascorbic acid) during a 6-h in vitro culture. Spermatozoa motion parameters were assessed using the SpermVision computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) system. Cell viability was examined with the metabolic activity (MTT) assay, and the nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) test was applied to quantify the intracellular superoxide formation. Cell lysates were prepared at the end of the in vitro experiments in order to investigate the intracellular activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), as well as the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). FeAA treatment led to a reduced sperm motility (P < 0.001) and viability (P < 0.001), decreased the antioxidant parameters of the samples (P < 0.001 in case of SOD; P < 0.01 with respect to CAT; P < 0.05 in relation to GSH) but increased the superoxide production (P < 0.001) and lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001). RES supplementation resulted in a preservation of the spermatozoa vitality and antioxidant characteristics (P < 0.001 in case of SOD; P < 0.01 with respect to 25-50 μmol L(-1) RES and P < 0.05 in relation to 10 μmol L(-1) RES; P < 0.05 in case of GSH), with 50 μmol L(-1) RES proving to be the most effective RES concentration. Our results suggest that RES possesses significant antioxidant properties that may prevent the deleterious effects caused by ROS to spermatozoa, and preserve the fertilization potential of male reproductive cells.

ANTIOXIDANT EFFICIENCY OF RESVERATROL ON OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED DAMAGE IN BOVINE SPERMATOZOA

Substantial reports suggest that biologically active compounds isolated from natural sources may offer protection to semen against the incidence of free radical producers, improvement of semen quality, prevention of cryodamage and DNA fragmentation, as well as a general promotion of spermatozoa metabolism. This study was therefore designed to assess the impact of resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol and phytoalexin with potential antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on bovine spermatozoa subjected to oxidative stress induced by ferrous ascorbate during a short-term cell culture (6h). Fresh bovine semen samples were centrifuged, the seminal plasma was removed, the sperm pellet was washed out and the resulting cells were diluted in 2.90% sodium citrate, divided into equal fractions and subjected to treatment based on a specific concentration of RES (50, 25, 10, 5, 0 μmol/L) in the presence of an oxidative stress inducer, i.e. ferrous ascorbate (FeAA) containing 150 μmol/L FeSO4 and 750 μmol/L ascorbic acid. After 6h, the spermatozoa motility (using the Computer-aided sperm analysis/CASA system) and superoxide production (via the NBT test) were assessed in each sample. Furthermore, the sperm cells were collected, lysed and examined for the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations. The addition of RES into the culture medium was able to significantly (P

IMPACT OF THE T-2 TOXIN AND QUERCETIN ON RABBIT PLASMA LEVELS OF THYROTROPIN AND THYROXINE IN VIVO

The aim of this article was to study the effect of quercetin combination with T-2 toxin to secretion of thyrotropin and thyroxine in vivo. The rabbits were divided into the control group (without quercetin and T-2 toxin), and four experimental groups with different doses of quercetin. The thyrotropin (TSH) secretion was not significantly affected by intramuscular application of quercetin and T2-toxin against control group. The secretion of TSH was non-significatly decreased by addition of T2-toxin (group 1), but it was increased after application of quercetin with T2-toxin (groups 2, 3, 4). Significant differences between control group and experimental groups were not observed in thyroxine (T4) secretion. The highest concentration of T4 was observed in group 3 and the lowest in group 2. Our results suggested protective effect of quercetin on TSH secretion.

Contamination of wild-grown edible mushrooms by heavy metals in a former mercury-mining area

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of six edible wild species of mushrooms (Boletus pulverulentus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius quietus, Macrolepiota procera, Russula xerampelina and Suillus grevillei) by heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn and Fe). Mushroom samples were collected from sites contaminated by emissions from mining and processing of polymetallic ores in operation during the period 1969-1993 in Rudňany, southeast Slovakia. The four study sites spanned up to a 5-km distance from the emission source. The collected mushroom samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and/or Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Mercury, Cd and, in some samples, also Pb present the highest risks in terms of contamination of the food chain following subsequent consumption. The content of two metals in the dry matter (dm) of the mushrooms exceeded the limits set by the European Union (EU; Cd: 0.5 mg/kg dm, Pb: 1.0 mg/kg dm). The highest mean contents of the eight metals recorded for S. grevillei were 52.2, 2.15, 107, 104, 2.27, 2.49, 81.6 and 434 mg/kg dm for Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe, respectively. The highest content of Cd was recorded in M. procera (3.05 mg/kg dm) and that of Co in L. quietus (0.90 mg/kg dm). The calculated weekly intake for Hg, Pb and Cd shows that regular consumption of mushrooms from the studied area poses risks to human health.

Nickel-induced structural and functional alterations in porcine granulosa cells in vitro

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of nickel chloride (NiCl2) on secretion of progesterone (P), ultrastructure and apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells. NiCl2 was added to the cells to achieve a Ni(2+) concentration of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 μmol/L. A control group contained no NiCl2 addition. Quantification of P was performed directly from aliquots of the media from control and treated porcine granulosa cells after 48 h of culture using radioimmunoassay. Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling assay, and ultrastructural changes were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. A concentration-dependent depletion of P production was observed significantly for 1,000 μmol/L NiCl2. The percentage of apoptotic cells was increased in all experimental groups significantly only after addition of 1,000 μmol/L NiCl2. After addition of ≥250 μmol/L NiCl2, a higher incidence of euchromatin was observed. Also, lipid droplets and vacuoles in the cytoplasm increased after addition of ≥250 μmol/L NiCl2. NiCl2 induced the decrease in numbers of mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum after treatment with ≥500 μmol/L NiCl2. Our findings suggest a negative effect of NiCl2 on steroidogenesis and apoptosis as well as ultrastructure of porcine granulosa cells.

Aerosol radioactivity record in Bratislava/Slovakia following the Fukushima accident--a comparison with global fallout and the Chernobyl accident

Results of radioactivity measurements in Bratislava aerosols following the Fukushima accident showed that at least three radioactive plumes arrived to Bratislava as indicated by (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratios. When compared with the Chernobyl results available for the Bratislava station, the Fukushima radionuclide levels were almost five orders of magnitude lower, with the maximum values for (131)I and (137)Cs of 0.5 and 0.07 mBq/m(3), respectively. The (131)I and (137)Cs vs. (7)Be aerosol activity records showed that the increases in (131)I and (137)Cs activity concentrations were accompanied by (7)Be increases, indicating that both the horizontal and vertical transports of radionuclides were responsible for observed radionuclide concentrations. The (134)Cs/(137)Cs activity ratio was close to 1, as has also been reported by other investigators.