运输应激对二花脸和皮特兰猪血浆应激和代谢相关激素水平的影响

比较二花脸和皮特兰猪在2h运输过程中血浆ACTH、皮质醇、胰岛素和T3、T4水平的动态变化模式,以分析内分泌激素变化的品种特征.选用雄性二花脸猪10头,皮特兰猪6头,体重达20kg时安装颈静脉瘘管,1wk后运输试验,运输过程中不同时间点采集血样,放射免疫分析法测定血浆激素水平.上车后两品种猪ACTH水平缓慢上升,60min后达到峰值,下车后15min恢复至基础水平,运输过程中ACTH水平及变化幅度均未表现显著的品种差异;运输前皮质醇水平二花脸显著高于皮特兰猪,上车后两品种皮质醇均迅速上升,出发后15min达到峰值,下车后15min均快速恢复至基础水平,运输过程中皮特兰皮质醇上升的幅度显著高于二花脸猪;两品种胰岛素水平上车后均呈下降趋势,二花脸胰岛素水平总体上显著高于皮特兰猪;T3水平在上车后也表现快速下降,无论是T3水平还是其变化幅度均不表现显著的品种差异;皮特兰猪上车后T4水平稍微下降而二花脸猪显著下降,皮特兰T4水平总体显著高于二花脸猪.运输应激伴随血浆ACTH和皮质醇水平升高,而胰岛素、T3和T4水平下降,皮质醇水平升高的幅度能够反映猪的应激敏感性.图1参25     

Biochemical responses of the striped mullet Mugil cephalus to oil exposure I. Acute responses—Interrenal activations and secondary stress responses

Acute single exposures to the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of a No. 2 fuel oil influences several biochemical parameters in juveniles of Mugil cephalus Linnaeus. Plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured at 1 and 3 h after exposure to 1, 5, 10 or 20% WSF. No elevation of plasma cortisol or glucose levels occurred in fish exposed to the lowest concentration of oil, whereas a dose-response relationship was observed at higher doses. The dynamics of plasma corticosteroid, glucose and cholesterol concentrations and osmolality as well as accumulation of naphthalenes in the fish tissues were monitored during exposure to 20% WSF. Circulating cortisol concentrations rose rapidly to 5 times normal values 1h after exposure to oil and subsequently declined to control levels 6 h after oil addition. A smaller secondary rise occurred at 12 h, but cortisol had returned to basal levels 12 h later. In contrast, plasma glucose, cholesterol and osmolality rose more slowly to reach maximum values between 3 and 4 h after oil addition. By 24 h plasma cholesterol and osmolality had returned to normal values whereas the hyperglycemia persisted. However, 72 h after the addition of WSF all biochemical parameters had returned to control levels. At this time considerable accumulation of total naphthalenes had occurred in several fish tissues, whilst the concentration of total naphthalenes in the exposure tanks had declined to background levels. When freshly prepared 20% WSF was added to the exposure tanks during this period, all biochemical parameters were again elevated. The results suggest that the volatile components of fuel oil in the water trigger the biochemical changes described in a dosedependent manner. The possible ecological significance of these changes and the potential use of these parameters as sublethal indicators of environmental contamination are discussed.     

Deltamethrin-induced alterations in serum calcium and prolactin cells of a freshwater teleost,Heteropneustes fossilis

Deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in many countries, causes significant adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems. The concentration of deltamethrin in water reservoirs and the run off from agricultural areas (in water) in many countries range up to 24.0?µg?L^?1 which is higher than the recommendation of the European Union standard. Hence, in this study the effects of deltamethrin were investigated, i.e. its toxic impacts on the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in terms of serum calcium and prolactin cells (located in the rostral pars distalis region of the pituitary). The fish were subjected to deltamethrin for a short-term experiment (96?h; 1.5?µg?L^?1 e.0.8 of 96?h LC₅₀) and a long-term experiment (28 days; 0.37?µg?L^?1 e.0.2 of 96?h LC₅₀). After short-term deltamethrin exposure, serum calcium levels decrease. No histological change in prolactin cells is noticed throughout the short-term experiment. Fish exposed to deltamethrin for 7 days also exhibit a decrease in serum calcium level. This decrease persisted until the end of the experiment (28 days). Prolactin cells of fish treated for 14 days with deltamethrin exhibit increased nuclear volume and degranulation, increasing progressively from the 21st day onwards. After 28 days, a few degenerated cells are discerned. The results of this study show that deltamethrin is moderately toxic for the freshwater fish H. fossilis by producing adverse effects on serum calcium and prolactin cells. Hence, it should be used with caution in areas near fish-inhabited waters.     

六溴环十二烷及其复合污染脑发育期暴露对大鼠甲状腺激素代谢过程的影响

研究六溴环十二烷（HBCD）及其复合污染对发育期幼鼠甲状腺激素代谢过程的影响。设计HBCD单一暴露剂量（10、50、100、300ttg·kg-1）,及HBCD与等浓度商用多溴联苯醚DE-71按2：1复合暴露剂量（10、50、100、300gg·kg-1）,对新生3d的SD大鼠进行为期42d的暴露,放射免疫法测定血清中甲状腺激素（TT3,TT4,FT3,FT4,TSH）水平,并分别测定肝脏和脑组织中甲状腺激素脱碘酶（D1,D2）活性及其对应基因的相对表达水平。与对照组相比较,经HBCD暴露后,大鼠血清中TT4、TT3、FT4、FT3浓度随着暴露剂量增大呈现先升高后下降的趋势,其中10μg·kg-1剂量组的FT3质量分数显著升高（P〈0．05）,300μg·kg-1剂量组的FT4质量分数显著下降（P〈0．05）;TSH则呈现下降趋势。lO、50及300μg·kg-1剂量组的TSH质量分数均显著下降（P〈0．05）。HBCD／DE-7l复合暴露后,大鼠血清中TT4、TT3、FT4、FT3浓度随着暴露剂量的增大呈升高趋势,其中50μg·kg-1剂量组TT4质量分数显著升高（P〈0．05）,50μg·kg-1及300μg·kg-1剂量组FT4质量分数显著升高（P〈0．05）,300μg·kg-1剂量组FT3质量分数显著升高（P〈0．05）。单一暴露后,D1活性及基因表达水平均呈下降趋势,300gμg·kg-1剂量组基因表达水平下降显著（P〈0．05）;D2活性及基因表达水平则均呈现下降趋势,50μg·kg-1剂量组均显著下降（P〈0．05）;HBCD／DE-71复合暴露后,D1、D2活性及其基因表达水平则均呈升高趋势,其中100μg·kg-1剂量组D1活性及基因表达水平均显著性升高（P〈0．05）,300μg·kg-1剂量组D2活性显著性升高（P〈0．05）。HBCD及HBCD／DE-71复合污染物均能通过改变甲状腺激素代谢酶的活性及mRNA表达水平进一步影响机体甲状腺激素的内稳态平衡,且HBCD单一暴露与HBCD／DE-71复合暴露对机体毒性作用途径及所产生的毒性效果存在着很大的差异。     

Protective role of epigallocatechin 3-gallate against lead-induced toxicity in human neuroblastoma cells

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, known to induce oxidative stress and produce damage to the antioxidant defence system ultimately leading to cell death. Antioxidants such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, was shown to play a protective role during Pb-exposure. In this study, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to different concentrations (0.01–10?µM) of Pb for 48?h to determine effects on the viability of cells. It was observed that IC₅₀ was at 5?µM and at this concentration the cells exhibited a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, an indicator of apoptosis at least by 10-fold and the decrease of 59.4% in glutathione (GSH) content. The total cellular prostaglandin-E₂ (PGE₂) level was found to be elevated at least 10-fold upon Pb exposure. However, the effects of Pb on cells pre-incubated with 50?µM EGCG followed by 5?µM Pb showed 40% inhibition in cell viability, 17.3% decrease in caspase-3 activity, 23% increase in GSH content, and 11.4% fall in PGE₂ levels when compared with cells exposed to Pb only. Data suggest that EGCG exerted a significant protection to cell viability in preventing cell death and elevation in levels of GSH in cells exposed to Pb. However, EGCG did not elicit any significant effect on release of PGE₂ indicating the nature of EGCG as an effective anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent.     

Effects of benzo(k)fluoranthene,a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon on DNA damage,lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in marine gastropod Morula granulata

Benzo(k)fluoranthene [B(k)F] is one of the widespread priority pollutants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that has been scarcely studied for exposure assessment. With studies reporting a high amount B(k)F in sediments and water samples around the world, it has become vital to study its effects on aquatic organisms. In this connection, this study is conducted to study the effect of different concentrations of B(k)F (1, 10, 25 and 50?µg/L) in marine gastropod Morula granulata exposed in vivo for 96?h. A concentration-dependent increase in percentage tail DNA (TDNA) as measured by comet assay was observed in snails exposed to B(k)F. Exposure concentrations above 1?µg/L B(k)F showed significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and lipid peroxidation value in snails. After 96?h, SOD activity was found to be doubled for 50?µg/L B(k)F in comparison to control. A significant increase in catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity was observed at all exposure conditions at the end of the exposure time. Our study showed that B(k)F induces oxidative stress in snails which further lead to genotoxic damage. To our knowledge, this is the first study on oxidative stress and genotoxic damage in gastropods exposed to B(k)F.     

Urinary arsenic methylation profile in children exposed to low arsenic levels through drinking water

There is a lack of information on arsenic metabolism in children exposed chronically to low levels of arsenic (<50 µg L^?1). The objective of this study was to determine the methylation profile of urinary arsenic metabolites in children exposed to low-level concentrations of arsenic via their drinking water. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 50 children from four towns in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, with total arsenic values of 39.9, 16.8, 7.3, and 5.5 µg L^?1 in their drinking water, respectively. First morning void samples were analyzed for inorganic-As (InAs), mono and dimethyl arsenic (MMA and DMA). The total arsenic excreted in urine ranged from 23.1 to 99.1 µg L^?1 and these levels did not vary by sex. Children with the highest level of total arsenic in their drinking water excreted the highest amount in urine and the length of residence and age also had significant contribution. Children with a lower range of arsenic exposure (16.8–5.5 µg L^?1) had similar amounts of arsenic in urine with values of 23.1, 28.2, and 32.6 µg L^?1, respectively. DMA had the highest proportion in urine (52.1–74.7%), followed by InAs (16.3–34.9%) and MMA (4.4–8.4%). Compared to other reports, these children excreted a low %MMA (6.1%), and children from the towns with the lowest levels of arsenic had the highest %InAs and the lowest %DMA. This variability in arsenic methylation was partially explained by arsenic concentration in drinking water, years of residence and age, and may reflect genetic differences or more contribution from different exposure routes. In conclusion, our results show that at low levels of exposure the children's ability to metabolize InAs did not have a linear association with the levels of arsenic, and overall children from the Yaqui Valley excrete a lower %MMA than expected.     

Immunotoxic effect of arsenic trioxide on Caenorhabditis elegans

A Pseudomonas aeruginosa–Caenorhabditis elegans pathogenesis model was utilized to assess immunotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃). After 2 h of As₂O₃ exposure, 500 µmol L^?1 and 1 mmol L^?1 As₂O₃ treatment significantly decreased median survivals of C. elegans (10 h after L4/adult molt). However, 2 h of As₂O₃ exposure caused no significant changes in the survivals rates of C. elegans (2 h after L4/adult molt). Notably, a significant dose-related immunoenhancement was observed in C. elegans (2 h after L4/adult molt) after 12 h of arsenite exposure.     

微纳尺度SiO2对雄性大鼠生殖功能损伤的实验研究

为了探讨纳米与微米尺度SiO2对雄性大鼠的生殖毒性作用,选择不同剂量的纳米SiO2(20～40nm)与微米SiO2(1～10μm)采用气管滴注方式对雄性Wistar大鼠分组染毒.于染毒5周后处死大鼠,检查附睾精子形态,并检测睾丸组织和血清中睾丸功能标志酶活性变化以及性激素含量的变化.结果表明:1)高、低剂量的纳米和微米SiO2染毒均可使大鼠发生程度不同的精子数量减少、精子活动率降低、精子畸形率升高;2)纳米SiO2染毒可使大鼠睾丸组织SDH、LDH和血清中ACP活性显著降低,而微米SiO2染毒对这些指标的影响不显著;3)纳米SiO2和高剂量微米SiO2染毒可使大鼠血清T和睾丸匀浆T浓度显著降低,而对血清LH没有显著影响;4)与微米SiO2相比,纳米SiO2对大鼠生殖功能的损伤有更严重的趋势,但相同剂量下,纳米SiO2和微米SiO2相比,各指标均无显著性差异.以上结果表明,微米和纳米尺度SiO2染毒均可使大鼠生殖功能产生损伤,使部分生殖功能指标发生显著变化;与微米SiO2相比,纳米SiO2对大鼠生殖功能的损伤有更严重的趋势.     

Neurotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by permethrin in gills of the freshwater mussel Unio ravoisieri

Pyrethroids are contaminants found in the aquatic environment, and their toxicological effects on aquatic organisms have received extensive attention. However, the impact on freshwater bivalve of exposure to these chemicals is still largely unknown. Freshwater mussels Unio ravoisieri were exposed to two nominal permethrin (PM) concentrations C1?=?50?µg/L and C2?=?100?µg/L during 7 days. The measured concentrations of PM using gas chromatography (GC/ECD) in the treated aquariums were, respectively, 28.7–62.3?µg/L. Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, Glutatione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in gills of U. ravoisieri. Significant increase in CAT activity by the lowest concentration and decrease by highest concentration were observed. Additionally, GST activity was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. However, statistically significant decrease in GSH levels (about 39%) was observed only at high concentration of this compound (100?µg/L). PM generated an increase in MDA levels reaching the highest value at the high concentration. AChE activity of mussel ranging from 51% inhibition at lowest concentration 50?µg/L to 89% inhibition at highest concentration 100?µg/L. The results indicated that oxidative stress and cell damage might be one of the main mechanisms of PM toxicity to freshwater mussels.     

三苯基锡对大鼠肥胖发生的影响

三苯基锡(triphenyltin,TPT)和三丁基锡(tributyltin,TBT)在环境中经常同时存在,针对TBT对肥胖发生的影响已有较多研究,但TPT能否诱导肥胖的发生尚不明晰.本研究用环境水平的TPT(0.5、5和50 μg·kg-1)对青春期Sprague Dawley大鼠进行灌胃处理54 d后,测量大鼠体...     

Direct and indirect effects of pesticides on a benthic grazer during its life cycle

Background

Macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems are repeatedly exposed to pesticides during their life cycle. Effects of consecutive exposure during different life stages and possible synergistic effects are not addressed in the standardized hazard assessment. The present study investigated two environmentally relevant exposure scenarios in batch (microcosm) and artificial indoor stream (mesocosm) experiments using the larvae of the mayfly Rhithrogena semicolorata (grazer) and natural aufwuchs. Grazers were analysed regarding growth, physiological condition, and drift behaviour, while the aufwuchs was analysed in terms of biomass using the particulate organic carbon as well as the chlorophyll a content. The aim was to reveal direct and indirect effects of an herbicide exposure during autumn on juvenile grazers and an insecticide exposure during spring on semi-juvenile grazers.

Results

Direct and indirect effects were found in both exposure scenarios at environmentally relevant concentrations. In the herbicide exposure scenario with terbutryn, clear direct effects on the aufwuchs community with a LOEC of 0.38 µg L^?1 were found. Effect levels of grazers due to indirect effects were equal, with the overnight drift being the most sensitive grazer endpoint. In the insecticide exposure scenario, clear lethal and sub lethal effects of lambda-cyhalothrin were evident. Derived LC₅₀ values for the artificial indoor stream and batch experiment were 2.42 µg g^?1 OC (69 days) and 1.2 µg g^?1 OC (28 days), respectively. Sub lethal effects in terms of increased drift as well-reduced growth and triglyceride levels were found at concentrations of 1.4 and 0.09 µg g^?1 OC (LOECs). These results were confirmed by the batch experiment, which revealed effect values in the similar range. Finally, a clear indirect effect of the insecticide on the aufwuchs was evident in the batch experiment with an LOEC at 0.9 µg g^?1 OC.

Conclusion

Toxicity Exposure Ratios calculated with the derived effect values indicate a risk for the investigated grazer by both pesticides. Moreover, observed indirect effects during the herbicide exposure seem to be able to affect the grazers during a second exposure with an insecticide, due to reduced physiological conditions. We suggest further research with time-shifted exposure scenarios to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions of pesticides with the life cycle and the food webs of macroinvertebrates.

     

Effect of nickel exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nickel (Ni) exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers in Bangalore (India). Sixty-nine subjects using Ni during the electroplating process formed the exposed group. An equal number of age- and sex-matched subjects working in the administration section formed the control group. Urine Ni levels were determined using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum amylase activity was determined using spectrophotometric method with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside as substrate. A significant increase in urine Ni and serum amylase activity was noted in nickel platers as compared with the control group. The level of serum amylase activity was positively and significantly associated with Ni content in urine of nickel platers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the effects of Ni exposure, life style confounding factors and presence of gastrointestinal problems on serum amylase activity. The analysis showed that the subjects who had urine Ni levels beyond 10?µg?g^?1 of creatinine, nickel platers category, smoking and body mass index variables were significantly associated with serum amylase activity. The results of this study suggest that the increased serum amylase activity observed in nickel-exposed subjects could be used as a biomarker for investigating pancreatic function in Ni exposure.     

Alterations in serum electrolyte levels after dimethoate exposure and recovery in the freshwater air-breathing catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Dimethoate, a moderately toxic insecticide, has a wide range of agricultural and domestic applications. Like other organophosphates, dimethoate has anticholinesterase activity. Fish are non-target organisms, inadvertently exposed to pesticides and their metabolic products. The present study includes short-term (96 h) and long-term (36 d) effects of dimethoate exposure on some serum electrolytes Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Pi in the freshwater air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The concentration of dimethoate for short-term exposure was 2.24 mg L^?1 (75% of 96 h LC₅₀) and for long-term exposure 0.75 mg L^?1 (25% of 96 h LC₅₀). The study includes the recovery pattern in serum electrolytes after placing the fish in pesticide-free water. Fish show hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia after short-term and long-term exposure to dimethoate. When placed in pesticide-free water, these electrolytes exhibit recovery towards normalization, indicating significant (p < 0.05) recovery.     

Die Bedeutung in Meerwasser gelöster Glucose für die Ernährung von Anemonia sulcata (Coelenterata: Anthozoa)

Anemonia sulcata Pennant absorbs and accumulates tritiated D-glucose dissolved in sea water in natural concentrations (80 μg/l). The rate of decrease of glucose concentration in the sea water can best be described by an exponential function, when the concentration of added glucose exceeds 20 to 25 μg/l. The glucose, absorbed through the ectoderm, is immediately metabolized. This is determinable experimentally by tritiated water which is emitted into the sea water. The rate of uptake estimated experimentally was in the range 3 to 4 μg glucose/g wet weight/h, whilst the rate calculated by V _max (maximum absorption rate) was 20 μg/g wet weight/h. The concentration of free glucose in the tentacle tissue is greater by a factor of 10⁵ than that of the medium in which absorption takes place. Absorption is temperature-dependent; the Q₁₀ between 15° and 25°C exceeds 2; translocation is, therefore, energy-dependent. Absorption was diminished by inhibitors, especially by phlorizin. The actinians increase their energy reserves by absorption of glucose (and other dissolved organic substances). The energetic net profit by taking up glucose comprises up to 50% of the energy amount which is equivalent to the oxygen consumption.     

The fungicide difenoconazole alters mRNA expression levels of human CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells

The fungicide difenoconazole has been frequently detected in agricultural products, soils and surface waters, causing increasingly public concern due to toxicological properties. Although systemic triazole fungicides can inhibit the enzymatic activity of many CYP450 isozymes, how difenoconazole affects the human CYP3A4 still remains largely unknown. We thus investigated the effect of difenoconazole on normal mRNA expression and protein expression of human CYP3A4 by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. Results show that the exposure to difenoconazole from 0.01 to 0.5 μM for 24 h down-regulates mRNA expression levels of human CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells. We also found that difenoconazole could inhibit the enzymatic activity of human CYP3A4 in a concentration-dependent mode. The IC₅₀ of difenoconazole for inhibition of CYP3A4 activity is 0.41 µM, showing a stronger inhibitor in comparison with ketoconazole. Overall, our findings indicate the potential risk of difenoconazole for the disruption of human CYP3A4.     

Effects of ultraviolet radiation on skin structure and ultrastructure in Caspian Sea Salmon,Salmo trutta caspius,during alevin stage

Ozone reduction enhances the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the aquatic ecosystems, which can induce adverse effects on fish. In order to study the UV radiation effects on skin structure and ultrastructure, the alevins of Salmo trutta caspius were exposed to two different doses of UV radiation (low doses of: 60 µW cm^?2 UVC; 100 µW cm^?2 UVB; and 40 µW cm^?2 UVA and high doses of: 90 µW cm^?2 UVC; 130 µW cm^?2 UVB; and 50 µW cm^?2 UVA) for 15 min once a day in dark condition. Alevins with no exposure to either solar light or UV exposure served as the control group. No mortality was observed in the control group, whereas all of the alevins died in the 9th day in both UV exposure groups. Light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies showed significant reduction in the epidermis thickness, number of skin mucous cells, and percentage of mucus secreting cells in both UV exposure groups. Sunburn cells, lifting epidermis from basal membrane, and disappearance of pavement cell microridges were also observed. Our results showed that UV radiation caused intensive skin cell lesions in the Caspian salmon alevins. Since the skin cells of trout alevins possesses essential roles in respiration, osmoregulation, excretion and defense, the observed damages to the skin could be attributed to their sudden mortality in the UV exposure.     

An autism cohort study of cobalt levels following vitamin B12 injections

The effects of methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) injection (75 µg kg^?1) on cobalt levels in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and potential toxic effects of cobalt on human neurons were evaluated. A cohort of ASDs (n = 72) presenting to the Genetic Centers of America were evaluated for the frequency of methylcobalamin injections and cobalt levels using Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) testing. Potential toxic effects of cobalt (cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate) to human neurons grown in vitro were evaluated. Methylcobalamin injections significantly increased the mean levels of plasma cobalt (6.83-fold) and urinary cobalt (51-fold) in comparison to unexposed subjects, and significant positive correlations were found between the frequency of methylcobalamin injections and the levels of plasma and urinary cobalt (injections every second day induced cobalt levels in excess of the LabCorp cobalt occupational maximum exposure limits). The LC₅₀ in human neurons following 24 h incubation with cobalt is 559 µM. Research must be conducted to determine optimal therapeutic methylcobalamin doses.     

Estimate of zearalenone exposure through the intake of white and brown rice in the Korean population

Rice samples (n = 482) harvested for 2010–2012 in South Korea were analyzed for zearalenone content by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The exposure of the Korean populations was assessed by a deterministic approach. Because the proportion of non-detectable results was >80% in white rice but less than <60% in brown rice, the zearalenone levels for white rice were reported as 0.52 µg kg^?1 as lower bound and 2.54 µg kg^?1 as upper bound, while for brown rice the middle bound value was 13.9 µg kg^?1. The average dietary intake of zearalenone from white and brown rice by the Korean population was estimated to be 1.5 ng kg^?1 body weight (bw) day^?1 each. For heavy consumers, the average intakes were 18.5 and 10.1 ng kg^?1 bw day^?1, respectively. The age groups with the highest zearalenone intake were 1–2-year-old children for white rice and 3–6-year-old children for brown rice. Overall, the dietary exposure of the Korean population to zearalenone from white and brown rice was found to be lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 0.5 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1.     

Hepatoprotective activity of 1-(4-(Dimethylamino)Benzylidene)-5-(2-Oxoindolin-3-ylidene) Thiocarbohydrazone in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of 1-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-5-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene) thiocarbohydrazone, a novel isatin derivative against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatic damage was induced by administration of CCl₄ (1 ml/kg, b.w., p.o.) in combination with liquid paraffin (1:1) as a single dose. The hepatotoxic rats were treated with test compound at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg for three days and liver damage biomarkers, including activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and levels of total serum bilirubin (TB) measured in blood samples. Results demonstrated that treatment with test compound at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg to hepatotoxic rats produced a significant dose-dependent reduction of elevated SGOT, SGPT, ALP activities and TB levels indicating a hepatoprotective effect that was confirmed by histopathological examination of liver tissues. The study results confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of 1-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-5-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene) thiocarbohydrazone in rats.