Protective effects of Flacourtia indica on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study examined the cardioprotective activity of an ethanolic extract of Flacourtia indica (FI) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Different phytoconstituents were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. DOX is a chemotherapeutic agent which produces free oxygen radicals that result in serious dose-limiting cardiotoxicity. A DOX dose of 20?mg?kg^?1 body weight is used to bring significant changes in biochemical parameters, endogenous antioxidants, and moderate necrosis in the heart. The pretreatment with FI at two doses (250 and 500?mg?kg^?1) to DOX-treated rats significantly prevented the altered biochemical parameters such as serum marker enzymes serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, creatine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, lipid profile such as low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde to near normal level. Serum urea, uric acid, and alkaline phosphate which are increased on DOX administration registered near normal values on pretreatment with FI. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanol extract of FI can prevent heart damage by DOX-induced MI in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.     

Dichloroacetate- and trichloroacetate-induced modulation of superoxide dismutase,catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and glutathione level in the livers of mice after subacute and subchronic exposures

Dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) were previously found to induce various levels of oxidative stress in the hepatic tissues of mice after subacute and subchronic exposures. The cells are known to have several protective mechanisms against production of oxidative stress by different xenobiotics. To assess the roles of the antioxidant enzymes and glutathione (GSH) in DCA- and TCA-induced oxidative stress, groups of B6C3F1 mice were administered either DCA or TCA at doses of 7.7, 77, 154, and 410 mg kg^?1 day^?1, by gavage for 4 weeks (4-W) and 13 weeks (13-W), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as GSH were determined in the hepatic tissues. DCA at doses ranging between 7.7–410, and 7.7–77 mg kg^?1 day^?1, given for 4-W and 13-W, respectively, resulted in either suppression or no change in SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities, but doses of 154–410 mg DCA kg^?1 day^?1 administered for 13-W were found to result in a significant induction of the three enzyme activities. TCA administration on the other hand, resulted in increases in the SOD and CAT activities, but caused suppression of GSH-Px activity in both the periods. Except for the DCA doses of 77–154 mg kg^?1 day^?1 administered for 13-W that resulted in a significant reduction in the GSH levels, all other DCA as well as TCA treatments produced no changes in GSH. Since these enzymes are involved in the detoxification of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion (SA), and H₂O₂, it is concluded that SA is the main contributor to DCA-induced oxidative stress, while both ROS contribute to that of TCA. The increase in the enzyme activities associated with 154–410 mg DCA kg^1? day^?1 in the 13-W period suggest their role as protective mechanisms contributing to the survival of cells modified in response to those treatments.     

Effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. on lipid peroxidation,antioxidant enzyme systems,and key liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats

In this study, we investigated the effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract (MCE) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems, and several liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated rats. Rats were divided into five groups. The first group (control group) was fed on standard feed. The rats in the other groups (CCl₄, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200) were injected intraperitoneally with 0.8?mL?kg^?1 CCl₄. Moreover, rats in the MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups were gavaged with 50?mg?kg^?1, 100?mg?kg^?1, and 200?mg?kg^?1 MCE, respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity levels were measured after 14 days of exposure. ALT and AST in the CCl₄ group increased significantly in comparison to the control group (p?4, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups at different significance levels. In conclusion, the findings suggest that, depending on the dose administered, MCE decreases CCl₄-induced damage and consequent oxidative stress in rats; it affects the antioxidant system positively.     

Ecotoxicity of silver nanoparticles on earthworm Eisenia fetida: responses of the antioxidant system,acid phosphatase and ATPase

Ecotoxicity of nanoparticles has received growing attention in recent years. This study investigated the influence of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) on earthworm Eisenia fetida. The experiment was performed with five test groups: control (without Ag-NP), 10?nm Ag-NP groups (20, 100 or 500?mg?kg^?1) and positive control (787?mg?kg^?1 AgNO₃). After 14-day acute exposure, activities of various enzymes, including glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), acid phosphatase (AP), and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase were determined. Effects of Ag-NP with different sizes (10 and 80?nm) were also tested. Data showed that the activity of GR was significantly lower at 500?mg?kg^?1. The activities of AP and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase were inhibited following the increase of Ag-NP concentration. When treated with Ag-NP with different sizes, activities of AP and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase of the 10?nm group were significantly lower than the control group, but those of the 80?nm group were similar to the control group. Data indicate that Ag-NP may be harmful to the earthworm E. fetida at 500?mg?kg^?1, and the toxicity of Ag-NP with 10?nm size is greater than 80?nm. In addition, AP and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase are sensitive biomakers to the effects of Ag-NP.     

Seed pre-soaking with 24-epibrassinolide reduces the imidacloprid pesticide residues in green pods of Brassica juncea L.

The effect of 24-epibrassinolide seed soaking on imidacloprid residues in green pods and mature seeds of Brassica juncea L. plants was investigated. The activities of the antioxidative enzymes glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase, and the content of glutathione were determined. Imidacloprid residues in green pods were analyzed and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealing that 24-epibrassinolide treatment resulted in a decrease of residues by almost 30%. In mature seeds, no pesticide residues were detected. Activities of all the antioxidative enzymes and glutathione content were found to be high in plants grown in soil amended with 300 mg imidacloprid kg^?1 soil, but pre-soaking with 100 nmol L^?1 24-epibrassinolide further enhanced the activities of all these enzymes and the glutathione content.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Bridelia retusa against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

The aim of present study was to validate hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the bark of Bridelia retusa. The aqueous ethanol extract of B. retusa exhibited highest in vitro hepatoprotective effects as evident from the significantly reduced serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) into the incubation medium of rat hepatocytes with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), over the other organic extracts (chloroform, ethylacetate, and methanol). CCl₄ administered through subcutaneous injection produced a marked elevation in the serum levels of GOT, GPT, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and decreased in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and total protein content. The biochemical activities were normalized in the pretreatment of rats induced by CCl₄ with different doses (250 and 500 mg kg^?1) of the aqueous ethanol extract of B. retusa. Histopathological changes induced by CCl₄ were also significantly attenuated by aqueous ethanol extract of B. retusa treatment. The activity of the aqueous ethanol extract of B. retusa at the dose of 500 mg kg^?1 was comparable to the standard drug, silymarin (25 mg kg^?1). The overall data indicated that B. retusa possesses a potent protective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage and oxidative stress.     

Protective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens extract on Epichlorohydrin induced toxicity in epididymis of albino rats

The protective effects of seeds of Mucuna pruriens on epichlorohydrin (ECH)-induced toxicity in epididymis and epididymal sperms of rats were studied. Different doses of ECH and M. pruriens (75 and 100 mg kg^?1, respectively) were administered daily, orally for 70 days. Group I animals served as control. Group II and III rats received ECH (75 or 100 mg kg^?1 body weight, respectively) alone. The group IV and V rats received a combination of both ECH and the seed extract of M. pruriens at 75 or 100 mg kg^?1 body weight. Group VI rats was administered only the extract of M. pruriens 100 mg kg^?1 body weight. At the end of the experiment (71st day), rats were sacrificed and sperm collected from epididymis were used for the assessment of sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm motility. Administration of ECH produced a reduction in epididymal sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm motility. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased, while lipid peroxidation was increased. ECH produced a decrease in the levels of protein, acid phosphatase, sialic acids, and increased the level of alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol. The administration of M. pruriens to ECH-treated rats resulted in a protective effect.     

Lead-induced alterations in protein-deficient rat liver–role of zinc

This study was designed to determine the protective effects of zinc (Zn) using liver marker enzymes in the serum and liver along with hepatic elemental profile in lead (Pb)-treated protein-deficient (PD) Sprague–Dawley male rats. Zn in the form of zinc sulfate at a dose of 227?mg?L^?1 in drinking water was administrated to control, PD as well as Pb-treated PD rats for 8 weeks. Pb treatment was given orally as lead acetate at a dose level of 100?mg?kg^?1 body weight to control and PD rats. The effects of different treatments were studied on the activities of enzymes that included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum. The status of different elements (Cl, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Pb) in liver was also studied. Rats given PD diet and Pb showed significant inhibition in serum ALP activity associated with significant elevation in both AST and ALT activities. Serum ALP activity showed a significant inhibition week 1 until week 8 in Pb-treated PD rats. In contrast, serum AST activity was elevated both at 3 and 8 weeks while serum ALT activity was elevated at 8 weeks in Pb-treated PD rats. Pb treatment to PD rats elevated hepatic ALP, AST and ALT activities but depressed hepatic AST. Zn supplementation to Pb-treated PD rats restored the altered enzyme activities. The levels of K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se and Rb were altered in protein deficiency. Furthermore, treatment with Pb to these animals depressed the Cu levels. Zn treatment to Pb-treated PD animals tended to restore the levels of altered elements. Hence, the present study clearly suggests that Zn plays an important role in regulating the liver marker enzymes and essential elements under conditions of Pb toxicity and protein deficiency.     

Arsenic content and distribution pattern in Chinese coals

About 500 samples of coal, pyritic coal balls, pyritic gangue and coal seam gangue were collected from different coal basins and geologic periods of coal formation to determine the arsenic (As) content and distribution pattern in China. The Permian-Carboniferous and Jurassic coals in the North China Plate and Northwest China account for nearly 85% of total Chinese coal reserves and data showed that As content ranged from 0.1 to 94?mg?kg^?1, with the majority between 1 and 14.9?mg?kg^?1. The As content of some Late Permian coals in Southwest Guizhou Province and stone coal in the South Qinling Mountain area were exceedingly high (30–534?mg?kg^?1), but the majority of coal in the Southwest Guizhou Province contained low to medium amounts. Only the coals, which are situated in or near igneous rocks and are not considered a part of Chinese coal reserves, possessed unusually high As content (>30?mg?kg^?1). Arsenic was also concentrated in pyritic coal balls and the pyritic gangue of the coal seam with values ranging from 21.5 to 142.46?mg?kg^?1 and an average of 69?mg?kg^?1 in Shaanxi and 78?mg?kg^?1 in Shandong. Arsenic contents in coal gangue in the Northwest and North China Plate is about 0.2–15?mg?kg^?1, a little lower than coals in the same seam. Washing gangue (waste from coal washing) generally contained more As than coal, because the washed gangue has more pyrite than the natural gangue (black shale). Washing coal reduced the content of the pyritic sulfur, heavy metals and As. Based on amounts of coal used with different As content in Chinese coal reserves, the average As content of Chinese coals is about 4.5?mg?kg^?1.     

Lead and copper in the sclerotium of the mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium (Osu): assessment of contribution to dietary intake in southeastern Nigeria

The concentrations of lead and copper in sclerotium of the mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium widely consumed in Southeastern Nigeria were determined. The specimens purchased from different markets were mineralized with H₂SO₄ and H₂O₂ and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Pb ranged from 0.2?±?0.1?mg?kg^?1 to 0.8?±?0.5?mg?kg^?1 with approximately 91% of the results being below 1?mg?kg^?1. The concentrations of Cu ranged from 0.5?±?0.2?mg?kg^?1 to 1.2?±?0.6?mg?kg^?1 with 78% of the results below 1?mg?kg^?1. The results were compared with the literature and levels set by regulatory authorities, with the conclusion that the consumption of sclerotium does not pose a toxicological risk. The low Pb content of the studied products would contribute to only about 1% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake of Pb. The Cu contents would contribute to nutritional intake of the metal in the general population. It is recommended that the outer layers of the sclerotia be properly scrapped before use to reduce metal contamination from exogenous sources.     

Chlorpyrifos induces oxidative stress in rats

This study was carried out in male Wistar rats to determine the potential effects of chlorpyrifos (CHP) on oxidative stress, as was reported for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. Following an acute, daily 3- or 14-day exposure with CHP at doses of 2.5, 5, or 25 mg kg^?1 data showed significant increases in malondialdehyde levels at both exposure durations and at all doses, except for 2.5 mg kg^?1, in hepatic and aorta, kidney, and plasma samples. The nitrites (NO) showed elevation at 25 mg kg^?1 in aorta, at 3- and 14-day exposure, in hepatic tissue with all doses at 3-day exposure, but not at 14-day with a 5 mg kg^?1 dose. In plasma, increases occurred only at 25 mg kg^?1 at both exposure times, and in kidney at all doses and both exposure durations. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity in the aorta sample was statistically significant at all doses at 3 days and at 14 days, except at 2.5 mg kg^?1; and in hepatic tissue only at 25 mg kg^?1 dose at both durations. In plasma SOD activity was elevated at all doses at 3 days, but at 14 days only at 25 mg kg^?1. Data suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the effects of CHP on rats.     

Heavy metal pollution in soil and plants at bone char site

This study determined the heavy metal concentration in soil and plants at a bone char site in Umuahia, Nigeria. Soil and plant samples collected in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were analyzed for zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As). The concentration of metals in soil and plants in the vicinity of the bone char site are as follows: Zn (172?mg?kg^?1) and Ni (0.62?mg?kg^?1) in soil were highest at site P₃, Pb (2.37?mg?kg^?1) and As (0.08?mg?kg^?1) at site P₁, and Cd (18.30?mg?kg^?1) at site P₂. In plants, the concentrations of Zn (41.17?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (3?mg?kg^?1) were highest in Albizia ferruginea, Ni in Dialium guineense (0.09?mg?kg^?1), while Pb was in D. guineense (0.08?mg?kg^?1) and Spathodea companulata (0.06?mg?kg^?1). The levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and As in soil ranged from 11.2 to 172, 2.68 to 18.2, 0.026 to 2.37, 0.33 to 0.62, and 0.02 to 0.08?mg?kg^?1, respectively. In plants, the concentration of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni ranged from 2.01 to 41.17, 0.12 to 3, 0.02 to 0.08, and 0.03 to 0.09?mg?kg^?1, respectively. There were significant correlations between Zn and Cd, and Pb and As in soil. The high concentration of Cd in soil might affect soil productivity.     

Persistence of chlorpyriphos in okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) fruits and soil

Persistence of cypermethrin and chlorpyriphos in okra and soil were studied following the application of pre-mix formulation of insecticides Action 505EC (chlorpyriphos 50%?+?cypermethrin 5%) at single (275?g a.i.?ha^?1) and double dose (550?g a.i.?ha^?1). The average initial deposits of chlorpyriphos in okra were observed to be 0.07 and 0.15?mg?kg^?1 in single and double dose, respectively, which dissipated to 92% after 10 days for both the dosages. Residues of soil under okra crop were found to be 0.15?mg?kg^?1 at the single and 0.36?mg?kg^?1 at the double doses. These residues persisted up to 3 days at single and 5 days at double dose. The half-life (t _1/2) periods of chlorpyriphos on okra and soil were observed to be 0.6 days and 1.9 days for single and double dose, respectively. Residues of chlorpyriphos reached below detectable level (BDL) of 0.01?mg?kg^?1 in okra fruits after 7 days at single dose and in 15 days in double dose. In soil, residues of chlopyriphos persisted up to 5 and 7 days in single and double dose, respectively. Following foliar applications of a insecticide formulation (Action 505EC, (chlorpyriphos 50%?+?cypermethrin 5%) on okra at @ 275 and 550?g active ingredient (a.i.)?ha^?1 resulting in active applications of chlorpyriphos at the rate of 250 and 500?g a.i.?ha^?1 the average initial deposits of chlorpyriphos in okra were observed to be 0.07 and 0.15?mg?kg^?1, respectively. These residue levels dissipated to 92% after 10 days at both the dosages. Residues of soil under the okra crop were found to be 15?mg?kg^?1 at the single and 36?mg?kg^?1 at the double dose. The residues persisted up to 3 days at the single and 5 days at the double dose. The half-life (t _1/2) periods of chlorpyriphos on okra were observed to be 0.6 days for application rates, and 1.9 days for soil. Okra fruits and soil samples collected on the 7th and 15th day after application did not show any chlorpyriphos residues above their determination limits of 0.01 and 0.005?mg?kg^?1, respectively.     

Phytochemical screening and toxicological profile of methanolic extract of Picralima nitida fruit-rind (Apocynaceae)

The methanol (M) extract of the fruit-rinds of Picralima nitida (PN) was analyzed phytochemically and evaluated for its toxicity effect in Wistar rats. The rats were administered graded doses (0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 g kg^?1 p.o) of the extract daily for 6 weeks and the toxicological effect of these varying levels of extract were examined on the serum, hepatic, and renal concentration of biochemical parameters as well as the histopathology of tissue section of these liver, kidney, and lungs. Clinical signs and hematology were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids and polyphenols were major compounds. Both biochemical and histopathological data presented demonstrate dose-dependent signs of toxicity. Our results show a significant elevation in serum concentration of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino-transferase, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, and protein with high-dose of PN treatment tested. PN also caused a significant reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde and a slight increase in glutathione concentration at the lowest dose tested. Renal urea level was reduced significantly in test groups. A significant change was observed in the relative weights of the spleen, heart, and kidneys. The total white blood cell count was reduced, whereas the hematocrit level was increased remarkably in animals that received high doses of the extract. The acute toxicity LD₅₀ was estimated at 14.5 and 12.5 g kg^?1 body weight for male and female, respectively. These results show that prolonged usage of this extract at 1.5–6 g kg^?1 dose could cause liver, kidney, and lung injury, while the effect was mild at small dose levels (0.75 g kg^?1). Thus, the extract should be taken with caution bearing in mind that higher doses could affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs.     

Effects of deltamethrin on serum calcium and corpuscles of Stannius of freshwater catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis

Adult male deer mice were exposed every other day for a period of 11 days to either 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA; CAS# 57-97-6) or benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF; CAS# 205-99-2) (0, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, or 30?mg?kg^?1). Immune endpoints assessed were lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage pinocytosis, and the antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC) response. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity was assessed using ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and pentoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (PROD). Macrophage pinocytosis was not altered by either compound. Both T- and B-cell proliferations were significantly increased by DMBA at 0.3 or 1?mg?kg^?1 and by BbF at 10 or 30?mg?kg^?1, but decreased by DMBA at 30?mg?kg^?1. Sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-specific-IgM production, as measured by the PFC response, was the most striking adverse immune effect observed and was significantly suppressed compared to control at all treatment concentrations for both compounds. EROD activity was markedly induced by DMBA at 30?mg?kg^?1, while BbF produced induction at 1, 10, or 30?mg?kg^?1. No marked effect on PROD activity was noted following DMBA treatment, but BbF-induced PROD activity at 1, 10, or 30?mg?kg^?1. Unexpectedly, four of six mice in the 30?mg DMBA?kg^?1 group did not survive to the end of the experiment, and one animal died in both the 3 and 10?mg?kg^?1 treatments. The calculated LD₅₀ was 20.8?mg DMBA?kg^?1. The PFC response in deer mice was a more sensitive endpoint than CYP450 activity, suggesting that utilization of CYP450 endpoints in risk assessment without assessment of immune function, specifically antibody production, might possibly underestimate the risk to wild rodents environmentally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Determination of the levels of selected metals in seeds,flowers and fruits of medicinal plants used for tapeworm treatment in Ethiopia

The level of accumulation of selected essential and non-essential metals, namely; Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr have been investigated in the seeds, fruits, and flowers of some medicinal plants utilized for tapeworm treatment in Ethiopia and their respective soil samples. These include seed of Cucurbita maxima (Duba), fruit of Embelia abyssinica (Ankoko), flowers of Hagenia abyssinica (Kosso), and fruits of Rosa abyssinica (Kega) and their respective soil samples. A wet digestion procedure with a mixture of conc. HNO₃ and HClO₄ for the plant samples and a mixture of conc. HNO₃, HCl, and H₂O₂ for soil samples were used to solubilize the metals. Ca (1280–12,670?mg?kg^?1) was the predominant metal followed by Fe (104–420?mg?kg^?1), and Zn (18–185?mg?kg^?1) in all the plant materials except for Hagenia abyssinica flower from Hirna in which Mn (16–42?mg?kg^?1) followed by Fe. Among the non-essential toxic metals, Pb was not detected in Cucurbita maxima of Boji, Gedo and Hirna origins and in Rosa abyssinica of Hirna site. Similarly, Cr was not detected in Rosa abyssinica fruits of Boji and Gedo sites. The sampled soils were found to be between strongly acidic to weakly basic (pH: 4.7–7.1). In the soil samples, Ca (8528–18,900?mg?kg^?1) was the most abundant metal followed by Fe (417–912?mg?kg^?1), Zn (155–588?mg?kg^?1), Mn (54–220?mg?kg^?1), Cr (21–105. mg?kg^?1), Cu (11–58?mg?kg^?1), Pb (13–32?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (2.8–4.8?mg?kg^?1). The levels of most of the metals determined in the medicinal plants and the respective soil samples are in good agreement with those reported in the literature and the standards set for the soil by various legislative authorities.     

Analysis of heavy metals in ecstasy tablets by electrochemical methods

Trace amounts of heavy metals have been analysed by electrochemical techniques in ecstasy tablets obtained from different police seizures in Spain. Lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined by differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode, whereas nickel and cobalt were determined by adsorptive differential-pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry from their dimethylglyoxime complexes, M(DMG)₂. The performance of the procedure was compared with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The procedure was applied to the determination of these elements in nine ecstasy samples, finding that Zn is the element present in the highest concentration, ranging from 0.3 to 200?mg?kg^?1, Ni, Cu appear below 15?mg?kg^?1 and Pb below 8?mg?kg^?1, while Cd and Co levels were always lower than 0.51?mg?kg^?1.     

Determination of metals in printed wiring boards of waste mobile phones

Metal contents of waste mobile phones represent a major environmental risk, especially considering the adoption of inappropriate management options in developing countries including open burning and disposal into surface water bodies. In this study the metal contents of mobile phone printed wiring board (PWB) samples were assessed. Sixty-two waste mobile phones of 15 brands were collected, dismantled, and their PWB samples were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Ag and Cd. The metal concentrations in the samples varied widely between and within brands. Among these metals, Cu and Pb were found to be at very high concentrations. The range (mean?±?SD) of Cu and Pb concentrations were 94.1–532?g?kg^?1 (250?±?92.3?g?kg^?1) and 7.0–46.2?g?kg^?1 (20.1?±?8.4?g?kg^?1), respectively. All Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded toxicity threshold limit concentration (TTLC) regulatory limits used in characterizing wastes as hazardous in the state of California, USA. The mean Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded the corresponding TTLC limits by factors of 100 and 20, respectively. The Ag and Cd concentrations were in the range 59.4–759?mg?kg^?1 (mean 227?±?104?mg?kg^?1) and ND – 15.6?mg?kg^?1 (2.1?±?3.3?mg?kg^?1), respectively.     

Distributions of total metals in the surface sediments of the Bandirma and Erdek Gulfs,Marmara Sea,Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sediments at 1–30?m depths of the Band?rma and Erdek Gulfs in the Southern Inner Shelf of the Marmara Sea. Sediment samples were collected from different depths (1?m, 5?m, 10?m, 20?m, 30?m) at each region in February 2008. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (6.6–14.5°C), salinity (22.6–26.875 psu), percentage of dissolved oxygen saturation (35–83 %), and pH (8.0–8.4) were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover the total organic carbon (0.5–2.9%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (0.8–60%) of sediment samples were determined. In surface sediments of both gulfs, Pb (21–62?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (0.52–0.86?mg?kg^?1) contents were determined to be higher than the shale average (Pb 20?mg?kg^?1, Cd 0.2?mg?kg^?1) while the other metal contents were measured to be lower in general. On the other hand, generally Hg (0.06–1.1?mg?kg^?1) contents were higher than the shale average (0.3?mg?kg^?1)at all of the examined stations in the Band?rma Gulf and lower than the shale average in the Erdek Gulf.     

Protective effects of curcumin on antioxidant status,body weight gain,and reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on antioxidant status, body weight (BW) gains, and some reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups. The first group was kept as control. The second group (TCDD group) was given TCDD at a dose of 50 ng·kg^?1 BW per day; the third group (CUR group) was treated with CUR at a dose of 80 mg·kg^?1 BW per day. The fourth group (TCDD + CUR group) was given TCDD and CUR at the same doses simultaneously. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the TCDD group. In addition, TCDD exposure decreased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activities of kidney and brain, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of liver, kidney, and brain, and glutathione levels of liver, kidney, and heart. However, CUR treatment with TCDD exposure decreased MDA levels in all tissues and increased SOD activities of liver, kidney, and brain, CAT activity of heart, and GSH-Px activities of heart and brain. TCDD caused a decrease in BW gain, and CUR partially eliminated this effect of TCDD. In addition, while reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, and sperm motility tended to decrease with TCDD exposure, these effects tended to be close to normal levels by CUR treatment. In conclusion, CUR was seen to be effective in the treatment and prevention of toxicity induced by subchronic TCDD exposure.