Genotoxicity of ferric oxide nanoparticles in Raphanus sativus: Deciphering the role of signaling factors, oxidative stress and cell death

We have studied the genotoxic and apoptotic potential of ferric oxide nanoparticles(Fe_2O_3-NPs) in Raphanus sativus(radish).Fe_2O_3-NPs retarded the root length and seed germination in radish.Ultrathin sections of treated roots showed subcellular localization of Fe_2O_3-NPs,along with the appearance of damaged mitochondria and excessive vacuolization.Flow cytometric analysis of Fe_2O_3-NPs(1.0 mg/m L) treated groups exhibited 219.5%,161%,120.4% and 161.4% increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm),nitric oxide(NO) and Ca2+influx in radish protoplasts.A concentration dependent increase in the antioxidative enzymes glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) has been recorded.Comet assay showed a concentration dependent increase in deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) strand breaks in Fe_2O_3-NPs treated groups.Cell cycle analysis revealed 88.4% of cells in sub-G1 apoptotic phase,suggesting cell death in Fe_2O_3-NPs(2.0 mg/m L) treated group.Taking together,the genotoxicity induced by Fe_2O_3-NPs highlights the importance of environmental risk associated with improper disposal of nanoparticles(NPs) and radish can serve as a good indicator for measuring the phytotoxicity of NPs grown in NP-polluted environment.     

Ecolabel: Is More Information Better?

Environmental Modeling & Assessment - We study in this paper the effect of the type of information provided by an ecolabel. For this purpose, in the framework of a model of vertical...     

Residue levels of organochlorine pesticides in some ecosystem components of Manzala Lake

To evaluate the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) contamination of Manzala Lake, its ecosystem was investigated during the winter season (December to March). The studied ecosystem components were water, sediment, aquatic weeds, and fishes in four locations. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Pollutant levels of total OCPs showed significantly high levels in the water areas of Round road (46.253 ng/ml), Port-Said Damietta road (19.301 ng/ml), followed by Bughas El-Rasoah (5.539 ng/ml), then Ashtoum El Gamel (natural reserve area now) (0.289 ng/ml). Organochlorines were detected in sediment only in Round road (3.359 μg/kg) and Port-Said Damietta road (0.171 μg/kg) by significant order while they were undetectable in Ashtoum El Gamel and Bughas El-Rasoah. Total OCPs in aquatic weeds ranged between 0.194 μg/kg in Port-Said Damietta and 0.026 μg/kg in Ashtoum El Gamel. While OCPs were 0.160 and 0.153 μg/kg in Round road and Bughas El-Rasoah, respectively. Concerning fish muscles OCPs were significantly higher in the Round road area (0.397 μg/kg) followed by the Port-Said Damietta road (0.258 μg/kg), and finally, Ashtoum El Gamel samples (0.126 μg/kg). The results revealed the direct relation for the accumulation of OCPs between studied ecosystem parameters at the Manzala Lake during the winter season. Results also demonstrated that fish samples collected from the Manzala Lake in the studied areas were contaminated with levels of organochlorines, not higher than the maximum permissible level recorded by FAO/WHO, and that the public is not at risk with fish consumption.     

Pharmacological implications of ipriflavone against environmental metal–induced neurodegeneration and dementia in rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Long-term exposure to environmental neurotoxic metals is implicated in the induction of dementia and cognitive decline. The present study aims to...     

Ameliorated effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on biomarkers of subchronic acrylamide hepatotoxicity and brain toxicity in rats

Acrylamide (ACR) exerts its toxicity through stimulation of the oxidative stress; yet, its effect on neurotransmitter catabolic enzymes has not been elucidated. We investigated the effects of ACR exposure on brain and hepatic tissues antioxidant enzymes activities and different markers such as, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nitric oxide (NO), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and lipid profile, and to evaluate the protective effects of garlic against ACR toxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ACR (1 mg kg^?1 body weight) with or without diet containing 1.5% of garlic powder for 40 days. ACR administration showed a decrease in AChE activity associated with an increase in MAO activity in both brain and hepatic tissues. In addition, ACR administration increased the lipid peroxidation and NO levels of both tissues while decreased the activities of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). On the other hand, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities increased as a consequence of GSH depletion after ACR exposure. Finally, ACR exposure increased the brain and liver lipid profile of cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipid, while phospholipids level was decreased. Coadministration of garlic powder with ACR significantly attenuated oxidative stress, MAO activity, and inflammation in brain and hepatic tissues but did not ameliorate AChE activity. In conclusion, our results emphasized the role of garlic as a potential adjuvant therapy to prevent ACR neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.     

Deleterious effects of cypermethrin on rat liver and kidney: protective role of sesame oil

The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the toxicity of various pesticides. Our study was designed to investigate the induction of oxidative stress by cypermethrin; a Type II pyrethroid in rat liver and kidney. In addition, the protective role of sesame oil against the toxicity of cypermethrin was investigated. Animals were divided into four equal groups; the first group used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w), cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w) and the combination of both sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w) plus cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Rats were daily administered with their respective doses for 30 days by gavage. Repeated oral administration of cypermethrin was found to reduce the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. While, the level of TBARS was elevated indicating the presence of oxidative stress. The activities of LDH, AST and ALT were decreased in the liver extract while increased in the plasma of the cypermethrin-treated group. Also, the levels of urea and creatinine were significantly increased after treatment with cypermethrin. Liver and kidney injury was confirmed by the histological changes. In conclusion, the administration of sesame oil provided significant protection against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes, histopathological damage and genomic DNA fragmentation.     

Metallothionein expression in Aspergillus exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of heavy metals at different pH levels

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Heavy metal pollution represents a health threat. Many fungal species are capable of tolerating various heavy metals, especially if they are isolated...     

Deleterious effects of cypermethrin on rat liver and kidney: Protective role of sesame oil

The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the toxicity of various pesticides. Our study was designed to investigate the induction of oxidative stress by cypermethrin; a Type II pyrethroid in rat liver and kidney. In addition, the protective role of sesame oil against the toxicity of cypermethrin was investigated. Animals were divided into four equal groups; the first group used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w), cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w) and the combination of both sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w) plus cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Rats were daily administered with their respective doses for 30 days by gavage. Repeated oral administration of cypermethrin was found to reduce the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. While, the level of TBARS was elevated indicating the presence of oxidative stress. The activities of LDH, AST and ALT were decreased in the liver extract while increased in the plasma of the cypermethrin-treated group. Also, the levels of urea and creatinine were significantly increased after treatment with cypermethrin. Liver and kidney injury was confirmed by the histological changes. In conclusion, the administration of sesame oil provided significant protection against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes, histopathological damage and genomic DNA fragmentation.     

Study of aflatoxin B1 as a risk factor that impairs the reproductive performance in females – Egypt

Infertility among couples in Egypt is causing increasing concern. Investigations showed a relationship between ovulatory disorders and the incidence of female factor-mediated fertility difficulties in couples. However, the factors responsible for the sudden increase in ovulatory disorders are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of aflatoxin in sera of infertile women and to correlate this with ovarian functions and hormonal parameters. Blood samples were collected from 70 adult Egyptian females comprising 50 infertile and 20 fertile control individuals, and screened for the presence of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Ovarian function was examined by measuring mean ovarian volume, and the umber and size of ovarian follicles. Blood hormonal levels were determined. All blood samples (patients and controls) showed negative results as regards AFB₁ analysis. However, there was a significant enlargement in the mean ovarian volume but a significant decrease in follicular size. In addition, there were significant higher levels of lutinizing hormone (LH) and significant lower levels of mid-luteal progesterone in infertile females. Although blood samples were negative with respect to AFB₁, the role of aflatoxin cannot be excluded as a contributing factor to female infertility, since the toxin was found to produce deleterious effects on the reproductive system in animals. More studies including aflatoxin analysis in ovarian biopsies are recommended to ascertain involvement of this toxin.