Tualang honey supplementation improves oxidative stress status among chronic smokers

Free radicals induced by cigarette smoking have been linked to an increase in oxidative stress resulting in smoking-related cardiovascular diseases. However, the possible effect of honey that has antioxidant property in improving oxidative stress status among smokers has not yet been reported. Hence, this study was to determine the effects of 12-week Tualang honey supplementation on F₂-isoprostanes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total antioxidant status among chronic smokers. A total of 32 non-smokers and 64 chronic smokers were recruited from Quit Smoking Clinic and Health Campus, Universiti Sains, Malaysia. Smokers were randomized into two groups (n = 32/group) namely smokers without supplementation and smokers with honey supplementation (20 g/day) for 12 weeks. Blood was obtained from non-smokers and smokers at pre-intervention and from smokers at post-intervention. During pre-intervention, the levels/activity of F₂-isoprostanes, total antioxidant status, and catalase were significantly higher while superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were lower in smokers than non-smokers. During post-intervention, in supplemented smokers, there were significant decrease in F₂-isoprostanes and increase in total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels/activities compared with pre-intervention. This study indicates that honey supplementation improves oxidative stress status suggesting a beneficial role of honey in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.     

Nerve conduction studies in sprayers occupationally exposed to mixture of pesticides in a mango plantation at Lucknow,North India

In this study, nerve conduction, organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in blood and cholinesterase activity levels of pesticide sprayers employed in mango plantations at Lucknow, North India, were determined. Fifty-two sprayers from mango plantations who regularly spray mixture of pesticides like organophosphates (OP), OCs, and carbamates were considered as exposed group. Eighteen subjects with similar socio-economic status of exposed group, who do not handle pesticides, were selected as controls. Questionnaire-based interviews related to personal and occupational histories of the study subjects were carried out. Sprayers did not use any personal protective equipment during pesticide handling. The blood-pesticide analyses of sprayers show higher mean values of hexachlorohexane (HCH), γ-HCH, δ-HCH, total HCH, op-DDT compared with the controls. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activites were significantly reduced among sprayers. Risk of motor nerve conduction deficits was observed in sprayers with low AChE activity. Negative correlation of motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits was observed with the duration of exposure and age among sprayers. The study demonstrated that the prolonged exposure to mixture of pesticides, ergonomic factors, decline in cholinesterase activity may lead to nerve conduction dysfunction. The findings suggest the need for controlled use of pesticides in the plantation and indicated the need for training and implementation of hygiene practices like proper usage of personal protective equipments.     

Effects of paint particles inhalation on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in industrial painters

The aim of this study was to examine effects of lead (Pb)-based paints on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator for lipid peroxidation; and on activities of serum antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in industrial painters. A total of 67 male painters and 50 age-matched and gender-matched controls were included in this cross-sectional study. There were 19 smokers and 48 non-smokers in the paint-exposed group and 20 smokers and 30 non-smokers in the control group. Hemoglobin concentrations were lower in painters’ blood compared to controls. The blood Pb concentrations were higher in painters compared to controls. SOD and GPx activities were significantly lower in painters compared to controls. MDA concentration was found to be significantly elevated. Smoking was found to be a major confounder. Data suggest that Pb-based paints affect oxidant parameters in occupationally exposed workers.     

A comparative study of effects of cigarette and bidi smoking on respiratory function tests

The effects of cigarette and bidi smoking on pulmonary function tests have been studied in 90 healthy males from North India Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV) were determined in 30 nonsmokers (as control group), 30 cigarette smokers and 30 bidi smokers. All the above pulmonary function parameters were found to be lower among smokers as compared to nonsmokers. Moreover, the decrease in the pulmonary function tests was greater in cigarette smokers as compared to bidi smokers.     

Lead,cadmium, copper,zinc, iron,and calcium in human hair as a function of gender,age, smoking,and hair dyeing

Hair samples were collected randomly from 110 subjects (55 male and 55 female) ranging in age from (<15–60) years. Each subject was asked to complete a personal questionnaire describing his/her sex, age, general health, smoking, use of hair dyes, occupational area, and living habits. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Ca in human hair samples were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results indicated that concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the hair of smokers were higher than those in the hair of non-smokers, whereas, Fe and Ca concentrations in hair of smokers were lower than those in hair of non-smokers. Moreover, the concentrations of these elements are higher in dyed hair compared with undyed hair.     

Alteration of body total antioxidant capacity and thiol molecules in human chronic exposure to aluminum

The physiological role of aluminum (Al) is not yet known. Exposure to Al may cause many human disorders. The aim of this study was to explore how occupational human exposure to Al might affect the body oxidative stress. The relation between Al toxicity and oxidative stress was studied in blood samples obtained from 45 primary Al production workers, with a minimum work history of three years in the age range of 29–52 years. They were evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) indicator of lipid peroxidation, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) indicator of total antioxidant capacity, total thiol molecules and Al level in blood. The results showed that workers have significantly higher blood Al levels and concomitant lower blood FRAP and total thiol molecules in comparison to controls. Smokers had lower total thiol molecules than non-smokers. The subjects who had a previous history of disease had lower FRAP levels. It is concluded that Al induces oxidative stress in primary Al production workers. Supplementation of workers with antioxidants may have beneficial effects.     

BDE-47对人胚肾细胞HEK293的毒理效应及作用机制

2,2’,4,4’-四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)是生物体中含量最高且毒性最强的PBDEs之一,有关BDE-47对肾细胞的毒性及其作用机制的研究仍有待补充。选取3个剂量组(低:10-6mol·L-1、中:10-5mol·L-1、高:10-4mol·L-1)及溶剂对照组,研究了BDE-47对人胚肾细胞(HEK293)的细胞凋亡率及活性氧(ROS)水平的影响;并从分子水平对细胞氧化损伤、凋亡相关蛋白(APE1及p53)及凋亡相关基因m RNA(p53、Bax、Caspase 3、Caspase 8)的表达量进行测定。实验结果显示:与对照组相比,中、高剂量组细胞凋亡率显著增加(P0.05);ROS水平在中剂量组显著上升(P0.01);随BDE-47浓度的变化,APE1蛋白表达量与细胞ROS水平存在一致性;p53、Bax、Caspase 8 m RNA表达量与BDE-47的浓度间存在剂量-效应关系。结果表明,BDE-47可诱导HEK293细胞凋亡及氧化应激,APE1可能是细胞ROS升高与细胞凋亡间重要的中介因子;BDE-47可以通过影响Caspase 8及线粒体途径中p53及Bax的表达诱导细胞凋亡。     

Chemical analysis of tobacco cigarette for organochlorine insecticides and heavy metal composition

The effects of cigarette smoking on smokers and the environment were investigated by analyzing some cigarette brands available to Nigerian smokers for the presence of some of the widely used organochlorine (OC) pesticides and heavy metals. OC pesticide residues were extracted from tobacco smoke, separated and identified using column chromatographic and thin layer chromatographic techniques respectively, while ashed and unashed commercial cigarettes were analyzed for heavy metals – Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Co using atomic absorption spectrometry. TLC data indicated that dieldrin and p,p′-DDD were present in some of the cigarette brands. The results of heavy metal analysis showed that the levels of some toxic heavy metals and pollution index were higher in unashed cigarettes than corresponding ashes. Evidence suggests that significant amounts of these toxic metals are inhaled by the smoker and/or released into the environment in the process of cigarette smoking, thus confirming that cigarette smoking is harmful to the environment and human health.     

双酚A对小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞的氧化损伤

为探究双酚A(BPA)的氧化毒性,分别以剂量为20、40和80mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)的BPA对雄性昆明小鼠灌胃处理1周,并测定了小鼠体内活性氧自由基(ROS)水平、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量和DNA-蛋白质交联系数(DPC)。与对照组相比,各BPA暴露组小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞中的ROS生成量、MDA含量和DPC系数均升高,而GSH含量下降(P<0.05或P<0.01)。ROS生成量、GSH含量和DPC系数均显示出剂量-效应关系。研究表明,BPA可扰乱小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞的氧化应激平衡,诱导细胞氧化损伤。     

纳米Fe3O4对小鼠肺细胞的氧化损伤

纳米Fe3O4作为一种功能材料,在生物医药、生物靶向材料、微波吸收材料和高梯度磁分离器等方面应用前景广阔,其潜在的生物毒性也备受关注。为研究纳米Fe3O4对生物体可能造成的氧化损伤,以昆明小鼠为受试体,设置5、10、20和40mg·kg-14个染毒组,腹腔注射染毒7d后,测定小鼠肺组织中活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)、还原型谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)和丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)的含量。结果显示,随着纳米Fe3O4染毒剂量的升高,肺组织ROS和MDA含量逐渐上升,GSH含量逐渐降低,各指标均呈一定的剂量-效应关系。剂量≥10mg·kg-1,肺组织ROS含量与对照组相比有显著差异(p<0.05);剂量≥20mg·kg-1,肺组织MDA含量与对照组相比有显著差异(p<0.05);剂量≥40mg·kg-1,肺组织GSH含量与对照组相比有显著差异(p<0.05)。研究表明,较高剂量(≥20mg·kg-1)的纳米Fe3O4颗粒材料会引起小鼠肺细胞的氧化损伤。     

The role of thymoquinone as antioxidant protection on oxidative stress induced by imidacloprid in male and female Swiss albino mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), an antioxidant agent, against imidacloprid (IMI)-induced oxidative stress in male and female mice. In total, 48 Swiss Albino male and female mice were fed a standard rodent diet and divided into 3 equal groups: the animals in the control group (vehicle treated) were given corn oil, the second group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI alone, and the third group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI and with TQ at 10 mg/kg/day for 21 days. During the experimental period, there were no significant changes between initial body weights and final body weights of IMI treated male and female mice. IMI produced significant increase in blood, liver, kidney, and heart malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in blood and liver glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, IMI treatment decreased erythrocyte, liver, and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in male mice and decreased erythrocyte and liver SOD activity in female mice. Erythrocyte catalase (CAT) activities were found to be low in male and female mice. However, treatment with TQ reversed IMI-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, TQ exhibited protective action against the IMI-induced histopathological changes in tissues of male and female mice. In conclusion, TQ was found to be effective in protecting mice against IMI-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms.     

Comparative study of plasma lead levels in the staff of Dandy Zinc Factory of Zanjan and in normal individuals

Pollution is a global problem which affects various human population functions. Despite the decline in plasma lead (Pb) levels among the general population during the past 20 years, this metal continues to be a public health concern for individuals with past and present exposures. The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BPbL) in the staff of Dandy Zinc Company and compare them to control subjects. The test group included 40 staff of Dandy Zinc Company of Zanjan, while controls were selected from general population. Five milliliters of blood and plasma was sent to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AOEI) reference lab to measure BPbL by Flameless Atomic Absorption. BPbL in test group (16.6 + 8.18 µg dL^?1) was significantly higher than control (10.47 + 2.10 µg dL^?1). In both groups BPbL was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers. Blood lead levels in molding workers were significantly higher than other workers. BPbL in exposed workers were directly related to duration of work and age. Data indicate Pb exposure was of significant magnitude to be a public health concern especially in zinc-and Pb-related industries.     

Influence of hypothyroidism on oxidative stress,c-Fos expression,cell cycle,and apoptosis in rats testes

The molecular basis of male reproduction for cross-regulation between androgen and thyroid hormone axes is still rudimentary. This study aims to define a possible mechanism of hypothyroidism-induced reproductive influence with respect to sex hormone, mineral, sperm motility, oxidative stress, c-Fos expression, cell cycle, and apoptosis in rat testes. The Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (NS) and hypothyroidism group [1 ml/100g BW/day, 0.1% propylthiouracil (PTU)] by intragastric gavage for 60 days. Blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels. The epididymis was excised to measure sperm motility and testes were excised to measure mineral, oxidative stress, c-Fos expression, cell cycle, and apoptosis. After 60 days, body weight, relative testes weight, triiodothyronine, and total thyroxine were all significantly decreased, whereas thyroid stimulating hormone was increased in the hypothyroidism group. A significant increase in sex hormone level of estradiol (E2) and significant decreases in testosterone (T) and T/E2 ratio were observed following PTU treatment. And sperm quality was also significantly changed. There were significant decreases in the contents of calcium (Ca²⁺) and zinc (Zn²⁺). On the other hand, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents significantly increased, whereas the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide content significantly decreased in hypothyroid rats. The mRNA and protein expressions of c-Fos decreased significantly. The cell percentage in G0/G1 phase increased significantly, whereas decreased significantly in S and G2/M phases. Also, a significant increase in testicular cell apoptosis was observed in hypothyroid-treated rats. These results suggested that hypothyroidism could affect reproductive function in the form of changed sex hormone levels, sperm motility and testicular Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺, and enhanced oxidative stress leading to c-Fos abnormal expression and increased apoptosis.     

Comparative analysis of two tobacco surveillance questionnaires used in NHANES: accuracy of self-reported smoking status

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) uses two tobacco use surveillance questionnaires. One is administered during an at-home interview (HI) and the other, during an examination session at a mobile examination center (MEC). NHANES data for the years 1999–2012 were used to evaluate the consistency of responses to tobacco surveillance questions in HI and MEC interview. In addition, accuracy of self-reported smoking status was evaluated. Of those who reported to be daily cigarette smokers during HI, 18.7% reported to be either some-day smokers or nonsmokers during MEC interview. Of those who reported to be some-day cigarette smokers during HI, 22.1% reported to be daily smokers and 17.5% reported to be nonsmokers. Also, 4.1% of those who reported to be nonsmokers during HI reported to be either daily or some-day smokers during MEC interview. Using serum cotinine measurements taken during MEC interview, 27.1% were found to be smokers and 72.9% were found to be nonsmokers. In general, a moderate to high agreement, as measured by the κ statistic, was found between the self-reported responses to tobacco use questions during the home and MEC interviews as well as between smoking statuses based on self-reported and serum cotinine measurements.     

有机磷酸酯对斑马鱼的早期神经毒性作用研究

国内外研究已证实,有机磷酸酯广泛分布于多种环境介质中,但目前仍缺乏足够的数据阐明有机磷酸酯具有早期神经毒性效应及其可能的毒性作用机制。本研究采用模式动物斑马鱼(Danio rerio)作为研究对象,选择了环境中3种典型的有机磷酸酯类化合物包括磷酸三苯酯(TPP)、2-乙基己基二苯基磷酸酯(EHDPP)和磷酸三(2-氯)乙酯(TCEP),从斑马鱼运动行为、氧化应激和神经发育关键基因的转录等方面阐述有机磷酸酯的早期神经毒性作用及可能的作用机制。研究发现,TPP(0.1和1 mg·L~(-1))、EHDPP(0.2和2 mg·L~(-1))和TCEP(0.5和5 mg·L~(-1))可能通过诱导氧化应激并下调神经发育关键基因(mbp和syn2a)的转录从而显著抑制斑马鱼的运动行为。本研究可以为有机磷酸酯类阻燃剂及其替代产品的生产、使用和危险度评估提供直接依据。     

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nano anatase in liver and kidney of Wistar rat

This study examined the adverse effects of TiO₂ nanoparticle (nano-TiO₂) on the kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Changes of serum biochemical parameters and pathological lesions indicated that liver and kidney were significantly affected in animals treated with 50?mg?kg^?1 of nano-TiO₂. The inverse relationship between the level of reactive oxygen species and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase indicates that nano-TiO₂ induces oxidative stress. A significant increase in the apoptosis of liver and kidney in a dose-dependent manner was also observed. The ultrastructural observations confirmed the internalization of nano-TiO₂ and their direct involvement in the mitochondria-mediated cytotoxicity. Data indicated that nano-TiO₂ induce oxidative stress which produces genotoxicity such as oxidative DNA damage, micronuclei (MN) induction, and cell apoptosis in liver and kidney.     

Fecundity and survival in relation to resistance to oxidative stress in a free-living bird

Major life history traits, such as fecundity and survival, have been consistently demonstrated to covary positively in nature, some individuals having more resources than others to allocate to all aspects of their life history. Yet, little is known about which resources (or state variables) may account for such covariation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural by-products of metabolism and, when ROS production exceeds antioxidant defenses, organisms are exposed to oxidative stress that can have deleterious effects on their fecundity and survival. Using a wild, long-lived bird, the Alpine Swift (Apus melba), we examined whether individual red cell resistance to oxidative stress covaried with fecundity and survival. We found that males that survived to the next breeding season tended to be more resistant to oxidative stress, and females with higher resistance to oxidative stress laid larger clutches. Furthermore, the eggs of females with low resistance to oxidative stress were less likely to hatch than those of females with high resistance to oxidative stress. By swapping entire clutches at clutch completion, we then demonstrated that hatching failure was related to the production of low-quality eggs by females with low resistance to oxidative stress, rather than to inadequate parental care during incubation. Although male and female resistance to oxidative stress covaried with age, the relationships among oxidative stress, survival, and fecundity occurred independently of chronological age. Overall, our study suggests that oxidative stress may play a significant role in shaping fecundity and survival in the wild. It further suggests that the nature of the covariation between resistance to oxidative stress and life history traits is sex specific, high resistance to oxidative stress covarying primarily with fecundity in females and with survival in males.     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)对马氏珠母贝(Pinctada martensi)血细胞免疫功能及氧化应激效应的影响

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)是一种持久性的有机污染物(POPs),具有潜在毒性、致癌性。选取马氏珠母贝(Pinctada martensi)为研究对象,研究DEHP对其血淋巴细胞免疫功能和脂质过氧化水平的影响。将成年马氏珠母贝暴露于不同浓度(0.5、2.0、8.0、16.0 mg·L-1)的DEHP中,暴露14 d后测定血细胞数目(THC)、吞噬能力(phagocytic activity)、细胞膜稳定性(cell membrane stability)、脂质过氧化程度(LPO)和总谷胱甘肽含量(T-GSH)的变化。结果显示,血细胞数目随DEHP浓度的升高而降低,呈明显的剂量-效应关系,最低可见效应浓度(LOEC)0.5 mg·L-1。细胞膜稳定性和吞噬活力均随DEHP浓度的升高,呈现先升高后降低的变化趋势,其LOEC值分别小于2和8 mg·L-1。细胞中丙二醛(MDA)含量随染毒浓度增加逐渐升高,在8 mg·L-1浓度组达到最高值,之后降低,与之相应的脂质过氧化水平也呈现先升高后降低的变化趋势,LOEC2 mg·L-1。8mg·L-1浓度组的总谷胱甘肽含量与对照组相比存在显著差异性(p0.05),LOEC8 mg·L-1。研究结果表明:DEHP染毒14 d对马氏珠母贝血淋巴细胞免疫功能有明显的影响,同时还会诱导机体产生氧化应激效应,在所测试的指标中,血细胞计数对DEHP的胁迫最敏感(LOEC0.5 mg·L-1),细胞膜稳定性和脂质过氧化水平的敏感性次之(LOEC2 mg·L-1)。     

气态甲醛致小鼠骨髓细胞DNA-蛋白质交联的研究

为探讨吸入性甲醛能否对小鼠骨髓造血细胞产生遗传毒性,以SPF级昆明雄性小鼠为材料,采用动态吸入方式连续染毒72h,取骨髓细胞,测定DNA-蛋白质交联.结果发现,随着甲醛浓度的升高(0、0.5、1.0、3.0mg·m-3),小鼠骨髓细胞DNA-蛋白质交联系数逐渐升高,0.5mg·m-3组与对照组存在显著差异(p<0.05),1.0、3.0mg·m-3组与对照组存在极显著差异(p<0.01).表明,在实验浓度范围内,甲醛对小鼠骨髓细胞具有一定的遗传毒性.