Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Tephrosia purpurea leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide leading metabolic syndrome, associated with profound alterations in carbohydrate, lipids, lipoproteins and protein metabolisms. Worldwide, traditional practitioners for the treatment of diabetes and its complications use a wide variety of medicinal plants. In the present study the aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea leaves (TpALet) was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Profound alterations in the concentrations of blood glucose, lipids and lipoproteins were observed in diabetic rats. Oral administration of TpALet to diabetic rats at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the level of blood glucose and increased the level of plasma insulin as well as normalized the lipids and lipoproteins profile. The present study thus demonstrated that TpALet has prominent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.     

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.     

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.     

Protective role of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin on mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: evidence by histological architecture

Mercury (Hg) is a potent nephrotoxin. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin against HgCl₂-induced nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered HgCl₂ (12 μmol kg^?1, ip; once only) followed by treatment of Curcuma longa extract (200 mg kg^?1, po) and curcumin (80 mg kg^?1, po) for three days after 24 h of HgCl₂ administration. The present results showed that mercuric chloride administration caused an impairment of renal function system which was evident from significant increase in urea, creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen concentration in serum. In addition, the swelling in glomerulus and degenerated renal tubules with obstructed lumen was also observed by acute mercuric chloride administration. Treatment with Curcuma longa extract and curcumin was effective in restoring all variables of kidney functions near to control group, which was consistent with kidney histoarchitecture. In conclusion, these results suggest that Curcuma longa extract and curcumin protect against HgCl₂-induced nephrotoxicity. This study could be important for the further understanding of mercury toxicity in renal tissues and in the development of better treatments for people and/or animals exposed to the metal.     

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.     

Antioxidant rich diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp) mitigate hematological disorders in fluoride exposed mice

The effect of antioxidant rich diet supplements of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp at 230 mg kg^?1 body weight, separately as well as in combination, on various hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice exposed to fluoride for seven days at daily doses of 190 mg kg^?1 body weight and for 90 days at daily doses of 94 mg kg^?1 body weight is reported. Compared with controls, fluoride exposure decreased erythrocyte (12%–18%), leukocyte (16%) and platelet counts (7%, only for short-term exposure), hemoglobin (2%–17%) and packed cell volume (2%–14%) in Swiss albino mice reared on standard feed but these were altered little in the diet supplement groups. Fluoride exposure decreased lymphocytes in both standard feed (16%–21%) and diet supplement groups (5%–19%, but only after long-term exposure). Fluoride withdrawal led to recovery of the post-treated mice from long-term exposure. Spirulina alone and also in combination with tamarind fruit pulp was found more effective than tamarind alone in reducing hematological disorders in fluoride treated mice.     

Protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on collagen content and oxidative stress induced by sodium fluoride in the liver and kidney of rats

Fluorosis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. The generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation has been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on the collagen content and oxidative stress in liver and kidney of fluoride-exposed rats. The first group served as control. The second group received 200 mg L^?1 of sodium fluoride through drinking water. The third and fourth groups received T. indica fruit pulp extract (200 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone and along with fluorinated drinking water respectively, daily by gavage for a period of 90 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all groups, and liver and kidney samples were taken concurrently. Levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were evaluated in the liver and kidney of experimental rats. Furthermore, level of hydroxyproline and histological examination of liver and kidney along with serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. In conclusion, fluoride was determined to cause adverse effects in rats, and the supplementation of tamarind to these animals alleviated the adverse effects of fluoride.     

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.     

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.     

Combined effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats

The objective of this work was to evaluate potential interactions between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (PCBs) in rats. Groups of five adult female rats were given 0, 2.5, 25, 250, or 1000?ng TCDD/kg body weight/day or TCDD in combination with a mixture of PCB congeners at a concentration of 2 or 20?µg?kg^?1 body weight/day by gavage for 28 days. After the 28-day treatment period, the rats were killed for the analysis of biochemical, liver enzyme activities, and hematological and pathological end points. Growth suppression, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and decreased thymic weight were observed in the 1000?ng TCDD group alone, or the groups receiving a mixture of 1000?ng TCDD and 2 and 20?µg PCBs. TCDD-increased liver and thymic weights were not altered by PCBs; however, growth suppression was more pronounced in animals receiving 1000?ng TCDD and 2?µg PCBs. Increased hepatic microsomal methoxy resorufin-O-demethylase and ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase activities occurred in 250 and 1000?ng?kg^?1 TCDD-treated animals, which were antagonized by PCBs. Effects of 250?ng TCDD on serum cholesterol and liver uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase activity were reduced by 20?µg PCBs. Treatment with 1000?ng TCDD increased serum albumin, decreased liver vitamin A, increased kidney vitamin A, and liver microsomal glutathione-S-transferase activity, which were not affected by PCBs. Decreased hemoglobin, platelet, packet cell volume, and red cell indices were observed in TCDD-treated rats, but no interactive effects were seen. Histopathological evaluation revealed that liver, thyroid, and thymus were the target organs, but the effects of co-exposure to PCBs and TCDD were variable. These results indicate that the mixture effects of PCBs and TCDD may be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic depending on the dose level and end points measured.     

Subacute chlorpyrifos-induced alterations in serum lipids and some oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rats: beneficial effect of acetyl-L-carnitine

The present study evaluated the beneficial effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on subacute chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced alterations in serum lipid profiles and some biomarkers of oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Twenty-eight adult male rats divided into four groups of seven animals each (group I–IV) were used: I (S/oil) received soya oil (2 ml kg^?1), II (ALC) received ALC (300 mg kg^?1); III (CPF) received CPF (8.5 mg kg^?1 ～ 1/10th LD₅₀); IV (ALC+CPF) was pretreated with ALC (300 mg kg^?1) and then exposed to CPF (8.5 mg kg^?1), 30 min later. The treatment was orally for 28 days duration. Sera obtained from blood samples were evaluated for the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), and atherogenic index (AI) were calculated. The result showed that elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, AI, and MDA, and the decreased levels of HDL-c, CAT, and SOD induced by CPF were modulated by ALC. It was concluded that ALC ameliorated the alterations in serum lipid and oxidative stress induced by CPF exposure in the rats, partly through its antioxidant properties.     

Phytoextraction of lead and its relationship with histidine in six plant species using ICP-MS and HPLC-MS

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) methods were used for determination of histidine and lead in leaves of six plant species taken from industrial areas, including Gaziantep and Bursa cities, Turkey. For extraction of histidine from plant samples, ultrapure water was used at 90°C for 30?min. Using optimum conditions of 0.2?mL?min^?1, 70?V, 15?µL and 20°C, concentrations of histidine (in mg?kg^?1) were found to be between 2 and 9 for Morus L., 6 and 13 for Robinia pseudoacacio L., 2 and 10 for Populous nigra L., 3 and 10 for Thuja, 1 and 11 for Cupressus arizonica and 4 for Cedrus libani. Concentrations of lead were in the ranges of 4–378?mg?kg^?1 for Morus L., 1–122?mg?kg^?1 for R. pseudoacacio L., 1–14?mg?kg^?1 for P. nigra L., 1.6–224?mg?kg^?1 for Thuja (Cupressaceae), 1.5–57?mg?kg^?1 for C. arizonica and 1.8?mg?kg^?1 for C. libani. Related with correlation coefficient, significant linear correlation for Thuja (Cupressaceae) (r?=?0.81) and insignificant linear correlation for P. nigra L. (r?=?0.50) were seen. Further, the leaves of Morus L., Thuja and R. pseudoacacio L. have a potential as biomonitor and/or hyperaccumulator for Pb because the rates of their maximum/minimum concentrations were found higher than 90.     

芹菜素对丙烯腈引起大鼠精子脂质过氧化和DNA损伤的影响

分析芹菜素(apigenin,AP)对丙烯腈(acrylonitrile,ACN)引起的大鼠精子脂质过氧化和DNA损伤的影响,并探讨其可能的机制。将50只SPF级SD成年雄性大鼠随机分为阴性对照组(玉米油)、ACN组(50 mg·kg~(-1)ACN)、低AP组(50 mg·kg~(-1)ACN+234 mg·kg~(-1)AP)、高AP组(50 mg·kg~(-1)ACN+468 mg·kg~(-1)AP)、N-乙酰半胱氨酸(N-acetylcysteine,NAC)组(50 mg·kg~(-1)ACN+300mg·kg~(-1)NAC),以5 m L·(kg bw)~(-1)灌胃染毒,1次·d~(-1),6 d·周~(-1),连续13周。检测大鼠精子活性氧(ROS)、丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性以及精子DNA损伤情况。结果发现,ACN组、低AP组、高AP组、NAC组精子ROS、MDA含量显著升高,SOD活力显著降低,精子尾部DNA含量百分比、尾长、尾距、Olive尾距均显著增高于对照组(均P0.05);而低AP组、高AP组、NAC组精子ROS、MDA含量、SOD活性和精子DNA损伤情况与ACN组相比差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。提示ACN可引起大鼠精子脂质过氧化和DNA损伤,而AP、NAC对其无干预作用。     

Detection and quantitation of trace levels of low molecular weight halocarbons (LMHs) associated with commercial sodium humate

Examination of vapor above commercial sodium humate and above 10wt% aqueous humate solution by gas chromatography (GC) revealed the presence of chloroform and trichloroethylene. Further examination of the aqueous humate by the purge and trap procedure confirmed the association of chloroform and trichloroethylene with the humate. GC/mass spectrometry analyses of methylene chloride extract of the humate established the association of LMHs with the humate. Improved headspace capillary GC technique showed that the humate contained not only chloroform, trichloroethylene but several other LMHs in the range 190 to 4000ng·kg^‐1.     

(<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z,Z</Emphasis>)-11,13-Hexadecadienyl acetate and (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z,E</Emphasis>)-11,13,15-hexadecatrienyl acetate: synergistic sex pheromone components of oak processionary moth,Thaumetopoea processionea (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae)

Summary. Our objective was to identify sex pheromone components of the oak processionary moth, Thaumetopoea processionea (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), whose larvae defoliate oak, Quercus spp., forests in Eurasia and impact human health. Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometric (MS) analyses of pheromone gland extract of female T. processionea revealed two consistently EAD-active compounds. They were identified as (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienyl acetate (Z11,Z13-16:OAc) and (Z,E)-11,13,15-hexadecatrienyl acetate (Z11,E13,15-16:OAc) by comparative GC, GC-MS and GC-EAD analyses of insect-produced compounds and authentic standards. In replicated field experiments (2000, 2001) in Nordbaden, Südbaden and Sachsen-Anhalt (Germany), Z11,Z13-16:OAc and Z11,E13,15-16:OAc in combination, but not singly, attracted significant numbers of male moths. It will now be intriguing to investigate whether Z11,E13,15-16:OAc, or its corresponding alcohol or aldehyde, serves as a pheromone component also in other species of the Thaumetopoeidae.     

Potential hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E and Nigella sativa oil on hepatotoxicity induced by chronic exposure to malathion in human and male albino rats

Malathion is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide and has a wide range of use in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health. Malathion and other OP insecticides produce hepatotoxic effects. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) on the hepatotoxicity induced by malathion on workers involved in the formulation of pesticides, chronically exposed to malathion, and in male albino rats orally administrated malathion. This study was conducted on both human and experimental animals, the human study was conducted on 30 control subjects working as administrators and 45 subjects working in formulation of pesticides and exposed to malathion (≥3 years), all were males with age ranges from 30 to 60 years. The 45 males working in pesticides formulation were classified into three groups; (1) 15 workers exposed to pesticides (2) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received vitamin (E), in a dose of 10 mg kg?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days, and (3) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1 of N. sativa oil for 60 days. The animal experiment was conducted on 40 adult male albino rats weighing 150–200 g. They were divided into four groups (10 rats in each group). First group served as the control group, the second group received malathion in a dose of 50 mg kg^?1 orally per day for 60 days, the third group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and vitamin E in a dose of 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days, and the fourth group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and N. sativa oil in a dose of 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days. Liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and total proteins), antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and lipid peroxidation [MDA] were analyzed in both human and animal experiments. The results of both human and animal study revealed that, exposure to malathion produced significant increases in AST, ALT, and lipid peroxidation. There were significant decrease in albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total protein, and antioxidant enzymes. There was no significant change in ALP. In addition exposed workers showed significant decreases in serum globulin. Nigella sativa oil or vitamin E administration showed significant improvement of liver function tests, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes impairment induced by malathion. Thus, dietary supplement, N. sativa oil, or vitamin E may represent a potential therapeutic agent in reducing malathion-induced hepatotoxicity.     

4-硝基酚对大鼠肝脏的毒性及氧化损伤

研究环境内分泌干扰物4-硝基酚(4-nitrophenol,PNP)对大鼠肝脏功能的毒性作用及其对核因子相关因子-2(Nrf2)通路的影响.20只SD雄性大鼠随机分成4个组,分别为对照组、1、10和100 mg·kg-1体重PNP处理组,连续皮下注射28d,检测肝脏的结构变化、氧化损伤和Nrf2及其相关基因的表达情况.结果表明,与对照组相比,100 mg·kg-1PNP处理组大鼠的血清肝功能主要指标ALT、AST、AKP活性和TBIL含量显著性升高p＜005);100 mg·kg-1组肝脏GSH-PX、CAT和SOD活性显著性降低p＜005);大鼠肝脏中Nrf2及其下游基因NQOI和HO-1 mRNA表达水平在1mg·kg-1组显著升高(p＜0.05),10、100 mg·kg-1组有升高趋势;100 mg ·kg-1组肝脏显微和超微结构都发现有不同程度的损伤.结果提示,皮下注射1 mg·kg-1 PNP引起了大鼠肝脏氧化损伤,机体可能通过提高Nrf2及其相关基因mRNA的表达水平来抵抗PNP引起的肝脏损伤;皮下注射100 mg·kg-1 PNP改变了肝脏的正常生理功能,造成肝细胞超微结构病理损伤,引起肝脏毒性.     

伊维菌素对雄性吉富罗非鱼生理生化指标的影响

为探讨抗寄生虫药物伊维菌素(IVM)对鱼类的毒性效应,以雄性吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)为实验对象,设定了A(空白对照)、B(乙醇对照)、C(0.1 mg·kg~(-1))、D(0.5 mg·kg~(-1))、E(1 mg·kg~(-1))5个实验组,研究IVM对吉富罗非鱼肝脏和血液生理生化的影响。研究发现:正常生理状态下吉富罗非鱼肝脏中的丙二醛(MDA)含量较低,IVM作用后除最高剂量E组中MDA含量在4 h、16 h和24 h时极显著高于对照组外,其余各组均未受到显著影响。较低注射剂量C组中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性均得到了诱导,且均显著高于对照组,较高注射剂量组中除E组在第4 h、16 h和24 h SOD活性显著高于对照组外,其余均未发现有显著变化。肝脏中谷草转氨酶(AST)和谷丙转氨酶(ALT)在IVM作用下均发生了一定的变化,尤其是E组均显著低于对照组。与肝脏中的相反,血液中的AST则随剂量的升高而呈现增加的趋势,在某些时间点与对照组相比显著升高,而血液中ALT除C、D组个别时间点外其余的均未有显著变化。B、C、D、E 4组肝脏中的碱性磷酸酶(ALP)相对A组均发生了显著下降,但C、D、E组与B组除个别时间点外均未有显著差异,因此肝脏中的ALP变化可能是无水乙醇作用的结果,而非IVM。血液中ALP则均未有显著变化。研究表明高剂量的IVM对吉富罗非鱼的肝脏造成了一定影响,因此在实际使用过程中应选择合适的给药方式以及合理的给药剂量。     

Arsenic in freshwater ecosystems of the Bengal delta: status,sources and seasonal variability

The study aimed to examine the contamination status of arsenic (As) in excavated small water bodies, commonly known as ponds – the integral part of daily life in the arsenic-affected rural areas of West Bengal, India in comparison to the unaffected areas. The ponds of the contaminated area had higher levels of As: water 2–174 µg L^?1 (mean 31 ± 2 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.3–37.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 10.3 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1), than those from the unaffected area: water 1–8 µg L^?1 (mean 4 ± 0 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.4–5.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 3.0 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the water and sediment arsenic content of the ponds of the arsenic-affected region (r = 0.688, n = 277, p < 0.0001). Contaminated ground water, either as direct input or through agricultural washings, was found to be the major contributor of arsenic pollution to these ecosystems. Seasonal variations were not prominent. This study emphasized the beneficial role of using the studied ecosystems over the highly contaminated ground water for various livelihood activities in the Gangetic delta region.