Protective role of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against the genotoxic damage induced by ethynodiol diacetate in human lymphocytes in vitro

Antioxidants and plant products are reported to reduce the genotoxic damage of steroids. In our present study we have tested different dosages of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against the genotoxic damage induced by ethynodiol diacetate in the presence of S9 mix. Treatments with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) results in the reduction of the genotoxic damage. A significant decrease was observed at all the tested doses of NDGA in sister chromatic exchanges of number of abnormal cells. The results suggest a protective role of NDGA against the genotoxic damage.     

Protective effect of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) extract against DNA damage induced by mercury chloride in marine fish

Marine organisms are continuously exposed to agents, both exogenous and endogenous, that damage DNA. Consequently, it is important to determine the ability of compounds to provide protection against damaging chemicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-genotoxic activity of crude aqueous extracts of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyceae), collected from the Southeast coast of India. This study focused on possible anti-genotoxic potential of aqueous extract of K. alverazii to interfere with clastogenicity induced by mercury chloride (HgCl₂) in marine fish, Therapon jarbua as measured by cytogenetic endpoints such as cell viability and comet assay. In the first set of experiments, fish were exposed to a single treatment of Hg at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2?ppm along with controls. Mercury exposure produced significant DNA damage in all comet classes, maximum as >79% (Class 4) at 0.5, 1, and 2?ppm exposure in a time dependent manner. Algal extract did not induce genotoxicity when given alone and prevented Hg-induced genotoxicity. The algal extract reduction in genotoxicity was significant but not time- and concentration-dependent. Results suggested that under present experimental conditions, K. alvarezii extract exhibit potent anti-genotoxicity effects in this fish model; and thus these extracts may be recommended as a supplement in fish meal and may benefit humans ingesting Hg-contaminated fish.     

Protective effect of Spirulina platensis against aluminium-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in rats

The protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) powder against aluminium-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in rats was studied. Male rats receiving daily 40 mg/kg b.wt. aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) orally had increased serum levels of urea and creatinine, up regulated kidney injury molecule-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 genes, down regulated catalase and glutathione peroxidase genes, and increased all parameters of kidney DNA damage using comet assay. Treatment with SP alleviated all AlCl₃-induced effects of toxicity, especially when the animals were pre-treated.     

Screening of hepatoprotective effect of a herbal mixture against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice

The hepatoprotective potential of a herbal mixture was evaluated against CCl4 induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice. Liv 52, a commercially available polyherbal hepatoprotective drug was evaluated for comparison. The potential toxicity of the above herbal hepatoprotective agents was also compared. It was observed that there was a reduction in the enzyme biomarkers (Aspartate and Alanine Transaminase) of liver injury in the herbal mixture treated groups, which was similar to the reduction initiated by Liv 52. An increase in glutathione was observed in the herbal mixture treated groups and it was assumed that the herbal mixture protects the liver by virtue of its antioxidant nature along with high regeneration initiation potential. From the study it is also concluded that the herbal mixture is safer than Liv 52.     

Role of NADH-dependent chromium reductases,exopolysaccharides and antioxidants by Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus PS 5 against damage induced by reactive oxygen species

ABSTRACT

Cr (VI) being used in various activities of industries and its improper treatment lead to contamination of environment. Among different methods, biological is the most efficient method to control pollution from soils affected with metals. Present study was designed to assess the role of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus PS5 for adsorption, Cr (VI) reduction and mechanism of reduction. Sorption of chromium (VI) by strain PS5 was obtained by batch equilibrium method. Cr (VI) reduction in both free and immobilised cells were evaluated by 1,5-Diphenyl Carbazide method. The formation of biofilm by Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus PS5 was observed for colour change as well as quantified spectrophotometrically. Analysis kits were used to measure the amount of eDNA, superoxide and malondialdehyde (MDA). Metal resistant strain PS5 was characterised as P. thiaminolyticus using 16S rRNA gene sequence. Maximum biosorption of Cr (VI) by strain PS5 was found at pH 6–8 and 100–400 µgCr/mL within 24 hours of incubation. Complete reduction of Cr (VI) by strain PS5 was achieved at pH 6–8 and100–300 µg/mL Cr (VI). Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus PS5 immmobilisation on sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol facilitated complete reduction of Cr (VI) within 18 hours due to the formation of more biofilm under metal stress conditions. Strain PS5 reduced almost all Cr (VI) into Cr (III) in supernatant, most of which was immobilised by cell debris. Experiments confirmed the reduction of Cr (VI) by cytosolic cell-free extracts which is a mechanism of detoxification. The release of exopolysaccharides and antioxidants by strain PS5 played a protective role against cell damage by Cr (VI) as Cr (VI) could not release the significant amount of eDNA, superoxide and MDA. The present study proved strain PS5 to be a super bioinoculant which has great capacity for adsorption, biotransformation and can activate cytosolic reductases, exopolysaccharides and antioxidants against oxidative damage.     

嘧磺隆对农作物的毒性及残效危害研究

利用盆栽试验研究了不同质量浓度嘧磺隆对大白菜、小麦的毒性及其残效危害。结果表明，嘧磺隆对大白菜和小麦均可产生明显毒害症状，生物学指标明显劣于对照；嘧磺隆可降低大白菜和小麦叶绿素含量，并使叶片细胞膜和原生质遭到破坏，导致叶片浸出液电导率增大；当嘧磺隆质量浓度为0．01mg／L时，对大白菜的产量有品著影响，可使产量降低51．1％；嘧磺隆质量浓度大于0．1mg／L时，其残效对后茬作物有毒害作用，而质量浓度小于0．01mg／L时则没有明显影响；在小麦返青期用质量浓度大于0．01mg／L的嘧磺隆处理时，小麦受到不同程度的危害，当质量浓度增大到0．1mg／L时，小麦生物学产量则显著下降。     

Determination of cytotoxic,genotoxic, and oxidative damage from deltamethrin on primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish,Alburnus tarichi

ABSTRACT

Deltamethrin is a widely used pyrethroits worldwide. Although the chemical is used to combat insects, it has effects on other non-target organisms. Deltamethrin is extensively used in agriculture, animal husbandry, and domestic areas in the Lake Van basin. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative damage from deltamethrin on the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi). In this study, the toxic effects of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10?µM) of deltamethrin in the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish were investigated via liver enzymes aspartase aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and DNA damage (8-OHdG).

Deltamethrin caused an increase in the AST and ALT levels dependent on the dosage and time. The TAS and TOS levels increased at the end of 24?h and there was no difference at the end of 48?h. Deltamethrin did not affect the MDA level, but increased the 8-OHdG (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, it can be said that high doses of deltamethrin (1 and 10?µM) have a toxic effect on the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish.     

Assessment of the effect of environmental pollution in a marina on caged mussels using chemical and genotoxic analysis

An integrated approach using the contamination levels and DNA damage in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was applied in order to assess the chemical contamination in a marina (Eastern coastline of Aegean Sea). Mussels, which were harvested from a reference site (Foca), were transplanted into a marina situated along the coast of Izmir Bay. The transplanted mussels were collected at the 14th, 30th and 60th day of the experimental period. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels (27–51?ng?g^?1?wet?weight) detected in the mussels were similar to the levels detected in other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The marina’s sediment was found to be contaminated with PAHs (∑PAH?=?25?µg?g^?1) of pyrolytic origin and may become a source of pollution and a threat to the marine environment. In order to assess the DNA damage, the haemolymph and gill cells of the mussels were used for the comet analysis and considered as an indicator of exposure to genotoxic chemicals including 16 PAH compounds and metals. The highest levels of DNA damage expressed as %Tail-DNA (%T-DNA) were observed at the end of the experiment (21.5% T-DNA). The correlation analyses conducted between 2-, 3-, 4-ring PAHs in mussels and %T-DNA in haemolymph and gill cells showed a significant positive correlation. This investigation confirmed that transplanted mussel can be a useful tool to determine PAH contamination in marinas.     

Hepatoprotective effects of taurine against mercury induced toxicity in rats

An attempt has been made to study the influence of taurine on mercury intoxicated rats. The animals were treated with sublethal dose of mercuric chloride (2 mg/kg body wt.) for 30 days. During the mercury treatment, the level ofAspartate transaminase(AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in serum and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver tissue significantly increased whereas Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase(GPx), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were simultaneously decreased in the liver tissue. Present results indicate that the liver tissue was completely damaged, after mercury treatment. In another group of animals, taurine (5 mg/kg body wt.) was administrated for another 15 days. Taurine administration was observed to improve the liver function in mercury intoxicated animal as indicated by the decline in increased levels of AST, ALT and ALP in serum and LPO content in liver tissue. The decreased level of antioxidant system (GSH, GPx, CATand SOD) has been promoted Results suggested that taurine played a vital role in reducing the mercury toxicity in intoxicated animals.     

The value of coastal wetlands for protection of property against hurricane wind damage

The paper has attempted to place a value on wetlands for their role in reducing wind damage to property because of diminished storm intensities. The study estimated a storm wind damage function for the Louisiana gulf coast, where inland distance of a location and wetlands traversed by a hurricane were among the independent was made of the increase in expected wind damage to property from the loss of intervening wetlands. The discounted value of the loss of a one mile strip of wetlands along Louisiana's gulf coast was estimated to be between $1.1 million and $3.7 million in 1980 dollars, using discount rates of 8% and 3%, respectively. Although it may not be too meaningful to place this on a per acre basis, this increased cost of property damage amounted to between $7 and $23 per acre. In order to place this in perspective, the market value of Louisiana wetlands is under $200 per acre. This market value is derived primarily from the mineral and hunting rights accompanying the surface area.This hurricane protection value is only one of many pure or quasipublic goods produced by wetlands. In order to make decisions regarding costly projects designed to retard wetlands erosion, such as revegetation or sediment transfers; or to consider wetlands destroying developments, such as pipeline canal construction, the value of these public goods must be estimated. The current study adds to our knowledge of these values. The next stage in this line of research is to evaluate the benefits that wetlands provide by reducing storm tidal surge. Flood damages to low-lying coastal areas are considerably greater than wind damage, and wetlands areas may be more useful for flood protection to these areas than for reducing storm intensities. Unfortunately, establishing a flood damage function similar to the wind damage function used in this study is difficult since it must consider unique hydrologic features of affected coastal areas.     

氯吡嘧磺隆和镉复合对斑马鱼肝脏的影响

为了探究污染物镉和氯吡嘧磺隆复合污染对非靶标生物斑马鱼的毒性作用,通过急性毒性试验,获得镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼的LC50.以LC25作为0水平,设置9个处理组进行试验,检测不同处理组斑马鱼96 h死亡率、斑马鱼肝脏中CAT、MDA和羧酸酯酶CarE.检测结果表明,镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼存在交互作用,当水体中镉浓度为3....     

Chemopreventive effects of ellagic acid against genotoxicity induced by benzo(a)pyrene

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a commonly used indicator for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination. The use of certain phytochemicals and some polyphenolic compounds proved to be effective in blocking PAH-induced effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible inhibitory effects of ellagic acid (EA), present in berries and nuts, against B(a)P-mediated toxicity using in vitro and in vivo test systems. In vitro method included the Ames test, using Salmonella typhimurium tester strain TA100. In vivo experiments were based on mouse bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assay and immunoblotting. EA produced a decrease in the number of revertant colonies against B(a)P in the Ames assay. Further, there was a reduction in the mean number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the presence of EA in the co-treatment protocol of the MN test. Western blotting results showed downregulation of CYP450 isoform CYP1A1 which prevented bioactivation of B(a)P. Thus, the present study demonstrates antimutagenic role played by EA against the mutagenic activity of B(a)P in both in vitro and in vivo systems.     

Therapeutic effect of melatonin against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellum of albino mice

The therapeutic effect of melatonin (MEL) against aluminum (Al)-induced neurotoxicity was investigated in mouse cerebellum. Two groups of male albino mice were intraperitoneally injected with Al acetate or MEL alone, at doses of 3.5 or 7?mg?kg^?1?day^?1, respectively, for 6 weeks. During this period, another group of animals received a combination of both Al and MEL (3.5?+?7?mg?kg^?1?day^?1). At the end of the treatment cerebellum was removed and processed to examine the oxidative stress markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS). Oxidative stress increased significantly with administration of Al which was estimated by increased TBA-RS and reduction in the activities of SOD and CAT. However, these alterations were significantly reversed significantly following MEL treatment which was observed in co-administered group. Protective effects of MEL were also observed at electron microscopic level. Ultrastructural studies revealed an increase in vacuolization, chromatin condensation within the nucleus, degenerated purkinje cell, degenerated axon and degenerated granule cells in the cerebellum of Al-treated mice group whereas concurrent administration of MEL with Al reduced these changes. The results of the present investigation emphasize the potential use of MEL as a supplement in therapy of free radical based neurological disorders in which oxidative stress is involved.     

Involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in nanosized lead oxide induced cellular damage in human lung alveolar epithelial cells

High levels of industrial lead (Pb) exposure have decreased in the last 10 years as an outcome of removal of the metal from gasoline and paints. However, environmental Pb exposures remain extensive and may be correlated with adverse human health outcomes. The present study was designed to examine molecular mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbONPs) on human lung alveolar epithelial (A549) cells. When A549 cells were incubated with PbONPs, the production of reactive oxygen species was enhanced as observed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. PbONPs significantly reduced proliferation of A549 cells and increased caspase3 activity. In addition, exposure of PbONPs decreased levels of glutathione, and increased lipid peroxide levels and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Exposure of PbONPs enhanced DNA damage as evidenced by tail DNA (%) and olive tail moment. Taken together, these finding indicated that PbONPs diminished cell proliferation and increased apoptotic cell death of A549 cells.     

Modulating effect of Phyllanthus fruit extract against lead genotoxicity in germ cells of mice

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of Phyllanthus emblica against clastogenicity induced by lead nitrate on the incidence of sperm head abnormalities in the germ cells of mice. At higher concentration of lead, a significant increase in the percentage of sperm head abnormalities was noted but when animals primed with Phyllanthus fruit extract (PFE), a reduction in the frequency of sperm head abnormalities was observed. It can be suggested from the above study that Phyllanthus emblica plays a key role in inhibition of heavy metal mutagenesis in mammals.     

Inhibitory effect of antioxidants on the benz[a]anthracene-induced oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte

Benz[a]anthracene is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant formed during the incomplete combustion of organic material. Some of the metabolites of benz[a]anthracene are known to be toxic and carcinogenic. In this investigation, benz[a]anthracene-induced oxidative damage to lymphocyte DNA was evaluated with the Comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis). The level of oxidative DNA damage caused by benz[a]anthracene increased in a dose-dependent manner (24, 49) and oxidative DNA damage was significantly inhibited by 5 and 10 microg ml(-1) ascorbate, 5 microg ml(-1) polyphenols, as well as 5 and 10 microg ml(-1) curcumin. Moreover, traditional Korean medicinal herbs such as Acanthopanax and ginseng significantly reduced DNA damage. The results demonstrate that antioxidant supplementation to lymphocytes inhibits oxidative DNA damage in vitro, supporting an inhibitory effect against oxidative DNA damage, probably due to reduction of reactive oxygen species production induced by benz[a]anthracene.     

Inhibitory effect of the plant Boerhavia diffusa l. against the dermatophytic fungus Microsporum fulvum

Antifungal activity (reduction in colony diameter) of various extracts (pt. ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and aqueous) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa (Nictaginaceae) was screened against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum fulvum. Statistically significant increase has been recorded in the % inhibition of the target fungal species with increasing test concentrations (1000-5000 ppm) of chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol extracts of the root. The maximum % inhibition observed in various solvent extracts of root was about 26% (chloroform), 46% (ethyl alcohol) and 57% (ethyl acetate) at 5000 ppm concentration with time exposure of 10 days. The colony diameter of the target mycelial colony decreased with increasing supplementation of the phytoextract, showing the presence of significant amount of some antifungal phytochemical moiety.     

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on mitochondrial dysfunction and damage induced by isoproterenol in hearts of male rats

The impact of a methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage and its mechanism of action on mitochondrial function in male rats has been investigated. Administration of isoproterenol caused increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage leading to decreased production of adenosine triphosphate. Pre-treatment with the extract reduced the generation of the reactive oxygen species and increased the antioxidant status compared to an isoproterenol-treated group. There was enhancement in the activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, electron transport chain components, and adenosine triphosphate production in the mitochondria of the extract pre-treated rats. Mitochondrial membrane damage induced by isoproterenol was also reduced, as evidenced by the increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload, and reduced release of cytochrome c. Hence, O. sanctum can protect the heart from isoproterenol-induced cardiac damage.     

Sensorimotor performance deficits induced by chronic chlorpyrifos exposure in Wistar rats: mitigative effect of vitamin C

This study was aimed at evaluating the ameliorative effect of vitamin C on chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor changes involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch in Wistar rats. Forty adult Wistar rats of either sex were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in each group. Group I was administered soya oil (2?mL?kg^?1) while group II was given vitamin C (100?mg?kg^?1); group III was dosed with chlorpyrifos (10.6?mg?kg^?1, i.e. ～1/8th of the LD₅₀); group IV was administered vitamin C (100?mg?kg^?1) and then exposed to chlorpyrifos (10.6?mg?kg^?1), 30?min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 17 weeks. Neurobehavioral parameters involving postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses measured at various intervals revealed a deficit in postural reflex, limb placing, and vibrissae touch responses in the CPF group, which was mitigated by vitamin C pretreatment. The neuronal and glial cell degeneration, increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, and decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and acetylcholinesterase activities recorded in the group given chlorpyrifos were ameliorated by vitamin C. Therefore, vitamin C was shown to mitigate chlorpyrifos-induced sensorimotor deficits partly due to its antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase restoration properties.     

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.