Antioxidant role of ascorbic acid on oxidative stress induced by sub-acute exposure of lead and cypermethrin in erythrocytes of Wistar rats

This study aimed to evaluate the reparative potential of ascorbic acid (AA, 100 mg/kg, orally for 28 days) in sub-acute lead (Pb, 100 ppm in drinking water for 28 days) or cypermethrin (CPM, 50 mg/kg, orally in vehicle for 28 days) poisoning alone and as binary mixture on the basis of oxidative stress parameters in erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Both Pb and CPM produced significant increase in lipid peroxidation along with elevated glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activity individually but not as a binary mixture. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly increased but glutathione levels were significantly reduced irrespective of single or co-exposure while the activity of superoxide dismutase and erythrocytic protein content were not significantly affected. Co-exposure led to a comparatively lower level of oxidative stress than that induced by Pb or CPM alone indicating an antagonistic toxicodynamic profile in rat erythrocytes. Co-administration of AA along with Pb and/or CPM significantly restored the oxidative stress parameters to normal values. Overall results indicated that co-exposure induces a lower level of oxidative stress and AA ameliorates Pb- and/or CPM-induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes.     

Oleuropein alleviates malathion-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rats

The effects of acute exposure to 250 mg/kg malathion and the protective effects of 20 mg/kg oleuropein, both administered intraperitoneally, were evaluated in Wistar male rats. Malathion administration increased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, total oxidant status, and DNA damage, yet decreased total antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in blood, liver, and kidney. Administration of oleuropein reversed malathion-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and antioxidant enzyme activity.     

In vitro effects of lead on fatty acid composition,oxidative stress biomarkers and quality of ram spermatozoa

The sperm quality and several parameters associated with oxidative stress were evaluated in ram (Ovis aries) spermatozoa suspensions incubated with 0, 50 or 500 ng/mL Pb during 0, 1, 3 or 6 h. The presence of Pb during incubation, reduced the integrity of the acrosome, % sperm motility and integrity, and the functionality of membrane. On the contrary, % polyunsaturated fatty acids and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the spermatozoa suspensions were not affected by Pb. Moreover, glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased and the fatty acid composition changed due to the relative increase in % stearic acid during the incubation time independently on Pb presence. Data showed that several effects of Pb on sperm quality usually observed in vivo also occurred in vitro, but without any relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers.     

Nanosilica exerts cytotoxicity and apoptotic response via oxidative stress in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Nanoscale silica is an important industrial material and extensively used in medicines. The objective of this study was to determine potential cytotoxicity and genotoxic effects attributed to nanosilica exposure in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (L929) cells. Nanosilica produced mild cytotoxicity in L929 cells. Results showed that nanosilica increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity but decreased levels of glutathione. This was accompanied by a concomitant generation of reactive oxygen species, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspase-3 activity. In addition, in the single-cell gel test, nanosilica (50–300 μg/ml) at two treatment times 24 and 48 hr produced concentration- and time-dependent increase of DNA damage. Therefore, the obtained results indicate that nanosilica may induce genotoxic effects in cultured L929 cells associated with induction of oxidative stress.     

Effect of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles on cellular oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in mouse liver

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO₂), a common ingredient of cosmetics has a huge variety of applications. Previous studies reported oxidative stress mediated toxicity of ZnO₂ nanoparticles on various mammalian cell lines. Although zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral at higher concentrations this metal is toxic. The present study focused on size determination by monitoring changes in activities of antioxidant defense mechanism in response to oxidative stress induced by ZnO₂ nanoparticles using mouse liver tissue homogenates. The study also investigated effects of oxidative stress induced DNA damage by determining formation of 8-OHdG in mouse liver homogenate. A cytotoxicity assay was also carried out in L929 cells to determine cell viability. The results of the study indicated that 50μg/ml of ZnO₂ nanoparticles induced 50% cell death. Alterations in antioxidant parameters and 8-OHdG were also noted. Data showed that there was a concentration-dependent fall in cell viability, decrease antioxidant enzyme levels and increase formation of DNA adduct (8-OHdG) when mouse liver tissue homogenate were exposed to ZnO₂ nanoparticles.     

环境污染物导致氧化应激的关键信号通路及其检测方法

环境污染物能够以多种途径进入生物体内,在体内产生含氧自由基等活性氧物质,并通过多种信号通路及酶反应引起氧化应激,造成生物体内的脂质过氧化、蛋白质损伤、DNA表达改变、酶失活等,从而引发心血管疾病、风湿类疾病、感染及癌症等的发生。本文对环境污染物致氧化应激产生的原因、涉及的信号通路及酶反应、造成的危害,以及常见的基于细胞模型的氧化应激检测方法进行了综述,期望为评价环境污染物和检测氧化损伤提供参考。     

Effects of nano-silicon and common silicon on lead uptake and translocation in two rice cultivars

The current study investigated the effects of nano-silicon (Si) and common Si on lead (Pb) toxicity, uptake, translocation, and accumulation in the rice cultivars Yangdao 6 and Yu 44 grown in soil containing two different Pb levels (500 mg·kg⁻¹ and 1000 mg·kg⁻¹). The results showed that Si application alleviated the toxic effects of Pb on rice growth. Under soil Pb treatments of 500 and 1000 mg·kg⁻¹, the biomasses of plants supplied with common Si and nano-Si were 1.8%–5.2% and 3.3%–11.8% higher, respectively, than those of plants with no Si supply (control). Compared to the control, Pb concentrations in rice shoots supplied with common Si and nano-Si were reduced by 14.3%–31.4% and 27.6%–54.0%, respectively. Pb concentrations in rice grains treated with common Si and nano-Si decreased by 21.3%–40.9% and 38.6%–64.8%, respectively. Pb translocation factors (TFs) from roots to shoots decreased by 15.0%–29.3% and 25.6%–50.8%, respectively. The TFs from shoots to grains reduced by 8.3%–13.7% and 15.3%–21.1%, respectively, after Si application. The magnitudes of the effects observed on plants decreased in the following order: nano-Si treatment>common Si treatment and high-grain-Pb-accumulating cultivar (Yangdao 6)>low-grain-Pb-accumulating cultivar (Yu 44) and heavy Pb stress (1000 mg·kg⁻¹)>moderate Pb stress (500 mg·kg⁻¹)>no Pb treatment. The results of the study indicate that nano-Si is more efficient than common Si in ameliorating the toxic effects of Pb on rice growth, preventing Pb transfer from rice roots to aboveground parts, and blocking Pb accumulation in rice grains, especially in high-Pb-accumulating rice cultivars and in heavily Pb-polluted soils.     

Structural and molecular alterations in arsenic-induced hepatic oxidative stress in rats: a FTIR study

Arsenic (As) is an ubiquitously distributed environmental toxicant predominantly contaminating drinking water. A number of studies indicated that oral exposure of humans to inorganic As produced damage to various body tissues including liver. Oxidative stress is thought to play a major role in As-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy approach was applied to determine whether chronic As exposure at 25 ppm, intragastrically for 12 weeks, affected oxidative stress status in rat liver. Data demonstrated that chronic As administration exacerbated oxidative stress as was evidenced by suppressed antioxidant defense system and increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. The FTIR study showed that peak area value of amide A decreased significantly followed by reduced amide I and amide II peak area in an As-treated rat liver suggesting altered protein profile. The change of Olefinic?CH stretching band and C?O stretching of triglycerides band indicated the altered lipid levels due to metallic exposure. The fall in the peak area of PO₂^? asymmetric stretching in the As-treated group might be due to compositional changes of nucleic acids. Hence, the results of this study indicate that As-induced oxidative stress was associated with structural and molecular modifications in proteins, lipids, and glycogen in a rat liver that may help to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying metal-mediated hepatic damage.     

五氯酚对鲫鱼肝脏的氧化损伤

将鲫鱼暴露于浓度分别为 0 .0 0 16、0 .0 16、0 .16mg·L-1的PCP溶液 15d ,同时做空白对照 ,测定鲫鱼肝脏的SOD、GSH、MDA以及NO、NOS等指标。试验结果表明 ,0 .16mg·L-1组处理的鲫鱼第 13天全部死亡。与对照相比 ,在 0 .0 0 16mg·L-1浓度下 ,PCP提高了鲫鱼肝脏MDA和NO含量 ,GSH含量降低 ,SOD活性被抑制 ,NOS活性有所升高。在 0 .0 16mg·L-1浓度组 ,PCP对几个指标的影响比 0 0 0 16mg·L-1组大 ,与对照相比 ,具有显著差异 ,说明PCP暴露可导致鲫鱼肝脏的氧化损伤     

铅胁迫下黄瓜幼苗内源多胺变化动态的初步研究

以黄瓜幼苗为材料,采用高效液相色谱法测定黄瓜幼苗叶和茎中内源多胺的含量,研究了铅胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长及内源多胺的变化。结果表明:铅质量浓度为100mg·L-1时促进黄瓜幼苗的生长,铅质量浓度高于100mg·L-1时,黄瓜幼苗茎高和根长逐渐下降;铅胁迫下黄瓜幼苗地上部的腐胺含量明显高于对照值,且随着铅质量浓度增加和处理时间的延长呈下降趋势。黄瓜幼苗叶片精胺和亚精胺在处理第5d时高于对照值,茎中精胺和亚精胺含量在处理第7d高于对照值,而其它时间内的都低于对照值,而且其含量均随铅质量浓度的增加而呈下降趋势;过氧化物酶活性变化与内源多胺含量(腐胺、精胺和亚精胺之和)的变化相似,表明铅胁迫能改变黄瓜幼苗内源多胺的含量和调节过氧化物酶活性,从而影响着黄瓜植株的生长。     

The effects of evening primrose oil on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rats

Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats were allocated to the four groups such that each comprised 12 animals. The first group was maintained as the control. In group 2, evening primrose oil was administered at a dose of 0.1 mL rat^?1 day^?1 (～500 mg kg^?1 bw) into the stomach via gavage, whilst in group 3 sodium arsenide was administered at a concentration of 100 mg L^?1 in ad-libitum drinking water for 30 days. The fourth group was given 0.1 mL rat^?1 day^?1 evening primrose oil into the stomach via gavage plus 100 mg L^?1 of sodium arsenide in ad-libitum drinking water for 30 days. At the end of the 30th day, tissue (liver, lung, kidney, brain, heart, spleen, and testis) and blood samples were collected from each group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in the samples. Exposure to arsenic in rats causes oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (increase of MDA and NO levels) and altering the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Evening primrose oil did not have any adverse effects. Furthermore, it was ascertained that the administration of arsenic with evening primrose oil reduced the severity of oxidative stress.     

Soil lead (Pb) in residential transects through Lubbock,Texas: a preliminary assessment

Residential lead (Pb) contamination, resulting from decades-long use of leaded gasoline and lead-based paint, is likely to be present in soils in most urban areas. A screening level sampling effort demonstrated that Lubbock, Texas, USA, like other cities of its age and size, has areas of elevated soil Pb. This effort was based on soil sampling performed on residential, commercial and thoroughfare properties. The focus of this study was to investigate that component of soil contamination due to combustion of leaded gasoline. Soils were collected from the 1–2 cm surface layer from street-side property borders, well away from buildings that might lead to soil contamination from leaded paint chips. All samples were analyzed for Pb after a 1 M HNO₃ mild extraction to determine the amount of bioavailable Pb. Two of three transects through the city demonstrated significant trends of decreasing Pb concentrations with distance from the city center, paralleling a decrease in developed property age. Peak soil Pb concentrations outside city development was 4.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg while the median concentration for the city was 35.4 mg/kg. Peak soil Pb concentrations in the city center ranged from 90.0 to 174.0 mg/kg and decreased exponentially to 6.0–9.0 mg/kg at the furthest terminus of the residential transects.     

Molecular level toxicological evaluation of a dental composite implanted in albino rats

Dental composite (DC) resins are synthetic resins which are used as restorative material or adhesives in dentistry. Monomers and other components released into the oral environment from the DC material even after polymerization might affect the surrounding tissues and even the whole body gradually. Biocompatibility of DC has to be stringently evaluated since the fillings are in close contact with mucosa, tooth, and pulp. Common difficulties with various current dental materials include allergies, chemical leakage from the material, and pulpal irritation which are due to the byproducts of chemical reactions during different stages of material hardening. Dental Products Laboratory of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology developed a new BIS-GMA-based DC. In this study the oxidative stress induced by this DC material in vivo was tested for a period of 1, 4, 8, 26, or 52 weeks in albino rats. Dental materials were implanted intramuscularly into the gluteus muscle and oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, and total glutathione content analyzed. Data showed no significant changes in antioxidant defense system and 8-OHdG levels in nuclear DNA of the tissue. Serum biochemical results confirmed that animals were in normal functioning physiological state.     

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.     

Enrichment and exposure of particulate lead in a traffic environment in India

Enrichment of lead in respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and exposure of human blood to particulate lead in traffic environment were investigated. Samples of RSPM, non-respirable suspended particulate matter (NRSPM) and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) were collected in 10 sampling sites located on National Highway No. 6, Durg–Bhilai section of Chhattisgarh State of India. Forty blood samples, out of which 20 of highway traffic personnel with chronic exposure and other 20 of general population who were residing more than 10 km away from the National Highway, were collected. Samples of particulate matter were weighed and analysed for particulate lead. Results have shown a higher concentration of average RSPM and TSPM in all the sampling sites compared to the Indian permissible limits. Geometric mean of lead levels was found in the range of 0.880–1.414 µg/m³ (TSPM) in the study sites. Concentrations of lead in RSPM have shown a higher enrichment (range 2.645–3.171) relative to NRSPM. Blood lead levels in traffic personnel and general population were found in the range of 56.70–101.17 µg/dL and 7.92–31.22 µg/dL, respectively.     

Bisphenol S induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat spermatozoa in vitro and disrupts daily sperm production in vivo

Bisphenol S has been introduced into some industrial applications and it may act as a xeno-estrogen that can alter endocrine functions and reproduction. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of bisphenol S exposure on oxidative stress, generation of reactive oxygen species, and DNA integrity in rat spermatozoa in vitro and daily sperm production and sperm DNA damage in vivo. Sperm were incubated with bisphenol S at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L. At the highest concentration, bisphenol S induced formation of reactive oxygen species, caused lipid peroxidation, affected superoxide dismutase levels, and increased DNA fragmentation. Adult rats were exposed to doses of 0.5, 5, 25, and 50 µg/kg/d for 28 days. Decrease in daily sperm production and an increase in sperm DNA damage was observed at the highest dose in the 50 µg/kg/d treated group, but sperm motility was not reduced.     

Classification of occupations at risk in Thailand for lead exposure using blood lead levels as a biomarker

Lead (Pb) exposure is of particular concern because of the ongoing exposure of thousands of workers in industrial plants. Monitoring of Pb exposure among the at-risk workers is recommended and amongst various biomarkers, and it is well-established that blood lead (BPb) determination is utilized for biomonitoring. There are some previous reports on the BPb levels among several at-risk occupations in Thailand; however, there has been no comparison among these occupations with respect to metal levels in the blood. The aim of this study was to correlate at-risk occupations with Pb exposure and BPb levels. In order to compare between occupations, it was not possible to obtain a direct correlation as there are several confounding factors, especially for occupational conditions and lab measurement techniques. In this study, the exposure risk ratio from five previously available reports regarding BPb determination in at-risk occupations in Thailand is presented. Of interest, the high risk occupations are those in which individuals directly inhaled Pb in environmental ambient air. The cutoff median of exposure risk ratio was found to be 12.6 and this may be a useful value in determining whether exposed workers are at high risk in future studies.     

Protective effects of quercetin against sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes

Protective effects of quercetin against oxidative stress induced by sodium fluoride intoxication in rat erythrocytes were evaluated. Rats were divided into five groups consisting of 10 in each for this experiment. The animals of group I received water and standard diet to serve as control group, the animals of groups II and III were treated with quercetin (10 and 20?mg?kg^?1 body weight), administrated intraperitoneally for 7 days followed by sodium fluoride (600?ppm) in drinking water for the next 7 days. The animals of group IV were treated with vitamin C (10?mg?kg^?1) intraperitoneally for 7 days followed by sodium fluoride treatment for next 7 days serving as positive control group. The animals of group V were treated only with sodium fluoride (600?ppm) for the same time and were used as control group. Blood sample were collected via retro-orbital puncture. The antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as the levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation end products were measured in erythrocytes. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation along with a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in the erythrocytes of sodium fluoride-treated animals. Quercetin treatment prior to fluoride administration normalized the levels of all parameters measured in the rat erythrocytes.     

Toxicity of nano-anatase TiO2 to mice: Liver injury,oxidative stress

There are concerns regarding the toxicity of nano-TiO₂, but data are limited on the mechanism underlying oxidative damage to liver of mice. In order to further study these mechanisms of nano-TiO₂ particles, nano-anatase TiO₂ (5 nm) were injected into the abdominal cavity of ICR mice daily for 14 days and biochemical parameters in liver were investigated. The increase of hepatic lipids peroxide produced by nano-anatase TiO₂ suggested an oxidative attack that was activated by a reduction of antioxidative defense mechanisms as measured by analyzing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as antioxidant levels such as glutathione and ascorbic acid. The antioxidative responses of liver were reduced in mice by nano-anatase TiO₂. The oxidative stress of nano-anatase TiO₂ on liver was greater than that seen with bulk-TiO₂.