Dimethoate induces kidney dysfunction, disrupts membrane-bound ATPases and confers cytotoxicity through DNA damage. Protective effects of vitamin E and selenium

Protective Effect of Quercetin and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract against Dimethoate Potentiated Fluoride-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

This study aimed to determine the potential of quercetin and Zingiber officinale (ZO) Roscoe extract to alleviate the renal damage induced by dimethoate (DM) and fluoride (F-) alone and by their combined exposure in rats. A total of 54 adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated to nine groups (n = 6). A sub-lethal dose of DM (1/10th of the median lethal dose) was administered by oral gavage alone and along with F- (4.5 ppm, three-fold the permissible limit) in their drinking water continuously for 28 days. Chromatographical analysis revealed the presence of quercetin, curcumin, and other phytochemicals with strong antioxidant properties in ZO-rhizome extract. Severe changes were observed in the levels of the renal biomarkers and histoarchitecture after co-administration of the toxicants, indicating greater kidney damage. The administration of ZO extract (300 mg/kg) along with either or both toxicants led to a significant restoration of the biochemical markers and renal antioxidant profile and histology.

Melatonin Rescues Dimethoate Exposure-Induced Meiotic and Developmental Defects of Porcine Oocytes

Simple Summary

Environmental pollution poses concerns for public health. Dimethoate is a pesticide widely used in agricultural fields and home gardens. Recent studies have shown that dimethoate exposure impaired reproductive functions in male and female animals. However, whether dimethoate exposure affects oocyte maturation and how to reduce the toxicity of dimethoate remain unclear. Here, we showed that dimethoate exposure impaired nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes. Melatonin supplementation restored the meiotic maturation of dimethoate-exposed oocytes by suppressing the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species and autophagy and DNA damage accumulation. Therefore, melatonin counteracts the toxic effects of dimethoate exposure on porcine oocyte maturation. These findings imply that melatonin could be a promising agent in improving the quality of dimethoate-exposed oocytes from humans and animals.

Abstract

Dimethoate (DT) is an environmental pollutant widely used in agricultural fields and home gardens. Studies have shown that exposure to DT causes reproductive defects in both male and female animals. However, the effects of DT exposure on oocyte maturation and the approach to counteract it are not yet known. Here, we investigated the toxicity of DT on porcine oocyte maturation and the protective effects of melatonin (MT) on DT-exposed oocytes. DT exposure with 1.5 mM partially inhibited cumulus cell expansion and significantly reduced the rate of first polar body extrusion (pb1) during oocyte maturation. Parthenogenetically activated embryos derived from DT-exposed oocytes could not develop to the 2-cell and blastocyst stage. Furthermore, DT exposure led to a significant increase in the rates of misaligned chromosomes, disorganized spindles, and abnormal actin assembly. DT exposure severely disrupted the distribution patterns of mitochondria in oocytes but did not change the subcellular localizations of cortical granules. Importantly, MT supplementation rescued the meiotic and developmental defects of DT-exposed oocytes through repressing the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy, and DNA damage accumulation. These results demonstrate that melatonin protects against meiotic defects induced by DT during porcine oocyte maturation.

Dimethoate induces genotoxicity as a result of oxidative stress: in vivo and in vitro studies

Dimethoate ([O,O-dimethyl S-(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl) phosphorodithioate]) is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide widely used for agricultural purposes. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical agent interact directly to DNA or act indirectly leading to DNA damage by affecting spindle apparatus or enzymes involved in DNA replication, thereby causing mutations. Taking into consideration the importance of genotoxicity induced by dimethoate, the purpose of this manuscript was to provide a mini review regarding genotoxicity induced by dimethoate as a result of oxidative stress. The present study was conducted on studies available in MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Google scholar for all kind of articles (all publications published until May, 2020) using the following key words: dimethoate, omethoate, DNA damage, genetic damage, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, mutation, and mutagenicity. The results showed that many studies were published in the scientific literature; the approach was clearly demonstrated in multiple tissues and organs, but few papers were designed in humans. In summary, new studies within the field are important for better understanding the pathobiological events of genotoxicity on human cells, particularly to explain what cells and/or tissues are more sensitive to genotoxic insult induced by dimethoate.

The protective efficacy of vitamin E and cod liver oil against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against neoplasms, but its clinical utility is limited due to the side effects of its dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. Vitamin E (Vit E) and cod liver oil (CLO) are natural substances with chemoprotective effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of Vit E and/or CLO for CP-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. This study involved 40 mature male Wistar albino rats that were equally allocated into eight groups: Veh, Vit E, CLO, Vit E + CLO, CP, Vit E + CP, CLO + CP, and Vit E + CLO + CP. The co-administration of Vit E and CLO significantly ameliorated CP-induced elevations in serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin- 6 (IL-6). Further, rats that received Vit E and/or CLO showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels in renal tissues, compared to CP-intoxicated rats. Additionally, the treatment restored the normal histological architecture (except for few cast formations) and upregulated the immunostaining area% of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and downregulated the immunostaining area% of Bcl2 associated X protein (BAX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The observed effects were stronger in the combination treatment group. The obtained data revealed that Vit E and CLO co-administration protects against the CP-induced AKI more than monotherapy with Vit E or CLO.

Insecticides and ovarian functions

Insecticides, a heterogeneous group of chemicals, are widely used in agriculture and household practices to avoid insect-inflicted damage. Extensive use of insecticides has contributed substantially to agricultural production and the prevention of deadly diseases by destroying their vectors. On the contrary, many of the insecticides are associated with several adverse health effects like neurological and psychological diseases, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, and even cancer in non-target species, including humans. Reproduction, a very selective process that ensures the continuity of species, is affected to a greater extent by the rampant use of insecticides. In females, exposure to insecticides leads to reproductive incapacitation primarily through disturbances in ovarian physiology. Disturbed ovarian activities encompass the alterations in hormone synthesis, follicular maturation, ovulation process, and ovarian cycle, which eventually lead to decline in fertility, prolonged time-to-conceive, spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, and developmental defects. Insecticide-induced ovarian toxicity is effectuated by endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, which occurs due to suppression of antioxidant defense system, and upsurge of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, potentiates DNA damage and expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers. Insecticide exposure, in part, is responsible for ovarian malfunctioning through disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The current article is focused on the adverse effects of insecticides on ovarian functioning, and consequently, on the reproductive efficacy of females. The possible strategies to combat insecticide-induced toxicity are also discussed in the latter part of this review. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:369-392, 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nephrotoxicity issues of organophosphates

Organophosphates are a large class of chemicals, initially invented in 1850 and since then they have been applied in numerous aspects of science to serve our purposes. Their mechanism of action in living organisms involves the irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, therefore they interfere with neuromuscular signal transmission. Due to the systematic and exaggerated use of these chemicals, there is massive exposure to them, hence there is great concern regarding the ramifications to all mammalian organisms. It has been widely accepted that over-exposure to organophosphates, has a deleterious impact on the renal tissue and subsequently on the renal function. Despite the significance of this global issue, limited knowledge exists, regarding the effect of these substances on our health. Therefore, new and extensive research is required to expand our knowledge and ensure proper guidance regarding the use of organophosphates as well the protection against their detrimental consequences. The aim of this review is to negotiate the effect of organophosphate exposure on renal tissue and kidney function.

Nitraria retusa fruit prevents penconazole-induced kidney injury in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes

CONTEXT

Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. (Nitrariaceae) is a medicinal plant which produces edible fruits whose antioxidant activity has been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

The current study elucidates the potential protective effect of N. retusa fruit aqueous extract against nephrotoxicity induced by penconazole, a triazole fungicide, in the kidney of adult rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult Wistar rats were exposed either to penconazole (67 mg/kg body weight), or to N. retusa extract (300 mg/kg body weight) or to their combination. Penconazole was administered by intra-peritoneal injection every 2 days from day 7 until day 15, the sacrifice day, while N. retusa extract was administered daily by gavage during 15 days. Oxidative stress parameters, kidney biomarkers and histopathological examination were determined.

RESULTS

Nitraria retusa extract administration to penconazole treated rats decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde (-10%), hydrogen peroxide (-12%), protein carbonyls (PCOs, -11%) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP, -16%); antioxidant enzyme activities: catalase (-13%), superoxide dismutase (-8%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, -14%), and the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: non-protein thiols (-9%), glutathione (-7%) and metallothionein (-12%). Furthermore, this plant extract prevented kidney biomarker changes by reducing plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and LDH and increasing those of ALP and GGT. Histopathological alterations induced by penconazole (glomeruli fragmentation, Bowman's space enlargement, tubular epithelial cells necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory leucocytes) were attenuated following N. retusa administration.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that N. retusa fruit extract had protective effects against penconazole-induced kidney injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.

Neonatal, placental, and umbilical cord blood parameters in pregnant women residing in areas with intensive pesticide application

In rural populations, the proximity to areas with intensive pesticide application represents a risk factor of xenobiotic exposure. Here, we investigated whether newborns born to mothers residing in an area with intensive pesticide application show alterations in placental and neonatal morphometric standards, umbilical cord blood (UCB) biochemical parameters, and/or biomarkers related to oxidative stress and oxidative damage. Samples were collected from 151 healthy pregnant women residing in a rural area (rural group; RG) during the pesticide spraying (SS) and nonspraying (NSS) seasons, as well as from women from an urban population (control group; CG), and grouped according to the delivery type (vaginal or cesarean). In the vaginal delivery group, the placental weight and placental index were higher in the RG groups than in the CG (p = 0.01), whereas in the cesarean delivery group, newborn weight was lower in the RG-SS group than in the CG. In the RG-SS group, UCB erythrocyte osmotic fragility and the DNA damage index (DI) were higher, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was lower than in the RG-NSS group. Acetylcholinesterase and SOD activities were found to be inversely correlated with the DI.

Blood Selenium Concentration and Blood Cystatin C Concentration in a Randomly Selected Population of Healthy Children Environmentally Exposed to Lead and Cadmium

This study aimed at evaluation of a relationship between blood selenium concentration (Se-B) and blood cystatin C concentration (CST) in a randomly selected population of healthy children, environmentally exposed to lead and cadmium. The studies were conducted on 172 randomly selected children (7.98 ± 0.97 years). Among participants, the subgroups were distinguished, manifesting marginally low blood selenium concentration (Se-B 40-59 μg/l), suboptimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B: 60-79 μg/l) or optimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B ≥ 80 μg/l). At the subsequent stage, analogous subgroups of participants were selected separately in groups of children with BMI below median value (BMI <16.48 kg/m²) and in children with BMI ≥ median value (BMI ≥16.48 kg/m²). In all participants, values of Se-B and CST were estimated. In the entire group of examined children no significant differences in mean CST values were detected between groups distinguished on the base of normative Se-B values. Among children with BMI below 16.48 kg/m², children with marginally low Se-B manifested significantly higher mean CST values, as compared to children with optimum Se-B (0.95 ± 0.07 vs. 0.82 ± 0.15 mg/l, p < 0.05). In summary, in a randomly selected population of healthy children no relationships could be detected between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration. On the other hand, in children with low body mass index, a negative non-linear relationship was present between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration.

Identified molecular mechanism of interaction between environmental risk factors and differential expression genes in cartilage of Kashin-Beck disease

As environmental risk factors (ERFs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), it is important to identify the interaction between ERFs and differentially expression genes (DEGs) in KBD. The environmental response genes (ERGs) were analyzed in cartilage of KBD in comparison to normal controls.We searched 5 English and 3 Chinese databases from inception to September 2015, to identify case-control studies that examined ERFs for KBD using integrative meta-analysis and systematic review. Total RNA was isolated from articular cartilage of KBD patients and healthy controls. Human whole genome microarray chip (Agilent) was used to analyze the amplified, labeled, and hybridized total RNA, and the validated microarray data were partially verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The ERGs were derived from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The identified ERGs were subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment, biological process (BP), and interaction network analyses using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) v6.7, and STRING.The trace elements (selenium and iodine), vitamin E, and polluted grains (T-2 toxin/HT-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol) were identified as the ERFs for KBD using meta-analysis and review. We identified 21 upregulated ERGs and 7 downregulated ERGs in cartilage with KBD compared with healthy controls, which involved in apoptosis, metabolism, and growth and development. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis found that 2 significant pathways were involved with PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and P53 signaling pathway, and gene ontology function analysis found 3 BPs involved with apoptosis, death, and cell death in KBD cartilage.According to previous results and our own research, we suggest that the trace element selenium and vitamin E induce PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the mycotoxins (T-2 toxin/HT-2 toxin and DON) induce P53 signaling pathway, contributing to the development of KBD, and chondrocyte apoptosis and cell death.

Vanillin mitigates potassium bromate-induced molecular, biochemical and histopathological changes in the kidney of adult mice

The present study aimed to explore the ability of vanillin to ameliorate the adverse effects induced by potassium bromate (KBrO3) in the renal tissue. Our results showed a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein product and protein carbonyl levels in the kidney of KBrO3 treated mice, compared with the control group. Nephrotoxicity was evidenced by a decrease in plasma uric acid and kidney glutathione levels, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase and catalase activities. Additionally, creatinine and urea levels significantly increased in the plasma and declined in the urine. Also, Kidney glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, metallothionein (MT1 and MT2) mRNA expression remarkably increased. These modifications in biochemical and molecular values were substantiated by histopathological data. Co-treatment with vanillin restored these parameters to near control values. Interestingly, vanillin proved to possess, in vitro, a stronger scavenging radical activity than vitamin C and Trolox. Thus, vanillin inhibited KBrO3-induced damage via its antioxidant and antiradical activities as well as its capacity to protect genes expression and histopathological changes.

New food from a potato somatic hybrid: nutritional equivalence and safety assessment by a feeding study on rats

BACKGROUND

Potato tubers from the STBd somatic hybrid line that exhibited improved tolerance to salinity and resistance to fungal and PVY infections were characterised. They were compared for their chemical composition to the Spunta variety produced by conventional agronomic practices. This study aimed to compare nutritional value and safety by feeding rats with STBd or commercial tubers added to the standard diet (20/80 w/w).

RESULTS

The analysis of soluble sugar, fat, fibre and ash content of tubers did not reveal any significant differences between the hybrid line and the control Spunta variety. Small differences were observed in dry matter, starch and protein content of hybrid potatoes in comparison to controls. However, all values were within normal ranges reported in the literature. The feeding study on rats showed that overall health, weight gain, food consumption, morphological aspects and weights of organs were comparable between rat groups fed the STBd hybrid and the Spunta variety.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, 28 days of consumption of STBd hybrid potato did not exert any adverse effect on rats compared with commercial Spunta potato. The STBd potato line was therefore considered to be as safe for food utilisation as the commercial variety.

Protective Effects of Intralipid and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Nephrotoxicity Caused by Dichlorvos in Rats

The protective effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and intralipid (IL) on nephrotoxicity caused by acute Dichlorvos (D) toxicity were investigated in this study. Forty-eight Wistar Albino rats were divided into 7 groups as follows: Control, D, CAPE, intralipid, D + CAPE, D + IL, and D + CAPE + IL. When compared to D group, the oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly lower in Control, CAPE, and D + IL + CAPE groups. When compared to D + IL + CAPE group, the TOS and OSI values were significantly higher in D group (P < 0.05). When mitotic cell counts were assessed in the renal tissues, it was found that mitotic cell count was significantly higher in the D group while it was lower in the D + CAPE, D + IL, and D + IL + CAPE groups when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, immune reactivity showed increased apoptosis in D group and low profile of apoptosis in the D + CAPE group when compared to the Control group. The apoptosis level was significantly lower in D + IL + CAPE compared to D group (P < 0.05) in the kidneys. As a result, we concluded that Dichlorvos can be used either alone or in combination with CAPE and IL as supportive therapy or as facilitator for the therapeutic effect of the routine treatment in the patients presenting with pesticide poisoning.

Selenium partially prevents cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity: a preliminary study

Cisplatin is an anticancer drug and it has neurotoxic effects. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effect of selenium was observed in previous studies. However, the effect of selenium on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity has not been studied yet. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether selenium prevent cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control (C), cisplatin (CS), cisplatin and selenium (CSE, n=7 in each group). Cisplatin (12 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered for 3 days to CS and CSE groups. Also, CSE group received via oral gavage 3 mg/kg/day (twice-a-day as 1.5 mg/kg) selenium 5 days before of cisplatin injection and continued for 11 consecutive days. The same volumes of saline were intraperitoneally and orally administered to C group at same time. At the end of experimental protocol, electrophysiological and histopathological examinations were performed. The nerve conduction velocity, amplitude of compound action potential and number of axon of CS group were significantly lower than the C group. However, the same parameters of CSE group were significantly higher than the CS group. Although, cisplatin has a peripheral neurotoxic effect in rats, this effect was partially prevented by selenium treatment. Thus, it appears that co-administration of selenium and cisplatin may be a useful approach to decrease severity of peripheral neurotoxicity.