In vivo changes in antioxidant system and protective role of selenium in chlorpyrifos-induced subchronic toxicity in bubalus bubalis

The hepato- and neuroprotective effect of gold Casuarina equisetifolia bark nano-extract against Chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

The bark of Casuarina equisetifolia contains several active phytoconstituents that are suitable for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). These nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the toxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in rats.

RESULTS

Various hematological and biochemical measurements were conducted in this study. In addition, markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions quantified in liver and brain tissues were evaluated. Histopathological examinations were performed on both liver and brain tissues. Furthermore, the native electrophoretic protein and isoenzyme patterns were analyzed, and the relative expression levels of apoptotic genes in these tissues were determined. The hematological and biochemical parameters were found to be severely altered in the group injected with CPF. However, the administration of Au-C. equisetifolia nano-extract normalized these levels in all treated groups. The antioxidant system markers showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in conjunction with elevated levels of inflammatory and fibrotic markers in both liver and brain tissues of the CPF-injected group. In comparison, the pre-treated group exhibited a reduction in these markers when treated with the nano-extract, as opposed to the CPF-injected group. Additionally, the nano-extract mitigated the severity of histopathological lesions induced by CPF in both liver and brain tissues, with a higher ameliorative effect observed in the pre-treated group. Electrophoretic assays conducted on liver and brain tissues revealed that the nano-extract prevented the qualitative changes induced by CPF in the pre-treated group. Furthermore, the molecular assay demonstrated a significant increase in the relative expression of apoptotic genes in the CPF-injected rats. Although the nano-extract ameliorated the relative expression of these genes compared to the CPF-injected group, it was unable to restore their values to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the nano-extract effectively reduced the toxicity induced by CPF in rats at hematological, biochemical, histopathological, physiological, and molecular levels, in the group pre-treated with the nano-extract.

Coenzyme Q10 treatment and diazinon exposure in parental male rats: effects of the exposure on their neonatal brains

Prenatal acute and chronic exposure to organophosphorus pesticides may evoke physical and behavioral impairments in offspring development. However, the mechanism of antioxidant consumption repair to cure these impairments remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of COQ10 against DZN toxicity by measuring Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the expression of MH2A, DNMT1, H2AZ, and HDAC3, and the histopathology in the brain of neonatal Wistar albino rats whose male parents were exposed to DZN and COQ10. The results showed that COQ10 could significantly decrease MDA level, histopathological alteration, and expression of DNMT1 and HDAC3 in the neonatal brain (P < 0.05). Also, an increase in SOD activity and expression of MH2A and H2AZ were observed in the neonatal brain of this group (P < 0.05). These investigations suggest that COQ10 can reduce the effects of DZN on neuronal oxidative stress and its damage to the neonatal brain.

Efficient remediation of chlorpyrifos pesticide from contaminated water by superparamagnetic adsorbent based on Arabic gum-grafted-polyamidoxime

A novel organic/inorganic biosorbent hydrogel nanocomposite based on Arabic Gum-grafted-polyamidoxime and CuFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (AG-g-PAO/CuFe₂O₄) was prepared in three steps. The prepared hydrogel nanocomposite was well characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), CHN, zeta potential, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. The adsorption efficiency of the AG-g-PAO/CuFe₂O₄ for removing an organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) (chlorpyrifos) from aqueous solutions was studied. Effect of different experimental conditions such as the pH of the solution, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration on adsorption efficiency was evaluated. The experimental adsorption data described well by the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity (Q_max) of the prepared biosorbent for chlorpyrifos was found 769.23 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model. It was suggested that the chlorpyrifos was adsorbed onto AG-g-PAO/CuFe₂O₄ hydrogel biosorbent mainly through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The result of adsorption-desorption experiments revealed that the AG-g-PAO/CuFe₂O₄ can be excellently regenerated and reused after three sequential runs without a considerable decline in its adsorption performance.

Tebuconazole induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in adult rat heart

TEB belongs to the family of triazole fungicides and it is used to protect agricultural crop plants from fungal pathogens. The information regarding its cardiotoxic effects through different pathways particularly by perturbing the oxidative balance and causing damage to the myocardium is still limited. In the present study, oxidative and histopathologic damages caused by TEB in the cardiac tissue of male adult rats, were evaluated. Rats were exposed orally to TEB at 0.9, 9, 27 and 45 mg/kg b.w. for 28 days. Results showed that following TEB treatment malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx and GR) and GSSG levels increased, while GSH levels and thus the GSH/GSSG ratio decreased. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) initially increased at the doses of 0.9, 9 and 27 mg/kg b.w. and then decreased at the dose of 45 mg/kg b.w. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that TEB increased SOD1, CAT and HSP70 protein levels after 24 h. Furthermore, TEB induced various histological changes in the myocardium, including leucocytic infiltration, hemorrhage congestion of cardiac blood vessels and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Therefore, our investigation revealed, that TEB exhibits cardiotoxic effects by changing oxidative balance and damaging the cardiac tissue.

Bendiocarb-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and the protective role of vitamins C and E

Bendiocarb is a pesticide carbamate which is used to protect agricultural products and animals. In this study, rats were given orally with bendiocarb and also other chemicals via gavage. Male rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6): group 1 served as controls; group 2 received vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw); group 3 received vitamin E (100 mg/kg bw); group 4 received vitamins C plus E; group 5 received bendiocarb (0.8 mg/kg 1/50 LD₅₀); group 6 received both bendiocarb and vitamin C; group 7 received both bendiocarb and vitamin E; and group 8 received both bendiocarb and vitamin C and E via oral gavage. Degenerative changes and biochemical differences in rat kidney were investigated after 4 weeks of especially bendiocarb treatment. While biochemical values were normal in the control group, it was observed that CAT, SOD, GPx, and GST values decreased, while MDA, creatine, urea, and uric acid values increased in the pesticide-treated groups. It was also reported that bendiocarb caused cytopathological and histopathological changes in rat kidney. We have shown that the application of vitamins has a therapeutic effect on the evaluated parameters.

The possible alleviating effect of saffron on chlorpyrifos experimentally induced cardiotoxicity: Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

INTRODUCTION

Pesticides are responsible for many occupational health hazards among farmers in developing countries. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the broad-spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticides used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes.

AIM OF THE WORK

The present study was designed to examine the effects of CPF on cardiac muscles and to evaluate the possible protective role of crocin using biochemical and histological methods with the intention to recognize the molecular tools of its probable cardioprotective effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into 4 equal groups (9 rats each): negative control group, positive control group, CPF treated group and CPF & crocin treated group. The heart was removed for histological and immunohistochemical studies.

RESULTS

Stained sections of cardiac muscle fibers of group III with H&E revealed remarkable histological changes in the form of disorganization of the fibers with increase in the interstitial spaces between these fibers. Congested dilated blood capillaries could be observed with extravasation of the red blood cells leading to interstitial hemorrhage. Focal areas of mononuclear cellular infiltration could be seen in the interstitial tissue. A number of cardiac fibers achieved pale acidophilic vacuolated sarcoplasm while others achieved dark homogenous acidophilic sarcoplasm. Some nuclei were peripherally situated and pyknotic while others were centrally situated and encircled with halos. Apparently increased masses of collagen fibers among the cardiac muscle fibers and around the congested dilated blood vessels with the presence of focal parts of extensive collagen fiber deposition were noticed in Mallory-stained sections of group III. Strong positive immunoreactions in the endomysium and perimysium of the cardiac fibers, along with the walls of blood capillaries and in interstitial cells, could be detected in immunohistochemical staining sections of group III with vimentin antibody. Immunoreactivity to caspase 3 was higher in the sarcoplasm of the cardiac fibers of group III compared to that of control group. A highly significant decrease in the cardiac level of SOD and CAT; however, a highly significant increase in MDA level was noted between the control groups and CPF treated group. Additionally, there was a significant improvement of the chemical and histological representations of group IV, and these improvement pictures were toward the normal.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that crocin can alleviate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos caused by oxidative stress on cardiac muscle.

Protective role of nano-selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum in delaying the onset of streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) could accumulate Selenium (Se) and nano-Se in the form of Se-B. longum and Nano-Se-B. longum, respectively. In this study, the effect of Nano-Se-B. longum in diabetic mice was evaluated. Physiological and metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, body weight, serum insulin level, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), food intake, water consumption and urine output were evaluated. The expression of insulin signalling pathway-related proteins was evaluated by western blotting. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was used for histological examination of the liver, pancreas and kidney sections. Creatinine levels in serum (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Nano-Se-B. longum was the best in terms of delaying the onset of diabetes. Nano-Se-B. longum decreased blood glucose and body weight compared with those noted for the model group. IPGTT, food intake, water consumption and urine output significantly increased and serum insulin levels significantly decreased in the model group compared with those in all the Nano-Se-B. longum-treated mice. Histological results showed that the Nano-Se-B. longum-treated mice were better than the model group mice in terms of pathological changes. The expression of insulin signalling pathway-related proteins was upregulated in the Nano-Se-B. longum-treated groups. A significant increase in SCr and BUN levels was noted in the model group. This study for the first time reported the dose-dependent preventive effect of Nano-Se-B. longum on the onset of diabetes and renal damage. The mechanism may be related to changes in insulin signalling.

Captopril Attenuates Diazinon-Induced Oxidative Stress: A Subchronic Study in Rats

BACKGROUND

Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate pesticide commonly used for pest control in agriculture. It may engender a variety of negative effects in non-target species, including humans and animals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative properties of captopril (CAP), as a thiol containing an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, against DZN-induced oxidative stress.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups. All the rats were treated orally via gavage once a day for 7 weeks: control (corn oil), CAP (10 mg/kg), DZN (10 mg/kg), and CAP+DZN combination (as mentioned above). Oxidative stress indices in blood serum, liver and kidney homogenates (malondialdehyde [MDA], total thiol groups, and total antioxidant capacity), and erythrocyte hemolysis (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software, version 6.0 (GraphPad, San Diego, CA, USA), by ANOVA, followed by the Tukey post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

The MDA content and SOD activity increased significantly in the DZN group compared with those in the control group. Treatment with CAP in the DZN-exposed group significantly decreased (P<0.05) the MDA concentration and the SOD activity. The total thiol groups were decreased in the DZN group and elevated again by CAP treatment.

CONCLUSION

The co-administration of CAP and DZN was able to attenuate lipid peroxidation and enzyme changes caused by DZN.

Concomitant effect of low dose of lindane and intranasal lipopolysaccharide on respiratory system of mice

Lindane is very commonly used organochlorine pesticide and has been reported to cause several toxic effects including respiratory insufficiency. However, effects of low concentration of lindane alone or in combination with microbial molecules on lungs are not fully understood. To understand the effects a preliminary study was designed on Swiss albino mouse. Male mice were divided into treatment and control group (20; each). Treatment mice were given lindane in ground nut oil orally at 0.25 mg kg^-1 day^-1 for 60 days. After treatment, 10 mice were challenged with intranasal Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 80 μg per mice) and remaining 10 with normal saline. The mice were euthanized 16 h post-LPS exposure. Control mice (10 each) were given normal saline or the LPS alone. Mice exposed with lindane and in combination with LPS had increase in total cell counts and leukocyte counts in broncho-alveolar lavage. Histological examination showed lung injury in the lindane-treated mice. The histopathological changes were more pronounced in lindane along with LPS-exposed mice. Lindane alone and in combination with LPS showed expression of immunopositive Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) positive reaction in various cells of lungs. While LPS induced acute inflammation in the lungs, combination of lindane and LPS exacerbated histological signs of the inflammation. The data indicate that lindane alone or in combination with LPS caused changes in lung morphology and altered TLR-4 and TNF-α expression which may have led to altered response to LPS challenge.

Selenylation of Polysaccharide from the Sweet Potato and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Antidiabetic Activities

Interest in sweet potato as a functional food is growing. A polysaccharide (SWP) was isolated from the sweet potato tuber and elucidation of its structure as composed of rhamnose, glucose, and galactose undertaken. To improve its activity, selenylation of this novel polysaccharide (Se-SWP) was undertaken by using microwave synthesis. In vitro evaluation showed that the Se-SWP has excellent antioxidant activity on scavenging free radicals and reducing capacity. In vivo antitumor evaluation showed selenylation polysaccharide could effectively inhibit tumor growth (>50%) and adjust immune factor levels in the mice (IL-2, TNF-α, and VEGF). The antidiabetic potential of Se-SWP was tested in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The results indicated that the Se-SWP treatment significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and other disadvantageous factors that were increased by the STZ treatment. Meanwhile, the Se-SWP treatment caused a significant increase in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants in the organs of diabetic rats. All of the activity evaluations indicated that the selenylation method could improve the activity of sweet potato polysaccharide and its efficacy as a potential therapeutic, which will be the focus of further study.

Selenium–phycocyanin from selenium-enriched cultures of Nostoc sp. isolated from rice field prevents human kidney cells from paraquat-induced damage

Herein we demonstrate that Se-containing phycocyanin (Se–PC) purified from Se-enriched cultures of Nostoc sp. could reverse paraquat (PQ)-induced DNA cell apoptosis through inhibition of superoxide overproduction in human kidney cells.

Bendiocarb induced histopathological and biochemical alterations in rat liver and preventive role of vitamins C and E

In this study, biochemical changes and histological structure of rat liver after bendiocarb administration and possible preventive effects of vitamins C and E were studied. The animals were given with bendiocarb, vitamin C and vitamin E, daily 0,8mg/kg of body weight (bw), 100mg/kg-bw and 100mg/kg-bw for 28days, respectively. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, histological alterations and antioxidant capacity assays of liver and also liver function tests and lipid profile were measured. Bendiocarb treatment decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities, FRAP and TEAC values and increased malondialdehyde levels compared to control. Also, there were statistically significant alterations in liver function tests, lipid profile parameters and histopathological changes in bendiocarb treated groups. Vitamins C and E showed protective effects against examining parameters. According to results we can say that co-treatment of vitamin C and vitamin E may be more effective than use of them alone.

Effect of exposure to chlorpyrifos on the cuticular and internal lipid composition of Blattella germanica males

The results of our research on the cuticular and internal lipids of Blattella germanica males provide new information on variation in the composition of the cuticular and internal lipids of B. germanica males after exposure to the presence of the insecticide. gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify and quantify the cuticular and internal lipid composition in males and males exposed to insecticide. There were significantly more acids having an even number of carbon atoms in the molecule, and these were also generally in higher concentrations. The following acids were in a higher concentration: C16:0 and C18:1, C18:2, C18:0. In both males and males exposed to insecticide, 24 fatty acids ranging from C6 to C22 were determined. However, there was a significantly higher content of fatty acids in the surface lipids of B. germanica males after exposure to insecticide. Our results indicate a higher content of n-alkanes, sterols, particularly cholesterol, fatty acids, and fatty acid methyl esters in the B. germanica surface after exposure to chlorpyrifos than in males that were not exposed.

Assessment of Toxicity, Antifeedant Activity, and Biochemical Responses in Stored-Grain Insects Exposed to Lethal and Sublethal Doses of Gaultheria procumbens L. Essential Oil

The present study was undertaken to investigate the insecticidal activity of chemically characterized Gaultheria procumbens essential oil (EO) and its mode of action against the Coleopteran insects Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results depicted methyl salicylate (MS) as the major compound (96.61%) of EO. EO and its major compound methyl salicylate (MS) showed 100% mortality at 150 and 5.0 μL/L air against S. oryzae and R. dominica, respectively, on 24 h of exposure. The in vivo percent inhibition of AChE activity ranged between 6.12 and 27.50%. In addition, changes in the antioxidative defense system, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), in test insects were estimated. A significant dose-dependent response in all test parameters was observed. The results demonstrated that G. procumbens EO could play a significant role in the formulation of EO-based insecticides for the management of stored-grain insects.

Apoptotic effects and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase responses in liver and gill tissues of rainbow trout treated with chlorpyrifos

We investigated apoptotic effects and changes in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity in liver and gill tissues of fish exposed to chlorpyrifos. Three different chlorpyrifos doses (2.25, 4.5 and 6.75 μg/L) were administrated to rainbow trout at different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 96 h). Acute exposure to chlorpyrifos showed time dependent decrease in G6PD enzyme activity at all concentrations (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that chlorpyrifos caused mucous cell loss in gill tissue and apoptosis via caspase-3 activation in fish. The present study suggested that chlorpyrifos inhibits G6PD enzyme and causes mucous cell loss in gill and apoptosis in gill and liver tissues.

On The Protection by The Combination of CeO2 Nanoparticles and Sodium Selenite on Human Lymphocytes against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Apoptosis In Vitro

OBJECTIVE

Chlorpyrifos (CP) as an organophosphorus pesticide is thought to induce oxidative stress in human cells via producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads to the presence of pathologic conditions due to apoptosis along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition.This study aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effects of CP and to assess the protective potential of CeO2nanoparticle (CNP) and sodium selenite (SSe) by measuring cascades of apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and AChE inhibition in human isolated lymphocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present experimental study, we examined the anti-oxidative and AChE activating potential of CNP and SSe in CP-treated human lymphocytes. Therefore, the lymphocytes were isolated and exposed to CP, CP+CNP, CP+SSe, and CP+CNP+SSe after a three-day incubation. Then tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) release, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels as inflammatory/oxidative stress indices along with AChE activity were assessed. In addition, the apoptotic process was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Results showed a significant reduction in the mortality rate, TNF-α, MPO activity, TBARS, and apoptosis rate in cells treated with CNP, SSe and their combination. Interestingly, both CNP and SSe were able to activate AChE which is inhibited by CP. The results supported the synergistic effect of CNP/SSe combination in the prevention of apoptosis along with oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade.

CONCLUSION

CP induces apoptosis in isolated human lymphocytes via oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. CP firstly produces ROS, which leads to membrane phospholipid damage. The beneficial effects of CNP and SSe in reduction of CP-induced apoptosis and restoring AChE inhibition relate to their anti-oxidative potentials.

Modifying effects of vitamin E on chlorpyrifos toxicity in atlantic salmon

The aim of this study was to elucidate how vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) may ameliorate the toxicity of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in Atlantic salmon. Freshly isolated hepatocytes were exposed to vitamin E, chlorpyrifos or a combination of vitamin E and chlorpyrifos (all 100 μM). Transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and metabolomics were used to screen for effects of vitamin E and chlorpyrifos. By introducing vitamin E, the number of upregulated transcripts induced by chlorpyrifos exposure was reduced from 941 to 626, while the number of downregulated transcripts was reduced from 901 to 742 compared to the control. Adding only vitamin E had no effect on the transcriptome. Jak-STAT signaling was the most significantly affected pathway by chlorpyrifos treatment according to the transcriptomics data. The metabolomics data showed that accumulation of multiple long chain fatty acids and dipeptides and amino acids in chlorpyrifos treated cells was partially alleviated by vitamin E treatment. Significant interaction effects between chlorpyrifos and vitamin E were seen for 15 metabolites, including 12 dipeptides. The antioxidant had relatively modest effects on chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress. By combining the two data sets, the study suggests that vitamin E supplementation prevents uptake and accumulation of fatty acids, and counteracts inhibited carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, this study shows that vitamin E only to a moderate degree modifies chlorpyrifos toxicity in Atlantic salmon liver cells.

Protective effects of curcumin and vitamin E against chlorpyrifos-induced lung oxidative damage

There are increasing concerns regarding the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on human health. Curcumin (CUR) is a yellow pigment isolated from turmeric ground rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn., which has been identified as an antioxidant agent. This study was designed to examine the protective effect of CUR and vitamin E (Vit E) on CPF-induced lung toxicity. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, CPF (13.5 mg/kg, orally), CPF + CUR (100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, orally), CPF + α-tocopherol (Vit E, 150 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), CPF and CUR (100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively) in combination with α-tocopherol. The regimens were administered once daily for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, lungs were collected for evaluation of oxidative factors and histopathological parameters. CUR and Vit E led to a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the lungs of the CPF-injected animals (48% and 51%, respectively). Glutathione peroxidase inhibited by CPF (91.9 nmol/min/mg protein) was induced again by CUR and Vit E (167.1 and 171.8 nmol/min/mg protein). CUR and Vit E caused a significant induction of superoxide dismutase (103.4 U/mg protein). Catalase activity almost returned to normalcy in CPF-intoxicated rats subjected to CUR + Vit E treatment ( p < 0.001). Lung sections from CPF-treated rats displayed histopathological damages, while coadministration of CUR and Vit E resulted in apparently normal morphology with a significant decrease in injuries ( p < 0.05). Our findings revealed that coadministration of Vit E and CUR to CPF-treated animals prevents the oxidative damages in the lung tissues.

Effects of chlorpyrifos on glutathione S-transferase in migratory locust, Locusta migratoria

Chlorpyrifos is a typical organophosphate pesticide and is among the most widely used worldwide. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the effect of chlorpyrifos exposure on glutathione S-transferase in Locusta migratoria. In the present study, chlorpyrifos (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4mgg(-1) body weight) was topically applied in the abdomen of locusts. The GST activity, mRNA levels of ten L. migratoria GSTs and protein levels of four representative GSTs were detected. The results showed that chlorpyrifos treatment caused significant decrease of 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB) and p-nitro-benzyl chloride (p-NBC) activities, whereas 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) activity was not altered in locusts. The mRNA levels of seven L. migratoria GSTs, including LmGSTs2, LmGSTs3, LmGSTs4, LmGSTs5, LmGSTs6, LmGSTt1, and LmGSTu1, were decreased after chlorpyrifos exposure. The protein levels of LmGSTs5, LmGSTt1 and LmGSTu1 were significantly decreased at higher doses of chlorpyrifos. However, chlorpyrifos elevated the mRNA and protein expression of LmGSTd1. It indicated that LmGSTd1 might contribute to the resistance of locust to organophosphate pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, whereas the decrease in other GSTs might be an economic compensation by the insect to differentially regulate the expression of enzymes involved in the detoxification of insecticides on the expense of those that are not.

Selenium‑enriched exopolysaccharides produced by Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 alleviate adipose inflammation in diabetic KKAy mice through the AMPK/SirT1 pathway

Polysaccharides belong to a structurally diverse class of macromolecules, with the necessary flexibility for the precise regulatory mechanisms and high capacity for carrying biological information. On the basis of a previous study regarding the administration of selenium-enriched exopolysaccharides (Se-ECZ-EPS) produced by Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) Z0206 which resulted in a reduction of blood glucose levels and showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects and mechanism of EPS on the alleviation of fat inflammation in high-fat-diet (HFD) induced-diabetic KKAy mice. The HFD induced-diabetic KKAy mice were gavaged once daily with EPS (0.2 mg/g body weight) or distilled water, while the C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with distilled water. Six weeks later visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was collected for quantified polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. The results showed that following supplementation with EPS, interleukin (IL) 6, IL1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α mRNA expression in VAT were significantly reduced, while Glut4, pAMPK and SirT1 protein expression were markedly increased when compared with KKAy mice gavaged with water. Furthermore, ATGL and HSL mRNA were also significantly decreased. Subsequently, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with insulin to induce insulin resistance to determine the mechanism by which EPS affects inflammation. Following the treatment of adipocytes with 100 nM insulin for 8 h, IL6 and TNFα mRNA expression were significantly increased, while the content of glucose uptake and Glut4 protein expression were significantly decreased. When treated with 100 nM insulin and 0.1 mg/ml EPS, no significant change in IL6 and TNFα mRNA expression or glucose uptake were observed. However, when SirT1‑siRNA or AMPKα1-siRNA was transfected into the 3T3-L1 adipocytes prior to treatment with insulin and EPS, there was a significant increase in IL6 and TNFα mRNA abundance. In conclusion, VAT inflammation and lipolysis in HFD-induced KKAy mice were significantly decreased following EPS usage. Moreover, EPS may alleviate VAT inflammation primarily through the AMPK/SirT1 pathway.

Effects of paraoxon on serum biochemical parameters and oxidative stress induction in various tissues of Wistar and Norway rats

This study investigates the effects of different doses of paroxon (POX), an active metabolite of the organophosphate pesticide parathion, on some serum biochemical parameters and induction of oxidative stress in various tissues of female Wistar and Norway rats. The rats were intraperitoneally treated with 0.3, 0.7, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg of POX. The parameters were evaluated after 24h. The results showed that the decreased glutathione level and catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in tissues of Wistar rat were higher than Norway rat at higher doses of POX. At these concentrations, POX increased superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde level and some serum biochemical indices. In conclusion, POX induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of oxidative stress in POX-treated rats is in the order of brain > liver > heart > kidney>spleen. Wistar rat is found to be more sensitive to the toxicity of POX compared to Norway rat.

Selenium-containing allophycocyanin purified from selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis attenuates AAPH-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes through inhibition of ROS generation

Both selenium and allophycocyanin (APC) have been reported to show novel antioxidant activities. In this study, a fast protein liquid chromatographic method for purification of selenium-containing allophycocyanin (Se-APC) from selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis and the protective effect of Se-APC on 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress have been described. After fractionation by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and separation by DEAE-Sepharose ion-exchange and Sephacryl S-300 size exclusion chromatography, Se-APC with purity ratio (A652/A280) of 5.30 and Se concentration of 343.02 μg g(-1) protein was obtained. Se-APC exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than APC by scavenging ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) and AAPH free radicals. The oxidative hemolysis and morphological changes induced by AAPH in human erythrocytes were effectively reversed by coincubation with Se-APC. Lipid oxidation induced by the pro-oxidant agent cupric chloride in human plasma, as evaluated by formation of conjugated diene, was blocked by Se-APC. The accumulation of malondialdehyde, loss of reduced glutathione, and increase in enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase and reductase induced by AAPH in human erythrocytes were effectively suppressed by Se-APC. Furthermore, Se-APC significantly prevented AAPH-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Taken together, our results suggest that Se-APC demonstrates application potential in treatment of diseases in which excess production of ROS acts as a casual or contributory factor.

Effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant defense system in Oxya chinensis (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), esterase (EST) activity and antioxidant system after topical application with different concentration to Oxya chinensis. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos inhibited EST, AChE activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. A change in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity combined with reduced glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (tGSH) contents was found in O. chinensis after malathion and chlorpyrifos treatments. Malathion and chlorpyrifos increased SOD and CAT activity compared with the control. With the concentrations increasing, SOD and CAT activity showed the similar tendency, namely, SOD and CAT activity increased at the lower concentrations and decreased at the higher concentrations. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased significantly GR activity. GST and GPx activity at the studied concentrations of chlorpyrifos was lower than that of the control. However, no significance was observed. GPx and GST activity in malathion treated grasshoppers showed a biphasic response with an initial increase followed by a decline in its activity. Malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased GSH contents and the ratio of GSH/GSSG. The present findings indicated that the toxicity of malathion and chlorpyrifos might be associated with oxidative stress.

Chlorpyrifos and endosulfan affect buffalo oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in vitro directly and through cumulus cells

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of 10 different levels (0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 μg/mL) of two pesticides (chlorpyrifos and endosulfan) on buffalo oocyte viability, maturation, fertilization, and developmental competences in vitro. Studies were conducted to test the development of oocytes cultured with pesticides during maturation, fertilization, and during different embryo development stages. We also conducted experiments to test the hypotheses that the effects of these pesticides are hormones and somatic cells mediated. We observed a dose dependent decline in viability and developmental competence rates of oocytes. Chlorpyrifos and endosulfan had a negative impact on oocytes at 0.02 and 0.1 μg/mL levels, respectively. These pesticides reduced the oocyte nuclear maturation by a direct effect on oocytes, cumulus cell-mediated action, and by blocking the action of hormones. Chlorpyrifos was found to be more ovotoxic and embryotoxic than endosulfan. This study will provide information on dose-response relationship and risk assessment in domestic buffaloes.

Preparation, characterization and immunomodulatory activity of selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide produced by bacterium Enterobacter cloacae Z0206

The tolerant-selenium exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial strain Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 was batch cultured in PDA medium containing optimal concentration of sodium selenite. Selenium was accumulated efficiently in Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 during cultivation with selenium. Inorganic selenite could be transformed into organic forms. Selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide (Se-ECZ-EPS-1) was purified from the fermentation liquid. Selenium content of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 was 12.962microg/g. Se-ECZ-EPS-1 with Mw of 29,300Ka was composed of Glc, Gal and Mann with molar ratio of 8.530:0.061:0.706. Administration of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 to cyclophosphamide (CP)-exposed animals resulted in improvement of cellular and humoral immune responses. These findings indicated that Se-ECZ-EPS-1 may act as potent immunomodulatory agents.