Hepatoprotective effect of N-acetylcystein loaded niosomes on liver function in paraquat-induced acute poisoning

Effect of Selenium nanoparticles on Paraquat-induced-neuroinflammation and oligodendocyte modulation: Implication of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Paraquat (PQ), is an extensively used herbicide and is a well-established powerful neurotoxin. However, the mechanism underlying its neurotoxicity still needs further investigation.

AIM OF WORK

The study investigated the pathogenesis of PQ-induced neuroinflammation of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC) and cerebellum and evaluated the potential effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeN) against such neurotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into three groups; Control group, PQ group: mice received PQ 10 mg/kg (i.p), and PQ + SeN group; mice received PQ in addition to oral SeN 0.1 mg/kg. All regimens were administered for 14 days. The mice's brains were processed for biochemical, molecular, histological, and immune-histochemical assessment.

RESULTS

SeN increased the SNPC and cerebellum antioxidants (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase 1) while decreasing malondialdehyde concentration. Also, SeN increased the anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the pro-inflammatory IL-1β and -6 along with improving the angiogenic nitric oxide and reducing caspase-1. Further, western blots of phosphorylated Janus kinase (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3) proteins showed a significant decline. Those improving effects of SeN on SNPC, and cerebellum were supported by the significantly preserved dopaminergic and Purkinje neurons, the enhanced myelin fibers on Luxol fast blue staining, and the marked increase in Olig-2, Platelet-derived growth factor-alpha, and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

SeN could mitigate PQ-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Therapeutic Potential of Pentoxifylline in Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: Role of the Phosphodiesterase Enzymes

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has demonstrated protective effects against lung injury in animal models. Given the significance of pulmonary toxicity resulting from paraquat (PQ) exposure, the present investigation was designed to explore the impact of PTX on PQ-induced pulmonary oxidative impairment in male mice.Following preliminary studies, thirty-six mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received a single dose of PQ (20 mg/kg; i.p.), and group 3 received PTX (100 mg/kg/day; i.p.). Additionally, treatment groups 4-6 were received various doses of PTX (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day; respectively) one hour after a single dose of PQ. After 72 hours, the animals were sacrificed, and lung tissue was collected.PQ administration caused a significant decrease in hematocrit and an increase in blood potassium levels. Moreover, a notable increase was found in the lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, along with a notable decrease in total thiol (TTM) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) contents, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activity in lung tissue. PTX demonstrated the ability to improve hematocrit levels; enhance SOD activity and TTM content; and decrease MPO activity, LPO and NO levels in PQ-induced pulmonary toxicity. Furthermore, these findings were well-correlated with the observed lung histopathological changes.In conclusion, our results suggest that the high dose of PTX may ameliorate lung injury by improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance in animals exposed to PQ.

Nanocrocin Protective Effects on Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in the MRC-5 Cell Line

Paraquat (PQ) herbicide poisoning is a severe medical problem in developing countries without suitable therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of crocin (CCN) and nano crocin (NCCN) on PQ -induced toxicity in the MRC-5 cell line. The results showed that the particle size of NCCN was 140.3 ± 18.0 nm, and the zeta potential of the optimal crocin-loaded niosomes was 23.4 ± 2.8 mV. The NCCN was more effective than CCN in the inhibition of PQ-induced toxicity. Treatment of the MRC-5 cells leads to a decrease in ROS and an increase in SOD, CAT, GPX, and TAC levels in PQ-CCN and PQ-NCCN groups compared with the PQ group. These changes tended to be positively associated with the NCCN compared to CCN. Overall, NCCN was more effective than crocin in treating PQ-induced toxicity in vitro and deserved further preclinical consideration.

Therapeutic potentials of N-acetylcysteine immobilized polyrhodanine nanoparticles toward acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rat

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a recommended drug for treating acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication. Due to NAC's low bioavailability, this study aimed to use polyrhodanine (PR) nanoparticles (NPs) as a drug carrier to improve the effectiveness of NAC. After preparation and characterization of NAC loaded on PR, 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups of six. The first group (control) received normal saline. Groups 2-5 were treated with normal saline, PR, NAC, and NAC loaded on PR, respectively. The treatments were started 4 h after oral administration of APAP (2000 mg kg-1 ). After 48 h, the animals were anesthetized, and liver function indices and oxidative stress were measured in tissue and serum samples. The APAP administration can increase aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in serum, decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups and increasing lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Administration of PR-NAC could effectively improve the level of serum-hepatic enzymes, total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups, lipid peroxidation, and pathological changes in liver tissue in animals poisoned with APAP. PR-NAC has a significant therapeutic effect on preventing acute hepatotoxicity caused by APAP, and its effectiveness can be associated with an improvement in the oxidant/antioxidant balance of liver tissue.

The novel hepatoprotective effects of silibinin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against diazinon-induced liver injuries in male mice

In the current study, silibinin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Sili-NLCs) was synthesized, and the hepatoprotective effectiveness of Sili-NLCs against diazinon (DZN)-induced liver damage in male mice was evaluated. The emulsification-solvent evaporation technique was applied to prepare Sili-NLCs, and characterized by using particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy (EE %), in vitro drug release behavior, and stability studies. In vivo, studies were done on male mice. Hepatotoxicity in male mice were induced by DZN (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Four groups treated with silibinin and Sili-NLCs with the same doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.). On 31th days, serum and liver tissue samples were collected. Alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological alterations were assessed. The Sili-NLCs particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and EE % were obtained at 220.8 ± 0.86 nm, -18.7 ± 0.28 mV, 0.118 ± 0.03, and 71.83 ± 0.15%, respectively. The in vivo studies revealed that DZN significantly increased the serum levels of AST, ALT, hepatic levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while decreased the antioxidant defense system in the mice's liver. However, Sili-NLCs was more effective than silibinin to return the aforementioned ratio toward the normal situation, and these results were well correlated with histopathological findings. Improvement of silibinin protective efficacy and oral bioavailability by using NLCs caused to Sili-NLCs can be superior to free silibinin in ameliorating DZN-induced hepatotoxicity in male mice.

A novel 2D g-C3N4 material applied for Paraquat adsorbing and detoxifying in vitro and in vivo

In the environmental safety area, the widespread use of the herbicide Paraquat (PQ) poses a great threat to hydrobionts and mammals. Due to the lack of specific antidote, it may lead to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis with a mortality rate of 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective and specific PQ antidote. The g-C3N4 (HPCN) with excellent surface physicochemical properties was prepared by a two-step calcination method using urea and dicyandiamide as raw materials, showing a significant photocatalyst against environmental PQ pollution. The SEM results showed that HPCN possesses a porous layered structure. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy indicated that the conjugated aromatic rings were orderly stacked, forming a 2D layered structure of g-C3N4. The HPCN had a larger specific surface area (56.84 m2 g-1) and pore volume (0.2718 cm3 g-1), which enhanced its adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity. HPCN exhibited an effective adsorption rate of 38.25% for PQ in water under light. Compared with the PQ group (54.8%), the cell viability of the HPCN group (91.4%) significantly increased by 36.6%, and the SEM observation revealed the restoration of normal cell morphology. The HPCN effectively reduced PQ content in zebrafish and mice in vivo, resulting in an approximately 70% increase in survival rate. The UV-Vis results indicated that the adsorption rate of HPCN for PQ in zebrafish was 43.5%. The enhanced catalytic performance of HPCN provides a promising solution for the detoxification of PQ and of other environmental pollutants.

N-Acetylcysteine Mediated Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and Cytochrome C Associated with Amelioration of Monocrotophos-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Pesticides are now a risk to the environment and public health. Monocrotophos (MCP) is known to cause organ toxicity and impart degenerative effects at cellular levels. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a natural antioxidant having various prophylactic properties. Male Wistar rats were given NAC (200 mg/kg b.wt), MCP (0.9 mg/kg b.wt) and NAC followed by MCP; intragastrically for 28 consecutive days. Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and cytochrome c was analyzed by western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. Histology, electron microscopy and weight parameters were evaluated in the liver. MCP exposure significantly decreased body weight gain, relative liver weight, and structural changes. Altered MnSOD protein expression, decreased transcription of UCP-2 and MnSOD, and released cytochrome c indicated that oxidative stress is involved in MCP exposure. Treatment of NAC to MCP-exposed rats normalized the weight and structural changes, restored MnSOD and UCP-2 levels and prevented the release of cytochrome c. The present study suggests that the regulation of UCP-2, MnSOD and cytochrome c is involved in NAC efficacy against MCP toxicity. These findings illustrate that NAC can serve as a potential therapeutic agent for toxicity and oxidative stress in mammals. 

Dimethyl fumarate attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in mice

Paraquat (PQ) is the most important cationic bipyridyl herbicide in the agricultural industry, which is very toxic to humans and animals and causes disruption in many organs, mainly in the lungs. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immune-modulating drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. In this study, the ameliorative effects of DMF (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, orally) on PQ (30 mg/kg) model of lung damage were evaluated in male mice. DMF was given daily for 7 days and PQ was administrated in the fourth day in a single dose. On the eighth day, the animals were sacrificed, and their lung tissue were removed. The results indicated that DMF can ameliorate PQ-induced the significant increase in lung index, hydroxyproline, as well as TBARS, TGF-β, NF-κB and decrease in the amount of total thiol, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, Nrf-2, and INF-γ. The histopathological results confirmed indicated findings. The results showed that the protective effect of DMF on PQ-induced toxicity is mediated through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities.

Is nanoparaquat safer than bulk paraquat? An in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Paraquat (PQ) is an herbicide which has brought some health problems through the production of reactive oxygen species. The increasing interest in the novel formulation of agrochemicals has been aiming to provide safety for non-target organisms. Chitosan is a well-known non-toxic polymer, commonly used in preparing particles via ionotropic gelation. In this study, we prepared PQ nanoparticles (PQNPs) and evaluated their toxicity in vivo and in vitro. PQNPs were prepared and characterized in two forms, with and without the utilization of chitosan. Relative cell survival of PQNPs were studied against bulk PQ in HEK-293. Also, the acute lung injury of PQNP was assessed against treatment with acetylcysteine. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol groups (TTG), and hydroxyproline, along with histological changes were assessed in the lungs. The size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the optimum particles were about 157.7 ± 7.03, 22.25 ± 4.52, and 0.701, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was 65.11 ± 10.45, and the loading percent of PQ was 58.57 ± 2.37. PQNPs showed an initial burst of PQ release followed by a zero-degree pattern. PQNPs displayed lower cell cytotoxicity compared to bulk PQ. LPO, TAC, TTG, and hydroxyproline levels in lungs generally showed more satisfying status in PQNPQs as well. The levels of oxidative status markers indicate lower oxidative damage in lungs and a more desirable response to acetylcysteine treatment, in line with histological changes. PQ loaded in chitosan-alginate particles offers safer characteristics compared with bulk PQ.

Anti-oxidative properties of nanocrocin in Zearalenone induced toxicity on Hek293 cell; The novel formulation and cellular assessment

BACKGROUND

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi and induces cytotoxicity by the generation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nephroprotective effects of crocin and nano-crocin against ZEA-induced toxicity in HEK293 cell line via modulation of oxidative stress and special formulation to make nano-crocin.

METHOD

Nano-crocin physicochemical properties, such as size, load, appearance, and drug release profile were determined. Also, the viability of intoxicated HEK293 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase lipid Peroxidation (LPO), and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured.

RESULT

The best nano-crocin formulation with superior entrapment effectiveness (54.66 ± 6.02), more significant drug loading (1.89 ± 0.01), better zeta potential (-23.4 ± 2.844), and smaller particle size (140.3 ± 18.0 nm) was chosen. This study showed that treatment with crocin and nano-crocin in ZEA-induced cells, significantly decreased LDH and LPO levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Moreover, nano-crocin had a more curative effect against oxidative stress than crocin.

CONCLUSION

Niosomal structure of crocin, when administered with the special formulation, may be more beneficial in reducing ZEA-induced in vitro toxicity than conventional crocin.

Threonine Facilitates Cd Excretion by Increasing the Abundance of Gut Escherichia coli in Cd-Exposed Mice

Cadmium (Cd) can easily enter the body through the food chain and threaten health since Cd pollution is prevalent in the environment. Gut microbiota is necessary for the reduction of metal ions. To reduce Cd-induced harmful impacts and Cd accumulation in the body, we investigated the effect of amino acids on gut microbiota and Cd excretion in (fecal Cd) Cd-exposed mice. The screening of 20 amino acids showed that threonine (Thr) effectively increased fecal Cd, and reduced Cd-induced intestinal structural damage. The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella genus and KF843036_g significantly increased after the oral administration of Thr. As the type species of the Escherichia-Shigella genus, Escherichia coli exhibited high similarity to KF843036_g species and significantly decreased Cd-induced gut damage. Cd contents in the liver, kidney, and gut of Cd-exposed mice were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after E. coli treatment, while the contents in the feces were increased. The results demonstrated the potential roles that gut E. coli might play in Thr-mediated Cd excretion in Cd-exposed mice. The findings may provide important data for better understanding the molecular biological mechanism of Thr in reducing Cd accumulation in the body.

Evaluation of Ascorbic Acid Niosomes as Potential Detoxifiers in Oxidative Stress-induced HEK-293 Cells by Arsenic Trioxide

Background

As an environmental contaminant, Arsenic (As) poses many risks to human health. Increased Oxidative Stress (OS) and decreased antioxidant cell defense are the suggested mechanisms of carcinogenicity and toxicity of As. As a powerful antioxidant and water-soluble compound, vitamin C protects cells and tissues against oxidation and has a wide range of healing properties.

Objectives

The current study aimed to formulate a suitable ascorbic acid (vitamin C) niosome and compare it with vitamin C in preventing As-induced toxicity in HEK-293 cells.

Methods

Various formulas of vitamin C niosomes were prepared by C-SPAN mixed with cholesterol. The physicochemical characteristics of niosomal formulations, including load size, zeta-potential, and the drug release profile, were evaluated in HEK-293 cells. Then, OS biomarkers such as total reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities determined the protective effects of vitamin C niosomes compared with vitamin C against As-induced toxicity.

Results

The particle size and zeta potential of the optimal vitamin C niosome were 163.2 ± 6.1 nm and 23.3 ± 3.5 mV, respectively. Arsenic increased ROS and MDA levels while decreasing CAT, TAC, and SOD activities in the HEK-293 cell line. Finally, the vitamin C niosome decreased OS and increased antioxidant properties more than vitamin C.

Significance

Vitamin C niosome was more effective than vitamin C in treating As-induced toxicity in vitro.

Protective Effects of N-acetylcysteine Niosome Nanoparticles on Paraquatinduced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats

INTRODUCTION

Paraquat (PQ), as a bipyridyl compound, is widely used as an effective herbicide that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting the unsaturated lipids of cell membranes leading to cell mortality. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication that has a beneficial role in reducing the intoxication of kidneys caused by PQ. Niosomes are bilayer vesicles that enhance the bioavailability of drugs. This study aimed to compare the effects of NAC and niosome of NAC (NACNPs) on PQ-induced kidney toxicity concerning its antioxidant activity.

METHODS

In this experimental study, after formulating NACNP, 30 Wistar male rats weighing 180 to 250 gm were classified into five groups: the control group was treated with normal saline, while the other four groups received 35mg/kg/day of PQ via intraperitoneal route and, was treated with 25mg/kg/day NAC, 25mg/kg/day niosome and 25 mg/kg/day NACNP by gavage, Then, oxidative stress biomarkers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total thiol group (TTG), plus blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were evaluated in kidney tissue homogenate and examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The results revealed that TTG increased significantly in NAC & NACNP groups than in the PQ group. Further, in the PQ group, LPO increased significantly compared with the control, NAC, and NACNP groups, while in the NAC and NACNP group, LPO diminished compared with the PQ group. There was no significant difference in TAC between groups. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels dropped in NACNP compared with the PQ group and the NAC. Histological studies also approved PQ-induced damage and the protective effect of NACNP.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that NACNP could modulate oxidative stress status and kidney function against PQ toxicity.

N-Acetylcysteine Reverses Monocrotophos Exposure-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage via Mitigating Apoptosis, Inflammation and Structural Changes in Rats

Oxidative stress-mediated tissue damage is primarily involved in hepatic injuries and dysfunctioning. Natural antioxidants have been shown to exert hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. The present study evaluated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against monocrotophos (MCP) exposure-induced toxicity in the rat liver. Albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) NAC-treated, (3) MCP-exposure, (4) NAC and MCP-coexposure group. The dose of MCP (0.9 mg/kg b.wt) and NAC (200 mg/kg b.wt) were administered orally for 28 days. Exposure to MCP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and decreased glutathione content along with the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities. Further MCP exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and upregulated Bax and Caspase-3 expressions. MCP exposure also caused an array of structural alternations in liver tissue, as depicted by the histological and electron microscopic analysis. Thepretreatment of NAC improved glutathione content, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, prevented oxidation of lipids and proteins, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and normalized apoptotic protein expression. Treatment of NAC also prevented histological and ultrastructural alternations. Thus, the study represents the therapeutic efficacy and antioxidant potential of NAC against MCP exposure in the rat liver.

Evaluation of the efficiency of simvastatin loaded PLGA nanoparticles against acute paraquat-intoxicated rats

Here, we reported a novel nanotherapeutic platform for paraquat (PQ)-induced acute lung injury in animal models using simvastatin (SV) loaded into Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). In this way, Male Wistar rats orally received PQ (120 mg / kg) plus saline, SV (20 mg / kg) or PLGA-SV NPs containing 5, 10 and 20 mg SV/ kg. The levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and glutathione content were evaluated. In addition, the pathological changes in the lung were monitored. Our results indicated that PQ (120 mg/kg) significantly reduced the body weight of rats compared to the control group. The most decrease in the level of inflammatory cytokines, bleeding, alveolar destruction as well as lymphocytic infiltration in the lung was observed at group treated with PLGA-SV NPs (10 mg). Free SV (20 mg) as well as PLGA-SV NPs (5 mg) modulated the inflammatory factors and glutathione content, however, they could not prevent tissue damage of PQ. Interestingly, PLGA-SV NPs (20 mg) could not improve the PQ- induced pulmonary damage. In conclusion, PLGA-SV NPs (10 mg) attenuated PQ-induced lung injury. The underlying mechanism may be relevant to increasing glutathione levels and inhibition of the production of inflammatory factors.

Cardiotoxicity of some pesticides and their amelioration

Pesticides are used to control pests that harm plants, animals, and humans. Their application results in the contamination of the food and water systems. Pesticides may cause harm to the human body via occupational exposure or the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Once a pesticide enters the human body, it may create health consequences such as cardiotoxicity. There is not enough information about pesticides that cause cardiotoxicity in the literature. Currently, there are few reports that summarized the cardiotoxicity due to some pesticide groups. This necessitates reviewing the current literature regarding pesticides and cardiotoxicity and to summarize them in a concrete review. The objectives of this review article were to summarize the advances in research related to pesticides and cardiotoxicity, to classify pesticides into certain groups according to cardiotoxicity, to discuss the possible mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, and to present the agents that ameliorate cardiotoxicity. Approximately 60 pesticides were involved in cardiotoxicity: 30, 13, and 17 were insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, respectively. The interesting outcome of this study is that 30 and 13 pesticides from toxicity classes II and III, respectively, are involved in cardiotoxicity. The use of standard antidotes for pesticide poisoning shows health consequences among users. Alternative safe medical management is the use of cardiotoxicity-ameliorating agents. This review identifies 24 ameliorating agents that were successfully used to manage 60 cases. The most effective agents were vitamin C, curcumin, vitamin E, quercetin, selenium, chrysin, and garlic extract. Vitamin C showed ameliorating effects in a wide range of toxicities. The exposure mode to pesticide residues, where 1, 2, 3, and 4 are aerial exposure to pesticide drift, home and/or office exposure, exposure due to drinking contaminated water, and consumption of contaminated food, respectively. General cardiotoxicity is represented by 5, whereas 6, 7, 8 and 9 are electrocardiogram (ECG) of hypotension due to exposure to OP residues, ECG of myocardial infraction due to exposure to OPs, ECG of hypertension due to exposure to OC and/or PY, and normal ECG respectively.

N-acetyl cysteine co-treatment abates perfluorooctanoic acid-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl-persistent in the environment and toxic to humans. N-acetylcysteine is a pro-drug of both amino acid l-cysteine and glutathione-a non-enzymatic antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine serves as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and alleviates cellular oxidative and inflammatory stressors. We investigated N-acetylcysteine role against reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats (weight: 140-220 g; 10 weeks old) posed by perfluorooctanoic acid exposure. Randomised rat cohorts were dosed both with perfluorooctanoic acid (5 mg/kg; p.o) or co-dosed with N-acetylcysteine (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. Sperm physiognomies, biomarkers of testicular function and reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly (p < .05) reversed perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated decreases in reproductive enzyme activities, and adverse effect on testosterone, luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. N-acetylcysteine treatment alone, improved sperm motility, count and viability, and reduced total sperm abnormalities. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine mitigated perfluorooctanoic acid-induced alterations in sperm function parameters. N-acetylcysteine abated (p < .05) perfluorooctanoic acid-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats testes and epididymis, and generally improved antioxidant enzyme activities and cellular thiol levels. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine suppressed inflammatory responses and remedied perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated histological injuries in rat. Cooperatively, N-acetylcysteine enhanced reproductive function in perfluorooctanoic acid dosed rats, by lessening oxidative and nitrative stressors and mitigated inflammatory responses in the examined organ.

Prognostic value of liver and kidney function parameters and their correlation with the ratio of urine-to-plasma paraquat in patients with paraquat poisoning

Acute paraquat poisoning resulting from multiple organ failure usually has a high mortality rate. Liver and kidney, as the key oranges of paraquat detoxification and elimination, their injuries may suppress toxin excretion and enhance the toxicity of paraquat in other organs and worsen the prognosis. Therefore, we intended to explore the prognostic value of liver and kidney function parameters, and further evaluate their correlation with a more stable index urine-to-plasma paraquat (urine paraquat concentrations/plasma paraquat concentrations) instead of considering paraquat concentrations in plasma or urine alone. The study included 33 patients with acute paraquat poisoning admitted to four centres in China from January 2018 to December 2019. Seventeen patients (10 male/7 female) survived, whereas 16 patients (7 male/9 female, 48.48%) died from paraquat poisoning. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) represent liver and kidney function parameters, respectively. The ratio of urine-to-plasma paraquat is negatively correlated with ALT (r = -0.94, P = 0 .02) and BUN (r = -0.82, P = 0.03). For receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, ALT, BUN and urine-to-plasma paraquat have an AUC over 0.80. The study shows that the functional indexes of liver and kidney, as well as the ratio of urine-to-plasma paraquat, could be considered for evaluating the extent of organ injury and excretion rate of paraquat.

Effects of quercetin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers on the paraquat-induced toxicity in human lymphocytes

Paraquat (PQ) as a herbicide and an environmental pollutant with increasing importance due to its toxicity to humans and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the protective and antioxidant activity of quercetin loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (QNLC) against toxicity induced by PQ. Blood lymphocytes were prepared using Ficoll polysaccharide and subsequently by gradient centrifugation. The QNLC was prepared using an ultra-sonication method, which was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosome membrane integrity, Bax and Bcl2 gene expression were evaluated in human isolated lymphocytes. The results showed spherical QNLCs with nano-size range (52.7 nm) and high drug encapsulation efficiency (98.5% -96%). The results also indicated that PQ induced cell death, as well as ROS production, decreased by QNLC in human lymphocytes. Also, QNLC meaningfully restored MMP reduction, lysosomal membrane destabilization, and lipid peroxidation and were capable of preventing PQ-treated change in Bax and Bcl2 gene expression. We report that QNLC, have a significantly higher capacity to prevent PQ-induced toxicity than Q itself. It is suggested that the QNLC is a promising antioxidant for drug delivery to be used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for PQ poisoning.

The Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota Caused by Low-Dose Cadmium Aggravate the Injury of Mice Liver through Increasing Intestinal Permeability

Cadmium (Cd), widely present in food and drinking water at low doses, can cause health risks. However, the mechanistic effects of long-term Cd exposure at low dose through dietary intake is poorly studied. The aim of this study is to elucidate whether the dysbiosis of gut microbiota caused by Cd at an environmental low dose can aggravate the injury of mice liver, and the possible mechanism is investigated. In order to explore the potential underlying mechanism, the analyses of the variation of gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and hepatic transcriptome were conducted. Our results showed that gut microbiota was disturbed. The rise of intestinal permeability induced by the dysbiosis of gut microbiota resulted in more Cd ions accumulating in mice liver, but it could be restored partly through depleting gut microbiota by antibiotics cocktail. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that 162 genes were significantly differentially expressed including 59 up-regulated and 103 down-regulated in Cd treatment. These genes were involved in several important pathways. Our findings provide a better understanding about the health risks of cadmium in the environment.