Caffeic acid attenuates malathion induced metabolic disruption in rat liver, involvement of acetylcholinesterase activity

The diabetogenic effects of pesticides: Evidence based on epidemiological and toxicological studies

While the use of pesticides has improved grain productivity and controlled vector-borne diseases, the widespread use of pesticides has resulted in ubiquitous environmental residues that pose health risks to humans. A number of studies have linked pesticide exposure to diabetes and glucose dyshomeostasis. This article reviews the occurrence of pesticides in the environment and human exposure, the associations between pesticide exposures and diabetes based on epidemiological investigations, as well as the diabetogenic effects of pesticides based on the data from in vivo and in vitro studies. The potential mechanisms by which pesticides disrupt glucose homeostasis include induction of lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, acetylcholine accumulation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The gaps between laboratory toxicology research and epidemiological studies lead to an urgent research need on the diabetogenic effects of herbicides and current-use insecticides, low-dose pesticide exposure research, the diabetogenic effects of pesticides in children, and assessment of toxicity and risks of combined exposure to multiple pesticides with other chemicals.

Acute and chronic effects of the organophosphate malathion on the pancreatic α and β cell viability, cell structure, and voltage-gated K+ currents

Studies indicate that the pesticide malathion may have a role in diabetes. Herein, we determined the effects of different concentrations of malathion on survival, ultrastructure, and electrophysiologic islet cell parameters. Acutely, high concentrations of malathion (0.5 or 1 mM) increased cell death in rat islet cells, while low concentrations (0.1 mM) caused signs of cell damage in pancreatic α and β cells. Exposure of RINm5F cells to malathion for 24 or 48 h confirmed the reduction in β-cell viability at lower concentrations (0.001-100 µM). Chronic exposure of mouse pancreatic α and β cells to 3 nM of malathion led to increased voltage-gated K⁺ (K_v) currents in α-cells. Our findings show a time and concentration dependency for the malathion effect on the reduction of islet cell viability and indicate that pancreatic α cells are more sensitive to malathion effects on K_v currents and cell death.

Comparison of chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities between coffee flowers and leaves as potential novel foods

This study aimed to compare chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of coffee flowers (ACF) and coffee leaves (ACL) with green coffee beans (ACGB) of Coffea Arabica L. The chemical compositions were determined by employing high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) techniques. Antioxidant effects of the components were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. The coffee sample extracts contained a total of 214 components identified by HPLC-MS and belonged to 12 classes (such as nucleotides and amino acids and their derivatives, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, benzene, phenylpropanoids, and lipids.), where phenylpropanoids were the dominant component (>30%). The contents of flavonoids, alkaloids, saccharides, and carboxylic acid and its derivatives in ACF and ACL varied significantly (p < .05) compared to similar components in ACGB. Meanwhile, 30 differentially changed chemical compositions (variable importance in projection [VIP] > 1, p < .01 and fold change [FC] > 4, or <0.25), that determine the difference in characteristics, were confirmed in the three coffee samples. Furthermore, among 25 volatile chemical components identified by GC-MS, caffeine, n-hexadecanoic acid, 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-phenol], and quinic acid were common in these samples with caffeine being the highest in percentage. In addition, ACL showed the significantly highest (p < .05) DPPH radical scavenging capacity with IC50 value of 0.491 ± 0.148 mg/ml, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with inhibition ratio 25.18 ± 2.96%, whereas ACF showed the significantly highest (p < .05) ABTS radical scavenging activity with 36.413 ± 1.523 mmol trolox/g Ex. The results suggested that ACL and ACF had potential values as novel foods in the future.

Organophosphate pesticides and new-onset diabetes mellitus: From molecular mechanisms to a possible therapeutic perspective

Organophosphate is a commonly used pesticide in the agricultural sector. The main action of organophosphate focuses on acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and it therefore contributes to acute cholinergic crisis, intermediate syndrome and delayed neurotoxicity. From sporadic case series to epidemiologic studies, organophosphate has been linked to hyperglycemia and the occurrence of new-onset diabetes mellitus. Organophosphate-mediated direct damage to pancreatic beta cells, insulin resistance related to systemic inflammation and excessive hepatic gluconeogenesis and polymorphisms of the enzyme governing organophosphate elimination are all possible contributors to the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus. To date, a preventive strategy for organophosphate-mediated new-onset diabetes mellitus is still lacking. However, lowering reactive oxygen species levels may be a practical method to reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of an Endemic Species from Southern Algeria: Warionia saharae

Warionia saharae Benth. & Coss. (Asteraceae) is an endemic species of North Africa naturally grown in the southwest of the Algerian Sahara. In the present study, this species’ hydromethanolic leaf extract was investigated for its phenolic profile characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS). Additionally, the chemical composition of W. saharae was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and its antioxidant potential was assessed through five in vitro tests: DPPH^● scavenging activity, ABTS^●+ scavenging assay, galvinoxyl scavenging activity, ferric reducing power (FRP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity. The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis allowed the detection and quantification of 22 compounds, with taxifolin as the dominant compound. The GC–MS analysis allowed the identification of 37 compounds, and the antioxidant activity data indicate that W. saharae extract has a very high capacity to capture radicals due to its richness in compounds with antioxidant capacity. The extract also showed potent α-glucosidase inhibition as well as a good anti-inflammatory activity. However, weak anti-α-amylase and anticholinesterase activities were recorded. Moreover, an in silico docking study was performed to highlight possible interactions between three significant compounds identified in W. saharae extract and α-glucosidase enzyme.

An integrated approach based on phytochemistry, network pharmacology and metabolomics reveals the mechanism of action of Xanthium strumarium L. for allergic rhinitis

Xanthium strumarium L. (XS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been widely used in Chinese medicine prescription for allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the action mechanisms of XS on the therapeutic effects on AR remain elusive. Herein, an integrated approach of phytochemistry, network pharmacology and metabolomics was first applied to uncover the action mechanisms of XS for AR. The therapeutic effect of XS extract on AR was evaluated in rat models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR. The cytokine levels in rat serum and histopathological changes of nasal mucosa were assessed after oral treatment with XS. Chemical compositions of XS were elucidated by phytochemical methods, and active ingredients were identified via ADME-TOX screening in silico. Network pharmacology was performed to establish and analyze the compound-target-disease network so as to find the possible mechanism of XS in treating AR. In addition, metabolomics analysis was applied to investigate the changes in the endogenous metabolite levels that result from XS treatments. As result, the XS extract significantly increased the serum concentrations of IL-2 and reduced the levels of serum IL-4, while XS could ameliorate inflammation in the nasal sub-mucosal area, indicating that XS has significant therapeutic effects on AR model rats. Furthermore, a total of 119 compounds were isolated from XS, and 59 of these compounds were identified as active ingredients through ADME-TOX screening in silico. An in-depth analysis of the network pharmacology implied that the active ingredients of XS could regulate the inflammatory response via “multi-component, multi-target” patterns. In combination with the results of metabolomics, we found that the active ingredients of XS have a beneficial effect on AR through regulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid, which was reflected by medicating the Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, and the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathway, as well as the key proteins in arachidonic acid metabolism, such as PTGS2, PTGS1, PTGES and ALOX5. Additionally, molecular docking showed that multiple compounds have better binding with PTGS2 and ALOX5, which might be two crucial targets. Overall, these results suggest that the treatment of XS for AR is realized by regulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid via a combination form. This study provides the basis for clinical applications of XS.

This study investigated the mechanism of Xanthium strumarium L. for allergic rhinitis through an integrated approach of phytochemistry, network pharmacology and metabolomics.

Ferric-Induced Pancreatic Injury Involves Exacerbation of Cholinergic and Proteolytic Activities, and Dysregulation of Metabolic Pathways: Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid

The protective effect of caffeic acid on ferric-induced pancreatic injury was investigated using ex vivo and in silico models. Incubation of pancreatic tissues with Fe2+ led to significant depleted levels of glutathione (GSH) and SOD and catalase activities, with concomitant elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and acetylcholinesterase and α-chymotrypsin activities. Treatment with caffeic acid led to significant reversion of these levels and activities. Molecular docking revealed a higher binding affinity of caffeic acid with acetylcholinesterase via hydrogen bonding, Pi-Pi stacking, and Van der Waals interactions. FTIR spectroscopy of pancreatic metabolite revealed little or no effect by caffeic acid on functional groups in ferric-induced injured pancreas. The LC-MS analysis of the metabolites revealed Fe2+ caused a 20% depletion of the normal metabolites, with concomitant generation of glyceraldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxymandelaldehyde. Treatment with caffeic acid led to the restoration of TG(22:4(7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)/24:0/22:5(7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)) and dTDP-D-glucose, while depleting glyceraldehyde as well as activating gluconeogenesis. These results indicate the ability of caffeic acid to protect against ferric toxicity by exacerbating antioxidative activities, with concomitant inhibition of MDA and NO levels while deactivating metabolic pathways linked to oxidative stress.

A Systematic Review on Organophosphate Pesticide and Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are extremely poisonous and they affect the glucose breakdown in numerous and mechanism. There are higher evidence of stimulating diabetes mellitus through OP pesticides especially the type II diabetes. The upsurge in the level of glucose (hyperglycemia), and insulin resistance along with their related outcomes are discussed in this review. The data related to investigational and clinical techniques endorse a connection amid such molecular mechanism and compounds of OPs. Numerous studies conducted till March 2018 have reported OP' exposures and diabetes-related outcomes. The acute and chronic exposure in case of these insecticides and diabetesrelated outcomes are defined in this study. Initially, it was declared that OPs prompt to hyperglycemia. Then, a high association of glucose in blood beside insulin was found out. The affirmation from some clinical as well as investigational studies supported a connection amid exposure to OP and diabetes, yet in maximum number of instances, non-specific diabetes occurs.

Organophosphorus pesticides can influence the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes with concomitant metabolic changes

Widespread use and the bioaccumulation of pesticides in the environment lead to the contamination of air, water, soil and agricultural resources. A huge body of evidence points to the association between the pesticide exposure and increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, e.g. cancer, birth defects, reproductive disorders, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic renal disorders or autoimmune diseases. Organophosphorus compounds are among the most widely used pesticides. A growing body of evidence is suggesting the potential interdependence between the organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) exposure and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article reviews the current literature to highlight the latest in vitro and in vivo evidences on the possible influence of OPs on obesity and T2DM development, as well as epidemiological evidence for the metabolic toxicity of OPs in humans. The article also draws attention to the influence of maternal OPs exposure on offspring. Summarized studies suggest that OPs exposure is associated with metabolic changes linked with obesity and T2DM indicated that such exposures may increase risk or vulnerability to other contributory components.

Evaluation of cholinesterase and lipid profile levels in chronic pesticide exposed persons

Background:

Agriculture being the predominant occupation in India with rampant usage of pesticides to meet its enormous population needs. This pesticide abuse is taking a toll on the health of the persons involved in this work.

Objectives:

To evaluate pesticide exposure by assessing serum cholinesterase levels, and comparing them with the serum lipid profile levels which assumes the cardiovascular risk status.

Study Design:

It is a cross-sectional comparative study involving around 283 agricultural farm workers in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh. The study period was for about 3 months during pesticide spraying season.

Materials and Methods:

All the blood samples were collected and analysed for biochemical parameters like plasma glucose, blood urea, serum creatinine, and lipid profile and serum cholinesterase levels using XL 640 fully automated random access analyser.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Results were analysed using SPSS software version 20.

Results:

The study group was classified into two groups based on serum cholinesterase levels. It was observed that there were significant alterations in lipid profile levels in the study group with decreased cholinesterase levels when compared to those of normal cholinesterase levels. There was significant negative correlation between cholinesterase levels and non-HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL ratio.

Conclusion:

This study implicates that the pesticides have an adverse health effect with regard to cardiovascular risk status.

Potential contribution of insecticide exposure and development of obesity and type 2 diabetes

The introduction of insecticides has greatly improved agricultural productivity and human nutrition; however, the wide use of insecticides has also sparked growing concern over their health impacts. Increased rate of cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, reproductive dysfunction, birth defects, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and aging have been linked with insecticide exposure. Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence is suggesting that exposure to insecticides can also potentiate the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the relationship between insecticide exposure and development of obesity and type 2 diabetes using epidemiological and rodent animal studies, including potential mechanisms. The evidence as a whole suggests that exposure to insecticides is linked to increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Malathion-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats: biochemical and histopathological studies

The increasing use of organophosphorus pesticides in the environment constitutes an ecotoxicological hazard especially for humans and non-target animals. Hereby, we analyzed the toxic effects of malathion on the histological structure of liver and biochemical parameters in male rats. Three groups received daily different amounts of malathion: 1/1000, 1/100, and 1/10 LD50 for 30 days. The weights of treated rat's liver have increased. Analyzed tissues showed centrilobular and sinusoidal congestion, hepatocyte hypertrophy, cellular vacuolization, anucleated hepatocytes, depletion of organelles affecting the majority of cells, and presence of necrotic foci into the hepatic parenchyma. Histological sections of the liver showed important hepatocyte glycogen storage. We conclude that malathion stimulates the filing of glycogen in a dose-dependent manner. Biochemical parameters showed that alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels increased in the treated groups when the level of total protein decreased in intoxicated groups.

Changes in glucose metabolism and reversion of genes expression in the liver of insulin-resistant rats exposed to malathion. The protective effects of N-acetylcysteine

Organophosphorus pesticides are known to disturb glucose homeostasis and increase incidence of metabolic disorders and diabetes via insulin resistance. The current study investigates the influence of malathion on insulin signaling pathways and the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Malathion (200 mg/kg) and NAC (2 g/l) were administered orally to rats, during 28 consecutive days. Malathion increases plasma glucose, plasma insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels. Further, we observed an increase of insulin resistance biomarkers and a decrease of insulin sensitivity indices. The GP, GSK3β and PEPCK mRNA expressions were amplified by malathion while, the expression of glucokinase gene is down-regulated. On the basis of biochemical and molecular findings, it is concluded that malathion impairs glucose homeostasis through insulin resistance and insulin signaling pathways disruptions in a way to result in a reduced function of insulin into hepatocytes. Otherwise, when malathion-treated rats were compared to NAC supplemented rats, fasting glucose and insulin levels, as well as insulin resistance indices were reduced. Furthermore, NAC restored liver GP and PEPCK expression. N-acetylcysteine showed therapeutic effects against malathion-induced insulin signaling pathways disruption in liver. These data support the concept that antioxidant therapies attenuate insulin resistance and ameliorate insulin sensitivity.

Protective effects of caffeic acid against hypothalamic neuropeptides alterations induced by malathion in rat

Exposure to pesticides is suspected to cause human health problems. Our study aimed to evaluate preventive effects of caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) in the hypothalamus against malathion-induced neuropeptides gene expression alterations. Malathion at 100 mg/kg was administered intragastrically to rats alone or in combination with caffeic acid at 100 mg/kg during 4 weeks. A molecular expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides and plasmatic cholinesterase activity was investigated. Furthermore, we used in silico analysis, known as computational docking, to highlight the nature of acetylcholinesterase-malathion/caffeic acid interactions. Our findings showed differences in the responses and indicate that caffeic acid reversed malathion-induced decrease in corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor which presented an increased tendency. We suggest that caffeic acid can interact with acetylcholinesterase as the primary target of organophosphorus compounds. Results predict that caffeic acid can block partly the acetylcholinesterase gorge entrance via π-π stacking interaction with Tyr 124 and Trp 286 residues of the peripheral site leading to its stricture. Under this condition, we suggested that acetylcholine trafficking toward the catalytic site is ameliorated compared to malaoxon according to their sizes.

Natural polyphenols against neurodegenerative disorders: potentials and pitfalls

Within the last years, a rapidly growing number of polyphenolic compounds with neuroprotective effects have been described. Many efforts have been made to explore the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective action of polyphenols. However, many pathways and mechanisms considered for mediating these effects are rather general than specific. Moreover, despite the beneficial effects of polyphenols in experimental treatment of neurodegeneration, little has been achieved in bringing them into routine clinical applications. In this review, we have summarized the protective effects of polyphenols against neurodegeneration, and we have also discussed some of the barricades in translating these biochemical compounds, into relevant therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E/selenium against malathion-induced injuries on the antioxidant status and apoptosis-related gene expression in rats

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and selenium (Se) against malathion (MTN)-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injuries in experimental rats. Male rats were randomly divided into eight groups comprised of 10 rats each. The 1(st) group served as a negative control (C(N)), whereas the 2(nd) was supplemented with a combination of α-tocopherol (100 mg kg(-1) body weight, b.w.)/Se (0.1 mg kg(-1) bw). The 3(rd), 4(th) and 5(th) groups were respectively administered with increasing doses of MTN equivalent to (1/50 )LD(50) (M(1/50)), (1/25) LD(50) (M(1/25)) and (1/10) LD(50) (M(1/10)), respectively. The 6(th), 7(th) and 8(th) groups were administered the same doses of MTN as in the 3(rd), 4(th) and 5(th) groups with a concomitant supplementation with α-tocopherol/Se. Subchronic exposure of rats to MTN for 45 days resulted in statistical dose-dependent decrease in acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activity, increase in oxidative stress marker lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) level. Moreover, the levels of glutathione persoxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly decline in response to MTN exposure in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, histopathological studies of liver in the rats which received MTN exhibited, moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the hepatocytes. Notably, the administration of α-tocopherol/Se protected the liver of rats exposed to MTN as evidenced by the appearance of normal histological structures, significant attenuation of the decline in all antioxidant enzymes tested (i.e. GPx, SOD and CAT), significant recovery in the GSH level and statistical reduction in LPO, as compared to the experimental rat. The effect of α-tocopherol/Se supplementation on transcriptional activity of three key stress and apoptosis-related genes (i.e., Tp53, CASP3 and CASP9), in response to MTN exposure in rats, was investigated. Results revealed a significant concentration-dependent up-regulation in the level of expression for the three genes examined, in response to MTN exposure, compared with the control. Interestingly, the supplementation of MTN-treated rats with α-tocopherol/Se modulates the observed significant dose-dependent up-regulation in the level of expression for three selected genes, indicative of an interfering role in the signaling transduction process of MTN-mediated poisoning. Taken together, these data suggest that the administration of α-tocopherol/Se may partially protect against MTN-induced hepatic oxidative stress and injuries.

Toxic influence of organophosphate, carbamate, and organochlorine pesticides on cellular metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates: a systematic review

Pesticides, including organophosphate (OP), organochlorine (OC), and carbamate (CB) compounds, are widely used in agricultural and indoor purposes. OP and CB act as acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors that affect lots of organs such as peripheral and central nervous systems, muscles, liver, pancreas, and brain, whereas OC are neurotoxic involved in alteration of ion channels. There are several reports about metabolic disorders, hyperglycemia, and also oxidative stress in acute and chronic exposures to pesticides that are linked with diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In this respect, there are several in vitro and in vivo but few clinical studies about mechanism underlying these effects. Bibliographic databases were searched for the years 1963-2010 and resulted in 1652 articles. After elimination of duplicates or irrelevant papers, 204 papers were included and reviewed. Results indicated that OP and CB impair the enzymatic pathways involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein within cytoplasm, mitochondria, and proxisomes. It is believed that OP and CB show this effect through inhibition of AChE or affecting target organs directly. OC mostly affect lipid metabolism in the adipose tissues and change glucose pathway in other cells. As a shared mechanism, all OP, CB and OC induce cellular oxidative stress via affecting mitochondrial function and therefore disrupt neuronal and hormonal status of the body. Establishing proper epidemiological studies to explore exact relationships between exposure levels to these pesticides and rate of resulted metabolic disorders in human will be helpful.

Protective effect of reduced glutathione on the liver injury induced by acute omethoate poisoning

Omethoate is an organophosphate insecticide with high toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of exogenous reduced glutathione (GSH) on omethoate-induced liver injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, OM (omethoate poisoning), and OM+GSH (omethoate poisoning treated with GSH). The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in plasma, free organophosphate (FOP) in the liver were determined, and the histopathological changes in the liver were observed. Furthermore, TNF-α and NO in liver homogenate were assayed. The results showed that AChE activity was significantly inhibited by omethoate, but was not altered by GSH treatment. GSH was able to prevent hepatocellular edema and fatty degeneration, decrease liver FOP, attenuate the increased AST and ALT activity, and decline the increase of TNF-α and NO induced by omethoate. These results indicate GSH can attenuate liver injury, and suggest that GSH may be administered to protect the organ from injury in patients with acute organophosphate poisoning.