The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Camel Milk

Camel milk (CM) has been found to have several health benefits, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-cancer activities. In addition, CM can counter signs of aging and may be a useful naturopathic treatment for autoimmune diseases. The composition of CM varies with geographic origin, feeding conditions, seasonal and physiological changes, genetics and camel health status. In the present review, we collate the diverse scientific literature studying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of CM and its bioactive compounds. The databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched until the end of September 2021 using the keywords: camel milk, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of CM in various inflammatory disorders was consistently reported to be through modulating inflammatory cells and mediators. The common anti-inflammatory bioactive components of CM seem to be lactoferrin. The antioxidant effects of α-lactalbumin, β-caseins and vitamin C of CM work by reducing or inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anions and peroxyl radicals, likely alleviating oxidative stress. Higher levels of protective proteins such as lysozyme, IgG and secretory IgA compared to cow's milk, and insulin-like protein activity of CM on ß cells appear to be responsible for the immunomodulatory properties of CM. The evidence indicates that CM and its bioactive components has the potential to be a therapeutic value for diseases that are caused by inflammation, oxidative stress and/or immune-dysregulation.

Taurine and Camel Milk Modulate Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Changes in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Rats

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with deficiency in motor coordination, cognitive impairment, and excessive reactive oxygen species production in the brain.

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated effects of taurine and camel milk (CM) on neurobehavior, amyloid-beta peptide 1-42 (Aβ) expression, acetylcholinesterase, and superoxide dismutase activities in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) model of Alzheimer's disease in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 5): Normal saline (0.2 mL/kg body weight); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) (AD); CM (33 mL/kg); Taurine (50 mg/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg); and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg). The administration lasted for eight weeks via oral gavage. After the eighth week, neurobehavior assessments were performed. Rats were sacrificed, and brain and blood samples collected for analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the duration of motor endurance in AD + CM rats, compared to AD rats. Duration of forced swimming time was lowest (p < 0.0001) in AlCl3 + Taurine rats, compared to that of AD rats. Concentration of Aβ peptide decreased (p < 0.05) in AD rats, treated with CM and/or combination. In taurine-treated rats, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in AD rats. Treatment with taurine + CM increased (p < 0.05) acetylcholinesterase activity compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Taurine and CM enhanced cognition and sensorimotor activity by decreasing Aβ peptide concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase activities in AD rats.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Litsea martabanica Root Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Rats

In Thailand, people in the highland communities whose occupational exposure to pesticides used the root of Litsea martabanica as a detoxifying agent. However, the scientific data to support the traditional use of this plant are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-pesticide potential of L. martabanica root extract. Antioxidant properties were investigated by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, superoxide radicals scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total phenolic content determination. In all assays, L. martabanica extracts and their fractions exhibited high antioxidant activities differently. The water extract is traditionally used as a detoxifying agent. Therefore, it was chosen for in vivo experiments. The rats received the extract in a way that mimics the traditional methods of tribal communities followed by chlorpyrifos for 16 days. The results showed that acetylcholinesterase activity decreases in pesticide-exposed rats. Treatment with the extract caused increasing acetylcholinesterase activity in the rats. Therefore, L. martabanica extract may potentially be used as a detoxifying agent, especially for the chlorpyrifos pesticide. The antioxidant properties of L. martabanica may provide a beneficial effect by protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals. Histopathology results revealed no liver cell necrosis and showed the regeneration of liver cells in the treatment group. L. martabanica extract did not cause changes in behavior, liver weight, hematological and biochemical profiles of the rats.

Protective effect of fisetin against subchronic chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity on oxidative stress biomarkers and neurobehavioral parameters in adult male albino mice

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a chlorinated organophosphate insecticide that is widely used in agriculture and public health, has neurotoxic effects in animals. In addition to acetylcholinesterase inhibition, CPF has been shown to induce alterations such as oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Fisetin is a dietary flavonol that protects the brain tissue against oxidative stress by modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This study was designed to investigate the protective role of fisetin against brain oxidative damages and neurobehavioral parameters induced by subchronic oral exposure to CPF in albino mice. Adult albino mice (males, n = 32, weighing 20 ~ 25 g) were assigned randomly into 4 groups and treated accordingly for 7 weeks as follows: Group 1(S/OIL): served as the control group and were given 2 ml/kg of soya oil; Group 2 (CPF): received CPF (6.6 mg/kg; 1/5th of the LD₅₀); Group 3 (FIS): fisetin (15 mg/kg) and Group 4 (FIS + CPF): received fisetin at 15 mg/kg, followed by CPF (6.6 mg/kg) 30 min later. Co-treatment with FIS + CPF mitigated the increase in brain malondialdehyde concentration (0.28 ± 0.02 nmol/mg) and orchestrated the increase in the activities of catalase (81.35 ± 7.26 µ/mg), superoxide dismutase (93.03 ± 6.63 IU/mL), glutathione peroxidase (68.76 ± 3.554 nmol/mL) and acetylcholinesterase (11.59 ± 0.72 nmol/min/mL) when compared to the CPF group. The result showed that deficits in motor strength and excitability scores induced by subchronic CPF were mitigated by fisetin administration. It was concluded that fisetin has a protective potential in mitigating against oxidative stress and damages in the brain tissues, induced by subchronic exposure to CPF in adult male albino mice.

Toxicity evaluation of pesticide chlorpyrifos in male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

In the current study, chlorpyrifos was used as a test chemical to evaluate its possible toxicological effect on birds. A total of 45 adult male Japanese quails were divided into five groups (A to E). Each group, containing 9 birds was further divided into 3 sub-groups (containing 3 birds each). Group A served as control, while all other groups and sub-groups were exposed to selected pesticide for different trial periods. Chlorpyrifos sub-lethal doses were orally administered daily at the rate of 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg/kg body weight per day to group B, C, D, and E, respectively. Birds were kept under observation for behavioral changes throughout the trial periods. Clinical signs, histological alterations, genotoxicity, and blood biochemical alterations were recorded after each 15-day trial. Mild to moderate clinical signs like staggering gait, tremors, diarrhea, dullness, less frequency of crowing, and decrease foam production were observed in group D and E throughout the study. The changes in the body weight gain and blood biochemical parameters among different groups at a given trial period were insignificant. The appearance of micronuclei in group E birds was more significant, indicating that nucleus damage was dose-dependent while to lesser extent duration-dependent. The comet assay showed significant dose- and duration-dependent DNA damage among various groups. In comparison with control group, extensive histological degenerative alterations in the liver, testes, and kidneys were observed in birds of group D and E, where mild to severe alteration like congestion, vacuolation, necrosis, apoptosis, karyopyknosis, extensive degeneration, and alteration in many cellular structures were noticeable.

Camel milk rescues neurotoxic impairments induced by fenpropathrin via regulating oxidative stress, apoptotic, and inflammatory events in the brain of rats

This study explored the camel milk (CM) efficacy to ameliorate the fenpropathrin (FNP) induced neurotoxic impacts in rats. Six groups were orally administered physiological saline, corn oil, CM (2ml/rat/day), FNP (15 mg/kg bw daily for 60 days), CM/FNP (protective) or FNP + CM (therapeutic). Sensorimotor functions, memory, exploratory, and locomotor activities were assessed. The levels of dopamine (DOPA) neurotransmitter, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were determined. Brain histopathology and apoptotic markers immunohistochemical detection were performed. The results revealed that FNP exposure resulted in deficit sensorimotor functions, impaired memory, and less exploration. DOPA and AChE Levels were significantly reduced. FNP exposure increased nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, Caspase-3, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels but interleukin 10, total antioxidant capacity, and Bcl-2 levels were declined. Also, FNP exposure induced obvious encephalopathy. Additionally, neurodegenerative changes were seen in the hippocampi of FNP-treated rats. FNP Exposure induced a significant decrease of Bcl-2 immunolabelling but Caspase-3 immunoexpression was increased in cerebral cortices and hippocampus tissues. CM significantly counteracted the FNP injurious impacts, especially when used as a prophylactic routine than a therapeutic one. Conclusively, these findings confirmed that CM could be a biologically effective protective agent against FNP induced neurobehavioral aberrations and neurotoxic impacts.

Movento effects on learning and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein of adult male rats

Spirotetramat is a toxic commercially known as Movento used to control pistachio psylla pests. In the present study, the effects of Movento on passive avoidance learning of rats and their ability to explore the novel object in the novel object recognition test were investigated. The changes in the concentration of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) proteins were evaluated, too. Male Wistar rats were gavaged at different dosages of the Movento (50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 1250, and 1500 mg/kg) or saline for 7 days (administered every 2 days). We showed that Movento caused 50 and 100% mortality at the dose of 1250 and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. At the dose of 1000 mg/kg, Movento significantly decreased locomotor activity (P < 0.05). These rats also displayed a significant decrease in the number of training trials in the shuttle box and the ability to recognize a novel object compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The BDNF protein level of hippocampus also showed a significant decrease in the Movento (1000 mg/kg) compared with the control group (P < 0.01) while the number of pancellular necrosis pyramidal CA1 cells increased significantly in the Movento group (P < 0.001). We concluded that exposure to Movento can decline sensory, motor, and learning in rats.

Neurobiology of vitamin C: Expanding the focus from antioxidant to endogenous neuromodulator

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin (C) found in all bodily organs. Most mammals synthesize it, humans are required to eat it, but all mammals need it for healthy functioning. AA reaches its highest concentration in the brain where both neurons and glia rely on tightly regulated uptake from blood via the glucose transport system and sodium-coupled active transport to accumulate and maintain AA at millimolar levels. As a prototype antioxidant, AA is not only neuroprotective, but also functions as a cofactor in redox-coupled reactions essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and paracrine lipid mediators (e.g., epoxiecoisatrienoic acids) as well as the epigenetic regulation of DNA. Although redox capacity led to the promotion of AA in high doses as potential treatment for various neuropathological and psychiatric conditions, ample evidence has not supported this therapeutic strategy. Here, we focus on some long-neglected aspects of AA neurobiology, including its modulatory role in synaptic transmission as demonstrated by the long-established link between release of endogenous AA in brain extracellular fluid and the clearance of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Evidence that this link can be disrupted in animal models of Huntington´s disease is revealing opportunities for new research pathways and therapeutic applications (e.g., epilepsy and pain management). In fact, we suggest that improved understanding of the regulation of endogenous AA and its interaction with key brain neurotransmitter systems, rather than administration of AA in excess, should be the target of future brain-based therapies.

Preventive and therapeutic potential of ascorbic acid in neurodegenerative diseases

In this review, we summarize the involvement of ascorbic acid in neurodegenerative diseases by presenting available evidence on the behavioral and biochemical effects of this compound in animal models of neurodegeneration as well as the use of ascorbic acid as a therapeutic approach to alleviate neurodegenerative progression in clinical studies. Ascorbate, a reduced form of vitamin C, has gained interest for its multiple functions and mechanisms of action, contributing to the homeostasis of normal tissues and organs as well as to tissue regeneration. In the brain, ascorbate exerts neuromodulatory functions and scavenges reactive oxygen species generated during synaptic activity and neuronal metabolism. These are important properties as redox imbalance and abnormal protein aggregation constitute central mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Indeed, several studies have indicated an association between low serum ascorbate concentrations and neurodegeneration. Moreover, ascorbic acid is a suitable candidate for supplying either antioxidant defense or modulation of neuronal and astrocytic metabolism under neurodegenerative conditions. Ascorbic acid acts mainly by decreasing oxidative stress and reducing the formation of protein aggregates, which may contribute to the reduction of cognitive and/or motor impairments observed in neurodegenerative processes. Although several studies support a possible role of ascorbic acid administration against neurodegeneration, more researches are essential to substantiate the existing results and accelerate the knowledge in this field.

Individual and combined effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on reproductive system of adult male albino rats

Commercial mixtures of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticides are widely used to enhance the toxic effects of cypermethrin on target insects. So, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the individual and combined toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP) on reproductive system of adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomized into main four groups: group I (control group) included 16 rats, subdivided into negative and positive control; group II (eight rats) received chlorpyrifos 6.75 mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); group III (eight rats) (received cypermethrin 12.5 mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); and group IV (eight rats) (received chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin at the same previously mentioned doses). All treatments were given by oral gavage for 12 weeks. We found that single CPF and CYP exposures significantly have adverse effects on reproductive function of adult male albino rats manifested by reduced testicular weight, decreased sperm count, motility and viability, significantly increased percent of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, and significant increments in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with respect to control group. Furthermore, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were decreased significantly compared to control group. This was accompanied with histopathological changes in the testis of rats such as necrosis, degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells in some seminiferous tubules, edema, congested blood vessels, and exudate in interstitial tissue of the testis. Notably, all these changes were exaggerated in rats treated concomitantly with chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin rendering the mixture more toxic than the additive effects of each compound and causing greater damage on the reproductive system of male albino rats than the individual pesticides.

Use of molecular typing to investigate bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract of chlorpyrifos-exposed rats

BACKGROUND

Human are confronted on a daily basis with contaminant pesticide residues in food, water and other components of the environment. Although the digestive system is the first organ to come into contact with food contaminants, very few data are available on the impact of low-dose pesticide exposure during the in utero and postnatal periods on intestinal bacterial translocation (BT). Previous studies have revealed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and the contamination of sterile organs. Here, molecular typing was used to investigate intestinal bacterial translocation in rats exposed to chlorpyrifos in utero and during lactation. The translocated bacteria were profiled, and CPF tolerance and antibiotic resistance traits were determined.

METHODS

A total of 72 intestinal segments and extra-intestinal organs were obtained from 14 CPF-exposed rats. The samples were cultured to isolate bacterial strains that had tolerated treatment with 1 or 5 mg CPF/kg bodyweight/day in vivo. Strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Biotyper. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility. The isolates were genotyped with PCR assays for the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence and random amplification polymorphic DNA.

RESULTS

Bacterial translocation was confirmed for 7 of the 31 strains (22.6 %) isolated from extra-intestinal sites. Overall, the most prevalent bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (55.5 % of the 72 intestinal and extra-intestinal isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (27.7 %) and Bacillus cereus (9.8 %). 5 % of the S. aureus isolates displayed methicillin resistance. Seventy two strains were identified phenotypically, and seven translocated strains (mainly S. aureus) were identified by genotyping. Genotypically confirmed translocation was mainly observed found in pesticide-exposed groups (6 out of 7).

CONCLUSION

BT from the intestinal tract colonized normally sterile extra-intestinal organs in CPF-exposed rats. Our findings validate the use of molecular typing for the assessment of intestinal BT in CPF-exposed rats during critical periods of development.

Prenatal exposure to the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos enhances brain oxidative stress and prostaglandin E2 synthesis in a mouse model of idiopathic autism

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are emerging as polygenic and multifactorial disorders in which complex interactions between defective genes and early exposure to environmental stressors impact on the correct neurodevelopment and brain processes. Organophosphate insecticides, among which chlorpyrifos (CPF), are widely diffused environmental toxicants associated with neurobehavioral deficits and increased risk of ASD occurrence in children. Oxidative stress and dysregulated immune responses are implicated in both organophosphate neurodevelopmental effects and ASD etiopathogenesis. BTBR T+tf/J mice, a well-studied model of idiopathic autism, show several behavioral and immunological alterations found in ASD children, and we recently showed that CPF gestational exposure strengthened some of these autistic-like traits. In the present study, we aimed at investigating whether the behavioral effects of gestational CPF administration are associated with brain increased oxidative stress and altered lipid mediator profile.

METHODS

Brain levels of F2-isoprostanes (15-F2t-IsoP), as index of in vivo oxidative stress, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major arachidonic acid metabolite released by immune cells and by specific glutamatergic neuron populations mainly in cortex and hippocampus, were assessed by specific enzyme-immuno assays in brain homogenates from BTBR T+tf/J and C57Bl6/J mice, exposed during gestation to either vehicle or CPF. Measures were performed in mice of both sexes, at different postnatal stages (PNDs 1, 21, and 70).

RESULTS

At birth, BTBR T+tf/J mice exhibited higher baseline 15-F2t-IsoP levels as compared to C57Bl6/J mice, suggestive of greater oxidative stress processes. Gestational treatment with CPF-enhanced 15-F2t-IsoP and PGE2 levels in strain- and age-dependent manner, with 15-F2t-IsoP increased in BTBR T+tf/J mice at PNDs 1 and 21, and PGE2 elevated in BTBR T+tf/J mice at PNDs 21 and 70. At PND 21, CPF effects were sex-dependent being the increase of the two metabolites mainly associated with male mice. CPF treatment also induced a reduction of somatic growth, which reached statistical significance at PND 21.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the autistic-like BTBR T+tf/J strain is highly vulnerable to environmental stressors during gestational period. The results further support the hypothesis that oxidative stress might be the link between environmental neurotoxicants such as CPF and ASD. The increased levels of oxidative stress during early postnatal life could result in delayed and long-lasting alterations in specific pathways relevant to ASD, of which PGE2 signaling represents an important one.

Metabolomics analysis and biomarker identification for brains of rats exposed subchronically to the mixtures of low-dose cadmium and chlorpyrifos

Cadmium (Cd) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) are widespread harmful environmental pollutants with neurotoxicity to mammals. Although the exposure to Cd and CPF at the same time may pose a significant risk to human health, the subchronic combined neurotoxicity of these two chemicals at low levels in the brain is poorly understood. In this study, we treated rats with three doses (low, middle, and high) of Cd, CPF, or their mixture for 90 days. No obvious symptom was observed in the treated animals except those treated with high-dose CPF. Histological results showed that middle and high doses of the chemicals caused neuronal cell damage in brains. GC-MS-based metabonomics analysis revealed that energy and amino acid metabolism were disturbed in the brains of rats exposed to the two chemicals and their combinations even at low doses. We further identified the unique brain metabolite biomarkers for rats treated with Cd, CPF, or both. Two amino acids, tyrosine and l-leucine, were identified as the biomarkers for Cd and CPF treatment, respectively. In addition, a set of five unique biomarkers (1,2-propanediol-1-phosphate, d-gluconic acid, 9H-purine, serine, and 2-ketoisovaleric acid) was identified for the mixtures of Cd and CPF. Therefore, the metabolomics analysis is more sensitive than regular clinical observation and pathological examination for detecting the neurotoxicity of the individual and combined Cd and CPF at low levels. Overall, these results identified the unique biomarkers for Cd and CPF exposure, which provide new insights into the mechanism of their joint toxicity.

Effect of intrahippocampal administration of vitamin C and progesterone on learning in a model of multiple sclerosis in rats

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intrahippocampal injection of vitamin C and progesterone, alone or in combination, on passive avoidance learning (PAL) in multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

Sixty- three male wistar rats were divided into nine groups (n=7) as following: control (saline), lesion, vitamin C (0.2, 1, 5 mg/kg), progesterone (0.01, 0.1, 1 µg/µl) and combination therapy. Lesion was induced by intrahippocampal injection of ethidium bromide. In combination therapy, animals were treated with vitamin C (5 mg/kg) plus progesterone (0.01 mg/kg). Animals in experimental groups received different treatments for 7 days, and then all groups were tested for step through latency (STL).

RESULTS

Our results showed that intrahippocampal injection of ethidium bromide destroys PAL significantly (p<0.001). Treatment with vitamin C (5mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) improved PAL. Lower doses of progesterone did not affect latency but dose of 1 µg/µl significantly (p<0.05) increased STL. In combination therapy group STL was significantly (p<0.05) more than in the lesion group, although it was not significantly different from the vitamin C group.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we concluded that intrahippocampal injection of vitamin C improves memory for PAL, but progesterone alone or in combination with vitamin C had no improving effects on memory.

Alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary glands evoked by subacute chlorpyrifos administration in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary gland induced by subacute chlopyrifos (CPF) exposure in rats.

METHODS

Forty adult male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 10 animals were used for the study. Group I received soya oil (2 mL/kg) while group II was administered with melatonin (0.5 mg/kg). Group III was administered CPF only (8.5 mg/kg ∼ 1/10th of the LD50) while group IV was pretreated with melatonin (0.5 mg/kg) and then exposed to CPF (8.5 mg/kg), 10 min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 28 d. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and the testicular tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated for the malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

RESULTS

CPF increased MDA concentrations and reduced the activities of SOD and CAT in the testes and pituitary gland. Melatonin pretreatment reduced the testicular and pituitary MDA concentrations and improves the SOD and CAT activities.

CONCLUSIONS

the study showed that subacute CPF-induced oxidative stress in the testes and pituitary glands were alleviated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.

Effects of melatonin on changes in cognitive performances and brain malondialdehyde concentration induced by sub-chronic co-administration of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in male Wister rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ameliorative effect of melatonin on sub-chronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP)-evoked cognitive changes in male Wistar rats.

METHODS

Fifty adult male Wistar rats, divided into five groups of ten rats each, were used for the study. Groups 1 and II were given distilled water and soya oil (2 mL/kg) respectively. Group III was administered with melatonin at 0.5 mg/kg only. Group IV was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)], and Group V was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] 30 min after melatonin (0.5 mg/kg). The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for 12 weeks. Thereafter, cognitive performances were determined and the brain was evaluated for malonaldehyde concentration.

RESULTS

CPF and CYP induced cognitive deficits and increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, which were all ameliorated by melatonin.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive deficits elicited by CPF and CYP was mitigated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.

Effects of SuperUlam on Supporting Concentration and Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Background. SuperUlam is a proprietary blend of natural ingredients aimed at supporting brain health. We aimed to evaluate the effect of SuperUlam on attention and mood in healthy adults. Methods. Twenty healthy individuals aged 35–65 were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Study duration was 3 weeks and consisted of 3 visits. Measurement of cognitive function included computer-based testing of reaction time, complex attention, working memory, sustained attention, and executive functioning. Mood testing was performed via the profile of mood states (POMS) survey and the Chalder fatigue scale. Results. Cognitive function testing demonstrated a significant improvement from baseline in executive functioning, cognitive flexibility, reaction time, and working memory in the product group only (P < 0.05). When comparing the study product to placebo, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in tension, depression, and anger (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the product and placebo in the other measures of mood, including vigor, fatigue, confusion, and total mood disturbance. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. Supplementation with SuperUlam is safe to consume with potential benefits to cognitive function and mood.

Alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary glands evoked by subacute chlorpyrifos administration in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the alleviating effects of melatonin on oxidative changes in the testes and pituitary gland induced by subacute chlopyrifos (CPF) exposure in rats.

METHODS

Forty adult male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 10 animals were used for the study. Group I received soya oil (2 mL/kg) while group II was administered with melatonin (0.5 mg/kg). Group III was administered CPF only (8.5 mg/kg ∼ 1/10th of the LD50) while group IV was pretreated with melatonin (0.5 mg/kg) and then exposed to CPF (8.5 mg/kg), 10 min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 28 d. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and the testicular tissues and pituitary glands were evaluated for the malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

RESULTS

CPF increased MDA concentrations and reduced the activities of SOD and CAT in the testes and pituitary gland. Melatonin pretreatment reduced the testicular and pituitary MDA concentrations and improves the SOD and CAT activities.

CONCLUSIONS

the study showed that subacute CPF-induced oxidative stress in the testes and pituitary glands were alleviated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.

Chlorpyrifos-, diisopropylphosphorofluoridate-, and parathion-induced behavioral and oxidative stress effects: are they mediated by analogous mechanisms of action?

Exposure to organophosphates (OPs) can lead to cognitive deficits and oxidative damage. Little is known about the relationship between behavioral deficits and oxidative stress within the context of such exposures. Accordingly, the first experiment was carried out to address this issue. Male Wistar rats were administered 250 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos (CPF), 1.5 mg/kg of diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP), or 15 mg/kg of parathion (PTN). Spatial learning in the water maze task was evaluated, and F(2)-isoprostanes (F(2)-IsoPs) and prostaglandin (PGE(2)) were analyzed in the hippocampus. A second experiment was designed to determine the degree of inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, both the soluble and particulate forms of the enzyme, and to assess changes in AChE gene expression given evidence on alternative splicing of the gene in response to OP exposures. In addition, brain acylpeptide hydrolase (APH) activity was evaluated as a second target for OP-mediated effects. In both experiments, rats were sacrificed at various points to determine the time course of OPs toxicity in relation to their mechanism of action. Results from the first experiment suggest cognitive and emotional deficits after OPs exposure, which could be due to, at least in part, increased F(2)-IsoPs levels. Results from the second experiment revealed inhibition of brain AChE and APH activity at various time points post OP exposure. In addition, we observed increased brain read-through splice variant AChE (AChE-R) mRNA levels after 48 h PTN exposure. In conclusion, this study provides novel data on the relationship between cognitive alterations and oxidative stress, and the diverse mechanisms of action along a temporal axis in response to OP exposures in the rat.

Vitamin C Attenuates Chronic Chlorpyrifos-induced Alteration of Neurobehavioral Parameters in Wistar Rats

Background:

Oxidative stress is one of the molecular mechanisms in chlorpyrifos toxicity. The present study was designed to evaluate the attenuating effect of vitamin C on chlorpyrifos-induced alteration of neurobehavioral performance and the role of muscle acetylchloinesterase (AChE), glycogen and lipoperoxidation in the accomplishment of this task.

Materials and Methods:

Male rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups with the following regimens: soya oil (S/oil), vitamin C (VC), chlorpyrifos (CPF) and vitamin C+CPF (VC+CPF). The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 17 weeks. Neurobehavioral parameters measuring efficiency of locomotion, motor strength, righting reflex and excitability were evaluated at day 0 (pretreatment value), weeks 8 and 16. The rats were sacrificed at week 17 and evaluated for muscle glycogen and malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations and AChE activity.

Results:

The result showed that deficits in locomotion efficiency, motor strength, righting reflex and excitability score induced by chronic CPF were mitigated but not completely abolished by vitamin C. The reduced muscle AChE activity and concentrations of glycogen and MDA evoked by chronic CPF were ameliorated by vitamin C.

Conclusion:

The study therefore showed that improvement in muscle AChE activity, glycogen concentration and reduced lipoperoxidation by vitamin C may be partly responsible for the mitigation of the chronic CPF-induced sensorimotor performance.

Malondialdehyde plasma concentration correlates with declarative and working memory in patients with recurrent depressive disorder

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the cognitive decline, especially in memory impairment. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with recurrent depressive disorders (rDD) and to define relationship between plasma levels of MDA and the cognitive performance. The study comprised 46 patients meeting criteria for rDD. Cognitive function assessment was based on: The Trail Making Test , The Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency Test and Auditory-Verbal Learning Test. The severity of depression symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Statistically significant differences were found in the intensity of depression symptoms, measured by the HDRS on therapy onset versus the examination results after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). Considering the 8-week pharmacotherapy period, rDD patients presented better outcomes in cognitive function tests. There was no statistically significant correlation between plasma MDA levels, and the age, disease duration, number of previous depressive episodes and the results in HDRS applied on admission and on discharge. Elevated levels of MDA adversely affected the efficiency of visual-spatial and auditory-verbal working memory, short-term declarative memory and the delayed recall declarative memory. 1. Higher concentration of plasma MDA in rDD patients is associated with the severity of depressive symptoms, both at the beginning of antidepressants pharmacotherapy, and after 8 weeks of its duration. 2. Elevated levels of plasma MDA are related to the impairment of visual-spatial and auditory-verbal working memory and short-term and delayed declarative memory.

The protective role of ascorbic acid on imazalil-induced genetic damage assessed by the cytogenetic tests

Ascorbic acid (AA), known as vitamin C, has important antioxidant and metabolic functions, making its incorporation into the human diet essential. On the other hand, imazalil (IMA), a commonly used fungicide in both agricultural and clinical domains is suspected to produce very serious toxic effects in vertebrates. In this study, the antigenotoxic effects of AA were studied against the genotoxic damage induced by IMA on cultured human lymphocytes using chromosomal aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) as genetic end points. Human peripheral lymphocytes were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of AA (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml), tested in combination with IMA (336 mg/L). AA alone was not genotoxic and when combined with IMA treatment, reduced the frequencies of CAs and SCEs. A clear dose-dependent decrease in the genotoxic damage of IMA was observed, suggesting a genoprotective role of AA. In conclusion, the preventive role of AA in alleviating IMA-induced DNA damage was indicated for the first time in the present study.

Ameliorative effect of vitamin C on alterations in thyroid hormones concentrations induced by subchronic coadministration of chlorpyrifos and lead in wistar rats

The present study evaluated the ameliorative effect of vitamin C on alteration in thyroid hormones induced by low-dose subchronic coadministration of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and lead (Pb). Forty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Groups I and II were administered soya oil (2 mL/kg) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg), respectively. Group III was coadministered CPF (4.25 mg/kg ~1/20th LD₅₀) and Pb (250 mg/kg ~1/20th LD₅₀), respectively. Group IV was pretreated with vitamin C (100 mg/kg) and then coadministered with CPF (4.25 mg/kg) and Pb (250 mg/kg), 30 min later. The regimens were administered by gavage for a period of 9 weeks. The marginal decrease in serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine and the significant increase in the concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone and malonaldehyde in the group coadministered with CPF and Pb were ameliorated by vitamin C partly due to its antioxidant properties.