Environmental Co-Exposure to Potassium Perchlorate and Cd Caused Toxicity and Thyroid Endocrine Disruption in Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae (Danio rerio)

Blood Biochemical Biomarkers in Fish Toxicology-A Review

Blood-based biochemical assays are used as predictive and diagnostic methods to evaluate fish welfare in aquaculture and research. The variations of blood biochemical parameters in fish are commonly used as biomarkers of exposure to toxic agents. Blood biochemical parameters can help identify the magnitude of toxicity and the mechanisms by which particular toxic agents act on the organisms. Some parameters typically measured in the blood can also be evaluated in the whole body in the early developmental stages of fish (embryos and larvae) that are often used in toxicological studies. This review assessed the usefulness of various blood biochemical indices as toxicity biomarkers. Analysis of multiple studies showed that toxicity-induced changes in most blood biochemical parameters in fish often depend on toxic agent concentration and exposure duration. Also, various parameters manifest different sensitivity to intoxication, and diverse directions of changes may occur. Among biochemical parameters, some are biomarkers of general physiological stress, while others indicate dysfunctions of particular organs. Moreover, hormonal endpoints seem to be sensitive but nonspecific biomarkers of intoxication in fish.

Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A Review

Processed foods, accounting for most consumable food categories today, contain considerable amounts of food additives. Food additives are substances added to food products to improve taste, consistency, appearance, or shelf life. Various food additives, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, tartrazine, erythrosine, artificial sweeteners, and parabens, have been identified as potential sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in processed foods. EDCs are substances that frequently interfere with the regular functioning of the endocrine system, creating an unusual environment in the biological system, which leads to adverse health effects such as the disruption of hormone synthesis, receptor binding, and signal transduction pathways, as well as energy metabolic homeostatic disorders which potentially increasing the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and may also trigger allergic reactions. Consequently, they can also impact mammary gland development, and reproductive function, further leading to developmental abnormalities. This review aims to insights into the various food additives that act as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and to describe their applications in the food industry, as well as the failure of hormonal homeostatic mechanisms, which eventually result in hazardous health effects. It also outlines strategies to reduce the use of food additives and suggests alternative additives with minimal or no endocrine-disrupting properties, highlighting their importance for maintaining human health.

Effects of crosstalk between steroid hormones mediated thyroid hormone in zebrafish exposed to 4-tert-octylphenol: Estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects

Alkylphenols, such as nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), are byproducts of the biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates and present substantial ecological and health risks in aquatic environments and higher life forms. In this context, our study aimed to explore the effect of OP on reproductive endocrine function in both female and male zebrafish. Over a period of 21 days, the zebrafish were subjected to varying concentrations of OP (0, 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 μg/L), based on the lowest effective concentration (EC10 = 0.48 μg/L) identified for zebrafish embryos. OP exposure led to a pronounced increase in hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) mRNA expression and 17β-estradiol biosynthesis in both sexes. Conversely, OP exhibits anti-androgenic properties, significantly diminishes gonadal androgen receptor (ar) mRNA expression, and reduces endogenous androgen (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) levels in male zebrafish. Notably, cortisol and thyroid hormone (TH) levels demonstrated concentration-dependent elevations in zebrafish, influencing the regulation of gonadal steroid hormones (GSHs). These findings suggest that prolonged OP exposure may result in sustained reproductive dysfunction in adult zebrafish, which is largely attributable to the intricate reciprocal relationship between hormone levels and the associated gene expression. Our comprehensive biological response analysis of adult zebrafish offers vital insights into the reproductive toxicological effects of OP, thereby enriching future ecological studies on aquatic systems.

Thyroid-gonadal hormonal interplay in zebrafish exposed to sodium perchlorate: Implications for reproductive health

Perchlorate, a widespread environmental contaminant originating from various industrial applications, agricultural practices, and natural sources, poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health. While previous studies have highlighted its influence on the thyroid endocrine system and its impact on gonadal maturation, reproduction, and sex hormone synthesis, the specific interplay between thyroid and steroid hormones, in this context, remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms triggered by exposure to sodium perchlorate (SP) on reproductive endocrine activity in zebrafish. For 21 d, the fish were exposed to test SP concentrations (0, 3, 30, 300 mg/L), which were determined based on the exposure concentrations that induced various toxic effects in the fish, considering naturally occurring concentrations. Exposure to SP, except at 3 mg/L in males, significantly decreased the production of thyroid hormone (TH) in both female and male zebrafish. Moreover, gonadal steroid levels were markedly reduced in both sexes. The expression of hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA in female zebrafish was significantly decreased, whereas aromatase activity in male zebrafish was significantly elevated in the SP exposure groups. The reduced levels of THs and gonadal steroid hormones were strongly correlated. Abnormal responses to SP exposure led to reduced reproductive success in the 300 mg/L SP exposure group. These findings indicate that prolonged and continuous exposure to a specific concentration of SP may lead to long-term reproductive problems in zebrafish, primarily through hormonal imbalances and suppression of hepatic VTG mRNA expression.

Screening for chemicals with thyroid hormone-disrupting effects using zebrafish embryo

Thyroid disruption is an increasingly recognized issue in the use and development of chemicals and new drugs, especially to help toxicologist to complement the reproductive and developmental toxicology information of chemicals. Still, adequate assessment methods are scarce and often suffer a trade-off between physiological relevance and labor- and cost-intensive assays. Here, we present a tiered approach for a medium-throughput screening of chemicals to identify their thyroid disrupting potential in zebrafish embryos as a New Approach Methodology (NAM). After identifying the maximum tolerated concentrations, we exposed zebrafish larvae to sub-adverse effect levels of the reference compounds benzophenone-2, bisphenol A, phenylthiourea, potassium perchlorate, propylthiouracil, and phloroglucinol to exclude any systemic toxicity. Applying the transgenic zebrafish line that carries a gene for the red fluorescence protein (Tg(tg:mCherry)) under the thyroglobulin promoter, we could identify the thyroid disrupting effects of the chemicals by a time and cost-effective image analysis measuring the fluorescence levels in the thyroid glands. Our observations could be confirmed by altered expression patterns of genes involved in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Finally, to anchor the observed thyroid disruption, we determined some changes in the Thyroid hormone levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) using a newly developed liquid chromatography mass spectrometric (LCMS) method. The presented approach carries the potential to extend the toolbox for legislative authorities and chemical producers for the assessment of thyroid-specific endocrine disruption and to overcome current challenges in the evaluation of endocrine disruptors.

Modulation of TLR4/NFκB Pathways in Autoimmune Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammatory and oxidative disorder characterized by immune cell recruitment in the damaged tissue and organ dysfunction. In this paper, we evaluated the molecular pathways involved in myocarditis using a natural compound, Coriolus versicolor, in an experimental model of autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Animals were immunized with an emulsion of pig cardiac myosin and complete Freund's adjuvant supplemented with mycobacterium tuberculosis; thereafter, Coriolus versicolor (200 mg/Kg) was orally administered for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, blood pressure and heart rate measurements were recorded and the body and heart weights as well. From the molecular point of view, the Coriolus versicolor administration reduced the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-2) and restored the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). These anti-inflammatory effects were accompanied with a reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels and restored the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) and GSH levels. Additionally, it reduced the histological injury and the immune cell recruitment (CD4+ and CD68+ cells). Moreover, we observed an antiapoptotic activity in both intrinsic (Fas/FasL/caspase-3) and extrinsic (Bax/Bcl-2) pathways. Overall, our data showed that Coriolus versicolor administration modulates the TLR4/NF-κB signaling in EAM.

Current Review of Increasing Animal Health Threat of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Harms, Limitations, and Alternatives to Manage Their Toxicity

Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), more than 4700 in number, are a group of widely used man-made chemicals that accumulate in living things and the environment over time. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they are extremely persistent in our environment and body. Because PFAS have been widely used for many decades, their presence is evident globally, and their persistence and potential toxicity create concern for animals, humans and environmental health. They can have multiple adverse health effects, such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility problems, and cancer. The most significant source of living exposure to PFAS is dietary intake (food and water), but given massive industrial and domestic use, these substances are now punctually present not only domestically but also in the outdoor environment. For example, livestock and wildlife can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated water, soil, substrate, air, or food. In this review, we have analyzed and exposed the characteristics of PFAS and their various uses and reported data on their presence in the environment, from industrialized to less populated areas. In several areas of the planet, even in areas far from large population centers, the presence of PFAS was confirmed, both in marine and terrestrial animals (organisms). Among the most common PFAS identified are undoubtedly perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two of the most widely used and, to date, among the most studied in terms of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. The objective of this review is to provide insights into the toxic potential of PFAS, their exposure, and related mechanisms.

Aggravation of TGFβ1-Smad Pathway and Autoimmune Myocarditis by Fungicide (Tebuconazole) Exposure

Myocarditis is an inflammatory cardiac disorder and the primary cause of heart failure in young adults. Its origins can be attributed to various factors, including bacterial or viral infections, exposure to toxins or drugs, endocrine disruptors (EDs), and autoimmune processes. Tebuconazole (TEB), which is a member of the triazole fungicide family, is utilized to safeguard agricultural crop plants against fungal pathogens. Although TEB poses serious threats to mammal health, the information about how it induces toxic effects through various pathways, particularly in autoimmune diseases, are still limited. Thus, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of TEB exposure in autoimmune myocarditis (AM). To induce AM, rats were immunized with porcine cardiac myosin and exposed to TEB for 21 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed, and histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed. TEB exposure increased heart weight, systolic blood pressure and heart rate already augmented by AM. Additionally, it significantly increased creatine phosphokinase heart (CK-MB), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), as compared to the control. From the histological perspective, TEB exacerbates the histological damage induced by AM (necrosis, inflammation and cell infiltration) and increased fibrosis and collagen deposition. TEB exposure strongly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and prooxidant levels (O2^-, H₂O₂, NO₂^-, lipid peroxidation) and reduced antioxidant enzyme levels, which were already dysregulated by AM. Additionally, TEB increased NOX-4 expression and the TGFβ1-Smads pathway already activated by AM. Overall, our results showed that TEB exposure strongly aggravated the cardiotoxicity induced by AM.

Effect of Pesticide Vinclozolin Toxicity Exposure on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Damage

(1) Background: Vinclozolin is a popular fungicide used in fruit, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops. It has recently been seen that prolonged exposure to VZN can cause human or animal health damage to various organs, but little is known to date about its cardiovascular effects. In this study, we addressed the chronic effects of VZN on the myocardium and the enzymes involved in the cardiovascular function. (2) Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: group 1 served as the control, group 2 received 1 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, group 3 received 30 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, and group 4 received 100 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, for 30 days. (3) Results: Results showed that 100 mg/kg VZN markedly increased the plasma concentration of cardiac markers (CK-MB, cTnT, ANP, BNP). Moreover, compared to the control group, VZN treatment decreased the activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2. Furthermore, collagen deposition was amplified owing to 100 mg/kg VZN cardiotoxicity. This harmful effect was confirmed by a histological study using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. (4) Conclusion: Overall, our results proved the cardiotoxicity caused by chronic exposure to VZN.

Molecular targets for anti-oxidative protection of açaí berry against diabetes myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) is the principal cause of death and occurs after prolonged blockage of the coronary arteries. Diabetes represents one of the main factors aggravating myocardial injury. Restoring blood flow is the first intervention against a heart attack, although reperfusion process could cause additional damage, such as the overproduction of reacting oxygen species (ROS). In recent years, açaí berry has gained international attention as a functional food due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; not only that but this fruit has shown glucose-lowering effects. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of açaí berry on the inflammatory and oxidative responses associated with diabetic MIRI. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intravenous inoculation of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and allowed to develop for 60 days. MIRI was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Açaí (200 mg/kg) was administered 5 min before the end of ischemia and 1 h after reperfusion. In this study, we clearly demonstrated that açaí treatment was able to reduce biomarkers of myocardial damage, infarct size, and apoptotic process. Moreover, açaí administrations reduced inflammatory and oxidative response, modulating Nf-kB and Nrf2 pathways. These results suggest that açai berry supplementation could represent a useful strategy for pathological events associated to MIRI.

Special Issue on "Insights on Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms"

In human history, many key points have characterized technological progress, such as the use of metals, which began in prehistoric times and continues to the present day, with many industrial uses [...].

QNZ exposure induces development toxicity and mechanisms of hatching inhibition in large-scale loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) embryos

QNZ is a quinazoline-type NF-κB inhibitor and is one of the hot anti-inflammatory drug candidates in recent years. With its development and application, QNZ will inevitably enter the aquatic environment posing a threat to aquatic organisms. To investigate the potential toxicity of QNZ in the early life stages of the organism, this study exposed embryos of large-scale loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) to 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 nM of QNZ. The hatching of embryos was significantly inhibited and hatching time was delayed. We explored the mechanism of hatching delay and failure. The results suggested that QNZ exposure reduced the number of hatching gland cells (HGCs) and hatching enzyme activity. Also, the frequency of spontaneous movements was inhibited by interfering with the expression of genes related to the cholinergic system and skeletal muscle development. Further, QNZ exposure induces a series of morphological changes (spine deformation, pericardial edema, tail deformation, and yolk sac edema) in embryos and newly-hatched larvae, and finally increased the deformity rate and mortality rate of newly-hatched larvae. The information presented in this study will provide a scientific basis for further studies into the potential toxicity of QNZ on aquatic organisms.

Mechanism of Action of Natural Compounds in Peripheral Multiorgan Dysfunction and Hippocampal Neuroinflammation Induced by Sepsis

Bacterial sepsis induces the production of excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, resulting in tissue injury and hyperinflammation. Patients recovering from sepsis have increased rates of central nervous system (CNS) morbidities, which are linked to long-term cognitive impairment, such as neurodegenerative pathologies. This paper focuses on the tissue injury and hyperinflammation observed in the acute phase of sepsis and on the development of long-term neuroinflammation associated with septicemia. Here we evaluate the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration as a novel approach to treat polymicrobial sepsis. Rats underwent cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), and Coriolus versicolor (200 mg/kg in saline) was administered daily by gavage. Survival was monitored, and tissues from vital organs that easily succumb to infection were harvested after 72 h to evaluate the histological changes. Twenty-eight days after CLP, behavioral analyses were performed, and serum and brain (hippocampus) samples were harvested at four weeks from surgery. Coriolus versicolor increased survival and reduced acute tissue injury. Indeed, it reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream, leading to a reduced chronic inflammation. In the hippocampus, Coriolus versicolor administration restored tight junction expressions, reduce cytokines accumulation and glia activation. It also reduced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components expression. Coriolus versicolor showed antioxidant activities, restoring glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reducing lipid peroxidation, nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Importantly, Coriolus versicolor reduced amyloid precursor protein (APP), phosphorylated-Tau (p-Tau), pathologically phosphorylated tau (PHF1), phosphorylated tau (Ser202 and Thr205) (AT8), interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) expression, and β-amyloid accumulation induced by CLP. Indeed, Coriolus versicolor restored synaptic dysfunction and behavioral alterations. This research shows the effects of Coriolus versicolor administration on the long-term development of neuroinflammation and brain dysfunction induced by sepsis. Overall, our results demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor administration was able to counteract the degenerative process triggered by sepsis.

Complex Interplay between Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in the Development of Endometriosis

Endometriosis (Endo) is a chronic gynecological disease. This paper aimed to evaluate the modulation of autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis with Açai Berries in a rat model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of minced uterus tissue from a donor rat into a recipient one. The abdominal high-frequency ultrasound (hfUS) analysis was performed at 7 and 14 days from the endometriosis induction to evaluate the growth of the lesion during the experiment. Seven days from the induction, once the lesions were implanted, an Açai Berry was administered daily by gavage for the next seven days. At the end of the experiment, the hfUS analysis showed a reduced lesion diameter in animals given the Açai Berry. A macroscopical and histological analysis confirmed this result. From the molecular point of view, Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the autophagy induction. Samples collected from the Endo group showed impaired autophagy, while the Açai Berry administration inhibited PI3K and AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and promoted autophagy by inactivating mTOR. Additionally, Açai Berry administration dephosphorylated ATG1, promoting the activity of the ATG1/ULK1 complex that recruited Ambra1/Beclin1 and Atg9 to promote autophagosome nucleation and LC3II expression. Açai Berry administration also restored mitophagy, which increased Parkin cytosolic expression. The Açai Berry increased the expression of NRF2 in the nucleus and the expression of its downstream antioxidant proteins as NQO-1 and HO-1, thereby restoring the oxidative imbalance. It also restored the impaired apoptotic pathway by reducing BCL-2 and increasing BAX expression. This result was also confirmed by the TUNEL assay. Overall, our results displayed that Açai Berry administration was able to modulate autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis during endometriosis.

Early Exposure to Environmental Pollutants: Imidacloprid Potentiates Cadmium Toxicity on Zebrafish Retinal Cells Death

In the present study, we analyzed the combination of non-toxic concentrations per se, of Cd and a pesticide the imidacloprid (IMI) (10 and 50 μM for Cd and 195 μM for IMI), to highlight early developmental toxicity and possible damage to retinal cells. Co-exposure to Cd and IMI showed a toxic effect in zebrafish larval development, with lowered degrees of survival and hatching, and in some cases the induction of structural alterations and edema. In addition, co-exposure to 50 and 195 μM, respectively, for Cd and IMI, also showed increased apoptosis in eye cells, accompanied by up regulation of genes associated with antioxidant markers (cat, sod1, nrf2 and ho-1). Thus, the present study aims to highlight how the presence of multiple contaminants, even at low concentrations, can be a risk factor in a model of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The presence of other contaminants, such as IMI, can cause an enhancement of the toxic action of Cd on morphological changes in the early life stage of zebrafish, but more importantly disrupt the normal development of the retina, eventually triggering apoptosis.

Regulation of Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress by Oral Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin Extract in a Rat Model of Endometriosis

Endometriosis (EMS) is a gynecological disease characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis dysregulation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (BS) on the endometriotic lesions in a rat model of endometriosis. We divided female rats into three groups, including Sham, EMS, EMS + BS. In the EMS and EMS + BS groups, pathology was induced and after 7 days by the abdominal high-frequency ultrasound (hfUS) analysis the presence of the endometriotic lesions was confirmed. Subsequently, the EMS + BS group was administered with BS (100 mg/Kg) daily for another 7 days. At the end of the experiment, the hfUS analysis was repeated and the animals were sacrificed to evaluate the size and histoarchitecture of the endometriotic implants. Pelvic ultrasound showed increased size of the endometriotic lesions in the Endo group, while BS administration reduced the lesion size. The macroscopic analysis confirmed the reduced area and volume of the endometriotic lesions of the EMS + BS group. The histological analysis showed reduced characteristic of ectopic stroma and glands in the animals treated with BS. Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. BS increases the expression of Nfr2 in the nucleus and the expression of its downstream antioxidant proteins NQO-1 and HO-1. Moreover, it reduced lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione (GSH) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. BS administration also restored the impaired apoptotic pathway in the lesions by reducing Bcl-2 expression and increasing Bax and cleaved caspase 9 levels. The BS apoptotic effect was also confirmed by the cleavage of PARP, another specific marker of apoptosis, and by the TUNEL assay. Our results show that BS administration resulted in an effective and coordinated suppression of Endo owing to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

The influence of sunitinib and sorafenib, two tyrosine kinase inhibitors, on development and thyroid system in zebrafish larvae

Recently, the potential toxic effects of various pharmaceuticals on the thyroid endocrine system have raised considerable concerns. In this study, we evaluated the adverse effects of sorafenib and sunitinib, two widely used anti-tumor drugs, on the developmental toxicities and thyroid endocrine disruption by using zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to different contentions (0, 10, 50 and 100 nM) of sorafenib and sunitinib for 96 hpf. The results revealed that waterborne exposure to sorafenib and sunitinib exhibited remarkable toxic effects on the survival and development in zebrafish embryos/larvae, which was accompanied by obvious disturbances of thyroid endocrine system (e.g., decreased T3 and T4 content, increased TSH content) and genes' transcription changes within the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. In addition, we verified a strikingly abnormal thyroid gland organogenesis in zebrafish larvae in response to sorafenib and sunitinib, by assessing the development of thyroid follicles using the WISH staining of tg, the Tg (tg:GFP) zebrafish transgenic line, and histopathological analysis. Taken together, our results indicated sorafenib and sunitinib exposure could induce obvious developmental toxicities and thyroid function disruption in zebrafish embryos/larvae, which might involve a regulatory mechanism, at least in part, by destroying the thyroid follicle structure, and by disturbing the balance of the HPT axis.

Açai Berry Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Damage in Genitourinary Axis-Modulating Nrf-2/HO-1 Pathways

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is used to treat different malignancies and autoimmune disorders in men. This chemotherapy frequently reduces tumors, which is beneficial, but also causes infertility because of severe oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the bladder and testes brought on by its metabolite, acrolein. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a novel food, açai berry, in preventing CYP-induced damage in the bladder and testes.

METHODS

CYP was administered intraperitoneally once during the experiment at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in 10 mL/kg b.w. of water. Açai berry was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The administration of açai berry was able to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and histological changes in the bladder and testes after CYP injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show for the first time that açai berry modulates physiological antioxidant defenses to protect the bladder and testes against CYP-induced changes.

Occurrence and Estimated Daily Intake of Cortisone and Cortisol in Aquatic Food from China TDS

Glucocorticoids (GCs) widely exist in animal food including aquatic food. This study aimed to survey the occurrences of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of cortisone and cortisol due to different habits of aquatic food consumption. The mean levels of cortisone and cortisol in freshwater fish purchased from market were 14.59 μg/kg and 69.15 μg/kg, respectively, which were markedly higher than the levels in marine fish. A test using Zebrafish was performed to compare the concentration of GCs by different killing methods. The results suggested that physically traumatic killing methods are one of the reasons why the levels of GCs in freshwater fish were higher than those in marine fish. The concentrations of cortisone and cortisol in composite aquatic food samples from 12 provincial districts of the fourth China Total Diet Study (TDS) were 0.72~15.75 μg/kg and 4.90~66.13 μg/kg, respectively, which were positively correlated with the distance from the coastline. Further, the correlation coefficient between the levels of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food and the percentages of freshwater fish consumption were 0.758 (p < 0.01) and 0.908 (p < 0.01), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of cortisone and cortisol in aquatic food in the fourth TDS and the percentages of freshwater fish consumption. The calculated average EDIs of cortisone and cortisol from aquatic food in the fourth TDS were 0.16 μg/d and 0.72 μg/d, respectively.

Endokrine Disruptoren

Definition Eine einheitliche Definition endokriner Disruptoren gibt es noch nicht. Inzwischen wurden jedoch Schlüsselcharakteristika definiert, welche die Einordnung einer Substanz als endokrinen Disruptor vereinfachen sollen.

Bisherige Forschungsschwerpunkte Der Einfluss endokriner Disruptoren auf den menschlichen Organismus wurde bisher wenig untersucht. Die Schwerpunkte der bisherigen Forschung liegen auf Stoffwechsel-Erkrankungen und Reproduktionsmedizin.

Aktuelle Forschungsbemühungen und Ausblick Die bisherigen Erkenntnisse zu endokrinen Disruptoren beruhen auf epidemiologischen Beobachtungen und Expositionsstudien in Zellkultur und Tierexperimenten. Auch Ökologie und Ökonomie werden durch endokrine Disruptoren beeinflusst. Daher sind globale Bemühungen notwendig, um irreversible Schäden aufzuhalten.

Chronic Exposure to Endocrine Disruptor Vinclozolin Leads to Lung Damage Via Nrf2–Nf-kb Pathway Alterations

Endocrine-disrupting substances (EDS) are common and pervasive in our environment and pose a serious risk to both human and animal health. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been associated with a variety of detrimental human health effects, including respiratory issues, as a result of their ability to disrupt cell physiology. Vinclozolin ((RS)-3-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-vinyloxazolidine-2,4-dione) is a common dicarboximide fungicide used to treat plant diseases. Several studies have analyzed the effects of vinclozolin exposure on the reproductive system, but less is known about its effect on other organs such as the lung. Mice were exposed for 28 days to orally administered vinclozolin at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Vinclozolin exposure induced histological alterations and collagen depositions in the lung. Additionally, vinclozolin induced inflammation and oxidative stress that led to lung apoptosis. Our study demonstrates for the first time that the toxicological effects of vinclozolin are not limited to the reproductive system but also involve other organs such as the lung.

Chronic Exposure to Vinclozolin Induced Fibrosis, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Mice Kidney

Vinclozolin is one of the most used fungicides in the control of fungi in fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The effects of its exposure on different organs have been described, but information regarding its relevance to vinclozolin-induced nephrotoxicity is largely missing. This study focuses on the potential mechanism of vinclozolin-induced nephrotoxicity. CD1 male mice were administered vinclozolin (100 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 28 days. Vinclozolin administration decreased body weight over the treatment period and at the end of the experiment, increased the ratio of kidney weight to body weight and increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine contents. Vinclozolin also induced histopathological alterations, including tubular dilatation and necrosis and impaired the integrity of the renal-tubular architecture and kidney fibrosis. The analyses conducted showed that vinclozolin administration altered the mRNA levels of mitochondrial function-related proteins (SIRT3, SIRT1, PGC-1α, TFAM, NRF1, VDAC-1, and Cyt c) and oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation and decreased total antioxidative capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities, glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activity) in the kidneys. Furthermore, vinclozolin induced toxicity that altered Nrf2 signalling and the related proteins (HO-1 and NQO-1). Vinclozolin administration also affected both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, upregulating the expression of proapoptotic factors (Bax, Caspase 3, and FasL) and downregulating antiapoptotic factor (Bcl-2) levels. This study suggests that vinclozolin induced nephrotoxicity by disrupting the transcription of mitochondrial function-related factors, the Nrf2 signalling pathway, and the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Aerosol-Administered Adelmidrol Attenuates Lung Inflammation in a Murine Model of Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and devastating clinical disorder with a high mortality rate and no specific therapy. The pathophysiology of ALI is characterized by increased alveolar/capillary permeability, lung inflammation, oxidative stress and structural damage to lung tissues, which can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Adelmidrol (ADM), an analogue of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, which are mainly due to down-modulating mast cells (MCs) and promoting endogenous antioxidant defense. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of ADM in a mice model of ALI, induced by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the dose of 5 mg/kg. ADM 2% was administered by aerosol 1 and 6 h after LPS instillation. In this study, we clearly demonstrated that ADM reduced lung damage and airway infiltration induced by LPS instillation. At the same time, ADM counteracted the increase in MC number and the expression of specific markers of MC activation, i.e., chymase and tryptase. Moreover, ADM reduced oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes as well as modulating the Nf-kB pathway and the resulting pro-inflammatory cytokine release. These results suggest that ADM could be a potential candidate in the management of ALI.

Adverse Effects of Toxic Metal Pollution in Rivers on the Physiological Health of Fish

Toxic metal pollution influences the lives of diverse aquatic organisms and humans who consume contaminated aquatic products. However, its potential impacts on aquatic organism health and, thus, ecological health, have been neglected in many regions. This research was carried out to contribute to filling that knowledge gap. Three freshwater fish species in the Nhue−Day River basin, Vietnam, have been chosen to study the bioaccumulation of metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in the tissues (livers, kidneys, gills) and their effects on fish physiological health (changes in the oxidative-GST activity, and physiological biomarkers-energy reserves, respectively) from 2013 to 2017. The extensive results revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in metal concentrations in tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypothalmic molitrix), and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and well correlated to their concentration in the water (p < 0.05). Fish bioaccumulated metals in the following order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd, with more in the kidneys and livers (spring and summer) than in other tissues. Metal accumulation in O. niloticus and C. carpio was higher than in H. molitrix. Biomarker responses (except for glycogen variation) were also higher during warm seasons. Changes in metal levels in water and fish tissues caused variations in biomarkers in the respective fish tissues, particularly in the livers, as demonstrated by significant correlations of metal concentrations in water and fish tissues to biochemical and physiological responses (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that metal pollution in the river basin adversely impacts the physiological health of both wild and cultured fish. Seasonal shifts in the levels of metal accumulation and biomarkers could be connected to species-specific differences in physiology and the levels of metals in environments. This biomarker set is simple but effective in assessing the impact of metal pollution on fish health and, hence, the aquatic ecosystem. This is one of the first biomonitoring studies to assist in designing better water management strategies for the Nhue−Day River basin.

Açai Berry Mitigates Vascular Dementia-Induced Neuropathological Alterations Modulating Nrf-2/Beclin1 Pathways

The second-most common cause of dementia is vascular dementia (VaD). The majority of VaD patients experience cognitive impairment, which is brought on by oxidative stress and changes in autophagic function, which ultimately result in neuronal impairment and death. In this study, we examine a novel method for reversing VaD-induced changes brought on by açai berry supplementation in a VaD mouse model. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of açai berries on the molecular mechanisms underlying VaD in a mouse model of the disease that was created by repeated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) of the whole bilateral carotid artery. Here, we found that açai berry was able to reduce VaD-induced behavioral alteration, as well as hippocampal death, in CA1 and CA3 regions. These effects are probably due to the modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and Beclin-1, suggesting a possible crosstalk between these molecular pathways. In conclusion, the protective effects of açai berry could be a good supplementation in the future for the management of vascular dementia.