Tunisian Artemisia campestris L.: a potential therapeutic agent against myeloma - phytochemical and pharmacological insights

BACKGROUND

Artemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this plant overworld, the chemical composition and the biological activity of the leaves grown in Tunisia remains poorly investigated. In this study of AC, a successive extraction method was employed (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) to investigate its bioactive constituents by LC-MS analysis, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

RESULTS

Data analysis revealed diverse compound profiles in AC extracts. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities, while Hexane showed superior phytosterol extraction. Ethyl acetate extract displayed potent antibacterial activity against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, all extracts demonstrated, for the first time, robust antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Cytotoxicity assays revealed the significant impact of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts on metastatic breast cancer and multiple myeloma, examined for the first time in our study. Moreover, further analysis on multiple myeloma cells highlighted that the ethyl acetate extract induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death and resulted in an S phase cell cycle blockage, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation uncovers novel findings in Tunisian AC, notably the identification of lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The study sheds light on the promising role of AC extracts in therapeutic interventions and underscores the need for continued research to harness its full potential in medicine and pharmaceutical development.

Sewage analysis as an alternative tool for assessing drug of abuse and new psychoactive substances in Tunisia

Many studies attest to the pollution of wastewaters by organic molecules including drug of abuse (DAs) residues and new psychoactive substances (NPS) at trace levels. The occurrence of these emerging micropollutants in influent wastewaters (IWW) from three Tunisian Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) was assessed. Influent wastewater composite samples (24 h) were collected over 7 consecutive days in November 2019. The determination and quantification of 11 drug of abuse or their metabolites was performed by the application of an optimized multi-residue method liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MDMA, THC and the cocaine metabolite benzoyl ecgonine were the most detected substances across the three investigated sewage plants. A new wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach was applied in this study to estimate illicit drug consumption. This innovative approach was used to calculate and to assess collective drug consumption of illicit drug at a community level, based on the concentration of selected illicit substances and their major metabolites in influent wastewater. The average MDMA consumption found in the selected cities ranged between 35,8-1531,1 mg day^- 1/1000 inhabitants and increased during the weekends. Cocaine consumption varied from 24.5 to 179.8 mg day^- 1/1000 inhabitants. Complementary qualitative investigation of new psychoactive substances was monitored for the first time for an African country, examining the occurrence of 33 NPS in wastewaters samples. Out of 33 totals screened NPS across all sampling sites, 16 were tentatively identified with this approach. The 16 detected NPS covered most of the representative and used molecules of different NPS classes; including synthetic opioids, synthetic cathinones, amphetamines derivatives and synthetic cannabinoids.

Effects of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels on the male reproductive function

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation-reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r = .225, p < .05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = -.227, p = .022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r = .223, p = .031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r = .528, p < .001; r = .280, p = .017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment.

Protective and Curative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Terfezia Boudieri (Edible Desert Truffle Specie) against Paracetamol Acute Toxicity in the Rat

The current study was aimed to evaluate the protective and curative effect of aqueous extract of edible desert truffle specie (Terfezia boudieri) against rat's liver and kidney injuries induced by paracetamol (PCM). Terfezia boudieri was genetically identified by PCR and then sequencing (Genbank NCBI: LT718236.1). Terfezia boudieri aqueous extract (TBAE) was characterized by antioxidant capacity evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl test (EC₅₀ = 0.415 mg/ml). LC-MS analysis shows that TBAE contains several actives biomolecules such as B3 vitamin (2.73 ± 0.3 mg/100g dm), quinic acid (2 ± 0.22 mg/100g dm), chlorogenic acid (0.18 ± 0.02 mg/100g dm) and quercetin-3-o-rhamonoside (0.09 ± 0.01 mg/100g dm). Liver and kidney Biochemical parameters showed no significant variation in rat's plasma treated with PCM and/or TBAE. However, the histological studies showed that the liver injuries induced by PCM were characterized by hemorrhage and inflammation. The pretreatment by TBAE showed preservation of normal liver and kidney architecture, this finding suggests its protective effects on these two organs. The co-treatment by TBAE reduced the PCM hepatotoxicity proved by normal central vein and small vacuols. In addition, TBAE reduced kidney PCM toxicity proved by less area inflammation and normal glomerulus. Therefore, TBAE is promoting eventual protective and curative drug against acute toxicity.

Biomonitoring chronic lead exposure among battery manufacturing workers in Tunisia

The aim of the study was the biomonitoring of the chronic exposure to Pb by measuring its levels in blood, urine, and hair of battery workers. Blood lead (BPb), urinary lead (UPb), hair lead (HPb), and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (UALA) levels were determined for 52 workers in a battery plant and compared to those of 20 non-occupational exposed subjects (controls). BPb and UPb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). HPb levels were measured by triple quadrupole ICP-MS and UALA levels were determined using cation exchanger column. The measured levels were significantly higher compared to the controls exceeding the OSHA cutoff values (p < 0.01). The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of workers were 715 μg L^-1, 331 μg L^-1, 16.3 mg g^-1, and 234 μg g^-1, respectively. The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of controls were 93.6 μg L^-1, 36.3 μg L^-1, 1.9 mg g^-1, and 1.8 μg g^-1, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between BPb and UALA (r = 0.630, p = 0.000), UPb and UALA (r = 0.566, p = 0.000), and between BPb and HPb (r = 0.466, p = 0.004). The significant correlation between BPb and HPb suggests the usefulness of hair for assessing occupational exposure particularly when the study area presents medium to high levels of Pb pollution. The association between Pb biomarkers and potential confounding factors revealed significant influence of the occupational factor over smoking and alcohol consumption. The results of this study urge for the reinforcement of the implemented engineering controls and safety measures in order to reduce exposure and to address the health issues related to Pb poisoning.

Evaluation of the status and the relationship between essential and toxic elements in the hair of occupationally exposed workers

Lead poisoning is a common disease in lead-acid battery manufacturing industries. Workers can be also exposed to various toxic elements present as contaminants or used as catalysts to enhance batteries' performances. In the present study, levels of essential and toxic elements and their relationship were assessed by analyzing scalp hair samples of 52 workers in a Pb battery manufacturing plant. The impact of some confounding factors on hair mineral contents was also investigated. For comparative purposes, nonoccupationally exposed subjects were selected as controls. All elements were determined by triple quadrupole ICP-MS. The results indicated significantly higher levels of Pb, Sb, As, and Cd in the hair of workers when compared to controls (p < 0.01). The Spearman correlation test revealed significant correlations between Pb/Cr, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ni, Pb/As, Pb/Se, Pb/Sb, Hg/As, Hg/Sn, Hg/Sb, Sb/Cr, Sb/As, Sb/Se, Sb/Cd, Sb/Sn, Sn/Cr, Sn/As, Sn/Cd, Cd/As, Se/Ni, As/Cr, Ni/Cr, Ni/Mn, and Mn/Cr in the hair of workers and Pb/Cr, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ni, Pb/Cd, Mn/Ni, Mn/Cd, Cd/Ni, As/Ni, Sn/Ni, Sb/Sn, and Hg/Sn in the hair of controls. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed linear dependence including Cr = f(Pb, Ni, Sb), Mn = f(Ni, Sb), Ni = f(Mn, Cr, -Cd) (Cd was negatively correlated, β < 0), As = f(Sn, Sb, Hg), Se = f(Ni); Sn = f(As), Sb = f(As, Mn, -Hg, Sn, Se, -Ni) (Hg and Ni were negatively correlated), Hg = f(As, -Sb, Sn) (Sb was negatively correlated), and Pb = f(Cr). The result of this study can be very useful to explain the interactions between elements or for comparison studies when establishing reference ranges or monitoring elements in workplaces.

Fast screening tests for the simultaneous detection of 11 drugs of abuse in urine specimens. A forensic epidemiology study of 28,298 cases in Tunisia

Forensic investigation performed on people suspected to be drug abusers covering all Tunisian cities was conducted by monitoring an epidemiological study of human urine samples surveying positive rates of consumption for drugs of abuse. The forensic investigations were conducted on a total of 28,298 arrested individuals suspected to be drug addicts during five years (January 2010-December 2015). An immunoassay screening tests to detect elevated levels of drugs classes in urine samples was performed. These screening assays provide a preliminary qualitative test result. Only positives urine specimens were analyzed with GC-MS for confirmation. Except for cannabis, the results showed insignificant number of positive cases for cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA) and amphetamine consumptions (<1%).

Development of an automated method for the determination of human paraoxonase1 activity

Background: Human plasma paraoxonase1 (PON1) is an esterase catalyzing the hydrolysis of organophosphorus pesticides and other xenobiotics. The aims of this study were to develop a rapid method to determinate PON1 activity, evaluate some interference, and study the influence of storage temperature on PON1 activity assay.

Methods: Measurement of PON1 activity was performed for 369 samples by measuring the hydrolysis of paraoxon using a spectrophotometric method adapted on konelab 30 ⃞.

Results: The developed method facilitates the determination of PON1 activity at the rate of more than 200 samples per hour, and it is linear between 2 and 900 IU/L. Intra and inter-assay imprecision coefficients of variation were 2% and 5% respectively. PON1 activity in serum was correlated with those in heparinized plasma (r = 0.994, p < 0.001) and in plasma/EDTA (r = 0.962, p < 0.001). The mean inhibition of the PON1 activity was, by EDTA/K3, 41 ± 10 %. There was not significant PON1 activity variation after 40 days of storage at -20°C or at +4 ⃞ C. There were no substantial interferences from haemoglobin, jaundice and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion: The developed method is reliable, reproducible, and suitable. It can also be performed on heparinized plasma for the determination of PON1 activity. Hence, it may be useful for assaying PON1 activity in several intoxications such as organophosphorus, sarin, and soman nerve agents.

Toxic effects of methamidophos on paraoxonase 1 activity and on rat kidney and liver and ameliorating effects of alpha-tocopherol

The role of alpha-tocopherol on nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by methamidophos (MT) was investigated in wistar rats. Animals were given via gavage, for four weeks, a low dose of MT (MT1), a high dose of MT (MT2), vitamin E (200 mg/kg of bw) or both MT2 plus vitamin E (Vit E) and control group was given distillate water. MT treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the body weight of MT2-treated group. Moreover, MT-treated groups had significantly lower butyrylcholinesterase (p < 0.01) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities compared with the control group (p < 0.05). However, MT2-treated group had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity compared with untreated rats (p < 0.05). Both MT-treated groups had significantly higher urea (p < 0.01) and uric acid levels (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. However, significant low uric acid level (p < 0.05) was noted in MT2 plus vit E-treated rats compared with MT2-treated group. Histopathological changes in organ tissues were observed in both MT-treated groups and MT2 plus vit E-treated rats. However, the damage was reduced in MT2 plus vit E-treated rats. Therefore, this study deduces that alpha-tocopherol administration may ameliorate the adverse effects of subacute exposure to MT on rat liver and kidney and this antioxidant can protect PON1 from oxidative stress induced by this organophosphorus pesticide. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 842-854, 2016.

Adverse effects of pesticides on biochemical and haematological parameters in Tunisian agricultural workers

Biomonitoring of effects in agricultural workers is necessary to assess the individual risk of handling pesticides. In this study, biochemical and haematological parameters were measured to evaluate the effects of exposure to these compounds in agricultural workers. The study was carried out in 110 workers and 97 control subjects. Several haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed. Assessment of haematological parameters revealed that the mean cell volume and haematocrit levels were significantly lower in workers than in controls (P=0.002 and 0.013, respectively), while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations were higher in workers (P<0.001). There was also a significant inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase activity in workers compared with that in controls (P<0.001). Assessment of biochemical parameters further showed significantly higher activities of transferases, lactate dehydrogenase (P<0.001), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P=0.006) and creatine kinase (CK) (P<0.015), as well as higher levels of proteins (P<0.001), creatinine (P=0.001) and urea (P=0.001) in workers compared with controls, along with significantly higher uric acid levels (P=0.012). Furthermore, the number of years exposed to pesticides predicted higher activities of alanine aminotransferase, CK, ALP, as well as uric acid levels. Overall, chronic exposure to pesticides appeared to affect several biochemical parameters. These biomarkers seem to be indicative of adverse effects of pesticides in agricultural workers, confirming their use for routine monitoring of effects.

Lower paraoxonase 1 activity in Tunisian bipolar I patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variations of paraoxonase activity and lipid profile in bipolar I patients, and the association of this activity with the sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included 66 patients with bipolar I disorder and 64 controls aged 37.9 ± 12.6 and 36.3 ± 18.2 years, respectively. Paraoxonase activity was determined by kinetic methods; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by enzymatic methods; apolipoprotein (Apo)A1, ApoB and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were determined by immunoturbidimetry using Konelab 30 equipment (Thermo Scientific).

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients had a significantly lower paraoxonase activity and ApoA1 level, and significantly higher total cholesterol, c-LDL and Lp(a) level and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. Furthermore, paraoxonase activity was significantly correlated with c-HDL values (r = 0.5612; P < 0.001). The lowest paraoxonase activity was noted in relation to age and body mass index (BMI). Moreover, it was associated with gender but not with smoking and alcohol consumption status. In patients, there was no significant change in paraoxonase activity in relation to illness episodes, whereas the lowest values of this activity were seen in manic patients. In contrast, paraoxonase activity was significantly associated with treatment. Indeed, patients taking lithium had the lowest levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar patients had a significant decrease in paraoxonase activity and perturbations in their lipid profile that contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Decrease in this activity was significantly associated with treatment with lithium but not with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Therefore, such patients require specific care, particularly with regard to their lipid profile.

Simple analytical method for determination of pesticide residues in human serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method for the determination of residues of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides which are widely used in Tunisia. This method involves a liquid-liquid extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the identification and quantification of compounds. Ionization of molecules was performed by the electrospray mode. Multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) was the acquisition mode used for the monitoring of two MS/MS transitions for each compound. The average recoveries obtained, at three different fortification levels, ranged between 65% and 106% for most of the pesticides studied, except for methamidophos (lower than 25%).The linearity of the method was in the range of 5 to 50 micro g/L with a correlation coefficient from 0.995 to 0.999, depending on the analyte. The estimated limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2 micro g/L and 5 micro g/L, respectively. The precision of the analytical procedure was satisfactory and the coefficients of variation, evaluated at three concentration levels were lower than 15% for most pesticides studied. The application of the method was investigated in a population of agricultural workers chronically exposed to various pesticides some of which, such as carbofuran, carbendazim, methomyl and pirimicarb, were detected in some serum samples.

Multiresidue analysis of pesticides in fruits and vegetables by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A multiresidue method was assessed for the determination of several pesticides (organochlorine, organophosphorus, pyrethroids, triazole, amidine) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The extraction of pesticides was carried out by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) using two types of columns (CN and C18). The extracts were cleaned by the addition of florisil, the pesticides were separated by capillary column gas chromatography and detected by mass spectrometry in the electron impact mode. The extraction using C18 column provided the best results for most of the analyzed pesticides. The majority of pesticides recoveries from the four fruits and vegetables (apples, pears, tomatoes and pepper) were greater than 60%. Linearity and precision were satisfactory. The estimated limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg and from 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. The proposed procedure was found to be useful for the multiresidue analyses of pesticides in agricultural products for routine monitoring programs.