Journal of Toxicology最新文献

The protective effect of Fe against Cd-induced toxicity in the liver and kidney of rats during concurrent administration of both metals was investigated in this study. Fifty female rats (130-150 g) were distributed into five groups of 10 rats each (n = 10): Group I (control), received normal saline solution; Group II (1.2 mg CdCl₂/kg b.w.); Group III (1.2 mg CdCl₂ + 0.25 mg FeCl₂/kg b.w.); Group IV (1.2 mg CdCl₂ + 0.75 mg FeCl₂/kg b.w.); and Group V (1.2 mg CdCl₂ + 1.5 mg FeCl₂/kg b.w.). Administration of both tested substances lasted for 47 days. Cd was injected intraperitoneally once a week, while Fe was administered to the Cd-exposed animals by oral gavage thrice weekly. The animals were killed at the end of the study, their blood was collected, and their liver and kidneys were harvested for biochemical and histological analysis. Following Cd administration, the kidney and liver showed a significant increase in Cd concentration, while Fe concentration in the kidney decreased. However, cotreatment with Fe decreased Cd concentration in the kidney and liver and increased Fe concentration in the kidney but not the liver, and the effect was more pronounced in the higher than lower doses. In the kidney, cotreatment with Fe especially at higher doses inhibited Cd-induced lipid peroxidation and plasma uric acid concentration. In the liver, lipid peroxidation which Cd did not alter was found to be elevated after cotreatment with the highest dose Fe. Inflammatory cell infiltrations of the central vein and renal tubular and glomeruli injury induced by Cd were not obviated by Fe cotreatment. It seems that both tissues respond differently to the concurrent administration of these metals and that Fe protected the kidney against oxidative injury-induced by Cd but not histopathological changes in both tissues.

Introduction: Urtica simensis has been used to treat various diseases such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, gonorrhea, gastritis, body swelling, and wound infections. However, the safety of consuming U. simensis leaves during pregnancy has not been evaluated yet. Therefore, this experimental study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract on the prenatal development of embryos and fetuses in pregnant rats. Methods: Fifty pregnant Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups of 10 gravid rats for each experiment. Groups I-III were given 70% ethanol leaf extract of U. simensis at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg daily from 6^th to 12^th days of gestation. Groups IV-V were kept as pair-fed and ad libitum controls. The developing embryos and fetuses were retrieved on 12 days and 20 days of gestation, respectively. Embryos were evaluated for growth and developmental delays. Fetuses were also assessed for growth retardation and external and visceral anomalies. Results: In the embryonic experiment, somite numbers (p=0.001) and morphological scores (p=0.029) were significantly decreased in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract. Embryonic developments of the caudal neural tube (CNT) (p=0.001), otic system (p=0.025), olfactory system (p=0.013), and limb buds (p=0.026) were significantly delayed in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of extract. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract also caused significant developmental delays in the CNT (p=0.021) and olfactory system (p=0.032). In the fetal experiment, fetal resorption (p=0.015) was significantly increased whereas crown rump length (p=0.012) and fetal weight (p=0.019) were significantly decreased in pregnant rats given 1000 mg/kg of U. simensis leaf extract. Conclusions: The embryotoxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract were evidenced by significant developmental delays. The fetal toxic effects of U. simensis leaf extract were also shown by significant decreases in fetal growth indices. Therefore, pregnant women should be well informed of the possible toxic effects of consuming U. simensis leaf during pregnancy.

Background: The global spread and accumulation of plastics in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial settings are of great concern to public health and the environment, especially in developing countries with few resources. In the Caribbean and Latin America, nearly 17,000 tons of plastic waste are generated and trashed daily in open dumpsites with attendant consequences for the environment, the economy, aquatic life, the beauty of sea beaches, and public health. The increased use of plastics threatens public health and the ecosystem. Main Body. This systematic review assessed the impact of plastic waste on the environment, economy, and public health in LAC by searching relevant databases such as PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Scopus. PRISMA and Rayyan software were used to select and analyze research articles for the review.

Conclusions: The review showed that plastic pollution significantly impacts the environment, aquatic life, economy, and human health in LAC. The review further indicated that countries in LAC are working assiduously to address the issues associated with plastic pollution. The use of biodegradable plastics, cleanup campaigns, and policies/programs to reduce or ban plastics are some current efforts in many LAC countries. More research on the impact of plastic waste needs to be conducted, especially in the Caribbean, to address and mitigate the challenges of plastic pollution.

Deltamethrin is an insecticide used to control harmful agricultural insects that otherwise damage crops and to control vector-borne diseases. Long-term exposure to deltamethrin results in the inflammation of the lungs. The present study elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the deltamethrin-induced lung damage. The lung samples were extracted from the Swiss albino mice following the treatment of low (2.5 mg/kg) and high (5 mg/kg) doses of deltamethrin. The mRNA expression of TCR, IL-4, and IL-13 showed upregulation, while the expression of NFAT and FOS was downregulated following a low dose of deltamethrin. Moreover, the expression of TCR was downregulated with the exposure of a high dose of deltamethrin. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry data confirmed the pattern of protein expression for TCR, FOS, IL-4, and IL-13 following a low dose of deltamethrin exposure. However, no change was seen in the TCR, NFAT, FOS, JUN, IL-4, and IL-13 immunopositive cells of the high-dose treatment group. Also, ELISA results showed increased expression of IL-13 in the BAL fluid of animals exposed to low doses of deltamethrin. Overall, the present study showed that deltamethrin exposure induces lung damage and immune dysregulation via dysregulating the NFAT signalling pathway.

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Mangifera indica (M. indica) seed extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

Methods: Forty-eight albino rats weighing (100-150 g) were used for hepatoprotective and toxicity experiments. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The toxicity of M. indica seeds on the liver was evaluated by examining wellness parameters, body weight, and liver histological sections. The protective effects of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of seed extract on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated by evaluating hematological, renal, and liver function parameters, body weight, and liver histological sections.

Results: The antioxidant activity of the M. indica ethanolic extract was (92 ± 0.03 RSA %) compared with (91 ± 0.01 RSA %) of propyl gallate, and the IC₅₀ was (8.3 ± 0.01 µg/ml) and (14.1 ± 0.01 µg/ml). No changes were observed in the health indicators, body weights, and liver histological sections following oral administration of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of M. indica seed extracts. Treatment with M. indica seed extract significantly reduced alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood sugar, and urea levels compared with those in the CCl₄-treated group.

Conclusion: The IC₅₀ of the M. indica ethanolic extract was 8.3 µg/ml, and the M. indica extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that protect against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.

Flourensia cernua DC, commonly known as hojasen or tarbush, is a medicinal plant used in arid regions due to its therapeutic properties, especially in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of a polyphenolic extract obtained from F. cernua. This research involved both in vitro (hemolytic and brine shrimp assay) and in vivo tests (acute oral toxicity) to determine the safety profile of this extract. The extract was obtained through a novel ultrasound-microwave extraction and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Analysis of the polyphenolic extract revealed a rich composition of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly apigenin glycosides. In toxicity tests, the polyphenols did not exhibit toxicity towards Artemia salina at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. Furthermore, incubation at 500 μg/ml for 4 hours showed a slight toxic effect on erythrocytes. In the acute oral toxicity test in mice, doses of 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg did not result in animal mortality, indicating that the LD₅₀ exceeds 2000 mg/kg. However, the higher dose induced signs of toxicity, including lethargy, drowsiness, piloerection, and a significant decrease in weight during the initial two days postadministration of the polyphenolic extract. In addition, histological analysis suggested potential kidney damage at the 2000 mg/kg dose. According to OECD guidelines, while the extract can be classified as category 5 (low acute toxicity) due to the absence of mortality at 2000 mg/kg, the observed signs of toxicity should be considered in the overall risk assessment. These findings highlight the potential of F. cernua in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications due to its high polyphenolic content. However, further investigations are necessary to explore the specific effects of the compounds present in the extract. In addition, continuous evaluation of its long-term toxicity is essential to fully understand the extract's safety profile and efficacy.

Background: People who are addicted to amphetamines have a much greater chance of developing psychosis compared to those who are not. It is essential to study the behavioral and psychological effects of amphetamines. Therefore, this research aimed to examine conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood, cognitive abilities at the workplace, and social responsibilities by using sociodemographic factors as useful tools in determining effective strategies for preventing, managing, and treating amphetamine addiction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study among addicts hospitalized at two rehabilitation centers across Saudi Arabia between May and October 2023. A validated questionnaire consisting of psychiatric disorders assessment tools was distributed to healthcare professionals to start an interview with addicts to assess the abnormalities. The results were compared with healthy people (control). The assessment tools used are Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were employed.

Results: A total of 60 subjects participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups (n = 60): group I was control (n = 25) healthy volunteers and group II was amphetamine abusers (n = 35), who were hospitalized for detoxification. The ages ranged from 18 to 60 years old with mean ages of 38.68 (±8.14) and 37.77 (±10.95) years in the control and amphetamine groups, respectively. Among the addicts, the mean severity dependence scale value was 10.46 (±1.82), which denotes high dependency on the illicit drug. The prevalence of high levels of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder was significantly higher among addicts when they were compared to healthy people (control). The assessment of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) reflected a higher impairment that minimized their ability to perform the work requirements, home management, social leisure, and relationships.

Conclusions: The addiction to amphetamines was associated with high impairment of work performance and social obligations and a negative impact on the addict's mental health. The risk of suffering anxiety, depression, and bipolar is higher than in nonaddict people. These effects are attributed to brain damage, neurotoxicity, and neuronal inflammation, particularly when these substances are abused over extended periods and at higher doses.

Liver impairment caused by VCM has been linked to irreversible damage such as fibrosis, necrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver angiosarcoma. However, the ability to detect abnormalities during initial phase have not been achieved so far. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and C-X-C chemokines 2 (CXCR2) on screening for a VCM-exposed group (n = 227) from a PVC manufacturing factory compared to a control group (n = 110) in Tianjin City in 2020 with influence factors evaluation. Ambient concentrations of VCM and health archives from 2012 to 2018 were collected for establishing the dose-effect trend. A cross-sectional survey in 2020 was performed to measure TDGA, IL-8, CXCR2, 8-OHdG, SOD, GPX, CAT, MDA, and ROS levels. Results indicated a continuous increased incidence on liver abnormalities despite a fluctuated downward trend in cumulative time-weighted average (C_TWA) VCM concentrations over the years. ALT, AST, and AST/ALT ratio all contributed to liver abnormalities that contained fatty liver, liver calcification, and liver cysts, IL-8 and CXCR2 correlated with each other strongly and showed significant associations with oxidative stress markers, even AST/ALT ratio. IL-8 (>1547 µg/m³) or CXCR2 (<139 µg/m³) influenced the AST/ALT ratio through reciprocal interactions under oxidative stress injury, CXCR2 (>222 µg/m³), working years of 21 to 30 (a) and 11 to 20 (a), TDGA (>1.52 mg/L), alcohol consumption, smoking habit, and a less sleeping duration of <4 h per day would also be potential factors affecting the AST/ALT ratio. In conclusion (1) even with decreased VCM concentrations in PVC manufacturing factories liver abnormalities that contained fatty liver, liver calcification, and liver cysts could still occur due to oxidative stress injury with involvement of IL-8 and CXCR2. The status of protective measure and appropriate mask types also play a role; (2) the AST/ALT ratio could be a specific indicator for detecting abnormalities when combined with liver B ultrasonography results before impairment altered from bad to worse; and (3) factors such as definite medication history, fully broken protective facilities, alcohol consumption, less sleeping duration, inappropriate mask types, and longer working years could also influence AST/ALT ratio alterations through complex interactions.

The study aims to investigate the residual and histopathological effects of chronic aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) toxicity in the kidney and liver of male rats. After 30-, 60-, and 90-day exposure period, analyses were conducted to assess the toxicity in the kidney and liver. The results showed that the concentration of AlCl₃ in the kidney and liver increased significantly in 30-, 60-, and 90-day periods. The effects of oxidative stress on the kidneys and liver were dose- and time-dependent. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased when exposed to AlCl₃ groups. Conversely, the activity of antioxidant parameters, including reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), significantly decreased in the AlCl₃ exposed groups, indicating compromised oxidant mechanisms. Both the kidney and liver exhibited severe tissue damage, including necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, in rats exposed to AlCl₃. Kidney sections showed hyperplasia of the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules, resembling finger-like structures. Liver sections displayed severe lobular hyperplasia and an increase in mitotic figures. Our study suggests that AlCl₃ has a detrimental impact on these vital organs and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and mitigating aluminum exposure, particularly where it is present in high concentration.

PM_2.5 and arsenic are two of the most hazardous substances for humans that coexist worldwide. Independently, they might cause multiple organ damage. However, the combined effect of PM_2.5 and arsenic has not been studied. Here, we used an animal model of simultaneous exposure to arsenic and PM_2.5. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to PM_2.5, As, or PM_2.5 + As and their corresponding control groups. After 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure, the animals were euthanized and serum, lungs, kidneys, and hearts were collected. Analysis performed showed high levels of lung inflammation in all experimental groups, with an additive effect in the coexposed group. Besides, we observed cartilaginous metaplasia in the hearts of all exposed animals. The levels of creatine kinase, CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase increased in experimental groups. Tissue alterations might be related to oxidative stress through increased GPx and NADPH oxidase activity. The findings of this study suggest that exposure to arsenic, PM_2.5, or coexposure induces high levels of oxidative stress, which might be associated with lung inflammation and heart damage. These findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to these pollutants to protect human health.