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Comparative Study 2006; 27(Suppl 2): 91-95 PubMed PMID: 17159788 Citation  Keywords:  Alkaline Phosphatase:blood, Animals, Blood Cell Count, Blood Cells:drug effects, Butyrylcholinesterase:metabolism, Carps:anatomy & histology, Creatine Kinase:blood, Hyperplasia:chemically induced, Insecticides:toxicity, Lactic Acid:blood, Pancreas:patholo.   

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at assessing the effects of a pyrethroid cypermethrin on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) on the basis of the results of acute toxicity tests and haematological, biochemical and histological examinations.

METHODS: Experimental carp were exposed to the pesticide preparation Alimetrin 10 EM in the concentration of 29.1 microg/l(-1) (96hLC(50)) corresponding to 29.1 microg/l(-1) of cypermethrin in a 96 h acute toxicity test. The results of the test and of the examinations of exposed carp were compared with the results of carp from the control group.

RESULTS: In haematological profile, the experimental group of carp showed a significant (P<0.01) increase in the number of erythrocytes, segmented neutrophile granulocytes, developmental forms of myeloid sequence and eosinophiles, and a significant (P<0.01) decrease in mean erythrocyte volume, mean erythrocyte haemoglobin and lymphocyte count. As far as biochemical indices are concerned, the exposure caused a significant (P<0.01) increase in glucose and lactate concentration and creatine kinase activity, and a significant (P<0.01) decrease in total proteins, albumins, total globulins, ammonia, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma of exposed carp compared to the control group. Histopathological tissue examinations proved random hyperaemia and perivascular lymphocyte infiltration in skin, respiratory epithelium hyperplasia and chloride cell activation in gills, and pancreas exocrine cell vacuolisation in common carp after the exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The exposure of common carp to 29.1 microg/l(-1) of Alimetrin 10 EM caused significant shifts in haematological and biochemical profile and histopathological changes in organ tissues. The cypermethrin-based pesticide Alimetrin 10 EM was classified among substances strongly toxic for fish....

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Comparative Study 2006; 27(Suppl 2): 65-68 PubMed PMID: 17159782 Citation  Keywords:  Asphyxia Neonatorum:blood, Delivery, Obstetric, Glutathione Peroxidase:blood, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Malondialdehyde:blood, Oxidative Stress, Stress, Physiological:blood, Superoxide Dismutase:blood, Term Birth:blood,.   

OBJECTIVES: In healthy term newborns (HTN) to determine on the 1st and 5th day of life the activity of total antioxidant capacity (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and to compare the values with the group of asphyxiated term newborns (ATN).

PATIENTS/METHODS: The series consisted of 15 HTN and 24 ATN. In both groups TAS, MDA, GPX and SOD were investigated.

RESULTS: Reference values in HTN (1st/5th day of life) for TAS were 0.52+/-0.03/0.49+/-0.04 mmol/l, for MDA 0.72+/-0.07/1.08+/-0.09 micromol/l, for SOD 594.20+/-16.47/591.23+/-14.14 Ug/Hb and for GPX 25.48+/-1.32/25.98+/-1.20 Ug/Hb. In a group of ATN the obtained values were (1st/5th day of life): TAS 1.1+/-0.08/0.98+/-0.08 mmol/l, MDA 2.08+/-0.22/2.21+/-0.34 micromol/l, SOD 509.18+/-26.8/564.49+/-36.4 Ug/Hb and GPX 30.2+/-1.9/32.45+/-2.69 Ug/Hb.

CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences were found on the 1st and 5th day of life between the two groups investigated in values of MDA (**p<0.01) and TAS (**p<0.01). Increased values of MDA in the group of ATN on the 1st and 5th day of life confirmed the presence of lipoperoxidation. The obtained values of TAS on the 1st and 5th day of life in the group of ATN were surprisingly higher than in HTN. The increase of TAS in ATN could point to a certain ability of ATN to prevent the damage of balance between overproduction of MDA and antioxidants. The results of SOD and GPX activity were not statistically significant, yet they are indicative of the biochemical reaction of the organism of term newborns to asphyxia....

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Journal Article 2006; 27(Suppl 2): 40-43 PubMed PMID: 17159776 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Antioxidants:analysis, Asbestos:toxicity, Cell Survival:drug effects, Chemokine CCL2:metabolism, Chemokine CCL4, Chemokines:metabolism, Glutathione Peroxidase:analysis, Glutathione Reductase:analysis, Inhalation Exposure, Lung:chemistry, Macropha.   

OBJECTIVES: Activity of cytoplasmatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase,- and reductase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and expression of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inhibitory protein-1alpha was determined in primary culture of rat alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes after exposure to stone-wool, wollastonite and crocidolite (blue asbestos).

METHODS: The activity of redox enzymes was examined by RANDOX kits, chemokines were studied by ELISA.

RESULTS: The UICC crocidolite (positive control) decreased the activity of all redox enzymes and increased the expression of chemokines, whereas the two asbestos substituents did not alter the activity of redox enzymes either in the alveolar macrophages or pneumocytes. Stone-wool and wollastonite moderately increased the expression of chemokines in both cells.

CONCLUSIONS: The redox status and production of chemokines changed in the opposite direction, presumably owing to stronger toxic effect of asbestos. These data suggest that stone-wool and wollastonite, as potential substituents for asbestos, are less toxic than the human carcinogenic and fibrogenic crocidolite....

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Journal Article 2006; 27(Suppl 2): 27-30 PubMed PMID: 17159773 Citation  Keywords:  Adenine:analogs & derivatives, Bacteria:ultrastructure, Cell Membrane:metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System:genetics, Drug Interactions, Humans, Liver:drug effects, Metabolic Detoxication, Phase I, Models, Biological, NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase.   

OBJECTIVES: To determine a possible influence of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates on FMO3 and CYP activity at molecular level in vitro.

METHODS: Inhibition of individual CYP and FMO3 activities in the reconstituted system and in artificial membranes (bactosomes) was studied.

RESULTS: Activity of FMO3 was inhibited by PMPA and bisPOC-PMPA even at low levels of these drugs (below 100 microM). In reconstituted system with CYP2C9, no inhibition of CYP2C9 activity was observed. On the other hand, experiments based on membrane coexpressed system showed a modest extent of inhibition (for PMEA, PMPA, bisPOM-PMEA and bisPOC-PMPA the level of inhibition was 77.8%; 74.1%; 64.2% and 68.6%, respectively at 400 microM).

CONCLUSIONS: PMPA and bisPOC-PMPA are able to inhibit FMO3 activity at relatively low levels (10-100 microM) indicating a relatively specific interaction. Activity of CYP2C9 was affected when using the membranes coexpressed with NADPHcytochrome P450 reductase. This is probably due to more natural conditions for maintaining the CYP activity in bacterial membranes. As the inhibitor concentration in the systemic circulation does not exceed 2 microM, the probability of a significant in vivo effect of adefovir, tenofovir and the respective prodrugs on the microsomal system of cytochromes P450 and FMO3 is relatively low....

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Comparative Study 2006; 27(5): 631-638 PubMed PMID: 17159829 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Body Weight:drug effects, Diet:adverse effects, Glutathione Peroxidase:metabolism, Goiter:blood, Iodine:urine, Male, Organ Size:drug effects, Potassium Iodide:administration & dosage, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Selenium:deficiency, Thyroid Gland:drug ef.   

OBJECTIVE: A possible link was proposed between selenium [Se(-)], iodine deficiency and thyroid pathology. The aim of the study was to examine changes in FT3 and FT4 concentrations, weights of the thyroid glands and ioduria after potassium iodide (KI) in normal and goitrogenic rats on Se(-) diet.

METHODS: Wistar rats in Group 1 received the standard diet. Other animals remained (3 months) either on a Se(-) diet alone [Groups 2-5] or supplemented with selenium [Se(+)] (Group 6-8). After 9 weeks, Groups 3, 4, 6, 7 received sodium perchlorate [I(-); 1 month]. KI (1 mg/rat) was injected in Groups 4, 5, 7, 8. The animals were decapitated 3 days after the injections.

RESULTS: FT4 was higher in serum of Se(-) rats than in that of Se(+). The differences of FT3 were not statistically significant. In I(-) Groups, the levels of FT3 and FT4 were very low. KI increased both thyroid hormones in I(-) rats but the effect was especially pronounced for FT3. KI decreased the weights of the glands, enlarged in the I(-) animals, both on Se(-) and Se(+) diet. Urine iodide concentrations were lower in Se(-) animals; KI increased ioduria.

CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that selenium and iodine deficiencies may play an essential role in thyroid hormone metabolism....

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Comparative Study 2006; 27(5): 623-630 PubMed PMID: 17159820 Citation  Keywords:  Adenine Nucleotides:analysis, Adenosine Triphosphatases:metabolism, Adenosine Triphosphate:biosynthesis, Animals, Diaphragm:drug effects, Melatonin:pharmacology, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Knockout, Mitochondria, Muscle:chemistry, Muscle, Skeletal:ch.   

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the changes in the mitochondrial ATP production during sepsis and the participation of iNOS in these changes. We also assessed the effect of melatonin administration in this experimental paradigm.

METHODS: The activity of ATPase, the level of adenine nucleotides, and the ATP production were measured in mitochondria of diaphragm and hind leg skeletal muscle of wild type (iNOS+/+) and knockout iNOS (iNOS-/-) mice. Three experimental groups were done: control group; group of septic mice induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and group of septic mice treated with melatonin. Mice were killed 24 hours after CLP. Melatonin was administrated in four doses (30 mg/kg b.w.) as follows: 30 min before CLP (i.p.) and 30 min, 4 h and 8 h after CLP (s.c.).

RESULTS: Mitochondrial production of ATP decreased in iNOS+/+ but not in iNOS-/- mice after sepsis. No changes in the ATPase activity were found in any group. Melatonin treatment normalized the production of ATP in iNOS+/+ mice, without affecting iNOS-/- animals.

CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of the ATP production in iNOS+/+ but not in iNOS-/- mice suggest the participation of iNOS in the impairment of mitochondrial function in the former. Because ATPase was unaffected by sepsis, it is suggested the ATP deficit depended on the sepsis-induced respiratory chain damage. The normalization of the production of ATP with melatonin may explain the reduction of the mortality reported elsewhere in experimental and clinical sepsis after treatment with the indoleamine....

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Comparative Study 2006; 27(5): 595-599 PubMed PMID: 17159816 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Antioxidants:pharmacology, Antithyroid Agents:pharmacology, Diet, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Kidney:chemistry, Liver:chemistry, Lung:chemistry, Male, Oxidative Stress:drug effects, Potassium Iodide:administration & dosage, Propylthiouracil.   

OBJECTIVES: Iodide administration to animals, living in iodine-deficient areas, can induce oxidative processes in the thyroid gland and increase concentration of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Propylthiouracil (PTU)--a well-known antithyroid drug--may also act as an antioxidant. There are some reports, which consider the protective ability of this drug against LPO. The goal of the study was to evaluate oxidative processes and the protective role of PTU in three rat organs during treatment with pharmacological doses of iodide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Schiff's bases (SB) concentrations (a parameter of oxidative stress) were measured in liver, lung and kidney homogenates of male Wistar rats. For 2 weeks the animals received iodides in their diet in the following concentrations: Group 1--Controls (standard diet, approx. 0.7 mg of potassium iodide per kg; KI/kg); Group 2--diet containing 0.25 mg KI/kg; Group 3--diet with 4.0 mg KI/kg; Group 4--diet with 8.0 mg KI/kg. Group 5--standard diet with 0.1% of PTU in drinking water for two weeks. Subsequent tree groups (6-8) received KI in their diet in doses as above, respectively, together with PTU.

RESULTS: We noted increased SB levels in the lungs and in the liver, compared to those observed in the control group. We also found decreased SB concentrations in liver and lung homogenates after the administration of PTU but, unexpectedly, the level of SB increased in kidney homogenates of all the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that iodine is involved in oxidative processes in different organs and PTU protects against iodine-induced oxidative stress....

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Journal Article 2006; 27(3): 345-349 PubMed PMID: 16816835 Citation  Keywords:  Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Male, Middle Aged, RNA, Messenger:analysis, Receptor, Endothelin A:genetics, Receptor, Endothelin B:genetics, Reference Values, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Tissue Distribu.   

OBJECTIVES: Endothelin is a potent peptide mediator that is synthesized by a number of cells. Previous studies have revealed the occurrence of endothelin in nerve cell bodies of some peripheral ganglia. Endothelin mediates its effects via two distinct receptor subtypes ETA and ETB. The present study was designed to investigate the presence of these two receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion.

METHODS: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to show the presence of mRNA encoding ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion. To localize the protein immunocytochemistry with antibodies against the endothelin receptors was used.

RESULTS: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed mRNA for both receptor subtypes in the human trigeminal ganglion. Immunocytochemistry revealed numerous cell bodies containing the ETA and the ETB receptor proteins.

CONCLUSIONS: The expression of ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion suggests a role for endothelin in autonomic and sensory neural transmission....

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