Oxidative effects of long-term onion (Allium cepa) feeding on goat erythrocytes

Toxic compounds such as disulfides of onions cause oxidative-induced haemolysis in several animal species. In order to study the outcomes of long-term onion consumption on some oxidative haemolysis markers, 12 adult female goats were allocated to three groups, receiving 0 (served as control), 30 (dry matter basis) and 60 spring-grown onion for 60 days. Blood samples were obtained before feeding the onion and every 10 days up to 80 days for measuring malonyldialdehyde (MDA), methaemoglobin (MetHb), mean corpuscular fragility (MCF), serum-free haemoglobin and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and for evaluating their relation to packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. PCV and Hb concentrations reduced, however, remained within reference ranges in onion-fed goats. MetHb showed a significant negative correlation with both PCV and Hb (P < 0. 05) in onion-fed goats and a significant positive correlation with MCF and serum-free haemoglobin in goats receiving 30 onion. MetHb showed a significant positive correlation with MCF in goats fed with 60 onion. MDA showed a positive correlation with LDH and serum-free haemoglobin concentrations. These results suggest a role for oxidative damage in destructing red cells in goats feeding onions. However, it seems that up to 60 onions in diet can be consumed by goats without noticeable clinical anaemia. © 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

The Role of TNF-α in Aflatoxin B-1 Induced Hepatic Toxicity in Isolated Perfused Rat Liver Model

Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB1) is one of the major mycotoxins causing food contamination. Previous studies have shown that AFB1 can induce carcinogenicity and toxic effects in the isolated perfused rat liver and these effects are associated with its metabolites and peroxidation activity. Here we surveyed whether these pathogenic effects of AFB1 are associated with TNF-α as an inflammatory cytokine in general liver damages. In this study, we used twenty male Wistar rats (250-300 g). Rats were divided into four groups. Control group was pre-treated with LPS and then perfused with KHBB. The second group was pretreated with PTX and LPS and then perfused with KHB. The third group was pre-treated with LPS and then perfused with AFB-1 and KHB. The last group was pretreated with LPS and PTX and then perfused with AFB1 and KHB. Results revealed that aflatoxin B1 significantly increased the enzyme activity of aminotransferase and levels of lipid peroxidation. Also, the levels of Glutathione decreased in the aflatoxin group significantly. TNF-α released in perfusate and increased in aflatoxin B1 group significantly and decreased in AFB-1+PTX. Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 may induce reactive oxygen species, so these species may induce overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and may cause more damage to hepatic cells