Mechanism of Nickel and Chromium-Induced Immunotoxicity and Oxidative Stress: A Comparative Study

Abstract Introduction: Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) are examples of commonly used industrial substances with negative long time exposure on human health. One mechanism whereby metals can alter health is through modulation of immune homeostasis. They are capable of producing oxidative stress and it is possible that this oxidative stress contributes to the carcinogenic response of these metals

Possible Involvement of Androgen Receptor and Insulin Growth Factor-1 in the Pathogenesis of Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Male Rats

Abstract Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the most common hepatic tumors. It has been documented that males carries a higher incidence than females to be attacked by this fatal disease. In view of this concept, this work was conducted in an attempt to study the possible impact of androgen receptor and IGF-1 in the pathogenesis of induced hepato-cellular carcinoma in male rat. Material and Methods: A total of 24 male albino rats were used in this study weighting 150-200 grams. These rats were divided into the following groups: Group I: (Control group) represented the vehicle-treated rats, Group II: (HCC group) represented the induced untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group, Group III: (HCC + flutamide) represented the induced hepatocellular carcinoma group supplemented with flutamide (androgen receptor blocker). Blood samples were obtained for assessment of a -fetoprotein, testosterone and IGF-1. Also liver tissues were evaluated for estimation of gene expression of androgen receptor. Results: The impact of flutamide treatment in the present study was observed in decreasing the serum levels of AFP (tumor marker), IGF-1 and androgen receptor gene expression that was reflected in the attenuation of histopathological state of HCC. Conclusion: Modulation of the efficacy of androgens through their receptors by administration of flutamide in male rats had been associated with braking the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma suggesting its protective role especially at the early stage of the disease