Integrated Biomarker Response for Environmental Assessment Using the Gastropod Phorcus turbinatus along the Northern and the Northeastern Coasts of Tunisia

This work aims to assess the spatial and temporal variations of four biomarkers activities and to integrate their biological responses in a battery using the gastropod Phorcus turbinatus. The monitoring was carried out during the period between April 2014 and January 2015 at six stations along the northern and the northeastern coasts of Tunisia. The Fulton condition factor was estimated and the activities of catalase, acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase were evaluated by spectrophotometry. A multi-biomarker battery approach was used to assess ecosystems’ condition and to identify environmental impacts on the organisms. The results suggest that the enzymatic activities of CAT and GST depend especially on seasons. As for AChE activity, it was similar between seasons and stations. The values of the integrated biological response were maximal at Jarzouna in summer and at Sidi Daoued in winter, indicating the presence of severe stressors suffered by the organisms. This perturbation may be due to the enrichment of the waters by xenobiotics, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, phosphate wastes, PCBs and pesticides. Thus, P. turbinatus seems to be a good bioindicator of chemical pollution, constituting an adequate tool for a bio-monitoring program

From immunotoxicity to carcinogenicity: the effects of carbamate pesticides on the immune system

International audienceThe immune system can be the target of many chemicals, with potentially severe adverse effects on the host's health. In the literature, carbamate (CM) pesticides have been implicated in the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with alterations of the immune response, such as hypersensitivity reactions, some autoimmune diseases and cancers. CMs may initiate, facilitate, or exacerbate pathological immune processes, resulting in immunotoxicity by induction of mutations in genes coding for immunoregulatory factors and modifying immune tolerance. In the present study, direct immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption and inhibition of esterases activities have been introduced as the main mechanisms of CMs-induced immune dysregulation. Moreover, the evidence on the relationship between CM pesticide exposure, dysregulation of the immune system and predisposition to different types of cancers, allergies, autoimmune and infectious diseases is criticized. In addition, in this review, we will discuss the relationship between immunotoxicity and cancer, and the advances made toward understanding the basis of cancer immune evasion

Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Against Toxicity on the Rat Blood After Chronic Exposure to Carbosulfan

The present study investigated the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is widely known as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, on carbosulfan (CB)-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in male rats. CB was administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg or simultaneously administered with NAC (2 g/l) for 30 days. Results of hematological examination showed that red blood cells, hematocrite, hemoglobin, and reticulocytes levels were significantly lower in CB-exposed rats compared with those in the control. Administration of CB caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. However, the glutathione (GSH) and thiols group (TSH) levels were significantly increased as well as GSH S-transferase activity and levels of glutathione peroxidase on erythrocytes of males rats compared with those in the control. Also, CB-treated rats showed significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on erythrocytes in comparison with the control. Co-administration with NAC exhibited chemoprotective effects against CB-mediated hematotoxicity, augmented erythrocyte antioxidant status, and prevented the induction of anemia