Paracetamol-induced changes of haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in rat blood: protective role of vitamin C and betaglucan

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely used as an ov er-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. The aim of this stu dy was to investigate the possible protective effects of vitamin C (100mg/kg/day i.p.) and β -glucan (40 mg/kg/day i.p.) on altered haematological, biochemical and oxidative s tress parameters in the blood of rats treated with paracetamol (100 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 3 days. Exposure of rats to paracetamol caused changes of some haematological parameters (R BCs count, Hb concentration, Ht value and WBCs count), suggesting that the paraceta mol induced haematotoxicity. Paracetamol reduced serum total protein (TP), album in and globulin, while increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotran sferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities compared to the cont rol. The results indicate that paracetamol is led to significant decrease in the c oncentration of Na + and K + and increase of Ca 2+ in the serum compared to the control. Coadministra tion of vitamin C and β -glucan with paracetamol reversed these changes of haematol ogical and biochemical parameters and diminished the toxic effects of paracetamol. Th e obtained results indicated that the concentration of LPO in erythrocytes significantly increased in, while the concentration of GSH significantly decreased in the group treated with paracetamol compared to control group. Coadministration of vitamin C and β -glucan with paracetamol reversed paracetamol-induced alterations in these oxidative stress parameters. This study suggests that paracetamol has significant prooxidative effec ts and may disrupt oxidant/antioxidant balance in erythrocytes. Furthermore, coadministrat ion with vitamin C and β -glucan have protective effects on paracetamol-induced oxidative damage and haematotoxicity.Kragujevac Journal of Science (2016), 38: 135-14

Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats

In recent years, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) has received considerable attention for its potential biological effects. Numerous studies have shown the role of ELF-EMF in behaviour modulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term ELF-EMF (50 Hz) in the development of anxiety-like behaviour in rats through change hypothalamic oxidative stress and NO. Ten adult male rats (Wistar albino) were divided in two groups: control group-without exposure to ELF-EMF and experimental group-exposed to ELF-EMF during 7 days. After the exposure, time open field test and elevated plus maze were used to evaluate the anxiety-like behaviour of rats. Upon completion of the behavioural tests, concentrations of superoxide anion (O-2 center dot(-)), nitrite (NO2-, as an indicator of NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were determined in the hypothalamus of the animals. Obtained results show that ELF-EMF both induces anxiety-like behaviour and increases concentrations of O-2 center dot(-) and NO, whereas it did not effect on ONOO- concentration in hypothalamus of rats. In conclusion, the development of anxiety-like behaviour is mediated by oxidative stress and increased NO concentration in hypothalamus of rats exposed to ELF-EMF during 7 days

Zaštitno djelovanje kvercetina i vitamina C protiv nikotinom izazvane toksičnosti u krvi Wistar štakora

Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. The aim of our study was to investigate the prooxidative effects of nicotine and protective (additive or synergistic) effects of quercetin and vitamin C in the blood of experimental animals, to determine whether the combination of these antioxidants might be beneficial for clinical purposes. Wistar albino rats were receiving intraperitoneal nicotine injection (0.75 mg kg-1 per day) or saline (control group) or nicotine plus quercetin (40 mg kg-1 per day) and vitamin C (100 mg kg-1 per day) for three consecutive days. On day 4, we determined their blood lipid profile, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, and antioxidative system parameters. Compared to untreated control, nicotine significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and oxidative stress parameters (superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxide) and decreased HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase/catalase activity. Quercetin + vitamin C reversed these values significantly compared to the nicotine alone group. Our results confirm that nicotine has significant prooxidative effects that may disrupt the redox balance and show that the quercetin + vitamin C combination supports antioxidant defence mechanisms with strong haematoprotective activity against nicotine-induced toxicity. In practical terms, this means that a diet rich in vitamin C and quercetin could prevent nicotine-induced toxicity and could also be useful in the supportive care of people exposed to nicotine.Nikotin je potencijalni induktor oksidacijskoga stresa, preko kojega može oštetiti brojne biološke molekule. Cilj našega istraživanja bio je ispitati prooksidacijsko djelovanje nikotina i zaštitno (aditivno ili sinergističko) djelovanje kvercetina i vitamina C u krvi eksperimentalnih životinja te utvrditi može li kombinacija tih antioksidansa biti korisna u kliničke svrhe. Wistar albino štakori primali su intraperitonealno injekciju nikotina (0,75 mg kg-1 po danu) ili fiziološke otopine (kontrolna skupina) ili nikotina s kvercetinom (40 mg kg-1 po danu) i vitaminom C (100 mg kg-1 po danu) tri uzastopna dana. Četvrtoga dana odredili smo lipidni profil u krvi, jetrene enzime, parametre oksidacijskoga stresa i antioksidacijskoga sustava. U usporedbi s netretiranom kontrolnom skupinom, nikotin je značajno povećao ukupni kolesterol, LDL-kolesterol, trigliceride, jetrene enzime (alanin transaminaze, aspartat transaminaze i laktat dehidrogenaze) i parametre oksidacijskoga stresa (superoksid anion, vodikov peroksid i lipidne perokside), a smanjio HDL-kolesterol, glutation i aktivnosti superoksid dismutaze/katalaze. Kvercetin i vitamin C značajno su utjecali na te vrijednosti u odnosu na skupinu samo s nikotinom. Naši rezultati potvrdili su značajno prooksidacijsko djelovanje nikotina koje može poremetiti redoks ravnotežu i pokazuje da kombinacija kvercetina i vitamina C podržava antioksidacijske obrambene mehanizme s jakim hematoprotekcijskim aktivnostima protiv nikotinom izazvane toksičnosti. Možemo zaključiti da prehrana bogata kvercetinom i vitaminom C može koristiti kao prevencija nikotinom inducirane toksičnosti te da kombinacija tih dvaju antioksidansa može biti korisna u kliničkom oporavku ljudi izloženih nikotinu

Antioxidative and haematoprotective activity of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant, which exerts adverse effects mainly by inducing oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E (VE), naturally occurring antioxidants, improve health condition by inactivating free radicals and enhancing antioxidative defence. The aim of our study was to investigate the protective role of CoQ10 and/or VE pretreatment against Cd-induced haematotoxicity. Wistar albino rats were intramuscularly injected with CoQ10 (20 mg/kg b.w.) and/or VE (20 IU/kg b.w.) or with saline (control group). After 24 h, Cd was injected intraperitoneally (0.4 mg/kg b.w.) and 1 day after, animals were sacrificed. Acute Cd intoxication caused significant changes in haematological and biochemical parameters and altered the glutathione cycle, leading to the formation of lipid peroxidation, while the concentrations and activities of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) were decreased. CoQ10 and/or VE significantly maintained these values to near-normal levels, afforded additional protection by reducing lipid peroxidation and improved the levels of antioxidants in the blood. Plasma CoQ10 and VE levels negatively correlated with oxidative damage parameters while positively correlated with antioxidative defence parameters. Regarding their effects, CoQ10 and VE were in synergistic interaction. The present study suggested that CoQ10 and VE combination may be beneficial in protecting from Cd-induced haematotoxicity and may be used as a preventive against acute Cd intoxication of exposed people.Toxicology and industrial health (2017), 33(10): 746-75

Role of selenium and vitamin C in mitigating oxidative stress induced by fenitrothion in rat liver.

Excessive use of organophosphate insecticides, including fenitrothion (FNT) can cause detrimental consequences in non-target organisms. Selenium (Se) and vitamin C (Vit C) possess protective abilities against various toxic compounds due to their antioxidative properties. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to examine the possible ameliorative effects of Se and Vit C in hepatotoxicity induced by FNT. For the purpose of this study, male Wistar albino rats were divided into control and groups treated with Se (0.5 mg/kg b.w, as Na2SeO3) and Vit C (100 mg/kg b.w), FNT (20 mg/kg b.w) and FNT in cotreatment with Se and Vit C for 30 days. The current data showed a reduction in absolute and relative liver weight after FNT administration. Increased activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and GGT) indicated liver damage. FNT alone caused significant alterations in biochemical parameters (glucose and total bilirubin). Elevation in LPO level along with decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and GSH content reflected the presence of oxidative stress. Coadministration of FNT with Se and Vit C exhibited hepatoprotective role confirmed by reduction of oxidative stress levels and restoration in the values of examined parameters. Because of their beneficial effects, Se and Vit C may be used in reducing injuries caused by pesticides

Hematoprotective effects and antioxidant properties of β-glucan and vitamin C against acetaminophen-induced toxicity: an experimental study in rats.

Acetaminophen is widely used as an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pro-oxidative effects of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg/day i.p.) and antioxidative effects of β-glucan (4 mg/kg/day i.p.) and/or vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day i.p.) on the blood parameters of treated rats. After 3 days of treatment, hematological and parameters of redox status were measured. Exposure of rats to acetaminophen caused significant changes in some hematological parameters and the glutathione redox cycle, leading to an increased concentration of oxidative stress parameters and the formation of lipid peroxidation, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased. Administration of β-glucan and/or vitamin C reduced lipid peroxidation and restored the levels of examined hematological and oxidative stress parameters and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Obtained results demonstrated that acetaminophen has significant pro-oxidative effects and may disrupt redox balance in blood of rats, while the combination of β-glucan and/or vitamin C amplified the antioxidant defense potential and exhibited a strong hematoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced toxicity. Therefore, β-glucan and vitamin C co-treatment may be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of acute acetaminophen hematotoxicity

The ameliorating effects of selenium and vitamin C against fenitrothion-induced blood toxicity in Wistar rats

Fenitrothion is widely used organophosphate pesticide in agriculture and health programs, but besides, it causes several toxic effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of selenium (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg b.w) on altered haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in the blood of rats orally treated with fenitrothion (20 mg/kg b.w) for 30 days. Fenitrothion caused changes in body weight, food and water intake, and some haematological and biochemical parameters. Fenitrothion altered the glutathione redox status (GSH and GSSG) and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, GST, SOD and CAT), leading to a lipid peroxidation. Selenium and vitamin C, by improving the activity of antioxidants, reduced oxidative stress and a lipid peroxidation, maintaining the values of examined parameters to optimal levels. Therefore, selenium and vitamin C could be useful in providing protection of exposed non-target organisms including people from fenitrothion.Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (2017), 56: 204-20

Effect of aspartame on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in rat blood

Aspartame (ASP) is one of the most widely used nonnutritive sweeteners. This study investigates the chronic effects of ASP on hematological and biochemical parameters, and its effects on the oxidative/antioxidative status in the red blood cells of Wistar albino rats. Rats were provided with ASP (40 mg/kg/daily for six weeks) in drinking water. Increased food and fluid intake was observed in the ASP-treated rats. Total body mass was significantly decreased in the ASP-treated rats. Treatment with ASP caused an increase in the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as a decrease in the levels of HDL-cholesterol in the serum. A significant decline in the number of white blood cells (WBC) was observed after ASP uptake. Based on the results we conclude that ASP induces oxidative stress, observed as an alteration of the glutathione redox status, which leads to increased concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxides (LPO) in the red blood cells. Changes in biochemical parameters, lipid metabolism, as well as changes in the levels of oxidative stress markers and the appearance of signs of liver damage indicate that chronic use of ASP can lead to the development of hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and associated diseases. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173041

Photodynamic antibacterial effect of graphene quantum dots

Synthesis of new antibacterial agents is becoming increasingly important in light of the emerging antibiotic resistance. In the present study we report that electrochemically produced graphene quantum dots (GQD), a new class of carbon nanoparticles, generate reactive oxygen species when photoexcited (470 nm, 1 W), and kill two strains of pathogenic bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Bacterial killing was demonstrated by the reduction in number of bacterial colonies in a standard plate count method, the increase in propidium iodide uptake confirming the cell membrane damage, as well as by morphological defects visualized by atomic force microscopy. The induction of oxidative stress in bacteria exposed to photoexcited GQD was confirmed by staining with a redox-sensitive fluorochrome dihydrorhodamine 123. Neither GQD nor light exposure alone were able to cause oxidative stress and reduce the viability of bacteria. Importantly, mouse spleen cells were markedly less sensitive in the same experimental conditions, thus indicating a fairly selective antibacterial photodynamic action of GQD. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved