Zeolite pretreatment accomplishes partial brain radioprotective role by reducing iron and oxidative / nitrosative stress in rats

The aim of our study was to test the effect of subacutely applied micronized zeolite [micronized clinoptilolite (MZC)] on brain status of iron (Fe), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), and radioprotective role against brain oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS) initiated by single ionizing radiation of 2 or 10Gray (Gy). Wistar rats on normal (n=18) and 5% MZC supplemented diet (n=18), during 4 weeks, were internally subdivided into 3 subgroups (6 rats in each subgroup), with one of subgroup remaining as a control, and the other two subjected to single ionizing radiation of 2Gy or 10Gy. Thus, we had groups on normal diet: C – controls, 2Gy and 10Gy; and on 5% MZC supplemented diet: MZC, MZC+2Gy and MZC+10Gy. Concentrations of nitrates (a final RNS metabolite) and superoxide anion radical (O2 •-) (an initial ROS) were measured in homogenates of selective vulnerable brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus and forebrain cortex), while Fe was determined in whole brain of rats. Results documented a significant drop of Fe in MZC and MZC+2Gy/10Gy groups; decrease of O2 •- and nitrate in MZC group; almost equal drop of O2 •- , in 2Gy and MZC+2Gy groups; and nitrate increase in 10Gy and MZC+10Gy groups. We confirmed that subacute MZC pretreatment contributes to partially accomplished brain radioprotective effect in rats exposed to single radiation dose of 2Gy and 10Gy, probably due to reduced OS/NS and Fe

Subacute alcohol and/or disulfiram intake affects bioelements and redox status in rat testes

The aim of the study was to investigate if alcohol and disulfiram (DSF) individually and in combination affect bioelements' and red-ox homeostasis in testes of the exposed rats. The animals were divided into groups according to the duration of treatments (21 and/or 42 days): C-21/C-42 groups (controls); OL21 and OL22-42 groups (0.5 mL olive oil intake); A(1-21) groups (3 mL 20% ethanol intake); DSF1-21 groups (178.5 mg DSF/kg/day intake); and A(21)+DSF22-42 groups (the DSF ingestion followed previous 21 days' treatment with alcohol). The measured parameters in testes included metals: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and selenium (Se); as well as oxidative stress (OS) parameters: superoxide anion radical (O-2(center dot-)), glutathione reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition and activities of total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), glutathione-Stransferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Metal status was changed in all experimental groups (Fe rose, Zn fell, while Cu increased in A(21)+DSF24-32 groups). Development of OS was demonstrated in A(1-21) groups, but not in DSF1-21 groups. In A(21)+DSF22-42 groups, OS was partially reduced compared to A groups (A(1-21)>MDA>C; A(1-21) lt GSH lt C). High metal-binding affinity of DSF/DDTC changes red-ox homeostasis in rat testes

Oxidative stress, bioelements and androgen status in testes of rats subacutely exposed to cadmium

The objective of our study was to examine testicular toxicity of cadmium (Cd), focusing on oxidative stress (OS), essential metals and androgenic status and morphological changes. Male Wistar rats [controls and four Cd-subgroups (n = 6) organized according to the exposure (1, 3, 10 and 21 days)] were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with 1 mg CdCl2/kg/day. Testicular Cd deposition was noticed from the 1st day. After 10 and 21 days, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) increased by 60-109% and 43-67%, respectively, while zinc (Zn) decreased by 24-33%. During 121 days of the exposure, decrease in testicular total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities occurred gradually by 30-78% and 15-84%, respectively, while superoxide anion radical (O-2(center dot-)) increased gradually by 114-271%. After 10-21 days, decrease in testicular catalase (CAT) activity appeared by 13-31%. After 21 days, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 44% and the ratio of oxidized glutathione/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) increased by 130% in testes of the rats exposed to Cd. Additionally, decreased testicular testosterone level and the relative testes mass, along with induced microscopic and macroscopic changes were occured, what can be explained as the consequence of instantly developed OS, impaired essential metals status and Cd testicular deposition