Protective role of intraperitoneally administered vitamin E and selenium in rats anesthetized with enflurane

The aim of this investigation was to determine levels of liver vitamins A and E and blood biochemical and hematological parameters in the enflurane anesthesia of rats. Fifty adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. All rats were randomly divided into five groups. The first and second groups were used as the control and anesthesia control groups, respectively, and only the placebo was intraperitoneally injected. The third group was intraperitoneally administered with vitamin E (dl/-α-tocopheryl acetate, 100 mg/kg body weight), the fourth group with Se (Na₂SeO₃ 1.5 mg/kg body weight), and the fifth group with vitamin E and Se (dl-α-tocopheryl acetate, 100 mg/kg body weight + Na₂SeO₃ 1.5 mg/kg body weight). This administration was done for three times with overday intervals and the second, third, forth, and fifth group rats were taken to enflurane anesthetise for 2 h. The liver vitamin E level was slightly lower in the anesthesia control group than in control group. However, the liver vitamin E content was significantly (p < 0.05 andp < 0.01) increased in vitamin E, Se, and combination groups, whereas the vitamin A level in liver was not statistically different. In general, plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatin kinase, total bilirubin, urea, red blood cell counts, packet cell volume, and hemoglobulin values were significantly (p < 0.05 andp < 0.001) increased during the anesthesia and returned to near control values after the vitamin E plus selenium injection. However, administration of vitamin E had less effect on the hematological and biochemical parameters compared to that of selenium and their combination with vitamin E. However, the white blood cell count and levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and creatinine were not statistically influenced by the anesthesia. In conclusion, we observed that plasma levels of some enzymes and metabolites were significantly increased in the enflurane anesthesia of rats, whereas the liver vitamin E levels were slightly decreased. Therefore, we observed that vitamin E and selenium have a protective effect against anesthesia complication, but the effect of selenium appears to be much greater than the vitamin E.     

Effects of intraperitoneally injected selenium and vitamin E in rats anesthetized with halothane.

Halothane, commonly used for anesthetizing humans and animals, is one of the most important volatile anesthetics and may cause the formation of free radicals during its biotransformation. Free radicals may lead to degeneration of liver cells. Vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) containing selenium are two natural antioxidants, and these may protect the cellular lipid and lipoproteins against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, the purposes of the present study were to investigate the probable protective effects of intraperitoneally administered Se and vitamin E on liver enzymes and to determine some other hematological parameters in the halothane anesthesia of rats. All rats were randomly divided into five groups. The first group was used as a control, and physiological saline (0.9%) was intraperitoneally injected into these animals as a placebo. The second group was used as an anesthesia control group and was only anesthetized with halothane for two hours. The third group received intraperitoneally administered Se (Na2SeO3, 0.3 mg/200 g body weight), the fourth group vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 100 mg/kg body weight), and the fifth group a Se plus vitamin E combination (Na2SeO3, 0.3 mg/200 g body weight + dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 100 mg/kg body weight). The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, erythrocyte counts, the packet-cell volume, hemoglobin concentrations and neutrophyle rates significantly increased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) after halothane anesthesia and returned to near control levels after Se, vitamin E and Se plus vitamin E injections. The values of cholesterol, total protein, white blood cell counts and lymphocyte rates significantly decreased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) in the anesthesia control group. However, the levels of albumin, total bilirubin, creatinine, the mean corpuscular volume, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were not statistically influenced. In conclusion, we have determined that halothane anesthesia affected some liver enzymes and some other biochemical and hematological parameters. Se, vitamin E and their combination may prevent the increase of liver enzymes after halothane anesthesia. Based upon these results, Se and vitamin E may play an important role in the indication of hepatic cellular injury produced by halothane.     

Immunotoxicological investigation of subacute combined exposure with low doses of Pb, Hg and Cd in rats

Detectable interactions between NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) doses of Pb, Hg and Cd in general toxicological, hematological, and immune function parameters were investigated. The metals (Pb-acetate, 20 mg/kg; HgCl2, 0.40 mg/kg; CdCl2, 1.61 mg/kg) were combined. First, the rats received the combination Pb + Hg + Cd for 4 weeks per os. Significant difference vs. control was found only in the weight of lung and popliteal lymph node (PLN). The Pb + Hg and Pb + Cd combinations significantly decreased the PLN to 100 g body weight and PLN to brain weight ratio, and Pb+Hg also decreased the relative adrenal weight. After 12 weeks treatment with the same doses, effects on the thymus, kidney, and adrenal weights in the Pb + Hg, and thymus weight in the Pb + Cd, combination were seen. Pb + Cd also affected the white and red blood cell count and hematocrit. Combined with Hg or Cd, NOEL dose Pb showed toxicity, indicating that exposure limits may be inefficient in combined exposure situations.     

Toxicological impact of green synthesized silver nanoparticles and protective role of different selenium type on Oreochromis niloticus: hematological and biochemical response

BackgroundThe present work aimed to detect the toxicological effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by using Moringa Oleifera leaves extract on hematological and biochemical parameters of Oreochromis niloticus.MethodsAdult fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations (1.95 and 3.9 ppm) of Ag-NPs against sodium selenite (0.1 ppm) and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs); 0.1 ppm; protection role for 2 and 4 weeks. Hematological parameters; erythrocyte count (RBCs), hemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), leucocytes (WBCs), with differential count Micronucleus (MN) and alerted cells and biochemical parameters; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activities, serum protein (total protein, albumin and globulin) concentration, urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol (Cho) and triglyceride (Tg) were detected.ResultsThe present investigation showed that Ag-NPs in different doses led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in RBCs, Hb, Hct, MCV, WBCs, LYM and serum proteins concentration. However, MCHC, MN, alerted cells, NEUT, AST, ALT, ALP enzyme activities, urea, creatinine, glucose, Cho and Tg showed a significant increases (p < 0.05) when compared with control group. Sodium selenite (Se) and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) play an optimistic role in detoxification of Ag-NPs toxicity.ConclusionThe results suggest the negative impact of Ag-NPs on hematology and biochemical parameters of fish. Moreover, Se-NPs showed a full improvement of hematological and biochemical parameters more than that of sodium selenite in elimination of Ag-NPs toxicity.     

Hemato-biochemical responses of Van fish (Alburnus tarichi Guldenstadt, 1814) during sublethal exposure to cypermethrin

Cypermethrin is a highly active type II pyrethroid that is widely used to control harmful insects. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of the sublethal concentration of cypermethrin (0.05 μL/L) on the biometric, hematological, and biochemical parameters of Van fish (Alburnus tarichi Guldenstadt 1814) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Behavioral and physiological changes were observed in the fish treated with cypermethrin. Hematological parameters revealed a significant decrease in the erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) values (p ≤ .05). Serum enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) activities and serum cortisol level were significantly increased (p ≤ .05). The results showed that changes in the biometric, biochemical, and hematological values of the Van fish exposed to cypermethrin can be used as biomarkers for monitoring toxicity.     

Trichosanthes dioica Fruit Ameliorates Experimentally Induced Arsenic Toxicity in Male Albino Rats Through the Alleviation of Oxidative Stress

The present work was focused to evaluate the ameliorative property of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruit (AQ T. dioica fruit) against arsenic-induced toxicity in male Wistar albino rats. AQ T. dioica fruit was administered orally to rats at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 20 consecutive days prior to oral administration of sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) for 10 days. Then the rats were sacrificed for the evaluation of body weights, organ weights, hematological profile, serum biochemical profile, and hepatic and renal antioxidative parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with AQ T. dioica fruit at both doses markedly and significantly normalized body weights, organ weights, hematological profiles, and serum biochemical profile in arsenic-treated animals. Further, AQ T. dioica fruit pretreatment significantly modulated all the aforesaid hepatic and renal biochemical perturbations and reduced DNA fragmentation in arsenic-intoxicated rats. Therefore, from the present findings, it can be concluded that T. dioica fruit possessed remarkable value in amelioration of arsenic-induced hepatic and renal toxicity, mediated by alleviation of arsenic-induced oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms in male albino rats.     

Antiinflammatory and chronic toxicity study of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides L. in rats

The hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of Ageratum conyzoides leaves was studied for its antiinflammatory effect on subacute (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) and chronic (formaldehyde-induced arthritis) models of inflammation in rats. The absence or presence of toxicity by prolonged use of HAE was also evaluated through biochemical and hematological analysis of rats blood samples using daily oral doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg body wt., during 90 days. The results showed that the group of rats treated with HAE (250 mg/kg body wt.; p.o.) had a 38.7% (p < 0.05) reduction in cotton-pellet granuloma. The development of chronically induced paw edema was also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) by the plant extract. The toxicity study did not show any treatment-related abnormalities in biochemical and hematological parameters. The biochemical analysis from blood samples drawn from group of rats treated orally with 500 mg/kg body wt. did, however, present 30.2% (p < 0.05) reduction of SGPT activity as compared to the corresponding control group. These results confirm the antiinflammatory properties of A. conyzoides, with no apparent hepatotoxicity.     

Effectiveness of (PhSe)2 in protect against the HgCl2 toxicity

This work investigated the preventive effect of diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)₂] on renal and hepatic toxicity biomarkers and oxidative parameters in adult mice exposed to mercury chloride (HgCl₂). Selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) determination was also carried out. Mice received a daily oral dose of (PhSe)₂ (5.0 mg/kg/day) or canola oil for five consecutive days. During the following five days, the animals were treated with a daily subcutaneous dose of HgCl₂ (5.0 mg/kg/day) or saline (0.9%). Twenty-four hours after the last HgCl₂ administration, the animals were sacrificed and biological material was obtained. Concerning toxicity biomarkers, Hg exposure inhibited blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and also increased serum creatinine levels. (PhSe)₂ partially prevented blood δ-ALA-D inhibition and totally prevented the serum creatinine increase. Regarding the oxidative parameters, Hg decreased kidney TBARS levels and increased kidney non-protein thiol levels, while (PhSe)₂ pre-treatment partially protected the kidney thiol levels increase. Animals exposed to HgCl₂ presented Hg content accumulation in blood, kidney and liver. The (PhSe)₂ pre-treatment increased Hg accumulation in kidney and decreased in blood. These results show that (PhSe)₂ can be efficient in protecting against these toxic effects presented by this Hg exposure model.     

Protein intensity changes in the hemoglobin and plasma electrophoretic patterns of Oreochromis niloticus in response to single and combined Zn and Cd exposure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of metals on the electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin and blood plasma proteins of Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to 0.5 and 5.0 mg/L Zn, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L Cd, and 0.5 mg/L Zn + 0.1 mg/L Cd, and 5.0 mg/L Zn + 1.0 mg/L Cd mixtures for 7 and 28 days. In all concentrations tested, electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin and plasma proteins by cellulose acetate electrophoresis consist of three and eight bands, respectively. The three bands for hemoglobin are one cathodic (Hb1) and two anodic (Hb2 and Hb3) bands. The protein intensity in hemoglobins of fish following Zn, Cd, and Zn + Cd exposures decreased in Hb1, whereas it increased in Hb3. The eight bands for plasma proteins are 60, 78, 87, and 94 kDA high molecular weight proteins (HMP) for four bands and 120, 132, 176, and 273 kDA very high molecular weight proteins (VHMP) for four bands. The level of 60, 78, and 94 kDA HMP and 120, 132, and 176 kDA VHMP increased in response to single and combined Zn and Cd exposure. Also, there was increasing level of the metals in the whole blood with increasing concentrations of metals in the exposure medium and with increasing duration of exposure.     

Effects of serial anesthesia using ketamine or ketamine/medetomidine on hematology and serum biochemistry values in rhesus macaques (Macaca Mulatta)

Background  This study aimed at determining the cumulative effect of daily anesthesia, using two drug regimens, over hematological and biochemical parameters.
Methods  Blood samples were obtained from rhesus monkeys 20 minutes after intramuscular administration of ketamine or ketamine/medetomidine combination for three consecutive days and results were evaluated to determine their effect on hematological and serum biochemistry values. Statistical significance of drug, day, and interaction of these two variables were evaluated.
Results  Drug effect resulted in a dramatic increase of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase values. Day effect resulted in decreases of RBC, HCT, Hgb, and alkaline phosphatase but an increase of other biochemical parameters evaluated. The drug/day interaction effect was found to be –significant for RBC, platelets, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatine kinase values.
Conclusion  The results of our study suggest a cumulative effect of serial anesthesia and should be an important consideration when interpreting hematology and serum biochemistry in rhesus macaques.     

Lactating and non-lactating rats differ in sensitivity to HgCl2: Protective effect of ZnCl2

This work investigated zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg) effects on oxidative parameters, markers of toxicity and metal levels in different tissues from non-lactating rats (NLR) and lactating rats (LR). Adult NLR and LR received ZnCl₂ (27 mg/kg) or saline (0.9%) subcutaneously and after 24 h they received HgCl₂ (5 mg/kg) or saline (0.9%). Twenty four hours later, they were sacrificed and the preparation of biological material and biochemical analyses were performed. With respect to oxidative parameters, Hg exposure decreased kidney total SH levels from NLR and LR and hepatic catalase activity (not statistically significant) in NLR. Zinc pre-treatment partly prevented the decrease of kidney total SH levels in LR. Zinc per se increased hepatic non-protein SH levels of NLR and LR. Regarding toxicity markers, Hg exposure inhibited the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity from kidney and liver of NLR, inhibited serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity of LR and increased serum creatinine and urea levels of NLR and LR. Zinc pre-exposure prevented the enzymatic alterations caused by Hg. NLR and LR Hg exposed presented accumulation of mercury in the kidney, liver, blood and urine. Zinc pre-treatment prevented this accumulation partly in NLR liver and blood and completely in LR kidney and liver. These results show that NLR and LR are differently sensitive to HgCl₂ and that ZnCl₂ showed a promising effect against Hg toxicity.     

海洋酸化条件下Cd2+和Hg2+对斧文蛤幼贝急性毒性效应

为研究在海洋酸化条件下重金属污染物对滩涂贝类的影响,采用半静态急性毒性实验的研究方法,利用海洋酸化人工模拟系统,分析了不同酸化条件下(对照组pH 8.20、酸化组pH分别为7.80、7.60和7.40)Cd2+和Hg2+对斧文蛤(Meretrix lamarckii)幼贝急性毒性效应的影响。实验结果表明:在实验设定的海洋酸化范围内,单一的海洋酸化对斧文蛤幼贝的存活没有显著性影响,但海洋酸化显著增强了Cd2+和Hg2+的急性毒性。与对照组相比,酸化组Cd2+和Hg2+的毒性随着酸化程度的加剧而呈现出逐渐增强的趋势; Cd2+和Hg2+均在pH 7.40时对斧文蛤的毒性最强,其96h半致死(96h LC50)浓度分别为4.068 mg/L(Cd2+)和10.332 mg/L(Hg2+),明显低于pH 8.20、7.80和7.60时其对斧文蛤幼贝的96h LC50浓度(其值分别为Cd2+ 6.458、5.947、4.728 mg/L和Hg2+ 12.027、11.169、10.595 mg/L)。研究有助于丰富海洋酸化与重金属毒理作用在海洋贝类中的研究内容,为斧文蛤资源恢复和海洋环境保护提供科学依据。     

磷和镉对根内球囊霉Glomus intraradices孢子萌发、菌丝生长和外生菌丝内聚磷酸累积的影响

丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)能够显著提高植物对重金属的抗性,菌丝内聚磷酸(Polyphosphate,PolyP)可能参与了这种抗性的形成。试验以Glomus intraradices孢子为试材,对灭菌条件进行了优化,并进一步研究了不同P和Cd2+水平对孢子萌发、菌丝生长、分支和外生菌丝中聚磷酸含量的影响。结果表明,孢子在1%氯胺T+0.02%链霉素+0.01%庆大霉素+1/100(V/V)吐温-20中灭菌5min的效果最好。孢子萌发率、菌丝分支和菌丝长度随着Cd2+浓度的增加不断降低;当Cd2+浓度达到0.1mmol/L时,孢子萌发率降低为0%,表明Glomus intraradices的孢子萌发对Cd2+的耐受极限为0.1mmol/L;1mmol/L的P促进菌丝分支增加,却降低了萌发率,但对菌丝生长没有影响;在培养23d以后,三者基本不再变化。外生菌丝内的聚磷酸含量随着P的升高而增加;在Cd2+胁迫作用下,聚磷酸的含量降低而菌丝密度随着聚磷酸的升高而升高,表明聚磷酸在减弱重金属毒性方面起了重要作用。     

Ameliorative effect of resveratrol against cymoxanil-mancozeb induced toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the cymoxanil-mancozeb (CM) toxicity and investigate the ameliorative effect of resveratrol (Res) against cymoxanil-mancozeb toxicity. Forty rats were divided into four groups; the first group was used as a control group, the second group was exposed to Res only at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks, and the third group was administered CM only at a dose of 799 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks, The fourth group was co-treated with Res+CM for 4 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. The comet assay was done on liver and blood specimens and histopathological examinations of the liver and intestine. The results demonstrated that CM exposure caused a significant increase in WBCs, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT, and total cholesterol and triglycerides levels accompanied by a decrease in HGB, HCT, RBCs and MCV, MCH, MCHC, HDL and glucose levels with no significant DNA damage in liver and blood. CM mixture induced severe pathological changes in small intestine and liver. Co-treatment of Res with CM improved hematological picture, lipid and glucose profiles also liver enzymes and decreased changes in the architecture of the liver and intestine.     

Effects of Acute In vivo Cisplatin and Selenium Treatment on Hematological and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Red Blood Cells of Rats

Although cisplatin (cisPt) is one of the most often used cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of cancer, its clinical application is associated with nephrotoxicity and a cumulative anemia. In this study, we evaluated posible protective effects of selenium (Se) on hematological and oxidative stress parameters in rats, acutely treated with cisPt. Four groups of Wistar albino rats included control rats, cisPt-treated (7.5 mg/kg of body weight of cisPt, i.p.), Se-treated (6 mg/kg of body weight of Na₂SeO₄, i.p.), and Se and cisPt co-treated rats. The rats were killed 72 h after treatment; hematological and oxidative stress parameters were followed in red blood cells. The results showed depletion in platelet number induced by high acute doses of cisPt and strong utilization of reduced glutathione, resulting in elevation of GSSG/2 GSH ratio. Se treatment was followed by stimulated erythropoiesis, increased lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion. Se and cisPt co-treatment were followed by stimulated erythropoiesis and significant recovery of reduced glutathione status when compared with cisPt-treated rats. In conclusion, acute doses of Se and cisPt primarily act as pro-oxidants. CisPt influenced antioxidative properties of exogenous Se and their synergistic effects may partially participate in protection against cisPt-induced toxicity.     

Importance of Molar Ratios in Selenium-Dependent Protection Against Methylmercury Toxicity

The influence of dietary selenium (Se) on mercury (Hg) toxicity was studied in weanling male Long Evans rats. Rats were fed AIN-93G-based low-Se torula yeast diets or diets augmented with sodium selenite to attain adequate- or rich-Se levels (0.1, 1.0 or 15 μmol/kg, respectively) These diets were prepared with no added methylmercury (MeHg) or with moderate- or high-MeHg (0.2, 10 or 60 μmol/kg, respectively). Health and weights were monitored weekly. By the end of the 9-week study, MeHg toxicity had impaired growth of rats fed high-MeHg, low-Se diets by approximately 24% (p < 0.05) compared to the controls. Growth of rats fed high-MeHg, adequate-Se diets was impaired by approximately 8% (p < 0.05) relative to their control group, but rats fed high-MeHg, rich-Se diets did not show any growth impairment. Low-MeHg exposure did not affect rat growth at any dietary Se level. Concentrations of Hg in hair and blood reflected dietary MeHg exposure, but Hg toxicity was more directly related to the Hg to Se ratios. Results support the hypothesis that Hg-dependent sequestration of Se is a primary mechanism of Hg toxicity. Therefore, Hg to Se molar ratios provide a more reliable and comprehensive criteria for evaluating risks associated with MeHg exposure.     

Evaluation of hematological and hepatorenal functions of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. root treated mice

Methanolic extract of M. oleifera root was found to contain some alkaloids (total alkaloid 0.2%). Effects of multiple weekly (35, 46, 70 mg/kg) and daily therapeutic (3.5, 4.6, 7.0 mg/kg) i.p. doses of the crude extract (CE) on liver and kidney functions and hematological parameters in mice were studied. No alteration in hematological and biochemical parameters at low and moderate dose level of daily and low dose level of weekly treatment of the extract was observed. However, the extract at moderate dose level in weekly treatment changed serum aminotransferase and plasma cholesterol levels significantly. High dose in addition to the above parameters changed total bilirubin, non protein nitrogen, blood urea and plasma protein. High dose of daily treatment and moderate and high dose of weekly treatment of CE increased WBC count and decreased clotting time significantly. The results indicate that the weekly moderate and high dose (> 46 mg/kg body wt.) and daily/therapeutic high dose (7 mg/kg) of CE affects liver and kidney functions and hematological parameters whereas the weekly dose (3.5 mg/kg) and low and moderate daily/therapeutic dose (3.5 and 4.6 mg/kg) did not produce adverse effects on liver and kidney functions.     

Goldfish can recover after short-term exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate: Use of blood parameters as vital biomarkers

This study investigated the effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a widely used herbicide, on the metabolism of goldfish, Carassius auratus, using only vital (non-lethal) approaches. After 96 h exposure to 1, 10 or 100 mg/L of 2,4-D selected hematological (total hemoglobin and hematocrit) and biochemical (glucose content, aspartate transaminase and acetylcholinesterase activities) parameters were unchanged in blood of exposed fish. At 100 mg/L of 2,4-D lymphocyte numbers decreased by 8%, whereas promyelocyte and metamyelocyte numbers increased by 7- and 2-fold, respectively. Exposure to 100 mg/L of 2,4-D also elevated carbonyl protein levels (by 2-fold), triglyceride content (by 43%) and alanine transaminase activity (by 46%) in goldfish plasma. All of these hematological and biochemical parameters reverted to control values after a 96 h recovery period. These data indicate that 2,4-D has toxicological effects on goldfish that can be monitored with multiple diagnostic tests using non-lethal blood testing.     

Zinc and N-acetylcysteine modify mercury distribution and promote increase in hepatic metallothionein levels

This study investigated the ability of zinc (Zn) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in preventing the biochemical alterations caused by mercury (Hg) and the retention of this metal in different organs. Adult female rats received ZnCl₂ (27 mg/kg) and/or NAC (5 mg/kg) or saline (0.9%) subcutaneously and after 24 h they received HgCl₂ (5 mg/kg) or saline (0.9%). Twenty-four hours after, they were sacrificed and analyses were performed. Hg inhibited hepatic, renal, and blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, decreased renal total thiol levels, as well as increased serum creatinine and urea levels and aspartate aminotransferase activity. HgCl₂-exposed groups presented an important retention of Hg in all the tissues analyzed. All pre-treatments demonstrated tendency in preventing hepatic δ-ALA-D inhibition, whereas only ZnCl₂ showed this effect on blood enzyme. Moreover, the combination of these compounds completely prevented liver and blood Hg retention. The exposure to Zn and Hg increased hepatic metallothionein levels. These results show that Zn and NAC presented promising effects against the toxicity caused by HgCl₂.     

Protective efficacy of ellagic acid on glycoproteins, hematological parameters, biochemical changes, and electrolytes in myocardial infarcted rats

The cardioprotective property of ellagic acid in rats has been reported previously. The present study reveals the protective role of ellagic acid in biochemical parameters including serum iron, plasma iron binding capacity, uric acid, glycoprotein, and electrolytes along with hematological parameters. Rats were subcutaneously injected with isoproterenol (ISO) (100 mg/kg) for 2 days to induce myocardial infarction. ISO-induced rats showed a significant increase in their levels of serum iron, serum uric acid, and blood glucose, and a significant decrease in their levels of plasma iron binding capacity, serum total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, and heart glycogen, when compared with normal control rats. The altered hematological parameters were also observed in ISO-induced rats when compared with normal control rats. Pretreatment with ellagic acid at doses of 7.5 and 15 mg/kg produced significant beneficial effect by returning all the above-mentioned biochemical and hematological parameters to near normal levels.