HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS Research Papers (original) (raw)

Recently, a novel approach to a highly sensitive and quantitative detection of rare earth element (REE) ions including La3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+, by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, has been reported. The detection of REE ions is based on the catalytic nature of REE ions targeting the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thus monitoring of the ions can be achieved by reading the level of intact DNA by PCR. Despite of its high sensitivity (at ppb to ppt levels), the conventional PCR-based REE detection protocol requires certain length of time (1-2 hours). In the present study, we modified the PCR-based REE detection protocols by employing the high-speed PCR, and performed the automated and rapid detection of La3+ in small-sized aqueous samples within 5min.

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- Environmental Engineering, Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Microbiology

Higher accumulation of toxic heavy metals in rice grown in agricultural soil may lead to health disorder. The present study was carried out to assess the levels of different heavy metals like potassium, calcium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc in agricultural soil. The soil samples were collected by soil auger from the arable fields of Nolam near Dhaka Export Processing Zone Area (DEPZA), Savar, Dhaka of Bangladesh. The samples were irradiated using 3MV Van de Graaff Accelerator at the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka and Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique was employed for the analysis. The results indicated a substantial build-up of heavy metals in surface soil andsub-surface soil. Average metal concentrations were calculated and compared with reference values. The persistence of heavy metals in surface soil was higher than the sub-surface soil and it exceeded the standard safe limit. Uptake and translocation factor of heavy metal from surface soil to sub-surface soil were quite distinguished for almost all elements examined. In terms of health risk, the observed highest concentrations of these elements in soil could have an effect on human health which may pose public health hazards and for this pretreatment process of waste water is necessary for reducing the amount of heavy metals before using it to the agricultural soil. Wastewater from industries or other sources carries an appreciable amount of toxic heavy metals therefore their discharge into the environment must be minimized and carefully controlled.

We investigated the relationships between lead shot ingestion, grit size selection, bill morphology, and diet in a community of 8 duck species and common coot (Fulica atra) wintering in the Ebro Delta, Spain. There were no intraspecific differences related to sex or age in grit composition, lead shot, and rice-grain ingestion. Strong interspecific differences were recorded for all these variables and for the density of bill lamellae. The proportion of grit of size >1 mm (especially >2-3 mm) was positively correlated with the prevalence of lead shot ingestion, as well as with rice ingestion. Rice ingestion was also positively correlated with the prevalence of lead shot ingestion. Those duck species feeding on rice had larger grit and higher prevalences of lead shot than herbivorous species. Contrary to the predictions of a straining model for food or grit ingestion, lamellar density did not explain interspecific differences in grit selection, rice ingestion, or prevalence of lead shot ingestion. These findings contradict previous claims in the literature, and suggest that mechanisms other than straining are used by ducks for grit selection and lead shot ingestion.

1 | INTRODUC TI ON Titanium is widely distributed and constitutes 0.44% of the earth's crust. The metal is found combined in practically all rocks, sand, clay, and other soils. It is also present in plants, animals, natural waters, deep-sea dredg-ings, meteorites, and stars. Ti's atomic number is 22. 1 Ultrafine Ti dioxide (TiO 2) is commonly used in a number of applications, including food additives , food packaging material, sunscreens, cosmetic creams, and as a component of surgical implants. There are rising concerns over exposure to TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) during critical windows, such as pregnancy and lactation, for women and men of reproductive age, and last but not least, childhood exposure to high cumulative doses. 2 We have included in our discussion various source points of Ti and how its use with other metals may lead to increased health risks due to galvanic corrosion. 2 | TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLE S (TI O 2 NPS) The cytotoxic effect of Ti particles is size dependent, since they must be smaller than that of cells. 3 TiO 2 exists naturally, mainly in the form of three crystalline structures: rutile, anatasa, and brookite. In Ti implants, the passivant oxide layer is made up of anatasa and rutile or anatasa alone. 4 Ti in dentistry is widely used as an implant in the form of membranes, grids, reduction plates, screws, and distrac-tors, among other applications. In 2009, about 300 000 patients in the United States received dental implants. Since no metal or alloy is entirely inert, in vivo corrosion can occur. 4 Khan et al 5 compared the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of zinc oxide NPs (ZnO) and TiO 2 NPs using various concentrations. Both NPs were found to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) concomitant with the depletion of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), chloramphenicol acetyl trans-ferase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Both NPs exerted roughly equal oxidative stress in terms of the above stress markers. This study affirmed that ROS generation is the main mechanism to cause various types of toxicities by ZnO and TiO 2 NPs. These results clearly suggest that both ZnO and TiO 2 NPs are significantly cytotoxic, and also genotoxic at all concentrations with respect to untreated samples or controls. While comparing with ionic forms, no significant difference was found. 5 Ghosh et al 6 evaluated the toxic effects of commercial TiO 2 NPs by using a series of Abstract Historically, titanium (Ti) has maintained the reputation of being an inert and relatively biocompatible metal, suitable for use in both medical and dental prosthesis. There are many published articles supporting these views, but there is recent scientific evidence that Ti, or its corrosive by-products, may cause harmful reactions in humans. It is important for all medical and dental professionals to understand the implications, complexities, and all potential pathways of exposure to this metal. These exposures are not only from the environment but also through various commonly used products in medicine that are often completely overlooked. These external (in-termittent) and internal (constant) exposures have an impact on whole-body health. This review examines possible harmful effects, risks, and often ignored potential complications of Ti exposure to human health. K E Y W O R D S electromagnetic frequency, nanoparticles, titanium dental implants This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.

- by Bayram Deleş
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- Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Stress, Preschool Education

Workers in different industries are regularly exposed to heavy metals. Those metals enter their body through several routes (inhalation, food contamination etc.,) and accumulate in the tissues and induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative damages. Chronic, regular exposures result in health hazards. Certain physiological, biochemical and behavioural dysfunctions cumulate to pathological conditions. Many of the symptoms complained by those industry workers are hardly recognized to be related to occupational exposure to heavy metals, often unidentified as occupational health hazards with a story of metal induced oxidative stress beneath their etiology. Most of the synthetic conventional drugs which are extensively prescribed by clinicians for treatments of these diseases have adverse side effects and potent cytotoxicity. Herbal remedy can be a safe substitute. The heavy metals induce generation of ROS and the phyto-components have the potential to scavenge those and boost the body's endogenous antioxidant system. They have no reported cytotoxic or adverse side effects, if not over consumed. Some specific or a perfect blend of potent phyto-constituent(s) from curry leaves can be suggested for or adapted as alternative medicine or integrative medicine for preventing or treating or curing or protecting against heavy metal-induced occupational health hazards.

- by Mostafa Lamhamdi
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- Biochemistry, Phytoremediation, Bioremediation, Abiotic Stress

E-waste management is a serious challenge across developed, transition, and developing countries because of the consumer society and the globalization process. E-waste is a fast-growing waste stream which needs more attention of international organizations, governments, and local authorities in order to improve the current waste management practices. The book reveals the pollution side of this waste stream with critical implications on the environment and public health, and also it points out the resource side which must be further developed under the circular economy framework with respect to safety regulations. In this context, complicated patterns at the global scale emerge under legal and illegal e-waste trades. The linkages between developed and developing countries and key issues of e-waste management sector are further examined in the book.

Olive oil (OO), the main fatty component of the Mediterranean diet, exhibits numerous biological functions which are beneficial for the state of health. In addition to monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) evidences have accumulated on the favorable properties of its minor though highly bioactive components, particularly the phenolic compounds, which have shown a broad spectrum of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects both associated with the origin of the main chronic diseases. Additional studies have demonstrated that the health effects of olive oil polyphenols have been also associated with their, neuroprotective, antiaging and antiatherogenic effects. On the other hand, because of their ability to modulate cell death, olive polyphenols have been proposed as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review the chemistry, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic characteristics of OO polyphenols, in addition to provide the reader an up-date of their putative antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities as well as the plausible action mechanisms involved.

- by Current Medicinal Chemistry
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- Cancer, Breast Cancer, Inflammation, Cancer Biology

Lead-glazed potsherds from archaeological excavations at six Renaissance (1536-1660 CE) sites in southern Denmark and northern Germany have been subjected to etching experiments using 4 wt% acetic acid. The extracts of 45 sherds were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. At one site, the ducal hunting castle of Grøngaard, Pb levels in acid extracts from glazed dishes were so high (up to 29,000 µg Pb cm −2 day −1) that acute toxic effects likely occurred if the dishes were used for serving food containing vinegar. More moderate acid-etching Pb levels were found in dishes from other sites, but they still exceed the WHO critical level if used daily. Acetic acid etching experiments performed on pipkins (three-legged cooking pots with a handle) yielded somewhat lower Pb extract values, averaging ca. 25 µg Pb cm −2 day −1. Taking into account the widespread use of pipkins for cooking, they might easily have led to a higher weekly Pb intake than the use of the moderate-level dishes. The question remains whether such high levels of Pb exposure during meals led to injurious Pb intake. Prior skeletal analyses have shown that medieval to early modern individuals from the area, especially in towns, were exposed to Pb. While exposure could have come from various sources other than lead-glazed ceramics, such as cosmetics, paint, antibacterial ointments, and lead water pipes, widely distributed lead-glazed ceramics had the potential of being a main source of Pb. How the pottery was actually used is uncertain, and it certainly was not evenly distributed across all segments of society, but the etching experiment results suggest that severe poisonous effects could have resulted from the use of lead-glazed Renaissance ceramics.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common FORM of dementia characterized by progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions among older people. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the most hallmarks lesions in the brain of AD in addition to neurons loss. Accumulating evidence has shown that oxidative stress–induced damage may play an important role in the initiation and progression of AD pathogenesis. Redox impairment occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and quenching of free radicals from oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species augment the formation and aggregation of amyloid-β and tau protein hyperphosphorylation and vice versa. Currently, there is no available treatments can modify the disease. However, wide varieties of antioxidants show promise to delay or prevent the symptoms of AD and may help in treating the disease. In this review, the role of oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis and the common used antioxidant therapies for AD will summarize.

- by Mostafa Lamhamdi
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- Climate Change, Environmental Pollution, Heavy Metal Pollution, Salinity

Three sets of experiments (Laboratory, diallel and stability)
were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig
University, during the winter successive growing seasons
2012/2013 and 2013/2014 to generate informations about the
impact of heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) on seed germination,
seedling growth, performance, heterosis, combining ability,
genetic behavior and stability of some bread wheat genotypes.

El tabaquismo representa un grave problema de salud pública, distintas investigaciones han demostrado que el potencial de contaminación del humo de tabaco en el domicilio es más importante que el grado de contaminación atmosférica urbana, debido a esto se ha impulsado la búsqueda de biomarcadores que permitan evaluar dicha exposición especialmente en poblaciones susceptibles. En este artículo se aborda la evidencia científica sobre la utilidad de los biomarcadores de exposición y efecto, para suministrar criterios que permitan seleccionar aquellos que identifiquen el riesgo de exposición al humo de tabaco y valoren los cambios bioquímicos o fisiológicos asociados a la misma. Conclusiones: el monitoreo biológico ofrece resultados objetivos a través del uso combinado de biomarcadores de exposición y efecto, en tanto que se apliquen m

- by Aura Palencia and +2
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- Toxicology, HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

Criminal behaviors have become a phenomenon that disturbs the communities. The objective of this study is to review the literature about neurotoxicity and criminal behavior.Criminalbehavior implies the use of violence against others. We think that the theories explaining criminal behaviors have their limitations because they put focus mainly on social aspects. From our findings and others, we have reached to some assumptions that neurotoxicity induces changes in brain chemistry that, in turn, changes the perception and lowers the tolerance to external violent stimuli leading to criminal behaviors. In this study, we put focus on the exposure to heavy metals such as lead (pb) due to their impact on nervous system.We have shown the experience of authors in this aspect and how the prevalence of crime is associated with the wide spread of lead (pb).As a conclusion, we think that the environmental theory of violent actions can explain the increasing trend of crime and violence.

- by Ahed J Alkhatib
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- Neurology, Criminal Psychology, Heavy metals, Heavy Metal Pollution

Heavy metals are a serious hazard for aquatic ecosystems and human health. They negatively affect aquatic life functioning through accumulation resulting physiological/growth disturbances in aquatic lifeforms. This survey focused on the assessment of heavy metal pollution in the Gulf of Annaba (northeastern Algeria), the largest and most diversified industrial hub in Africa, using a multi-compartment approach (water–sediment–biota). The study aims to characterize the spatiotemporal variation of trace metal (TM) contamination and its effects on the growth of the Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). It reviewed TM concentrations in upper sediments and organs of M. cephalus from various hydrosystems worldwide. Five sites distributed along the Gulf were sampled to determine water physicochemical parameters as well as the contamination of surficial sediments and muscles of M. cephalus by zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and mercury. The spatiotemporal variations of the measured parameters were tested and discussed following the synergetic effects of water, sediment and muscle variables on fish biometrics. The sediments at the Port, Joinoville and Sidi-Salem sites were classified as heavily polluted by lead, copper, zinc and cadmium, whereas only at the Port by mercury. Muscular lead concentrations exceeded international standard values in Joinoville and Port, and zinc in Port. The increase of water dissolved oxygen induced a significant decrease in sediment TM. The increase of sediment TM caused a significant increase in muscle TM levels. The S-shaped logistic models indicated that muscle contaminations reached a saturation plateaus following the current sediment pollution. TM concentrations in fish muscles negatively affected fish weight, but only copper and cadmium significantly influenced fish length. The consumption of fish from the Port, Joinoville and Sidi-Salem can be dangerous because concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium exceeded the international standards. This study validates the effectiveness of biomonitoring using M. cephalus as bioindicator in polluted coasts.

- by Bourhane-Eddine Belabed and +1
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- Marine Ecology, Fisheries, Ecology, Fisheries Management

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate insecticide effectively used
against mushroom flies, aphids, spiders, mites, caterpillars and
thrips. Toxicity of dichlorvos is confirmed by air, water and food
via inhalation, dermal, absorption and ingestion. Earlier studies
velate the dichlorvos administration with the toxicity of the
reproductive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system
and nervous system. Primarily, it affects the nervous system
through cholinesterase inhibition or anticholinesterase effect and
also leads to increased intracellular calcium level, oxidative stress
and the rate of lipid peroxidation in the brain mitochondria.
Mitochondria are pleomorphic organelles that generate the ATP
supply for the cells. Disturbance in the electron transport chain
(ETC) of mitochondria by the dichlorvos ultimately increases the
ROS production, thereby leading to an increase of oxygen
consumption and decrease of ATP synthesis which is the hallmark
of the neuronal lesions. The increased calcium level is reported to
be associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis. Since, the brain is a controlling and coordinating organ
in the body, therefore toxic effects of dichlorvos on it will also be
deleterious to other organ-systems indirectly. Current review deals
with possible implications of impairment of cholinergic circuit and
brain mitochondrial functions carried by dichlorvos which may be
the cause of potential neurotoxicity.

This review article purposes to focus on the roles associated with activated charcoal (AC). While AC is mainly associated with treatment of poisoning substances, it has other important roles in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease which enhances the outcome of renal dialysis. We also indicated to the use of AC in providing protection for workers against vapors in working atmosphere through the use of charcoal cartridge. AC has potential roles in removal of heavy metals from environment particularly water. AC has therapeutic and environmental applications due to its large surface area. Taken together, AC various applications which have to taken seriously to offer benefits other than being used for treating poisoning substances.

- by Ahed J Alkhatib
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- Environmental Toxicology, Toxicology, Genetic Toxicology, Aquatic Toxicology

It is known that many members of Pteridophytes have been traditionally used in the designs of Japanese gardens. In Japan, a large variety of ferns attracted the gardeners as the greening pieces in the gardening designs. However, the details or examples of the practical uses of ferns in traditional gardening exercises in Japan have been only rarely introduced in the non-Japanese literatures to date, despite of importance of fern members in Japanese gardening traditions. In addition to gardening exercises, the use and association of ferns in Japanese agricultural and horticultural sceneries are discussed. While describing the presence and importance of 40 familiar fern species in the local ecosystems in the gardening, agricultural and horticultural sceneries, the roles of introduced ferns as key elements of the ecosystems interacting with neighboring biota could be highlighted. Finally, some examples of the use of some fern species in the environmental science and engineering are also reviewed.

- by Tomonori Kawano
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- Botany, Japanese Studies, Environmental Science, Horticulture

This research was conducted in the Keana area of the middle Benue trough endowed with abundant mineral
deposits (brine/salt, lead-zinc sulfide ores, barite and limestone) and has a long history of mining activity. Small scale mining
activity in the area is currently increasing in intensity causing immeasurable damage to the environment and to the surrounding
communities. Potentially toxic metal releases and remobilization from the mining sites into the surrounding arable soils and
stream sediments poses serious human health risks since the surrounding communities live and grow their food from such
environment. This research assesses the accumulation and the extent of contamination of Potentially Toxic Metals (PTM) in
the vicinity of the mining environment using standard pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Enrichment
Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). A total of 40 samples were analyzed for As, Ba, Co,
Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sr and Zn, using ICP-OES geochemical technique. Analysis of geochemical data shows that the soil
and stream sediments in the area are extremely polluted by Zn, Cr and Ni, having Igeo values of 4.9, 3.8 and 2.9 respectively.
Igeo levels of Pb, Cr and Ba indicate moderate to no pollution. Zn and As with EF of 128.60 and 87.66 respectively, are
severely enriched in the environment, while Pb, Ni and Cr with EF between 6 and 8, are moderately enriched. The calculated
CF and PLI values for Cu, Sr and Sc in the soil and sediments remain very low, indicating these media are not contaminated by
these elements. A pollution load index of < 1 as seen in most locations for those elements, indicate no pollution. The continued
exposure of the populations living in this area particularly those in the mining locations who depend on the soil (for
subsistence farming) and water from ponds, wells and boreholes (for drinking, cooking and other domestic uses), would result
in various health risks and concerns, if not checked or abated. Lead, for example is known to be toxic even at very low
exposure, with chronic lethal effects. This study recommends an immediate plan for analysis of the quality of drinking water
and some staple crops grown in the area to determine the levels of these noxious metals and uptake by plants, to be followed
by a comprehensive mitigation or remediation plan.

- by Uriah Lar and +1
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- Public Health, Environmental Soil Science, Sedimentary Basins, HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

This study was conducted to establish the potential of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. buttercrunch) seeds as a bioindicator (BI), or a biological tool for detecting the presence of some toxic materials used in tanning industry and determining their concentrations using the germination percentage as a parameter (indicator). Samples of Gezira Tannery Corporation (GTC) wastewater (WW) were collected from both the mouth and the tail of the drainage stream. Lettuce seeds (10/Petri dish, replicated 3x and each experiment was repeated 3x) were treated by GTC WW and other important tanning agents (chromium oxide , sodium sulfide, Preventol® WB) in solution using different concentrations of each and their mixture. The bioassay experiment revealed that the seeds were intoxicated (i.e. reduced the germination percentage), when exposed to the WW. On exposure to several concentrations from each input, the concentrations that can be measured by this BI (i.e. sensitivity and reliability) are: chromium oxide from 0.1 to 3.25%, sodium sulfide from 0.19 to 1.5% and Preventol® WB from 18.75 to 150 ppm. Lower concentrations cannot be measured, and higher concentrations resulted in 100% inhibition. The IC50 was determined by probit analysis for the WW, mixture of the three inputs, chromium oxide alone, sodium sulfide alone and Preventol® WB alone were: 35.5, 14.5, 0.44, 0.45 and 0.005%, respectively. The slopes of the log-dose probability lines (Ld-P) showed that this BI response to all treatments was homogeneous (＞2) (tabulated X2 (df=n－2) at 5%=0.172, 0.11, 0.064, 0.05 and 0.05). It is concluded that lettuce seeds satisfy almost all the required properties of the ideal BI.

- by Ammar Abdalla and +1
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- Environmental Toxicology, Pesticide ecotoxicology, Pesticide Residues, HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

Background/aims: Lead is recognized as one of the major environmental toxins, most widely distributed in the nature. The effect of lead induced toxicity leads to severe health ailments. The most significant one being neural, cardiac, hepatic and renal damages. Method: Studies including our investigations revealed that the underlying story of lead induced oxidative stress mediated damage has been documented to be lead induced generation of free radicals which causes oxidative damages leading to oxidative stress onslaughts. Occupational and environmental exposure to lead is unavoidable for some people in certain parts of the world. Therefore, the only way out remains to provide
a protective remedy against lead induced oxidative stress. Results: Researches around the globe are targeting amelioration of lead induced toxicity by administering antioxidant(s). We have found that melatonin or aqueous extract of curry leaves provides protection against lead
induced oxidative damages. Aqueous curry leaves extract and melatonin if used in combination, acts synergistically, complements each other and thus provides a better and stronger protection against lead induced toxicity. Conclusions: Antioxidant supplementation can provide a
magic remedy against lead induced oxidative damages. Thus, curry leaves and melatonin can be used to design a potent drug formulation to provide protection against lead induced oxidative damages. It is void of side effects and has no reported cyto-toxicity.

Mercury, Lead, Cadmium and Nickel are known as non-essential metals, the source, toxicity and impacts on the environment affect humans. Humans produce xenobiotic compounds which are not natural to the environment however these metals are not distinguished this way in an ecosystem. The organic matter and dissolved organic carbon affects the nature of metals as well as abiotic factors such as bioaccumulation, bioavailability and biomagnification which alter the way these chemicals interact with the environment, organisms and humans as well as altering their toxicity. The cause of deploy of these metals are via human activities, there is a need to increase the technical methods of risk management in order to combat the release of these metals.

Mobile low-cost analytical systems for the detection and quantitation of heavy metal contaminants such as lead (Pb 2+) and mercury (Hg 2+) in drinking water are critical in preventing the general population from exposure to the toxic metal ions. In this paper, we presented smartphone nano-colorimetry (SNC) as a new technique for multiplex-sensing of dissolved Pb 2+ and Hg 2+. The sensing mechanism of SNC is based on the microscopic dark-field imaging of micro-or nanoscale sediments of yellow lead chromate (PbCrO 4) and red mercury iodide (HgI 2) on a glass-PDMS substrate, followed by intensity analysis to quantitatively measure the concentration of Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ in the water. We showed that SNC capable of detecting and quantitating Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ below the EPA action level for both metal ions at 15 ppb and 2 ppb, respectively. We envision that SNC will realize highly sensitive and rapid in-field quantitation of toxic heavy metal contaminants in drinking water, enable citizens to examine their water on-demand for better life-quality.

The presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in an aquatic environment serves an additional source of stress for aquatic organisms. The objective of the study is to determine the effects of lube, diesel, and Cordova WSF on the survival, growth and behavior of Chanos chanos fry. Five concentrations of water soluble fraction (WSF) of diesel fuel (6.25% 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%) were made for acute toxicity. The 96-hour LC50 was 4.072%. A high mortality percentage was observed throughout experiment, with the four highest test concentrations resulting to a 100% mortality by the end of 96 hours. These high mortality values may be due to the clogging of the respiratory structures of the fry by the water soluble fractions of diesel fuel, inducing oxygen stress. For sublethal testing, five concentrations (3.5%, 1.75%, 0.875%, 0.438%, and 0.219%) were tested with four replicates per concentration. The fishes under the control had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean growth rate (length and weight) than the fishes exposed to sublethal concentrations of diesel oil WSF. Suppression of growth rate in treatment groups may be attributed to their higher metabolic rates. Behavioral changes such as impairment of feeding, restlessness, and spasmodic twitching were also observed on fishes exposed to diesel WSF. Petroleum hydrocarbon exposure has adverse effects on the physiology and behaviour of milkfish fry.

- by Lovely Dawn Tesorio
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- Aquatic Toxicology, Stress physiology, Oxidative Stress, Animal Physiology

Paramecium bursaria is an unicellular organism that lives widely in fresh water environments such as rivers and ponds. Recent studies have suggested that in vivo cellular robotics using the cells of P. bursaria as micro-machines controllable under electrical and optical stimuli, has a variety of engineering applications such as transport of micro-sized particles in the capillary systems. The present study aimed to test if the swimming cells of P. bursaria, implementable in capillaries or on chips, are applicable for detection of metal ions. For model assays, rare earth elements (REEs) were chosen as target chemicals. In P. bursaria, LC 50 values for REE ions ranged between 2.0 and 62.7 µM. Among them, Sc was shown to be most toxic. In addition to the lethal impacts of REE ions, most of REE ions at sub-lethal concentrations at around 10-30 µM, showed inhibitory action against the motility of the cells during the electrically forced motility known as galvanotaxisis. In conclusion, in the non-lethal ranges of REE concentration, swimming cells of P. bursaria report the presence of REE ions, by lowering the motility.

- by Tomonori Kawano
- •
- Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Plant Ecology, Fire and Emergency Services

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in young adults, and with the incidence of diabetes increasing at a frightening rate, retinopathy is estimated to threaten vision for almost 51 million patients worldwide. In diabetes, mitochondria structure, function and DNA (mtDNA) are damaged in the retina and its vasculature, and the mtDNA repair machinery and biogenesis are compromised. Proteins encoded by mtDNA become subnormal contributing to dysfunctional electron transport system, and the transport of proteins that are important in mtDNA biogenesis and function, but are encoded by nuclear DNA, is impaired. These diabetes-induced abnormalities in mitochondria continue even when hyperglycemic insult is terminated, and are implicated in the metabolic memory phenomenon associated with the continued progression of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes also facilitates epigenetic modifications-the changes in histones and DNA methylation in response to cells changing environmental stimuli, which the cell can memorize and pass to the next generation. Epigenetic modifications contribute to the mitochondria damage, and are postulated in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and also to the metabolic memory phenomenon. Thus, strategies targeting mitochondria homeostasis and/or enzymes important for histone and DNA methylation could serve as potential therapies to halt the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract Gel electrophoresis is routinely used to separate and
analyse macromolecules in biological systems. Although
many of these electrophoretic techniques necessitate the denaturing
of the analytes prior to their analysis, blue native polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) permits the
investigation of proteins/enzymes and their supramolecular
structures such as the metabolon in native form. This attribute
renders this analytical tool conducive to deciphering the metabolic
perturbations invoked by metal toxicity. In this review,
we elaborate on how BN-PAGE has led to the discovery of the
dysfunctional metabolic pathways associated with disorders
such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and obesity
that have been observed as a consequence of exposure to
various metal toxicants.

- by Sean C Thomas
- •
- Analytical Chemistry, Genetic Algorithms, Metabolomics, Image Analysis

Saturnismo, plumbosis, plumbemia o envenenamiento por plomo: fuentes más comunes, riesgo ocupacional, cuadro clínico y farmacoterapia.

Neuroprotective Properties of Curcumin in Alzheimer’s Disease – Merits and Limitations

The study investigated Assessment of heavy metals; lead (pb), cadmium (cd) and mercury (hg) concentration/load in Amaenyi Dumpsite Awka. The sample was collected and analysed digested and analysed in the laboratory. The Analysis of the samples shows that the samples contain heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead and high in concentration. This concentration of the heavy metal is higher than W.H.O approved limited of heavy metal in soil samples. Therefore, the study recommended that Designated places should be used as dumpsites and indiscriminate marking of dumpsites be discouraged. Dumpsites should be treated before use especially for cultivation and people living around these dumpsites should stop farming on or around them as well as designated places should be used as dumpsites.

A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f o Surficial soil enriched with U-rich encrustations and green Cr-rich smectite covers large areas of Siwaqa, Central Jordan. The wide distribution of redox-sensitive elements (RSE) as chromium (Cr), vanadium (V) and uranium (U) in the top soil are related to the weathering action of alkaline surface and groundwater on the parent rocks. The bioavailability, distribution, sorption, and ecotoxicity of Cr, V, and U of the wild plants and top soils in the study area were investigated. A total number of 23 surface soil samples and 23 plant samples were collected and analyzed for the most toxic elements (Cr, V and U) by using Induced Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average Cr, V and U values in the soil was 59, 6.6 and 67 mg/kg respectively. The transfer factors (TFs) of these elements have indicated that the highest Cr and V values (0.6 and 0.26 respectively) were in the wild plants and particularly in Bellevalia sp. The highest TF for U (0.25) was recorded in Onopordum transjordanicum. The uptake of elements by plants was dependent on the plant species and the concentration of elements in the soil. Differences between TFs values of these elements in the various plant species are related to the different characteristics of the plants. The comparative uptake of the studied RSE was affected by the numerous physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soil. The results of this work provide a valuable knowledge for understanding the bioavailability of some toxic elements in the soil and plants of Central Jordan. The results are expected to be of great help for the Jordanian Uranium Mining Company during their environmental risk assessments.

- by Asma Bzour and +1
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- Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology

This study was designed to investigate the biochemical effects of graded doses of aluminum on some serum lipid profile (SLP) of male wistar albino rats. A total of twenty-four male albino rats of 10-12 weeks of age were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to six groups (Groups A-D) of six rats each. The treatment groups-A to C were administered aluminum as aluminum chloride (AlCl3) : 0.38, 3.8, and 38 mg/kg body weight while group D received 0.2ml normal saline which served as vehicle. Assay of the SLP were carried out using standard biochemical methods after 14 days. The results showed that serum total cholesterol of the treatment group administered 38mg/kg decreased significantly (p<0.05) relative to the control whereas the serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) of the treatment groups administered 3.8mg/kg and 38mg/kg decreased significantly (p<0.05) relative to the control after 14 days of treatment. The treatment group administered 0.38mg/kg showed a decrease in serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein but were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

- by Dr. Melvin N N A E M E K A Ugwu and +1
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- HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

The concentrations of lead, copper and cadmium in soil and plant samples collected from Abare and Dareta villages in Anka local government area of Zamfara State, Nigeria have been electrochemically determined. The study was carried out because of the high mortality of women and children under five, reported for these areas in June 2010. The cause was ascribed to the lead poisoning which has been related to the mining and processing of gold-containing ores. Linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry technique was used with the glassy carbon working, Ag/AgCl reference and platinum auxiliary electrodes. Voltammetric peaks for lead, copper and cadmium that were observed at-495 mV,-19.4 mV and-675 mV, respectively, have formed a basis for construction of the corresponding calibration plots. The concentrations (in mg/kg) of lead, copper and cadmium in the soil samples were found in the ranges of 18.99−26087.70, 2.96−584.60 and 0.00−1354.25, respectively. The concentration values for lead were far above already established USEPA (2002) and WHO (1996) maximum permissible limits for residential areas. The concentrations of lead, copper and cadmium in the food samples ranged between 5.70−79.91, 11.17−41.21 and 0.00−5.74 mg/kg. Several of these values are found well above the FAO/WHO limits of 0.1, 2 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The results indicate that in addition to the lead poisoning, copper and cadmium poisoning may also be responsible for sudden and high mortality in this population.

Biomarkers are used regularly in medical practice to provide objective markers of health status of a person, as well as the physiological response of the body to a pharmacological therapeutic intervention. In the specific case of the use of antioxidant products (antioxidant therapy), it is necessary to measure both biomarkers of oxidative stress level of the person as those that are specific to a physiological or pathological progression of a disease disorder. This paper describes the main biomarkers of oxidative general and specific stress as well as laboratory techniques, which should be taken into account when measuring the effectiveness of antioxidant therapies. Los biomarcadores se utilizan de forma regular en la práctica médica para ofrecer marcadores objetivos del estado de salud de una persona, así como de la respuesta fisiológica del organismo a una intervención terapéutica farmacológica. En el caso específico del uso de productos antioxidantes (terapia antioxidante) resulta necesario medir tanto biomarcadores del grado de estrés oxidativo de la persona como de aquellos que son específicos a un desorden fisiológico, patológico o la progresión de una enfermedad. El presente trabajo describe los principales biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo, generales y específicos, así como las técnicas de laboratorio, que deben ser tomados en cuenta a la hora de medir la eficacia de las terapias antioxidantes.

Solidago chilensis is a plant with therapeutic properties that is widely used in folk Brazilian medicine. In this study, we evaluated the possible acute toxicity and determined the LD50 of the hydroalcoholic extract of Solidago chilensis. Swiss mice of both sexes received intraperitoneal injections of Solidago chilensis hydroalcoholic extract (ScHE) at the doses of 30, 100, 300, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg. Pharmacological screening, LD50 determination, food intake evaluation, body and target organ weight measurements and histopathological analyses were performed. The LD50 value was determined to be 512.5 mg/kg. Pharmacological screening revealed central nervous system depressant activity, as shown by ptosis and decreases in general activity and motor activity. Food intake and body weight were not affected by extract administration. Macroscopic analysis of organs indicated splenomegaly and changes in the color of the liver in animals treated with ScHE; both effects were dose dependent. Significant macroscopic changes in the kidneys were not observed. Histopathological analysis showed significant morphological alterations in the livers of animals treated with high doses of the extract. Only animals treated with 1000 mg/kg had hemorrhagic foci in the kidneys. Our findings indicate that the intraperitoneal injection of ScHE causes relevant toxicity, with a relatively high LD50 (512.5 mg/kg), and affects the histopathological parameters analyzed. Further toxicological tests should be performed using oral administration to compare the effects of different routes of administration and to simulate traditional use.

- by Am Jour of Phytomed & Clinical Therapeut
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- Micelle, Mercury toxicity, Toxicity, Micelles

Spices are considered effective remedies in treatment of various diseases worldwide for thousands of years. Nowadays theses spices have become a quite serious and important issue to be attention. One major concern is presence of heavy metals. The present study was designed to estimate the concentration of toxic heavy metals in food spices of Hamedan city, for the contaminates of Arsenic, Mercury, Tin, Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead. Total 22 highly used spices with three replications were tested by using ICP-MS. Samples were digested by Microwave digester system (MDS). Results show that maximum samples were meeting the requirement for As, Hg, Cd, Sn, and Pb but some samples were beyond the acceptable criteria for Cu and Zn. Method was optimized and validated for the analysis of heavy metal as per the ICH requirement. To validate the matrix effects repeatability, reproducibility, recovery and overall uncertainty were calculated. Recovery was ranged between 80 to 120% with RSD less than 20.0 %. The linear calibration curves 2 were established using concentration of 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ppb of each element with linearity (r >0.998). In conclusion, present study can offer the capability to performed ppb levels of multi-elements measurement with ICP-MS and microwave digester and can be effectively used for determination of heavy metal in spices samples.

- by JASWANT RAY
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- Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Food Safety, Research Methodology

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to make sure that the Bird valley's quarry water is suitable for drinking purposes or not and to monitor the seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters of this quarry water.
Methodology: Water samples from the quarry were collected in clean and sterilized polyethene bottles. Water samples were collected from different points and mixed together to get an integrated sample. Some of the selected Physico-chemical parameters of the quarry water have been analyzed. Results were compared with standard limits of IS: 10500-2012. All the parameters were analyzed in the laboratory by using standard methods and techniques.
Main Findings: As per the obtained results this quarry water contains a very large number of Coliforms detected in the months of September and December and in June month Coliform count was 33 CFU/ml. This overall result for coliform is making this quarry water unfit for domestic purposes.
Applications of this study: This study helps us to understand the current condition of this quarry water and also enables us to know whether the quarry water is fit for drinking purposes. It also enables us to know whether this quarry water can be used for domestic purposes after the treatment.
Novelty/Originality of this study: Bird valley's quarry water has not been analyzed from this point of view to date. This study will help us to understand the present condition of the water.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) serve as an alternative tool in sustainable agriculture. PGPR influence the heavy metal accumulation of crops in contaminated soils, either by decreasing or increasing the accumulation. This study focuses on the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the heavy metal uptake, plant growth and stress response of bean plants. The simultaneous treatment of Cd 2+ and Mitsuaria chitosanitabida T310-2 /4 (PGPR strain) as well as Zn 2+ and bacteria resulted in the inhibition of root elongation in bean plants, but no differences were recorded in root biomass. A higher accumulation of the phytotoxic Cd 2+ in the root compared to the shoot was observed in bean plants due to the limited translocation (varying between 7.95-23%). In the case of Zn 2+ treatment the translocation from root to shoot was not limited. In the case of Cd 2+ treatment the Mitsuaria chitosanitabida T310-2 /4 decreased the accumulation of Cd 2+ in bean plants. Differences in polyphenol oxidase (POD) and peroxidase activity (GPOX) were observed among metal stressed and control plants. Mitsuaria chitosanitabida T310-2 /4 strain diminished the oxidative stress in the case of toxic metal (Cd 2+) treated bean plants most probably due to the inhibited metal uptake.

Prion protein (PrP) of mammals and avians has several putative Cu-binding sites. The generation of superoxide anion is catalyzed by Cu-binding motifs in mammal PrPs in the presence of certain co-factors such as H2O2 and phenolics or monoamines such as catecholamine-type neurotransmitters and related compounds [1]. Our previous study concerning the action of prion protein has revealed that the copper-binding regions in prion protein (e.g. –VNITKQHTVTTTT-) interacts with tyramine or free tyrosine in the presence of H2O2, fi nally leading to robust generation of superoxide[2]. Moreover, tyrosine-containing peptides (including tyrosine-rich sequence within prion protein) could be a target of the reaction. We found that tyrosine-residues on peptide sequences contribute as a substrate for this peroxidative ROS generating reaction [3]. In this study, we synthesized six peptides corresponding to Cu-binding region (hexa-repeat) of chicken PrP and examined its catalytic activity for the generation of superoxide. Each peptide contains both histidine residue anchoring copper ion and tyrosine residue behaving as a substrate (Fig. 1). The activity for superoxide generation was assessed with the superoxidespecific chemiluminescence of Cypridina luciferin analog. As a result, the generation of superoxide was observed in the presence of hexapeptide, copper and H2O2 without addition of any phenolic substrate since tyrosine-residue on the hexapeptide possibly behaves as a substrate for the reaction. We conclude that requirement of tyrosine residue on the peptides and certain positions of histidine binding copper are the key factors of the catalytic reaction of the PrP-mediated generation of superoxide.

- by Tomonori Kawano
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- Agricultural Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Biology

This theoretical and experimental study describes the
design and evaluation of the free-radical scavenging
effect for the molecular association of 4-aminophenol
and salicylate derivatives. For this purpose, we
employed theoretical methods for the selection of antioxidant
drugs and the rapid methods of evaluation:
the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and the thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances in the lipid peroxidation
initiated by Fe2+ and ascorbic acid in human
erythrocytes. The associate derivatives exhibited a
more potent inhibition than the salicylic acid, while the
benzoyl compound exhibited a more potent inhibition
than paracetamol. The molecular parameters related to
the electron distribution and structure (ionization
potential and energy of the highest occupied molecular
orbital) correlated very well with the antioxidant action
of the compounds studied here in different tests.

- by Cláudio Alves and +2
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- HEAVY METAL (LEAD) TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS, Salicylic Acid

A novel approach for determination of the toxicity of a chemical substance was suggested. The approach is based on computation of the relationship between instantaneous mortality rate (d, day-1) and concentration of toxic substance . Acute toxicity tests of copper were performed to the freshwater amphipod Gammarus lacustris. We showed that the relationship between amphipod instantaneous mortality rate and copper ion concentrations can be accurately described by power equation. Such an expression allow quantifying the lethal effects of heavy metals on organisms and computing the lethal concentrations (= lethal dose, e.g. 25%, 50%, 75%) for any time interval over the period of the experiment (14 days).

- by Ilia Ostrovsky
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- Environmental Toxicology, Qualitative methodology, Toxicology, Aquatic Toxicology
- by Mostafa Lamhamdi
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- Climate Change, Phytoremediation, Seed germination, Environmental Pollution

The effects of increasing arsenic (0, 10, 50, 100 mg L−1) and zinc (0, 50, 80, 120, 200 mg L−1) doses on germination and oxidative stress markers (H2O2, MDA, SOD, CAT, APX, and GR) were examined in two Brazilian savanna tree species (Anadenanthera peregrina and Myracrodruon urundeuva) commonly used to remediate contaminated soils. The deleterious effects of As and Zn on seed germination were due to As- and Zn-induced H2O2 accumulation and inhibition of APX and GR activities, which lead to oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation. SOD and CAT did not show any As- and Zn-induced inhibition of their activities as was seen with APX and GR. We investigated the close relationships between seed germination success under As and Zn stress in terms of GR and, especially, APX activities. Increased germination of A. peregrina seeds exposed to 50 mg L−1 of Zn was related to increased APX activity, and germination in the presence of As (10 mg L−1) was observed only in M. urundeuva seeds that demonstrated increased APX activity. All the treatments for both species in which germination decreased or was inhibited showed decreases in APX activity. A. peregrina seeds showed higher Zn-tolerance than M. urundeuva, while the reverse was observed with arsenic up to exposures of 10 mg L−1.