Toxicological Indices of Wistar Rats Fed Formulated Chaw of Telfairia occidentalis Planted on Crude Oil Contaminated and Remediated Soil

Toxicological indices of wistar rats fed formulated chaw of Telfairia occidentalis planted on crude oil contaminated and bioremediated soil was studied. Farmland, measuring 18 m2 was divided into three lots of 4 m2 and 2 m space was allowed between each lot (A, B and C). Two lots were polluted, subjected to 16 weeks of bioremediation and viable seeds of T. occidentalis were planted and grown for 28 days. The harvested vegetable leaves were analyzed. Leaves from natural attenuated soil showed high concentration of both aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with values of 9.34+0.03 mg/kg and 9.18+0.05 mg/kg for C36 and Fluoranthene respectively, while the bioaugmented soil had Lead as the highest heavy metal with a value of 0.10+0.02 g/100g. Four groups, of 9 rats each (totalling 36 rats) of adult males and females, wealing males and females were subsequently sub-grouped into 3 and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 1 week. These animals were fed formulated rat chaw of 50% dry weight of T. occidentalis, from the three lots (control, bioaugmented and natural attenuated soil) for a period of 28 days. Assay of animals’ toxicological index showed elevated concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, urea and creatinine in their sera. A slight increase in serum amylase activity was recorded, while concentrations of their haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) reduced. The obtained results from these biomarkers were confirmed by the histopathological sections of the animal organs.

Comparison of Pancreatic Damage in Rats for Two Methods of Paraquat Administration

It is noted that elevated serum amylase levels suggesting pancreatic damage has an association with prognosis in PQ patients. This study aimed to determine whether PQ can cause pancreatic damage. The two conventional models (intragastric infusion (iG) and intraperitoneal injection (iP)) may exhibit different effects on the pancreas depending on whether or not they pass through the digestive tract. In this study, the rats were divided into four groups: the intragastric infusion group (PQ-iG, n = 45), intraperitoneal injection group (PQ-iP, n = 53), normal control group 1 (NC-iG, n = 6) and normal control group 2 (NC-iP, n = 6). Pancreatic damage was compared between groups using serum amylase activity assay, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, TUNEL assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum amylase levels in group PQ-iG were significantly higher than in group PQ-iP (p < 0.05). Examination of the H&E sections showed damage to the pancreas. Both experimental groups were displayed inflammatory infiltration within 9 h of PQ treatment. After 9 h, patchy necrosis was observed in group PQ-iP, when inflammatory infiltration was still the dominant pathology. Necrosis appeared and gradually worsened in group PQ-iG, in which necrosis was the dominant pathology. The TUNEL assay showed significantly higher numbers of apoptotic cells in the pancreas of PQ-groups than in the control NC- groups (p < 0.05). TEM showed expansive endoplasmic reticulum lumens and mitochondria swelling in the pancreas of the PQ-groups. It is concluded that both methods of modeling could cause pancreatic damage and the type and degree of damage would change over time. Note that pancreatic damage in group PQ-iG was more severe than that in group PQ-iP. Therefore, clinical practitioners should pay close attention to pancreatic damage caused by PQ, especially when the route of PQ administration was oral.

Analysis of the influence of copper on carbohydrate metabolism in carp

The article discusses some aspects of the toxic effects of copper acetate on the body of fish. Heavy metals are highly toxic to aquat-ic organisms due to their ability to accumu-late and transform within the biocenosis of the reservoir. The aim of the study was to study the indicators of carbohydrate metabo-lism in carp after exposure to various con-centrations of copper acetate. The study of the features of carbohydrate metabolism, including the intensity and direction of ex-change can be useful in assessing the re-sponse of fish to toxic effects. During the experiment, 4 groups of fish were formed - 1 control group (10 fish), 3 experimental groups – 10 fish each. Experimental groups of fish were contained in a solution of cop-per acetate (Cu(CH3COO)2) with concentra-tions of 0.01 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l, 1 mg/l (exceeding the MPC of copper for fisheries reservoirs by 10, 100 and 1000 times, re-spectively). Glucose concentration and se-rum amylase activity were studied. Glucose is necessary for supplying energy to various processes occurring inside the body,including reactions to toxic substances. Amylase, however, is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. We found such changes in carbohydrate metabolism in carp as a signifi-cant increase in serum amylase activity by 6.63%, 7.9% and 19.57% when exposed to 10, 100 and 1000 MPC of copper, respec-tively, as well as a significant increase in glucose concentration by 8.54%, 20.28% and 29.7% when exposed to 10, 100 and 1000 MPC of copper, respectively, compared to the control group.

The roles of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 and aquaporin-1 in the pathomechanism of experimental acute pancreatitis

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDEC) secrete an alkaline HCO_3^- rich isotonic fluid. The secretion of HCO_3^- across the apical membrane of PDEC is mediated by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel (CFTR) and solute carrier family 26 (SLC26) anion exchangers. Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor isoform 1 (NHERF 1) is a cytosolic adaptor protein, which binds CFTR on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate the transepithelial water flow involved in epithelial fluid secretion in numerous tissues. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious disorder in which specific treatment is still not possible. Accumulating evidence indicate that decreased pancreatic ductal fluid secretion plays an essential role in AP. The role of NHERF-1 in the pancreas has not yet been investigated despite the fact that CFTR, a key regulator of epithelial function, is controlled by this scaffolding protein Also the functions of AQPs in the pancreas are less characterized. Our aim was to characterize the function of NHERF-1 and AQP1 in AP. Methods: We used 12 16 week old WT, NHERF 1 knock-out (KO) and AQP1 KO male mice. In the AP groups, mice were injected 7 or 10 times hourly, intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 50 µg/kg cerulein. In another AP model, 4 % Na taurocholate was administered i.d. via the punctured duodenum. Control animals were injected i.p. or i.d. with PS instead of cerulein or Na taurocholate (n=6-8). Animals were sacrificed at 12 hours in case of the cerulein model or 24 hours in the Na taurocholate experiment. Laboratory [serum amylase or, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, pancreatic IL 1β concentrations] and histological parameters (pancreatic necrosis, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration) were measured to evaluate disease severity. Expression of HSP 72, IκB α, and IκB β contents were determined by Western blot analysis. Our results showed that the induction of AP was successful in both models and also in both strains. The injection of mice with cerulein or Na taurocholate increased the measured laboratory and histological parameters vs. the control groups. The measured laboratory (serum amylase, HSP72) and histological parameters (necrosis, apoptosis) were significantly elevated in AP mice injected with cerulein vs. control mice. In accord with the measured pancreatic MPO , trypsinogen activity, IκB α, IκB β, or pancreatic IL 1β concentrations were not significantly altered in the NHERF 1 KO group vs. the WT AP groups. In case of the Na taurocholate-induced AP, pancreatic necrosis, hemorrhage and MPO activity were significantly increased in the NHERF 1 KO group vs. the WT AP group. However, the pancreatic edema, leukocyte infiltration, IL 1β concentrations and serum amylase activity were significantly elevated in the WT or NHERF 1 KO AP vs. respective control groups but not in the NHERF 1 KO vs WT AP groups. The pancreatic leukocyte infiltration, edema, necrosis or serum amylase activity were significantly increased in cerulein-treated vs. control groups. In accord with the histological results, only necrosis and serum amylase activity were increased significantly in the AQP1 KO vs. WT AP groups. In conclusion, after complete evaluation of the data, we can say that the AP in both NHERF 1 or AQP1 KO groups were more severe. These results may be due the reduced HCO_3^- and fluid secretion.

Study of serum lipase level in pregnant woman presenting with nausea and vomiting

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a complex condition characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It presents with various symptoms which include disturbed nutrition, electrolyte imbalance, ketosis and extreme weight loss. The objective of this study is to compare serum lipase, amylase and glucose in Hyperemesis gravidarum with non-pregnant women. Materials and methods: A total of 100 subjects among which 50 were nonpregnant women as controls and 50 were women with hyperemesis gravidarum as cases were enrolled in the study. Serum lipase, amylase and glucose levels were estimated in all the subjects. Results: The levels of mean serum lipase were lesser in cases (23.55 ± 4.91U/L) compared to that in controls (25.45 ± 5.97U/L) with p=0.086. However, the levels of mean serum amylase were higher in cases (76.40 ± 33.86 U/L) compared to that in controls (69.66 ± 16.45U/L) with p= 0.210. Serum amylase activity was raised in 8% of the patients whereas the activity of pancreatic lipase was within normal range. Serum glucose levels were lower in cases (84.72 ± 11.28 mg/dl) than that in controls (87.04 ± 10.65 mg/dl) with p=0.293. Conclusions: From this study we conclude that lipase activity was statistically insignificant in hyperemesis gravidarum. Therefore, pancreatic activities were less affected by hyperemesis gravidarum. So, this condition needs further exploration regarding biochemical basis to minimize the risk associated with it.

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Serum Amylase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activities in Rats Exposed to Cadmium or Lead

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of selenium supplementation on serum amylase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in rats, during subacute exposure to toxic doses of cadmium or lead through the drinking water. The experimental groups (n=6) were: Control, Se (Se+4: 0,2 mg/l), Cd (Cd+2: 150 mg/l), Pb (Pb+2: 300 mg/l), Cd+Se (Cd+2: 150 mg/l; Se+4: 0,2 mg/l) and Pb+Se (Pb+2: 300 mg/l; Se+4: 0,2 mg/l). The animals were sacrificed after 56 days. Amylase, LDH and ALP activities were determined from serum. Se and Pb treatments caused an increase in amylase and LDH activities, when compared to Control group while Cd caused an increase in amylase activity and a decrease in LDH and ALP activities. Cd+Se caused a decrease in amylase activity and an increase in LDH activity, when compared to Cd. Pb+Se caused a decrease in amylase activity in comparison to lead. Selenium supplementation alleviated cadmium or lead induced changes in serum amylase activity. Selenium, coadministered with cadmium, caused a marked increase in serum LDH activity, when compared to cadmium alone or Control group while practically it had no effect on lead induced changes in LDH activity. Cadmium and lead induced disturbances in serum ALP activity were not influenced by selenium supplementation.