Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera and Aloe vera-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles on Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a hazardous heavy metal that induces hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, this study was planned to explore the ameliorating capacity of Aloe vera leaf gel extract (AV) and their conjugated silver nanoparticles (AVNP) against Cr (VI) induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. The organ indices, level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total protein, and creatinine in blood serum were measured. The histopathological and micrometric analysis of the hepatic and renal tissue sections were studied. The hepatosomatic index was raised significantly (0.098 ± 0.13 g) in Cr treated group. The blood serum level of AST (484 ± 10.7 U/L), ALT (163 ± 5.5 U/L), ALP (336.7 ± 9.5 U/L), MDA (642.3 ± 28.3 U/L), and creatinine (4.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL) were increased significantly, whereas total protein level was declined (2.8 ± 0.3 g/dL) significantly in Cr exposed group. In the histopathological study, necrosis, disturbed hepatic cords, impaired glomeruli, and Bowman's capsule were noted. Micrometric data from the liver and kidney revealed a significant surge in the size of hepatocytes and their nuclei (1188.2 ± 467.7 µ2 and 456.5 ± 205.6 µ2) and CSA of glomeruli and Bowman's capsule (9051.8 ± 249.8 µ2 and 11,835.5 ± 336.7 µ2) in Cr (VI) exposed group, whereas the brush border (10.2 ± 4.0 µ) size declined significantly. The administration of AV and AVNP reduced the oxidative stress induced by Cr (VI).

Evaluating the biological (antidiabetic) potential of TEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV-spectra observed berberis lyceum conjugated silver nanoparticles.

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that affects different parts of the body including the liver, kidney, and pancreas. The core root of diabetes is mainly linked to oxidative stress produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Berberis lyceum Royle (BLR) is the source of natural products. It comprises numerous bioactive compounds having antioxidant activities. In the current investigation, silver nanoparticles from BLR root extract were synthesized, characterized, and assessed for antidiabetic potential. UV spectrophotometry, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied for the characterization of NPs. It was evident from the morphological studies that the synthesized NPs were spherical and the average size was 11.02 nm. Results revealed that BLR-AgNPs showed higher radical scavenging activity as compared to BLR extract. Moreover, BLR-AgNPs displayed superior in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic activity in comparison to BLR extract. Glucose level (116.5 ± 5.1 mg/dL), liver function test (ALAT: 54.038 ± 6.2 IU/L; ASAT: 104.42 ± 13.9 IU/L; ALP: 192.6 ± 2.4 IU/L; bilirubin: 1.434 ± 0.14 mg/dL; total protein: 5.14 ± 0.24 mg/dL), renal function test (urea: 39.6 ± 0.63 mg/dL; uric acid: 21.4 ± 0.94 mg/dL; creatinine: 0.798 ± 0.03 mg/dL; albumin: 4.14 ± 0.2 mg/dL), lipid profile level (cholesterol: 101.62 ± 3 mg/dL; triglyceride: 110.42 ± 7 mg/dL; HDL-C: 29.7 ± 3 mg/dL; LDL-C: 47.056 ± 1 mg/dL; VLDL-C: 22.0 ± 1.3 mg/dL) and hematology (WBCs: 3.82 ± 0.24 103 /µL; RBCs: 4.78 ± 0.42 106 /µL; Hb: 12.6 ± 1.0 g/dL; Hematocrit: 39.4 ± 3.7%; MCV: 65.8 ± 3 fL; platelets: 312 ± 22.4; neutrophils: 34.8 ± 1.87; eosinophils: 3.08 ± 0.43; monocytes: 3.08 ± 0.28; lymphocytes: 75.6 ± 3.77) confirmed the significant antidiabetic potential of BLR-AgNPs. Histopathological examination authenticated that BLR-AgNPs caused a significant revival in the morphology of the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Hence, findings of the study suggested the BLR-AgNPs as a potent antidiabetic agent and could be an appropriate nanomedicine to prevent diabetes in future. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Berberis lyceum extract as a reducing, capping, and stabilization agent for the BLR-AgNPs synthesis Evaluation of α-amylase inhibition, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibition potential Thorough characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and UV-VIS spectrophotometer, which is 1st of its kind In-vivo antidiabetic activity evaluation through multiple biomarkers.

Toxicological effects of dimethlybenzeneanthracene in Balb C mice and pharmacological intervention by silk sericin-conjugated silver nanoparticles.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as 7, 12-dimethylbenzneanthracene (DMBA), due to long-term bioaccumulation cause serious physiological processes and behavioral dysfunctions such as cancer, ageing, and hypertension. Silk sericin (SS) is instrumental in cancer applications due to presence of flavonoids and carotenoids which are natural pigments, present in the layer of sericin that has antioxidant and antityrosinase activity. It reduces oxidative stress and suppresses cancer cytokines while interacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) to stand against lipid peroxidation. Recent research was focused to calculate the pharmacological intervention of sericin-conjugated silver nanoparticles (S-AgNO3 NPs) against DMBA-induced toxicity. For this purpose, SS protein was extracted from silkworm cocoons by degumming process and the prepared S-AgNO3 NPs via a green synthesis. In female albino mice, a total of 50 mg/kg oral administration of DMBA was used for the induction of toxicity which required almost 8 to 10 weeks approximately. After 60 days of experimentation, mice were dissected, blood samples were collected for further hematological and biochemical analysis and were euthanized via cervical dislocation. There was a significant rise in the level of red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin at the highest applied concentration of sericin and its nanoparticles. Similarly, a reasonable decline was observed in the level of white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes as compared to the cancer-inducing group. The level of glutathione, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly reduced in all treatment groups as compared to the DMBA-induced group. Substantial effects were demonstrated in response to S-AgNO3 NPs II (T) at the highest concentrations (200 mg/kg, BW) as follows: glutathione (2.42 ± 0.26 µmol/L), lactate dehydrogenase (493.6 ± 5.78 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (158.4 ± 6.35 U/L), IgA (4.22 ± 0.19 g/L), IgG (70 ± 1.70 g/L), and IgM (4.76 ± 0.12). The histopathological study of the liver, kidneys, and brain revealed that the DMBA-induced group showed cytotoxic effects against all selected organs of mice that were recovered by treatment of selective compounds but highly effective recovery was seen in S-AgNO3 NPs II (T). These results concluded that silk S-AgNO3 NPs showed significant pharmacological potential against cancer-inducing toxicity.

Antioxidant and anti-aging role of silk sericin in D-galactose induced mice model.

The main purpose was to elucidate the potential anti-aging impact of sericin, due to its anti-oxidant potential in D-galactose induced mice model. To induce natural aging in mice, a solution of 0.9 % saline containing D-galactose (250 mg/kg b.w.) was injected intraperitoneally for a period of 60 days. In this experiment, 56 male mice were arbitrarily categorized into 8 groups (1: control; 2: D-Galactose (250 mg/kg b.w), Group 3: Sericin (150 mg/kg b.w), Group 4: Metformin (150 mg/kg), Group 5: sericin (P), Group 6; sericin (T), Group 7; Met (P), Group 8; Met (T). The level of Glutathione reductase (2.1 ± 0.2 µmol/L), CAT (0.5 ± 0.0 mmol/mL), Superoxide dismutase (65.4 ± 1.7 U/mL), GSHPx (69.2 ± 1.7 U/l), T3 (3.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL), IL-2 (68.8 ± 1.5 Pg/mL), IL-4 (71.4 ± 4.2 Pg/mL), IgG (0.6 ± 0.0 mg/mL) and IgM (0.6 ± 0.0 mg/mL) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased whereas the cortisol (22.0 ± 1.5 µg/L), and total cholesterol (229.4 ± 4.2 mg/dL)) were significantly elevated in D-galactose-treated /aged mice. However, administration of sericin significantly reduced the level of oxidative stress in aged mice. Real-time qPCR data showed that the level of telomere length- gene TERT significantly downregulated (10.43 ± 0.1) in the D-Gal-treated mice with respect to control (21.97 ± 0.5). The highest significant upregulation was found in the TERT gene when D-Gal-induced aged mice were treated with sericin (24.74 ± 0.3). Our outcomes showed that sericin gradually recovered the organ indices, and improved the histological changes of the brain, kidney, and liver in D-Gal-induced aging mice. Therefore, concluded that sericin possesses anti-aging effect against D-Gal-induced aging by diminishing oxidative stress, restoring the immune system, and enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory role of probiotics in breast cancer: A mechanistic review.

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent and noxious type of malignancy around the globe (Giaquinto et al., 2022). Multiple clinical strategies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have been in practice to manage breast cancer. Besides the protective roles of conventional remedial approaches, and non-reversible and deteriorative impacts like healthy cell damage, organ failure, etc., the world scientific community is in a continuous struggle to find some alternative biocompatible and comparatively safe solutions. Among novel breast cancer management/treatment options, the role of probiotics has become immensely important. The current review encompasses the prevalence statistics of breast cancer across the globe concerning developed and undeveloped counties, intestinal microbiota linkage with breast cancer, and association of breast microbiome with breast carcinoma. Furthermore, this review also narrates the role of probiotics against breast cancer and their mode of action. In Vivo and In Vitro studies under breast cancer research regarding probiotics are mechanistically explained. The current review systematically explains the immunomodulatory role of probiotics to prevent breast cancer. Last, but not the least, current review concludes the use of probiotics in the treatment of breast cancer through various mechanisms and future recommendations for molecular basis studies.

Advanced treatment strategies in breast cancer: A comprehensive mechanistic review.

Breast cancer is a destructive lump type that affects women globally. Despite the availability of multi-directional therapeutic strategies, advanced stages of breast cancer are difficult to treat and impose major healthcare burdens. This situation reinforces the need to identify new potential therapeutic compounds with better clinical features. In this context, different treatment methods were included such as Endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, antimicrobial peptide-dependent growth inhibitor, liposome-based drug delivery, antibiotics used as a co-medication, photothermal, immunotherapy, and nano drug delivery systems such as Bombyx mori natural protein sericin and its mediated nanoparticles are promising biomedical agents. They have been tested as an anticancer agent against various malignancies in pre-clinical settings. The biocompatible and restricted breakdown properties of silk sericin and sericin-conjugated nanoparticles made them perfect contenders for a nanoscale drug-delivery system.

Bactericidal potential of different size sericin-capped silver nanoparticles synthesized by heat, light, and sonication.

Present study was aimed to assess the bactericidal potential of sericin-capped silver nanoparticles (Se-AgNPs) synthesized by heat, light, and sonication. Se-AgNPs were characterized by size analyzer, UV spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Average size of Se-AgNPs synthesized by heat, light and sonication was 53.60, 78.12, and 7.49 nm, respectively. All (10) bacterial strains were exposed to Se-AgNPs prepared from different methods to compare their antibacterial potentials. Largest zone of inhibition (13 ± 1.15 mm) was observed for sonication-based nanoparticles (NPs) against Klebseilla pneumoniae while the smallest zone of light assisted NPs against Serratia rubidaea (5 ± 1 mm). Bacterial strains were also exposed to different concentrations (0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) of Se-AgNPs which showed largest zone (12 ± 1 mm) of inhibition for 0.4% of Se-AgNPs against Protius mirabilis and smallest zone (5 ± 1.154 mm) for 0.3% of Se-AgNPs against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, effect of different temperatures (5°C, 37°C, and 60°C) and pH (3, 7, and 12) on the efficacy and stability of Se-AgNPs was also evaluated against different bacterial strains. Sonication mediated NPs showed highest bactericidal results against K. pneumoniae (F3,8 = 6.154; p = 0.018) with smallest size NPs (7.49 nm) while lowest bactericidal results against S. rubidaea (5 ± 1 mm) were shown with largest size (78.12 nm) NPs prepared by natural light. These variations of bactericidal activities of NPs with difference size endorse that the Se-AgNPs with smallest size have highest antibacterial activity than larger size NPs. Moreover, Se-AgNPs maintain their bactericidal potency at wide range of temperature and pH, hence seemed stable.

Analysis of the antimicrobial potential of sericin-coated silver nanoparticles against human pathogens.

The antibacterial activity of synthetic antimicrobial agents is well known, but most of them have several side effects and are effective against selective microbes. Recently, major concern for the microbiologists is to investigate for some stable, non-toxic, cheap, and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents with a wide range of bactericidal potential. A cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternate has been proposed in the form of green synthesized nanoparticles. The Present study was designed to fabricate sericin-coated silver nanoparticles (S-AgNPs) using sericin as stabilizer and reductant of silver ions and their antibacterial potential was evaluated at various concentrations and temperatures (8, 40, and 50°C). Antimicrobial activities were assessed by the agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of S-AgNPs was measured at different concentrations (1-6 mg/ml) whereas; antifungal activity was tested at 5-20 mg/ml of S-AgNPs. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These nanoparticles significantly subdued the growth of Clostridium difficile (18.7 ± 0.9 mm), Proteus mirabilis (12.3 ± 0.3 mm) and Bacillus licheniformis (10.7 ± 0.9 mm) and Aspergillus flavus (18.7 ± 2.0 mm), Mucor mycetes (13 .0 ± 1.5 mm), Candida albicans (15.3 ± 0.3 mm) and Aspergillus niger (10.0 ± 0.6 mm). S-AgNPs were stable at all temperatures and the maximum growth inhibition was found at 8°C for all pathogenic strains. We concluded that the S-AgNPs could be a potential candidate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal pathogens at a wide range of environmental conditions like temperature. In various biomedical applications including antimicrobial and wound dressings, S-AgNPs can be used in the future to treat various bacterial and fungal infections.

Therapeutic Applications of Garlic and Turmeric for the Diabetic Wound Healing in Mice.

Diabetes is involved in delayed wound healing that can be cured by natural products such as garlic, turmeric, and fibroin extracts. Alloxan monohydrate is used for inducing diabetes in mice. The percent wound contraction of garlic (150 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml), and fibroin (50 mg/ml), individually and in combinations garlic (150 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml), garlic (150 mg/ml) + turmeric (100 mg/ml), and garlic (150 mg/ml) + turmeric (100 mg/ml) + fibroin (50 mg/ml) was checked by evaluating the healing time, % wound contraction and histological analysis. The serum level of MMPs (MMP 2, MMP7, MMP 9), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8), and TIMPs were evaluated. With the combination of three extracts (Ga+Tu+Fi) garlic (150 mg/ml), turmeric (100 mg/ml) and fibroin (50 mg/ml), wounds healed in 12 days and had 97.3 ± 2.2% wound contraction. While the positive control (polyfax) and diabetic control (saline) wounds healed in 17- and 19-days with wound contraction of 96.7 ± 1.4% and 96.3 ± 1.1%, respectively. Histological analysis showed that the combination of Ga+Tu+Fi exhibited an increase in the growth of collagen fibers, fibroblasts number, and keratinocytes, and lessened inflammation of blood vessels. The combination of Ga+Tu+Fi significantly alleviated the serum concentration of TNF-α (14.2 ± 0.7 pg/ml), IL-6 (10.0 ± 1.0 pg/ml), IL-8 (16.0 ± 1.5 pg/ml), MMP2 (228.0 ± 18.1 pg/ml), MMP7 (271.0 ± 9.9 pg/ml), and MMP9 (141.0 ± 5.3 pg/ml) to diabetic control. The level of TIMPs (193.0 ± 9.1 pg/ml) was increased significantly with respect to diabetic control. We conclude that the combination of these biomaterials possessed high regenerative and healing capabilities and can be an effective remedy in the healing of chronic wounds in diabetic patients.

Current status of beta-thalassemia and its treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder categorized by a decrease or absence of one or more of the globin chains synthesis. Beta-thalassemia is caused by one or more mutations in the beta-globin gene. The absence or reduced amount of beta-globin chains causes ineffective erythropoiesis which leads to anemia. METHODS: Beta-thalassemia has been further divided into three main forms: thalassemia major, intermedia, and minor/silent carrier. A more severe form among these is thalassemia major in which individuals depend upon blood transfusion for survival. The high level of iron deposition occurs due to regular blood transfusion therapy. RESULTS: Overloaded iron raises the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are noxious and prompting the injury to the hepatic, endocrine, and vascular system. Thalassemia can be analyzed and diagnosed via prenatal testing (genetic testing of amniotic fluid), blood smear, complete blood count, and DNA analysis (genetic testing). Treatment of thalassemia intermediate is symptomatic; however; it can also be accomplished by folic supplementation and splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Thalassemia major can be cured through regular transfusion of blood, transplantation of bone marrow, iron chelation management, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, stimulation of fetal hemoglobin production, and gene therapy.

Minocycline-Derived Silver Nanoparticles for Assessment of Their Antidiabetic Potential against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease, and chronic diabetes affects parts of the body including the liver, kidney, and pancreas. The root cause of diabetes is mainly associated with oxidative stress produced by reactive oxygen species. Minocycline is a drug with a multi-substituted phenol ring and has shown excellent antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic potential of minocycline-modified silver nanoparticles (mino/AgNPs) against alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The mino/AgNPs were synthesized using minocycline as reducing and stabilizing agents. UV-visible, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied for the characterization of mino/AgNPs. A 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay was conducted to determine the antioxidant potential of newly synthesized mino/AgNPs. The results revealed that the mino/AgNPs showed higher radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 19.7 µg/mL) compared to the minocycline (IC50 = 26.0 µg/mL) and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 25.2 µg/mL). Further, mino/AgNPs were successfully employed to examine their antidiabetic potential against alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Hematological results showed that the mice treated with mino/AgNPs demonstrated a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile compared to the untreated diabetic group. A histopathological examination confirmed that the diabetic mice treated with mino/AgNPs showed significant recovery and revival of the histo-morphology of the kidney, central vein of the liver, and islet cells of the pancreas compared to the untreated diabetic mice. Hence, mino/AgNPs have good antidiabetic potential and could be an appropriate nanomedicine to prevent the development of diabetes.

Aging and its treatment with vitamin C: a comprehensive mechanistic review.

Aging and age-related disorders have become one of the prominent issue of world. Oxidative stress due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species is the most significant cause of aging. The aim of literature compilation was to elucidate the therapeutic effect of vitamin C against oxidative stress. Various mediators with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties might be probable competitors of vitamin C for the improvement of innovative anti-aging treatments. More attention has been paid to vitamin C due to its anti-oxidant property and potentially beneficial biological activities for inhibiting aging.Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant agent and free radical scavenger that can protect the cell from oxidative stress, disorganization of chromatin, telomere attrition, and prolong the lifetime. This review emphasizes mechanism of aging and various biomarkers that are directly related to aging and also focuses on the therapeutic aspect of vitamin C against oxidative stress and age-related disorders.

Biosynthesis and industrial applications of α-amylase: a review.

Amylase is amongst the most indispensable enzymes that have a large number of applications in laboratories and industries. Mostly, α-amylase is synthesized from microbes such as bacteria, fungi and yeast. Due to the high demand for α-amylase, its synthesis can be enhanced using recombinant DNA technology, different fermentation methods, less expensive and good carbon and nitrogen sources, and optimizing the various parameters during fermentation, e.g., temperature, pH and fermentation duration. Various methods are used to measure the production and activity of synthesized α-amylase like iodine, DNS, NS and dextrinizing methods. The activity of crude α-amylase can be elevated to the maximum level by optimizing the temperature and pH. Some metals also interact with α-amylase and increase its activity like K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Some industries such as starch conversion, food, detergent, paper, textile industries and fuel alcohol production extensively utilize α-amylase for their various purposes.

Evaluation of Cadmium Chloride-Induced Toxicity in Chicks Via Hematological, Biochemical Parameters, and Cadmium Level in Tissues.

Cadmium is a heavy metal and a non-biodegradable environmental contaminant, and its omnipresence ensures its recurrent exposure to humans and animals. Its intake by chicks leads to fatal implications. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) because of its bio-accumulative nature is an emerging threat to the poultry industry as well as to the humans which consumes these cadmium-intoxicated chickens. In the current study, the target was to elucidate the toxic effects of CdCl2on body weight, hematological, and biochemical parameters as well as its bioaccumulation in different organs of broiler chicks. Various concentrations of CdCl2 (0, 12, 24, 38, and 48 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) of broiler chicks, respectively. The biometric screening of the exposed birds was carried out by hematological parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein, white blood cells (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb), as well as biochemical parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with commercially available kits. Metal accumulation in different organs was detected using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The compound exposure produced a varied impact on broiler birds. Hematological parameters showed a significant decrease except for WBC. Biochemical parameters also decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. However, it was revealed that the body weight of chickens was not affected considerably after CdCl2 exposure. A direct relationship was detected between the accumulation of metal within tissues (lungs, heart, and flesh) and exposure frequency. It can be deduced that an increase in Cd deposition in tissues may lead to an alteration in hematological-biochemical markers which may significantly contribute to systemic toxicity in broilers.

Cardiac toxicity of heavy metals (cadmium and mercury) and pharmacological intervention by vitamin C in rabbits.

Mercury and cadmium are highly dangerous metals that can lead to disastrous effects in animals and humans. The aim of the current research was to elucidate the poisonous effects of mercuric chloride and cadmium chloride individually and in combination on biochemical profiles of plasma and their accumulation in heart. The therapeutic effect of vitamin C against these metals in rabbits was also studied. Mercuric chloride (1.2 µg/g), cadmium chloride (1.5 µg/g), and vitamin C (150 µg/g of body weight) were orally given to treatment groups of the rabbits (1-control; 2-vitamin; 3-CdCl2; 4-HgCl2; 5-vitamin + CdCl2; 6-vitamin + HgCl2; 7-CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8-vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2. After the biometric determination of all intoxicated rabbits, biochemical parameters, viz low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), cholesterol, creatine kinase, and troponin T (TnT) were analyzed using available kits. Levels of cholesterol (0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l), creatine kinase (2985.2 ± 11 IU/L), LDL (20.35 ± 1.31 mg/dl), and troponin T (1.22 ± 0.03 µg/l) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. HDL (84.78 ± 4.30 mg/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, while supplementation of vitamin C decreased the adverse effects of CdCl2 and HgCl2 on biochemical parameters in all metal-exposed groups. A similar trend was also seen in rabbits treated with CdCl2 + vitamin and vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2. Accumulation of Cd and Hg was higher in heart tissues. This study, therefore, provides awareness on the cardiac toxicity of mercury and cadmium chlorides in the rabbits and the possible protective role of vitamin C against the perturbations induced by metals.

Dose and duration-dependent toxicological evaluation of lead acetate in chicks.

Lead is one of the utmost contaminated and dangerous heavy metals. This toxicant ultimately enters into the human body through the food chain and accumulated in the body because the animal/human body has not an appropriate mechanism to excrete it from the body. The main objective of the present research was to assess the toxicological effects of lead on body weights, biochemical, and hematological parameters of chickens and also to measure its bioaccumulation in the brain. Lead acetate was administrated orally at doses of 0, 71, 142, 213, and 284 mg/kg of body weight of chicken for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Along with determination of biometry of all experimental chicks, hematological [hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count (LDC)] and biochemical [low density lipoprotein (LDL), total protein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] parameters were measured. The present study showed that the bodyweight of chickens was not affected significantly by lead acetate exposure. The levels of MCHC, PCV, TEC, Hb, LDL, HDL, and total protein were found to be significantly decreased while WBC, LDC, and ALT profile were enhanced due to administration of lead acetate. Bioaccumulation of lead acetate was found to be higher in the brain. We conclude that the chronic administration of lead acetate affected the blood and biochemical profile of exposed chicken. These effects might be due to the accumulation of the chemical in certain vital organ(s). However, further studies in the future are suggested to refine such findings.

Therapeutic role of garlic and vitamins C and E against toxicity induced by lead on various organs.

Due to industrial and urban sewage, the metal contaminations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are increasing day by day, especially in developing countries. Despite the study of several years, we are inert far away from an actual medication for prolonged toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc. Lead is one of the most common heavy metals that possess toxicological effects on numerous tissues of animals as well as humans. Several toxic effects of lead on reproductive organs, renal system, central nervous system, liver, lungs, blood parameters, and bones have been reported. On the other hand, several reports depicted that garlic is operative in declining the absorption of lead in bones as well as soft tissues. A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead and mobilize the heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions. This review provides therapeutic approaches such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and extract of garlic to treat the detrimental effects caused after the exposure of lead. These therapeutic strategies are beneficial for both the prevention and alleviation of lead noxiousness.

Toxicological effects of toxic metals (cadmium and mercury) on blood and the thyroid gland and pharmacological intervention by vitamin C in rabbits.

Cadmium and mercury are non-biodegradable toxic metals that may cause many detrimental effects to the thyroid gland and blood. Vitamin C has been found to be a significant chain-breaking antioxidant and enzyme co-factor against metal toxicity and thus make them less available for animals. The current study was performed to find the effect of individual metals (cadmium and mercury), their co-administration, and the ameliorative effects of vitamin C on some of the parameters that indicate oxidative stress and thyroid dysfunction. Cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg), mercuric chloride (1.2 mg/kg), and vitamin C (150 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered to eight treatment groups of the rabbits (1. control; 2. Vit C; 3. CdCl2; 4. HgCl2; 5. Vit C + CdCl2; 6. Vit C + HgCl2; 7. CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8. Vit C + CdCl2 + HgCl2). After the biometric measurements of all experimental rabbits, biochemical parameters viz. triidothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and triglycerides were measured using commercially available kits. The results exhibited significant decline (p < 0.05) in mean hemoglobin, corpuscular hemoglobin, packed cell volume, T3 (0.4 ± 0.0 ng/ml), and T4 (26.3 ± 1.6 ng/ml) concentration. While, TSH (0.23 ± 0.01 nmol/l) and triglyceride (4.42 ± 0.18 nmol/l) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased but chemo-treatment with Vit C reduces the effects of Cd, Hg, and their co-administration but not regained the values similar to those of controls. This indicates that Vit C had a shielding effect on the possible metal toxicity. The Cd and Hg also found to accumulate in vital organs when measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metal concentration trend was observed as follows: kidney > liver > heart > lungs. It was concluded that Cd and Hg are toxic and tended to bioaccumulate in different organs and their toxic action can be subdued by vitamin C in biological systems.

The protective role of ascorbic acid in the hepatotoxicity of cadmium and mercury in rabbits.

The liver is one of the vital and sensitive organs which are usually exposed against the toxicity of mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). The main objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential toxicological effects of both Cd and Hg as individual and combined. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by monitoring the biochemical parameters of the liver and their accumulation in the liver as well as therapeutic role of vitamin C in said toxicity in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In this research, cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg), mercuric chloride (1.2 mg/kg), and vitamin C (150 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered to treatment groups of the rabbits for 28 alternative days. Various biochemical parameters of the liver such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), total protein, and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were estimated using blood samples. Some biochemical parameters like ASAT, ALAT, LDH, GGT, and bilirubin were significantly elevated (P ≤ 0.001) in individual Cd and Hg treatment groups, while the level of total protein was found to be significantly declined. The effects of Cd and Hg in the presence of vitamin C on these biochemical parameters were low as compared to metals-treated groups. Similar results were found when rabbits were treated with co-administration of both metals and vitamin C. Accumulation of Cd and Hg found to be higher in the liver. However, chemoprevention and chemotreatment with vitamin C significantly (P ≤ 0.01) minimized the toxicological effects of both metals but not regained the accumulation similar to that of the control group. The findings of this study provide awareness on accumulation of metals in the liver in rabbits and their toxicity tested through biochemical parameters as well as the therapeutic role of vitamin C in such alterations.

Renal toxicity of heavy metals (cadmium and mercury) and their amelioration with ascorbic acid in rabbits.

Cadmium and mercury are among the most toxic and dangerous environmental pollutants that may cause fatal implications. Vitamin C is an important chain-breaking antioxidant and enzyme co-factor against heavy metals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicological effects of cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride, and their co-administration on biochemical parameters of blood serum and metal bioaccumulation in kidneys and also to elucidate the protective effect of vitamin C in rabbits against these metals. In the current research, cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg), mercuric chloride(1.2 mg/kg), and vitamin C (150 mg/kg of body weight) were orally administered to eight treatment groups of the rabbits (1, control; 2, vitamin; 3, CdCl2; 4, HgCl2; 5, vitamin + CdCl2; 6, vitamin + HgCl2; 7, CdCl2 + HgCl2, and 8, vitamin + CdCl2 + HgCl2). After the biometric measurements of all experimental rabbits, biochemical parameters viz. creatinine, cystatin C, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and metal bioaccumulation were determined using commercially available kits and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. The levels of creatinine (28.3 ± 1.1 µmol/l), cystatin C (1932.5 ± 38.5 ηg/ml), uric acid (4.8 ± 0.1 mg/day), and ALP (51.6 ± 1.1 IU/l) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased due to administration of mercuric chloride but in the presence of vitamin C, the effects of mercuric chloride on creatinine (21.9 ± 1.4 µmol/l), cystatin C (1676.2 ± 42.2 ηg/ml), uric acid (3.9 ± 0.1 mg/day), and ALP (43.3 ± 0.8 IU/l) were less as compared to metal-exposed specimens. Similar results were found in rabbits treated with cadmium chloride and vitamin C and also with co-administration of both metals and vitamin C. Because of the bio-accumulative nature of cadmium chloride and mercuric chloride, these metals were accumulated in kidneys of rabbits, which might lead to deleterious effects. The results of the present study provide an insight into the toxicity of the cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride, and/or their combination on biochemical parameters as well as kidneys of the rabbits and the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against these metals is also evaluated.