Zinc Supplementation Reduces Testicular Cell Apoptosis in Mice and Improves Spermatogenic Dysfunction Caused by Marginal Zinc Deficiency.

Zinc (Zn) is an important trace element in the human body and plays an important role in growth, development, and male reproductive functions. Marginal zinc deficiency (MZD) is common in the human population and can cause spermatogenic dysfunction in males. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate methods to improve spermatogenic dysfunction caused by MZD and to further explore its mechanism of action. A total of 75 4-week-old male SPF ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups (control, MZD, MZD + ZnY2, MZD + ZnY4, and MZD + ZnY8, 15 mice per group). The dietary Zn content was 30 mg/kg in the control group and 10 mg/kg in the other groups. From low to high, the Zn supplementation doses administered to the three groups were 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg·bw. After 35 days, the zinc content, sperm quality, activity of spermatogenic enzymes, oxidative stress level, and apoptosis level of the testes in mice were determined. The results showed that MZD decreased the level of Zn in the serum, sperm quality, and activity of spermatogenic enzymes in mice. After Zn supplementation, the Zn level in the serum increased, sperm quality was significantly improved, and spermatogenic enzyme activity was restored. In addition, MZD reduced the content of antioxidants (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), metallothionein (MT), and glutathione (GSH) and promoted malondialdehyde (MDA) production. The apoptosis index of the testis also increased significantly in the MZD group. After Zn supplementation, the level of oxidative stress decreased, and the apoptosis index in the testis was reduced. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and Bcl-2/BCL2-associated X (Bax) in the control group decreased in testicular cells, and their expression was restored after Zn supplementation. The results of this study indicated that Zn supplementation can reduce the level of oxidative stress and increase the ability of testicular cells to resist apoptosis, thereby improving spermatogenic dysfunction caused by MZD in mice.

Systemic subchronic toxicity and comparison of four selenium nutritional supplements by 90-day oral exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats.

To evaluate and compare the safety of four selenium supplements, namely Se-enriched peptides (SeP), yeast selenium (SeY), L-Se-methylselenocysteine (L-SeMc) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), the subchronic toxicity study was designed by 90-day gavage administration in Sprague-Dawley rats. The doses of SeP, SeY, L-SeMc and Na2SeO3 were 0.15, 0.30 and 0.60 mg/kg bw/day, with additional dose of 0.45 mg/kg L-SeMc (All dose calculated as Se). Symptoms like growling, hair loss and significant weight loss were found at 0.60 mg/kg of L-SeMc, but not in other groups. At the dose of 0.60 mg/kg, females in Na2SeO3, SeY and L-SeMc groups showed significant elevations in ALT and/or ALP. Pathologic manifestations such as bile duct hyperplasia and cholestasis were predominantly found in females at 0.6 mg/kg of L-SeMc and SeY groups, and in males at same dose of L-SeMc group showed marked testicular atrophy. 0.60 mg/kg of SeY and Na2SeO3, and 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 mg/kg of L-SeMc induced significant reductions in sperm motility rates, rapid movement and amount. In conclusion, the NOAEL of SeP, SeY, L-SeMc, Na2SeO3 was all 0.30 mg/kg for female, and 0.60, 0.30, 0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg for male respectively. Liver and reproductive organs are possible toxic target organs of hyper selenium.

Based on network pharmacology to explore the effect and mechanism of Yipibushen decoction in improving obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A traditional Chinese medicine experience compound known as Yipibushen (YPBS) decoction stimulates qi and nourishes yin, stimulates the kidney and solid essence, dissolves phlegm and eliminates stasis. YPBS decoction has proven to be successful in treating obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia in clinical settings. Nevertheless, the pharmacological mechanism is not understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigating the mechanism of action of YPBS decoction in enhancing the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia involved network pharmacology and animal validation techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The YPBS Decoction' active components were found in the TCMSP database and their targets were identified using UniProtKB. Additionally, targets for the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia were found in the GeneCard, DisGeNet, TTD and OMIM databases. The intersection of active ingredients, the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia was chosen as the intersection target. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the intersection target was built with the aid of Cytoscape 3.9.1, the core target of PPI was obtained through software analysis in R-project, GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment analysis was carried out on the core target. Finally, animal experiments were used to verify the intersection target. RESULTS: The research revealed 74 intersection targets of YPBS decoction active ingredients in the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia. There were also 18 PPI core targets, GO enrichment analysis of PPI core targets involving response to oxidative stress, membrane raft, DNA-binding transcription regulator complex and other biological processes; KEGG involving endocrine resistance, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, apoptosis and other signal pathways. In the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with oligoasthenotspermia mice, animal studies have shown that YPBS decoction group could decrease blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance; improve testicular function, enhance sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, and decrease the malformation rate. It could increase the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px, and decrease the MDA level. In addition to this, it could improve the amount of testosterone hormone, and enhance the expression of PI3K, p-AKT and Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: By controlling the degree of oxidative stress and the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway, YPBS decoction may enhance the obese type 2 diabetes mellitus with Oligoasthenotspermia, provide a scientific basis for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Zinc-Enriched Yeast May Improve Spermatogenesis by Regulating Steroid Production and Antioxidant Levels in Mice.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for the human body. This nutrient is involved in numerous physiological functions and plays an important role in spermatogenesis. Zn-enriched yeast (ZnY) is considered a Zn supplement with high bioavailability and is widely used as a functional food. However, the effect of ZnY on male reproductive function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of ZnY on the treatment of male spermatogenesis disorders. The spermatogenic dysfunctional mice were established by using cyclophosphamide (CP). CP was administered in saline at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day for 5 days by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.). Then, ZnY was orally supplemented at the dose levels of 2, 4, and 8 mg Zn/kg bw/day for 30 days. CP significantly decreased the sperm density and viability, testicular marker enzymes, serum testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). ZnY supplementation significantly improved these sperm parameters and hormone levels. Additionally, ZnY decreased the CP-induced lipid peroxidation and increased the glutathione levels. Moreover, ZnY increased the gene expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and steroid synthetase in mouse testes. The low-dose ZnY supplementation has a better effect on improving spermatogenesis, while the other two groups are less beneficial roles possibly due to excessive Zn intake. The present results suggest that appropriate ZnY can act as an accessory factor to improve steroid production and antioxidant levels in spermatogenic dysfunction mice.

Improvement roles of zinc supplementation in low dose lead induced testicular damage and glycolytic inhibition in mice.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that affects the male reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) intake between recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) in preventing male testis damage induced by low-dose Pb. Forty-five mice were randomly divided into control, Pb, and Pb + Zn groups. They were given distilled water ad libitum with 0, 200 mg/L Pb2+, or 15 mg/L Zn2+ mixed with 200 mg/L Pb2+ for 90 consecutive days. The Zn levels in the blood and testis of the Pb group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The Pb levels in the blood and testis of the Pb + Zn group were significantly lower than those of the Pb group. Additionally, a significant decrease in sperm density and viability, with a significant increase in sperm abnormality rate and DNA fragmentation index, was observed in the Pb group. Zn supplementation significantly improved the above sperm parameters. Moreover, Zn supplementation decreased low-dose Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione, total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and copper/Zn-SOD levels. Furthermore, Zn treatment improved glycolysis products and lactate transporters in Pb-treated mouse testes. Our findings suggest that Zn intake between RDAs and UL can act as a therapeutic agent in protecting against the reproductive impairments associated with Pb exposure.

Efficacy of Shenling Baizhu San on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shenling Baizhu San (SBS) as a classic Chinese medicine prescription, has been extensively used in gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and chronic diarrhea. In recent years, SBS has shown a beneficial effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, clinical trials had shown conflicting results of SBS on improving pulmonary function and other related indicators of patients with stable COPD. The efficacy of SBS on stable COPD patients has not been fully assessed. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine whether the SBS used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease was effective to treat COPD, we assessed the clinical evidence and efficacy of SBS supplemental treatment on stable COPD patients by a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine electronic databases were searched to include clinical trials (published until August 31, 2020) with SBS as a supplementation treatment on stable COPD. Mean difference (MD) was used to evaluate continuous variables, odds ratio (OR) was calculated to evaluate dichotomous. The Egger's test was applied for publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 770 COPD participants from 11 trials that met the inclusion criteria were included. The meta-analysis showed that modified SBS could improve the exercise endurance, life quality scores of stable COPD patients, and also showed the potential benefits to pulmonary function of COPD patients than original SBS. CONCLUSION: The methodological quality of included trials may limit the conclusions that indicate that modified SBS may have a promising treatment for improving FEV1/FVC and MVV, increasing exercise endurance and life quality scores on stable COPD patients.

Acupuncture Delays Cartilage Degeneration through Upregulating SIRT1 Expression in Rats with Osteoarthritis.

Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) has been reported to inhibit osteoarthritic gene expression in chondrocytes. Here, efforts in this study were made to unveil the specific role of SIRT1 in the therapy of acupuncture on cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, OA was established by the anterior cruciate ligament transection method in the right knee joint of rats, subsequent to which acupuncture was performed on two acupoints. Injection with shSIRT1 sequence-inserted lentiviruses was conducted to investigate the role of SIRT1 in acupuncture-mediated OA. Morphological changes and cell apoptosis in rat OA cartilages were examined by safranin-O staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-2 in OA rats were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of SIRT1, cartilage matrix degradation-related proteins (matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and ADAMTS5), NF-κB signaling-related markers (p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα), and cartilage matrix synthesis-related proteins (collagen II and aggrecan) in the OA cartilage were analyzed by western blot. As a result, acupuncture counteracted OA-associated upregulation of TNF-α, IL-2, cartilage matrix degradation-related proteins, and NF-κB signaling-related markers, morphological damage, apoptosis, SIRT1 downregulation, and loss of cartilage matrix synthesis-related proteins in rat articular cartilages. SIRT1 silencing reversed acupuncture-induced counteractive effects on the aforementioned OA-associated phenomena (except apoptosis, the experiment regarding which under SIRT1 silencing was not performed). Collectively, acupuncture inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammation, NF-κB signaling activation, and cartilage matrix degradation by upregulating SIRT1 expression to delay OA-associated cartilage degeneration.

Dose-dependent effects of fish oil on cardio-metabolic biomarkers in healthy middle-aged and elderly Chinese people: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

n-3PUFA consumption has been widely accepted as a nutritional strategy for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but little is known about the dose-response relationship between dietary n-3PUFA and serum biomarkers associated with cardiovascular health in the general population. The present study involved a 12-week double-blind, randomized controlled trial to explore the effects of fish oil with different doses (0.31, 0.62 and 1.24 g d-1 of EPA and DHA) on serum fatty acids and cardio-metabolic biomarkers including adiponectin, inflammatory markers, lipid profiles and fasting glucose in healthy middle-aged and elderly Chinese people. 240 volunteers met our inclusion criteria. A total of 39 subjects dropped out and 201 finally completed the intervention. No significant differences in baseline characteristics and daily intakes of dietary nutrients were detected among all groups. After a 12-week intervention, fish oil dose-dependently enhanced serum EPA, DHA, n-3PUFA and adiponectin (except for 0.31 g d-1), but decreased serum n-6/n-3PUFA, TG and fasting glucose. Changes in the above indicators from the baseline to week 12 in fish oil groups significantly differed from those in the control. Meanwhile, all the doses of EPA and DHA led to decreases in serum CRP; only 1.24 g d-1 led to an increase in HDL-C with a concurrent decrease in TC/HDL-C even though these changes were not significantly different among all groups. All the findings suggested that fish oil dose-dependently regulated serum PUFA and cardio-metabolic biomarkers including adiponectin, CRP, lipid profiles and fasting glucose in healthy middle-aged and elderly Chinese people who consumed insufficient dietary n-3PUFA, and the most desirable changes were observed for 1.24 g d-1.

[Phosphorus dissolving capability, glucose dehydrogenase gene expression and activity of two phosphate solubilizing bacteria].

Objective: To identify the function of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and gene expression level in the process of solubilizing phosphorus. Methods: Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were isolated and purified by soluble phosphorus circle method, and identified by Vitek 2 system and 16S rRNA sequence. The phosphate solubilization capacity and GDH activity of PSB were determined. GDH genes were cloned by PCR and the relative expression level of both genes under different conditions were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Two PSB were identified as Pseudomonas sp. and Enterobacter sp. and the highest phosphorus solubilizing capability was 558 µg/mL for the former and 478 µg/mL for the latter. GDH genes of the two bacteria were cloned and the fragments were 2007 bp and 2066 bp. Different GDH activity and GDH gene expression were cultivated under the condition of different phosphorus sources and pH value. GDH gene expression of strain wj1 was higher than the other under high phosphorus, and the result was opposite under phosphorus stress. However, GDH gene expression of strain wj3 was lower in all phosphorus levels. The expression of GDH gene and the change of the enzyme activity were not obviously related with phosphorus solubilizing capability for strain wj3. Conclusion: There were different characteristics of GDH activity and GDH gene expression in two isolated strains that have different phosphate solubilizing mechanisms.

Highly selective separation and purification of anthocyanins from bilberry based on a macroporous polymeric adsorbent.

Powdered bilberry extract (United States Pharmacopoeia, USP35-NF30), which is prepared from ripe bilberry fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), is the main ingredient of drugs alleviating visual fatigue and diabetic retinopathy because of the rich anthocyanins (purity of 36%). In this study, a method based on a macroporous polymeric adsorbent was established to obtain anthocyanin compounds from bilberry, in which the purity of the anthocyanins was improved to 96%, conducive to further pharmacological research and improvement of the efficiency of the drug. On the basis of the structure of anthocyanins, we designed a series of macroporous polymeric adsorbents based on the copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate (EGDMA). In this situation, EGDMA not only regulated the polarity of the adsorbent but also acted as the cross-linking agent to ensure the matrix structure of the adsorbent, which had a high specific surface area and could provide more interaction sites during adsorption with anthocyanins. Among the synthesized polymeric adsorbents with different contents of EGDMA, the one with 20% EGDMA content (DE-20) was demonstrated to exhibit optimal adsorption capacity and selectivity to anthocyanins compared to various commercial adsorbents through static adsorption and desorption experiments. In addition, the optimum condition of the dynamic adsorption-desorption experiment was further explored. The results indicated that the purity of anthocyanins after rinsing with 20% ethanol was determined to be approximately 96% at a desorption ratio of 83%, which was clearly higher than that in powdered bilberry extract. The established separation and purification method of anthocyanins with high purity is expected to be applied in industrial production.

Relationship of blood levels of Pb with Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Hb in children aged 0 ∼ 6 years from Wuhan, China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of blood lead (Pb) levels with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and hemoglobin (Hb) in children aged from 0-6 years in Wuhan, China. A total of 1047 children from six communities, which were randomly selected in Wuhan city and three communities, located in the urban area and others in the suburban area, were recruited for this study between November 2012 and July 2013. The levels of elements in the blood were detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer, and Hb level was tested by an automated hematology analyzer. The results showed that the mean blood lead level (BLL) is 33.72 ± 19.03 µg/L. The BLL was significantly higher among boys than girls (P < 0.05). Higher BLL was also observed in suburbs compared to that in urban areas (P < 0.05). The BLL and Zn level were gradually increased with age. The elevated rate of BLL in children was 20.9 %, while the Zn deficiency rate was 65.0 %. And, the level of Hb in higher BLL group was significantly lower. Negative correlations of the blood levels of Pb with those of Cu (r = -0.087, P = 0.005), Mg (r = -0.102, P = 0.001), and Fe (r = -0.091, P = 0.003) were observed. These data suggested that the elevated rate of BLL in children from Wuhan is still higher according to the updated reference values in the USA. The deficiency of Cu, Mg, and Fe may indicate the elevation of lead absorption. The dietary supplement of Zn, Ca, and Fe in children requires more attention.

Selective removal of caffeine from tea extracts using macroporous crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol adsorbents.

The hydrolysis reaction of ester groups in vinyl acetate (VAc) was used to introduce hydroxyl groups into the matrix of a macroporous adsorbent, which was itself prepared by free radical suspension copolymerization of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and VAc. Therefore, the copolymerization incompatibility between the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic monomer was overcome successfully and the hydrophobic matrix of the polymeric adsorbent containing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) segment was obtained. Introduction of the PVA segment decreased the hydrophobic adsorption affinity of the adsorbent while producing the hydrogen-bonding interaction. When isolating the two active components, polyphenols (TPh) and caffeine (CAF), from green tea extracts, this polymeric adsorbent, namely poly(TAIC-co-VA), exhibited good adsorption selectivity towards TPh over CAF. The adsorption mechanism leading to this selectivity involved a hydrophobic interaction mechanism for CAF and multiple weak hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions for TPh. The adsorption thermodynamics for TPh on poly(TAIC-co-VA) were studied. The effects of adsorbent structure and gradient desorption conditions on isolation were investigated. The result showed that adsorbent, with 20% TAIC content, was able to efficiently remove CAF from different tea extracts with different ratios of TPh and CAF. Finally, almost no CAF was detected in the TPh fraction and the recovery of TPh was greater than 95%.

An efficient molecular docking method for adsorbent screening.

In this study, with flavonol glycosides (FG) and terpene lactones (TL) in ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) as the targets for separation, we investigated the effectiveness of molecular docking in adsorbent screening. Several polyamine-modified methyl acylate-co-divinylbenzene (MA-co-DVB) adsorbent models were built, and their affinity to rutin, quercetin and ginkgolide B (GB) was evaluated via molecular docking. The model of ethylenediamine-modified adsorbent showed the largest difference in affinity between to GB and to quercetin as well as rutin, and thus this adsorbent could have the best separation performance. The results of the subsequently conducted static adsorption and dynamic adsorption experiments correlated well with docking results. Finally, using ethylenediamine-modified MA-co-DVB adsorbent, nearly complete separation of the FG and TL in GBE was simply achieved by one step of adsorption-desorption. Thus, the reported molecular docking method is expected to be helpful for rapid adsorbent screening.

Preparative separation of four individual flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata D. Don based on high selectivity polymeric adsorbents with different polarities.

The individual flavonoid component, scutellarin, scutellarein, luteolin and apigenin, in Scutellaria barbata plant was isolated based on the macro porous adsorbent with high adsorption selectivity. These adsorbents were synthesized based on the copolymerization of methyl acrylate and divinylbenzene (MA-co-DVB). So the polarity and the adsorption affinity of these adsorbents can be adjusted through changing MA content in the adsorbents. And then the ability of the adsorbent with different MA contents for isolation of these four individual flavonoid was also investigated. Adsorbents M2 and M4, with MA content of 25% and 45%, respectively, demonstrated the best separation ability. Complete separation of the four flavone compounds was achieved in a continuous process based on combination of adsorbents with different polarities (M2 and M4). Gradient elution using adsorbent M4 separated the four flavonoids into three fractions, which were determined to contain scutellarin, scutellarein and a mixture of luteolin and apigenin. The latter was separated completely by adsorbent M2 subsequently. All four compounds were obtained at high resolution and high recovery yield (96.7%, 94.1%, 95.8% and 93.8%, respectively), suggesting the efficiency of sequentially combined columns with different segregation patterns.

High selective purification of flavonoids from natural plants based on polymeric adsorbent with hydrogen-bonding interaction.

The efficient purification method of high purity flavonoids from natural plants was reported. A series of polymeric adsorbents with novel structure were synthesized based on the copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDGMA). Functional groups, such as ester, amino or amide group, were introduced into the adsorbent matrix, respectively, to produce the hydrogen-bonding interaction and enhance the adsorption selectivity towards flavone compounds. The influences of matrix structure and functional groups of synthesized adsorbents on the adsorption selectivity were investigated. The resins were applied to purify flavonoids in natural plants. It was illuminated that the adsorbent No. 3B with 15% EGDMA content and amide groups performed optimal selectivity to flavone compounds in Scutellaria barbata D.Don, from which the purity of flavonoids in extracts was obtained more than 50%, obviously higher than that from commercial adsorbents. The result of adsorption thermodynamics experiment showed that the isosteric adsorption enthalpy of No. 3B was in the range of 25-30 kJ/mol, which testified that the adsorption mechanism was related to hydrogen-bonding interaction. The method showed its universality via good effects on the purification of total flavonoids from Ginkgo biloba L., Radix puerariae and Hypericum perforatum L.

Selection of nutrients for prevention or amelioration of lead-induced learning and memory impairment in rats.

BACKGROUND: We carried out animal experiments based on the orthogonal design L(8)(2(7)) setting seven factors with two different levels of each and 10 groups of rats. The nutrients tested were tyrosine, glycine, methionine, taurine, ascorbic acid, thiamine and zinc. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the optimal combinations of nutrients for prevention or amelioration of lead-induced learning and memory impairment. METHODS: Rats were supplemented with nutrients by gavage once a day in two experiments: one was simultaneous nutrient supplementation with lead acetate administration (800 mg l(-1)) for 8 weeks (prophylactic supplementation) and the other was nutrient supplementation for 4 weeks after the cessation of 4 weeks of lead administration (remedial supplementation). Morris water maze was initiated at ninth week. Rats were terminated for assays of levels of Pb in blood, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in hippocampus, levels of nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus and expressions of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein messenger RNA in hippocampus. RESULTS: Results showed that in prophylactic supplementation, methionine, taurine, zinc, ascorbic acid and glycine were the effective preventive factors for decreasing prolonged escape latency, increasing SOD and NOS activities and NO levels in the hippocampus, respectively. On the other hand, in remedial supplementation, taurine was the effective factor for reversing Pb-induced decrease in activities of SOD, NOS and levels of NO. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the optimum combinations of nutrients appear to be methionine, taurine, zinc, ascorbic acid and glycine for the prevention of learning and memory impairment, while taurine and thiamine appear to be the effective factors for reversing Pb neurotoxicity.

Effect of ascorbic Acid and thiamine supplementation at different concentrations on lead toxicity in liver.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ascorbic acid [vitamin C (VC)] on liver damage parameters in the lead-exposed mice, when given in combination with thiamine [vitamin B1 (VB(1))] at different concentrations. METHODS: Sixty-six male mice were randomly assigned into 11 groups (n = 6). Mice in Group I were supplied with only the tap water as the drinking water; mice in Group II were provided with a tap water containing 0.2% lead acetate; mice in Group III-XI were given different dose of VC (140, 420, 1260 mg kg(-1) bw) and VB(1) (10, 30, 90 mg kg(-1) bw) according to 3 x 3 factorial design by oral gavages, along with ingestion of 0.2% lead acetate. After 42 test days, DNA damage of liver cells was assessed using single-cell gel electrophoresis. The apoptosis rate of liver cells was determined by flow cytometry. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver cells were measured based on individual biochemical reactions. RESULTS: Compared with the Group I, sub-chronic lead ingestion (Group II) resulted in a significant decrease of Hb, GSH-P(X), SOD in blood and GSH level in liver cells; lead exposure induced also a significant increase in DNA damage and apoptosis of liver cells (P < 0.05). Supplementation with VC and VB(1), however, reversed these effects. The best effective combination was VC (420 mg kg(-1) bw) and VB(1) (10 mg kg(-1) bw), followed by the combination of VC (420 mg kg(-1) bw) and VB(1) (30 mg kg(-1) bw). But no reversion was shown in the combination of the highest combination of VC (1260 mg kg(-1)) and VB(1) (90 mg kg(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly indicated that combination of VC and VB(1) can lessen the damage to liver cells from oxidative stress induce by lead, but the antioxidant effects are dependent on their concentrations.

Impacts of ascorbic acid and thiamine supplementation at different concentrations on lead toxicity in testis.

BACKGROUND: Lead is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant that may have toxic effects on the male reproductive system. We explored the mechanism and examine the impacts of combined administration of ascorbic acid and thiamine at different levels on apoptosis in the testes of lead-exposed mice. METHODS: Seventy-five male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (15 mice/group): control, lead-treated and vitamin-treated group (low, middle and high dose) with ascorbic acid (140, 420, 1260 mg/kg) and thiamine (10, 30, 90 mg/kg ) by oral gavage daily. All lead-exposed animals received 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water. DNA damage of testicular cells was assessed by SCGE; the levels of TGFbeta1 and caspase-3 were detected by immunohistochemistry; apoptotic cell was determined by TUNEL. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the expressions of TGFbeta1 and caspase-3, apoptotic index (AI) and DNA damage were increased significantly in lead-exposed group (P<0.05). After intervention of low and middle doses vitamin, the incidence of DNA damage and the number of apoptotic cells in testis were obviously lower than the lead-exposed group (P<0.05) and the impaired tissues were ameliorative. However, simultaneous supplementation of ascorbic acid and thiamine at the highest dose promoted testicular cell apoptosis via increased expressions of TGFbeta1 and caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: The combination treatment with thiamine and ascorbic acid at lower doses effectively inhibited testicular cells from apoptosis by lead acetate, but higher doses could aggravate the testicular lesion.

[Impacts of combined supplementation with ascorbic acid and thiamine on certain biochemical and morphologic indexes of testes in mice treated by lead].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impacts of the combined administration of ascorbic acid and thiamine on certain biochemical and morphologic indexes of testes in mice exposed to lead. METHOD: s 75 male mice were divided into control groups, groups received with 0.2% lead acetate and groups treated by the same lead acetate dose in combination with ascorbic acid and thiamine (subdivided into:low, middle and high-dose) ad libitum with 15 mice in each. 5 mice in each group were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks respectively, and then testes were separated from mice. To evaluate the lead toxicity in testis, the levels of TGFbeta1 and Caspase-3 were detected by immunohistochemistry, apoptotic cell was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL); DNA damage of germ cells was assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or Comet assay). RESULTS: The levels of TGFbeta1 and Caspase-3, apoptotic index were significantly higher in groups given by lead than those in control groups( P < 0.05 ). After intervention of low and middle-dose vitamins, DNA damage and the number of apoptotic cell in testis were obviously lower than those of groups exposed to lead( P < 0.05 ) . Also, the impaired tissues were markedly ameliorated under light microscope. Groups administrated with vitamins at the highest dose, however, promoted testicular cell apoptosis via elevated expression of TGFP, and Caspase-3, percentage of tail cell and tail length were reduced significantly. CONCLUSION: Thiamine and ascorbic acid could antagonize the action of certain toxicity of testes in mice treated by lead acetate.

Blood lead levels of both mothers and their newborn infants in the middle part of China.

A cross-sectional investigation on maternal and umbilical blood lead levels in an urban area, an industrial town and a rural area of middle China is reported. Blood samples from 89 mothers during delivery, from the umbilical cords and from 105 non-pregnant women were collected. Self-administered questionnaires including the medical history and the pregnancy-related complaints were performed. After acid digestion, the whole blood lead levels were determined by a 180-80 flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The geometric mean for lead levels in blood of non-pregnant women was 66.9 microg/l (range: 25.0-201.0 microg/l) in the urban, 66.9 microg/l (range: 30.5-198.8 microg/l) in the industrial town, and 53.3 microg/l (range: 16.0-170.5 microg/l) in the rural area. The geometric mean of lead levels in blood of pregnant women at delivery both in the rural area (74.4 microg/l, range: 35.2-245.6 microg/l) and industrial town (65.9 micro/l, range: 20.0-172.0 microg/l) were higher than in the urban region (54.3 microg/l, range: 27.9-187.0 microg/l; p < 0.05). Compared with non-pregnant women at the same area, the blood lead levels of pregnant women was lower in urban (p < 0.05), but higher in rural areas (p < 0.05). The geometric mean for lead level in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in rural (84.1 microg/l, range: 28.0-185.0 microg/l) than in the other areas (53.5 microg/l, range: 23.5-156.7 microg/l in the urban; 60.1 microg/l, range: 12.5-168.3 microg/l in the industrial town). The total geometric mean for lead level in cord blood was 69.0 microg/l (range: 12.5-185.0 microg/l), and 17.8% samples were above the blood lead threshold of health concern (> or =100 microg/l) for children (CDC, 1991), but the body weight and length of newborn babies have not been affected. The correlation between maternal and cord blood was 0.6805 (p < 0.01). Most of the pregnant women did not take the calcium supplements recommended during pregnancy. In conclusion, there were some lead burdens on both the mothers and their newborn babies in these areas. All possible measures should be taken to reduce the environmental lead exposure. It is also crucial that maternal nutrient intake, particularly calcium, should be sufficient.