alpha-Tocopherol modulates liver toxicity of the pyrethroid cypermethrin.

The objective of the current study was to analyze the hepatotoxic effect caused by cypermethrin (CYP) in rats, and to evaluate the possible protective effect of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T). Fifty male Wistar rats were given daily i.p. doses of 300 mg/kg per day of CYP during 7 days. Half of them were administered three previous doses of 100 mg/kg per day of alpha-T, followed by seven subsequent oral doses of 40 mg/kg per day of alpha-T. The levels of biochemical indicators and histological liver damage were determined, as well as DCVA in urine. CYP altered the lipid metabolism. Such alterations were inhibited 32% by alpha-T, except for LDL. Alterations in AST were modulated in 29%. In the histology, alpha-T reduced mitochondria damage, and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver cells. The results suggest that alpha-T can modify CYP metabolism, changing the lipidic profile and the histological analysis.

Cypermethrin increases apo A-1 and apo B mRNA but not hyperlipidemia in rats.

The hepatotoxic effect of cypermethrin and the expression of hepatic genes at the mRNA level, as molecular markers of liver damage, were evaluated in rats following exposure to cypermethrin. The expression of hepatic genes was compared with conventional liver functional tests, and correlations were made by studying the liver at the ultrastructural level. Cypermethrin treated rats presented a significant decrease, of 79% and 22%, on the expression of albumin and apo E genes at 5 days, respectively. The levels of apo A-1 and apo B mRNA were increased up to four- and fivefold, respectively. This increase did not correlate with the serum values of HDL and VLDL lipoprotein particles. Intracytoplasmic lipid droplets were observed after the first 2 days following cypermethrin administration, suggesting that apo A-1 and B mRNA were translated but not secreted. There were significant correlations between the low values of the albumin gene expression, the decrease in the HDL concentrations, and the ultrastructural alterations, respectively. These alterations were mainly a large amount and increased size of mitochondria in the animals exposed to cypermethrin. It is concluded that under the experimental conditions used, cypermethrin may alter the metabolism of lipids and proteins in rat liver.

Transfer of lead from lead-glazed ceramics to food.

Recent studies have shown a clear correlation between the use of lead-glazed ceramicware for cooking or food preparation and elevated blood lead levels. Two lots of lead-glazed ceramic bowls, each from a single manufacturing and firing lot were used to measure the sequential leaching of lead into salsa (an acidic food) and beans (a neutral food) stored or cooked in the bowls. The USFDA acetic acid extraction assay was also repeatedly performed on these bowls. The results of the USFDA extraction test were highly variable with levels ranging from 200 to more than 2,000 ppm (regulatory level for rejection is 2 ppm). The levels extracted declined rapidly but the rates were variable. Leaching of lead into salsa (pH = 4.8) was variable and ranged from 8 to greater than 500 ppm. Sequential extractions using salsa yielded variable but declining lead levels. Cooking beans with water in the bowls did not cause substantial leaching (levels between 3 and 8 ppm) and sequential cooking did not show any significant decline over 10 cycles. The results indicate substantial variability in leaching of lead into foods stored or cooked in lead-glazed ceramicware.