¿Es la contratación de investigadores rentable económicamente para los centros del Sistema Nacional de Salud? El caso del Programa Miguel Servet / Is the recruitment of researchers economically profitable for institutions of the National Health System? The case of the Miguel Servet Programme

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Hematological effects of arsenic in rats after subchronical exposure during pregnancy and lactation: the protective role of antioxidants.

Free radicals production is involved in the toxicity of arsenic. The aim of this study was to determine whether biochemical changes occurred in the blood of arsenic-exposed pups during gestation and lactation, and additionally to investigate the potential beneficial role of the administration of certain antioxidants against arsenic exposure damage. Pregnant wistar rats received the following treatments as drinking water: (1) distilled water; (2) arsenic (50 mg/L); (3) antioxidants: zinc (20 mg/L)+vitamin C (2 g/L)+vitamin E (500 mg/L); (4) arsenic (50 mg/L)+antioxidants: zinc (20 mg/L)+vitamin C (2 g/L)+vitamin E (500 mg/L). We found a normocytic and normochromic anemia as well as a significant increase in hemolysis, TBARS production and catalase activity in the blood of arsenic intoxicated pups. Moreover, this metalloid produced a significant increase of serum cholesterol, triglicerids and urea levels whereas the proteins diminished. These effects were palliated in some extent by the coadministration of vitamins and zinc. Our findings suggest that administration of antioxidants during gestation and lactation could prevent some of the negative effects of arsenic.

Natural antioxidants protect against lead-induced damage during pregnancy and lactation in rat's pups.

The aim of this study was to add further evidence to the biochemical changes produced in lead-exposed pups and to investigate the potential role of natural antioxidants against the lead-induced damage. Pregnant Wistar rats received treatments with drinking water, divided into four groups, as follows: (1) distilled water; (2) lead (300mg/L); (3) lead+Zn (20mg/L)+vitamins A (50,000U/L), C (2g/L), E (500mg/L) and B(6) (500mg/L); and (4) vitamins+Zn solution. We found a significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit values as well and an increase in haemolysis among lead-exposed pups. Vitamins and zinc supplementation were effective in restoring delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, inhibited by lead in erythrocytes, but did not reach control values. Lead exposure increased the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase activity in kidneys and liver that were reduced by the co-administration of vitamins and zinc. Our findings suggest that administration of antioxidants during gestation and lactation could prevent some of the negative effects of lead.

Toxic effects of perinatal lead exposure on the brain of rats: involvement of oxidative stress and the beneficial role of antioxidants.

The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes occur in the brain of lead-exposed rats (300mgPb/L in drinking water) and to investigate the potential benefit of the administration of some natural antioxidants (Zn 20mg/L+vitamins A 50.000U/L, C 2g/L, E 500mg/L and B6 500mg/L) during pregnancy and lactation. Lead exposure caused a significant increase in brain TBARS (23%) vs. control, whereas co-administration of antioxidants+lead was effective in reducing TBARS levels. The catalase activity in brain samples of the lead group was enhanced 99% vs. control, but no changes were found in the remainder of the groups. No statistically significant effect of lead and/or antioxidants in brain SOD activity was noted. Acid phosphatase activity was enhanced in both lead groups but no changes were found in alkaline phosphatase activity. Finally, a statistically significant decrease (-35%) of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted in the lead+antioxidants group. This study provides evidence of the beneficial role of antioxidants in early status of brain development in rats against lead exposure.