Neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pesticides are widely used in global agriculture to achieve high productivity levels. Among them, fungicides are specifically designed to inhibit fungal growth in crops and seeds. However, their application often results in environmental contamination, as these chemicals can persistently be detected in surface waters. This poses a potential threat to non-target organisms, including humans, that inhabit the affected ecosystems. In toxicologic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the most commonly used fish species to assess the potential effects of fungicide exposure, and numerous and sometimes conflicting findings have been reported. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish. Our search encompassed three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), and the screening process followed predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. We extracted qualitative and quantitative data, as well as assessed reporting quality, from 60 included studies. Meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes of distance traveled in larvae and adults and spontaneous movements in embryos. The results revealed a significant overall effect of fungicide exposure on distance, with a lower distance traveled in the exposed versus control group. No significant effect was observed for spontaneous movements. The overall heterogeneity was high for distance and moderate for spontaneous movements. The poor reporting practices in the field hindered a critical evaluation of the studies. Nevertheless, a sensitivity analysis did not identify any studies skewing the meta-analyses. This review underscores the necessity for better-designed and reported experiments in this field.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and acetyl-L-carnitine on acute PTZ-induced seizures in larval and adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease, affecting approximately 1-2% of the global population. The hallmark of epilepsy is the occurrence of epileptic seizures, which are characterized by predictable behavioral changes reflecting the underlying neural mechanisms of the disease. Unfortunately, around 30% of patients do not respond to current pharmacological treatments. Consequently, exploring alternative therapeutic options for managing this condition is crucial. Two potential candidates for attenuating seizures are N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), as they have shown promising neuroprotective effects through the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. METHODS: This study aimed to assess the effects of varying concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/L) of NAC and ALC on acute PTZ-induced seizures in zebrafish in both adult and larval stages. The evaluation of behavioral parameters such as seizure intensity and latency to the crisis can provide insights into the efficacy of these substances. RESULTS: Our results indicate that both drugs at any of the tested concentrations were not able to reduce PTZ-induced epileptic seizures. On the other hand, the administration of diazepam demonstrated a notable reduction in seizure intensity and increased latencies to higher scores of epileptic seizures. CONCLUSION: Consequently, we conclude that, under the conditions employed in this study, NAC and ALC do not exhibit any significant effects on acute seizures in zebrafish.

Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review.

The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 years of unpredictable chronic stress in zebrafish.

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a model animal that is being increasingly used in neuroscience research. A decade ago, the first study on unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) in zebrafish was published, inspired by protocols established for rodents in the early 1980s. Since then, several studies have been published by different groups, in some cases with conflicting results. Here we conducted a systematic review to identify studies evaluating the effects of UCS in zebrafish and meta-analytically synthetized the data of neurobehavioral outcomes and relevant biomarkers. Literature searches were performed in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) with a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included studies underwent extraction of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as risk-of-bias assessment. Outcomes of included studies (n = 38) were grouped into anxiety/fear-related behavior, locomotor function, social behavior or cortisol level domains. UCS increased anxiety/fear-related behavior and cortisol levels while decreasing locomotor function, but a significant summary effect was not observed for social behavior. Despite including a substantial number of studies, the high heterogeneity and the methodological and reporting problems evidenced in the risk-of-bias analysis made it difficult to assess the internal validity of most studies and the overall validity of the model. Our review thus evidences the need to conduct well-designed experiments to better evaluate the effects of UCS on diverse behavioral patterns displayed by zebrafish.

Non-micronized and micronized curcumin do not prevent the behavioral and neurochemical effects induced by acute stress in zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), presents neuroprotective properties and can modulate neuronal pathways related to mental disorders. However, curcumin has low bioavailability, which can compromise its use. The micronization process can reduce mean particle diameter and improve this compound's bioavailability and therapeutic potential. METHODS: We compared the behavioral (open tank test, OTT) and neurochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels) effects of non-micronized curcumin (CUR, 10 mg/kg, ip) and micronized curcumin (MC, 10 mg/kg, ip) in adult zebrafish subjected to a 90-min acute restraint stress (ARS) protocol. RESULTS: ARS increased the time spent in the central area and the number of crossings and decreased the immobility time of the animals in the OTT. These results suggest an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in thigmotaxis behavior. Both CUR and MC were not able to prevent these effects. Furthermore, ARS also induced oxidative damage by increasing TBARS and decreasing NPSH levels. Both CUR and MC did not prevent these effects. CONCLUSION: ARS-induced behavioral and biochemical effects were not blocked by any curcumin preparation. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin does not have acute anti-stress effects in zebrafish.

Micronized Curcumin Causes Hyperlocomotion in Zebrafish Larvae.

Zebrafish larvae have been widely used in neuroscience and drug research and development. In the larval stage, zebrafish present a broad behavioral repertoire and physiological responses similar to adults. Curcumin (CUR), a major component of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), has demonstrated the ability to modulate several neurobiological processes relevant to mental disorders in animal models. However, the low bioavailability of this compound can compromise its in vivo biological potential. Interestingly, it has been shown that micronization can increase the biological effects of several compounds. Thus, in this study, we compared the effects of acute exposure for 30 min to the following solutions: water (control), 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), 1 µM CUR, or 1 µM micronized curcumin (MC) in zebrafish larvae 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). We analyzed locomotor activity (open tank test), anxiety (light/dark test), and avoidance behavior (aversive stimulus test). Moreover, we evaluated parameters of oxidative status (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and non-protein thiols levels). MC increased the total distance traveled and absolute turn angle in the open tank test. There were no significant differences in the other behavioral or neurochemical outcomes. The increase in locomotion induced by MC may be associated with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, which was evidenced by the micronization process.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine amide on anxiety and stress behavior in zebrafish.

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Their etiology is related to stress, an adaptive response of the organism to restore homeostasis, in which oxidative stress and glutamatergic hyperactivity are involved. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a multitarget approved drug proved to be beneficial in the treatment of various mental disorders. Nevertheless, NAC has low membrane permeability and poor bioavailability and its limited delivery to the brain may explain inconsistencies in the literature. N-Acetylcysteine amide (AD4) is a synthetic derivative of NAC in which the carboxyl group was modified to an amide. The amidation of AD4 improved lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier permeability and enhanced its antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AD4 on behavioral and biochemical parameters in zebrafish anxiety models. Neither AD4 nor NAC induced effects on locomotion and anxiety-related parameters in the novel tank test. However, in the light/dark test, AD4 (0.001 mg/L) increased the time spent in the lit side in a concentration 100 times lower than NAC (0.1 mg/L). In the acute restraint stress protocol, NAC and AD4 (0.001 mg/L) showed anxiolytic properties without meaningful effects on oxidative status. The study suggests that AD4 has anxiolytic effects in zebrafish with higher potency than the parent compound. Additional studies are warranted to characterize the anxiolytic profile of AD4 and its potential in the management of anxiety disorders.

Propiconazole induces abnormal behavior and oxidative stress in zebrafish.

The use of pesticides has been growing along with the demand for agricultural products. These compounds, however, are not restricted to the field, spreading easily through the soil, contaminating groundwater and reaching urban centers. Propiconazole is a triazole fungicide that has been increasingly used in agriculture. However, there are few data about its effects on non-target organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of propiconazole in zebrafish. The animals were exposed for 96 h to different concentrations of propiconazole (425, 850, 1700, 8500 ng/L), then submitted to the novel tank test for behavioral analyses. The brains were collected for evaluation of oxidative stress parameters. Exposure to propiconazole (1700 and 8500 ng/L) decreased the number of crossings, entries, and time spent in the top, and increased the time spent in the bottom area of the tank. We also observed an increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in zebrafish brain exposed to propiconazole at 425, 850, and 1700 ng/L. We conclude that propiconazole alters normal fish behavior and disrupts oxidative status. More studies are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism underlying the effects of propiconazole on non-target-organisms.

Anxiolytic properties of compounds that counteract oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction: a review

Objective: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and the efficacy of the available anxiolytic drugs is less than desired. Adverse effects also compromise patient quality of life and adherence to treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that the pathophysiology of anxiety and related disorders is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction. The aim of this review was to evaluate data from animal studies and clinical trials showing the anxiolytic effects of agents whose mechanisms of action target these multiple domains. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for multitarget agents that had been evaluated in animal models of anxiety, as well as randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of anxiety and/or anxiety related disorders. Results: The main multitarget agents that have shown consistent anxiolytic effects in various animal models of anxiety, as well in clinical trials, are agomelatine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and omega-3 fatty acids. Data from clinical trials are preliminary at best, but reveal good safety profiles and tolerance to adverse effects. Conclusion: Agomelatine, NAC and omega-3 fatty acids show beneficial effects in clinical conditions where mainstream treatments are ineffective. These three multitarget agents are considered promising candidates for innovative, effective, and better-tolerated anxiolytics.

Acetyl-L-carnitine as a putative candidate for the treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders: Novel evidence from a zebrafish model.

Stress-related psychiatric disorders are mental conditions that affect mood, cognition and behavior and arise because of the impact of prolonged stress on the central nervous system (CNS). Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an acetyl ester of L-carnitine that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and was recently found to be decreased in patients with major depressive disorder. ALC plays a role in energy metabolism and is widely consumed as a nutritional supplement to improve physical performance. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the effects of ALC treatment (0.1 mg/L, 10 min) for 7 days on behavior and oxidative stress in zebrafish subjected to unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) protocol. Behavioral outcomes were assessed in the novel tank test, and parameters of oxidative status (lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defenses) were evaluated in the brain using colorimetric methods. According to our previous findings, UCS increased anxiety-like behavior and lipid peroxidation, while it decreased non-protein thiol levels and superoxide dismutase activity. However, ALC reversed the anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage in stressed animals, while it was devoid of effect in control animals. Although our data reinforce the neuroprotective potential of ALC in the treatment of psychiatric disorders related to stress, further investigations are required to clarify its mechanisms of action and confirm its efficacy.

Anxiolytic properties of compounds that counteract oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction: a review.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and the efficacy of the available anxiolytic drugs is less than desired. Adverse effects also compromise patient quality of life and adherence to treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that the pathophysiology of anxiety and related disorders is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction. The aim of this review was to evaluate data from animal studies and clinical trials showing the anxiolytic effects of agents whose mechanisms of action target these multiple domains. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for multitarget agents that had been evaluated in animal models of anxiety, as well as randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of anxiety and/or anxiety related disorders. RESULTS: The main multitarget agents that have shown consistent anxiolytic effects in various animal models of anxiety, as well in clinical trials, are agomelatine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and omega-3 fatty acids. Data from clinical trials are preliminary at best, but reveal good safety profiles and tolerance to adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Agomelatine, NAC and omega-3 fatty acids show beneficial effects in clinical conditions where mainstream treatments are ineffective. These three multitarget agents are considered promising candidates for innovative, effective, and better-tolerated anxiolytics.

N-Acetylcysteine Reverses Anxiety and Oxidative Damage Induced by Unpredictable Chronic Stress in Zebrafish.

There is accumulating evidence on the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. As a multi-target drug and a glutathione precursor, NAC is a promising molecule in the management of stress-related disorders, for which there is an expanding field of research investigating novel therapies targeting oxidative pathways. The deleterious effects of chronic stress in the central nervous system are a result of glutamatergic hyperactivation, glutathione (GSH) depletion, oxidative stress, and increased inflammatory response, among others. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NAC in zebrafish submitted to unpredictable chronic stress (UCS). Animals were initially stressed or not for 7 days, followed by treatment with NAC (1 mg/L, 10 min) or vehicle for 7 days. UCS decreased the number of entries and time spent in the top area in the novel tank test, which indicate increased anxiety levels. It also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) while decreased non-protein thiols (NPSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. NAC reversed the anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage observed in stressed animals. Additional studies are needed to investigate the effects of this agent on glutamatergic modulation and inflammatory markers related to stress. Nevertheless, our study adds to the existing body of evidence supporting the clinical evaluation of NAC in mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions associated with stress.

Anxiolytic and anti-stress effects of acute administration of acetyl-L-carnitine in zebrafish.

Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of mental disorders. In this context, molecules with antioxidant activity may be promising agents in the treatment of these deleterious conditions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a multi-target molecule that modulates the uptake of acetyl-CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation, acetylcholine production, protein, and membrane phospholipid synthesis, capable of promoting neurogenesis in case of neuronal death. Moreover, neurochemical effects of ALC include modulation of brain energy and synaptic transmission of multiple neurotransmitters, including expression of type 2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ALC in zebrafish by examining behavioral and biochemical parameters relevant to anxiety and mood disorders in zebrafish. ALC presented anxiolytic effects in both novel tank and light/dark tests and prevented the anxiety-like behavior induced by an acute stressor (net chasing). Furthermore, ALC was able to prevent the lipid peroxidation induced by acute stress in the zebrafish brain. The data presented here warrant further investigation of ALC as a potential agent in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Its good tolerability also subsidizes the additional studies necessary to assess its therapeutic potential in clinical settings.

Enriched environment prevents oxidative stress in zebrafish submitted to unpredictable chronic stress.

BACKGROUND: The enriched environment (EE) is a laboratory housing model that emerged from efforts to minimize the impact of environmental conditions on laboratory animals. Recently, we showed that EE promoted positive effects on behavior and cortisol levels in zebrafish submitted to the unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) protocol. Here, we expanded the characterization of the effects of UCS protocol by assessing parameters of oxidative status in the zebrafish brain and reveal that EE protects against the oxidative stress induced by chronic stress. METHODS: Zebrafish were exposed to EE (21 or 28 days) or standard housing conditions and subjected to the UCS protocol for seven days. Oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, non-protein thiol (NPSH) and total thiol (SH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in brain homogenate. RESULTS: Our results revealed that UCS increased lipid peroxidation and ROS levels, while decreased NPSH levels and SOD activity, suggesting oxidative damage. EE for 28 days prevented all changes induced by the UCS protocol, and EE for 21 days prevented the alterations on NPSH levels, lipid peroxidation and ROS levels. Both EE for 21 or 28 days increased CAT activity. DISCUSSION: Our findings reinforce the idea that EE exerts neuromodulatory effects in the zebrafish brain. EE promoted positive effects as it helped maintain the redox homeostasis, which may reduce the susceptibility to stress and its oxidative impact.

N-acetylcysteine protects against motor, optomotor and morphological deficits induced by 6-OHDA in zebrafish larvae.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. In addition to its highly debilitating motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms may precede their motor counterparts by many years, which may characterize a prodromal phase of PD. A potential pharmacological strategy is to introduce neuroprotective agents at an earlier stage in order to prevent further neuronal death. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used against paracetamol overdose hepatotoxicity by restoring hepatic concentrations of glutathione (GSH), and as a mucolytic in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by reducing disulfide bonds in mucoproteins. It has been shown to be safe for humans at high doses. More recently, several studies have evidenced that NAC has a multifaceted mechanism of action, presenting indirect antioxidant effect by acting as a GSH precursor, besides its anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. Moreover, NAC modulates glutamate release through activation of the cystine-glutamate antiporter in extra-synaptic astrocytes. Its therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated in clinical trials for several neuropsychiatric conditions but has not been tested in PD models yet. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the potential of NAC to prevent the damage induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on motor, optomotor and morphological parameters in a PD model in larval zebrafish. RESULTS: NAC was able to prevent the motor deficits (total distance, mean speed, maximum acceleration, absolute turn angle and immobility time), optomotor response impairment and morphological alterations (total length and head length) caused by exposure to 6-OHDA, which reinforce and broaden the relevance of its neuroprotective effects. DISCUSSION: NAC acts in different targets relevant to PD pathophysiology. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to assess this agent as a candidate for prevention and adjunctive treatment of PD.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on amphetamine-induced sensitization in mice

Objective: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is beneficial in psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia exhibit mesolimbic dopamine hyperfunction consequent to an endogenous sensitization process. This sensitization can be modeled in rodents by repeated exposure to psychostimulants, provoking an enduring amplified response at subsequent exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NAC on amphetamine sensitization in mice. Methods: D-amphetamine was administered to C57BL/6 mice three times a week for 3 weeks; the dose was increased weekly from 1 to 3 mg/kg. NAC (60 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally before saline or amphetamine during the second and third weeks. After a 4-week washout period, latent inhibition (LI) and the locomotor response to amphetamine 2 mg/kg were assessed. Results: Sensitization disrupted LI and amplified the locomotor response; NAC disrupted LI in control mice. In sensitized animals, NAC attenuated the enhanced locomotion but failed to prevent LI disruption. Conclusion: NAC warrants consideration as a candidate for early intervention in ultra-high risk subjects due to its safety profile and the relevance of its mechanism of action. Supplementing this proposition, we report that NAC attenuates sensitization-induced locomotor enhancement in mice. The finding that NAC disrupted LI incites a cautionary note and requires clarification.

Environmental enrichment modulates the response to chronic stress in zebrafish.

Several studies have shown that manipulations to the housing environment modulate susceptibility to stress in laboratory animals, mainly in rodents. Environmental enrichment (EE) is one such manipulation that promotes neuroprotection and neurogenesis, besides affecting behaviors such as drug self-administration. Zebrafish are a popular and useful animal model for behavioral neuroscience studies; however, studies evaluating the impact of housing conditions in this species are scarce. In this study, we verified the effects of EE on behavioral (novel tank test) and biochemical [cortisol and reactive oxygen species (ROS)] parameters in zebrafish submitted to unpredictable chronic stress (UCS). Consistent with our previous findings, UCS increased anxiety-like behavior, cortisol and ROS levels in zebrafish. EE for 21 or 28 days attenuated the effects induced by UCS on behavior and cortisol, and prevented the effects on ROS levels. Our findings reinforce the idea that EE exerts neuromodulatory effects across species, reducing vulnerability to stress and its biochemical impact. Also, these results indicate that zebrafish is a suitable model animal to study the behavioral effects and neurobiological mechanisms related to EE.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on amphetamine-induced sensitization in mice.

OBJECTIVE: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is beneficial in psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia exhibit mesolimbic dopamine hyperfunction consequent to an endogenous sensitization process. This sensitization can be modeled in rodents by repeated exposure to psychostimulants, provoking an enduring amplified response at subsequent exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NAC on amphetamine sensitization in mice. METHODS: D-amphetamine was administered to C57BL/6 mice three times a week for 3 weeks; the dose was increased weekly from 1 to 3 mg/kg. NAC (60 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally before saline or amphetamine during the second and third weeks. After a 4-week washout period, latent inhibition (LI) and the locomotor response to amphetamine 2 mg/kg were assessed. RESULTS: Sensitization disrupted LI and amplified the locomotor response; NAC disrupted LI in control mice. In sensitized animals, NAC attenuated the enhanced locomotion but failed to prevent LI disruption. CONCLUSION: NAC warrants consideration as a candidate for early intervention in ultra-high risk subjects due to its safety profile and the relevance of its mechanism of action. Supplementing this proposition, we report that NAC attenuates sensitization-induced locomotor enhancement in mice. The finding that NAC disrupted LI incites a cautionary note and requires clarification.

Behavioral and Biochemical Effects of N-Acetylcysteine in Zebrafish Acutely Exposed to Ethanol.

Alcohol hangover refers to unpleasant symptoms experienced as a direct consequence of a binge drinking episode. The effects observed in this condition are related to the increase in alcohol metabolites and imbalance in oxidative status. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent and an antidote for paracetamol overdose. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that NAC is a multi-target drug acting through neuroprotective, antioxidant and neurotrophic mechanisms as well as a glutamate modulator. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NAC in zebrafish acutely exposed to ethanol (EtOH). Animals pretreated or not with NAC (1 mg/L, 10 min) were exposed for 60 min to standard tank water (EtOH-) or to 1% EtOH (EtOH+) to evaluate anxiety-like behavior and locomotion in the novel tank test and oxidative damage in the brain. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to EtOH displayed a decrease in the distance traveled, crossings, entries and time spent in the top area in the novel tank test. Exposure to EtOH also caused oxidative damage, shown by increased lipid peroxidation, decreased non-protein thiols and increased production of reactive oxygen species (DCF assay). NAC prevented both the behavioral alterations and the oxidative stress observed in EtOH+ animals. Given the effects of NAC in preventing the acute behavioral and biochemical effects of EtOH, additional studies are warranted to further investigate the basis of its anecdotal use to prevent hangover.

Taurine counteracts the neurotoxic effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease associated with oxidative stress, damage to biomolecules such as DNA, and neuroinflammation. Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid widespread in the brain, has neuroprotective properties that might prevent tissue injury and DNA damage induced by chronic hyperglycemia. We evaluated the effects of chronic taurine treatment on oxidative stress parameters, DNA damage and inflammatory markers in the frontal cortex, and hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats displayed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in both areas, evidencing the pro-oxidant effects of diabetes in the brain. Moreover, this condition increased levels of several inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, IL-12, TNF-γ, and IFN-α, more pronouncedly in the hippocampus. Supporting our hypothesis, taurine treatment reduced ROS, DNA damage, and inflammatory cytokine levels, providing evidence of its beneficial effects against genotoxicity and neuroinflammation associated with diabetes. Our data endorse the necessary clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of neurochemical and metabolic alterations related to diabetes.