Hepatic susceptibility to oxidative damage after repeated concomitant exposure to aspartame and aflatoxin B1 in rats.

The potential interactions among food additives/contaminants and the consequences to biological systems is a topic that is rarely addressed in scientific literature. Thus, the current study investigated if the combined administration of ASP and AFB1 would impair hepatic and renal oxidative status. Male Wistar rats received during 14 days once a day ASP (75 mg/Kg) and/or AFB1 (250 µg/Kg) through intragastric route. At the end of experimental protocol, samples of liver and kidneys were collected for assessing biochemical markers of oxidative status. In the hepatic tissue, the treatment with a single substance (ASP or AFB1) caused an increase in TBARS levels, and a reduction in non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses (Vit C and NPSH levels and FRAP test). In the kidneys, TBARS levels were increased only in the group that received ASP + AFB1. The association reduced NPSH content, while the treatment with AFB1 reduced the FRAP levels. GST and CAT activities were increased in all treatments. Overall, ASP and AFB1 association presented higher toxic effects to the tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the associated use of both ASP and AFB1 induces more extensive injuries in comparison to the effects caused by each one alone. Therefore, these data demonstrated that concomitant exposure to ASP and AFB1 potentiated their oxidative damage in hepatic tissue, suggesting that this organ is particularly sensitive to the toxic action induced by these substances.

Aflatoxin B1 reduces non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and increases protein kinase C activation in the cerebral cortex of young rats.

OBJECTIVES: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most widespread mycotoxin, and it is a feed contaminant and is highly toxic, causing carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects. Many researches clarified the peripheral effects of the exposition to AFB1; however, there are few studies explaining their effects on central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects caused by acute oral administration of AFB1 on behavioral tests and selected biochemical parameters. METHODS: Young male Wistar rats received a single administration of AFB1 (250 µg/kg/i.g.) and 48 hours thereafter they were subjected to behavioral analysis. After the tests, biochemical parameters were measured in the cerebral cortex. RESULTS: Acute treatment with AFB1 caused neurotoxic effects, evidenced by a significant reduction in the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses, ascorbic acid, and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In addition, AFB1 increased protein kinase C (PKC) activation, evidenced by an increase in phosphorylation of Ser957 of PKCα. DISCUSSION: In this acute protocol, a single oral administration of AFB1 was able to cause changes in important neurochemical parameters, without concomitant, detectable behavioral alterations. These results reinforce that monitoring mycotoxin levels in food is essential to guarantee food security.

Rosmarinic acid is anticonvulsant against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol and pilocarpine in mice.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). Current anticonvulsant drugs are ineffective in nearly one-third of patients and may cause significant adverse effects. Rosmarinic acid is a naturally occurring substance which displays several biological effects including antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Since oxidative stress and excitotoxicity play a role in the pathophysiology of seizures, we aimed the present study to test the hypothesis that rosmarinic acid displays anticonvulsant and disease-modifying effects. Female C57BL/6 mice received rosmarinic acid (0, 3, 10, or 30mg/kg; p.o.) 60min before the injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60mg/kg; i.p.) or pilocarpine (300mg/kg, i.p.). Myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizure latencies and generalized seizure duration were analyzed by behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) methods. The effect of acute administration of rosmarinic acid on mice behavior in the open-field, object recognition, rotarod, and forced swim tests was also evaluated. In an independent set of experiments, we evaluated the effect of rosmarinic acid (3 or 30mg/kg, p.o. for 14days) on the development of SRS and behavioral comorbidities in the pilocarpine post-status epilepticus (SE) model of epilepsy. Rosmarinic acid dose-dependently (peak effect at 30mg/kg) increased the latency to myoclonic jerks and generalized seizures in the PTZ model and increased the latency to myoclonic jerks induced by pilocarpine. Rosmarinic acid (30mg/kg) increased the number of crossings, the time at the center of the open field, and the immobility time in the forced swim test. In the chronic epilepsy model, treatment with rosmarinic acid did not prevent the appearance of SRS or behavioral comorbidities. In summary, rosmarinic acid displayed acute anticonvulsant-like activity against seizures induced by PTZ or pilocarpine in mice, but further studies are needed to determine its epilepsy-modifying potential.

Anticonvulsant activity of ß-caryophyllene against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures.

Increasing evidence suggests that plant-derived extracts and their isolated components are useful for treatment of seizures and, hence, constitute a valuable source of new antiepileptic drugs with improved efficacy and better adverse effect profile. ß-Caryophyllene is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that occurs in a wide range of plant species and displays a number of biological actions, including neuroprotective activity. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ß-caryophyllene displays anticonvulsant effects. In addition, we investigated the effect of ß-caryophyllene on behavioral parameters and on seizure-induced oxidative stress. Adult C57BL/6 mice received increasing doses of ß-caryophyllene (0, 10, 30, or 100mg/kg). After 60 min, we measured the latencies to myoclonic and generalized seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). We found that ß-caryophyllene increased the latency to myoclonic jerks induced by PTZ. This result was confirmed by electroencephalographic analysis. In a separate set of experiments, we found that mice treated with an anticonvulsant dose of ß-caryophyllene (100mg/kg) displayed an improved recognition index in the object recognition test. This effect was not accompanied by behavioral changes in the open-field, rotarod, or forced swim tests. Administration of an anticonvulsant dose of ß-caryophyllene (100mg/kg) did not prevent PTZ-induced oxidative stress (i.e., increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances or the decrease in nonprotein thiols content). Altogether, the present data suggest that ß-caryophyllene displays anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by PTZ in mice. Since no adverse effects were observed in the same dose range of the anticonvulsant effect, ß-caryophyllene should be further evaluated in future development of new anticonvulsant drugs.

Repeated co-exposure to aflatoxin B1 and aspartame disrupts the central nervous system homeostasis: Behavioral, biochemical, and molecular insights.

Several studies demonstrated the toxicity of aspartame (ASP) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) in preclinical models. Although the majority of these reports assessed the toxic effects of each substance separately, their concomitant exposure and hazardous consequences are scarce. Importantly, the deleterious effects at the central nervous system caused by ASP and AFB1 co-exposure are rarely addressed. We evaluated if concomitant exposure to AFB1 and ASP would cause behavioral impairment and alteration in oxidative status of the brain in male rats. Animals received once a day for 14 days AFB1 (250 µg/kg, intragastric gavage [i.g.]), ASP (75 mg/kg, i.g.), or both substances (association). On day 14, they were subjected to behavioral evaluation, and biochemical and molecular parameters of oxidative status were measured in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In the open field test, AFB1 and combination treatments modified the motor, exploratory, and grooming behavior. In the splash test, all treatments caused a reduction in grooming time compared to the control group. An increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content induced by AFB1 and combination treatments was observed. The antioxidant defenses (vitamin C, nonprotein sulfhydryl, and ferric reducing antioxidant power) were impaired in all groups compared to control. Regarding molecular evaluation, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-2 immunoreactivity decreased after AFB1 or ASP exposition in the hippocampus. Thus, co-exposure to ASP and AFB1 was potentially more toxic because it aggravated behavioral impairments and oxidative status disbalance in comparison to the groups that received only ASP or AFB1 . Therefore, our data suggest that those substances caused a disruption in brain homeostasis.

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most common toxic mycotoxin that contaminates food. The treatment of its intoxication and the management of contaminations are a constant subject of health agendas worldwide. However, such efforts are not always enough to avoid population intoxication. Our objective was to investigate whether intermittent exposure to AFB1 would cause any impairment in biochemical and behavioral parameters, intending to simulate an irregular consumption. Male Wistar rats received four AFB1 administrations (250 µg/kg) by intragastric route separated by a 96-h interval. Toxicity was evaluated using behavioral tests (open field, object recognition, nest construction, marble burying, and splash test), biochemical markers of oxidative stress (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver, and kidneys), and plasma parameters of hepatic and renal functions. The intermittent exposure caused no modification in body weight gain as well as in organ weight. Both control and AFB1 groups presented similar profiles of behavior to all tests performed. Furthermore, AFB1 administrations alter neither antioxidant defenses nor markers of oxidation in all assayed tissues and in the plasma markers of hepatic and renal functions. Therefore, AFB1 intermittent administration did not cause its common damage from exposure to this toxicant, which must be avoided, and additional studies are required.

Neuroprotective effects of thromboxane receptor antagonist SQ 29,548 after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is an important eicosanoid in the cardiovascular system, and increasing evidence suggests that TXA2 receptors (TPs) and their ligands may constitute valuable tools for the development of neuroprotective drugs. However, the role of TPs on seizure-induced damage has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of SQ 29,548, a potent and selective TP antagonist-on neuromotor performance, neurodegeneration, reactive astrocytosis, and c-Fos protein immunoreactivity after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in mice. Adult C57BL/6 mice received intracerebroventricular SQ 29,548 injections 90 min and 24 h after pilocarpine-induced SE. We found that SQ 29,548 prevented the impairment of neuromotor performance (Neuroscore test) 48 h after pilocarpine-induced SE. Data analysis suggested the existence of two subgroups of SQ 29,548-treated post-SE animals. Eight out of 12 SQ 29,548-treated animals displayed Neuroscore values identical to those of vehicle-treated controls, and were considered SQ 29,548 responders. However, 4 out of 12 SQ 29,548-treated animals did not show any improvement in Neuroscore values, and were considered SQ 29,548 non-responders. Treatment with SQ 29,548 attenuated SE-induced increase in the number of FJC- or GFAP-positive cells in the hippocampus of SQ 29,548 responders. In addition, SQ 29,548 prevented the SE-elicited increase of c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. In summary, our results suggest that the TP antagonist (SQ 29,548) improves neurological outcome after pilocarpine-induced SE in mice. The existence of SQ 29,548 responders and non-responders was suggested by results from the Neuroscore test. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these findings, as well as the potential uses of TP antagonists in the treatment of seizure-induced damage.

Oral administration of lutein attenuates ethanol-induced memory deficit in rats by restoration of acetylcholinesterase activity.

The excessive consumption of alcohol affects the central nervous system, resulting in memory and learning deficits. Lutein is a carotenoid known for its antioxidant properties, which can be able to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive deficits. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of lutein on ethanol-induced memory deficits in the object recognition task in adult rats, as well as the possible involvement of oxidative stress and cholinergic system. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups receiving lutein (50 mg/kg) or olive oil (1 mL/kg) by oral gavage once daily for 14 days. On day 8 each group was divided again into two groups receiving either ethanol (3 g/kg) or saline by oral gavage once daily for 7 days. After the last administration, the animals were submitted on the object recognition task 24 h later (on days 15, 16 and 17). After the behavioral test, the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were removed for the determination of oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and non-protein thiol) and acetylcholinesterase activity. Ethanol administration induced a memory deficit and increased acetylcholinesterase activity, however, it did not alter the parameters of oxidative stress, evaluated in the cortex and hippocampus. Oral administration of lutein (50 mg/kg during 14 days) attenuated memory deficit and the increase of acetylcholinesterase activity induced by ethanol. These results provide evidence that lutein is an alternative treatment for ethanol-induced memory deficit, and suggest the involvement of cholinergic system.

Fumonisin B1 facilitates seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol in mice.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a Fusarium spp. mycotoxin which constitutes a major public health issue because of its worldwide distribution and diversity of toxic effects.While the liver and kidney are considered the major target organs of FB1 toxicity in several species, evidence indicates that FB1 may be toxic to the brain. To further investigate the effects of FB1 on the central nervous system the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that acute FB1 exposure causes brain hyperexcitability and the potential underlying mechanisms. For these purposes, adult male C57BL/6 mice were injected with FB1 (8 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle and 30 min thereafter received with a low dose of the classical convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle. After behavioral evaluation the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus were collected for analysis of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondrial complex I and II activities. We found that FB1 reduced the latency for PTZ-induced myoclonic jerks and increased the number of these events. After exposure to FB1 total and α1 Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities increased in cerebral cortex, whereas the same enzyme activities decreased in the hippocampus. Although no changes in mitochondrial complex I and II activities were found, acute exposure to FB1 increased ΔΨm in the cerebral cortex. Altogether, present results indicate that FB1 causes brain hyperexcitability in vivo, and that mitochondrial dysfunction may represent a potential underlying mechanism.