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Exposure to cadmium (Cd) is a risk factor to health impairments, wherein its cytotoxicity is attributed to induction of oxidative stress. Usage of anti-oxidants, however, can help lessen the damaging effects of Cd. The effect of Cd interaction with low concentration of dietary anti-oxidants, L-ascorbic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to PC12 cellular mechanisms was examined. The expected toxicity of Cd was observed on PC12 cells but addition of L-ascorbic acid ameliorated this effect. On the other hand, addition of EGCG was able to increase the cytotoxicity of Cd and to decrease the protective effect of L-ascorbic acid against Cd. Increase in LDH activity and decrease in free sulfhydryl levels indicated cell membrane damage and oxidative stress, respectively, in Cd- and EGCG-Cd-treated cells. Downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (pro-caspase-9, p53, and ERK1) was observed in cells treated with Cd alone and EGCG-Cd, while upregulation of autophagy-linked proteins (p62 and pBeclin1) was found on L-ascorbic acid-Cd combination treatments. These findings indicate that Cd causes cells to undergo an autophagy-enhanced cell death; low-concentration EGCG and L-ascorbic acid promotes cell survival individually; however, interaction of EGCG with Cd showed enhancement of Cd toxicity and antagonism of L-ascorbic acid efficiency.

We examined the changes in the heart of rats at the early stages of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, and whether azuki bean extract (ABE) could influence these changes. The experimental diabe...

Although native and modified cyclodextrins (CDs) are somewhat effective in environmental applications, there is a continued interest in understanding their distinct role in various applications and effectiveness. This review highlights the tremendous efforts that have been made to enhance the efficiency of CDs for challenging environmental applications such as treating multi-pollutant mixtures or elucidating sorption mechanisms. To overcome these limitations, the modification of CDs using cross-linking agents has attracted attention due to their distinctive abilities to interact with a variety of environmental pollutants. The interest in new CD derivatives has resulted in the creation of many novel materials, including cross-linked polymers or hydrogels, effective cross-linkers, CD-based composites, CD-immobilized supports, CD-based membranes, and molecularly impregnated functional materials. Some basic questions concerning the effectiveness of these CD classes still warrant clarification. In this review, we present the first comprehensive outline of environmental remediation strategies using CDs and CD derivatives to accomplish the following objectives: (i) to provide an overview of the diverse environmental applications of CD and its derivatives, (ii) to provide up-to-date and useful information about their synthesis, features, and characterization (iii) and to understand their contribution to the remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants from a comparative point of view. Finally, modified CDs are shown to be effective, non-toxic, and degradable in comparison with native CD, especially epichlorohydrin cross-linked CD (ECP) gels, which are considered pioneers among CD derivatives.

Lead (Pb) is one of the greatly toxic heavy metals that can enter into the biological system through food chain and induce serious health impairments. Lead ion (Pb (II)) can be released in the environment through natural and anthropogenic sources. Among different types of remediation techniques, adsorption is one of the most well-accepted techniques due to its economic feasibility and versatility as well. Herein, the removal of Pb (II) was examined using chitosan-activated carbon-polyvinyl alcohol (CS-AC-PVA) composite beads. Results demonstrated that CS-AC-PVA composite beads have more potential to adsorb Pb (II) from the aqueous solution than lone chitosan (CS), activated carbon (AC), and chitosan-activated carbon composite beads. Moreover, CS-AC-PVA composite beads showed 44% more adsorbent capacity than CA-AC beads. The adsorption capacity of CS-AC-PVA composite beads for Pb (II) showed highest adsorption at 25 °C which is increased with increasing concentrations and decrease with increasing temperature. The equilibrium data is well described by Freundlich isotherm labeling chemical interaction via multiple adsorption sites. Thus, this hybrid CS-AC-PVA composite bead is proven as potential adsorbent for environmental remediation for Pb (II) from the aqueous solution.

Arsenic is a well-recognized environmental contaminant that occurs naturally through geogenic processes in the aquifer. More than 200 million people around the world are potentially exposed to the elevated level of arsenic mostly from Asia and Latin America. Many adverse health effects including skin diseases (i.e., arsenicosis, hyperkeratosis, pigmentation changes), carcinogenesis, and neurological diseases have been reported due to arsenic exposure. In addition, arsenic has recently been shown to contribute to the onset of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced diabetes are pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and death, impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance and reduced cellular glucose transport. Whereas, the most proposed mechanisms of arsenic-induced hypertension are oxidative stress, disruption of nitric oxide signaling, altered vascular response to neurotransmitters and impaired vascular muscle calcium (Ca2+) signaling, damage of renal, and interference with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the contributions of arsenic exposure to non-communicable diseases are complex and multifaceted, and little information is available about the molecular mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced non-communicable diseases and also no suitable therapeutic target identified yet. Therefore, in the future, more basic research is necessary to identify the appropriate therapeutic target for the treatment and management of arsenic-induced non-communicable diseases. Several reports demonstrated that a daily balanced diet with proper nutrient supplements (vitamins, micronutrients, natural antioxidants) has shown effective to reduce the damages caused by arsenic exposure. Arsenic detoxication through natural compounds or nutraceuticals is considered a cost-effective treatment/management and researchers should focus on these alternative options. This review paper explores the scenarios of arsenic contamination in groundwater with an emphasis on public health concerns. It also demonstrated arsenic sources, biogeochemistry, toxicity mechanisms with therapeutic targets, arsenic exposure-related human diseases, and onsets of cardiovascular diseases as well as feasible management options for arsenic toxicity.

α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are endogenous dithiol compounds with significant antioxidant properties, both of which have the potential to detoxify cells. In this study, ALA (250 μM) and DHLA (50 μM) were applied to reduce metal (As, Cd, and Pb)-induced toxicity in PC12 and Caco-2 cells as simultaneous exposure. Both significantly decreased Cd (5 μM)-, As (5 μM)-, and Pb (5 μM)-induced cell death. Subsequently, both ALA and DHLA restored cell membrane integrity and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, which were affected by metal-induced toxicity. In addition, DHLA protected PC12 cells from metal-induced DNA damage upon co-exposure to metals. Furthermore, ALA and DHLA upregulated the expression of survival-related proteins mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), Akt (protein kinase B), and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) in PC12 cells, which were previously downregulated by metal exposure. In contrast, in Caco-2 cells, upon co-exposure to metals and ALA, Nrf2 was upregulated and cleaved PARP-1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1) was downregulated. These findings suggest that ALA and DHLA can counterbalance the toxic effects of metals. The protection of ALA or DHLA against metal toxicity may be largely due to an enhancement of antioxidant defense along with reduced glutathione level, which ultimately reduces the cellular oxidative stress.

Cadmium (Cd) toxic effects can overwhelm endogenous antioxidants and affect recuperation in fish. Thus, this study assessed antioxidative properties and ameliorating potentials of dietary supplemented garlic (D1), propolis (D2), and wakame (D3) on i) Cd bioconcentration, and ii) Cd induced toxicity during recuperation in Cd exposed Japanese medaka. In a 21-day exposure, control (0.0 mg Cd/L in water-C1) or Cd-treatment (0.3 mg Cd/L in water-T1) fish were fed medaka diets. Surviving fish in T1 were further depurated for 21-days and fed D1, D2, D3, or medaka diet (C2). Gill, liver, and muscle tissues were assessed weekly for Cd bioconcentration, metallothionein, (MT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results showed reduced antioxidant activity by significantly increasing tissue Cd and LPO, and significantly reducing SOD activity and GSH content in gill and muscle upon Cd exposure. In contrast, D1, D2, and D3 diets significantly reduced tissue Cd and LPO, while increasing contents of MT and GSH, and SOD activity, significantly. Other condition indices in D1, D2 and D3 groups were also significantly higher than those in C2 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation significantly increased recuperation and tissue functions in fish, in the order D1 D2 D3C2.

Effective pandemic management requires understanding the level of community knowledge, attitude of people and preparedness towards COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and preparedness toward COVID-2019 among Bangladeshi general people. A cross sectional survey was conducted from 20th March 2020 to 20th April 2020 among 1007 Bangladeshi adult people. A convenience sampling strategy was utilized and the data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to identify the gender differences regarding knowledge, attitude and preparedness towards COVID-19. Respondents predominately used social media to inform themselves about COVID-19 (68.10%) and female used social media more than male (p

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have demonstrated promising effects, including cytotoxicity and anticancer potential, in different cell lines. Therefore, in our previous study, Ag-NPs were synthesized from the reduction of AgNO3 using Brassica rapa var. japonica (Bj) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized Ag-NPs were spherical in shape, with a size range of 15-30 nm. They had phase-centered cubic structure with strong growth inhibition potential against some bacteria. In continuation with our previous study, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the autophagy-regulated cytotoxic effect of Ag-NPs against human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). We found that the Bj leaf aqueous extract facilitated Brassica silver nanoparticles (Brassica Ag-NPs)-induced NF-κB mediated autophagy in Caco-2 cells. Results showed that Ag-NPs reduced cell viability of Caco-2 cells by inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Therefore, to understand the mechanism underlying the death-promoting activity of Ag-NPs in Caco-2 cells, western blotting was performed. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of NFκB and increased expression of IκB, which is a sign of autophagy initiation. In addition, autophagosome formation was accelerated by the activity of p53 and light chain 3 (LC3) II. In addition, inhibition of Akt and mTOR also played a pivotal role in autophagy formation. Finally, excessive expansion of autophagy promoted apoptosis, which subsequently resulted in necrosis. These findings support a novel cell death-promoting function of autophagy by Ag-NPs in Caco-2 cells.

Arsenic is a recognized highly toxic contaminant, responsible for numerous human diseases and affecting many millions of people in different parts of the world. Contrarily, curcumin is a natural dietary polyphenolic compound and the main active ingredient in turmeric. Recently it has drawn great attention due to its diverse biological activities, strong antioxidant properties and therapeutic potential against many human ailments. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective effects and the regulatory role of curcumin on arsenic-induced toxicity and gain insights into biomolecular mechanism/s. Arsenic (10 μM) treatment in PC12 cells for 24 h induced cytotoxicity by decreasing cell viability and intracellular glutathione level and increasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and DNA fragmentation. In addition, arsenic caused apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells, which were confirmed from flow cytometry results. Moreover, arsenic (10 μM) treatment significantly down-regulated the inhibition factors of autophagy/apoptosis; mTOR, Akt, Nrf2, ERK1, Bcl-x, Xiap protein expressions, up-regulated the enhanced factors of autophagy/apoptosis; ULK, LC3, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3 proteins and eventually caused autophagic and apoptotic cell death. However, curcumin (2.5 μM) pretreatment with arsenic (10 μM) effectively saves PC12 cells against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity through increasing cell viability, intracellular GSH level and boosting the antioxidant defense system, and limiting the LDH activity and DNA damage. Furthermore, pretreatment of curcumin with arsenic expressively alleviated arsenic-induced toxicity and cell death by reversing the expressions of proteins; mTOR, Akt, Nrf2, ERK1, Bcl-x, Xiap, ULK, LC3, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9 and cleaved caspase 3. Our findings indicated that curcumin showed antioxidant properties through the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway and alleviates arsenic-triggered toxicity in PC12 cells by regulating autophagy/apoptosis.

Background Previously we found that a group of phosphorylated proteins (SIBLINGs) in bone binds with the Ti-device, and increases the early bone formation around the Ti-implants remarkably. From these results, we explained the biochemical mechanism of a strong bond between living bone and Ti, which was discovered by Branemark and colleagues. For the clinical application of our findings, we need a large amount of these proteins or their substitutes. Objective We aimed to create a new molecule that equips with essential functions of SIBLINGs, Ti-binding, and bone enhancement around the Ti implant. Methods We chemically phosphorylated chitin and obtained a soluble form of phosphorylated chitin (P-chitin). In this solution, we immersed the Ti-devices of web-form (TW) which we previously developed and obtained the P-chitin coated TWs. Then we tested the P-chitin coated TWs for their calcification ability in vitro, and bone enhancing ability in vivo, by implanting them into rat calvaria. We compared the P-chitin coated TW and the non-coated TW in regard to their calcification and bone enhancing abilities. Results Ti-devices coated with phosphorylated-chitin induced a ten times higher calcification in vitro at 20 days, and four times more elevated amount of bone formation in vivo at two weeks than the uncoated Ti-device. Conclusions Phosphorylated chitin could be a partial substitute of bone SIBLING proteins and are clinically applicable to accelerate bone formation around the Ti implants, thereby achieving the strong bond between living bone and Ti.

It has been hypothesized that oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between endogenous levels of oxygen radicals and antioxidant defense systems, is the main cause of aging. Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP 10), which is a strain of aging-promoting model mice, shows learning and memory impairment with age, and atrophy is observed in the cerebral cortex and limbic system. The oxygen radical production in SAM mice brain tissues increases with age. The slope of the age-dependent increase was steeper in SAMP10 than control mice. Antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver of SAMP10 were higher than those in the control mice at young age, but at old age, antioxidant enzyme levels were lower and/or similar to the levels of control mice. These results suggest that oxidative stress is strongly involved in the cause of senescence acceleration of SAMP10 and that SAMP10 is a model animal suitable for the study of normal aging.

At present, street-vended food (SVF) is becoming a serious public health concern due to the intervention of different pathogenic microorganisms. The lack of hygiene in the preparation of SVFs pose risk factors for foodborne disease outbreaks worldwide. This paper reviews the microbiological quality of SVFs between developed and developing countries to understand the similarity, gap and comparative nature of microbial promulgation. The microbial quality of 64 different types of SVFs in Bangladesh was tested and analyzed, and then compared with studies on SVFs in other countries. Most of the SVF samples from all examined places had a high microbial load (≥ 105) with identical sources and propagation characteristics. E. coli, Bacillus cereus and coliform bacteria had the highest prevalence in SVFs from Bangladesh. The presence of antibiotic-resistant microbes such as Enteriobacteriaceae and Salmonella in SVFs showed the greatest variable resistance response against a large groups of antimicrobials. Taken together, we found that the microbiological quality of SVFs and thereof the associated health problems are almost indistinguishable all over the world. Furthermore, the intervention options are very limited and are not really applied in practice. In addition, a single-focused intervention only partially succeeded. Thus, we have summarized potential options to regulate the quality of SVFs through proper hygiene practices.

Senescence-accelerated mice are known to display a variety of deficits and signs of accelerated aging, but the specific mechanisms involved in this process are still unclear. In this study, we examined the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, transcription factors responsible for the regulation of expression of these enzymes, and mitochondrial proteins in the liver of SAMP10 and SAMR1 mice at 3 and 12 months of age using western blotting analysis. To investigate the amount of oxidative damage to DNA, levels of 8-OHdG were measured in the liver of these mice. At 3 months of age, the levels of catalase, Mn-SOD, GPx, UQCRC2 and COXIV were significantly upregulated in SAMP10 mice compared with that in SAMR1 mice. However, NDUFS3 levels were not significantly different at this young age. In contrast, the expression level of catalase was significantly lower, and the levels of phosphorylated FoxO-1a and UQCRC2 were significantly higher in SAMP10 mice compared to those in SAMR1 mice; however, at 12 months of age, there were no significant differences in Mn-SOD, GPx, total -FoxO-1a, COXIV, and NDUFS3 expression between the two groups of mice. The levels of 8-OHdG in the liver were markedly higher in 12-month-old SAMP10 mice than those in 3-month-old SAMP10 and SAMR1 mice. These results suggest that an increase in number of mitochondria or a collapse in the balance between the levels of complexes I and III results in an increase in the amount of ROS and induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of SAMP10 mice at 3 months of age. Although young SAMP10 mice produce a large amount of ROS, they also produce suitable levels of antioxidant enzymes that decompose ROS; consequently accelerated aging does not occur in young SAMP10 mice. In addition to excessive ROS production which is an important cause of aging, the level of catalase was significantly lower in SAMP10 than that in SAMR1 mice. These results suggested that overexpression of ROS and a decrease in the levels of catalase resulted in the accelerated aging observed in older SAMP10 mice. Moreover, the level of phosphorylated FoxO-1a was increased in SAMP10 compared to that in SAMR1 mice though the total amount of FoxO-1a was not significantly different between the two groups in old age. These results suggest that some impairment in the regulation mechanism of FoxO-1a phosphorylation is responsible for abnormal catalase expression and that a significant decrease in the level of catalase with aging decisively affects the metabolic balance of ROS; thus, ROS that cannot be metabolized contributes to the accelerated aging of SAMP10 mice.

Arsenic is well known toxicant responsible for human diseases including cancers. On the other hand, selenium is an essential trace element with significant chemopreventive effects, anticancer potentials and antioxidant properties. Although previous studies have reported antagonism/synergism between arsenic and selenium in biological systems, the biomolecular mechanism/s is still inconclusive. Therefore, to elucidate the molecular phenomena in cellular level, we hypothesized that co-exposure of selenium with arsenic may have suppressive effects on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity. We found that selenium in co-exposure with arsenic increases cell viability, and suppresses oxidative stress induced by arsenic in PC12 cells. Consequently, DNA fragmentation due to arsenic exposure was also reduced by arsenic and selenium co-exposure. Furthermore, western blot analyses revealed that simultaneous exposure of both metals significantly inhibited autophagy which further suppressed apoptosis through positively regulation of key proteins; p-mTOR, p-Akt, p-Foxo1A, p62, and expression of ubiquitin, Bax, Bcl2, NFкB, and caspases 3 and 9, although those are negatively regulated by arsenic. In addition, reverse transcriptase PCR analysis confirmed the involvement of caspase cascade in cell death process induced by arsenic and subsequent inhibition by co-exposure of selenium with arsenic. The cellular accumulation study of arsenic in presence/absence of selenium via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed that selenium effectively retarded the uptake of arsenic in PC12 cells. Finally, these findings imply that selenium is capable to modulate arsenic-induced intrinsic apoptosis pathway via enhancement of mTOR/Akt autophagy signaling pathway through employing antioxidant potentials and through inhibiting the cellular accumulation of arsenic in PC12 cells.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized from the reduction of Ag+ using AgNO3 solution as a precursor and Brassica rapa var. japonica leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent. This study was aimed at synthesis of AgNPs, exhibiting less toxicity with high antibacterial activity. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out using UV–Vis spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The analyses data revealed the successful synthesis of nano-crystalline Ag possessing more stability than commercial AgNPs. The cytotoxicity of Brassica AgNPs was compared with commercial AgNPs using in vitro PC12 cell model. Commercial AgNPs reduced cell viability to 23% (control 97%) and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity at a concentration of 3 ppm, whereas, Brassica AgNPs did not show any effects on both of the cytotoxicity parameters up to a concentration level of 10 ppm in PC12 cells. Moreover, Brassica AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity in terms of zone of inhibition against E. coli (11.1 ± 0.5 mm) and Enterobacter sp. (15 ± 0.5 mm) which was higher than some previously reported green-synthesised AgNPs. Thus, this finding can be a matter of interest for the production and safe use of green-AgNPs in consumer products.

This study assesses qualitative and quantitative changes in groundwater resources and their impact on land subsidence in Can Tho, Vietnam, from 2000 to 2018. Can Tho city is characterized by scarce water resources and intense industrial, domestic, agricultural, and mining usage, creating water stress. The vertical compaction rates and thus land subsidence, resulting from a head drawdown in three aquifers, were calculated using 1D consolidation of compressible porous media . Experiments were conducted in 16 wells clusters consisting of a total of 48 shallow and deep wells. The three wells from every 16 well clusters from different aquifers, namely the Middle-Upper Pleistocene confined aquifer (qp 2-3), the Upper-Pleistocence (qp3 ), and a well in Holocene (qh), respectively, were examined. The Mann Kendal test with Sen's slope was performed and for most of the wells, negative values of Kendall's tau were found, which indicated decreasing trend of groundwater level. A significant change in groundwater level were also detected during the last eighteen years from 2000 to 2018. The results show significant downward trends of groundwater level for all of the wells of aquifer qp 3 and qp2-3 except for a few shallow wells. The trend of this dropdown groundwater level for these deep wells is highly associated with extraction rates. The average subsidence rate of 4.28 cm yr−1 were observed in the study area. Tra Noc Industrial zones (QT8, QT16) showed a high subsidence rate which ranges from 5 to 7 cm yr−1 . The calculated subsidence rates indicate the ongoing groundwater overexploitation , which might place Can Tho at risk of increased flooding and saltwater intrusion in the context of climate change and sea-level rise. The findings of this study call for effective policy strategies for sustainable water resource management to limit further land subsidence.

Background Fructose intake has been correlated with increased prevalence of metabolic disorders including hypertension. In pregnant rats, fructose intake has been reported to have adverse effects on the health of its offspring. This study investigated the effects of gestational maternal fructose consumption and if supplementation with melinjo seed extracts to the maternal diet during lactation could benefit the offspring in later life. Methods Pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated (CC), fructose-treated (FC), and fructose and melinjo-treated (FM). FC and FM groups received 100 g/L of D(-)-fructose solution by means of the drinking water during gestation while CC received normal drinking water. During lactation, CC and FC groups were given standard commercial laboratory diet, while the FM group was given commercial laboratory diet with 0.1% melinjo seed extracts. After weaning, the offspring were given normal drinking water and standard commercial diet until week 17. The blood pressure of the offspring was monitored until the 16th week. During week 17, the offspring were killed, and the kidneys were collected and analyzed. Results The level of renal phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in FM of 17-week female offspring was significantly higher compared with FC and CC groups. Maternal fructose intake down-regulated the renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FC and maternal melinjo seed extract consumption maintained renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FM of 17-week female offspring. In addition, maternal melinjo seed extract intake during lactation lowered the systolic blood pressure in FM of 17-week female offspring. Conclusion Female offspring were more vulnerable to the effects of placental fructose and melinjo seed extracts, suggesting sex-specific sensitivities. In summary, our data show that melinjo seed extract consumption during lactation improved vasodilation and attenuated the development of hypertension in the 17-week female offspring of fructose-fed pregnant rats. Birth Defects Research 110:27-34, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A set of hydrochemical analysis, drinking water evaluation indices along with multivariate statistics and geostatistical model are applied to evaluate the groundwater quality of Gopalganj District, Bangladesh. A total of 46 groundwater samples are analyzed for the pre and postmonsoon seasons to assess the possible consumptive human health risk among the adults and children of the study area. It is found that most of the studied hydrochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Cl−, HCO3 −, CO3 −, As, Mn, Fe, B, NO3 −, etc.) exceeded the limits stipulated by different standards for drinking water. From multivariate statistical analysis, high-salinity characteristic of groundwater resulting from seawater intrusion is observed. Spatial extensions of EC, Cl−, As, Fe, and Mn vary significantly around the study area. Strong, moderate, and weak spatial dependences are found for both seasons. The exponential semivariogram model is found to be dominant when considering the best-fit model analyzed for both seasons. In addition, mean Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values based on As, Fe, Mn, B, NO3 −, and F− imply that the groundwater poses substantial health risk for both adults and children and fluctuates in accordance with seasonal variation. The carcinogenic risk among adults and children due to As is high in the study area during both seasons. The groundwater of the study area was characterized by high salinity possessing high level of noncarcinogenic as well as cancer-risk (As) vulnerability of the local community.

This study explores the adsorption capacity of carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CMβ-CD) functionalized chitosan (CS) impregnated with water-insoluble epichlorohydrin cross-linked β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CDP) to yield CS-β-CDP-CMβ-CD composite beads for the removal of toxic Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Characterization of the adsorbent was performed with XPS, FTIR, NMR, BET and SEM. The synergistic effect was expected and found at removing Cd (II) with a sorption capacity exceeding 378 mg g −1 (approximately 3.37 mmol g −1 ), which is higher than any other existing technology. The removal of Cd (II) was found maximum at pH 6.5. The rate reduction can be expressed by pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters such as the enthalpy (Δ H 0 ), entropy (Δ S 0 ), and free energy change (Δ G 0 ) suggest the endothermic adsorption of Cd (II) in solution. The activation energy was calculated to be 65.62 kJ mol −1 indicating a chemisorption process. The regeneration and reusability of the adsorbent were found suitable for in situ application of this technology for Cd remediation. The Langmuir isotherm model, which is effective for analyzing equilibrium data, indicated both monolayer adsorption and chemisorption. The intraparticle diffusion model indicated both film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion as the rate limiting steps. Thus, the synthesized CS-β-CDP-CMβ-CD beads showed good adsorption selectivity for Cd (II) having excellent regeneration and reusability.

Southern Bangladesh’s irrigation and drinking water is threatened by saline intrusion. This study aimed to establish an irrigation water quality index (IWQI) using a geostatistical model and multivariate indices in Gopalganj district, south-central Bangladesh. Groundwater samples were taken randomly (different depths) in two seasons (wet-monsoon and dry-monsoon). Hydrochemical analysis revealed groundwater in this area was neutral to slightly alkaline and dominating cations were Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ along with major anions Cl− and HCO3 −. Principal component analysis and Gibbs plot helped explain possible geochemical processes in the aquifer. The irrigation water evaluation indices showed: electrical conductivity (EC) >750 µS/cm, moderate to extreme saline; sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), excellent to doubtful; total hardness (TH), moderate to very hard; residual sodium bicarbonate, safe to marginal; Kelly’s ratio >1; soluble sodium percentage (SSP), fair to poor; magnesium adsorption ratio, harmful for soil; and IWQI, moderate to suitable. In addition, the best fitted semivariogram for IWQI, EC, SAR, SSP, and TH confirmed that most parameters had strong spatial dependence and others had moderate to weak spatial dependence. This variation might be due to the different origin/sources of major contributing ions along with the influence of variable river flow and small anthropogenic contributions. Furthermore, the spatial distribution maps for IWQI, EC, SSP, and TH during both seasons confirmed the influence of salinity from the sea; low-flow in the major river system was the driving factor of overall groundwater quality in the study area. These findings may contribute to management of irrigation and/or drinking water in regions with similar groundwater problems.

Water pollution and land use changes are exceeding the limit in the most important economic zone, Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in Bangladesh and have become a great threat to the environment. To understand this threat, the dissolved metal concentration was measured from Turag and Bangshi River near DEPZ. The land use changes of DEPZ was measured and analyzed using Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) and Landsat TM images through Arc GIS 10.1, ERDAS Imagine 9.1. The dissolved Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn concentration were found to be higher in compare with those of water standards except Cu at every sampling point. Elevated concentration of Cd and its corresponding enrichment factor (EF%) indicated accumulation possibility of metals in the river bed sediments. The principal component analysis result also showed the dominance of Cd ions along with Ni ions in the river water. pH was found to be the controlling factor of every dissolved metal in the rivers sourced from DEPZ. Alongside, the study represents that the land use pattern has been changed remarkably. Large volume of water has been converted into unplanned settlement and urbanization. Land use changes may lead drastic changes in the land quality, such as decreases in biodiversity, instability of ecosystem, decreased soil quality, loss of nutrients, planned and unplanned urbanization, and bare land. Comprehensive synoptic researches are required to monitor the water pollution caused by DEPZ into these rivers and to determine the exact land uses for monitoring further changes.

The study was designed to collect water samples over two seasons—wet-monsoon season (n = 96) (March–April) and dry-monsoon season (n = 44) (September–October)—to understand the seasonal variation in anion and cation hydrochemistry of the coastal rivers and estuaries contributing in the spatial trend in salinity. Hydrochemical examination of wet-monsoon season primarily revealed Ca–Mg–HCO3 type (66%) and followed by Na–Cl type (17.70%) water. In the dry-monsoon season, the scenario reversed with primary water being Na–Cl type (52.27%) followed by Ca–Mg–HCO3 type (31.81%). Analysis of Cl/Br molar ratio vs. Cl (mg/L) depicted sampling area affected by seawater intrusion (SWI). Spatial analysis by ordinary kriging method confirmed approximately 77% sample in the dry-monsoon, and 34% of the wet-monsoon season had shown SWI. The most saline-intruded areas in the wet-monsoon seasons were extreme south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh, lower Meghna River floodplain and Meghna estuarine floodplain and south-eastern part of Chittagong coastal plains containing the districts of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar adjacent to Bay of Bengal. In addition, mid-south zone is also affected slightly in the dry-monsoon season. From the analyses of data, this study could further help to comprehend seasonal trends in the hydrochemistry and water quality of the coastal and estuarine rivers. In addition, it can help policy makers to obligate some important implications for the future initiatives taken for the management of land, water, fishery, agriculture and environment of coastal rivers and estuaries of Bangladesh.

Resveratrol (RSV) can protect against non-communicable diseases by improving cholesterol metabolism. However, it is unclear that effects of maternal RSV intake on health of adult offspring. In this study, we examined effects of maternal RSV intake during lactation on cholesterol metabolism in adult male rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed a control diet (CON) supplemented with or without RSV (20 mg/kg body weight/day) during their lactation period. Male offspring were weaned onto a standard diet and maintained on this diet for 36 weeks. As a result, plasma cholesterol level significantly decreased in RSV offspring compared to CON offspring. Furthermore, a decrease in hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase level and an increase in hepatic LDL-receptor level were observed in the RSV offspring. These results indicate that maternal RSV intake causes long-term decrease in plasma cholesterol level in the offspring through suppression of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and promotion of hepatic cholesterol uptake.

We examined the changes in the heart of rats at the early stages of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, and whether azuki bean extract (ABE) could influence these changes. The experimental diabetic rats received 0 or 40 mg/kg of ABE orally for 4 weeks, whereas the control group rats received distilled water. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and expression of proteins associated with peroxisomal FA β-oxidation as well as oxidative stress markers were examined. The levels of peroxisomal ACOX1 and catalase of the diabetic groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The levels of p62, phosphorylated-p62 (p-p62) and HO-1 in the STZ group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the levels of p-p62, HO-1, and 8-OHdG were significantly lower by ABE administration. The STZ-induced early diabetes increases the levels of proteins related to peroxisomal FA β-oxidation and oxidative stress markers in hearts. ABE protects diabetic hearts from oxidative damage.

Cadmium (Cd2+) is a heavy metal that can induce cytotoxicity leading to many chronic diseases. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) is a popular spice with diverse pharmacological properties. It is used for the remedy of many pathological conditions that could be manifested by Cd2+ exposure e.g. inflammatory, toxic, neurological, genital or respiratory tract disorders. To reduce the Cd2+-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, PC12 cells were exposed/co-exposed to Cd2+ (5 or 10 μM) with/without non-toxic dose (240 μg/mL) of ethanolic extract of ajwain (AE) for 24 h. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, glutathione levels, genomic DNA fragmentation and expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NF-КB, cytosolic cytochrome c and caspase-3. Cd2+ reduced the cell viability significantly 24 h after exposure; however, the co-exposure of AE with Cd2+ reduced the cell death. The co-exposure also raised up glutathione levels, and decreased LDH activity. AE lessened the DNA fragmentation caused by Cd2+. AE suppressed the Cd2+-induced increased expression of apoptotic protein Bax, and promoted suppressed expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and NF-КB. Moreover, it reduced the cytosolic cytochrome c levels and the caspase-3 expressions increased by Cd2+. Thus, it was suggested that AE reduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis caused by Cd2+ in PC12 cells. It inhibited Cd2+-induced apoptosis through intrinsic pathway possibly boosting up the antioxidant defense. Therefore, AE can be a candidate for a potential agent against heavy metals and/or other toxicants. Additionally, this study validated the ethno-pharmacological therapeutic uses of ajwain in various pathological conditions.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic and carcinogenic metalloid that causes various hazards to human health. Phytofiltration is a more eco-friendly and green approach than chemoremediation, or other traditional technologies, for removing As from aquatic environments. Recently, Micranthemum umbrosum was shown as a promising candidate for phytofiltration of inorganic As species. This work examines the potential application of M. umbrosum to phytofiltration of organic As species, such as monomethylarsonic acid (MMAA, CH5AsO3) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA, C2H7AsO2), from oxic water environments. M. umbrosum plants were grown in two test concentrations of MMAA and DMAA, or a control, in a hydroponic experiment. After seven days, leaves accumulated 90 ± 3.2 and 48 ± 1.6 µg As g−1 (oven dry basis) from 1 µg As mL−1 of water added from MMAA and DMAA, respectively. Bioconcentration factor values and translocation factor values were always greater than 1.0, indicating that M. umbrosum was a good As accumulator and that leaves accumulated significantly higher amounts of As than stems and roots. Analysis of macro- and micronutrient data showed that M. umbrosum had higher resistance to organic As treatments than the control. These results confirm the potential application of M. umbrosum for phytofiltration of organic As from contaminated oxic water environments.

Water crisis is one of the supreme challenges worldwide as clean water is the ultimate need for human civilization and all other life on earth. In the present study, continuous adsorption experiments were carried out in an adsorption column to survey the efficiency of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for removal of pollutants from water/wastewater in terms of physicochemical parameters, such as electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC), by using both single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Sample solutions were allowed to flow in down-flow mode through the fixed-bed of CNTs. The CNTs column showed a reduction efficiency of electrical conductivity 80 % from effluent treatment plant (ETP) treated water sample, 69.23 % from raw effluent sample, and 53.33 % from the synthetic salt water sample. Similarly, the efficiency of TDS reduction was 78.61 % from raw effluent sample, 66.86 % from ETP treated water sample, and 62.02 % from the synthetic salt water sample. COD also reduced 84.71 % from raw effluent sample and 39.58 % from the ETP treated water sample. In case of TOC, the column showed a reduction efficiency of 85.88 % from the ETP treated water sample and 70.79 % from the raw effluent sample. These findings suggested that CNTs present a great potential in removal of pollutants in terms of physicochemical parameters from water/wastewater.

Excessive maternal fructose intake during pregnancy and in early postnatal life has metabolic consequences for the offspring. We investigated the effects of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) extract (MeE) intake during lactation on the expression and phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the liver of offspring from excessive fructose-fed pregnant dams. Pregnant Wistar rats received a normal diet and 100g/L fructose solution during gestation ad libitum. At delivery, dams were divided into two groups: a control diet (FC) or a 0.1% MeE-containing diet (FM) fed during lactation. The dams that were not treated with fructose were fed a control diet (CC). At postnatal week 3, some pups were sacrificed, while the remaining continued to receive a normal diet and were sacrificed at week 17. Blood chemistry and phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) were evaluated. Plasma glucose levels in FC female offspring increased compared to that receiving CC at weeks 3 and 17; however, the levels in FM female offspring decreased at week 17. The insulin levels in FM female offspring decreased significantly compared to that in FC female offspring at week 3. Hepatic AMPK phosphorylation was upregulated in FM offspring at week 3 and in female, but not male, offspring at week 17. ACC phosphorylation in FM female offspring was upregulated at week 17. Our results suggest that maternal MeE intake during lactation may modulate the hepatic AMPK pathways in female offspring.

Prussian blue (PB) impregnated in alginate gel (AG) beads were synthesized in order to test their viability for removing cesium (Cs) ions from wastewater. The impregnation yields PB-AG(syn.) beads containing very fine crystals of PB incorporated into the AG beads. The interaction between PB-AG(syn.) beads and Cs ions was investigated by adsorption experiments and analyzed using Langmuir and adsorption-kinetic models. The adsorption of Cs ions onto PB-AG(syn.) beads reached equilibrium after 12 h. The maximum adsorption capacities of the PB-AG(syn.) beads were 0.557 mg bead −1 and the kinetic rate was found to be k 1 = 1.72 × 10 −1 min −1 at pH 6.0 for the pseudo first order, and 4.65 × 10 −1 bead −1 mg −1 min −1 at pH 6.0 for the pseudo second order. The effects of pH, organic acids and salts such as potassium and sodium ions onto the adsorption of Cs ions by PB-AG(syn.) beads were found insignificant and low. Consequently, the PB-AG(syn.) beads showed a high capacity for the removal of Cs ions from water.

Comparative study was conducted to correlate arsenic (As), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), nitrate (NO3 −), phosphate (PO4 3−), and ammonia (NH3) by determining their concentration at different depths of the tube-wells in the selected study area at Singair, Manikganj Bangladesh. Total 99 tube-well water samples were collected from the study area. In most of the sampling points, the present concentrations of As were less than the previous concentrations. The correlation between As and Fe was positively significant. It can be suggested possible adsorption/co-precipitation of As with Fe in shallow aquifer. However, the relationship between As and Mn was not significantly observed. On the other hand, relationship between Cu and As showed a positive significant correlation. The correlation between As and PO4 3− was also significant, although the correlation between As and NO3 − was not significant. PO4 3− may come from phosphate fertilizers application and can be a contributor of As in the shallow aquifer. The PCA biplot also indicated the significant relationship between As, Cu, Fe and PO4 3−. Excessive withdrawal of tube-well water along with aquifer dynamics and ionic interference might be responsible for the mobilization of As in the study area.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal, well-known for its dangerous health effects on human. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a phenolic component generally consumed as a food additive as an antioxidant. However, BHT induced antioxidant properties against heavy metals-influenced toxicity are little studied. We hypothesized that BHT has a regulatory effect on Hg-induced cytotoxicity. The objective of this research was to assess the protecting effects of BHT against inorganic Hg (iHg)-toxicity in PC12 cells, where cells were treated with/without HgCl2 (Hg2+) (5 μM) and BHT (100 μM) for 48 h and analyzed further. Cells treated by Hg caused a significant cell viability reduction, membrane damage, glutathione reduction, DNA fragmentation, ROS generation, with suppressed expressions of akt, mTOR, ERK1, Nrf2 and HO1; and elevated apoptotic expressions of p53, Bax, cytochrome c and active caspase 3. However, BHT and Hg2+ co-exposure showed prevention against Hg2+-toxicity by improving GSH content and inhibiting ROS generation and oxidative stress mediated damages. Additionally, BHT co-treatment inverted the pro-apoptotic proteins by augmenting pro-survival regulatory proteins akt, mTOR, ERK1, Nrf2 and HO1. These findings proved that BHT inhibits Hg2+-toxicity, hindering ROS generation and intrinsic apoptosis, via enhancing glutathione and antioxidants; and suggested BHT implications as therapeutic.

Mercury (Hg) is an extremely dangerous environmental contaminant, responsible for human diseases including neurological disorders. However, the mechanisms of inorganic Hg (iHg)-induced cell death and toxicity are little known. Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) is the reduced form of a naturally occurring compound lipoic acid, which act as a potent antioxidant through multiple mechanisms. So we hypothesized that DHLA has an inhibitory role on iHg-cytotoxicity. The purposes of this research were to investigate mechanism/s of cytotoxicity of iHg, as well as, the cyto-protection of DHLA against iHg induced toxicity using PC12 cells. Treatment of PC12 cells with HgCl2 (Hg2+) (0–2.5 μM) for 48 h resulted in significant toxic effects, such as, cell viability loss, high level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, DNA damage, cellular glutathione (GSH) level decrease and increased Hg accumulation. In addition, protein level expressions of akt, p-akt, mTOR, GR, NFkB, ERK1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were downregulated; and cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome c release were upregulated after Hg2+ (2.5 μM) exposure and thus inducing apoptosis. Hg2+induced apoptosis was also confirmed by flow cytometry. However, pretreatment with DHLA (50 μM) for 3 h before Hg2+ (2.5 μM) exposure showed inhibition against iHg2+-induced cytotoxicity by reversing cell viability loss, LDH release, DNA damage, GSH decrease and inhibiting Hg accumulation. Moreover, DHLA pretreatment reversed the protein level expressions of akt, p-akt, mTOR, GR, NFkB, ERK1, Nrf2, HO-1, cleaved caspase 3 and cytochrome c. In conclusion, results showed that DHLA could attenuate Hg2+-induced cytotoxicity via limiting Hg accumulation, boosting up of antioxidant defense, and inhibition of apoptosis in cells.

Arsenic is awfully toxic metalloid responsible for many human diseases all over the world. Contrastingly, D-pinitol is a naturally occurring bioactive dietary compound has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study is to elucidate the protective actions of D-pinitol on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and explore its controlling role in biomolecular mechanisms in PC12 cells. Obtained results demonstrated that co-exposure of D-pinitol with arsenic increases cell viability, decreases DNA damage and protects PC12 cells from arsenic-induced cytotoxicity by increasing glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione reductase (GR). Protein expression of western blot analysis showed that co-exposure of D-pinitol and arsenic significantly inhibited arsenic-induced autophagy which further suppressed apoptosis through up-regulation of survival factors; mTOR, p-mTOR, Akt, p-Akt, NF-кB, Nrf2, ERK1, GR, Bcl-x and down-regulation of death factors; p53, Bax, cytochrome c, LC3, although arsenic regulated those factors negatively. These results of this study suggested that D-pinitol protects PC12 cells from arsenic-induced cytotoxicity.

Metals are ubiquitous in the environment due to huge industrial applications in the form of different chemicals and from extensive mining activities. The frequent exposures to metals and metalloids are crucial for the human health. Trace metals are beneficial for health whereas non-essential metals are dangerous for the health and some are proven etiological factors for diseases including cancers and neurological disorders. The interactions of essential trace metals such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) with non-essential metals viz. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in biological system are very critical and complex. A huge number of studies report the protective role of Se and Zn against metal toxicity, both in animal and cellular levels, and also explain the numerous mechanisms involved. However, it has been considered that a tiny dyshomeostasis in the metals/trace metals status in biological system could induce severe deleterious effects that can manifest to numerous diseases. Thus, in this particular review, we have demonstrated the critical protection mechanism/s of Se and Zn against Cd, Pb, As and Hg toxicity in a one by one manner to clarify the up-to-date findings and perspectives. Furthermore, biomolecular consequences are comprehensively presented in light of particular cellular/biomolecular events which are somehow linked to a subsequent disease. The analyzed reports support significant protection potential of Se and Zn, either alone or in combination with other agents, against each of the abovementioned non-essential metals. However, Se and Zn are still not being used as detoxifying agents due to some unexplained reasons. We hypothesized that Se could be a potential candidate for detoxifying As and Hg regardless of their chemical speciations, but requires intensive clinical trials. However, particularly Zn-Hg interaction warrants more investigations both in animal and cellular level.

BACKGROUND The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a beneficial effect on hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to examine whether an azuki bean (Vigna angularis) extract (ABE) stimulates the AMPK or insulin signalling pathways in a liver cell line in response to hyperglycaemia, as well as in a diabetic rat liver. RESULTS HepG2 cells were incubated with 5 or 20 mmol L−1 glucose and then treated with ABE. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received 0, 10, or 40 mg kg−1 ABE orally. Blood chemistry and phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt (a serine/threonine kinase) in the livers were examined. There was a significant increase in the levels of AMPK and Akt phosphorylation in ABE-treated HepG2 cells. AMPK phosphorylation increased significantly in glucose-stimulated HepG2 cells that were treated with ABE. In the 40 mg kg−1 ABE-treated diabetic rats, the glucose levels were lower than in the control. Phosphorylation of AMPK in ABE-untreated diabetic rat livers decreased significantly. Conversely, ABE treatment increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt in the diabetic rat liver. CONCLUSION ABE treatment upregulated AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells, and upregulated AMPK and Akt phosphorylation in the diabetic rat liver. These data suggest that ABE can potentially improve glucose intolerance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

A study based on the physicochemical parameters and dissolved metals levels from three main rivers around Dhaka City, Bangladesh, was conducted in order to determine the present pollution status and their alteration trends with the seasonal change of discharge amount. The water samples were collected from the rivers Buriganga, Turag, and Shitalakkhya during both dry and monsoon seasons. Physicochemical analyses revealed that most of the water quality parameters exceeded the recommended levels set by the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh, during both the dry and monsoon seasons. A very strong positive correlation was found between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in all sampling points. Both BOD and COD values had a strong negative correlation with dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Shitalakkhya River. Most of the dissolved metals concentrations in the water samples were similar. However, the concentrations of different physicochemical properties varied with the seasons. The dry season had significantly higher contamination loads, which were decreased during the monsoon season. Anthropogenic activities, as well as the variation in river water flow during different seasons were the main reasons for this high degree of water pollution.

Nonylphenol and short-chain nonylphenol ethoxylates such as NP2 EO are present in aquatic environment as wastewater contaminants, and their toxic effects on aquatic species have been reported. Apoptosis has been shown to be induced by serum deprivation or copper treatment. To understand the toxicity of nonylphenol diethoxylate, we investigated the effects of NP2 EO on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and copper by using PC12 cell system. Nonylphenol diethoxylate itself showed no toxicity and recovered cell viability from apoptosis. In addition, nonylphenol diethoxylate decreased DNA fragmentation caused by apoptosis in PC12 cells. This phenomenon was confirmed after treating apoptotic PC12 cells with nonylphenol diethoxylate, whereas the cytochrome c release into the cytosol decreased as compared to that in apoptotic cells not treated with nonylphenol diethoxylates. Furthermore, Bax contents in apoptotic cells were reduced after exposure to nonylphenol diethoxylate. Thus, nonylphenol diethoxylate has the opposite effect on apoptosis in PC12 cells compared to nonylphenol, which enhances apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. The difference in structure of the two compounds is hypothesized to be responsible for this phenomenon. These results indicated that nonylphenol diethoxylate has capability to affect cell differentiation and development and has potentially harmful effect on organisms because of its unexpected impact on apoptosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1389-1398, 2016.

Purpose of this study is to investigate mechanism/s of cyto-protection by selenium (Na2SeO3; Se4+) against cadmium (CdCl2; Cd2+)-induced cytotoxicity using PC12 cells. In addition, Se (5, 10, 20 and 40 μM) and Cd (2.5, 5 and 10 μM)-induced cytotoxicity is determined. Cytotoxicity assays and western blot analyses confirmed that Se (≥10 μM) promotes autophagic cell death via inhibition of mTOR activation and p62 accumulation due to increase of cellular oxidative stress. On the other hand, co-presence of non-toxic Se (5 μM) and toxic Cd (5 μM) showed to increase cell viability, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) levels, and to decrease DNA fragmentation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity compared to Cd-treated (5 μM) cells alone. Furthermore, western blot analyses of cytochrome c and ERK1 indicated that Cd-induced apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells. However, the co-exposure of Se with Cd significantly decreases the release of cytochrome c into cytosol from mitochondria, and up-regulates ERK1 protein to inhibit Cd-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, Se (≥10 μM) possess cytotoxicity in PC12 cells; however, co-presence of Se (5 μM) with Cd (5 μM) protects against Cd-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells due to inhibition of Cd-induced oxidative stress and subsequently suppression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Fructose intake has been correlated with increased prevalence of metabolic disorders including hypertension. In pregnant rats, fructose intake has been reported to have adverse effects on the health of its offspring. This study investigated the effects of gestational maternal fructose consumption and if supplementation with melinjo seed extracts to the maternal diet during lactation could benefit the offspring in later life.Pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated (CC), fructose-treated (FC), and fructose and melinjo-treated (FM). FC and FM groups received 100 g/L of D(-)-fructose solution by means of the drinking water during gestation while CC received normal drinking water. During lactation, CC and FC groups were given standard commercial laboratory diet, while the FM group was given commercial laboratory diet with 0.1% melinjo seed extracts. After weaning, the offspring were given normal drinking water and standard commercial diet until week 17. The blood pressure of the offspring was monitored until the 16th week. During week 17, the offspring were killed, and the kidneys were collected and analyzed.The level of renal phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in FM of 17-week female offspring was significantly higher compared with FC and CC groups. Maternal fructose intake down-regulated the renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FC and maternal melinjo seed extract consumption maintained renal endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthetase expression in FM of 17-week female offspring. In addition, maternal melinjo seed extract intake during lactation lowered the systolic blood pressure in FM of 17-week female offspring.Female offspring were more vulnerable to the effects of placental fructose and melinjo seed extracts, suggesting sex-specific sensitivities. In summary, our data show that melinjo seed extract consumption during lactation improved vasodilation and attenuated the development of hypertension in the 17-week female offspring of fructose-fed pregnant rats. Birth Defects Research 110:27-34, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polyphenols have many beneficial effects and an effective disease therapeutic auxiliary drug. Previously, myricetin, a polyphenol, had been reported to possess various biological effects on human physiology. However, mechanism of myricetin on apoptosis induced in PC12 cells is still unclear. PC12 cells were treated with myricetin in two concentration levels comprising 0.1 and 1 μM under serum-free condition. As a result, morphological changes were observed using trypan blue assay. DNA fragmentation was determined by DNA ladder assay to evaluate DNA damage levels. Western blotting results showed that cytosolic cytochrome c which was released from mitochondria. Subsequently, tumor suppressor gene p53, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were expressed. The caspase cascade reaction was induced through caspase 3 and 9 expression. From these results, it is suggested that myricetin significantly enhanced the apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in a dose-dependent manner in PC12 cells.

Despite extensive research on copper toxicity the mechanisms involved are not fully characterized. There have been many recent reports concerning the relationship between epigenetic factors and cell metabolism, but the effects of copper exposure on epigenetic factors have not been investigated. In this study, an in vitro culture system was employed to study the influence of copper on apoptosis and epigenetic factors in PC12 cells. When PC12 cells were exposed to copper, DNA damage was observed as DNA fragmentation. In addition, cytosolic cytochrome c levels were increased by copper treatment. These results suggested that copper induced apoptosis via an oxidative stress pathway. This was consistent with the observation that copper-induced apoptosis was enhanced by further oxidative stress induced by exposing cells to H₂O₂. In addition, the epigenetic factors were significantly increased in apoptotic cells following exposure to copper and oxidative stress.

When peat forest fires happen, it leads to burn soil and also humic acids as a dominant organic matter contained in peat soil as well as the forest. The structure and properties of humic acids vary depending on their origin and environment, therefore the transformation of humic acid is also diverse. The impacts of the peat fires on peat soil from Central Kalimantan, Indonesia were investigated through the characterization of humic acids, extracted from soil in burnt and unburnt sites. The characterization of humic acids was performed by elemental composition, functional groups, molecular weight by HPSEC, pyrolysate compounds by pyrolysis-GC/MS, fluorescence spectrum by 3DEEM spectrofluorometer, and thermogravimetry. The elemental composition of each humic substance indicated that the value of H/C and O/C of humic acids from burnt sites were lower than that from unburnt sites. The molecular weight of humic acids from burnt sites was also lower than that from unburnt sites. Pyrolysate compounds of humic acids from unburnt sites differed from those of humic acids from burnt soil. The heating experiment showed that burning process caused the significant change in the properties of humic acids such as increasing the aromaticity and decreasing the molecular weight.

The safety of Tinospora cordifolia and its potential to protect against ultraviolet radiation-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in PC12 cells were investigated. To evaluate the safety of T. cordifolia, cell viability and agarose gel electrophoresis were carried out using PC12 cells treated with 0 to 100 μg mL(-1) of methanol extract of T. cordifolia. T. cordifolia extracts did not show cytotoxicity ranging 0 to 100 μg mL(-1). In addition, T. cordifolia extracts significantly increased cell viability at 1 ng, 10 ng and 1 μg mL(-1) concentrations in serum-deprived medium compared to control. To confirm the protective role against UV-induced damage, PC12 cells alone or in the presence of 10 ng, 100 ng, or 1 μg mL(-1) of T. cordifolia extract were exposed to 250, 270 and 290 nm of UV radiation, which corresponded to doses of 120, 150 and 300 mJ cm(-2), respectively. Treatment with T. cordifolia extracts significantly increased the cell survival rate irradiated at 290 nm. In addition, T. cordifolia extracts significantly reduced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation induced by UV irradiation at all wavelengths. In conclusion, T. cordifolia is not toxic and safe for cells. Our findings can support its application as phototherapy in the medical sector.