Search

Abstract Background Lungs are adversely affected by repeated exposure to thinner fumes. This study aimed to examine the pulmonary toxic effects of chronic thinner inhalation and the possible protection by chamomile administration. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to thinner fumes for 8 weeks (4 h/day, 6 days/week), while chamomile flower extract (400 mg/kg body weight) was given orally during thinner exposure for the same period. Results The study showed lung damage following chronic thinner exposure through increased cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1), superoxide anion (O2 •−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreased antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Moreover, an elevation of lung enzymes; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with depletion in total protein and albumin contents in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were observed. Thinner exposure also exhibited increased lung deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), hydroxyproline (HYP), and collagen type 1 (COL-1), with decreased serum surfactant protein-A (SP-A), total and differential leukocytes (WBCs) count, except for neutrophils. Histological investigations revealed deteriorative changes along with accumulated collagen fibers affecting the lung and other respiratory organs. Conclusion Supplementation of chamomile extract succeeded in preventing thinner-induced lung oxidative stress, enzyme leakage, surfactant deficiency, DNA damage, fibrosis, and histological injury. Therefore, consumption of chamomile extract could be recommended for alleviating thinner-induced health hazards and lung toxicity.

Abstract Impacts of inhaling gasoline fumes on the lungs of adult male rats and the alleviating role of fenugreek seeds were evaluated. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, unexposed control and fenugreek groups, gasoline exposed groups for 6 h/6 day/week for 10 weeks with and without supplementation of fenugreek seed powder in food (5% w/w). Rats exposed to gasoline fumes showed significant elevation in lung tumor necrosis factor-α, as an inflammatory marker, and the proapoptotic marker Bax with a reduction in the antiapoptotic marker Bcl2. Moreover, remarkable elevations in transforming growth factor-β1, collagen and hydroxyproline were observed as fibrotic markers. Lung oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxides, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl) increased significantly along with marked decrease in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. Additionally, marked decreases in white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin content, platelet count, accompanied by elevated red cell distribution width percentage were observed, supporting the inflammatory status. Histopathological changes represented by hematoxylin&eosin, immunohistochemistry staining for Bax&Bcl2, and transmission electron microscopy supported the negative impacts of gasoline fumes compared to the control group. Fenugreek seeds supplementation with gasoline exposure showed pronounced alleviation of lung biochemical and histopathological changes compared to the gasoline-exposed group.