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Environmental Science and Pollution... May 2018Our study designed to study the potential of potassium dichromate (KCrO) oral exposure to induce damage in male rat brain and to compare the possible protective role of...
Ascorbic acid protects male rat brain from oral potassium dichromate-induced oxdative DNA damage and apoptotic changes: the expression patterns of caspase-3, P 53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes.
Our study designed to study the potential of potassium dichromate (KCrO) oral exposure to induce damage in male rat brain and to compare the possible protective role of vitamin C (VC) either pre and/or concurrent supply against (KCrO) induced changes. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups. First control group received distilled water (C), second received 120 mg/kg b.wt (VC), third received 25 mg/kg b.wt KCrO (Cr), fourth group received VC together with KCrO by the same former doses (VC + Cr), and the fifth group received the same oral doses of VC 2 weeks prior to and along with KCrO for 6 weeks (VC + Cr pro/co treated). The obtained results revealed that KCrO induced a significant decrease in cholinergic activity, glutathione reductase GR activity, reduced glutathione content GSH and ATP levels. Furthermore, KCrO induced a significant increase in oxidative DNA damage indicated by 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine (8OH2'dG) and formation of apoptotic DNA ladders, significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Increased mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including caspase-3, p53, and Bax, unlike Bcl-2 expression, was decreased. KCrO increased caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 immuno-labeling. VC supply noticeably ameliorates KCrO-induced changes which were more significantly in VC pro and concurrent supplement rather than VC concurrent supply only. Finally, it is concluded that KCrO oral administration induced oxidative apoptotic changes in rat brain and confirms the usefulness of VC pre and concurrent supply for the amelioration of KCrO-induced events more significantly than VC concurrent supply only.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Caspase 3; DNA Damage; Gene Expression; Male; Oxidative Stress; Potassium Dichromate; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; bcl-2-Associated X Protein
PubMed: 29484617
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1546-9 -
Toxicology Jan 2018According to the new EU Medical Devices (MDR) legislation coming into effect in 2017, manufactures will have to comply with higher standards of quality and safety for...
According to the new EU Medical Devices (MDR) legislation coming into effect in 2017, manufactures will have to comply with higher standards of quality and safety for medical devices in order to meet common safety concerns regarding such products. Metal alloys are extensively used in dentistry and medicine (e.g. orthopedic surgery and cardiology) even though clinical experience suggests that many metals are sensitizers. The aim of this study was to further test the applicability domain of the in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) IL-18 assay developed to identify contact allergens and in doing so: i) determine whether different metal salts, representing leachables from metal alloys used in medical devices, could be correctly labelled and classified; and ii) assess the ability of different salts for the same metal to penetrate the skin stratum corneum. Twenty eight chemicals including 15 metal salts were topically exposed to RhE. Nickel, chrome, gold, palladium were each tested in two different salt forms, and titanium in 4 different salt forms. Metal salts were labelled (YES/NO) as sensitizer if a threshold of more than 5 fold IL18 release was reached. The in vitro estimation of expected sensitization induction level (potency) was assessed by interpolating in vitro EC50 and IL-18 SI2 with LLNA EC3 and human NOEL values from standard reference curves generated using DNCB (extreme) and benzocaine (weak). Metal salts, in contrast to other chemical sensitizers and with the exception of potassium dichromate (VI) and cobalt (II) chloride, were not identified as contact allergens since they only induced a small or no increase in IL-18 production. This finding was not related to a lack of stratum corneum skin penetration since EC50 values (decrease in metabolic activity; MTT assay) were obtained after topical RhE exposure to 8 of the 15 metal salts. For nickel, gold and palladium salts, differences in EC50 values between two salts for the same metal could not be attributed to differences in molarity or valency. For chrome salts the difference in EC50 values may be explained by different valencies (VI vs. III), but not by molarity. In general, metal salts were classified as weaker sensitizers than was indicated from in vivo LLNA EC3 and NOEL data. Our in vitro results show that metals are problematic chemicals to test, in line with the limited number of standardized human and animal studies, which are not currently considered adequate to predict systemic hypersensitivity or autoimmunity, and despite clinical experience, which clearly shows that many metals are indeed a risk to human health.
Topics: Allergens; Animal Testing Alternatives; Epidermis; Haptens; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Interleukin-18; Local Lymph Node Assay; Male; Metals; No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; Toxicity Tests
PubMed: 29079364
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.10.014 -
Contact Dermatitis Nov 2023Cheilitis is an inflammatory condition of the lips. Its causes can be exogenous (irritants, allergens), endogenous (atopic dermatitis, systemic disorders) or unknown.
BACKGROUND
Cheilitis is an inflammatory condition of the lips. Its causes can be exogenous (irritants, allergens), endogenous (atopic dermatitis, systemic disorders) or unknown.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence of allergic contact cheilitis (ACC), its risk factors, and common allergens in patients with cheilitis at a Thai university-based tertiary care hospital.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with cheilitis referred for patch testing between January 2007 and December 2021.
RESULTS
Among 5366 patients referred for patch testing, 410 (7.6%) had cheilitis. ACC was diagnosed in 32% of the cheilitis patients. Compared to non-ACC cases, the patients with ACC were more likely to be young and female and have a disease duration of <3 months, no underlying disease and a white-collar job (p-value <0.05). The most common contact allergens were patient's products (73.3%), nickel sulfate (29.8%), potassium dichromate (14.5%), castor oil (14.3%) and benzalkonium chloride (13.0%). Lip cosmetics and toothpastes were major ACC sources.
CONCLUSIONS
ACC should be considered in cheilitis patients, especially in patients with specific risk factors. Castor oil is an emerging allergen. Patch testing using commercial allergen series and patients' own products is crucial for identifying causative agents. The development of a specific cheilitis series is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Female; Allergens; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Cheilitis; Castor Oil; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Thailand; Patch Tests
PubMed: 37607557
DOI: 10.1111/cod.14403 -
Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic,... 2016Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when a previously photosensitized exogenous agent comes into contact with UV...
BACKGROUND
Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when a previously photosensitized exogenous agent comes into contact with UV radiation. The best method for testing PACD is photopatch testing (PPT).
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the study was to determine the frequency of PACD to 20 different photoallergens in common usage in China during a 10-year period.
METHODS
All patients (n = 6153) who had PPTs done between 2005 and 2014 at the Department of Dermatology of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, were included.
RESULTS
A total of 3767 PACD reactions in 3668 subjects (59.61%) were recorded. Of these allergens, chlorpromazine (CPZ) (51.82%), para-aminobenzoic acid (11.94%), thimerosal (9.81%), potassium dichromate (6.37%), sulfanilamide (5.38%), and formaldehyde (4.7%) were the top 6 allergens that elicited PACD reactions. A comparison of PACD reactions between January 2005 to December 2009 and January 2010 to December 2014 revealed a statistically significant decrease in PACD reaction for chlorpromazine, potassium dichromate, p-aminobenzoic acid, and p-phenylenediamine. Formaldehyde showed a trend toward a statistically significant increase in sensitization over the 10-year period.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, positive PACD reactions were most frequent to chlorpromazine in our population. New allergens such as potassium dichromate and formaldehyde should be added to the test series.
Topics: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Allergens; Child; China; Chlorpromazine; Dermatitis, Photoallergic; Female; Formaldehyde; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patch Tests; Potassium Dichromate; Sulfanilamide; Sulfanilamides; Thimerosal; Young Adult
PubMed: 27172309
DOI: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000170 -
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology Sep 2022Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a skin disorder caused by contact with any substances found in the workplace. Occupational contact dermatitis is second most...
BACKGROUND
Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a skin disorder caused by contact with any substances found in the workplace. Occupational contact dermatitis is second most common occupational disease (15% of all cases of occupational disease). Occupational contact dermatitis is divided into allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) which is 80% of cases that affects hands. Batik is an art that is painted on cloth, it is one of Indonesian cultural heritage. Batik workers have a higher risk of obtaining OCD due to exposure to chemicals and fluids used during work. Natural dyes used in the dyeing process are less likely to cause ACD than standard allergens. Some of the natural dyes used in the dyeing process in batik industries are , sappan wood (), and Mahagony () cause skin sensitisation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of patch testing between natural dyes (, sappan wood (), and Mahagony () with standard allergens (p-phneyldiamine 0.1%, potassium dichromate 0.5% and formaldehyde 0.1%) as a cause of ACD in batik workers in Surakarta, East Java, Indonesia.
METHOD
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 63 subjects batik workers with OCD in Surakarta, East Java, Indonesia. Subjects were patch tested with three standard allergens (p-phenylenediamine 0.1%, potassium dichromate 0.5%, and formaldehyde 1%) and natural dyes (, sappan wood (), and Mahagony (). A closed patch test was evaluated 48 and 96 hour later. Screening of OCD in batik workers in Surakarta, East Java, Indonesia was based on Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire NOSQ-2002, and diagnosis of OCD was based on Mathias criteria (at least 4 out of 7 criteria were met). Data were analysed using a non-parametric Chi-square test with SPSS 21 with a significant difference if the -value < 0.05.
RESULT
Natural dyes significantly caused allergic contact dermatitis in batik workers in Surakarta, East Java, Indonesia than standard allergens ( = 0.016). A positive patch test was found in 11 patients, standard allergen p-phenylenediamine (PPD) 0.1% was seen on one patient, potassium dichromate 0.5% on two patients, and formaldehyde 1% on two patients. A positive patch test using was found at one patient, sappan wood () in three patients, and Mahagony (Swietenia mahagoni) in five patients.
CONCLUSION
Natural dyes cause more positive patch test results in batik workers.
Topics: Allergens; Coloring Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Irritant; Dermatitis, Occupational; Formaldehyde; Humans; Patch Tests; Potassium Dichromate
PubMed: 35771736
DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2022.2077751 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Nov 2018The potential mutagenic and histopathological effects of the hexavalent chromium were investigated in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles. These larvae (GS 25-31) were...
The potential mutagenic and histopathological effects of the hexavalent chromium were investigated in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles. These larvae (GS 25-31) were exposed to three nominal concentrations of potassium dichromate (4, 12, and 36 mg L) and 5 mg L of Cyclophosphamide as a positive control (PC), for 24 h. A negative control (NC) was also added to the experiment. Our results showed that, in general, the micronuclei (MN) were less frequent than the erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA); there was a significant difference in the frequency of MN between the NC and all treated groups (p < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent curve, in addition the PC did not differ from the chromium treatments. Also, only PC and the group treated with potassium dichromate at 36 mg L showed significantly higher frequencies of ENA than NC (p < 0.05). Chromium treatments promoted cell retention in the Sub-G1 phase and a decrease of cells in the S and G2/M phases indicating inhibition of the cell cycle. All treatments with chromium led to liver and kidney histopathological lesions, especially with 36 mg L (greater number of lesions). In conclusion, hexavalent chromium was mutagenic to L. catesbeianus tadpoles and its toxic effects also resulted in anti-mitotic activity, besides inducing histopathological alterations in liver and kidney. Amphibians have been proven to be useful bioindicators, and we suggest that tadpoles of different species can be used to represent the environmental impacts in aquatic ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Anura; Chromium; Kidney; Larva; Liver; Micronucleus Tests; Mitosis; Mutagens; Potassium Dichromate; Rana catesbeiana; Ranidae; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 30064085
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.083 -
Melatonin protects against chromium(VI)-induced cardiac injury via activating the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway.Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry Aug 2019Chromium (Cr) threatens health by causing oxidative stress. However, effective therapy for cardiac damage mediated by potassium dichromate (KCrO) still has not been...
Chromium (Cr) threatens health by causing oxidative stress. However, effective therapy for cardiac damage mediated by potassium dichromate (KCrO) still has not been defined. Melatonin (MT) possesses a number of biological activities. Our study was performed to explore the effect and mechanism of MT on Cr(VI)-induced cardiac damage by conducting both in vitro and in vivo studies. Twenty eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, MT (20 mg/kg subcutaneously), KCrO (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and KCrO + MT. We measured biomarkers of oxidative stress and cardiac function, and performed histopathological analysis, assay of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuracil nucleoside triphosphate nick end labeling and protein levels, and the viability assay of cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro. Our results showed that MT ameliorated KCrO-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the release of inflammatory mediators in the rat heart. MT also promoted adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, upregulated expression of proteins that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase: quinone-acceptor 1, and inhibited nuclear factor kappa B in the heart of rats exposed to KCrO. Furthermore, MT increased B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma extra large protein levels and decreased cleaved caspase 3, P53, and Bcl-2-associated X protein levels. Furthermore, the experiment in vitro showed that MT increased the cells viability and protein levels of Nrf2 and phosphorylated-AMPK in H9C2 cells treated with KCrO. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MT protects against Cr-induced cardiac damage via activating the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway.
Topics: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Cardiotonic Agents; Chromium; Heart Diseases; Male; Melatonin; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Potassium Dichromate; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 31054488
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.110698 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2022Intestinal infection, caused by various protozoans and helminths, represents one of the significant health concerns in pigeons around the world.
BACKGROUND
Intestinal infection, caused by various protozoans and helminths, represents one of the significant health concerns in pigeons around the world.
OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to determine the diversity and prevalence of the intestinal parasites in pigeons found in Ratnanagar Municipality, Chitwan, in central Nepal.
METHODS
The fresh faecal samples (n = 155) were non-invasively collected from different households and temples pigeons The individual samples were immediately preserved in the 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and transported to the research laboratory. Following direct wet mount and concentration methods, the samples were observed under a compound microscope.
RESULTS
The results showed 87.1% prevalence rate with 16 parasite species that included 8 protozoan and 8 helminth faunae. The faecal samples of temple pigeons contained a higher prevalence rate with higher parasitic richness (95.6%; 16 species) than household pigeons (75.4%; 12 species). Mixed infection up to four different species was recorded in both types of sampling populations.
CONCLUSIONS
Pigeons harbour a greater prevalence and wider diversity of intestinal parasites and the parasitism varies based on the habitats. Proper management and effective deworming practices are recommended to control intestinal parasitic infection in these avian hosts.
Topics: Animals; Bird Diseases; Columbidae; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Nepal; Parasites; Prevalence
PubMed: 35352510
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.792 -
Acta Parasitologica Sep 2023The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy,...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and comparing the results to healthy individuals in Mazandaran province, north of Iran.
METHODS
Stool samples were collected from 50 HIV + /AIDS patients, 50 cancer patients, and 50 healthy samples referred to medical centers in north of Iran. Stool samples were kept in 2.5% potassium dichromate at 4 °C, and stained by modified trichrome for light microscopy examination. The multiplex/nested-PCR targeted the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. To characterize genotypes, the nested PCR products sequenced by Bioneer Company and was subjected to phylogenetic analyses.
RESULTS
Ten of 50 samples (20%) of HIV + /AIDS patients, 5 of 50 samples (10%) of cancer patients, and 1 of healthy individuals (2%) were microscopically positive. From 50 HIV + / AIDS patients, E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. were detected in 10 (20%) and 6 (12%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, among cancer patients, 7 (14%) and 2 (4%) cases were E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Out of 50 samples of healthy individuals, only 3 (6%) cases of E. bieneusi were observed. The genotypes D and M were detected among positive samples of E. bieneusi.
CONCLUSIONS
E. bieneusi and then Encephalitozoon spp. are common intestinal microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Mazandaran province. E. bieneusi genotype D seems to be the predominant genotype in Mazandaran province. Due to the considerable prevalence of intestinal microsporidia, physicians are advised to pay more attention to this opportunistic infection in high-risk groups.
Topics: Humans; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Microsporidiosis; Iran; Phylogeny; Encephalitozoon; Genotype; Enterocytozoon; Neoplasms; Feces; Microsporidia
PubMed: 37566357
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00704-y -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Jan 2023Chromium (Cr) is a naturally-occurring element that is used in various fields of industry. Humans may be exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which is one of the...
BACKGROUND
Chromium (Cr) is a naturally-occurring element that is used in various fields of industry. Humans may be exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which is one of the stable valence states of the chromium through contaminated soil, air, and water. Exposure to Cr(VI) through contaminated drinking water, soil and air causes various cancers and also fertility problems in animals and humans. Quercetin (QCT), a common flavonoid compound, has numerous biological effects as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, but its function and mechanisms in reproductive processes in various species remain unclear. This study aims to determine the chromium effects on mice oocyte quality and the ameliorative effect of QCT in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
METHODS
For the in vitro experiment, oocytes were collected and divided into the control, sham, QCT-treated, Cr(VI) (potassium dichromate), and treatment [Cr(VI)+QCT] groups. Collected oocytes were cultured in maturation medium with or without 10 µM quercetin and 10 µM Cr(VI) for 14 h based on the defined experimental design. For the in vivo experiment, the mice were randomly divided into the control, sham, QCT-treated, Cr(VI), and Cr(VI) + QCT groups. Control and sham mice received regular drinking water and diet. Cr(VI) group received Cr(VI) (50 ppm in drinking water) and Cr(VI) + QCT group received 50 ppm Cr(VI) with QCT (20 mg/kg body wt, through i.p) for a period of 21 days and then oocytes were collected and cultured for 14 h for in vitro maturation. For both experiments, at the end of the culture period, we examined the ameliorative effect of QCT on oocyte maturation, spindle formation, ROS production, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis.
RESULTS
Our in vitro and in vivo results showed that Cr(VI) disrupt the oocyte maturation and spindle formation (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we found that exposure to Cr(VI) significantly increased ROS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.001). In addition, exposure to Cr(VI) induced early apoptosis and downregulated the Bcl-2 mRNA expression and upregulated the Caspase-3 and Bax mRNAs expression (P < 0.01). Finally, quercetin significantly restored the detrimental effects of Cr(VI).
CONCLUSION
The results indicated that quercetin protects the oocytes against Cr(VI) toxicity through the suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The conclusions drawn from our study's findings suggest that quercetin might be useful agent for oocyte maturation in case of possible exposure to toxic substances such as chromium.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Quercetin; Drinking Water; Chromium
PubMed: 36209711
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127087