ABSTRACT
Today, special attention is paid to the use of zirconium dioxide nanoparticle [nano-ZrO[2]], a neutral bioceramic metal, particularly for drug and gene delivery in medicine. However, there are some reports implying that use of nano-ZrO[2] is associated with cytotoxic effects like inhibiting the cell proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis. In the present study, we examined whether nano-ZrO[2] alters cell viability and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity in two neuronal cell lines. The PC12 and N2a cells were cultured in the absence or presence of varying concentrations [31.25-2000 micro g/mL] of nano-ZrO[2] for 12, 24 or 48 h. The cell viability was evaluated using 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5-[3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium [MTS] assay and GPx activity was determined by quantifying the rate of oxidation of the reduced glutathione to the oxidized glutathione. Nano-ZrO[2] caused a significant reduction in cell viability and GPx activity after 12, 24 and 48 h, as compared with control group. These effects were concentration dependent and started from 250 micro g/mL. The present study demonstrated that nano-ZrO[2], at concentrations of > 250 micro g/mL, has antiproliferative effects via reducing the cell defense mechanism against oxidative stress
ABSTRACT
Diazinon is an organophosphate which is extensively used in trade and agriculture. Due to its widespread application, its toxicity is common. Several studies have shown that organophosphates are able to induce oxidative stress by generating free radicals and depletion of endogenous antioxidants. Pomegranate seed oil [PSO] possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, the effect of PSO was evaluated on diazinon-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups, 6 each. Group one received saline, 1 mL/kg, group 2 received diazinon 100 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 received PSO, 0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg, one hour before diazinon 100 mg/kg respectively. After 24 h, animals were anesthetized. Blood samples were taken out by cardiac puncture for measuring the level of serum urea and creatinine. 24 h urine samples were also collected for measuring glucose and protein concentration. The right kidney was removed and homogenized for measuring malondialdehyde and thiol content. Compare to control group, DIZ increased urea and serum creatinine, urinary glucose, and malondialdehyde, but did not modify significantly urinary protein and thiol content. In groups received PSO+ DIZ, serum creatinine, urinary glucose and MDA were significantly decreased. DIZ induced acute nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. Probably, increasing of serum creatinine and urinary glucose are appropriate markers for diagnosis of kidney damage. In addition increasing of MDA level emphasizes that DIZ plays role in pathogenesis of kidney via oxidative stress mechanism. PSO reduced DIZ toxicity by antioxidant activity
ABSTRACT
This study was planned to investigate whether Coriandrum sativum [C. sativum] is capable of protecting neurons against glucose/serum deprivation [GSD]-induced cytotoxicity. The PC12 cells were cultivated for 24 h in standard media [high-glucose DMEM containing Fetal Bovine Serum] or for 6 h in GSD condition [glucose-free DMEM, without serum] in the absence or presence of various concentrations [0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml] of hydro-alcoholic extract [HAE], water fraction [WF], ethyl acetate fraction [EAF] or N-butanol fraction [NBF] of this plant. At the end of the treatments, the cell viability was determined using MTT assay. With the exception of 1.6 mg/ml of EAF or NBF which decreased cell survival, the HAE and its fractions exhibited no cytotoxicity under standard condition. Exposure of the cells to GSD condition showed 52% decrease in the viability. In this condition, the HAE, EAF and NBF not only failed to increase cell viability but also increased the toxicity. On the other hand, WF at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml significantly attenuated the GSD-induced decrease in cell survival. The present study revealed that C. sativum bearing water-soluble compound[s] could induce neuroprotective activity. Also, we showed that some constituents from this plant may serve as cytotoxic agents under stressful conditions like hypoglycemia and serum limitation