Physiological and histopathological studies on bisphenol-a compound as xenoestrogen in male albino rats

Xenoestrogens are compounds like estrogens in effect but not in structure which are mimicking the action of endogenous estrogen and activate estrogen receptor. Xenoestrogens are chemically distinct industrial products potentially able to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking the action of endogenous steroid hormones. Among such compounds, the ubiquitous environmental contaminants bisphenol-A [BPA] may promote adverse effects in humans triggering estrogenic signals in target tissues. Bisphenol- A is widely used in food and drinks packaging. The present study is carrying out to evaluate the effect of bisphenol-A on sexual hormonal pattern in male albino rats. 64 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats [100-120 g] were divided to four groups [16 rats/group].Group [1]: control group without any treatment. Group[2]: positive control group was injected subcutaneously [s.c] with sesame oil daily. Group [3]: received BPA daily with low dose [10 mg/kg/day s.c]. Group [4]: received BPA daily with high dose [30 mg/kg/day s.c]. The experiment durated 30 days, half rats of each group were sacrificed after 15 days of treatment and the other half of groups after 30 days. The blood was collected, serum was separated and used for estimation of [hormonal levels, prolactin, gonadotrophin and testosterone] and some biochemical parameters [liver enzymes, kidney function, protein and lipid profile]. Testis, liver and kidney were taken for the histopathological examination. Biochemical results showed significant elevation in prolactin and FSH levels and significant reduction in LH and testosterone levels in all groups compared to the control group. Increased serum enzymes [ASAT, ALATand ALP] levels with increased concentration of urea and creatinine were detected in all the treated groups compared to the control group. Decline in protein profile and elevation in the concentration of lipid profile, while HDL was decreased in all the treated groups. Histopathological results showed dystrophic changes in the form of congestion in the blood vessels of the testis, liver and kidney of rats with thickening of walls of the blood vessels especially in the testis. In liver, focal inflammatory areas, with dilated and congested central and portal veins were found. Vacuolar degenerative changes in hepatocytes were seen. In the kidney, mild nephritis, sclerotic changes in glomerular tuft, hyaline casts in the lumen of epithelial cells which lining convoluted tubule were noticed. From the previous results we concluded that bisphenol-A has dangerous effects on the testis, liver and kidney tissues. Also it disrupted sexual hormonal pattern and affect biochemical and lipid parameters. So, we recommended minimizing the utililizing of these compound to protect people from its hazardous effects

Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of propolis on hepatotoxicity induced by octylphenol in male rats / Efecto antioxidante del extracto acuoso de propóleos sobre la hepatotoxicidad inducida por el octilfenol en ratas macho

4-tertiary-octylphenol (4-tert-OP) is an alkylphenol that affects human health by stimulating free radical production. Aqueous propolis extract is a natural product rich in favonoids that have antioxidant activity. This study was designed to investigate the ability of aqueous propolis extract to reduce the hepatotoxicity induced by 4-tert-OP in male rats. Animals were assigned to 5 groups and treated for 6 weeks. Group 1: control; group 2: 100 mg 4-tert-OP/kg b.wt./day; group 3: 100 mg aqueous propolis extract /kg b.wt./day; group 4: 100mg 4-tert-OP/kg b.wt./day plus 100 mg aqueous propolis extract /kg b.wt./day; group 5: 100 mg 4-tert-OP/kg b.wt./day for 6 weeks followed by 100 mg aqueous propolis extract /kg b.wt./day for 6 weeks. Group 4-tert-OP signifcantly elevated AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and MDA with a signifcant decrease in total proteins, albumin, globulin, HDL-C, total antioxidant capacity, SOD, CAT and GST compared to control group. Administration of aqueous propolis extract either alone or combined with 4-tert-OP ameliorated the hepatotoxicity induced by 4-tert-OP. DNA fragmentation supported the deleterious effect of 4-tert-OP and the ameliorative effect of propolis on liver cellular proteins and enzymes. Histopathological fndings revealed the hepatotoxicity induced by 4-tert-OP and the protective effect of aqueous propolis extract. In conclusion, aqueous propolis extract could reduce the damage and toxicity effects on liver cells induced by 4-tert-OP.

El 4-terc-octilfenol (4-terc-OP) es un alquilfenol que afecta a la salud humana mediante la estimulación de la producción de radicales libres. El extracto acuoso de propóleos es un producto natural rico en favonoides que tienen actividad antioxidante. Este estudio fue diseñado para investigar la capacidad del extracto de propóleos de reducir la hepatotoxicidad inducida por el 4-terc-OP en ratas macho. Los animales fueron asignados a 5 grupos y tratados durante 6 semanas. Grupo 1: control; grupo 2: 100 mg de 4-terc-OP/kg/día; grupo 3: 100 mg de extracto de propóleos/kg/día; grupo 4: 100 mg de 4-terc-OP/ kg/día más 100 mg de extracto de propóleos/kg/día, grupo 5: 100 mg de 4-terc-OP/kg/día durante 6 semanas, seguidos de 100 mg de extracto de propóleos/kg/día durante 6 semanas. El grupo 4-terc-OP mostró niveles signifcativamente elevados de AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirrubina, creatinina, urea, lípidos totales, colesterol total, triglicéridos, LDL-C y MDA, con una disminución signi-fcativa de proteínas totales, albúmina, globulina, HDL-C, la capacidad antioxidante total, SOD, CAT y GST, en comparación con el grupo control. La administración de extracto de propóleos, ya sea solo o combinado con 4-terc-OP redujo la hepatotoxicidad inducida por 4-terc-OP. Los estudios de fragmentación del ADN apoyan el efecto deletéreo observado por el tratamiento con 4-terc-OP y el efecto protector del extracto de propóleos, sobre las proteínas y las enzimas celulares hepáticas. Los resultados histopatológicos revelaron la hepatotoxicidad por 4-terc-OP y efecto protector inducido por el extracto de propóleos. En conclusión, el extracto de propóleos podría reducir el daño hepático y los efectos celulares de toxicidad en las células del hígado inducidos por 4-terc-OP.

Contribution of environmental pollutants to male infertily: A working model of germ cell apoptosis induced by plasticizers

Bisphenol A [2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane] (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (NP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), and its metabolite mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) are chemicals found in plastics, which act as endocrine disruptors (EDs) in animals, including human. EDs act like hormones in the endocrine system, and disrupt the physiologic function of endogenous hormones. Most people are exposed to different endocrine disruptors and concern has been raised about their true effect on reproductive organs. In the testis, they seem to preferentially attack developing testis during puberty rather than adult organs. However, the lack of information about the molecular mechanism, and the apparently controversial effect observed in different models has hampered the understanding of their effects on mammalian spermatogenesis. In this review, we critically discuss the available information regarding the effect of BPA, NP and DEHP/ MEHP upon mammalian spermatogenesis, a major target of EDs. Germ cell sloughing, disruption of the blood-testis-barrier and germ cell apoptosis are the most common effects reported in the available literature. We propose a model at the molecular level to explain the effects at the cellular level, mainly focused on germ cell apoptosis.

Effects of vitamin E on ovarian tissue of rats following treatment with p-nonylphenol: a stereological study

Para-Nonylphenol [p-NP] is one of the environmental pollutants which cause reproductive system disorders. The effects of vitamin E on ovary structure during its development in rats treated with p-NP. 32 Wistar female rats after mating were divided into 4 groups; control, vitamin E [100mg/kg/day], p-NP [250mg/kg/day] and p-NP + vitamin E. The rats were treated from the day 7 of pregnancy till 21st day of postnatal through sucking period. After weaning, the female pups were treated by gavages for 120 days. The total volume of ovary, number of follicles, volume of oocyte, follicular cells and their nuclei and the thickness of zona pellucida were estimated stereologically. The results were analyzed using one way ANOVA and p<0.05 was considered significant. The ovary weight, mean total volume of ovary and cortex, number of antral and graafian follicles and body weight were decreased significantly [p<0.05] in the p-NP treated rats compared to control and other groups, while the number of atretic follicles was increased significantly [p<0.05]. A significant reduction [p<0.05] in volume of oocyte, follicular cells and their nuclei in antral and graafian follicles was found in p-NP group. In addition, treatment with only vitamin E showed an improving effect on folliculogenesis due to a highly significant increase [p<0.01] in the number of primordial follicles. Vitamin E could compensate the adverse effects of p-NP on the ovary structure during its development

Occupational causes of testicular cancer in adults

Testicular cancer is one of the commonest cancers in men of working age, and is increasing in incidence in Europe and North America. One suggested mechanism of causation is that there is impaired differentiation of germ cells in the pre- or perinatal period, followed by malignant transformation in later life, possibly by a hormonal mechanism. Endocrine disrupting chemicals [EDCs] have been a major focus of interest for etiological research into tes-ticular cancer because they interact with various hormonal pathways. Several EDCs including bisphenol A, phthalates, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorines have been investigated, but there are few studies and those that exist have not been able to assess exposure well. In addition, several studies, particularly those with better exposure assessment, have suggested that workers in electrical occupations have increased risks of testicular cancer. Electromagnetic radiation may have subthermal effects or may disrupt hormone release. Chronodisruption such as due to shift-work could potentially increase the risk of testicular cancer via disruption of hormonal cycles, but only one study has so far investigated this possibility. Lastly, solvent exposure, particularly to dimethylformamide, has been suggested to be associated with testicular cancer, but almost all these studies are based on job title only, with no specific assessment of solvent exposure. In conclusion, there is little evidence available on which to base definitive statements about occupational causes of testicular cancer. Future studies need to improve exposure assessment and develop ways to adjust for possible prenatal factors

Xenoestrogênios: o exemplo do bisfenol-A / Xenoestrogens: the example of bisphenol-A

Evidências acumuladas indicam que a saúde dos seres humanos, animais e espécies selvagens pode sofrer conseqüências adversas da exposição a produtos químicos presentes no meio ambiente e que interagem com o sistema endócrino, tais como bifenilas policloradas, dioxinas, estrogênios de ocorrência natural e sintéticos. Por outro lado, permanecem incertezas científicas com respeito aos dados relatados e, também, quanto à hipótese de haver níveis suficientemente elevados de exposição a estes agentes, a ponto de exercer efeito estrogênico generalizado sobre a população. Este trabalho revisa os principais tópicos relacionados a um dos xenoestrogênios que vem sendo mais recentemente estudado: o Bisfenol A (BFA), um monômero de plástico policarbonato, com pouca homologia estrutural com o estradiol (E 2 ) mas semelhante ao dietilestilbestrol (DES), hexestriol e componente bisfenólico do tamoxifeno. O presente trabalho comenta e analisa criticamente os efeitos do BFA sobre o trato reprodutivo e função lactotrófica em animais de experimentação, à luz das informações disponíveis e experiência do grupo nesta área, e recomenda algumas necessidades de pesquisa.

Evaluación de dos métodos para establecer el contenido de polifenoles en frijol crudo y cocido, y efecto que éstos provocan en la digestibilidad de la proteína / Evaluation of two methods for establish the polyphenol content of raw and cooked beans and the effect of these on protein digestibility

Se cuantificaron los polifenoles de frijol común de color blanco, negro y colorado, crudos, cocidos y secados, con y si caldo, por el método de Folin-Denis que mide polifenoles totales, y por el procedimiento de precipitación de proteína de Hagerman-Butler, que mide su actividad biológica. La evaluación consistió en determinar polifenoles en las mismas muestras durante 20 días consecutivos, utilizando tres volúmenes de extracto de una misma muestra. Los resultados obtenidos con el método de Folin-Denis, analizados estadísticamente, indicaron que la variabilidad fue diferente en los tres volúmenes de extracto de cada uno de los colores de frijol. Sin embargo, una prueba no paramétrica señaló que los promedios en los tres niveles de concentración para todos los frijoles, eran iguales. La variabilidad y los promedios en los tres niveles de extracto de frijoles negros y colorados-determinados por el método de Hagerman-Butler-fueron iguales, no siendo así con los frijoles blancos. El coeficiente de variación fue más bajo para el nivel de mayor volumen de extracto. Se encontró una correlación significativa ...

Induçäo da anestesia com propofol para curetagem uterina / Profonol in the anesthetic induction for uterine curettage

O uso do propofol para a induçäo de anestesia foi estudado em 21 pacientes com estado físico ASA-I e II, submetidas a curetagem uterina. As pacientes näo recebeam medicaçäo pré-anestésica e a induçäo foi realizada com propofol na dosagem de 2,5 mg/Kg e a manutençäo da anestesia com óxido nitroso e oxigênio (50%) complementada com volus de propofol e agentes inalatórios. Houve induçäo anestésica em todos os casos em tempo médio de 22 seg. A incidência de apnéia foi de 72%. Como efeitos colaterais foram observados dor a injeçäo em 4,8%, movimento em 4,8% e tremor em 9,6%. A induçäo foi considerada boa em 72% e adequada em 24% dos casos. A queda média de pressäo arterial sistólica foi de 15,5 mmHg e da diastólica de 8,4mmHg

Propogol: a new intravenous anaesthetic

Propofol, a new intravenous anaesthetic induction agent, was evaluated on female patients undergoing short surgical procedures. The incidence of pain on injection, apnonea following injection, and the fall of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, was similar to yhat previously reported. There was no significant fall in pulse rate. The quality of anaeshesia during induction was good in all patients who reported they would be happy to receive the drug agaim

Seudovitiligo por compuestos químicos: fenoles y tolueno / Vitiligolike by chemical compound: phenols and toluene

Se presentan tres pacientes con lesiones hipocrómicas, en uno de ellos francamente vitiligoides, debidas al uso de jabones que contienen fenoles y a repelente con derivado toluénico. El estudio histopatológico mostró disminución de la cantidad de melanina, con discreta reacción liquenoide epidérmica, que sugeriría un mecanismo inmunológico en la patogenia de estos cuadros. Las lesiones estaban localizadas en sitios expuestos y en un caso pudieron ser reproducidas por el fotopatch test, por lo que se presumen la existencia de un factor lumínico coadyuvante

Efecto de los polifenoles de la pulpa de café en la absorción de hierro / Effect of polyphenols of caffee pulp on iron absorption

Con el fin de determinar el efecto de los polifenoles de la pulpa de café en la absorción del hierro, se llevó a cabo una serie de ensayos en ratas (peso promedio 200 g) utilizando el método del segmento ligado. Se estandarizaron las condiciones óptimas para medir la absorción de 59Fe usando como criterio la concentración de dicho elemento y el tiempo que produjeran mayor radiactividad en la sangre. Se escogió una concentración de 0.4 micronCi/dosis y un tiempo de tres horas para realizar los ensayos de absorción de hierro en presencia de polifenoles. Se midió la absorción de 59Fe en presencia de los polifenoles patrone (ácido tánico y catequina) y los extractos de pulpa de café en dos concentraciones, utilizando para el caso seis ratas por cada tratamiento. Se encontró que el mejor indicador de la absorción de hierro era el paso de 59Fe a través del duodeno, y no la suma de 59Fe presente en los tejidos (sangre, hígado, bazo, riñones, corazón y carcás). Por esta razón, se investigó el efecto de los polifenoles de la pulpa de café en la absorción del hierro, tomando para cada tratamiento el valor promedio de los resultados de absorción de 59Fe através del segmento ligado (100 - % 59Fe presente en el duodeno). El análisis de los resultados reveló que tanto la presencia de los polifenoles patrones, como la de los extractos de pulpa de café disminuían considerablemente la absorción de hierro al compararse con el grupo control. Los niveles de polifenoles aplicados en este estudio son comparables a los que consumen animales alimentados con dietas suplementadas con pulpa de café, aún a niveles tan bajos como 10%. Por consiguiente, es factible asegurar que el efecto antinutricional de la pulpa de café se debe en parte a la capacidad de los polifenoles de ligar el hierro de la dieta

effect of the fasciolicidal drug: bithionol, on the B6-dependent kynurenine metabolizing enzymes: kynurenine

The present study deals with the effect of the fasciolicidal drug: 2,2- thiobis, 4, 6-dichlorophenol [bithionol], on the B[6]-dependent kynurenine metabolizing enzymes: kynurenine hydrolase [KH], and kynurenine aminotransferase [KATE]. This investigation was carried out on the liver homogenates of normal and Fasciola gigantica [F. gigantica]-infected rabbits. It was found that bithionol induced an inhibitory effect on the KH. In contrast, the infection with F. gigantica an activating effect on the same enzyme in the host. The latter effect was attributed to a metabolic byproduct excreted from F.gigantica. Therefore, the normalizing effect on the activity of KH which was encountered when the drug was applied to F.gigantica-infected rabbits, was attributed to the antagonistic action of the drug to that of the metabolic byproduct from the flukes. However, neither bithionol, nor infection with F.gigantica have any detectable effect on the KATE in the host. Therefore, it was concluded that: Treatment of Fasciola gigantica infected rabbits with bithionol retains or restores the kynurenine hydrolase activity to the normal level and has no effect on the kynurenine transaminase