Moringa oleifera seeds attenuate benzene-induced alterations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney tissues of Wistar rats

Benzene is a notorious toxicant that is responsible for a host of diseases including leukemia. Its concentration in the environment is increasing day-by-day due to excessive automobile use, accelerated industrial activities and cigarette smoke. The awareness on the harmful effects of benzene on health is limited and no antidote has been reported yet. In this study, an attempt has been made to find out a suitable remedy to overcome benzene toxicity in a living organism from a natural source with the seeds of the plant Moringa oleifera (MO). Thirty six Wistar rats were considered for the study and divided into six groups (n=6). While group I remained as control with normal animals, those in groups II – VI received benzene by oral route (800 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. On day 29, the benzene-treated animals in groups III – VI received respectively the standard drug ascorbic acid (AA, 25 mg/kg body weight) and MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for the following 7 days. Group II rats that received only benzene served as negative control without any treatment. On day 36, all the animals were sacrificed and vital organs liver and kidney were removed for studying lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant markers [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total reduced glutathione (TRG), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT)] in addition to histopathological changes in the tissues. The results of the study revealed that significant changes occurred in the above parameters due to benzene dosing to animals were reverted to near normal values on MO administration in the liver and kidney tissues as compared to untreated animals, suggesting MO’s pro-active role in attenuating benzene toxicity.

Study on the establishment and management of GLP in chemical toxicity identification in occupational health institutes / 中国职业医学

@#Abstract: The demand for reliable toxicological data of chemicals runs through every link of occupational health work. The prevention of occupational diseases involves high requirements for the standardization of chemical toxicity assessment in occupational health institutions. Good laboratory practice (GLP) emphasizes the integrity of the test process to trace and supervise the whole process of the test, which is conducive to the standardization of chemical toxicity identification. Therefore, the standardized construction of GLP laboratories is an important starting point for occupational health institutions to carry out chemical toxicity identification. In the construction and management process of GLP laboratories for chemical toxicity identification, occupational health institutions need to build a sound organization and operation system, carry out systematic training and assessment of personnel, establish standard operating norms and emphasize their importance, strengthen the management of facility environment and laboratory, pay attention to quality control and process supervision, and constantly improve their own ability level. To actively adapt to social development and market demand, to provide strong support for occupational health work.

Chemical Sensitivity in the Elderly: Lessons Learned from Micronutrient Consumption in the Dutch Elderly Population.

A food consumption survey in the Dutch elderly population (51-69 years of age) showed an increased trend in micronutrient supplement intake (36.4%; 120/347 participants). Because data on chemical sensitivity in the elderly is lacking, evaluation as to whether the current uncertainty factor (UF) of 10 is sufficient to protect the elderly was investigated using the micronutrient consumption data in the elderly Dutch population as a case study. Theories of ageing, and differences in toxicokinetic and toxicodynamics are briefly discussed in the context of chemical sensitivity in the elderly. Evidence suggests that for the healthy elderly, no additional default UFs are recommended because the present UF of 10 is probably sufficient. However, more research is needed to ensure that there is no additional risk, particularly in the not-so healthy elderly population. Although there is a trend of increased consumption of micronutrient supplements (i.e. vitamins and minerals) by the Dutch population, the existing European legislation for micronutrients in fortified foods (Regulation 1925/2006) and food supplements (Directive 2002/46) is now being translated to simultaneously set maximum levels of micronutrients in foods and in supplements. For the healthy elderly, no foreseeable risk is expected due to the consumption of micronutrients. For the unhealthy elderly, the effects of micronutrient consumption are not yet known and therefore, dietary supplement intakes need to be continuously monitored with detailed questioning on health status, supplement and prescription drug use. In addition, the generation of an international and up-todate database on the composition of available dietary supplements is needed to fill the current data gaps.