Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Attenuated Aluminum-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Adult Female Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Aluminum is a widely used metal in homes and industries. Xylopia aethiopica is an important medicinal plant with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the ameliorative potential of Xylopia aethiopica on aluminum-induced ovarian toxicity in Wistar rat. METHODS: Twenty-five rats were randomized into five groups with five rats per group. Group 1 received only distilled water; Group 2: received 150mg/kg of aluminum chloride; Group 3: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 100/kg Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts; Group 4: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 50 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts, and Group 5: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 50mg/Kg zinc sulphate. For twenty-one days, all administrations were done orally. The rats were then sacrificed following chloroform anesthesia. The ovaries were harvested for histological examination. RESULTS: The data were analyzed on IBM SPSS software version 21 and the differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05. Xylopia aethiopica extracts significantly (p<0.05) reversed the detrimental effects of aluminum chloride on luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone and estradiol. The histological analysis of the ovaries showed a significant improvement in rats treated with Xylopia aethiopica extract and zinc sulphate. However, Xylopia aethiopica was more effective in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Xylopia aethiopica has ameliorative potential on aluminum-induced toxicity in the ovaries of adult female Wistar Rats.

Hematologic evaluation of peripheral blood in Sprague Dawley rats by chronic exposure to aluminum chloride (AlCl3).

This study aimed to evaluate whether aluminum chloride (AlCl3) causes hematological changes in the peripheral blood of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Five groups of female SD rats were intragastrically administered with 4 different concentrations of AlCl3 for 5 days a week for a total of 90 days. The aluminum concentration was determined via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Analysis of serum iron-kinetic profiles, blood cytometry outcomes, and blood smears of the blood samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to search for structural and ultrastructural changes, respectively. Blood aluminum concentration ranged 12.38-16.24 µg/L with no significant difference between experimental treatments. At the AlCl3 concentration of 40 mg Al/kg bw of rats/day, the mean ferritin value in the serum iron kinetic profile was 29.81±6.1 ng/mL, and this value showed a significant difference between experimental treatments. Blood cytometry revealed that there were 6.45-7.11×106 cells/µL erythrocytes, 8.91-9.32×103 cells/µL leukocytes, and 477.2-736.3×103 cells/µL platelets along with a hemoglobin of 37.38-41.93 g/dL and hematocrit level of 37.38-41.93%; the experimental treatments showed no significant differences. Erythrocyte structural analysis using SEM showed no differences between experimental treatments, whereas ultrastructural evaluation using Raman spectroscopy made it possible to identify the following bands: 741, 1123, 1350, 1578, and 1618 cm-1, which were respectively associated with the following vibrational modes and compounds: vibration of the tryptophan ring, asymmetric C-O-C stretching of glucose, C-H curve of tryptophan, C=C stretching of the heme group, and C-N stretching of the heme group, with no significant differences between experimental treatments. Therefore, AlCl3 administration does not induce ultrastructural changes in the erythrocyte membrane. This study revealed that serum ferritin concentration was the only parameter affected by AlCl3 exposure at 40 mg of Al/kg bw of rats/day.

DNA polymer films used as drug delivery systems to early-stage diagnose and treatment of breast cancer using 3D tumor spheroids as a model.

The present study examines the design of DNA polymeric films (DNA-PFs) associated with aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (AlClPc) (DNA-PFs-AlClPc), as a promising drug delivery system (DDS), applicable for breast cancer treatment and early-stage diagnosis using photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study starts evaluating (MCF7) as a model for breast cancer cell behavior associated with DNA-PFs. Analyses of the morphological behaviors, biochemical reaction, and MCF7 cell adhesion profile on DNA-PFs were evaluated. SEM and AFM analysis allowed the morphological characterization of the DNA-PFs. Cell viability and cell cycle kinetics studies indicate highly biocompatible material capable of anchoring MCF7 cells, allowing the attachment and support of cell in the same structure where the insertion of AlClPc (DNA-PFs-AlClPc). The application of visible light photoactivation based on classical PDT protocol over the DNA-PFs-AlClPc showed a reduction in cell viability with increased cell death proportional to the fluency energy range from 600, 900, and 1800 mJ cm-2. The 3D organoid system mimics the tumor microenvironment which was precisely observed in human breast cancer in early-stage progression in the body. The results observed indicate that the viability was reduced by more than 80% in monolayer culture and around 50% in the 3D organoid cell culture at the highest energy fluency (1800 mJ cm-2). With low energy fluency (100 mJ cm-2,), the DNA-PFs-AlClPc did not show a cytotoxic effect on MCF7 cells, enabling the potential for photodiagnosis of early-stage human breast cancer detection in the initial stage of progression.

Long-term exposure to low doses of aluminum affects mineral content and microarchitecture of rats alveolar bone.

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most found elements in nature in many forms, and human exposure can be quite common. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of exposure to Al mainly at low doses and for a prolonged period, in order to simulate human exposure in the periodontium, an important structure for support and protection of the teeth. This investigation aimed to study the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) toxicological effects in the mineral composition and micromorphology of the alveolar bone of rats. Two groups of eight male Wistar rats were used for the experiment. AlCl3 group was exposed to AlCl3 orally at a dose of 8.3 mg/kg/day for 60 days, while the control group received only distilled water. After that, the mandibles were collected and submitted to the following analyses: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray microtomography analysis; blood was also collected for determination of Al circulating levels. Our data showed that AlCl3 was capable of increasing Al circulating levels in blood. It was able to promote changes in the mineral content and triggers significant changes in the mineralized bone microstructure, such as number and thickness of trabeculae, being associated with alveolar bone-loss.

Protective effects of aloe vera gel (aloe baberdensis Miller) on aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at investigating the protective effects of aloe vera gel on aluminum chloride-induced testicular toxicity of adult Wistar rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with five animals per group. Group A serves as the control group and received distilled water (1ml/Kg). Group B received distilled water (1ml/Kg) with 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride daily. Group C received 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride with 600mg/kg b.wt of Aloe vera gel daily. Group D received 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride with 5mg/kg b.wt of vitamin C daily. The animals were fed on standard laboratory animal diet and water ad libitum. Administration was via oral cannula for four weeks. The rats were slaughtered using cervical dislocation. The testes were harvested for seminal, biochemical and histological analysis. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that the administration of aloe vera gel (AVG) is capable of preventing testicular toxicity due to aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride caused a significant change in the testes and seminal parameters of group B when compared to the control animals. The level of Nitric oxide (NO) increased and the level of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly in rats treated with aluminum chloride. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of aloe vera gel showed a preventive response in aluminum-induced testicular toxicity of rats as evidenced by histological and biochemical analysis.

Evaluation of Cerebellar Function and Integrity of Adult Rats After Long-Term Exposure to Aluminum at Equivalent Urban Region Consumption Concentrations.

High amounts of aluminum (Al) are found in soil and water. It is highly bioavailable, which makes it an important agent of environmental imbalance. Moreover, Al is considered a neurotoxic agent that is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this study investigated the effects of long-term Al chloride (AlCl3) exposure on motor behavior, oxidative biochemistry, and cerebellar tissue parameters. For this, adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Al-D1 (8.3 mg kg-1 day-1), Al-D2 (5.2 mg kg-1 day-1), and control (distilled water); all groups were orally exposed for 60 days by intragastric gavage. After the exposure period, animals performed the open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, and beam walking tests. Then, the blood and cerebellum were collected to evaluate Al levels and biochemical and morphological analyses, respectively. Our results demonstrate that animals exposed to Al doses presented a higher Al level in the blood. In the spontaneous locomotor activity, Al exposure groups had traveled a lower total distance when compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between exposed and control groups when anxiogenic profile, forced locomotion, fine motor coordination/balance, pro-oxidative parameter, and density Purkinje cells were compared. Thus, aluminum exposure in equivalent doses to human consumption in urban regions did not promote significant changes in the cerebellum or motor parameters.

Genotoxic Effects of Aluminum Chloride and Their Relationship with N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea (NMU)-Induced Breast Cancer in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Recently, soluble forms of aluminum for human use or consumption have been determined to be potentially toxic due to their association with hepatic, neurological, hematological, neoplastic, and bone conditions. This study aims to assess the genotoxic effect of aluminum chloride on genomic instability associated with the onset of N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced breast cancer in Sprague Dawley rats. The dietary behavior of the rats was assessed, and the concentration of aluminum in the mammary glands was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Genomic instability was determined in the histological sections of mammary glands stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Moreover, micronucleus in peripheral blood and comet assays were performed. The results of dietary behavior evaluation indicated no significant differences between the experimental treatments. However, aluminum concentration in breast tissues was high in the +2000Al/-NMU treatment. This experimental treatment caused moderate intraductal cell proliferation, lymph node hyperplasia, and serous gland adenoma. Furthermore, micronucleus and comet test results revealed that +2000Al/-NMU led to a genotoxic effect after a 10-day exposure and the damage was more evident after a 15-day exposure. Therefore, in conclusion, genomic instability is present and the experimental conditions assessed are not associated with breast cancer.

How Bad Is Aluminum Exposure to Reproductive Parameters in Rats?

Aluminum (Al) is the most widely distributed metal in the environment and is extensively used in human daily life without any known biological function. It is known that exposure to high concentrations of Al impacts negatively on serum testosterone levels, testicular histomorphometry, and sperm parameters; however, no information is available about the effects of low exposure levels on reproduction. International organizations have established the Al concentration tolerated in drinking water as 3.35 × 10-4 mg/kg. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of long-term exposure to low and high concentrations of Al on male reproductive functions, focusing on testis, epididymis, and sperm parameters. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) at 6.7 × 10-5, 3.35 × 10-4, 10, and 40 mg/kg for 112 days by gavage. Al-exposed animals presented low values of testis and epididymis weight, and serum testosterone levels when compared to controls. The stereology of Leydig cells, epididymis histomorphometry, sperm motility, and structural integrity of sperm membranes changed depending on the Al concentration. In regard to epididymis histomorphometry, the initial segment and caput regions were more affected by Al exposure than distal regions. Otherwise, the histology of testis and epididymis did not alter after the Al exposure, as well as sperm morphology. In summary, we concluded that the consequences of Al exposure at low levels were as negative as high levels on reproductive parameters, suggesting adverse impact on male fertility.

Evaluation of Aluminum Chloride As an Effective Short-Term Solution for Reducing Odor - Causing Volatile Fatty Acids in Duck Litter

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on pH and volatile fatty acid levels in duck litter over the course of a three-week experimental period. Ninety one-day-old Pekin ducks (45 males and 45 females) were distributed into three treatments with three replicates each (10 ducks per replicate) using a completely randomized design. Two treatments were top-dressing duck litter with thin layers (1-2 cm) of 50 g or 100 g of AlCl3 per kg of litter, respectively; the control group received no litter treatment. Although no significant differences in propionic acid levels (p>0.05) were observed in any of the treatments, overall pH values for the 50 g and 100 g AlCl3 treatments were both lower (p 0.05) than those of the control group. Additionally, the two AlCl3 treatments revealed a corresponding influence (p 0.05) on acetic acid levels during the last two weeks of the experimental period. These results indicate that aluminum chloride amendments (at a suggested rate of 100 g per kg of duck litter) are potentially useful in lowering the pH of duck litter, thereby decreasing acetic acid production as an indicator of odor emissions.

Evaluation of Aluminum Chloride As an Effective Short-Term Solution for Reducing Odor - Causing Volatile Fatty Acids in Duck Litter

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on pH and volatile fatty acid levels in duck litter over the course of a three-week experimental period. Ninety one-day-old Pekin ducks (45 males and 45 females) were distributed into three treatments with three replicates each (10 ducks per replicate) using a completely randomized design. Two treatments were top-dressing duck litter with thin layers (1-2 cm) of 50 g or 100 g of AlCl3 per kg of litter, respectively; the control group received no litter treatment. Although no significant differences in propionic acid levels (p>0.05) were observed in any of the treatments, overall pH values for the 50 g and 100 g AlCl3 treatments were both lower (p 0.05) than those of the control group. Additionally, the two AlCl3 treatments revealed a corresponding influence (p 0.05) on acetic acid levels during the last two weeks of the experimental period. These results indicate that aluminum chloride amendments (at a suggested rate of 100 g per kg of duck litter) are potentially useful in lowering the pH of duck litter, thereby decreasing acetic acid production as an indicator of odor emissions.(AU)

Effect of D-ribose-L-cysteine on aluminum induced testicular damage in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of D-ribose and L-cysteine on aluminum-induced testicular damage in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHOD: A total number of thirty-five (35) adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (AD). Group A (comprised five (5) rats) was designated the Control Group that received Physiological Saline; while groups B, C, and D (comprised ten (10) rats) were given 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of body weight of aluminum chloride respectively for 39 days. At day 40, the aluminum-treated groups were subdivided into sub-groups (B1, C1, D1) comprising of five (5) rats each, and 30 mg/kg body weight of Riboceine were administered for twenty (20) days. Groups B, C and D remained on the normal dosage of aluminum chloride for three more weeks (59 days). RESULTS: Andrological parameters (Sperm count, motility, morphology and testosterone) in the aluminum-treated Groups B and C showed no significant difference in their mean values when compared with their control counterparts, whereas there was a significant reduction in the andrological parameters in Group D rats when compared with the Control animals. Histoarchitecture of the testes "stain with H&E" of Group A, B and C rats appeared normal while Group D rats showed testicular damages with several abnormal seminiferous tubules with incomplete maturation of germinal cell layers and absence of spermatozoa in their lumen; Leydig cells appear hyperplastic. Group B1, C1 and D1 andrological and histological parameters appeared normal. CONCLUSION: Riboceine treatment significantly attenuates aluminum-induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley in rats.

Photodynamic process induced by chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine nanoemulsion in glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a tumor characterized by rapid cell proliferation and migration. GBM constitutes the most aggressive and deadly type of brain tumor and is classified into several subtypes that show high resistance to conventional therapies. There are currently no curative treatments for malignant glioma despite the numerous advances in surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, alternative approaches are required to improve GBM treatment. METHODS: Our study proposes the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for GBM treatment, which uses chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine (AlClPc) encapsulated in a new drug delivery system (DDS) and designed as a nanoemulsion (AlClPc/NE). The optimal dark non-cytotoxic AlClPc/NE concentration for the U87 MG glioma cell model and the most suitable laser light intensity for irradiation were determined. Experimental U87 MG cancer cells were analyzed via MTT cell viability assay. Cellular localization of AlClPc, morphological changes, and cell death via the necrotic and apoptotic pathways were also evaluated. RESULTS: AlClPc remained in the cytoplasmic region at 24h after administration. Additionally, treatment with 1.0µmol/L AlClPc under light irradiation at doses lower than 140mJ/cm resulted in morphological changes with 50±6% cell death (p<0.05). Moreover, 20±2% of U87 MG cells underwent cell death via the necrotic pathway. Measurement of Caspase-9 and -3 activities also suggested that cells underwent apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that AlClPc/NE-PDT can be used in the treatment of glioblastoma by inducing necrotic and apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that AlClPc/NE-PDT induces cell death in U87 MG cells in a dose-dependent manner and could thus serve as an effective adjuvant treatment for malignant glioma. AlClPc/NE-PDT utilizes a low dose of visible light and can be used in combination with other classic GBM treatment approaches, such as a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.

Application of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for photodynamic inactivation of melanoma cells.

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and is particularly resistant to current therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established photoprocess that is employed to treat some cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancer. Aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) is used as a photosensitizer in PDT; however, its high hydrophobicity hampers its photodynamic activity under physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to produce solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing ClAlPc using the direct emulsification method. ClAlPc-loaded SLNs (ClAlPc/SLNs) were characterized according to their particle size and distribution, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and phototoxic action in vitro in B16-F10 melanoma cells. ClAlPc/SLN had a mean diameter between 100 and 200nm, homogeneous size distribution (polydispersity index <0.3), negative zeta potential, and spherical morphology. The encapsulation efficiency was approximately 100%. The lipid crystallinity was investigated using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry and indicated that ClAlPc was integrated into the SLN matrix. The ClAlPc/SLN formulations maintained their physicochemical stability without expelling the drug over a 24-month period. Compared to free ClAlPc, ClAlPc/SLN exerted outstanding phototoxicity effects in vitro against melanoma cells. Therefore, our results demonstrated that the ClAlPc/SLN described in the current study has the potential for use in further preclinical and clinical trials in PDT for melanoma treatment.

The influence of hemostatic agents on dentin and enamel surfaces and dental bonding: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hemostatic agents have been used clinically in dentistry for many years to control bleeding. The authors reviewed scientific publications in which researchers investigated the effects of hemostatic agents on dentin and enamel surfaces and on bonding of adhesive systems and resin cements. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors screened PubMed and Scopus databases for studies in English published from 1980 to 2013. They read the titles and abstracts to identify literature that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The authors included studies in which researchers evaluated the hemostatic action on the dentin and enamel surfaces or its influence on the bond strength of adhesive systems or resin cements. They used cross-referencing to identify more articles. RESULTS: Twenty in vitro studies met the inclusion criteria. Investigators in 12 of these studies evaluated the bond strength to contaminated dentin. Investigators in 10 of these studies reported a significant decrease in bond strength. Those in two studies evaluated the influence of a hemostatic agent on the dental enamel and reported decreases in bond strength. Researchers also reported significant increases in microleakage of self-etching adhesives on contaminated dentin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed partial removal of the smear layer or an etching effect of dentin as a result of the application of hemostatic agents on dentin. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Adhesive procedures may be affected adversely when performed on dentin and enamel contaminated by hemostatic agents. Hemostatic agents may induce changes in the dentin surface morphology. The results of this review indicate that the bond strength of self-etching adhesive systems is affected more negatively than is that of etch-and-rinse systems. The authors found that a 60-second application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid followed by a water spray restored the bond strength of a self-etching adhesive to dentin; use of phosphoric acid for 15 seconds followed by a water spray also was an effective cleaning method. Direct comparison of selected studies was not possible, however, mainly because of methodological differences hampering definitive conclusions.