LC–DAD/ESI–MS/MS characterization of phenolic constituents in Rosa canina L. and its protective effect in cells

In an aim to prove the efficiency of polyphenols of Rosa canina fruits in promoting human health. A methanolic extract of R. canina fruits was prepared by successive maceration with solvents of increasing polarity. The polyphenol composition was analyzed by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS. The biological activity of this extract on SH-SY5Y cells and HepG2 cells was then studied. The antioxidant activity was tested by various in vitro tests such as DPPH-radical-scavenging activity, FRAP assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity. The subacute toxicity of R. canina was tested on female rats by repeated intraperitoneal administration of various doses. The phenolic profiles showed 25 antioxidants distributed into three classes of phenolic compounds: glycosylated and agglomerated flavonoids/isoflavonoids, tannins and phenanthrenes. Qualitative phytochemical analyses showed that this extract lacks alkaloids. The methanolic extract of R. canina fruits has a total antioxidant capacity of 82.69 ± 1.18 μg EAA/mg of methanol extract and the IC₅₀ of the methods used is in the following increasing order: FRAP assay (61.88 μg/ml), then hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (67.45 μg/ml) and then DPPH radical-scavenging activity (129.81 μg/ml). The extract of R. canina did not cause any phenotypic signs of toxicity or mortality during and after treatment. The LD₅₀ was >5,000 mg/kg, hence, R. canina was considered nontoxic. An in vivo study proved the protective effect of R. canina against cardiac and hepato-renal toxicities. These results drew the importance of a healthy diet, where diets rich in R. canina fruits can be used as a rich natural source of antioxidants and anticarcinogenic phenolic compounds.     

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of six triorganotin compounds by the mouse micronucleus and spermhead abnormality tests

Six triorganotin compounds—Ph₃SnOH, BuPh₂SnOH, (p-CIC₆H₄)Ph₂SnOH, (cyclo-C₅H₉)Ph₂SnOH, Ph₃SnO₂CCH₂CS₂NMe₂ and Bu₃SnOSO₂Et—were tested for their mutagenic potential in somatic and germinal cells in ICR mice by using the micronucleus and spermhead abnormality assays, respectively. In somatic cells, the compunds significantly induced chromosomal disorders at half their respective estimated LD₅₀ (i.p.) values (5.00–6.25 mg kg_?1 body wt), and one compound, Ph₃SnOH, even at 1/20 of its estimated LD₅₀ value. In germinal cells, five compounds significantly induced chromosomal disorders at 1/64 of their respective estimated LD₅₀ (i.p.) values, whereas one, (p-CIC₆H₄)Ph₂SnOH, caused such disorders only at 1/8 of its estimated LD₅₀ value.     

Synthesis and Fundamental Characterization of Diverse Properties of Biocompatible Cd (II) Phosphor Complex for Cytotoxic Activity and Latent Fingerprint Detection

The development of biocompatible fluorescent materials based on Cd^II (d¹⁰) systems for cytotoxic application and latent fingerprint detection under UV illumination has not yet been studied that thoroughly. In this sense, this work presents production of novel and dual nature pure Cd (II) phosphor complex based on ρ-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone ligand (H-DMABTS). The structural characterization confirms that the ligand which acts as monoanionic bidentate through NS donor sites, forming mononuclear complex formulates as: [Cd (DMABTS)₂(C₂H₅OH)₂] where, DMABTS = anionic form of ρ-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone. TEM analysis shows that Cd (II) complex has sheet like shape in micro scale. Moreover, the Cd (II) complex was dispersed into silica host. Photoluminescence emission and lifetime of H-DMABTS ligand, Cd (II) complex and Cd (II) complex dispersied into silica were measured. Cd (II) complex is intensive luminescent with impressive visual emission under UV excitation. All fluorescent materials were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG-2 cell line. The Cd (II) phosphor complex shows higher activity (IC₅₀ = 0.005 μM) than other prepared materials and different standard antitumor drugs. Furthermore, the Cd (II) phosphor complex has a lower toxicity value (LD₅₀ = 130 mg/Kg) relative to the standard cis-platin (LD₅₀ = 13.5 mg/Kg). Moreover, latent prints details, including their characteristic three levels, have been clearly identified from various forensic substrates (non-porous, semi-porous, porous) using Cd (II) phosphor complex.     

Evaluation of the safety and antioxidant activities of Crocus sativus and Propolis ethanolic extracts

The possible toxicological effects and in vitro antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus and Propolis were investigated. Both extracts did not cause any mortalities or signs of toxicity in mice when administered orally at doses up to 5 g/kg b.wt. In the sub-chronic study; the tested extracts did not produce any significant change in liver and kidney functions of rats, following oral administration for 8 successive weeks at doses of 500 mg/kg b.wt. of each. Propolis showed remarkable in vitro antioxidant activity at concentrations of (40–100 mg/ml). In contrast, the ethanolic extract of C. sativus ethanolic extract showed weak antioxidant activity in concentrations of (1–10 mg/ml) while at concentrations of (20–100 mg/ml) failed to exhibit any antioxidant activity. It was concluded that: both extracts were non-toxic, as they did not cause any mortalities or signs of toxicity in mice when administered orally at doses up to 5 g/kg b.wt. Daily oral administration of C. sativus, Propolis ethanolic extracts alone or in combination for 8 successive weeks to rats was quiet safe and didn't cause any toxic changes in liver and kidney. Antioxidant study showed that Propolis ethanolic extract was a more potent antioxidant than C. sativus extract.     

A Novel Galantamine-Curcumin Hybrid as a Potential Multi-Target Agent against Neurodegenerative Disorders

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are the main drugs for symptomatic treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. A recently designed, synthesized and tested hybrid compound between the AChE inhibitor galantamine (GAL) and the antioxidant polyphenol curcumin (CU) showed high AChE inhibition in vitro. Here, we describe tests for acute and short-term toxicity in mice as well as antioxidant tests on brain homogenates measured the levels of malondialdehide (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and in vitro DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and LPO inhibition assays. Hematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. In the acute toxicity tests, the novel AChE inhibitor given orally in mice showed LD₅₀ of 49 mg/kg. The short-term administration of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg did not show toxicity. In the ex vivo tests, the GAL-CU hybrid performed better than GAL and CU themselves; in a dose of 5 mg/kg, it demonstrates 25% reduction in AChE activity, as well as a 28% and 73% increase in the levels of MDA and GSH, respectively. No significant changes in blood biochemical data were observed. The antioxidant activity of 4b measured ex vivo was proven in the in vitro tests. In the ABTS assay, 4b showed radical scavenging activity 10 times higher than the positive control butylhydroxy toluol (BHT). The GAL-CU hybrid is a novel non-toxic AChE inhibitor with high antioxidant activity which makes it a prospective multitarget drug candidate for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.     

Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba Essential Oils: Chemical Analysis,Antioxidant Potential and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory,Analgesic Activities,and Acute Toxicity

The study of bioactive molecules of natural origin is a focus of current research. Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba are two medicinal plants widely used by the Moroccan population in the traditional treatment of several pathologies linked to inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the single and combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the essential oils extracted from these two medicinal plants, and also their potential toxicity. Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods: the scavenging of the free radical DPPH, and the reduction in iron. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by evaluating the edema development induced by carrageenan injecting, while the analgesic power was evaluated according to the number of abdominal contortions induced by the intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (0.7%). The acute oral toxicity was performed to assess the potential toxicity of the studied EOs, followed by an analysis of the blood biochemical parameters. The results of the two antioxidant tests indicated that our extract mixture exhibits good iron reduction capacity and very interesting DPPH free radical scavenging power, with an IC₅₀ of around 4.38 ± 0.98 μg/mL higher than that of the benchmark antioxidant, BHT. The anti-inflammatory test demonstrated that the mixture administered orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg has a better activity, exceeding that of 1% Diclofenac, with a percentage of maximum inhibition of the edema of 89.99 ± 4.08. The number of cramps in the mice treated with the mixture at a dose of 150 mg/kg is significantly lower (29.80 ± 1.92) than those of the group treated with Tramadol (42.00 ± 2.70), respectively. The toxicity results show no signs of toxicity with an LD₅₀ greater than 150 mg/Kg. These interesting results show that the two plants’ EOs had an important anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activity, and also a powerful synergistic effect, which encourages further in-depth investigations on their pharmacological proprieties.     

Some applications of zirconium(IV) tetrachloride (ZrCl4) and zirconium(IV) oxydichloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2.8H2O) as catalysts or reagents in organic synthesis

Both ZrCl₄ and ZrOCl₂.8H₂O are commercially available solid chemicals. Due to their low toxicities (LD₅₀ [ZrCl₄ oral rate] = 1688 mg/kg), (LD₅₀ [ZrOCl₂.8H₂O oral rate] = 2950 mg/kg), low costs, ease of handling, high activity, the zirconium(IV) compounds are potential green catalysts or reagents which are of importance from different views. In this review we have paid attention to the applications of these compounds as reagents or catalysts in Friedel-Crafts reactions, Fries rearrangements, reduction and oxidation reactions, cycloaddition and hydrometalation reactions, protection and deprotection of functional groups, reactions of epoxides, iodination of alcohols, S-alkylation of thiols with alcohols, Michael addition, condensation of indoles with carbonyl compounds, Claisen ester condensation, Baylis-Hillman reaction, preparation of organozirconium compounds and some other miscellaneous reactions.     

In Vivo Toxicity Evaluation of Sugar Adulterated Heterotrigona itama Honey Using Zebrafish Model

Honey is prone to be adulterated through mixing with sugars, cheap and low-quality honey, and other adulterants. Consumption of adulterated honey may cause several health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and liver and kidney dysfunction. Therefore, studying the impact of consumption of adulterated honey on consumers is critical since there is a lack of study in this field. Hence, the aims of this paper were: (1) to determine the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of adulterated honey using zebrafish embryo, (2) to elucidate toxicology of selected adulterated honey based on lethal dose (LD₅₀) using adult zebrafish, (3) to determine the effects of adulterated honey on histological changes of zebrafish, and (4) to screen the metabolites profile of adulterated honey by using zebrafish blood serum. The LC₅₀ of Heterotrigona itama honey (acacia honey) and its sugar adulterants (light corn sugar, cane sugar, inverted sugar, and palm sugar in the proportion of 1–3% (w/w) from the total volume) was determined by the toxicological assessment of honey samples on zebrafish embryos (different exposure concentrations in 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postfertilization (hpf)). Pure H. itama honey represents the LC₅₀ of 34.40 ± 1.84 (mg/mL) at 96 hpf, while the inverted sugar represents the lowest LC₅₀ (5.03 ± 0.92 mg/mL) among sugar adulterants. The highest concentration (3%) of sugar adulterants were used to study the toxicology of adulterated honey using adult zebrafish in terms of acute, prolong-acute, and sub-acute tests. The results of the LD₅₀ from the sub-acute toxicity test of pure H. itama honey was 2.33 ± 0.24 (mg/mL). The histological studies of internal organs showed a lesion in the liver, kidney, and spleen of adulterated treated-honey groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, the LC-MS/MS results revealed three endogenous metabolites in both the pure and adulterated honey treated groups, as follows: (1) S-Cysteinosuccinic acid, (2) 2,3-Diphosphoglyceric acid, and (3) Cysteinyl-Tyrosine. The results of this study demonstrated that adulterated honey caused mortality, which contributes to higher toxicity, and also suggested that the zebrafish toxicity test could be a standard method for assessing the potential toxicity of other hazardous food additives. The information gained from this research will permit an evaluation of the potential risk associated with the consumption of adulterated compared to pure honey.     

Toxicological Screening of Four Bioactive Citroflavonoids: In Vitro,In Vivo,and In Silico Approaches

Many studies describe different pharmacological effects of flavonoids on experimental animals and humans. Nevertheless, few ones are confirming the safety of these compounds for therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the preclinical safety of naringenin, naringin, hesperidin, and quercetin by in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. For this, an MTT-based cytotoxicity assay in VERO and MDCK cell lines was performed. In addition, acute toxicity was evaluated on Wistar rats by OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals (Test No. 423: Acute Oral Toxicity-Class Method). Furthermore, we used the ACD/Tox Suite to predict toxicological parameters such as hERG channel blockade, CYP450 inhibition, and acute toxicity in animals. The results showed that quercetin was slightly more cytotoxic on cell lines (IC₅₀ of 219.44 ± 7.22 mM and 465.41 ± 7.44 mM, respectively) than the other citroflavonoids. All flavonoids exhibited an LD₅₀ value > 2000 mg/kg, which classifies them as low-risk substances as OECD guidelines established. Similarly, predicted LD⁵⁰ was LD₅₀ > 300 to 2000 mg/kg for all flavonoids as acute toxicity assay estimated. Data suggests that all these flavonoids did not show significant toxicological effects, and they were classified as low-risk, useful substances for drug development.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the leaves of Smilax brasiliensis Sprengel (Smilacaceae)

The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of petroleum ether and methanol extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters from leaves of Smilax brasiliensis were evaluated, and the composition of the extracts was determined. Palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acids were major components of the extracts. For antioxidant activity, all samples exhibited IC₅₀ values lower than BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). The extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters from S. brasiliensis presented no toxicity to larvae of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina. Among the purified substances, only methyl linolenate showed toxicity (LD₅₀ = 21.47 μg/mL). This study showed, for the first time, the composition of petroleum ether and methanol extracts from S. brasiliensis leaves, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters.     

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Peganum harmala Extracts: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Peganum harmala (P. harmala) belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, and is utilized in the traditional medicinal systems of Pakistan, China, Morocco, Algeria, and Spain to treat several chronic health disorders. The aim of the present study was to identify the chemical constituents and to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and toxicity effects of P. harmala extracts both in vitro and in vivo. Sequential crude extracts including 100% dichloromethane, 100% methanol, and 70% aqueous methanol were obtained and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was investigated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method in mice, whereas the toxicity of the most active extract was evaluated using an acute and subacute toxicity rat model. In addition, we have used the bioassay-guided approach to obtain potent fractions, using solvent–solvent partitioning and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography from active crude extracts; identification and quantification of compounds from the active fractions was achieved using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography techniques. Results revealed that the 100% methanol extract of P. harmala exhibits significant in vitro antioxidant activity in DPPH assay with an IC₅₀ of 49 µg/mL as compared to the standard quercetin with an IC₅₀ of 25.4 µg/mL. The same extract exhibited 63.0% inhibition against serum albumin denaturation as compared to 97% inhibition by the standard diclofenac sodium in an in vitro anti-inflammatory assay, and in vivo anti-inflammatory against carrageenan-induced paw edema (75.14% inhibition) as compared to 86.1% inhibition caused by the standard indomethacin. Furthermore, this extract was not toxic during a 14 day trial of acute toxicity when given at a dose of 3 g/kg, indicating that the lethal dose (LD₅₀) of P. harmala methanol extract was greater than 3 g/kg. P. harmala methanolic fraction 2 obtained using bioassay-guided fractionation showed the presence of quinic acid, peganine, harmol, harmaline, and harmine, confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and quantified using external standards on high performance liquid chromatography. Taken all together, the current investigation further confirms the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and safety aspects of P. harmala, which justifies its use in folk medicine.     

(2-Phenyl-[1,3,2]dithiarsolan-4-yl)-methanol derivatives show in vitro antileukemic activity

The antileukemic activity of a series of (2-Phenyl-[1,3,2]dithiarsolan-4-yl)-methanol derivatives was tested on K562 and U937 human leukemia cell lines. Their systemic toxicity was estimated by the corresponding LD₅₀ on mice. The cytotoxic activity of each derivative was significantly better than that of arsenic trioxide and the therapeutic index (T.I. = LD₅₀/IC₅₀) was improved. No correlation between log P and the activity or the toxicity was found.     

New investigations on acute toxicities of vanadium oxides

Summary The in-vivo-toxicity of the Vanadium-oxides V₂O₅ and V₂O₃ (administered orally, dermally and by inhalation) has been reinvestigated with particular emphasis on the safety and handleability of vanadium-oxides in the vanadium processing industry. Chemical-thermodynamic properties of vanadium-oxides make it likely that some earlier results on vanadium-toxicities have introduced artefacts as a consequence of the administration-techniques used. Special precautions have therefore been taken to avoid any chemical changes or artificial interactions during sample-preparation to ensure that the results significantly reflect the toxicities of the vanadium-compounds as exposure to them might occur. The LD₅₀(14d)-values indicate, that V₂O₅ should be classified as hamful (V₂O₅ techn. grade fused oral LD₅₀(14d): 716 mg/kg b.w. (rats m.) resp. 658 mg/kg b.w. (rats f.); inhal. LC₅₀ 16.2 mg/l (rats m.) resp. 4.0 mg/l (rats f.) for a 4-hour exposure), while V₂O₃ should be classified as relatively non toxic (V₂O₃ tech. grade powder oral: LD₅₀(14d): 5639 mg/kg b.w. (rats f.) resp. 8713 mg/kg b.w. (rats m.)) according to the EEC-commission directive of July 29, 1983 (83/467/EEC). Based on interaction-studies and considering new results reported in literature, a 3-level-model of the mechanism of vanadium-toxicity via oxygen-radicals is suggested.

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Neue Untersuchungen zur akuten Toxizität von Vanadiumoxiden

Zusammenfassung Die in-vivo-Toxizität der Vanadium-Oxide V₂O₅ und V₂O₃ bei oraler, dermaler und inhalativer Applikation wurde neu untersucht. Aufgrund einer Analyse der chemisch-thermodynamischen Eigenschaften dieser V-Oxide wird nahegelegt, daß die Resultate einiger früherer Toxizitätsuntersuchungen durch chemische Veränderungen der zu untersuchenden Stoffe bei der Probenvorbereitung verfälscht wurden. Nach den in-vivo-LD₅₀(14d)-Werten ist V₂O₅ als mindergiftig (V₂O₅ techn. fused oral LD₅₀(14d): 716 mg/kg b.w. (Ratten m.) bzw. 658 mg/kg b.w. (Ratten w.); inhalotiv LC₅₀ 16.2 mg/l (Ratten m.) bzw. 4.0 mg/l (Ratten w.) for a 4-hour exposure) bzw. V₂O₃ (techn. pulv. peroral LD₅₀(14d): 5639 mg/kg KG (Ratten w.) bzw. 8713 mg/kg KG (Ratten m.) als relativ nicht toxisch-nicht klassifiziert gemäß EEC-Commission-Directive vom 29. Juli 1983 (83/467/EEC) einzustufen. Basierend auf Studien der Interaktionswirkung bestimmter Substanzen und unter Eibeziehung der Resultate jüngst mitgeteilter Befunde zur Vanadium-Toxizität an Zellkulturen, wird ein Modell zum Vanadium-Toxizitäts-Wirkungsmechanismus vorgeschlagen, das 3 Hauptmechanismen — abhängig von der Konfrontations-Intensität (Konzentration und Expositionsdauer) — nahelegt.

     

Caralluma tuberculata N.E.Br Manifests Extraction Medium Reliant Disparity in Phytochemical and Pharmacological Analysis

Solubility of phytoconstituents depends on the polarity of the extraction medium used, which might result in the different pharmacological responses of extracts. In line with this, ethnomedicinally important food plant (i.e., Caralluma tuberculata extracts) have been made in fourteen distinct solvent systems that were then analyzed phytochemically via total phenolic amount estimation, total flavonoid amount estimation, and HPLC detection and quantification of the selected polyphenols. Test extracts were then subjected to a battery of in vitro assays i.e., antioxidants (DDPH scavenging, antioxidant capacity, and reducing power estimation), antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antileishmanial), cytotoxic (brine shrimps, THP-1 human leukemia cell lines and normal lymphocytes), and protein kinase inhibition assays. Maximum phenolic and flavonoid contents were computed in distilled water–acetone and acetone extracts (i.e., 16 ± 1 μg/mg extract and 8 ± 0.4/mg extract, respectively). HPLC-DAD quantified rutin (0.58 µg/mg extract) and gallic acid (0.4 µg/mg extract) in methanol–ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, respectively. Water–acetone extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging of 36 ± 1%. Total reducing potential of 76.0 ± 1 μg/mg extract was shown by ethanol chloroform while maximum total antioxidant capacity was depicted by the acetone extract (92.21 ± 0.70 μg/mg extract). Maximal antifungal effect against Mucor sp., antileishmanial, brine shrimp cytotoxicity, THP-1 cell line cytotoxicity, and protein kinase inhibitory activities were shown by ethyl acetate-methanol (MIC: 50 µg/disc), n-hexane (IC₅₀: 120.8 ± 3.7 µg/mL), ethyl acetate (LD₅₀: 29.94 ± 1.6 µg/mL), distilled water–acetone (IC₅₀: 118 ± 3.4 µg/mL) and methanol–chloroform (ZOI: 19 ± 1 mm) extracts, respectively. Our findings show the dependency of phytochemicals and bioactivities on the polarity of the extraction solvent and our preliminary screening suggests the C. tuberculata extract formulations to be tested and used in different ailments, however, detailed studies remain necessary for corroboration with our results.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Assessment of the Antioxidant Activity of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes Derived from Scorpionate Ligands

Seeking to enrich the yet less explored field of scorpionate complexes bearing antioxidant properties, we, here, report on the synthesis, characterization and assessment of the antioxidant activity of new complexes derived from three scorpionate ligands. The interaction between the scorpionate ligands thallium(I) hydrotris(5-methyl-indazolyl)borate (TlTp^4Bo,5Me), thallium(I) hydrotris(4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[g]indazolyl)borate (TlTp^a) and potassium hydrotris(3-tert-butyl- pyrazolyl)borate (KTp^tBu), and metal(II) chlorides, in dichloromethane at room temperature, produced a new family of complexes having the stoichiometric formula [M(Tp^4Bo,5Me)₂] (M = Cu, 1; Zn, 4; Cd, 7), [M(Tp^a)₂] (M = Cu, 2; Zn, 5; Cd, 8), [Cu(Hpz^tBu)₃Cl₂] (3), [Zn(Tp^tBu)Cl] (6) and [Cd(Bp^tBu)(Hpz^tBu)Cl] (9). The obtained metal complexes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis, highlighting the total and partial hydrolysis of the scorpionate ligand Tp^tBu during the synthesis of the Cu(II) complex 3 and the Cd(II) complex 9, respectively. An assessment of the antioxidant activity of the obtained metal complexes was performed through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic assays against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl (DPPH^·), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^+·), hydroxyl (HO^·), nitric oxide (NO^·), superoxide (O₂⁻) and peroxide (OOH^·) radicals. In particular, the complex [Cu(Tp^a)₂]⋅0.5H₂O (2) exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as good and specific activity against superoxide (O₂^−·), (IC50 values equal to 5.6 ± 0.2 μM) and might be identified as auspicious SOD-mimics (SOD = superoxide dismutase).     

Isolation,anticholinesterase properties and acute toxicity of the four stereoisomers of the nerve agent soman

Abstract

The four stereoisomers of pinacolyl methylphospho-nofluoridate (soman) were isolated with more than 99% optical purity. The bimolecular rate constants for inhibition of electric eel acetylcholinesterase and the LD₅₀-values (sc, mice) of the stereoisomers were determined.     

<em>In Vitro </em>and <em>in </em><em>Vivo</em> Antitumor Effect of Trachylobane-360, a Diterpene from<em> Xylopia langsdorffiana</em>

Trachylobane-360 (ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid) was isolated from Xylopia langsdorffiana. Studies have shown that it has weak cytotoxic activity against tumor and non-tumor cells. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of trachylobane-360, as well as its cytotoxicity in mouse erythrocytes. In order to evaluate the in vivo toxicological aspects related to trachylobane-360 administration, hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of the treated animals were performed. The compound exhibited a concentration-dependent effect in inducing hemolysis with HC₅₀ of 273.6 μM, and a moderate in vitro concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of sarcoma 180 cells with IC₅₀ values of 150.8 μM and 150.4 μM, evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and MTT reduction assay, respectively. The in vivo inhibition rates of sarcoma 180 tumor development were 45.60, 71.99 and 80.06% at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of trachylobane-360 and 25 mg/kg of 5-FU, respectively. Biochemical parameters were not altered. Leukopenia was observed after 5-FU treatment, but this effect was not seen with trachylobane-360 treatment. The histopathological analysis of liver and kidney showed that both organs were mildly affected by trachylobane-360 treatment. Trachylobane-360 showed no immunosuppressive effect. In conclusion, these data reinforce the anticancer potential of this natural diterpene.     

Hepatic toxicity of nickel chloride in mice

The present study is to evaluate the toxic effects of nickel (Ni) on the liver structure of male mice. Male Balb/c mice weighing 30–32 g, 50 days old, were treated orally with 1–16 mg/kg (body wt.) NiCl₂. The body weight, liver weight, histological examination of liver, and DNA ladder for apoptosis were studied. Ni induced increases in apoptotis and severity of necrosis. Liver weight and body weight decreased with increasing dose. Histological changes in the liver included hepatocyte degeneration, nuclear pycnosis, cellular swelling, and congestion of blood vessels. There was a marked difference in these changes among the different treatments of Ni concentrations in addition to the intensity of histological changes which were, however, influenced by the extent of the exposure period. It has been concluded that nickel caused apoptotis in liver of male mice.     

Total Sulfur Concentration in Tissues of Control and Cadmium-Exposed Rats by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

Total sulfur (S) concentration in biological samples was determined simultaneously with metal concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP).

A 0.2 g portion of liver and other tissues were wet-digested with 1.0 ml mixed acid (HNO₃ : HCLO₄ = 5 : 1, v/v) at 130 – 150 °C. The solution was concentrated to about 0.1 ml and then diluted to 5.0 ml with double distilled water. Concentration of S was determined by ICP using ammonium sulfate as a standard S compound. Sulfur and other element concentrations in an NBS standard reference material (Bovine Liver SRM 1577) were within the certified values by this method.

Concentrations of total S, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, pancreas and blood serum were compared between the control and Cd-exposed rats. The three metal concentrations were increased significantly by Cd exposure. However, S concentration was not altered significantly in the liver and other tissues despite the extensive induction of metallothionein (MT) by the repeated Cd exposure. Metallothionein induced by the accumulated Cd (121 μg/g) and Zn (48 μg/g) in the liver was estimated to account for at maximum 7 % of the total S by assuming that the increased metals were all bound to MT. Concentration of S in blood serum was decreased significantly by Cd loading.