Evaluation of single and combined effects of cadmium and micro-plastic particles on biochemical and immunological parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

A minireview on N-acetylcysteine: An old drug with new approaches

The indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture and public health campaigns has been associated with an increase of oxidative stress and DNA damage, resulting in health outcomes. Some defense mechanisms against free radical-induced oxidative damage include the antioxidant enzyme systems. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and the relationship of antioxidant enzyme levels with DNA damage among sprayers (workers) occupationally exposed to pesticides. The determinations of MDA and antioxidant enzymes were performed spectrophotometrically. The genotoxic effects were evaluated using the comet assay. The results showed a marginally significant decrease in SOD and CAT activities in the high exposure group compared to the control group. For MDA, statistically significant differences were found among people working long term vs. those working temporarily (P = 0.02) as sprayers. In the moderate exposure group, a positive correlation was observed between MDA levels and GPx activity. In the high exposure group, a negative correlation was observed between GR and CAT activities, and between MDA levels and GPx activities. Furthermore, in the high exposure group, a positive correlation between DNA damage parameters and MDA levels was observed. The results suggest an important role of antioxidant enzymes for the protection of DNA damage caused by occupational exposure to pesticides.

Oxidative stress and genetic damage among workers exposed primarily to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides.

Since the late 1990s, there has been rapid multiplication of data on the anti-cancer properties of artemisinins. This article reviews the status of progress of artemisinin and its derivatives as anti-cancer agents in clinical trials, case reports, and in vitro/in vivo studies. Particular attention is laid on the combinations of artemisinins and synthetic chemodrugs to enhance the latter's efficacy. An attempt is here made to rationalize the synergistic effects of a few common anti-cancer drugs of the anthracycline, taxane, anti-metabolite, and platinum-based drug families. The various pathways that mediate the action of artemisinins as reported over the past decade are here summarized highlighting also the biomarkers that could be used to better predict the efficacy of the sesquiterpenoids. Their main action seems to be directed toward stalling tumor cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The emergence of artemisinins' nano-based formulations in combination with chemodrugs to enhance drug bioavailability and targeting as well as immunotherapy is also reviewed. The enhanced efficacy of artemisinin dimers compared to the parent molecules and standard chemotherapy is analyzed. While these therapies hold promises, it may be premature to conclude on their efficacy in the absence of clinical studies.

Artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: status of progress, mechanism of action, and future perspectives.

Antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antigenotoxic, and hepatic ameliorative effects of L-carnitine and selenium on cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and alterations in liver cell structure in male mice.

This work was conducted on 95 adult males from Al-Salheya Algadeeda-Sharkeya governorate. They were classified according to pesticides residues into control group (30 unexposed healthy adult males living in the same area), insecticides exposed workers group (55 adult males exposed to organophosphate and carbamates) and fungicides exposed workers group (10 adult males exposed to fungicides). The study was designed to investigate and compare the oxidative stress and immunomodulatory effects of pesticides exposure among agricultural workers according the level of pesticide residues in their blood which was measured by HPLC. The oxidative stress status has been evaluated by assessment of (SH-protein), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity was measured as a biomarker of toxicity. We used IgG, IgM, as immunological biomarkers to test the humoral immune function as well as TNFα as a biomarker of cellular immune function. Our result revealed statistically significant reduction of the activity of (AchE), antioxidant defense enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, IgM and IgG while, MDA and TNF levels showed significant elevations in insecticides-exposed workers versus control. Results of fungicides exposed workers revealed non-significant reduction of the activity of (AchE), antioxidant defense enzymes, IgM, IgG and TNFα levels while there was significant elevation of MDA level and significant reduction of total antioxidant capacity level.

A study on oxidative stress biomarkers and immunomodulatory effects of pesticides in pesticide-sprayers

Objectives Lead nephropathy usually starts silent. This study aimed to evaluate using kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) as an early nephrotoxicity predictor of long-term low-level occupational lead exposure. Methods History, examination, and laboratory investigations including: blood lead, urinary KIM-1, serum uric acid, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, serum albumin, and urine analysis were done on 35 lead-exposed workers and a matched control group. Results Higher blood lead levels were found among the exposed group compared to the control one. No statistically significant difference was found regarding renal failure manifestations or standard renal functions (uric acid, blood urea, and creatinine). Urinary KIM-1 was statistically significantly increased among the exposed group. Conclusion Renal adverse effects were associated to lead fumes exposure. KIM-1 can be used as biomarker for detecting early renal affection among lead-exposed workers.

Evaluation of the Role of KIM-1 in Detecting Early Nephrotoxicity in Lead-Exposed Workers.

https://tsnj.journals.ekb.eg/article_298502_025a68f45d898aae7cdcfc6c67852f9b.pdf

Perception of Pregnant Women Regarding Self Care Measures during Postpartum Period

Background: The nurse has a very important role before, during and after uterotonic drugs administration through assessment, observation, proper interventions and notification of any abnormalities to the physician to render the highest quality of obstetrical care. The aim of this study was to: Evaluate the effect of the instructional guidelines regarding uterotonic drugs administration on nurses’ performance and labor outcome . Subjects and Methods : A quasi experimental research design was used . The study was conducted at three settings of labor units in Tanta city: Tanta University Hospital, El-Menshawy General Hospital and El-Mabara Hospital. The sample of this study consisted of all available nurses (40 nurses) as well as a purposive sample of 120 parturient women. Three tools were used for data collection; Tool I, Structured interview schedule , it included two parts. Part (1): Nurses socio-demographic characteristics. Part (2): Assessment of nurses′ knowledge regarding uterotonic drugs. Part (3): Socio-demographic characteristics of parturient women . Tool II: Observational checklist for nurses′ practice regarding uterotonic drugs administration. Tool III: Labor outcome assessment tool. Results : The implementation of the instructional guidelines resulted in a significant positive improvement of nurses’ performance regarding uterotonic drugs administration compared to pre instructional guidelines implementation consequently the maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes were positively improved. Conclusion : it can be concluded from this study that the research hypothesis has been achieved after implementation of the instructional guidelines regarding uterotonic drugs administration which resulted in a statistically significant positive improvement of maternity nurses' performance and labor outcome immediately and three months later compared to pre guidelines implementation. Recommendations : Planning in-service training programs for all nurses must be conducted in order to improve, update and refresh their knowledge and qualify their practices dependent on recent evidence based guidelines regarding uterotonic drugs administration.

Manal Hassan Ahmed

Papers

A study on oxidative stress biomarkers and immunomodulatory effects of pesticides in pesticide-sprayers

Evaluation of the Role of KIM-1 in Detecting Early Nephrotoxicity in Lead-Exposed Workers.

Perception of Pregnant Women Regarding Self Care Measures during Postpartum Period

Effect of Instructional Guidelines regarding Uterotonic Drugs Administration on Nurses’ Performance and Labor Outcome