Cholinesterase Enzyme Activity Research Articles

The Influence of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) to Protect Cholinesterase Enzyme Activities of Mice that Exposed to Pesticide

Pesticide is a bioactive chemical inggredients that contain toxic material to kill pest organisms. Pesticides that is widely used in Indonesia were organophosphate and carbamate. These pesticides was known as inhibitor for the cholinesterase enzyme. The decreasing activity of cholinesterase enzyme can be solved by eat some food which contain antioxidant especially phytochemicals acid (vitamin C) and some others phytochemicals. To increase cholinesterase enzym level in farmers which exposed with pesticide we need to find a natural inggredients that is cheap, easy to find, easy to be processed, and untoxic. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was a plant that have lots of active inggredients and untoxic. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of ginger extract as antioxidant to the cholinesterase enzym activity of mice that exposed to pesticide. This study was quasi experimental study using post test only control group design. Samples were Swiss Webster male white mice with 20–25 mg of weight, age 3–4 months, healty, and have a normal feces. There were 7 mice in every groups, all samples were 28 mice. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extract (0.001 mg/liter and 0.005 mg/liter) was given using feeding tube to every mice that have been exposed by 0.006 mg/liter of pesticide everyday. The results of cholinesterase enzyme test in mice which exposed by pesticide in control groups were 84%. Treatment groups with 0.005 mgr/liter of pesticide exposing, the cholinesterase enzyme level were 26%, treatment groups with 0.005 mg/liter of pesticide exposing and 0, 001 mg/liter, their cholinesterase enzyme were 77%. The K3 groups with 0.005 mg/liter of pesticides and 0.005 mg/liter ginger extract have the average level of cholinesterase enzym were 57%. We can conclude that ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extract can influence the cholinesterase enzym due to pesticide expose.

Effects of microplastics and mercury in the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774): Filtration rate, biochemical biomarkers and mercury bioconcentration

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of a mixture of microplastics and mercury on Corbicula fluminea, the post-exposure recovery, and the potential of microplastics to influence the bioconcentration of mercury by this species. Bivalves were collected in the field and acclimated to laboratory conditions for 14 days. Then, a 14-day bioassay was carried out. Bivalves were exposed for 8 days to clean medium (control), microplastics (0.13 mg/L), mercury (30 µg/L) and to a mixture (same concentrations) of both substances. The post-exposure recovery was investigated through 6 additional days in clean medium. After 8 and 14 days, the following endpoints were analysed: the post-exposure filtration rate (FR); the activity of cholinesterase enzymes (ChE), NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), octopine dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases (GST), and the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO). After 8 days of exposure to mercury, the bioconcentration factors (BCF) were 55 in bivalves exposed to the metal alone and 25 in bivalves exposed to the mixture. Thus, microplastics reduced the bioconcentration of mercury by C. fluminea. Bivalves exposed to microplastics, mercury or to the mixture had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased FR and increased LPO levels, indicating fitness reduction and lipid oxidative damage. In addition, bivalves exposed to microplastics alone had significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction of adductor muscle ChE activity, indicating neurotoxicity. Moreover, bivalves exposed to mercury alone had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited IDH activity, suggesting alterations in cellular energy production. Antagonism between microplastics and mercury in FR, ChE activity, GST activity and LPO levels was found. Six days of post-exposure recovery in clean medium was not enough to totally reverse the toxic effects induced by the substances nor to eliminate completely the mercury from the bivalve’s body. These findings have implications to animal, ecosystem and human health.

Enzymatic Inhibition Constant of Acetylcholinesterase for the Electrochemical Detection and Sensing of Chlorpyrifos

Infiltration into soils of pesticides used during agricultural production has led to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems due to their long persistence in the environment. Some pesticides (e.g. Chlorpyrifos) are inhibitors of cholinesterase enzyme activity and their presence in water samples can be indirectly detected by a decrease in enzymatic activity. Biosensors based on cholinesterase enzymes are an alternative for the sensitive detection of important contaminants in the environmental sector. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh) to produce thiocholine (TCh). This feature can be employed to measure the decrease in AChE activity. The inhibitory characteristics of the AChE-Chlorpyrifos system have been studied through cyclic voltammetry, by evaluation of the oxidation of the thiol group, which corresponds to TCh production on platinum electrodes in the presence of an inhibitor. In the present study, enzymatic curves were obtained at different concentrations of substrate and inhibitor, which were then used to determine the enzymatic kinetics corresponding to a mixed inhibition type, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of (18.26 ± 0.01) μM. TCh electrochemical detection appears to be a promising option for the development of biosensors to identify and quantify pesticides present in the ecosystem.

Cholinesterase Activity on Palm Oil Plantation Workers in Parenggean, Kotawaringin Timur

Use of pesticide is widely used in palm oil plantation industry. Pesticide exposure can affect pesticide-spraying workers' health. This study aimed to determine acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity levels and identify of poisoning risk factors on pesticide-spraying workers in a palm oil plantation Comanditaire Venootschap (CV) unit in Parenggeran, Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan. The cross-sectional study design was conducted to examine cholinesterase enzyme activity levels on 15 pesticide-spraying workers. The cholinesterase levels were measured using an automated photometric technique. This study found that all workers have normal cholinesterase activity levels. The average cholinesterase activity levels were 7065,36 U/L and 6528 U/L, respectively for male and female workers. It was also found that two male workers cholinesterase activity levels of using glyphosate pesticide were almost close to the lower limit of the normal levels range, 4720 U/L, and 4958 U/L, respectively. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pesticide spraying and maximum time allowed of pesticide spraying in a day have to be considered as an important rule to avoid excessive pesticide exposure.

Reference values for acetyl and butyrylcholinesterases in cattle under actual management conditions, hepatic and renal function by application of chlorpyrifos

ABSTRACTChlorpyrifos is an anticholinesterase organophosphate insecticide widely used in Argentina in the production of food derived from animal, fruit and horticultural origin and is reported as a residue within these products. Local reference values for acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase were determined in Aberdeen Angus bovine and cross bred cattle (n = 25), a requirement to be able to evaluate toxicity of commercial organophosphate and carbamate formulations. The activity of cholinesterase enzymes presented an overall mean of 2,183.00 ± 485.6 IU L−1 for erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and 203.1 ± 42.06 IU L−1 for plasma butyrylcholinesterase, which are used as reference values for meat steers within a system of intensive production in a semi-arid region. The toxic potential of chlorpyrifos in steers of the same breeds (n = 12) was assessed applying chlorpyrifos 15.00% Tipertox® in a single therapeutic dose of 7.50 mg kg−1 by topical route. Prior to application and then on day 1 and day 21 post-application, both blood cholinesterases, serum chlorpyrifos concentration by ultra-high resolution liquid chromatography with mass detector, analysis of blood counts, total proteins, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine were evaluated. The mean plasma concentration of chlorpyrifos was 27.90 ug L−1 at 24 h. The findings indicate that the therapeutic treatment of castrated male bovines treated with chlorpyrifos, applied by pour-on according to the manufacturer's instructions, does not cause changes in the variables evaluated.

A Sustained Reduction in Serum Cholinesterase Enzyme Activity Predicts Patient Outcome following Sepsis.

Early sepsis identification is of paramount importance for an effective therapy and the patient outcome; however, a suitable prognostic biomarker is lacking. Anti-inflammatory nonneuronal cholinergic signaling modulates the magnitude of an immune response. Serum cholinesterase (BChE), an enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine, plays an important role during inflammatory response and serves as an accurate index of cholinergic activity. BChE activity was measured in septic patients using a point-of-care system, and levels of conventional inflammatory markers and the disease severity scores were obtained. We observed a strong, sustained reduction in BChE activity in patients who died within a 90-day observation period, as compared to survivors. Reduced BChE activity when measured at the ICU admission effectively differentiated between the 90-day survivor and the nonsurvivor patient groups. We estimated a critical BChE level of 1.661 kU/L (CI 0.5–0.8, 94% sensitivity, 48% specificity, AUC 0.7) to best predict patient outcome providing a benchmark criterion for early detection of potentially fatal sepsis measured at the admission. This finding suggests that the BChE activity, used in combination with the laboratory tests, clinical examination, and the disease severity scoring, could serve to identify high-risk patients at the ICU admission, the most critical time point in the sepsis treatment.

Toxic effects of copper on liver and cholinesterase of Clarias gariepinus

The release of pollutants, especially heavy metals, into the aquatic environment is known to have detrimental effects on such an environment and on living organisms including humans when those pollutants are allowed to enter the food chain. The aim of this study is to analyse the damage to Clarias gariepinus' liver caused by exposure to different concentrations of copper. In the present study, samples of C. gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal copper sulphate (CuSO4) concentrations (from 0.2 to 20.0mg/L) for 96h. Physiological and behavioural alterations were observed with respect to their swimming pattern, mucus secretion and skin colour. Mortality was also observed at high concentrations of copper. Histopathological alterations of the liver were analysed under light, transmission and scanning electron microscopies. The liver of the untreated group showed normal tissue structures, while histopathological abnormalities were observed in the treated fish under light and electron microscopes with increased copper concentrations. Histopathological abnormalities include necrosis, melanomacrophage, hepatic fibrosis and congested blood vessels. In addition, the enzyme activity of liver cholinesterase (ChE) was also found to be affected by copper sulphate, as 100% of cholinesterase activity was inhibited at 20.0mg/L. Thus, liver enzyme activity and histopathological changes are proven to be alternative sources for biomarkers of metal toxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of Mn(I) complexes and their larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, vector of dengue fever

This article describes the structure (X-ray), spectroscopic properties (FTIR, UV–vis, 1H NMR) and larvicidal activity of Mn(I) complexes, fac-[Mn(CO)3(phen)(L)]+, where phen=1,10′-phenanthroline and L=2-methyl-imidazole, 4-methyl-imidazole, and 2-phenyl-imidazole. The mode of action on the cholinesterase enzyme activity and the Cytochrome-C (P450) inhibition are also reported. The complexes were highly effective against A. aegypti larvae causing up to 90% mortality at 0.033 to 0.046g/L concentration in 4days, showing their great potential to control mosquito proliferation. The complexes do not interact with acetylcholinesterase enzyme from the A. aegypti mosquito, but react strongly with the P450 enzyme under light irradiation, reducing the Fe(III) to Fe(II). This is very important since P450 has implications on the insecticidal resistance of the mosquitoes. In addition, manganese is one of the most abundant metals on earth and an essential element for life; therefore, no harmful effect on humans or environment is expected with the use of these compounds.

TINGKAT KERACUNAN DAN ENZIM CHOLINESTERASE PADA DARAH PETANI PADI TAHUN 2016 (Studi Kasus Di Daerah Kepuh Anyar, Kabupaten Mojokerto)

ABSTRACTPesticides poisoning can affect the activity of cholinesterase enzyme that breaks down acetylcholinecompound that plays role in transmitting signal or stimulus into muscle nerve cells adjacent to each other thatstimuli can stop.Factors which allow the poisoning is the absence of PPE when working and unstandardized dosage ofpesticides usage. Poisoning can occur through skin contact, inhalation or oral. The purpose of this study is todetermine blood cholinesterase enzyme working activities on rice farmer in Kepuh Anyar, Mojokerto 2016. Thisstudy is a descriptive study with cross sectional approach. Data collection was carried out through laboratoryresults.The result of this study shows that the majority of rice farmers in Kepuh Anyar village, Mojokerto usedcarbamate and peritroid pesticides. The average age of farmers was > 40 years, working duration of ≤ 8 hours,years of 11-15, and had sufficient knowledge to categories of pesticides. However, most of the farmers‟cholinesterase enzyme experienced poisoning in mild and moderate poisoning level.Related agencies are suggested to conduct counseling about the dangers of pesticide contamination toagricultural sector. Further researchers are advised to analyze other factors that may affect the activity ofcholinesterase enzyme.Keywords : Work Activity of Cholinesterase Enzyme, rice farmers

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower Extract in Chicks

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of chamomile flower aqueous extract on different biochemical parameters in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced-convulsive chicks. Parameters included were serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), serum and brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serum cholinesterase enzyme activity (ChE), electrolytes (Na+,K+, and Cl-), total calcium (Ca2+), serum glucose and total protein concentration.The dried flowers parts of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) were subjected to aqueous extraction and given at (200, 400 and 600mg/kg orally), for its anticonvulsant effects and the effect was compared with the standard anticonvulsant drug sodium valproate (200mg/kg). A dose of 200mg/kg showed full protection against PTZ convulsions, whereas doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg reduced the latency and onset of convulsion. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of chamomile flower may produce anticonvulsant effects via biochemical changes including significant increases in serum T-AOC, serum GABA, serum ChE activity and Na+, and a significant reduction in K+ and serum glucose concentration have been observed.

3,4-Dihydroquinazoline derivatives inhibit the activities of cholinesterase enzymes

A series of 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives consisting of the selected compounds from our chemical library on the diversity basis and the new synthetic compounds were in vitro tested for their inhibitory activities for both acetylcholinesterase (AChE, from electric eel) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, from equine serum) enzymes. It was discovered that most of the compounds displayed weak AChE and strong BuChE inhibitory activities. In particular, compound 8b and 8d were the most active compounds in the series against BChE with IC50 values of 45nM and 62nM, as well as 146- and 161-fold higher affinity to BChE, respectively. To understand the excellent activity of these compounds, molecular docking simulations were performed to get better insights into the mechanism of binding of 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives. As expected, compound 8b and 8d bind to both catalytic anionic site (CAS) and peripheral site (PS) of BChE with better interaction energy values than AChE, in agreement with our experimental data. Furthermore, the non-competitive/mixed-type inhibitions of both compounds further confirmed their dual binding nature in kinetic studies.

Plasma Cholinesterase Levels of Nepalese Farmers Following Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides.

Background:Farmers in developing countries use highly toxic organophosphate pesticides. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare plasma cholinesterase (PChE) enzyme activity before and after exposure to organophosphate pesticides in a real-life setting.Methods:This was a prospective study conducted on 25 farmers spraying organophosphate pesticide in their farm. The PChE level was measured and clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity were asked before and immediately after spraying.Results:The mean level of PChE before and after spraying was 1.41 and 1.29 IU/L, respectively (8.51% decreased). Farmers reported more clinical signs and symptoms of intoxication after spraying pesticides.Conclusions:Increase in acute intoxication signs/symptoms and decrease in PChE indicate a serious public health problem among farmers who use organophosphate pesticides. Appropriate training to the farmers is needed to reduce exposure to organophosphate pesticide.

Pesticide Exposure, Behavior of Farmer, and Activity of Cholinesterase Enzyme in Blood of Fertile Women Farmers

Fertile women farmers are risky of suffering decrease of cholinesterase activity due to pesticide exposure. This study aimed to analyze relation between pesticide exposure and the exposure agent to cholinesterase activity of fertile women workers at Kedunguter Village. This study used cross-sectional design on 94 fertile women farmers in 2015. Data was collected by observation, interview and cholinesterase test. Data analysis used chi-square test and analysis results showed a significant relation between pesticide types, working time, the use of gloves, hand-washing behavior to cholinesterase activity of fertile women farmers. Analysis results of this study showed that variable working time had the highest odds ratio (OR) score (OR = 14.072), so the variable working time is the most dominant variable in influencing cholinesterase enzyme. This study suggests that fertile women farmers should work not more than six hours per day.Pajanan Pestisida, Perilaku Petani, dan Aktivitas Enzim dalam Darah Petani Perempuan Usia SuburAbstrakPetani perempuan usia subur berisiko mengalami penurunan aktivitas kolinesterase akibat pajanan pestisida. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara pajanan pestisida dan perilaku pemajan terhadap aktivitas kolinesterase petani perempuan usia subur di Desa Kedunguter. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain potong lintang pada 94 petani perempuan usia subur tahun 2015. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara observasi, wawancara, dan uji kolinesterase. Analisis data menggunakan uji kai kuadrat dan hasil analisis menunjukkan hubungan signifikan antara jenis pestisida, waktu kerja, penggunaan sarung tangan, perilaku mencuci tangan terhadap aktivitas kolinesterase petani perempuan usia subur. Hasil analisis pada penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel waktu kerja memiliki nilai odds ratio (OR) tertinggi, yaitu OR = 14,072 sehingga waktu kerja merupakan variabel paling dominan dalam memengaruhi enzim kolinesterase. Penelitian ini menyarankan agar petani perempuan usia subur tidak bekerja lebih dari enam jam per hari.

Uso de marcadores genotoxicológicos para la evaluación de agricultores expuestos a plaguicidas organofosforados

Introducción: Los plaguicidas organofosforado son compuestos utilizados para el control de plagas en actividades agrícolas; genera exposición ocupacional asociada a posibles intoxicaciones agudas y crónicas que se manifiestan por alteraciones a nivel bioquímico, molecular y genético, los cuales pueden ser evaluados mediante el uso de marcadores genotoxicológicos. Objetivo: Determinar el uso de marcadores genotoxicológicos para la evaluación de agricultores expuestos a plaguicidas organofosforados. Diseño: Observacional, analítico, transversal con grupo control. Lugar: Empresa de agroexportación de espárragos en el Distrito de Virú, La Libertad. Intervenciones: Se determinó la actividad enzimática de la colinesterasa sérica (BChE) y eritrocitaria (AChE), y se hizo ensayos de genotoxicidad (aberraciones cromosómicas, ensayo cometa y micronúcleos) en 59 trabajadores expuestos a plaguicidas (grupo expuesto) y 50 personas sin exposición a plaguicidas (grupo control). Principales medidas de resultados: Actividad enzimática de la colinesterasa sérica (BChE) y eritrocitaria (AChE), y ensayos de genotoxicidad (aberraciones cromosómicas, ensayo cometa y micronúcleos). Resultados: Las edades promedio del grupo expuesto y control fueron de 39,6±10,8 y 34,0±11,5 años, respectivamente. En referencia a la actividad BChE, se encontró diferencia significativa (p<0,001) entre el grupo expuesto (4 733.0±1 350.1 U/L) y control (7 075.0±1 674.0 U/L). Caso contrario se presentó en la actividad AChE entre el grupo expuesto (4 867,0±632,2 U/L) y control (5 051,0±505,5 U/L). Además, se evidenció la inhibición de ambas enzimas en 9 trabajadores expuestos por debajo del valor de referencia. No se evidenció diferencias significativas en los marcadores genotoxicológicos, a excepción del recuento de micronúcleos, puentes nucleoplásmicos, gemaciones, binucleaciones celulares y cariorexis de células de epitelio bucal; y en la evaluación del daño al ADN mediante el ensayo cometa (p<0,05) se obtuvo promedios de intensidad de cola de 8,28±1,85 (Rango: 6,06-15,75) y 7,30±1,25 (Rango: 4,04-9,41) para el grupo expuesto y control, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El uso de marcadores genotoxicológicos aporta información relevante como herramienta que permite predecir el riesgo asociado a cáncer, considerando que el evento inicial es el daño al ácido desoxiribonucléico (ADN) en cualquier etapa del ciclo celular; además, existió asociación significativa entre el efecto genotóxico y la exposición a plaguicidas organofosforados evidenciada por la inhibición de la BChE.

Novel pyrazinamide condensed azetidinones inhibit the activities of cholinesterase enzymes

A series of novel pyrazinamide condensed azetidinones was prepared with pyrazinamide Schiff's bases and chloroacetylchloride in the presence of catalytic amounts of 1,4-dioxane and triethylamine. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds (6a–6m) were confirmed by melting point analysis, TLC, IR, 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for acetyl and butyl cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The compounds showed a range of inhibitory activities that could be categorized as weak, moderate, or high. Compound 6l exhibited potent acetyl and butyl cholinesterase inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 0.09μM and 3.3μM, respectively, when compared with the current therapeutic agent donepezil HCl. Our present study suggests that pyrazinamide condensed azetidinones might be interesting and have potential as acetyl and butyl cholinesterase inhibitory compounds.

Measurement of cholinesterase enzyme activity before and after exposure to organophosphate pesticides in farmers of a suburb region of Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran.

Accidental toxicity by organophosphate (OP) agents may occur among farmers during spraying season due to improper use and handling. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity measurement is recommended to monitor the extent of exposure to the OP agent. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma ChE activity before and after exposure with OP pesticides. This was a prospective study conducted on 36 farmers working in the farm field. The plasma ChE level was measured before spraying and 2 days and 8 weeks after spraying season and exposure to OP agent. Farmers were observed for clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity after exposure. Vertimac was the most common agent used by farmers followed by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The plasma ChE level significantly decreased after exposure by over 50%. The level returned to preexposure level after 8 weeks. Exposure to OP pesticide is a major concern in the developing countries. More than 50% reduction in the plasma ChE activity after spraying is an alarming message for health-care system and policy makers. Furthermore, workplace evaluation, serial ChE monitoring, and appropriate training and education to exposed individuals would be initial important steps to avoid the toxicity or reduce the severity of poisoning.

Beneficial Effects of Emblica officinalis on Fluoride-induced Toxicity on Brain Biochemical Indexes and Learning-memory in Rats.

Aims:The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Emblica officinalis against fluoride-induced alterations in the behavioral and biochemical abnormalities in rats.Design:The healthy adult albino rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) weighed 200–250 g were used for experiments. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I, control rats received only drinking water (F 0.9 ppm). Group II rats were exposed to fluoride (10 ppm) water for 60 days. Group III rats were treated with E. officinalis (100 mg/day/rat) along with fluoride water for 60 days. In order to investigate the effects of elevated levels of fluoride (10 ppm) in drinking water on behavioral pattern of rat, a maze test was carried out in all three groups from day 1 till completion of treatment.Materials and Methods:The animals were weighed before and after treatment. After respective treatment, the animals were autopsied. The blood was collected through cardiac puncture and brain was excised blotted free of blood weighed and used for biochemical parameters. The estimation of protein, enzyme activity of cholinesterase (ChE), and lipid peroxidation were carried out in brain using standard techniques.Results:The tissue (brain) and serum fluoride was estimated by a fluoride-specific electrode (Orion). Learning and memory abilities assessed during maze test showed reduced memory retention in rats exposed to fluoride water in comparison to control whereas amla powder (E. officinalis) fed rats showed increased memory retention than fluoride water exposed rats. The protein content and ChE enzyme activity in brain of fluoride exposed rats diminished as compared to control whereas the same was found to be elevated in E. officinalis fed rats. The level of malanoaldehyde showed a significant increase in fluoride-treated group and decrease in E. officinalis treated group.Conclusions:Our results suggest that exposure of rats to Na-F has detrimental effects on the brain as reflected in diminished learning and memory. Administration of E. officinalis during fluoride exposure significantly overcome neuronal fluoride toxicity and, therefore, may be used as a therapeutic agent for fluorotic victims.

A Retrospective Study of Cases of Acetyl Cholinesterase Inhibitor Poisoning in the Coyote (Canis latrans) and the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Canadian Prairies

Objective: Wildlife death from organophosphate and carbamate pesticide exposure has been documented previously in Canada. Wildlife exposure to these agents can occur through primary toxicity (i.e., inhalation), ingestion of contaminated water or food, or secondary toxicity through scavenging on toxic carrion. This paper describes epidemiologic information pertaining to confirmed acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor pesticide lethality in the coyote and bald eagle over a 16-year period in the Canadian Prairies. Methods: Epidemiologic case information from the diagnostic records of Prairie Diagnostic Services confirmed lethal acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning in 58 coyotes (Canis latrans) and 60 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from 1998 to 2013. Brain acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity suppressed to 50% or greater was indicative of toxicity and death. Results: Coyote case submissions varied both annually (p<0.0001) and temporally (p<0.0001). Submissions were highest in the years of 2000, 200, and 2002 (collectively 46.6%). The months of most frequent submission were May and April (36.2%). Bald eagle cases were also influenced annually (p<0.0001) and temporally (p<0.0001). Confirmed poisoning in bald eagle carcasses was most frequent during two seasonal periods: May through April and December through January. Years 2000, 200, and 2004 comprised 43.3% of the bald eagle poisonings during the investigational period. Annual and temporal distribution of coyote and bald eagle cases were comparable but were not significantly correlated. Brain acetyl cholinesterase activities within 20% of the mean in unaffected cases were considered background. These activities were 3.44 ± 1.52 μmol/min/g in the coyote and 15.18 ± 3.37 μmol/g/min in the bald eagle. Conclusion: Poisoning in wildlife with acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor pesticides continues to be a regular occurrence in the Canadian prairies. Increased surveillance and monitoring of pesticide use should be considered to mitigate future poisonings.

Effects of Barcelona harbor sediments in biological responses of the polychaete Capitella teleta

Marine ecosystems are increasingly exposed to a multitude of anthropogenic contaminants. Harbor environments are permanently subjected to such contaminants and bottom sediments are considered as the final repository. Filter-feeding and burrowing organisms, such as some polychaete communities, are among the most exposed organisms. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of Barcelona harbor sediments to the polychaete Capitella teleta by assessing and linking individual-level responses such as body weight (growth) and egestion rate (feeding) with subcellular-level responses including antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and neurotransmission related (acetyl cholinesterase) enzyme activities. Sediments were collected from three different locations of the Barcelona (Spain) harbor with a positive gradient of metallic and organochlorine pollution from the mouth of the harbor towards the innermost zone. Sub-cellular and individual behavior of C. teleta exposed to Barcelona harbor sediments allowed the discrimination of toxic responses across sediments. Behavior responses were better correlated to chemical contamination than those of biomarkers. Harbor sediments produced neurotoxicity, promoted oxidative stress and reduced egestion and growth rates in exposed worms. These results indicate that biological responses of C. teleta worm can be used as early-warning tools to assess pollution effects on marine soft-bottom macrobenthonic communities.

Evaluation of Nootropic and Anti-Nociceptive Activity of Green Tea in Comparison with Medhya Rasayana

Green tea (Camellia sinesis) is a known traditional medicinal plant that has been consumed for its putative nutritional and health benefits for centuries. The polyphenols found in green tea are epicatechin, epicatechin-3- gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), comprise 30-40 percent of the extractable solids of dried green tea leaves. Green tea polyphenols have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. In the present study aqueous extract of green tea (10 ml/kgp.o), methanolic extract of green tea (5 ml/kg p.o) and standard Piracetam (150 mg/kg body weight p.o) were used to evaluate the Nootropic activity. Its behavioral studies on mazes like Elevated plus Maze, Morris Water Maze and avoidance behavior on step down type passive avoidance models were performed, whole brain acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity was also estimated. For evaluating the analgesic activity, analgesic models like hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing were performed. Methanolic extract of green tea showed significant (p<0.01) change in evaluation parameters like transfer latency and step down latency when compared with the aqueous extract of green tea. Methanolic extract of green tea showed better antinociceptive activity in acetic acid induced writhing model (41.6%) when compared to hot plate method (6.64%). Whole Brain acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity was performed and the results indicated that the methanolic extract of green tea (p<0.01) has better nootropic activity than aqueous extract. The results proved that the methanolic extract of green tea has better Nootropic and anti-nociceptive activity when compared with the aqueous extract of green tea. Methanolic extract of green tea also proved to be superior to the marketed product, Medha rasayana as a memory enhancer.