ALAD Activity Research Articles

Biomarker responses of Peromyscus leucopus exposed to lead and cadmium in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District.

Biomarker responses and histopathological lesions have been documented in laboratory mammals exposed to elevated concentrations of lead and cadmium. The exposure of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to these metals and the potential associated toxic effects were examined at three contaminated sites in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District and at a reference site in MO, USA. Mice from the contaminated sites showed evidence of oxidative stress and reduced activity of red blood cell δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD). Histological examinations of the liver and kidney, cytologic examination of blood smears, and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage failed to show indications of toxic effects from lead. The biomagnification factor of cadmium (hepatic concentration/soil concentration) at a site with a strongly acid soil was 44 times the average of the biomagnification factors at two sites with slightly alkaline soils. The elevated concentrations of cadmium in the mice did not cause observable toxicity, but were associated with about a 50% decrease in expected tissue lead concentrations and greater ALAD activity compared to the activity at the reference site. Lead was associated with a decrease in concentrations of hepatic glutathione and thiols, whereas cadmium was associated with an increase. In addition, to support risk assessment efforts, we developed linear regression models relating both tissue lead dosages (based on a previously published a laboratory study) and tissue lead concentrations in Peromyscus to soil lead concentrations.

Modulation of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity by the sorbitol-induced osmotic stress in maize leaf segments

Osmotic stress induced with 1 M sorbitol inhibited δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthesizing activities in etiolated maize leaf segments during greening; the ALAD activity was inhibited to a greater extent than the ALA synthesis. When the leaves were exposed to light, the ALAD activity increased for the first 8 h, followed by a decrease observed at 16 and 24 h in both sorbitol-treated and untreated leaf tissues. The maximum inhibition of the enzyme activity was observed in the leaf segments incubated with sorbitol for 4 to 8 h. Glutamate increased the ALAD activity in the in vitro enzymatic preparations obtained from the sorbitol-treated leaf segments; sorbitol inhibited the ALAD activity in the preparations from both sorbitol-treated and untreated leaves. It was suggested that sorbitol-induced osmotic stress inhibits the enzyme activity by affecting the ALAD induction during greening and regulating the ALAD steady-state level of ALAD in leaf cells. The protective effect of glutamate on ALAD in the preparations from the sorbitol-treated leaves might be due to its stimulatory effect on the enzyme.

Biomarker related lead exposure of industrial battery's workers

Background: The risk of occupational lead exposure exists in lead smelting plants and battery industries, which may give rise to the issues related to lead poisoning among battery workers and low-exposed workers. Aims: To investigate the relationship between biochemical and hematological markers of lead effects and occupational exposure in battery workers and determine the role of work-related lead poisoning with emphasis on hemopetic system in exposed workers. Materials and Methods: Present study was carried out from July to October 2015, which collected demographic data, nonwork, and work-related symptoms from lead exposure nonexposed workers (N = 33) and battery wokers (N = 30), Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Each blood sample was collected and analyzed for lead biomarkers, blood lead level (BLL)and δ-aminolevolinic dehydratase (ALAD) and hematological markers, such as complete blood count and recticulocyte count. Results and Discussion: Major non-work-related symptoms were droopiness and muscle pain among nonexposed groups. Major work-related symptoms in battery workers were occurred in lungs and nose. There was a significant increase in BLL, and a significant decrease activity of ALAD was observed in battery workers. Strong positive correlation between years of exposure and employment with BLL was observed and respiratorytract symptoms were also presented.Inverse correlation between the activity of ALAD and hemoglobin and a strong positive correlation between hemoglobin and BLL were found. Conclusion: The lead level and ALAD were good markers for screening lead exposures by significant related to hematological values, duration of work, and exposure and hypertension.

Blood pressure and occupational exposure to noise and lead (Pb): A cross-sectional study.

Several studies have explored the hypothesis that low blood lead (PbB) and high noise levels may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension. To assess the possible relationship between occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and noise and elevated blood pressure, we studied 105 workers (age: 41.27 ± 6.25 years and length of employment: 4.12 ± 5.33 years) employed in a Pb battery recycling plant by measuring A-weighted equivalent sound level, PbB, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Results showed that occupational exposure to higher ambient Pb and noise levels was related to slightly increased SBP and DBP. PbB values correlated significantly with SBP and DBP, whereas noise levels correlated neither with SBP nor with DBP. Furthermore, workers exposed to higher ambient Pb had higher PbB and ZPP and showed more decreased ALAD activity. Blood pressure does not correlate with noise exposure but only with PbB concentration.

Acute and sub-chronic (28 days) oral toxicity evaluation of tincture Baccharis trimera (Less) Backer in male and female rodent animals

The infusion of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC, popularly known as “carqueja” (broom), is popularly used in the treatment of hepatic and digestive problems. In this study, we evaluated the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicities of B. trimera tincture on male and female Wistar rats according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, guidelines 423 e 407, respectively). The B. trimera tincture was administered by oral gavage in a single dose (2000 mg/kg) in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Blood was collected to analyze hematological and biochemical parameters. Kidneys and liver were homogenized to determine lipid peroxidation and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. In acute treatment, tincture did not induce any signs of toxicity or mortality. Daily oral administration produced no significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters, except for the hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) that showed a reduction in both sexes. Moreover, the B. trimera tincture did not increase lipid peroxidation or affected ALA-D and CAT activities. In conclusion, the tincture of B. trimera may be considered relatively safe in this protocol.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms on antioxidant status and concentrations of the metals in the blood of riverside Amazonian communities co-exposed to Hg and Pb

There have been reports of genetic effects affecting the metabolism of Hg and Pb individually, and thus modulating their toxicities. However, there is still a knowledge gap with respect to how genetics may influence the toxicities of these toxic metals during a co-exposure scenario. This present study is therefore aimed at investigating the effects of polymorphisms in genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GCLM, GCLC, GPx1, ALAD, VDR and MDR1) that have been implicated in Hg and Pb metabolisms affects the kinetics of these metals, as well as various blood antioxidant status parameters: MDA and GSH, and the activities of CAT, GPx and ALAD among populations that have been co-exposed to both Hg and Pb. Study subjects (207 men; 188 women) were from an Amazonian population in Brazil, exposed to Hg and Pb from diet. The blood levels of Hg and Pb were determined by ICP-MS while genotyping were performed by PCR assays. The median values of Hg and Pb in blood were 39.8µg/L and 11.0µg/dL, respectively. GSTM1, ALAD and VDR polymorphisms influenced Hg in blood (β=0.17; 0.37 and 0.17; respectively, p<0.050) while variations on GCLM, GSTT1 and MDR1 (TT) modulated the concentrations of Pb among the subjects (β=−0.14; 0.13 and −0.22; re–spectively, p<0.050). GSTT1 and GCLM polymorphisms also are associated to changes of MDA concentrations. Persons with null GSTM1 genotype had higher activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT than carries of the allele. Individuals with deletion of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a decreased expression of GPx compared to those that expressed at least, one of the enzymes. ALAD 1/2 subjects had lower ALAD activity than individuals with the non-variant genotype. Our findings give further support that polymorphisms related to Hg and Pb metabolism may modulate Hg and Pb body burden and, consequently metals-induced toxicity.

Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D) in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from Mediterranean waters as biomarker of lead exposure

The enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) has been investigated as biomarker of lead (Pb) exposure in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from the Spanish continental shelf. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in muscle and organosomatic indices were also measured to explore causality. Blood ALA-D assay conditions were optimized; the optimum pH for this species has been set to 6.5. Results showed that ALA-D activity ranged from 3.2 to 16.9nmol PBGmin−1mg−1. No significant differences on ALA-D levels between genders have been detected. ALA-D Baseline level and Background Assessment Criteria (BAC) for this species have been set to 9.1 and 6.6nmol PBGmin−1mg−1, respectively. There have been detected significant differences on ALA-D activity levels among areas, though the markedly low levels of Pb measured in fish muscle seemed not to be able to produce a relevant suppression on ALA-D. In spite of this, a weak inverse relationship detected between ALA-D and Pb concentrations pointed out the potential of this biomarker in red mullet to reflect Pb bioavailability in marine environment. Nevertheless, subsequent research on ALA-D in marine fish species is recommended to be limited to areas where environmental Pb is effectively accumulated by fish.

Early hematological and immunological alterations in gasoline station attendants exposed to benzene

IntroductionElucidation of effective biomarkers may provide tools for the early detection of biological alterations caused by benzene exposure and may contribute to the reduction of occupational diseases. This study aimed to assess early alterations on hematological and immunological systems of workers exposed to benzene. MethodsSixty gasoline station attendants (GSA group) and 28 control subjects were evaluated. Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene exposure was performed in blood and urine. The potential effect biomarkers evaluated were δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity, CD80 and CD86 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8). The influence of confounding factors and toluene co-exposure were considered. ResultsAlthough exposures were below ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) limits, reduced ALA-D activity, decreased CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes and increased IL-8 levels were found in the GSA group compared to the control subjects. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression analysis, benzene exposure was associated to a decrease in CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes. ConclusionsThese findings suggest, for the first time, a potential effect of benzene exposure on ALA-D activity, CD80 and CD86 expression, IL-8 levels, which could be suggested as potential markers for the early detection of benzene-induced alterations.

Perturbed porphyrin biosynthesis contributes to differential herbicidal symptoms in photodynamically stressed rice (Oryza sativa) treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid and oxyfluorfen

This paper focuses on the molecular mechanism of deregulated porphyrin biosynthesis in rice plants under photodynamic stress imposed by an exogenous supply of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and oxyfluorfen (OF). Plants treated with 5 mM ALA or 50 µM OF exhibited differential herbicidal symptoms as characterized by white and brown necrosis, respectively, with substantial increases in cellular leakage and malondialdehyde production. Protoporphyrin IX accumulated to higher levels after 1 day of ALA and OF treatment, whereas it decreased to the control level after 2 days of ALA treatment. Plants responded to OF by greatly decreasing the levels of Mg–protoporphyrin IX (MgProto IX), MgProto IX methyl ester, and protochlorophyllide to levels lower than control, whereas their levels drastically increased 1 day after ALA treatment and then disappeared 2 days after the treatment. Enzyme activity and transcript levels of HEMA1, GSA and ALAD for ALA synthesis greatly decreased in ALA- and OF-treated plants. Transcript levels of PPO1, CHLH, CHLI, and PORB genes involving Mg–porphyrin synthesis continuously decreased in ALA- and OF-treated plants, with greater decreases in ALA-treated plants. By contrast, up-regulation of FC2 and HO2 genes in Fe–porphyrin branch was noticeable in ALA and OF-treated plants 1 day and 2 days after the treatments, respectively. Decreased transcript levels of nuclear-encoded genes Lhcb1, Lhcb6, and RbcS were accompanied by disappearance of MgProto IX in ALA- and OF-treated plants after 2 days of the treatments. Under photodynamic stress imposed by ALA and OF, tight control of porphyrin biosynthesis prevents accumulation of toxic metabolic intermediates not only by down-regulation of their biosynthesis but also by photodynamic degradation. The up-regulation of FC2 and HO2 also appears to compensate for the photodynamic stress-induced damage.

Are delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase inhibition and metal concentrations additional factors for the age-related cognitive decline?

Aging is often accompanied by cognitive impairments and influenced by oxidative status and chemical imbalances. Thus, this study was conducted to examine whether age-related cognitive deficit is associated with oxidative damage, especially with inhibition of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), as well as to verify the influence of some metals in the enzyme activity and cognitive performance. Blood ALA-D activity, essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se) and non-essential metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, V) were measured in 50 elderly and 20 healthy young subjects. Cognitive function was assessed by tests from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery and other. The elderly group presented decreased ALA-D activity compared to the young group. The index of ALA-D reactivation was similar to both study groups, but negatively associated with metals. The mean levels of essential metals were within the reference values, while the most toxic metals were above them in both groups. Cognitive function impairments were observed in elderly group and were associated with decreased ALA-D activity, with lower levels of Se and higher levels of toxic metals (Hg and V). Results suggest that the reduced ALA-D activity in elderly can be an additional factor involved in cognitive decline, since its inhibition throughout life could lead to accumulation of the neurotoxic compound ALA. Toxic metals were found to contribute to cognitive decline and also to influence ALA-D reactivation.

Silver(I) and Lead(II) Complex Formation with Thiolates

Lead toxicity is frequently attributed to the displacement of essential metals such as zinc. Lead(II) ions mainly inhibit the enzymatic activity of ALAD, a key zinc-containing metalloenzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway with much higher affinity to bind to Pb(II) than Zn(II) ions via its cysteinyl residues. Also for silver(I) ions the interaction with thiol-containing species such as cysteine and glutathione plays a key role in bacterial inactivation and Ag(I) antimicrobial activity. We will present the results of our investigations on Pb(II) and Ag(I) complex formation with small thiol-containing molecules of biological interest such as cysteine, penicillamine, N-acetylcysteine and glutathione, using a combination of different techniques, including X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR (207Pb, 109Ag) and X-ray crystallography.

Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging potential of alpha lipoic acid and quercetin against Al2O3 nanoparticle-induced toxicity in mice

Introduction: Exposure to nanomaterials (NPs) may lead to enhanced generation of free radicals and failure of endogenous antioxidant defense system ultimately resulting in oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and quercetin, the two antioxidants against aluminium oxide nanoparticle induced oxidative stress. Methods and Materials: Male swiss albino mice were exposed to aluminum oxide NPs for seven days and were co-administered orally with quercetin and alpha lipoic acid (50 mg/kg each) to evaluate effects on heme synthesis pathway, hepatic oxidative injury and antioxidant potential. Results: The results suggest a significantly elevated ROS, decreased blood and hepatic GSH levels, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities after Al2O3 nanoparticles exposure. Co-administration of antioxidants increased GSH levels and was also beneficial in the recovery of oxidative injury and restoring inhibited ALAD activity. Conclusion: Our results suggest better efficacy of alpha lipoic acid than Quercetin in preventing appearance of toxic symptoms of following exposure to Al2O3 nanoparticles in mice.

EXERCISE TRAINING REVERSES THE DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF SUCROSE INTAKE ON INSULIN RESISTANCE AND VISCERAL FAT MASS DEPOSITION ON MICE

Abnormal fat deposition has been identified as an i mportant mechanism of obesity-associated with insulin resistance. Literature data also indicate that exer cise can improve insulin action. The heme pathway enzyme δAminolevulinate Dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) is a good marker for oxidative stress and t his sulfhydryl enzyme is inhibited in such oxidative pathologies diabetes. T he aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise in mice fed high sucrose (20% in drinking water), on aspects of insulin resistance, profile o f oxidative status in different tissues and influence on δ-ALA-D activity. Glucose (p<0.003), insulin (p<0.01) plasma levels and abdominal fat index (p<0.001) were signi ficantly higher in mice fed the sucrose in the wate r when compared to control group. Not have difference on t hese parameters between exercised mice fed the sucrose and control group. Hepatic, ALA-D activity and TBARS from liver, kidney and brain, of sucrose fed animals with and without exercise were not different than t hat of control group. The results of the present st udy possibly indicate that the sucrose administration i n the water, cause marked insulin resistance and th at the physical exercise showed efficient in increase insu lin sensibility in mice with insulin resistance.

Metabolic regulation in meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801): Study of gene-diet interactions on lipid metabolism

Metabolic regulation in meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801): Study of gene-diet interactions on lipid metabolism

Effects of Lead on Hemopoeitic and Iron Status in Iraqi Workers at Lead Batteries Factory

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lead exposure on hemopoetic system (through the index delta-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase ?-ALAD activity &amp; hemoglobin concentration (Hb) ) and on iron status (levels of iron Fe, Ferritin Fr, Total iron binding capacity TIBC, percentage of transferine saturation TF%) in 44 Iraqi worker at lead batteries factory. Workers divided into two groups: smokers(n=21) mean aged (37.33±4.82 year)and non smokers(n=23) mean aged(40.78±7.89 year) and 45 healthy subjects mean aged (33.97±5.08)as control group . Activity of ?-ALAD ratio shows significant decrease (p ? 0.05) ,while Hb and hematocrit Hct were non significant (p ? 0.05) in smoker workers more than non smoker as compared to control . The results show a non significant decrease (p ? 0.05) in the sera levels of iron S.Fe, TS%, Fr in all workers as compared to control , the amount of decreasing for smoker more than non smoker except ferritin levels. A significant increases in the level of TIBC in workers as compared to control, this elevation is more in smoker than non smoker workers. In smoker workers, there was a significant positive correlation between the blood lead levels BLLs and Hb, Hct,TIBC whereas a significant negative correlation was observed between BLLs and S.Fe, TS%. In conclusion, the results of this study reveal the importance of monitoring the level of iron status in smoker peoples who dealing or exposure to lead due to the probability injured with anemia and used ?-ALAD ratio to predict the efficiency of their heme synthesis as a new marker for the diagnosis of early stage of anemia.

Effects of Lead on Hemopoeitic and Iron Status in Iraqi Workers at Lead Batteries Factory

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lead exposure on hemopoetic system (through the index delta-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase ?-ALAD activity &amp; hemoglobin concentration (Hb) ) and on iron status (levels of iron Fe, Ferritin Fr, Total iron binding capacity TIBC, percentage of transferine saturation TF%) in 44 Iraqi worker at lead batteries factory. Workers divided into two groups: smokers(n=21) mean aged (37.33±4.82 year)and non smokers(n=23) mean aged(40.78±7.89 year) and 45 healthy subjects mean aged (33.97±5.08)as control group . Activity of ?-ALAD ratio shows significant decrease (p ? 0.05) ,while Hb and hematocrit Hct were non significant (p ? 0.05) in smoker workers more than non smoker as compared to control . The results show a non significant decrease (p ? 0.05) in the sera levels of iron S.Fe, TS%, Fr in all workers as compared to control , the amount of decreasing for smoker more than non smoker except ferritin levels. A significant increases in the level of TIBC in workers as compared to control, this elevation is more in smoker than non smoker workers. In smoker workers, there was a significant positive correlation between the blood lead levels BLLs and Hb, Hct,TIBC whereas a significant negative correlation was observed between BLLs and S.Fe, TS%. In conclusion, the results of this study reveal the importance of monitoring the level of iron status in smoker peoples who dealing or exposure to lead due to the probability injured with anemia and used ?-ALAD ratio to predict the efficiency of their heme synthesis as a new marker for the diagnosis of early stage of anemia.

Metal Accumulation, Blood δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity and Micronucleated Erythrocytes of Feral pigeons (Columba Livia) Living Near Former Lead-Zinc Smelter “ Trepça” – Kosovo

The concentration of lead in blood and tibia (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cupper (Cu) in tibia, blood δ - aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D; EC: 4.2.1.24) activity, hematocrit value (Hct) and micronuclei frequency (MN) of peripheral erythrocytes have been determinated in three different populations of feral pigeons (Columba livia; forma urbana and forma domestica), collected in Mitrovica town (situated close to smelter Trepca, down closed in 2000 year ) and in rural area (Koshare willage ) . The blood lead level in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma urbana) was 3 times higher (149.6; 50.5 µg%) in comparison with that in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma domestica) and 27.7 times higher (5.4 µg% in comparison with pigeons from rural area. The Pb concentration of tibia of feral pigeons (froma urbana and forma domestica), from Mitrovica town was significantly higher (P<0.001) in comparison with control. The concentration of Zn in tibia of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana), was significantly higher (P<0.006) in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana and froma domestica), was significantly inhibited in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons -forma urbana from Mitrovica town was significantly inhibited (P<0.001) in comparison with the blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons-forma domestica from Mitrovica town. The erythrocyte MN frequency of feral pigeons from Mitrovica was significantly higher (P <0.001) in comparison with controls. The smelter Trepca ten year after closed down pose a threat to the local environment, biota and people's health.

The effects of resistance exercise and post‐exercise meal timing on the iron status in iron deficient rats

Resistance exercise increases heme synthesis in the bone marrow and the hemoglobin (Hb) in iron deficient rats. Post‐exercise early nutrient provision facilitates skeletal muscle protein synthesis compared to late provision. However, the effects of post‐exercise nutrition timing on Hb synthesis are unclear. This study investigated the effect of post‐exercise meal timing on the activity of the key enzyme involved in hemoglobin synthesis, δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), in the bone marrow and examined the Hb concentration in iron deficient rats. Male 4‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed an iron deficient diet containing 12 mg iron/kg and performed climbing exercise (5 min × 6 sets/d, 3 d/w) for 3 weeks. The rats were divided into a group fed a post‐exercise meal early after exercise (E) or a group fed the meal 4h after exercise (L). A single bout of exercise after resistance exercise training for 3 weeks increased the bone marrow ALAD activity, plasma iron concentration and transferrin saturation (TfS). Although the plasma iron concentration and TfS were lower in the E group than in the L group after a single bout of exercise, the basal hematocrit, Hb and total iron binding capacity after 3 weeks did not differ between the groups. Therefore, resistance exercise increases the bone marrow ALAD activity, while the post‐exercise meal timing has no effect on the Hb concentration in iron deficient rats.

The Effects of Resistance Exercise and Post-Exercise Meal Timing on the Iron Status in Iron-Deficient Rats

Resistance exercise increases heme synthesis in the bone marrow and the hemoglobin in iron-deficient rats. Post-exercise early nutrient provision facilitates skeletal muscle protein synthesis compared to late provision. However, the effects of post-exercise nutrition timing on hemoglobin synthesis are unclear. The current study investigated the effect of post-exercise meal timing on the activity of the key enzyme involved in hemoglobin synthesis, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), in the bone marrow and examined the hemoglobin concentration in iron-deficient rats. Male 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an iron-deficient diet containing 12 mg iron/kg and performed climbing exercise (5 min × 6 sets/day, 3 days/week) for 3 weeks. The rats were divided into a group fed a post-exercise meal early after exercise (E) or a group fed the meal 4 h after exercise (L). A single bout of exercise performed after the 3-week training period increased the bone marrow ALAD activity, plasma iron concentration, and transferrin saturation. Although the plasma iron concentration and transferrin saturation were lower in the E group than the L group after a single bout of exercise, the basal hematocrit, hemoglobin, and TIBC after 3 weeks did not differ between the groups. Therefore, resistance exercise increases the bone marrow ALAD activity, while the post-exercise meal timing has no effect on the hemoglobin concentration in iron-deficient rats.

N-acetylcysteine on oxidative damage in diabetic rats

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent mucolitic agent and also an antioxidant. Its antioxidant action is due to its ability to stimulate reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis, therefore maintaining intracellular levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NAC administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a decreasing of oxidative tissue damage in the liver and kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats, especially on thiolic groups (nonproteic and proteic groups). Adult male Wistar rats (200–350 g) were used; diabetes was induced accordingly by a single i.p. injection of alloxan monohydrate, and the control group received a similar volume of the vehicle. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) biomarker (malondialdehyde; MDA), δ-ALA-D activity, GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were quantified to assess the oxidative stress. All tests were performed in tissue homogenates. Creatinine, urea, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase were determined by commercial kits, using serum samples. A significant decrease in LPO (i.e., hepatic and renal) and an increase in δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity, especially in the renal tissue, were observed. Also, NAC at 75 mg/kg showed more effective restoration of oxidative stress biomarkers than NAC at 25 mg/kg. Our findings suggest that NAC can be used as an antioxidant agent in diabetes, exhibiting modulatory action on the oxidative stress biomarkers analyzed in this work. Moreover, these findings can contribute to others’ research, regarding the utilization of NAC to ALA-D activity restoration in the kidneys.