Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity Research Articles

Heme biosynthesis depends on previously unrecognized acquisition of iron-sulfur cofactors in human amino-levulinic acid dehydratase

Heme biosynthesis and iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) biogenesis are two major mammalian metabolic pathways that require iron. It has long been known that these two pathways interconnect, but the previously described interactions do not fully explain why heme biosynthesis depends on intact ISC biogenesis. Herein we identify a previously unrecognized connection between these two pathways through our discovery that human aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which catalyzes the second step of heme biosynthesis, is an Fe-S protein. We find that several highly conserved cysteines and an Ala306-Phe307-Arg308 motif of human ALAD are important for [Fe4S4] cluster acquisition and coordination. The enzymatic activity of human ALAD is greatly reduced upon loss of its Fe-S cluster, which results in reduced heme biosynthesis in human cells. As ALAD provides an early Fe-S-dependent checkpoint in the heme biosynthetic pathway, our findings help explain why heme biosynthesis depends on intact ISC biogenesis.

Lead toxicity on a sentinel species subpopulation inhabiting mangroves with different status conservation

Lead is a priority pollutant introduced in the aquatic environment by different sources commonly located in estuarine regions, such as ports, marinas and industries. Environmental agencies around the world set the maximum allowable concentration of lead in effluents, surface water and sediment, but few studies reported its accumulation and chronic toxicity in mangrove benthic invertebrates using concentrations believed to be safe. In the case of Brazilian mangrove environments, Ucides cordatus is a crab species of choice to be used in bioaccumulation studies. We have assessed biomarkers’ responses (DNA strand breaks, micronucleated cells, metallothioneins, enzymatic activity of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and neutral red retention time) and the total bioaccumulation in six tissues of U. cordatus crabs resident to mangrove areas under different conservation status during a 28-day period bioassay. We also investigated Pb subcellular partition and biomarkers’ responses using a supposedly safe concentration (10 μg L−1). During the Pb exposure, the highest concentration of Pb was observed in crab gills. Crabs also showed a high ability to allocate Pb in detoxified forms. Multivariate analysis pointed out that bioaccumulation (total, active and detoxified) is linked to biomarkers. Even in supposedly safe dosage, U. cordatus triggered its defense mechanisms expressing more metallothioneins and presented relevant cyto-genotoxic damage. Our data suggest the development of biological tolerance to Pb in crabs from polluted areas. Our results provided a new insight about lead toxicity even at concentrations considered environmentally safe, which could support new strategies to manage estuarine areas considering their respective conservation status.

Protective Effects of Dietary Supplements Containing Probiotics, Micronutrients, and Plant Extracts Against Lead Toxicity in Mice.

Lead (Pb) intoxication is a serious food safety issue, and the development of relevant dietary strategies is an area of ongoing research. In this study, two different dietary supplements were designed and evaluated for their effects against Pb toxicity in mice. Dietary supplement A contained grape seed extract, tea polyphenols and Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661, and dietary supplement B contained vitamin C, calcium carbonate, zinc acetate, and L. plantarum CCFM8661. The results showed that both dietary supplements could effectively decrease Pb levels, protect aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and recover glutathione, zinc protoporphyrin and malondialdehyde levels in tissues and blood of mice. A step-through passive avoidance task confirmed that the dietary supplements could recover the learning and memory capacities of Pb-exposed mice. The protective effects of both dietary supplements to alleviate oxidative stress and cognitive impairments were superior to the chelator treatment. Administration of the dietary supplements during Pb exposure offered more significant protection than administration after Pb exposure. Animal safety evaluation also indicated that these dietary supplements barely induced side effects in the mice. This study provides evidence that dietary supplements containing probiotics, micronutrients, and plant extracts can be considered a new dietary strategy against Pb toxicity.

Impact of Essential Micronutrient, Zn, on Growth and Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Young <i>Zea mays</i> Seedlings

The present study analyses growth and chlorophyll biosynthesis in young maize seedlings in response to Zn supply over a wide range of concentrations. Supply of 0 - 5 mM ZnCl2 to 3 days old light grown maize seedlings led to gradually increased accumulation of Zn in the shoot tissue, while in the root tissue substantial increase was observed at/and above 0.1 mM ZnCl2. Zn supply significantly reduced the overall growth of maize seedlings mostly at 1 - 5 mM ZnCl2 exerting strong correlation and the observed effect was more substantial for root tissue. Amongst the biochemical parameters, increase in protein and proline content was more prominent in root tissue than the shoot, while RNA content was reduced in shoot tissue. Zn treatment to light grown seedlings significantly increased the chlorophyll, carotenoid content, while in dark grown seedlings it had marginal/no effect. Delta amino levulinic acid (ALA) content in both the regimes was increased at higher Zn concentrations. Also ALA synthesis was increased in both the regimes, but non significantly. Zn enhanced ALA dehydratase (ALAD) activity of light as well as dark grown seedlings being significant in former. The results demonstrate that the Zn accumulation and growth effect at higher Zn concentrations in maize depend upon the tissue with root as the target site and shoot growth are mainly influenced by ALA and subsequently ALAD in maize seedlings.

Pengaruh suplementasi seng dan vitamin B6 terhadap kadar hemoglobin, hematokrit dan indeks eritrosit pasien malaria vivax yang anemia

Background: Zinc supplementation decrease the risk of malaria parasitaemia, increasing ferritin serum level and hemoglobin in patients with malaria. Zinc influence the activity of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) an enzymes that catalizes heme synthesize. Vitamin B6 in pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) from has a role in alpha-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) formation, which is the precursor of heme in hemoglobin. PLP also inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.Objective: The objective was to analyze the effect of zinc and vitamin B6 supplementation on hemoglobin level, hematocrit and erythrocyte indexs (MCV, MCH and MCHC) of anemic Plasmodium vivax malaria patients.Methods: Double Blind Randomised Controlled Trial with pre and post test design. 30 subjects were divided into two groups: the suplementation group were given zinc 1x10 mg/day with vitamin B6 1x5 mg/day and the control group were given a placebo for 30 days. Data analysis by paired t-test, independent t-test and Mann Whitney.Results: There was an increase in Hb levels in the suplementation group (p=0.0001), the control group (p=0.001) and there was a significant difference on the increase between the two groups (p=0.020). Hematocrit significant increase only in the suplementation group (p=0.0001). There were no differences on erythrocyte index parameter in both groups.Conclusion: Zinc and vitamin B6 supplementation of for 30 days increase the hemoglobin level, hematocrit and there were no effect on erythrocyte indexs of anemic Plasmodium vivax malaria patients.

Ovotoxicants 4-vinylcyclohexene 1,2-monoepoxide and 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide disrupt redox status and modify different electrophile sensitive target enzymes and genes in Drosophila melanogaster

The compounds 4-vinylcyclohexene 1,2-monoepoxide (VCM) and 4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) are the two downstream metabolites of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH), an ovotoxic agent in mammals. In addition, VCM and VCD may be found as by-products of VCH oxidation in the environment. Recently, we reported the involvement of oxidative stress in the toxicity of VCH in Drosophila melanogaster. However, it was not possible to determine the individual contributions of VCM and VCD in VCH toxicity. Hence, we investigated the toxicity of VCM and VCD (10–1000µM) in flies after 5 days of exposure via the diet. Our results indicated impairments in climbing behaviour and disruptions in antioxidant balance and redox status evidenced by an increase in DCFH oxidation, decreases in total thiol content and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the flies exposed to VCM and VCD (p<0.05). These effects were accompanied by disruptions in the transcription of the genes encoding the proteins superoxide dismutase (SOD1), kelch-like erythroid-derived cap-n-collar (CNC) homology (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), mitogen activated protein kinase 2 (MAPK-2), catalase, Cyp18a1, JAFRAC 1 (thioredoxin peroxidase 1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR-1) (p<0.05). VCM and VCD inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA D) activities in the flies (p<0.05). Indeed, here, we demonstrated that different target enzymes and genes were modified by the electrophiles VCM and VCD in the flies. Thus, D. melanogaster has provided further lessons on the toxicity of VCM and VCD which suggest that the reported toxicity of VCH may be mediated by its transformation to VCM and VCD.

Lead exposure affects health indices in free-ranging ducks in Argentina.

Numerous experiments under controlled conditions and extensive investigation of waterfowl die-offs have demonstrated that exposure to lead from spent gunshot is highly detrimental to the health of waterfowl. However, few studies have focused on examining the more subtle sub-lethal effects of lead toxicity on ducks in non-experimental settings. In our study, the health of ducks exposed to varying amounts of lead under natural conditions was assessed by correlating individual lead exposure with relevant indices of health. Based on hunter-killed wild ducks in Argentina, we measured spleen mass, body condition, examined bone marrow smears, and determined Ca and P in bone tissue. In free-ranging live-trapped ducks we determined basic hematology and aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity. Using multivariate analyses, we found that, when controlling for the potential confounding effect of site type, year, duck species, body mass and age, lead levels in the liver were negatively associated with body condition and spleen mass. Spleen mass was also lower in ducks with higher lead levels in their bones. In live ducks, high blood lead levels were associated with low packed cell volume and red cell morphologic abnormalities. These findings suggest that, despite the lack of recorded lead-induced mortality in the region, lead exposure results in less conspicuous but still significant impacts on the health of ducks, which could have serious implications for their conservation. Moreover, this evidence further supports the need for urgently banning lead shot in the region.

Impacts of chloramine‐T treatment on antioxidant enzyme activities and genotoxicity in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) were exposed to therapeutic, and higher concentrations of chloramine-T (Cl-T) to assess the effects of this chemical on the antioxidant enzyme system and genetic structure. Red blood cells acetylcholinesterase, ∆-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, paraoxonase and liver glutathione S-transferase activity were increased at 10 and 20 mg L(-1) Cl-T-exposed fish, while they were decreased at 30 mg L(-1) Cl-T-exposed fish. On the other hand, liver catalase activity and liver protein levels increased at 10 mg L(-1) and decreased at 20 and 30 mg L(-1) concentrations of Cl-T. Liver super-oxide dismutase activity decreased at 10 mg L(-1) and 20 mg L(-1) Cl-T and increased at 30 mg L(-1) of Cl-T. Compared to control, comet assay indicated that Cl-T did not cause significant DNA damage to red blood cells of the fish. Results indicate that 10 or 20 mg L(-1) Cl-T can be safely used to prevent or treat external parasitic and bacterial infection of rainbow trout.

Heme oxygenase-1 induction by the ROS–JNK pathway plays a role in aluminum-induced anemia

Aluminum (Al) overload is correlated with hypochromic anemia. It is possible that Al impedes heme biosynthesis and degradation by affecting the activity of biosynthetic enzymes. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Al affects these enzymes are unknown. Here, we show that long-term exposure of Sprague–Dawley rats to Al decreased hemoglobin concentration and the hematocrit level. In addition, the activity of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) in rat liver was reduced, but heme oxygenase (HO) activity was enhanced, suggesting an impairment of heme homeostasis. The increase in HO activity was due to up-regulation of mRNA and protein of an inducible HO isozyme, HO-1. Furthermore, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was critical for HO-1 induction by Al, because ROS scavengers and JNK inhibitors abrogated enhancement of HO-1 by Al in rat hepatocytes. Thus, Al enhances HO-1 expression through the ROS–JNK pathway, which may enhance HO activity and accelerate degradation of heme, leading to hypochromic anemia.

Effect of lactation on antioxidant indices and bone mineral density in adult women

The aims of this study were to compare indices of antioxidant status and bone mineral density (BMD) during lactation and to investigate the relationship of those indices with BMD. Lactating women (30.8 ± 4.8 y) with low calcium intake (≈600 mg/d), participated in the study at 2–4 (early lactation, EL; n= 14) and at 12–14 (middle lactation, ML; n= 11) wk postpartum. Indices of antioxidant status [ferric‐reducing ability of plasma (FRAP); erythrocyte aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (d‐ALAD); in vitro zinc‐d‐ALAD activation (Zn‐d‐ALAD%)] and measures of BMD [at total body (TBMD) and at lumbar spine (L2–L4)] were evaluated. When compared to EL, FRAP did not change, but Zn‐d‐ALAD% increased (P &lt; 0.01), and d‐ALAD (P ≤ 0.05), TBMD (P ≤ 0.02) and L2–L4 (P ≤ 0.01) decreased, at ML. d‐ALAD was negatively associated with Zn‐d‐ALAD% (r= −0.63; p &lt; 0.02), and tented to be positively associated with L2–L4 (r = 0.49; P = 0.07). No associations between FRAP and bone measurements were observed. Our results suggest that the decrease in d‐ALAD during lactation appears to be related to an impairment on zinc status, that could further contribute to accentuate bone loss during lactation, mainly in low calcium intake.Financial support: CNPq (Brazil)

The Effects of Lead Exposure on the Activities of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase with the Modification of the Relative Genotypes

To investigate the effects of blood lead and other related factors on δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in lead workers. In 121 lead workers and 117 reference subjects, the following data were collected from health examination: blood lead, BMI, glucose AC, and Hct. A questionnaire including of demographic data, medical history, smoking and alcohol consumption was completed by each of subjects. ALAD activity was determined by the standardized method of the European Community. ALAD genotyping was using a method of PCR-RFLP. In this study, 229 ALAD1-1 homozygotes (96.2%), 8 ALAD1-2 heterozygotes (3.8%) were identified, and none of ALAD2-2 homozygote was observed. Blood lead levels in lead workers and reference subjects were 19.5 µg/dL (SD = 14.7) and 2.9 µg/dL (SD = 1.9), respectively. Lead workers had significantly lower ALAD activity then reference subjects (42.6 ± 22.4 U/L vs. 64.3 ± 13.8 U/L, P < 0.001). According to the multiple regression results, the following independent variables were significant related to ALAD activity: ALAD activities in females were much lower 8.15 U/L then males (P < 0.001); blood lead and glucose AC were inversely associated with ALAD activity (P < 0.001), but the effect of blood lead was profound. The regression coefficients of blood lead and glucose AC were 1.04 and 0.11, respectively. Individuals with alcohol consumption showed lower ALAD activity (P = 0.049). The possible threshold value of blood lead for ALAD activity was determined around 10 µg/dL. ALAD activity was inhibited by lead sensitively and stoichiometrically, thus ALAD activity may be adopted as a reliable biomarker of lead toxicity in humen.

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.

Prevention of Cadmium Toxicity by Ceftriaxone plus Sulbactam with VRP1034 in Rats

The aim of this study was to determine the prevention of cadmium toxicity by ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 drug on hematological, biochemical, lipid per-oxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activities and Cd, Zn and Fe levels in the blood and tissues of cadmium exposed rats. Twenty four male rats were divided into three groups of eight rats each. Control group received distilled water where as group II received CdCl2 (1.5 mg/4 ml body weight) through gastric gavages for 21 days. Group III was received CdCl2 plus treated with ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 for 21 days. These parameters were measured in plasma and tissues (brain, liver and kidney) of all groups. Our findings showed that a significantly decreased cadmium (p<0.001), malonaldialdehyde (p<0.001), MPO levels along with significant increased hemoglobin (p<0.01), red blood cell (p<0.05), hematocript(p<0.05) levels and all antioxidant enzymatic activities in plasma and tissues of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared to cadmium exposed group. δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the blood of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared to cadmium exposed group. The levels of hepatic and renal parameters were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared to cadmium exposed group. So these finding concluded that ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 act as potent free radical scavenger and metal chelating properties that reduces free radical mediated tissue injury and prevent hepatic and renal organs dysfunction during cadmium intoxication.

Metal bioaccumulation, enzymatic activity, total protein and hematology of feral pigeon (Columba livia), living in the courtyard of Ferronickel smelter in Drenas

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Ferronickel smelter in concentration of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and nickel in tissue of femur, tibia, liver kidney and testes, levels of plasma alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartat aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) blood δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D), serum total proteins, hematocrit and hemoglobin in Feral pigeons. Pb was detectable only in tissues of femur and tibia; Cd and Cu in liver and kidney, Zn in all tissues while Ni only in tissues of pigeons of courtyard smelter. Zn concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) in kidney of courtyard smelter in comparison with reference. Plasma AP was significantly higher (P<0.001) in pigeons of reference in comparison with pigeons of courtyard smelter, while ALT and AST were relatively unchanged. The ALA-D activity of pigeons from courtyard of smelter was significantly inhibited (P<0.001) and an inverse correlation between Pb concentration in femur and tibia and ALA-D activity (r = -877; P<0.001; r = -0.787; P<0.01) was established. The total serum proteins of pigeons of courtyard of smelter was significantly lower (P<0.001). Hematocrit and haemoglobin were unchanged. Suggestion: Feral pigeons as worth biomonitoring organisms for evaluation of environmental pollution based on Ferronickel industry.

Effects of resveratrol on biomarkers of oxidative stress and on the activity of delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study investigated the effects of resveratrol (RV), a polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties, on oxidative stress parameters in liver and kidney, as well as on serum biochemical parameters of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 8): control/saline; control/RV 10 mg/kg; control/RV 20 mg/kg; diabetic/saline; diabetic/RV10 mg/kg; diabetic/RV 20 mg/kg. After 30 days of treatment with resveratrol the animals were sacrificed and the liver, kidney and serum were used for experimental determinations. Results showed that TBARS levels were significantly increased in the diabetic/saline group and the administration of resveratrol prevented this increase in the diabetic/RV10 and diabetic/RV20 groups (P < 0.05). The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and the levels of non protein thiols (NPSH) and vitamin C presented a significant decrease in the diabetic/saline group when compared with the control/saline group (P < 0.05). The treatment with resveratrol was able to prevent these decrease improving the antioxidant defense of the diabetic/RV10 and diabetic/RV20 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamiltransferase (γ-GT) activities as well as in levels of urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides observed in the diabetic/saline group were reverted to levels close to normal by the administration of resveratrol in the diabetic/RV10 and diabetic/RV20 groups (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that resveratrol could have a protector effect against hepatic and renal damage induced by oxidative stress in the diabetic state, which was evidenced by the capacity of this polyphenol to modulate the antioxidant defense and to decrease the lipid peroxidation in these tissues.

Inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity by cadmium in excised etiolated maize leaf segments during greening

Supply of 0.1&amp;ndash;0.5 mmol CdCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; inhibited &amp;delta;-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.24, ALAD) activity and total chlorophylls in excised etiolated segments of maize leaves during greening. Due to cadmium supply &amp;delta;-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) content was reduced significantly at 0.5 mmol Cd only. Also the Cd treatment decreased the protein content and accumulated significantly the Cd in the tissue. Significant correlation between Cd accumulation in the leaves and various parameters measured is observed, with the R-squared values being 0.727 with ALAD activity, 0.885 with ALA content, 0.902 with total chlorophylls and 1.00 with proteins. The % inhibition of ALAD activity by Cd was decreased in the presence of nitrogenous compounds, glutamine and NH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;NO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; and the observed inhibition was 25% and 16%, respectively. More substantial reduction in % inhibition of enzyme activity by Cd was observed during treatment with glutathione, a ubiquitous thiol and levulinic acid, a competitive inhibitor of ALAD, with the inhibition being only 2% and 4%, respectively. Supply of some essential metal ions, such as Mg, Zn, and Mn, also reduced the % inhibition of enzyme activity by Cd. Inclusion of varying concentrations of ALA during assay also affected the % inhibition of enzyme activity by Cd showing an increased inhibition from 17% to 53% with increasing ALA concentration. It is suggested that Cd inhibits ALAD activity by affecting the ALA binding to the enzyme and/or disrupting thiol interaction.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Iron Status in Moderately Iron-Deficient Rats

Resistance exercise increases heme synthesis in the bone marrow, but it does not improve the hemoglobin status in severe iron-deficient rats on a diet containing less than 5mg iron/kg. The current study investigated whether resistance exercise could mitigate hemoglobin status via increasing heme synthesis in moderately iron-deficient rats. Male 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an iron-deficient diet containing 12mg iron/kg for 3weeks. The rats were divided into two groups: a sedentary (S) group (n = 7) or an exercise (E) group (n = 7). The rats in the E group performed a climbing exercise (5min × 6sets/day, 3days/week). The aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, hematocrit, and hemoglobin tended to be higher in group E than S. The iron content in the flexor hallucis longus muscle was significantly higher in E than S, whereas the content in the liver, spleen, kidney, and heart did not significantly differ between the groups. Therefore, resistance exercise appears to improve hemoglobin via increasing heme synthesis in the bone marrow in moderately iron-deficient rats.

The Effects of Taurine on Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity in Nonylphenol-Induced Toxicity

The Effects of Taurine on Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity in Nonylphenol-Induced Toxicity

Natural antioxidants protect against cadmium-induced damage during pregnancy and lactation in rats' pups.

Free-radicals production is involved in the toxicity of cadmium. The aim of this study was to determine whether biochemical changes occurred in the liver and kidney of cadmium exposed pups during gestation and lactation, and additionally to investigate the potential beneficial role of the administration of certain antioxidants against cadmium exposure damage. Pregnant Wistar rats received the following treatments as drinking water: (1) Distilled water; (2) Cadmium (10 mg/L); (3) Cadmium + Zinc (20 mg/L) + vitamins A (50000 U/L), C (2 g/L), E (500 mg/L), and B(6) (500 mg/L); (4) Vitamins + Zinc solution. We found an increase in hemolysis and in the aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALAD) activity in the erythrocytes among both cadmium-exposed groups. Cadmium exposure increased the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase, and alkaline and acid phosphatase activity in both the organs studied. The effect on the enzymatic activity was reduced by the coadministration of vitamins and zinc. Our findings suggest that administration of antioxidants during gestation and lactation could prevent some of the negative effects of cadmium.

Evaluation of lead exposure in battery‐manufacturing workers with focus on different biomarkers

The influence of exposure to lead on the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds and nucleoplasmatic bridges was investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes in 15 male battery-manufacturing workers and 15 controls matched for age and smoking habits. In addition to MN test, blood lead (B-Pb) and cadmium (B-Cd), delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), serum vitamin B(12) (S-Vit B(12)) and folate (S-folate) were determined in all subjects. Lead-exposed subjects had significantly higher MN frequency and B-Pb concentrations than controls. In control smokers we found a significant negative correlation between B-Pb concentration and frequency of nucleoplasmatic bridges, and nuclear division index. In control non-smokers a significant positive correlation was observed only between age and nuclear buds frequency, and between S-folate and B-Pb level. In lead exposed smokers, significant positive correlations between MN frequency and S-Vit B(12), S-folate, and nuclear buds frequency were found. A positive correlation in exposed smokers was also found between nuclear buds frequency and S-Vit B(12) concentration. A negative correlation was found between ALAD and EP, and B-Pb in exposed smokers. Exposed non-smokers showed significant negative correlation between MN frequency and B-Cd, and ALAD and EP. The results indicate a genotoxicity of lead, pointing to a micronucleus assay as a relevant test for assessing genotoxic effects resulting from occupational exposure. The other indicators did not necessarily follow the results of THE MN test. Influence of smoking should be further investigated.