RESUMEN

The widespread and excessive use of pesticides in modern agricultural practices has caused pesticide contamination of the environment, animals, and humans, with confirmed serious health consequences. This study aimed to identify the 20 most critical substances based on an analysis of detection frequency (DF) and median concentrations (MC) across environmental and biological matrices. A sampling campaign was conducted across 10 case study sites in Europe and 1 in Argentina, each encompassing conventional and organic farming systems. We analysed 209 active substances in a total of 4609 samples. All substances ranked among the 20 most critical were detected in silicon wristbands worn by humans and animals and indoor dust from both farming systems. Five of them were detected in all environmental matrices. Overall, higher values of DF and MC, including in the blood plasma of animals and humans, were recorded in samples of conventional compared to organic farms. The differences between farming systems were greater in the environmental samples and less in animal and human samples. Ten substances were detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms and eight in animal blood plasma from organic farms. Two of those, detected in both farming systems, are classified as hazardous for mammals (acute). Five substances detected in animal blood plasma from organic farms and seven detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms are classified as hazardous for mammals (dietary). Three substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as carcinogens. Seven of the substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as endocrine disruptors. Six substances, of which five were detected in human blood plasma, are hazardous for reproduction/development. Efforts are needed to elucidate the unknown effects of mixtures, and it is crucial that such research also considers biocides and banned substances, which constitute a baseline of contamination that adds to the effect of substances used in agriculture.

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente , Plaguicidas , Argentina , Humanos , Plaguicidas/análisis , Animales , Europa (Continente) , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Ecosistema , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/sangre , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Agricultura

RESUMEN

Freshwater ecosystems face a particularly high risk of biodiversity loss compared to marine and terrestrial systems. The use of pesticides in agricultural fields is recognized as a relevant stressor for freshwater environments, exerting a negative impact worldwide on the overall status and health of the freshwater communities. In the present work, part of the Horizon 2020 funded SPRINT project, the occurrence of 193 pesticide residues was investigated in 64 small water bodies of distinct typology (creeks, streams, channels, ditches, rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs), located in regions with high agricultural activity in 10 European countries and in Argentina. Mixtures of pesticide residues were detected in all water bodies (20, median; 8-40 min-max). Total pesticide levels found ranged between 6.89 and 5860 ng/L, highlighting herbicides as the dominant type of pesticides. Glyphosate was the compound with the highest median concentration followed by 2,4-D and MCPA, and in a lower degree by dimethomorph, fluopicolide, prothioconazole and metolachlor(-S). Argentina was the site with the highest total pesticide concentration in water bodies followed by The Netherlands, Portugal and France. One or more pesticides exceeded the threshold values established in the European Water Framework Directive for surface water in 9 out of 11 case study sites (CSS), and the total pesticide concentration surpassed the reference value of 500 ng/L in 8 CSS. Although only 5 % (bifenthrin, dieldrin, fipronil sulfone, permethrin, and terbutryn) of the individual pesticides denoted high risk (RQ > 1), the ratios estimated for pesticide mixtures suggested potential environmental risk in the aquatic compartment studied.

Asunto(s)

Residuos de Plaguicidas , Plaguicidas , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Agua , Ecosistema , Argentina , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Plaguicidas/análisis , Ríos/química

RESUMEN

Pesticides are widely used as plant protection products (PPPs) in farming systems to preserve crops against pests, weeds, and fungal diseases. Indoor dust can act as a chemical repository revealing occurrence of pesticides in the indoor environment at the time of sampling and the (recent) past. This in turn provides information on the exposure of humans to pesticides in their homes. In the present study, part of the Horizon 2020 funded SPRINT project, the presence of 198 pesticide residues was assessed in 128 indoor dust samples from both conventional and organic farmworker households across Europe, and in Argentina. Mixtures of pesticide residues were found in all dust samples (25-121, min-max; 75, median). Concentrations varied in a wide range (<0.01 ng/g-206 µg/g), with glyphosate and its degradation product AMPA, permethrin, cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide found in highest levels. Regarding the type of pesticides, insecticides showed significantly higher levels than herbicides and fungicides. Indoor dust samples related to organic farms showed a significantly lower number of residues, total and individual concentrations than those related to conventional farms. Some pesticides found in indoor dust were no longer approved ones (29 %), with acute/chronic hazards to human health (32 %) and with environmental toxicity (21 %).

Asunto(s)

Contaminación del Aire Interior , Residuos de Plaguicidas , Plaguicidas , Humanos , Residuos de Plaguicidas/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Polvo/análisis , Agricultores , Argentina , Plaguicidas/análisis , Europa (Continente) , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis

RESUMEN

The whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) is one of the most commercially important species along the Atlantic coast of South America. Moreover, some of its biological traits (long life span, inshore feeding, high trophic position) make this species a suitable sentinel of coastal pollution. Here, we investigated contamination by multiple legacy and emerging organic pollutants, such as brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), in whitemouth croakers from two estuaries (Guanabara and Sepetiba Bays) located in industrialized and urbanized areas in Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil. Furthermore, we assessed how biological and ecological features could explain the observed contamination patterns. Regarding brominated flame retardants, concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) varied from 7.6 to 879.7 pg g-1 wet weight (w.w.), with high contribution of tetra-, penta-, hexa- and deca-BDEs. The sum of chlorinated flame retardants (dechlorane-related compounds, ΣDRC) ranged from

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente , Perciformes/metabolismo , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/metabolismo , Animales , Brasil , Dibenzofuranos Policlorados , Dioxinas , Retardadores de Llama , Éteres Difenilos Halogenados , Hidrocarburos Clorados , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas , Compuestos Policíclicos

RESUMEN

Obesity is accompanied by a low-grade inflammation state, characterized by increased proinflammatory cytokines levels such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß). In this regard, there exists a lack of studies in hepatic tissue about the role of TNFα receptor 1 (TNFR1) in the context of obesity and insulin resistance during the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of high-caloric feeding (HFD) (40% fat, for 16 weeks) on liver inflammation-induced apoptosis, insulin resistance, hepatic lipid accumulation and its progression toward nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in TNFR1 knock-out and wild-type mice. Mechanisms involved in HFD-derived IL-1ß release and impairment of insulin signaling are still unknown, so we determined whether IL-1ß affects liver insulin sensitivity and apoptosis through TNFα receptor 1 (TNFR1)-dependent pathways. We showed that knocking out TNFR1 induces an enhanced IL-1ß plasmatic release upon HFD feed. This was correlated with higher hepatic and epididymal white adipose tissue mRNA levels. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed an impairment in hepatic insulin signaling, in part due to IL-1ß-induced decrease of AKT activation and diminution of IRS1 levels, followed by an increase in inflammation, macrophage (resident and recruited) accumulation, hepatocyte apoptotic process and finally hepatic damage. In addition, TNFR1 KO mice displayed higher levels of pro-fibrogenic markers. TNFR1 signaling disruption upon an HFD leads to an accelerated progression from simple steatosis to a more severe phenotype with many NASH features, pointing out a key role of TNFR1 in NAFLD progression.

Asunto(s)

Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/etiología , Receptores Tipo I de Factores de Necrosis Tumoral/metabolismo , Animales , Apoptosis/genética , Insulina/metabolismo , Resistencia a la Insulina , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/patología , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/patología , Receptores Tipo I de Factores de Necrosis Tumoral/genética , Transducción de Señal

RESUMEN

Molecular mechanisms on sepsis progression are linked to the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant capacity. Previous studies demonstrated that benznidazole (BZL), known for its antiparasitic action on Trypanosoma cruzi, has immunomodulatory effects, increasing survival in C57BL/6 mice in a model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The mechanism by which BZL inhibits inflammatory response in sepsis is poorly understood. Also, our group recently reported that BZL is able to activate the nuclear factor erytroide-derived 2-Like 2 (NRF2) in vitro. The aim of the present work was to delineate the beneficial role of BZL during sepsis, analyzing its effects on the cellular redox status and the possible link to the innate immunity receptor TLR4. Specifically, we analyzed the effect of BZL on Nrf2 regulation and TLR4 expression in liver of mice 24hours post-CLP. BZL was able to induce NRF2 nuclear protein localization in CLP mice. Also, we found that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the NRF2 nuclear accumulation and induction of its target genes. In addition, BZL prompted a reduction in hepatic CLP-induced TLR4 protein membrane localization, evidencing its immunomodulatory effects. Together, our results demonstrate that BZL induces hepatic NRF2 activation with the concomitant increase in the antioxidant defenses, and the attenuation of inflammatory response, in part, by inhibiting TLR4 expression in a murine model of sepsis.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Chagas/tratamiento farmacológico , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Inflamación/prevención & control , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Nitroimidazoles/farmacología , Sepsis/tratamiento farmacológico , Tripanocidas/farmacología , Animales , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Regulación hacia Abajo/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/genética , Nitroimidazoles/uso terapéutico , Estrés Oxidativo , Receptor Toll-Like 4/metabolismo , Tripanocidas/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

Accumulation evidence links obesity-induced inflammation as an important contributor to the development of insulin resistance, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 catalyze the first step in prostanoid biosynthesis. Because adult hepatocytes fail to induce COX-2 expression regardless of the proinflammatory stimuli used, we have evaluated whether this lack of expression under mild proinflammatory conditions might constitute a permissive condition for the onset of insulin resistance. Our results show that constitutive expression of human COX-2 (hCOX-2) in hepatocytes protects against adiposity, inflammation, and, hence, insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet, as demonstrated by decreased hepatic steatosis, adiposity, plasmatic and hepatic triglycerides and free fatty acids, increased adiponectin-to-leptin ratio, and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, together with an enhancement of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, hCOX-2 transgenic mice exhibited increased whole-body energy expenditure due in part by induction of thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. The analysis of hepatic insulin signaling revealed an increase in insulin receptor-mediated Akt phosphorylation in hCOX-2 transgenic mice. In conclusion, our results point to COX-2 as a potential therapeutic target against obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Asunto(s)

Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Grasas de la Dieta/efectos adversos , Hígado Graso/metabolismo , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Hígado/enzimología , Obesidad/metabolismo , Animales , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Grasas de la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Inflamación/metabolismo , Insulina/metabolismo , Ratones , Ratones Transgénicos

RESUMEN

Blubber samples from three delphinid species (false killer whale, Guiana and rough-toothed dolphin), as well as liver samples from franciscana dolphins were analyzed for dioxins and related compounds (DRCs). Samples were collected from 35 cetaceans stranded or incidentally captured in a highly industrialized and urbanized area (Southeast and Southern Brazilian regions). Dioxin-like PCBs accounted for over 83% of the total TEQ for all cetaceans. Non-ortho coplanar PCBs, for franciscanas (82%), and mono-ortho PCBs (up to 80%), for delphinids, constituted the groups of highest contribution to total TEQ. Regarding franciscana dolphins, significant negative correlations were found between total length (TL) and three variables, ΣTEQ-DRCs, ΣTEQ-PCDF and ΣTEQ non-ortho PCB. An increasing efficiency of the detoxifying activity with the growth of the animal may be a plausible explanation for these findings. This hypothesis is reinforced by the significant negative correlation found between TL and PCB126/PCB169 concentration ratio. DRC concentrations (ng/g lipids) varied from 36 to 3006, for franciscana dolphins, as well as from 356 to 30,776, for delphinids. The sum of dioxin-like and indicator PCBs varied from 34,662 to 279,407 ng/g lipids, for Guiana dolphins from Rio de Janeiro state, which are among the highest PCB concentrations ever reported for cetaceans. The high concentrations found in our study raise concern not only on the conservation of Brazilian coastal cetaceans, but also on the possibility of human health problem due to consumption of fish from Brazilian estuaries.

Asunto(s)

Benzofuranos/análisis , Delfines/metabolismo , Bifenilos Policlorados/análisis , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/análogos & derivados , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Tejido Adiposo/química , Animales , Océano Atlántico , Brasil , Dibenzofuranos Policlorados , Femenino , Hígado/química , Masculino , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/análisis , Factores Sexuales

RESUMEN

Increased expression of COX-2 has been linked to inflammation and carcinogenesis. Constitutive expression of COX-2 protects hepatocytes from several pro-apoptotic stimuli. Increased hepatic apoptosis has been observed in experimental models of diabetes. Our present aim was to analyze the role of COX-2 as a regulator of apoptosis in diabetic mouse liver. Mice of C57BL/6 strain wild type (Wt) and transgenic in COX-2 (hCOX-2 Tg) were separated into Control (vehicle) and SID (streptozotocin induced diabetes, 200 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). Seven days post-injection, Wt diabetic animals showed a decrease in PI3K activity and P-Akt levels, an increase of P-JNK, P-p38, pro-apoptotic Bad and Bax, release of cytochrome c and activities of caspases-3 and -9, leading to an increased apoptotic index. This situation was improved in diabetic COX-2 Tg. In addition, SID COX-2 Tg showed increased expression of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and XIAP. Pro-apoptotic state in the liver of diabetic animals was improved by over-expression of COX-2. We also analyzed the roles of high glucose-induced apoptosis and hCOX-2 in vitro. Non-transfected and hCOX-2-transfected cells were cultured at 5 and 25 mM of glucose by 72 h. At 25 mM there was an increase in apoptosis in non-transfected cells versus those exposed to 5 mM. This increase was partly prevented in transfected cells at 25 mM. Moreover, the protective effect observed in hCOX-2-transfected cells was suppressed by addition of DFU (COX-2 selective inhibitor), and mimicked by addition of PGE(2) in non-transfected cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperglycemia-induced hepatic apoptosis is protected by hCOX-2 expression.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Hiperglucemia/metabolismo , Hígado/metabolismo , Animales , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Caspasa 9/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Citocromos c/biosíntesis , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Glucosa/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteínas Quinasas JNK Activadas por Mitógenos/biosíntesis , Hígado/fisiología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Transgénicos , Proteína 1 de la Secuencia de Leucemia de Células Mieloides , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-bcl-2/biosíntesis , Estreptozocina , Proteína Inhibidora de la Apoptosis Ligada a X/biosíntesis , Proteína X Asociada a bcl-2/biosíntesis , Proteína Letal Asociada a bcl/biosíntesis , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/biosíntesis

RESUMEN

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for prognosis after liver resection. In previous work, we found a pro-apoptotic state in the diabetic rat liver. In this work, this was also observed 1 hour post-partial hepatectomy (PH) and resulted in a deficient regenerative response 24 hours post-PH. Treatment with insulin and/or Desferoxamine (DES) (iron chelator) or Tempol (TEM) (free radicals scavenger) was effective in preventing the liver reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by diabetic state. High levels of ROS play a role in hepatic lipid peroxidation in diabetes before and after PH, and lead to increased pro-apoptotic events, which contribute to a reduced regenerative response. This becomes of relevance for the potential use of antioxidants/free radical scavengers plus insulin for improvement of post-surgical recovery of diabetic patients subjected to a PH.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Regeneración Hepática/fisiología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Animales , Óxidos N-Cíclicos/farmacología , Deferoxamina/farmacología , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/fisiopatología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Hepatectomía , Insulina/farmacología , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/fisiopatología , Pronóstico , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Marcadores de Spin , Estreptozocina

RESUMEN

In this study, we analyzed the contribution of hydroxyl radical in the liver apoptosis mediated by hyperglycemia through the Bax-caspase pathway and the effects of insulin protection against the apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia. Male adult Wistar rats were randomized in three groups: control (C) (sodium citrate buffer, i.p.), streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (SID) (STZ 60 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), and insulin-treated SID (SID+I; 15 days post STZ injection, SID received insulin s.c., twice a day, 15 days). Rats were autopsied on day 30. In liver tissue, diabetes promoted a significant increase in hydroxyl radical production which correlated with lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Besides, hyperglycemia significantly increased mitochondrial BAX protein expression, cytosolic cytochrome c levels, and caspase-3 activity leading to an increase in apoptotic index. Interestingly, the treatment of diabetic rats with desferoxamine or tempol (antioxidants/hydroxyl radical scavengers) significantly attenuated the increase in both hydroxyl radical production and in LPO produced by hyperglycemia, preventing apoptosis by reduction of mitochondrial BAX and cytosolic cytochrome c levels. Insulin treatment showed similar results. The finding that co-administration of antioxidants/hydroxyl radical scavengers together with insulin did not provide any additional benefit compared with those obtained using either inhibitors or insulin alone shows that it is likely that insulin prevents oxidative stress by reducing the effects of hydroxyl radicals. Importantly, insulin significantly increased apoptosis inhibitor protein expression by induction of its mRNA. Taken together, our studies support that, at least in part, the hydroxyl radical acts as a reactive intermediate, which leads to liver apoptosis in a model of STZ-mediated hyperglycemia. A new anti-apoptosis signal for insulin is shown, given by an increase of apoptosis inhibitor protein.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Radical Hidroxilo/metabolismo , Hiperglucemia/metabolismo , Insulina/metabolismo , Hígado/citología , Animales , Caspasa 3/genética , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Citocromos c/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus/genética , Diabetes Mellitus/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus/fisiopatología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Hiperglucemia/genética , Hiperglucemia/fisiopatología , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas Wistar