RESUMEN

Dioxins are compounds classified as persistent organic pollutants, from which 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most toxic to living organisms. TCDD is considered a carcinogen and has proinflammatory influence on animals and humans, promoting free radicals' formation, and binding with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) leads to expression of cytochrome p-450 genes that in turn predisposes to mutations. Natural flavonoids, in this case xanthohumol (XN), have been reported to attenuate TCDD toxicity through inhibition of the transformation of the AhR. Moreover, XN shows antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and XN on lipid, liver enzyme, estradiol, and thyroid enzyme levels in the serum of Japanese quails. Adult, six-month-old, Japanese quails were divided into eight groups according to treatment procedures. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TCh), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), triglycerides (TGs), estradiol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine, and activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were measured. In comparison with the control group, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin significantly decreased concentrations of serum HDLs and thyroid hormones and significantly increased the serum TCh level. Levels of serum TGs, liver enzymes, and estradiol were not changed after 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin treatment. Based on our data, XN treatment may also increase the levels of thyroid hormones. Moreover, the tested dioxin disrupts the liver function, especially changing lipids' metabolism. Therefore, more studies are needed for better understanding the mechanism of toxic influence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on key metabolic pathways and organs in living organisms.

RESUMEN

Dioxins (including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are highly toxic and persistent chemicals widely distributed in the environment in trace amounts, and are side products of industrial and chemical processes. Exposure to dioxins leads to multiorgan morphological and functional abnormalities, including within the bone tissue, disrupting its microarchitecture and mechanical properties. Xanthohumol (XN) is a chemical compound classified as a prenylated flavonoid, distinguished by multidirectional biological action. The aim of the study is to assess whether xanthohumol, as a substance with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has the ability to eliminate the negative effects of TCDD on bone tissue. The experiment was conducted on adult Japanese quails. Two different doses of TCDD and xanthohumol were administered to birds. After euthanasia of animals, the research material in the form of cranial vault and hind limb bone was collected, and their mineral compositions of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron concentrations were determined using atomic emission spectrometry in an acetylene-air flame method. Our results indicate that the administration of TCDD at a low dose causes more dynamic changes in the concentration of elements in bone, in comparison to a higher dose of dioxin. Results show also that higher doses of the XN cause the linear increase in the concentration of phosphorus and iron in the bone of the hind limb, and calcium in the bones of the cranial vault. In conclusion, our experiment shows that the use of TCDD and XN in Japanese quails together in various doses influences the content of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron in the research material.

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RESUMEN

A significant role is played in inflammation by the liver, which, stimulated by inflammatory mediators, synthetizes plasma proteins with various dynamics. The purpose of these studies is to generate a detailed dynamic analysis of changes to concentrations of plasma and serum protein fractions and selected acute-phase proteins as well as nonspecific biochemical indices during the course of an induced pleurisy. The studies were conducted on female inbred Buffalo rats, which were divided into two groups: a control group (C) and an experimental group (IP) in which pleurisy was induced. In the IP group, significant changes in biochemical indices were observed between the 48th and 96th hours of pleurisy. A reduction of albumin, transferrin, urea, and creatinine concentrations was observed, while concentrations of the complement components C3 and C4, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen increased. An early increase of IL-1 was observed, while increases of IL-6 and TNF were noted in the later period. The maximum intensity of the processes described above occurred between the 72nd and 96th hours of pleurisy.

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