Combined Subchronic Toxicity of Bisphenol A and Dibutyl Phthalate on Male Rats

Objective To evaluate the combined subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A（BPA） and dibutyl phthalate（DBP） in male Sprague Dawley（SD） rats.Methods Forty 4‐week‐old male rats weighing 115‐125 g were randomly divided into BPA‐treated,DBP‐treated group,BPA＋DBP‐treated and control groups and fed with a soy‐ and alfalfa‐free diet containing 285.4 ppm BPA,285.4 ppm DBP,285.4 ppm BPA plus 285.4 ppm DBP,and a control diet,respectively,for 90 consecutive days.At the end of the study,the animals were sacrificed by exsanguination via the carotid artery under diethyl etherane aesthesia and weighed.Organs,including liver,kidneys,spleen,thymus,heart,brain,and testis underwent pathological examination.The androgen receptor（AR）,gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor（GNRHR）,and progesterone hormone receptor（PR） genes from the hypothalamus were detected by real‐time PCR.The biomedical parameters were analyzed.Results No significant difference was found in food intake,body weight,tissue weight,organ/brain weight ratio,and biomedical parameters among the four groups（P〉0.05）.However,BPA and DBP up‐regulated AR,PR and GNRHR expression levels in rats and showed a synergistic or an additive effect in the BPA＋DBP group.Conclusion The combined subchronic toxicity of BPA and DBP is synergistic or additive in male SD rats.

Acute and subchronic toxicity as well as evaluation of safety pharmacology of modified pulsatilla granules

The present study investigated acute and subchronic toxicity and safety pharmacology of modified pulsatilla granules（MPG）to provide a basis for a comprehensive understanding of MPG toxicity.The results of acute toxicity testing showed that the median lethal dose of MPG was more than 5 000 mg kg^-1,suggesting that MPG was considered as practically non-toxic.The subchronic toxicity study for 30 days was conducted by daily oral administration at doses of 375,750 and 1 500 mg kg^-1 in Sprague-Dawley rats.The results of subchronic toxicity study showed that the body weight and relative organ weight were not significantly changed by administration of MPG.The clinical chemistry study showed that MPG could induce kidney and liver damages.In histopathological,mild lesions in liver and kidney were also observed,suggesting that the liver and kidney might be potential target organs of MPG.In the safety pharmacology study,MPG did not exhibited any side effects to rats in cardiovascular system,respiratory system and central nervous system.These results suggested that MPG could be considered safe for veterinary use.

Subchronic Toxicity Study on Soy Isoflavones in Rats

Objective To investigate the subchronic toxicity of soy isoflavones （SIF） in male rats. Method Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats per group. SIF were given to rats in different groups by gavage at dose of 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 g/kg bw, respectively for 13 weeks. Clinical manifestations, body weight, and food consumption were observed weekly. At the end of the study, urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were tested, and histopathological examinations were performed. Results No mortality, ophthalmic abnormalities or treatment-related clinical signs were identified during the study. As compared with the control group, significantly lower body weights and food consumption were observed in 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg bw groups. In clinical chemistry tests, triglyceride was significantly decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased in all SIF-treated groups. Total testosterone levels were significantly lower in 0.50, 1.50, and 4.5 g/kg bw dose groups than in the control group. Microscopic examination showed that the mammary glands exhibited hyperplasia and excreted latex in rats of the 4.5 g/kg bw group. No changes attributable to treatment of SIF in other parameters were found. Conclusion SIF at high dosages caused significant endocrine disruption in male rats. The no observed adverse effect level （NOAEL） of SIF to male rats in this study is considered to be 0.20 g/kg bw.

A Subchronic Toxicity Study on Lactobacillus Fermentum GM 090 in Rat

Lactobacillus fermentum （L. fermentum） is one of seven species in the genus Lactobacillus[1]. With a long history of safe use in fermented food production, Lactobacillus is considered as one of the most beneficial probiotics[23]. The most well-known potential health benefit is improving digestion and immune function[4.s]. Other beneficial functions of Lactobacillus strains include managing lactose intoleranceIs], lowering cholesterol and blood pressureIs], reducing inflammation[~], and prevention of cancerIs＇7]. L. fermentum is usually found during malt whisky fermentation]8]. L. fermentum CP34 was found to have the significant effect of decreasing the serum antigen-specific IgE levels compared to a control group[9].

Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Lanthanum： A 90-day, Repeated Dose Study in Rats

Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of lanthanum and to determine the no observed adverse effect level（NOAEL）,which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake（ADI）.Methods In accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development（OECD） testing guidelines,lanthanum nitrate was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats at dose levels of 0,1.5,6.0,24.0,and 144.0 mg/kg body weight（BW） per day for 90 days,followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the 144.0 mg/kg BW per day and normal control groups.Outcome parameters were mortality,clinical symptoms,body and organ weights,serum chemistry,and food consumption,as well as ophthalmic,urinary,hematologic,and histopathologic indicators.The benchmark dose（BMD） approach was applied to estimate a point of departure for the hazard risk assessment of lanthanum.Results Significant decreases were found in the 144.0 mg/kg BW group in the growth index,including body weight,organ weights,and food consumption.This study suggests that the NOAEL of lanthanum nitrate is 24.0 mg/kg BW per day.Importantly,the 95% lower confidence value of the benchmark dose（BMDL） was estimated as 9.4 mg/kg BW per day in females and 19.3 mg/kg BW per day in males.Conclusion The present subchronic oral exposure toxicity study may provide scientific data for the risk assessment of lanthanum and other rare earth elements（REEs）.

Antihyperglycemic and subchronic toxicity study of Moringa stenopetala leaves in mice

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and subchronic toxicity of an extract ofMoringa stenopetala(M.stenopetala)leaves in mice.Methods:Antihyperglycemic activities of various solvent subfractions and chromatographic fractions were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic mice.All fractions were administered intragastrically using oral gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg.For the subchronic toxicity investigation of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves,a daily dose of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight was administered to mice over 96 d.Some hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ specific toxicity.Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity investigation was done using thin layer chromatography method.Results:Among the solvent subfractions of the 70%ethanol extract tested only butanol subfraction exhibited significant reduction of blood glucose level(P<0.05)at 2 h(53.44%)and 4.5 h(46.34%)in diabetic mice and it was further fractionated chromatographically.This resulted in isolation of three chromatographic fractions(fraction 1,2,and 3)which exhibited maximal blood glucose reduction(P<0.01)at 6 h(77.2%),at 4.5 h(69.1%)and at 4.5 h(71.96%)after administration.Furthermore,these fractions exhibited comparable antioxidant activity,and preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds which may be phenolic glycoside in all fractions.The subchronic toxicity study of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves revealed that there were no significant differences in body weight,between controls and treated mice.Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters examined.Furthermore,it did not significantly affect plasma creatinine,urea,cholesterol,triglycerides and CA125 levels.It also did not significantly affect the plasma T3,T4 and THS level.It,however,caused a significant dose-dependent increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.The plasma alanine aminotransferase increased in a dose dependent manner,though not significant.Conclusions:The present study revealed that the crude ethanol extract and solvent-solvent fractions as well as chromatographic fractions have antihyperglycemic effect.Furthermore,the crude ethanol extract have some effect on liver of the mice on subchronic administration.Therefore,further study should be done to identify the active principal compound responsible for antihyperglycemic effect and to rule out the safety in other animal model.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Silica Nanoparticles and Silica Microparticles in Rats

Objective To investigate the subchronic oral toxicity of silica nanoparticles（NPs） and silica microparticles（MPs） in rats and to compare the difference in toxicity between two particle sizes.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups： the control group; the silica NPs low-, middle-, and high-dose groups; and the silica MPs low-, middle-, and high-dose groups [166.7,500, and 1,500 mg/（kg·bw·day）]. All rats were gavaged daily for 90 days, and deionized water was administered to the control group. Clinical observations were made daily, and body weights and food consumption were determined weekly. Blood samples were collected on day 91 for measurement of hematology and clinical biochemistry. Animals were euthanized for necropsy, and selected organs were weighed and fixed for histological examination. The tissue distribution of silicon in the blood, liver,kidneys, and testis were determined.Results There were no toxicologically significant changes in mortality, clinical signs, body weight,food consumption, necropsy findings, and organ weights. Differences between the silica groups and the control group in some hematological and clinical biochemical values and histopathological findings were not considered treatment related. The tissue distribution of silicon was comparable across all groups.Conclusion Our study demonstrated that neither silica NPs nor silica MPs induced toxicological effects after subchronic oral exposure in rats.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Pyridostigmine Bromide in Rats

This study evaluated the oral toxicity of pyridostigmine bromide in Sprague-Dawley rats when administered for 13 weeks by daily gavage. Groups of 10 rats/sex received doses of 0, 5, 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day. Toxicity was limited to exaggerated cholinergic stimulation at doses of 15 mg/kg/day or greater. Significant findings included tremors and inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase. Thus, 5 mg/kg/day of pyridostigmine bromide appears to be the no observed toxic effect level under the conditions of the present investigation.

Subchronic oral toxicity evaluation of ethanolic whole plant extract of Eleucine indica on haematological and biochemical indices in Wistar albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ingestion of ethanolic whole plant extract of Eleucine indica on haematological and biochemical parameters of Wistar albino rats.Methods:Subchronic toxicity study was carried out by oral administration of different doses(200,400 and 600 mg/kg body weight)of the extract on alternate-day basis to different groups of rats for 28 days.The animals were subsequently sacrificed and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for haematological and biochemical analyses.Results:Haematological indices were preserved and the extract showed significant(P<0.01–0.001)haemostatic potentials.There was significant reduction(P<0.05–0.001)in total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase(P<0.001),alanine transaminase(P<0.05),alkaline phosphatase(P<0.001)and blood glucose(P<0.001)compared to control.The level of total protein increased significantly(P<0.05–0.001).Kidney functions were,however,intact.Conclusions:The results obtained indicated that ingestion of Eleucine indica whole plant extract for a long period of time reduces both bleeding and clotting times,reduces blood sugar and shows no apparent toxic effect on liver and kidneys.The results of this study may be useful as a basis for clinical trials in humans.

Chlorine substitution-dependent toxicities of polychlorinated biphenyls to the earthworm Eisenia fetida in soil

Polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs)with different chlorine substitution patterns often coexist in e-waste-processing sites.However,the single and combined toxicity of PCBs to soil organisms and the influence of chlorine substitution patterns remain largely unknown.Herein,we evaluated the distinct in vivo toxicity of PCB28(a trichlorinated PCB),PCB52(a tetrachlorinated PCB),PCB101(a pentachlorinated PCB),and their mixture to earthworm Eisenia fetida in soil,and looked into the underlining mechanisms in an in vitro test using coelomocytes.After a 28-days exposure,all PCBs(up to 10 mg/kg)were not fatal to earthworms,but could induce intestinal histopathological changes and microbial community alterations in the drilosphere system,along with a significant weight loss.Notably,pentachlorinated PCBs with a low bioaccumulation ability showed greater inhibitory effects on the growth of earthworm than lowly chlorinated PCBs,suggesting that bioaccumulation was not the main determinant of chlorine substitution-dependent toxicity.Furthermore,in vitro assays showed that the highly chlorinated PCBs induced a high-percentage apoptosis of eleocytes in the coelomocytes and significantly activated antioxidant enzymes,indicating that the distinct cellular vulnerability to lowly/highly chlorinated PCBs was the main contributor to the PCBs toxicity.These findings emphasize the specific advantage of using earthworms in the control of lowly chlorinated PCBs in soil due to their high tolerance and accumulation ability.