Toxicology International (Formerly Indian Journal of Toxicology)

Anne A. Adeyanju ¹, Adedeji D. Ogunyemi ¹, Oluwaseun Owolabi ¹, Ololade Adesanya ¹, Temilade Omideyi ¹, Oluwasanmi O. Aina ², Martins Ekor ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, NG
2 Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NG
3 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GH

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 on hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by adriamycin in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (150 - 250 g) were randomly assigned into six groups of 5 rats/group. Negative, positive and sildenafil controls received physiological saline (10 ml/kg, p.o.), adriamycin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and sildenafil (20 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively. Three separate groups were pretreated with sildenafil (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg respectively) prior to adriamycin injection. Adriamycin increased activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This was associated with degeneration and severe central venous congestion in hepatic cells and marked micronuclei formation in erythrocytes. Sildenafil (5 mg/kg) reduced AST and ALP activities by 18.7 % (p<0.001) and 14.1 % (p<0.01) respectively in the adriamycin-treated rats without any significant change in ALT and GGT activities even at 10 mg/kg. Although, sildenafil (20 mg/kg) raised GGT activity by 77.4% and 51.6% in normal and adriamycin-treated rats respectively, these effects were not significant when compared with control. Similarly, total protein and albumin did not change significantly across the various treatment groups. However, sildenafil significantly (p<0.05) increased glutathione levels at all doses and significantly reduced micronuclei formation by 65.5% and ameliorated morphological damage associated with adriamycin toxicity. Our data suggest that low doses of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, may protect against adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Keywords

Hepatotoxicity, Genotoxicity, Adriamycin, Phosphodiesterase-5, Sildenafil.

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Adesina O. Odewabi , Omobola A. Ogundahunsi , Adenike A. Odewabi , Kolawole S. Oritogun , Martins Ekor

Abstract

Objectives: Work‑related health and safety risks are common among waste management workers (WMWs). This study investigated the level of compliance with safety measures in relation to levels of inflammatory markers among WMWs in Sagamu, South‑West Nigeria. Materials and Methods: WMWs comprising 30 cart pushers (CPs) and 50 truck users (TUs) were recruited alongside 45 people from the normal population as control. Data on health complaints were obtained from questionnaire surveys. Inflammation was assessed by measuring plasma ceruloplasmin (Cp), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‑reactive protein (CRP), and albumin. Results: WMWs exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and poor compliance with health and safety measures. Significant (P < 0.001) differences were observed in the use of masks, hand gloves, protective clothing, and footwear between TUs and CPs. ESR, Cp, and CRP increased significantly (P < 0.001) by 145, 28.7, and 42.5% in TUs and by 164, 50.5, and 74.3% in CPs, respectively, relative to control. Negative correlation was observed between use of mask (r = −0.225, P < 0.01), use of gloves (r = −0.184, P < 0.05), and Cp and between ESR and washing of hands with soap (r = −0.185, P < 0.05). The use of goggles (r = +0.285, P < 0.001), washing of hands with soap (r = +0.203; P < 0.01), use of masks (r = +0.317, P < 0.001), and use of gloves correlated positively in WMWs. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of work‑related symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers in WMWs was related to poor compliance with safety measures. ESR and Cp may be useful predictors of occupational hygiene and compliance with safety measures among Nigerian WMWs.

Keywords

Compliance, inflammatory markers, municipal solid wastes, occupational exposure, safety assessment

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