Fullerene (C60) particle size implications in neurotoxicity following infusion into the hippocampi of Wistar rats.

The buckminsterfullerene (C60) is considered as a relevant candidate for drug and gene delivery to the brain, once it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the biological implications of this nanomaterial are not fully understood, and its safety for intracerebral delivery is still debatable. In this study, we investigated if C60 particle size could alter its biological effects.

Hypoxia effects on oxidative stress and immunocompetence biomarkers in the mussel Perna perna (Mytilidae, Bivalvia).

This study investigated the effects of hypoxia on oxidative stress response and immune function in mussels Perna perna exposed to air for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. In air-exposed mussels, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were lower in gill tissues (24-48 h) and digestive gland (12 h), while the glutathione peroxidase and GR activities were increased in the digestive gland (48 h). In both tissues, aerial exposure promoted a rapid (6 h) and persistent (up to 48 h) increase of glutathione levels.

Upregulating Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defenses in Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas: Investigating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in bivalves.

Analysis of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas annotated genome revealed genes with conserved sequences belonging to typical cap 'n' collar Nrf2 domain, a major player in antioxidant protection, and domains belonging to Nrf2 cytoplasmic repressor (Keap1), but little is known about Nrf2/Keap1 induction in bivalves. C. gigas were exposed to waterborne 10 and 30μM curcumin, a known inducer of the mammalian Nrf2.

Copper at low levels impairs memory of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) and affects swimming performance of larvae.

Metal contamination at low levels is an important issue because it usually produces health and environmental effects, either positive or deleterious. Contamination of surface waters with copper (Cu) is a worldwide event, usually originated by mining, agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential activities. Water quality criteria for Cu are variable among countries but allowed limits are generally in the μg/L range, which can disrupt several functions in the early life-stages of fish species.

Biochemical responses in mussels Perna perna exposed to diesel B5.

In Brazil B5 blend (5% biodiesel and 95% diesel oil) has been adopted as mandatory fuel since 2010 for automotive vehicles. Since little is known about the effects of B5 exposure can promote on antioxidant system of marine biota this study aimed to assess if B5 can generate modifications in antioxidant parameters of mussels Perna perna. To address this question mussels were exposed to two concentrations of B5 (0.

Fullerene and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on fish brain antioxidant status.

The carbon nanomaterial fullerene (C(60)) can act as anti or pro-oxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in cell suspensions of carp brains (Cyprinus carpio, Cyprinidae), the effect of C(60) after a pre-treatment with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) such as omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) and omega-6 (linoleic acid, LA). Assays consisted of a pre-treatment with PUFA (48 h) and then exposure to C(60) (2 h).