Effects of chronic dietary exposure to a low-dose of Malathion, Aroclor-1254 and 3-methylcholanthrene on three biomarkers in male mice

Acta Biol Hung. 2010 Dec;61(4):423-33. doi: 10.1556/ABiol.61.2010.4.6.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the applicability of some chronic toxicological tests in the determination of exposure to xenobiotics present in concentrations below No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and below the detection limit of analytical instruments. In the present experiment tested chemicals (Malathion, Aroclor-1254 and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)) were mixed with wheat grains and given to male mice as feed over a period of 12 months. 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity with the 3-MC and Aroclor-1254 treatments reached the peak at 9th month of exposure (26.7 and 42.4 pmol⁻¹ mg(prot)-⁻¹, respectively), while malathion did not have significant influence. Glutathione (GSH) level depletion was highest after three months of exposure. Unexpectedly, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity increased after treatment with malathion, an organophosphorous insecticide. In conclusion, low-level concentrations chronically administered exert certain effects on the levels of selected enzymes, e.g. biomarkers.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine) / pharmacology*
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / chemistry
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Glutathione / chemistry
  • Insecticides / pharmacology
  • Malathion / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Methylcholanthrene / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Toxicity Tests / methods
  • Xenobiotics

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Insecticides
  • Xenobiotics
  • Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine)
  • Methylcholanthrene
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1
  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • Glutathione
  • Malathion