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Protective role of selenium against over-expression of cancer-related apoptotic genes induced by o-cresol in rats.

Abstract
Cresols are monomethyl derivatives of phenol frequently used as solvents and intermediates in the production of disinfectants, fragrances, pesticides, dyes, and explosives, which is probably why they are widely distributed in the environment. General population may be exposed to cresols mainly through inhalation of contaminated air. In this study we evaluated the toxicological effects of o-cresol on differential gene expression profile of rat liver and prostate. Experiments were conducted on 80 male rats, 60 of which were exposed to o-cresol (1.5 g kg-1, 5 g kg-1, or 15 g kg-1) through feed for 8 weeks. Three groups of rats were supplemented with 0.1 mg kg-1 selenium (Se, in the form of, sodium selenite) in addition to o-cresol to evaluate its effectiveness against o-cresol toxicity. Control group received neither o-cresol nor Se, while one group received Se alone. Survival was similar between the exposed and control animals. Rats exposed to 15 g kg-1 of o-cresol showed a 16 % loss in body weight by the end of the study, which may have been related to o-cresol making feed unpalatable at this concentration. Liver and prostate tissue samples were collected at the end of the treatment. mRNA analysis revealed that apoptotic genes (CYP3A, COX-2, PPARĪ³, BAX, BCL2, AKT-1, and PKCĪ±) related to cancer were up-regulated in liver and prostate tissues isolated from groups exposed to 5 g kg-1 and 15 g kg-1o-cresol in comparison to control. Changes in gene expression profile were prevented when rats were supplemented with Se. The exact mechanisms underlying its protective effect remain to be clarified by future studies.
AuthorsWagdy K B Khalil, Hoda F Booles
JournalArhiv za higijenu rada i toksikologiju (Arh Hig Rada Toksikol) Vol. 62 Issue 2 Pg. 121-9 (Jun 2011) ISSN: 1848-6312 [Electronic] Croatia
PMID21705299 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Carcinogens
  • Cresols
  • Selenium
  • 2-cresol
Topics
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis (genetics)
  • Carcinogens (toxicity)
  • Cresols (toxicity)
  • Gene Expression (drug effects)
  • Liver (metabolism)
  • Male
  • Prostate (metabolism)
  • Rats
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Selenium (pharmacology)
  • Up-Regulation

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