Influence of plant extracts on reduction of pesticide toxic effects in human erythrocytes in vitro
Project summary
Pesticides are chemical compounds whose use is constantly increasing due to the growing need of the population for food, but also because of the climate change and resistance that can occur due to long-term use. They have different chemical structures, are very stable in water and soil and reach the human body through the food chain. 
Pesticides are known to lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide) which results in oxidative stress, changes in cell structure and function, where the ending result can be cell death. The ultimate manifestation of the toxic effects of pesticides is the appearance of diseases at the macroscopic level (cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, asthma…). The target site of pesticide action is most often the cell membrane, and one of the consequences is a lipid peroxidation. Also, changes in antioxidant metabolism occur due to impaired redox homeostasis of cells. Erythrocytes have proven to be an excellent model for studying the effect of pesticides on the level of lipid peroxidation, and at the same time, they are cells that are rich in enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the antioxidant system. Changes in the antioxidant metabolism of erythrocytes is an indicator of the levels of prooxidative pressure exerted by toxic substances. On the other hand, it is known that extracts of many plant species show antioxidant properties and can help the cell to establish redox homeostasis in conditions when it is disturbed.
Goal of the project
Investigation of the effect of plant extract on the reduction of pesticide – induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes in vitro by measuring the content of malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation) and the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes.
Project team
- dr Biljana Davidović-Plavšić, coordinator
biljana.davidovic-plavsic@pmf.unibl.org - dr Zoran Kukrić, collaborate
- dr Aleksandra Nikolić-Kokić, collaborate
- dr Mirjana Žabić, collaborate
- dr Nataša Miljuš, researcher
- dr Dragana Blagojević, researcher
- ma Nataša Lukić, researcher
- ma Sanja Pržulj, researcher
- mr sci dr med Dragana Malčić, researcher
- Srđan Šabić, youngresearcher
- Danijela Lukić, young researcher
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