Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Humanin and Endostatin in Rats Exposed to Formaldehyde.

Aksu F, Akkoc RF, Savur E, Çelik C

Cureus30 May 2024

PMID38947691PMCIDPMC11214271DOI10.7759/cureus.61354PepBankPUB-38947691

Summary

IntroductionPeople are constantly exposed to formaldehyde, a volatile and poisonous gas, in indoor environments. In particular, anatomists, pathologists, histologists, and those involved in embalming are exposed to higher amounts of formaldehyde continuously due to their work. This study aimed to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on endostatin and humanin values in male rats exposed to experimental formaldehyde.MethodsIn the study, 28 male Spraque-Dawley rats aged 12-14 weeks (seven animals in each group: control group, formaldehyde group, N-acetylcysteine group, formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group) were used. Four weeks later, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. Following decapitation, endostatin and humanin levels in the serum of rats were studied by the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method. In all analyses, p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.ResultsHumanin and endostatin values were checked in the serum of rats. When humanin levels were compared between groups, a statistically significant difference was found between the formaldehyde group and both the control group (p<0.05) and the N-acetylcysteine group (p<0.05). In the formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group, it was determined that the humanin level was impaired due to formaldehyde exposure, approaching the control group values with the administered N-acetylcysteine. When the endostatin level was compared between the groups, a statistical significance (p<0.05) was found only between the formaldehyde group and the N-acetylcysteine group. In the formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group, it was determined that the endostatin level was impaired due to formaldehyde exposure, approaching the control group values with the administered N-acetylcysteine.ConclusionIn this study, the effects of N-acetylcysteine on humanin and endostatin on rats exposed to formaldehyde were demonstrated for the first time. Formaldehyde exposure negatively affected humanin and endostatin levels in rat sera. N-acetylcysteine ameliorated the negative effects of formaldehyde, bringing humanin and endostatin levels closer to the healthy control group.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study2

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01AnimalEndogenous levelAnimal study (in vivo)Other
In male rats, formaldehyde exposure changed serum humanin levels significantly versus the control group, and the authors report a negative effect on humanin.
In plain wordsIn rats, formaldehyde exposure had a negative effect on the body's own humanin levels in blood compared with control rats.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseSerum humanin after formaldehyde exposure
Study
ratn = 14
Formaldehyde exposure with N-acetylcysteine
Comparator
Control group
Outcome group
Aging markers · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
When humanin levels were compared between groups, a statistically significant difference was found between the formaldehyde group and both the control group (p<0.05) and the N-acetylcysteine group (p<0.05).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Formaldehyde exposure negatively affected humanin and endostatin levels in rat sera.
Summary · context
In the study, 28 male Spraque-Dawley rats aged 12-14 weeks (seven animals in each group: control group, formaldehyde group, N-acetylcysteine group, formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group) were used.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3894769101
02AnimalEndogenous levelAnimal study (in vivo)Other
In male rats exposed to formaldehyde, N-acetylcysteine brought serum humanin levels closer to control values.
In plain wordsIn rats exposed to formaldehyde, N-acetylcysteine brought the body's own humanin levels in blood closer to those of control rats.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
IncreaseSerum humanin with N-acetylcysteine after formaldehyde exposure
Study
ratn = 14
Formaldehyde exposure with N-acetylcysteine
Comparator
Formaldehyde group
Outcome group
Aging markers · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
In the formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group, it was determined that the humanin level was impaired due to formaldehyde exposure, approaching the control group values with the administered N-acetylcysteine.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
N-acetylcysteine ameliorated the negative effects of formaldehyde, bringing humanin and endostatin levels closer to the healthy control group.
Summary · context
In the study, 28 male Spraque-Dawley rats aged 12-14 weeks (seven animals in each group: control group, formaldehyde group, N-acetylcysteine group, formaldehyde+N-acetylcysteine group) were used.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3894769102

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Version history

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Version 2Current
13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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