Search

National and international organizations are working together with the World Health Organization to control vector-borne diseases. The extensive uses of synthetic insecticides have led to the development of insect resistance and cause adverse health effects on humans and ecosystem. The current study aimed to study the potential larvicidal activity of microalgae (Amphora coffeaeformis and Scenedesmus obliquus) against the mosquito Culex pipiens. Toxicity on rats and an eco-toxicology study using the Microtox® test was performed. Liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that A. coffeaeformis and S. obliquus extracts have high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids. Both A. coffeaeformis and S. obliquus extracts had larvicidal activity with different mechanisms of toxic action against C. pipiens and the LC50 was 513.63 and 855.66 μg mL−1 compared with 173.16 μg mL−1 of the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin. From toxicological studies on male rats and acute toxicity on bacterial strain of Vibrio fischeri using Microtox toxicity test, the A. coffeaeformis extract can be considered non-toxic to experimental animals and eco-friendly. Therefore, these findings propose the prospect use extracts of microalgae such as A. coffeaeformis as a safe and eco-friendly larvicide against C. pipiens.

The pyrethroid imiprothrin is widely used worldwide for control of insects in the agriculture and public health sectors. No sufficient information is however available concerning detoxification gene expression, i.e., cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and metallothionein 1a gene, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and organ injury induced by imiprothrin in mammals. This study is designed to explain the mechanism of imiprothrin induced detoxification gene expression, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and organ toxicity in male rats. The benchmark dose (BMD) was calculated to find the best sensitive markers to imiprothrin toxicity. Imiprothrin was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into male rats once a day for 5 days with doses of 19, 38, and 75 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.). Imiprothrin caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and changes in oxidative stress biomarkers in treated rats. Significant dose-dependent changes in the liver and kidney biomarkers were observed. Histopathological alterations were seen in the liver and kidney tissue of male rats. Imiprothrin also significantly increased chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei in bone-marrow cells, and induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and liver and kidney dysfunction, and damage. Imiprothrin induced DNA damage and over detoxification gene expression of CYP1A2 and metallothionein 1a gene in hepatocytes of male rats. Imiprothrin thus shows clastogenic and genotoxic potential. The mechanism for hepatorenal toxicity and injury, genotoxicity/cytotoxicity of imiprothrin might be due to enhanced lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress associated with overproduction of free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species, and an imbalance in redox status. From the BMD models, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, uric acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and micronuclei (MPEs) were very sensitive markers to imiprothrin toxicity.

Pyrethroid insecticides are extensively used for control insects in both public health and agriculture sectors. Despite the important role of these insecticides, it caused adverse toxic effects on human, especially at the weanling stage. In this work, the antioxidant activity of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts, and phenolic flavonoid contents were studied. In addition, herbal syrup formulation and hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats were investigated. Both extracts have high phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. Deltamethrin reduced body and liver weights of weanling rats. It induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and altered liver function enzymes. It caused a histopathological alteration in liver tissue. Supplementation of herbal syrup improved the above changes via increase body weights, antioxidant enzymes, and decrease lipid peroxidation, and enhanced histopathological profile. It can be concluded that herbal syrup of chicory and artichoke leaves extracts can ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin. Herbal syrup from agriculture wastes of chicory and artichoke leaves is considered an easy, economical, and useful formulation for protecting agriculture workers against the adverse effects induced by pyrethroid insecticides especially in poor rural in developing countries where pyrethroid insecticides are applied for control vector-borne diseases and insects in agriculture.

Pendimethalin (PND) is a dinitroaniline herbicide widely used to control broadleaf and annual grasses. Although the acute oral toxicity of PND is >5 g/kg b.wt. in humans (LD50 for rats >5000 g/kg b.wt.), it has been classified as a possible human carcinogen. It is still used in agriculture so, agricultural workers and their families, as well as consumers, can be exposed to this herbicide. The present study is the first report investigating the dose-response effect using the benchmark dose (BMD) and the adverse effects of exposure to PND at low dose via apoptosis responses linked to the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), FAS, and BAX proteins; oxidative stress; and DNA and liver damage in female rats. The rats were exposed to PND via drinking water at doses equivalent to no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL = 100 mg/kg b.wt.), 200, and 400 mg/kg b.wt. for 28 days. PND caused the overexpression of Tnf-α, Fas, and Bax; increased the levels of serum liver biomarkers; and increased oxidative stress in the liver and erythrocytes. Furthermore, it induced DNA and liver damage in a dose-dependent manner. The BMD showed that serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total antioxidant capacity (78.4 and 30.1 mg/kg b.wt./day, respectively), lipid peroxidation in liver tissue (30.9 mg/kg b.wt./day), catalase in erythrocytes (14.0 mg/kg b.wt./day), and FAS expression in liver tissue (6.89 mg/kg b.wt./day) were highly sensitive biomarkers of PND toxicity. Our findings suggest the generation of reactive oxygen species as a possible mechanism of PND-induced gene overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), FAS, and BAX proteins, oxidative stress, and DNA and liver damage in female rats.

Pesticides are usually used in agriculture practice for field and post-harvest protection, whereas their prolonged persistence in the environment may lead to high toxicity to humans and animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the detection of different pesticide residues in agricultural soil samples collected from four Egyptian governorates. A total of forty agricultural soil samples were collected during the period from April to June 2020. Samples were extracted using a QuEChERS method and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data revealed that agricultural soil samples from Damietta governorate were highly contaminated (80.00%) by different pesticide residues, followed by Fayoum (40.00%), Menia (36.36%), and Alexandria (10.00%) governorates. The pesticide residues detected in soil samples belonged to the following chemical groups; triazole (21.43%), organophosphate, neonicotinoid, and pyrethroid (10.71%), and others. Among the insecticides detected in soil samples from Damietta governorate were malathion, acetamiprid, and methomyl at concentrations of 10.315, 0.725, and 0.395 mg/kg respectively. The fungicide carbendazim was also detected in soil samples from Damietta governorate at a concentration of 18.303 mg/kg. Meanwhile, in Alexandria governorate, no fungicides were detected in soil samples. The herbicide, oxyfluorfen was detected in soil samples from Menia governorate, whereas pendimethalin and thiobencarb were detected in soil samples from Damietta governorate. Data also revealed that herbicides were not detected in soil samples from both Alexandria and Fayoum governorates. This study shed light on the presence of different pesticide residues in agricultural soil samples in Egypt, and which may affect agricultural products grown on contaminated agricultural soil.

The adverse effects of synthetic acaricides on humans, animals, non-target organisms and the ecosystem are serious problems. Thus, there is a new trend to use nanotechnology for developing new, natural, bio and safe acaricides for mite control in green-pest management. This is the first work for preparing a nanoformulation of rosemary essential oil (EO) and evaluating its effect against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. GC/MS analysis of rosemary EO showed that 1,8 cineole (31.45%), borneol (11.07%), α-pinene (10.91%), D-limonene (9.19%), L-linalool (8.86%), D-camphor (7.32%), γ-terpinene (3.92%), linalyl acetate (3.37%), α-terpineol (3.32%), and p-cymene (1.82%) were the major components. After 6 min of sonication, a nanoemulsion of rosemary EO was formulated with a droplet size of 139.9 nm. The balance between oil (lyophilic) and surfactant (hydrophilic) was correlated with the droplet size and the stability of the nanoemulsion. Spray application of rosemary nanoemulsion showed high acaricidal activity against immature and adult two-spotted spider mites T. urticae with LC50 723.71 and 865.68 μg · ml−1 and the toxicity increased by 54.15 and 52.69% for immature and adult mites, respectively. There were no toxic effects or mortality of rats treated with rosemary nanoemulsion. High acaricidal activity, stability, and safety of rosemary nanoemulsion make this nanoformulation a possible green and nano-acaricidal product. Further studies under field conditions are necessary to study the acaricidal efficiency of rosemary nanoemulsion against two-spotted spider mites and the toxic effect on predacious mites.

Background: Funcionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs) were used for the preparation of therapeutic nanoparticles for delivery of some bioactive compounds. Consequently, this work deals with the preparation of grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of pomegranate peel extract (P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles and their toxic effects on male mice using in vivo biological examination (liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers) and the histopathological analysis. Methods: P. granatum extract was immobilized onto functionalized MWCNTs using simple adsorption technique. Moreover, The prepared materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vivo examination using liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers was investigated. In addition, the histopathological study was carried out. Results: The ox-MWCNTs induced significant elevation in the liver enzymes including AST, ALT and ALP relative to the control group. While, the treatment with P. granatum extract only did not induce any change in the liver and kidney biomarkers. In other words, P. granatum extract loaded onto functionalized MWCNTs showed low effects on liver enzymes and kidney function biomarkers in the treated mice in comparison with ox-MWCNTs and extract separately. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that the P. granatum extract functionalized MWCNTs exhibited normal renal tissue with no histopathological alteration. Conclusion: The grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of pomegranate peel extract (P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles were successfully prepared. SEM-micrographs showed complete coating of MWCNTs fiber with the extract. The prepared materials resulted in no toxic effects and the histopathological findings were confirmed by inflammation of the liver and kidney tissues.

Synthetic insecticide fipronil (FPN) is widely spread worldwide for controlling insects in agriculture and public health sectors. Thus, this work aimed to study the molecular mechanisms of FPN induced hepatotoxicity and the protective role of fish oil in female rats. Female rats were allocated in four groups of rats exposed to FPN and/or fish oil and control. Oxidative stress markers i.e., lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes, and liver function enzymes, butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE), histopathological lesions, DNA damage, expression alteration of apoptosis and inflammatory related genes in liver tissues were assessed. FPN treatment induced significant changes in the levels of LPO, liver function, BuChE, histopathological lesions, over-expression of tested genes and elevation in DNA damage. In contrary, treatment of FPN-exposed rats with fish oil improved significantly the negative effects of FPN on liver tissues. The molecular mechanisms of FPN might be due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and change the oxidant/antioxidant statues. The hepatoprotective effect of fish oil might be attributed to increase the antioxidant capacity prevented the ROS generation induced by FPN in female rats.

There are growing concerns about the extensive use of synthetic fungicides worldwide due to their negative health effect on humans, ecosystem, and the development of fungal resistance. Therefore, developing new and safe eco-friendly antifungal agents such as plant-based oils is of major interest. This study was conducted for the first time to develop and evaluate the efficiency of eco-friendly nanoemulsions of some natural oils and evaluating of its efficiency against postharvest fruit rot of cucumber caused by the following fungal isolates: Galactomyces candidum (MF373433), Alternaria tenuissima (MF 373440) and Fusarium solani (MF373443). Nanoemulsions of clove, black seed, lemon, and orange oils were formulated by using ultrasound and subjected to physicochemical and stability studies. The efficiency of these nanoemulsions was evaluated against the postharvest fruit rot fungi of cucumber. The oils of promising nanoemulsions have been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC/MS). The acute toxicity study was conducted on rats and on the luminescence emitted of Vibrio fischeri bacteriausing Microtox®. The smaller droplet size of nanoemulsions was found after 10 min of sonication with an oil to Tween 80 ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 for clove and black seed oils, respectively. Nanoemulsion of black seed and clove oils from Egypt at 5000 ppm showed a significantly high reduction in the linear mycelial growth of fungal isolates. The mixture formula (2:1 v/v) of nanoemulsions of clove and black seed oils showed a significantly high reduction in linear mycelial growth, completely inhibited (100%) conidia sporulation of fungal isolates, and highly reduced the percentage of the rot of germinated seeds as well mortality of cucumber developed seedlings. Nanoemulsion formulation of clove and black seed (2:1) at concentration 2.0 % as soaking treatment of cucumber fruits before artificial infestation by inocula of fungal pathogens caused completely (100%) suppress postharvest fruit rot of cucumber. Both clove and black seed oils nanoemulsions and their combination showed no signs of toxicity or mortality in rats and no toxic effects on the luminescence emitted of Vibrio fischeri bacteria using Microtox® assay. Therefore, it can be concluded that the nanoformulation of clove and black seed oils at the ratio of 2:1 is a promising green and safe alternative to synthetic fungicide for application against postharvest rot of cucumber fruits.

The extensive use of synthetic insecticides to control vector-borne diseases has caused increased insect resistance, adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. Currently, a new nanotechnology strategy is being considered to develop new green-nano-friendly insecticides. This is the first study for the formulation of Mentha spicata essential oil (EO) nanoemulsion and its application against Culex pipiens, and housefly, Musca domestica. Acute oral toxicity of nano and normal emulsions was studied on rats. The results of gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis showed that the total identified compounds 95.18 % comprised 28 compounds. These included 1,8-Cineole (19.55 %), menthol (14.4 %), 1-p-menthen-8-yl acetate (6.42 %), 4-terpineol (6.28 %), α-terpineol (5.38 %), α-pinene (5.26 %), β-pinene (4.72 %),p-cymene (3.52 %) and delta 3-carene (3.09 %) as the major components. Nanoemulsion with droplet size 97.8 nm was obtained by ultrasonic emulsification for 10 min at ratio 1:1 (v/v) of mint EO and Tween 80. Emulsification conditions and nanoemulsion droplet size are correlated. Mint nanoemulsion showed a high larvicidal activity against C. pipiens (LC50, 43.57 μg/mL) and M. domestica (LC50, 65.13 μg/mL) compared with normal oil and lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide. Nanoformulation increased efficiency by 71.46 % and 52.0 % against C. pipiens and M. domestica, respectively. Nanoformulation had no toxic effects on the treated rats. Mint nanoemulsion is solvent-free, soluble in water, effective, safe, and eco-friendly. Therefore, it can be used to control C. pipiens, and M. domestica larvae as it is or by developing new capsules with controlled-release as a possible product.

The purpose of the study was to assess the phytochemical and hepatoprotective activity of different extracts of dried herb of Cichorium intybus L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated male albino rats. The hepatoprotective activity of different extracts at 500 mg/kg body weight was compared with carbon tetrachloride-treated animals. The animals were divided into five groups with six animals in each group. The first group represents control, the second group received carbon tetrachloride, the third received C. intybus, and the fourth group received C. intybus plus carbon tetrachloride. The fifth group received silymarin as hepato-slandered drug. There were significant changes in serum biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats, which were restored towards normal values in C. intybus-treated animals. Histopathological examination of liver tissues further substantiated these findings. In conclusion, of this investigation, the results ascertain that the herb extracts of C. intybus possess significant hepatoprotective activity.

Long-term application and extensive use of synthetic insecticides have resulted in accumulating their residues in food, milk, water, and soil and cause adverse health effects to human and ecosystems. Therefore, application of natural insecticides in agriculture and public health sectors has been increased as alternative to synthetic insecticides. The question here is, are all natural insecticides safe. Therefore, the review presented here focuses on the safety of natural insecticides. Natural insecticides contain chemical, mineral, and biological materials and some products are available commercially, e.g., pyrethrum, neem, spinosad, rotenone, abamectin,Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt), garlic, cinnamon, pepper, and essential oil products. It can induce hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, hematotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and oxidative stress. It can induce mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity in mammals. Some natural insecticides and active compounds from essential oils are classified in categories Ib (Highly hazardous) to U (unlikely toxic). Therefore, the selectivity and safety of natural insecticides not absolute and some natural compounds are toxic and induce adverse effects to experimental animals. In concussion, all natural insecticides are not safe and the term “natural” does not mean that compounds are safe. In this respect, the term “natural” is not synonymous with “organic” and not all-natural insecticide products are acceptable in organic farmers.

Graphical abstract, Fipronil (FPN) is a broad-spectrum N-phenylpyrazole insecticide and has been used in agriculture and public health since the mid-1990s. The present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of sub-chronic exposure to the FPN on the liver and kidney of male rats at three concentrations 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L in drinking water for 45 days. Serum aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and levels of uric acid, creatinine and total protein were significantly increased in FPN-treated rats. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reduced (GSH) were significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly increased in treating rats in a concentration dependent manner. FPN caused histopathological alterations in liver and kidney of male rats. From our results, it can be concluded that FPN induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, liver, and kidney injury in rats. These pathophysiological changes in liver and kidney tissues could be due to the toxic effect of FPN that associated with a generation of free radicals.

This study was conducted to evaluate the herbicidal activity of some plant extracts against three selected weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Cichorium intybus and Echinochloa crus-galli.) and also to be compared with the herbicide atrazine (gesaprim®, 80% WP). The plant extracts included: Allium cepa (Onion) lamina, Allium sativum (Garlic) lamina, Cichorium intybus (Chicory) (whole plant), Citrus aurantium (Sour orange) peel, Conyza aegyptiaca (Fleabane) (whole plant), Oryza sativa (Rice) straw, Triticum aestivum (Wheat) straw, and Zea mays (Corn) straw. Three sets of laboratory experiments were conducted. First, the plant species were water extracted and bioassayed using radish as a bioindicator plant. Then these plants were tested against the chosen weeds in six different concentrations (1%, 4%, 7%, 10%, 15%, and 20% w/v). Finally, weeds were subjected to the herbicide atrazine in four concentrations (3.75%, 1.875%, 0.9375%, and 0.46875% w/v). The results showed that the majority of screened plants inhibited germination of radish seeds in a percentage ca 40% or more. The concentration 25% of the recommended dose of atrazine (0.9375% w/v) was the most effective against germination of all target weeds. The herbicide atrazine was found to be more potent than all the tested plant extracts against all target weeds. As for the effect on Amaranthus retroflexus and Cichorium intybus, extracts of Citrus aurantium peel and Cichorium intybus, respectively were considered more promising since atrazine exceeded their potency with only 0.6 times. It was noticed also that the relative potency of atrazine and Oryza sativa extract (against Cichorium intybus) were nearly the same (1.1 time). Most the tested plant extracts were very weak as compared with atrazine against Echinochloa crus-galli.

Green and nanoacaricides including essential oil (EO) nanoemulsions are important compounds to provide new, active, safe acaricides and lead to improvement of avoiding the risk of synthetic acaricides. This study was carried out for the first time on eriophyid mites to develop nanoemulsion of garlic essential oil by ultrasonic emulsification and evaluate its acaricidal activity against the two eriophyid olive mites Aceria oleae Nalepa and Tegolophus hassani (Keifer). Acute toxicity of nanoemulsion was also studied on male rats. Garlic EO was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the major compounds were diallyl sulfide (8.6%), diallyl disulfide (28.36%), dimethyl tetrasulfide (15.26%), trisulfide,di-2-propenyl (10.41%), and tetrasulfide,di-2-propenyl (9.67%). Garlic oil nanoemulsion with droplet size 93.4 nm was formulated by ultrasonic emulsification for 35 min. Emulsification time and oil and surfactant ratio correlated to the emulsion droplet size and stability. The formulated nanoemulsion showed high acaricidal activity against injurious eriophyid mites with LC50 298.225 and 309.634 μg/ml, respectively. No signs of nanoemulsion toxicity were noted in treating rats; thus, it may be considered non-toxic to mammals. Stability of garlic oil nanoemulsion, high acaricidal activity, and the absence of organic toxic solvents make the formulation that may be a possible acaricidal product. Results suggest the possibility of developing suitable natural nanoacaricide from garlic oil.

A total of 60 healthy pesticide sprayers (smokers and non-smokers) in cotton fields exposed to different classes of pesticides for many years were compared with controls matched for age with respect to serum cholinesterase (ChE), serum total protein, alkaline and acid phosphatases (ALP and AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), blood glucose, serum hormones FSH, testosterone and L-thyroxine (T4). Significant increase was observed in serum ALP, AP, LDH, GGT, CK, serum hormones FSH, testosterone, L-thyroxine and blood glucose. Significant decrease in serum total protein and ChE. The increase or decrease in the tested biomarkers was more pronounced in the smokers than non-smoker workers. These results suggest that the long-term exposure of various pesticides on sprayers of cotton fields affect the normal functioning of different organ systems and may produce characteristic clinical effects.

Purpose The widespread use of organophosphorus insecticides (OPIs) consequently leads to the exposure of manufacturing workers, field applicators, the ecosystem, and finally the public to the possible toxic effects of OPIs. In addition, drugs or pharmaceutical products, which are used to cure diseases, are also xenobiotics with both therapeutic/toxic potentials. It is evident from the literature, which is very limited, that drug/insecticide interactions can result in altered response/toxicity, which is of clinical relevance. The aim of the present study was designed to assess the adverse effects of exposure to aspirin and diazinon and their combination on liver of male rats and hepatoprotective potential of selenium (Se). Methods Rats were oral administered with vehicle, acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) at the maximum administration dose (1350 mg/personal/day = 22.5 mg/kg. b.wt.), diazinon (DIA) at 20 mg/kg. b.wt. and Se at a dose of 200 μg/kg b.wt./day and their combinations for 28 consecutive days. Serum liver biomarkers, e.g. ALT&AST, ALP, ChE, LDH, albumin, total protein were determined as well as histological and histochemical studies. Results Body weight was statistically (P ≤ 0.05) decreased, while relative liver weight was statistically (P ≤ 0.05) increased in DIA and ASA + DIA-treated groups. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were statistically (P ≤ 0.05) increased, while the activity of cholinesterase (ChE) was decreased in rats exposed to DIA, ASA and DIA + ASA. In addition, administration of DIA, ASA and their combination resulted in damage of liver structures and increase in the immunoreactivity of caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes as compared to the control group. Combination therapy with Se significantly (P ≤ 0.05) restored these alterations to within the normal limits and prevents disruptions of liver structures. Conclusions The present study indicates that liver enzymes, histopathology and immunoreactivity of caspase-3 would trigger ASA- and DIA-induced liver injury. The severities of such observations were more pronounced in their combined exposure. Combination therapy with Se restored these alterations to within the normal limits and prevents disruptions of liver structures. The data throw light on the problem of simultaneous exposure to OPIs and commonly used drugs especially that are metabolised by CYP450. Accordingly, ASA should be avoided since many of the adverse effects associated with these drugs are similar to the complications of chronic liver disease especially of agricultural workers in developing countries, where the handling of drugs without medical prescription. We suppose that antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial for the people using ASA for longer periods.

This study aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of prallethrin in rat bone marrow cells and the protective effect of Origanum majorana L. essential oil (EO). Our results demonstrated that prallethrin at dose 64.0 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) (1/10 LD50), has a clastogenic/genotoxic potential as shown by the high percentage of chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) in the bone marrow cells of male rats, whereas the combined treatment of prallethrin and O. majorana EO resulted in the reduction of the CA (54.54%). The combined treatment also reduced the micronuclei formation significantly. In conclusion, prallethrin can be considered clastogenic/genotoxic and may carry a risk to human health. The study revealed the antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic potential of O. majorana EO against prallethrin-induced genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in rat bone marrow cells.

Information about the adverse effects of lactation transfer of abamectin (ABA) is important for human health, especially in the third-world countries where breastfeeding is the only source of nutrition for infants. So, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of breastfeeding exposure to ABA on oxidative damage and liver and kidney dysfunction in suckling rats. Dams were orally administered ABA at a doses 22.10, 11.05, and 2.21 mg a.i./kg b.wt from postnatal day 1 (PND1) until day 20 (PND20). The signs of toxicity and high mortality were recorded in suckling male (67.5%) and female (55.0%) pups whose mother exposed to the ABA at dose 22.1 mg a.i./kg b.wt. ABA induced significantly decrease in body weights of mothers and their male and female pups and significant increase in relative liver weights. It caused oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of mothers and their pups by increasing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-transferase (GST). ABA altered the level of serum liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers either in the mothers or their male and female pups in a dose-dependent manner. It caused histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues. It can be decided that ABA was accumulated in mother’s milk, transferred through breast feeding, and induced mortality in their suckling pups. It caused oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and biochemical and histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney of mothers and their suckling pups. The results in the present study add some information about the adverse effect of lactation transfer of ABA, which is important for human health in the third-world countries where breastfeeding may be the only source of nutrition for infants in the first and most critical weeks of life.

The protective effects of zinc on liver and kidney injury induced by chlorpyrifos (CPF) were investigated in rats. Male and female rats were orally administered CPF at a dose of 6.75 mg kg−1 body weight for 28 consecutive days. An additional CPF group received zinc (227 mg l−1) in drinking water throughout the experimental duration. Two groups more served as controls. Administration of CPF resulted in a significant increase in serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, while induced significant decreases in the activities of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) either in male or female rats. Similarly, a significant increase in the levels of various serum marker enzymes [e.g. aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT)] and increase the level of total protein, uric acid and creatinine. In contrast, co-administration of zinc to CPF-treated animals restored most of these biochemical parameters to within normal levels. In case of AChE, supplementation of zinc showed little alteration in the activity of this enzyme especially in male rats treated with CPF. CPF caused histopathological change in liver and kidneys of male and female rats. However, zinc administration to CPF-treated animals resulted in overall improvement in liver and kidneys damage, emphasizing its antioxidant role. In light of the available data, it can deduce that CPF-induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, liver and kidneys damage in male and female rats, and conjunction supplementation of zinc has resulted in pronounced ameliorating effect.

Male and female rats were orally administered chlorpyrifos at a dose of 6.75 mg kg−1 body weight for 28 consecutive days. An additional chlorpyrifos group received zinc (227 mg l−1) in drinking water throughout the experimental duration. Two groups more served as controls; one received water only and the other received zinc in drinking water. Administration of chlorpyrifos resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes of male and female rats. In contrast, zinc-chlorpyrifos treatment showed insignificant differences (p ⩽ 0.05–0.01), compared to control results, regarding LPO, SOD, GST and CAT. In case of AChE, supplementation of zinc showed little alteration in the activity of this enzyme in the rats treated with chlorpyrifos. It can deduce that chlorpyrifos induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes of male and female rats. The overall results reveal the pronounced ameliorating effect of zinc in chlorpyrifos-intoxicated rats and variation in the response of male and female animals regarding alteration in the level of some biochemical parameters and LPO.

Objective To investigate the adverse effect of exposure to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), diazinon (DIA) and their combination on oxidant/antioxidant status in rat erythrocytes and the ameliorating role of selenium (Se). Methods Rats were oral administered ASA at the maximum administration dose (1 350 mg/personal/d=2.5 mg/kg body weight/d), DIA at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight/d and Se at a dose of 200 µg/kg body weight/d and their combinations for 28 consecutive d. Results Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to a significant increment ( P ≤0.05) in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the increase in erythrocytes MDA levels by 61.8%, 20.79% and 105.62%, respectively. Co-administration of Se to treated rats modulated the augmentation of MDA levels. Administration of DIA, ASA and ASA+DIA lead to significant decreases ( P ≤0.05) in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes when compared to the control group. The most influence and decreases in the activities of the aforementioned enzymes were observed in the treatments of ASA+DIA by 30.53%, 43.42% and 48.31%, respectively. However, co-administration of Se mitigated the significant decreases of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities to by 14.47%, 15, 36% and 12.29%. Conclusions It can be concluded that DIA and ASA induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes. The results reveal the pronounced ameliorating effect of Se in DIA and ASA intoxicated rats. It is supposed that antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial for the people using ASA for longer periods and exposure to pesticides.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH) on lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress biomarkers and the activity of Cytochrome P450 in male rats and the protective role of zinc. LCH was administrated orally to rats at dose 2.6 mg/kg b.wt. (Which represents 1/10 LD 50 ) with 3 doses per week for 6 weeks (dose period). Rats were divided into four groups, eight rats for, each: (I) control group, (II) zinc group (Zn dose 227 mg/l in drinking water), (III) LCH-treated groups and LCH-Zn group (IV) as in group II and III. The present results demonstrated that LCH induced significant alteration in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione-s-transferase, GST; glutathione peroxidase, GPx), glutathione reduced (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and decreased cytochrome P 450 (P 450 ) activity in plasma of male rats. In contrast, zinc-LCH treatment showed insignificant difference, compared to control results, regarding LPO, GST, CAT and P 450 . LCH induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and reduced P450 activity in the plasma of male rats. The overall results reveal the pronounced ameliorating effect of zinc in LCH-intoxicated rats.

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) against methomyl-induced oxidative stress and testicular injures in Wister rat. Male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. The route of application selected for the study was oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. Group 1 was served as a control, whereas group 2 was supplemented with VC (200 mg kg-1 body weight, bw). Group 3 was administered with a dose of methomyl equivalent to 1/10 LD50 (2.034 mg kg-1 bw), whereas group 4 was co-administered VC and methomyl as the same dose of groups 2 and 3, respectively. Sub-acute exposure of rats to methomyl for 28 consecutive days resulted in a significant increase in testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) level. In addition, the testicular activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes were significantly decline in response to methomyl exposure. Furthermore, histopathological studies in testis of rats treated with methomyl exhibited incomplete spermatogenic series in seminiferous tubules and necrosis of spermatogoneal cells lining seminiferous tubules. Notably, the co-administration of VC modulated the biochemical parameters and the intensity of histopathological findings. The effect of VC on transcriptional activity of four key stress and apoptosisrelated genes (CASP3, CASP9, Tp53 and Bcl2), in response to methomyl exposure in rats, was investigated. Results revealed a significant up-regulation in the level of the expression for the tested genes, however supplementation of VC to methomyl-treated rats modulated the observed significant up-regulation in the level of the expression for those genes, indicative of an protective interfering role in the signaling transduction process of methomyl-mediated toxicity. In conclusion, these data suggested that administration of VC may partially protect against methomyl induced testicular oxidative damage and apoptosis-related genes.

This study was carried out to evaluate the adverse effects of exposure to prallethrin on oxidant/antioxidant status and liver dysfunction biomarkers and the protective role ofOriganum majoranaessential oil (EO) in rat. Male rats were divided into 4 groups: (i) received only olive oil (ii) treated with 64.0 mg/kg body weight prallethrin (1/10 LD50) in olive oil via oral route daily for 28 days, (iii) treated with 64.0 mg/kg body weight prallethrin (1/10 LD50) and EO (160 μL/kg b.wt.) in olive oil and (iv) received EO (160 μL/kg b.wt.) in olive oil via oral route twice daily for 28 days. Prallethrin treatment caused decrease in body weight gain and increase in relative liver weight. There was a significant increase in the activity of serum marker enzymes, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. It caused increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase in liver. Consistent histological changes were found in the liver of prallethrin treatment. EO showed significant protection with the depletion of serum marker enzymes and replenishment of antioxidant status and brought all the values to near normal, indicating the protective effect of EO. We can conclude that prallethrin caused oxidative damage and liver injury in male rat and co-administration of EO attenuated the toxic effect of prallethrin. These results demonstrate that administration of EO may be useful, easy, and economical to protect human against pyrethroids toxic effects.

In spite of using aquatic snails as bioindicators for water pollution, little attention has been paid to the effect of parasitism upon the concentration of heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in these organisms. The present study therefore aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in trematode-infected Biomphalaria alexandrina collected from Kafer Alsheikh and Menofia provinces, Egypt, with uninfected snails from the same sites, in order to assess the effect of parasitism on the use of these snails as bioindicators. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soft parts and shells of snails were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that the heavy metal profile in snails infected with Echinostoma liei was very different from that in snails infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The total concentration of heavy metals in E. liei-infected snails collected from Kafer Alsheikh or Menofia province was greater than in uninfected snails. In contrast, the total concentration of heavy metals in S. mansoni-infected snails was reduced compared with uninfected snails. In conclusion, the status of snails with respect to parasitic infection must be taken into consideration when these snails are used as bioindicators.

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of a synthetic antioxidant “acetyl gallate derivative” (SAC) against hepatic oxidative stress and brain DNA damage induced by dimethoate (DM) in male rats. DM was orally administrated to the rats at a dose of 38.7 mg kg-1 b.wt. (1/10 LD50), for 28 consecutive days. Additional DM groups received either SAC or vitamin C (VC) at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 b.wt. 30 min before DM administration. Compared to the control, DM induced a statistical reduction in body weight gain, while induced a statistical increase in absolute and relative liver weights. Oral administration of DM significantly caused increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferease (GST), while caused decreases in glutathione content (GSH) and serum cholinesterase(ChE) activity. Administration of SAC attenuates LPO, GSH content and antioxidant enzymes system. The severity of brain DNA damage monitored by damage index (DI) and damage frequency % (DF) induced by DM was mitigated after administration of SAC. In conclusion, supplementation of SAC is more reliable than VC in attenuating relative liver weight, SOD, GST, and brain DNA damage.

In the present study, Origanum majorana L. essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated for free radical scavenging and anticholinesterase activities. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 4-terpineol (29.97%), γ-terpinene (15.40%), trans-sabinene hydrate (10.93), α-terpinene (6.86%), 3-cycolohexene-1-1 methanal,a,a4-trimethyl-,(S)-(CAS) (6.54%), and sabinene (3.91%) as main constituents. Origanum majorana L. EO exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on 2,2′-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, reducing power, and lipid peroxidation with IC50 values of 58.67, 67.11, 91.25, 78.67, and 68.75 µg/mL, respectively; while the IC50 values for the standard trolox were noted to be 23.95, 44.97, 51.30, 42.22, and 52.72 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, cholinesterase inhibitory activity was also found with IC50 values of 36.40 µg/mL. We can conclude that the marjoram EO has a significant potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and anti-AChE.

Erythrocytes are a convenient model to understand the membrane oxidative damage induced by various xenobiotic pro-oxidants. This study was designed to investigate the possibility of methomyl (Lannate®90% SP), S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate, to induce oxidative stress response in rat erythrocytes in vitro. Erythrocytes were incubated for 4 hours at 37°C with different concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM) of methomyl. The results showed that methomyl decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as the percentage of haemolysis. The response occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The study suggested that methomyl has the capability to induce oxidative damage as evidenced by increasing LPO and perturbations in various antioxidant enzymes.

Objective: For many years, the organophosphorus insecticide pirimiphos-methyl (PM) was used as a valuable tool against several stored-product insect species. However, the knowledge of its toxicity for field applicators, manufacturing workers and public health is very limited in literatures. The present work was therefore undertaken in order to investigate the hepato-renal toxicity associated with PM exposure in mice. Method: Mice were divided into five groups of six mice each and administered PM at doses of 0.03 (ADI), 10 (NOAEL), 31.05 ( 1 /40 LD50) and 62.11 ( 1 /20 LD50) mg/kg body weight in corn oil for 45 days via oral gavage. Result: The results revealed that the activities of serum enzymes alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and serum levels of total protein, urea and creatinine were significantly elevated (by 13-63% of control activity), whereas the level of serum albumin was significantly reduced (by 15-21%) following administration of 31.05 and 62.11 mg pirimiphosmethyl/kg body weight. In liver and kidney tissues, level of glutathione and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were significantly decreased, while the level of lipid peroxidation were significantly increased compared to the control group. The lower doses of (ADI, NOAEL) PM induced insignificant or limited alteration in the above-mentioned biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination revealed hepato-renal cellular damage in all tested doses of PM compared to untreated group. Conclusion: The intensity of the insults in liver and kidney functions as well as oxidative damage represented by biochemical alterations and histopathological findings were demonstrated in a dose-dependent manner. © 2014 GESDAV

Background The liver is the most sensitive and main target organ of pesticide toxicity and damage, they play an essential role in metabolism and detoxification of pesticides. Due to these functions, hepatotoxicity continues to be among the main threats to public health, and they remain problems throughout the world. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Cedrelopsis grevei leaves against cypermethrin (Cyp) induced oxidative stress and liver damage in male mice. Methods The extracts were subjected to different analyses (phenolics, tannin, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and reducing power assays). For hepatoprotective evaluation, male mice were daily exposed to Cyp and/or C. grevei by gavages for 28 days. Hepatoprotective effects were demonstrated by significant alterations in serum liver dysfunction biomarker enzymes, liver lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes. Results The antioxidant activity of C. grevei methanolic extract was the highest with an IC50