Acute and 30-day oral toxicity studies of a novel coccidiostat - ethanamizuril

Anti-Eimeria tenella activity of Ethanamizuril in vitro and in vivo

The prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in the poultry industry is a significant concern, further exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant coccidia resulting from the indiscriminate use of medications. Ethanamizuril, a novel triazine anti-coccidial compound, has been used to combat drug resistance. Currently, it is known that Ethanamizuril acts on the second-generation merozoites and early gametogenesis stages of Eimeria. Limited information exists regarding its impact on the early merozoites and exogenous stage of Eimeria. In the present study, the anti-coccidial properties of Ethanamizuril were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that Ethanamizuril effectively inhibits the sporulation of E. tenella oocysts in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduces the sporozoite excystation rate. Furthermore, in vivo tests revealed that treatment with 10 mg/L Ethanamizuril in drinking water significantly decreased the copy number of first-generation and secondary-generation merozoites in the chicken cecum, indicating that it can inhibit the development of whole schizonts development. Moreover, treatment with Ethanamizuril demonstrated excellent protective efficacy with an anti-coccidial index (ACI) of 180.2, which was manifested through higher body weight gains, lighter cecal lesion, lower fecal oocyst shedding score and reduced liver index. Collectively, this study suggests that Ethanamizuril effectively treats E. tenella infection by inhibiting both endogenous and exogenous stages development.

In vivo studies on evaluation of endophytic fungi extract from Trichoderma viride against cervical cancer

Background

The crude ethyl acetate Trichoderma viride extract obtained from Ziziphus mauritiana was initially analyzed by HPLC for identification of major bioactive compounds, and then, it was subjected for in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity, cervical cancer studies using Wistar albino rats.

Result

During acute toxicity studies, animal groups treated with distinct dosage of 2000 mg/kg restrained toxicity signs in tested groups compared to controls for 14 days which established to be secure and non-toxic even at high dose. However, in terms of sub-acute toxicity studies, animals were given with repeated amount of (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) for a period of 28 days along with control group. Upon investigations of hematological, biochemical and histopathological studies repeated dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of T. viride extract found to be normal and no other major changes observed among treated groups. During in vivo studies, after treatment of T. viride extract (40 mg/kg) effectively inhibited the cervical cancer cell growth in DES-treated groups. Through HPLC analysis the major compound ursolic acid and 2,5-piperazinedione were mainly identified.

Conclusion

The secondary metabolites of endophytes have been used substantially for the sustainable production of therapeutically important compounds. The limited availability of bioactive principles in plant sources could be surpassed by exploiting the chemical entities in the endophytes. In the present investigation, it has been accomplished that ethyl acetate extract of T. viride was safe at higher and lower dosage could be considered for pharmacological studies from plant may provide an excellent avenue for the discovery of drug candidates against deadly cancer diseases.

Assessment of Acute Oral Toxicity of Thiolated Gum Ghatti in Rats

Various drug delivery systems were developed using a modified form of gum ghatti. Modifying gum ghatti using thioglycolic acid improves its mucoadhesive property, and hence, it is a suitable approach for the fabrication and development of controlled drug delivery systems. In accordance with regulatory guidelines, namely, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 423 guidelines, an acute oral dose toxicity study was performed to examine the toxicological effects of gum ghattiin an animal (Wistar rat) after a single oral dose administration of pure gum ghatti and thiolated gum ghatti. Orally administered pure and thiolated gum ghatti do not reveal any considerable change in the behavioral pattern, food intake, body weight, hematology, or clinical symptoms of treated animals. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed no pathological mutations in the vital organs of Wistar rats after the oral administration of single doses of both types of gumghatti (i.e., 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg body weight). Whole blood clotting studies showed the low absorbance value of the modified gum (thiolated gum ghatti) in contrast to the pure gum and control, hence demonstrating its excellent clotting capability. The aforementioned toxicological study suggested that the oral administration of a single dose of pure and thiolated gum ghatti did not produce any toxicological effects in Wistar rats. Consequently, it could be a suitable and safe candidate for formulating various drug delivery systems.

Investigation of combined effects of propyl paraben and methyl paraben on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in male rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine-disrupting effects of methyl paraben (MeP) and propyl paraben (PrP) mixture on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). In this study, six experimental groups were designated. These groups included three control groups (control, corn oil control, and positive control (50 mg/kg/day BPA)) and three dose groups (10, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day MeP+PrP). MeP with PrP were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and administered to the 42-day-old male rats by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and aldosterone hormones were analyzed in serum. Effects of MeP+PrP on the adrenal glands were investigated by immunohistochemical staining of 11ß hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) enzymes involved in the synthesis steps of corticosterone and aldosterone. Also, pituitary and adrenal glands were examined histopathologically. In the histopathological findings, cortical nodule, congestion, and edema were found in the tissues. In the pituitary gland, cytokeratin rings were detected in all MeP+PrP dose groups, supporting the increase of corticosterone and ACTH. Serum corticosterone, aldosterone, and ACTH hormone levels were increased in the 100 mg/kg/day MeP+PrP and BPA groups. Results obtained from immunohistochemical staining showed that increased staining parallelled increased corticosterone and aldosterone hormone levels. In summary, the results showed that exposure to the MeP+PrP mixture caused a significant increase in ACTH and corticosterone. Also, the MeP+PrP mixture caused a significant increase of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2. MeP+PrP exposure disrupts the normal HPA axis.

Acute Oral, Subacute, and Developmental Toxicity Profiling of Naphthalene 2-Yl, 2-Chloro, 5-Nitrobenzoate: Assessment Based on Stress Response, Toxicity, and Adverse Outcome Pathways

The U.S. National Research Council (NRC) introduced new approaches to report toxicity studies. The NRC vision is to explore the toxicity pathways leading to the adverse effects in intact organisms by the exposure of the chemicals. This study examines the toxicity profiling of the naphthalene-2-yl 2-chloro-5-dinitrobenzoate (SF5) by adopting the vision of NRC that moves from traditional animal studies to the cellular pathways. Acute, subacute, and developmental toxicity studies were assayed according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The stress response pathway, toxicity pathway, and adverse effects outcome parameters were analyzed by using their standard protocols. The results showed that the acute toxicity study increases the liver enzyme levels. In a subacute toxicity study, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were raised in both male and female animals. SF5 significantly increases the normal sperm count in the male animals corresponding to a decrease in the abnormality count. Developmental toxicity showed the normal skeletal and morphological parameters, except little hydrocephalus was observed in developmental toxicity. Doses of 20 mg/kg in males and 4 mg/kg in females showed decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the kidney and liver. MDA levels were also increased in the kidney and liver. However, histopathological studies did not show any cellular change in these organs. No statistical difference was observed in histamine levels, testosterone, nuclear factor erythroid two-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which showed no initiation of the stress response, toxicity, and adverse effect pathways. Immunomodulation was observed at low doses in subacute toxicity studies. It was concluded that SF5 did not produce abrupt and high-toxicity levels in organs and biochemical parameters. So, it is safe for further studies.

Antibacterial Activity of a Promising Antibacterial Agent: 22-(4-(2-(4-Nitrophenyl-piperazin-1-yl)-acetyl)-piperazin-1-yl)-22-deoxypleuromutilin

A novel pleuromutilin derivative, 22-(4-(2-(4-nitrophenyl-piperazin-1-yl)-acetyl)-piperazin-1-yl)-22-deoxypleuromutilin (NPDM), was synthesized in our laboratory and proved excellent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, more methods were used to further study its preliminary pharmacological effect. The antibacterial efficacy and toxicity of NPDM were evaluated using tiamulin as the reference drug. The in vitro antibacterial activity study showed that NPDM is a potent bactericidal agent against MRSA that induced time-dependent growth inhibition and a concentration-dependent post-antibiotic effect (PAE). Toxicity determination showed that the cytotoxicity of NPDM was slightly higher than that of tiamulin, but the acute oral toxicity study proved that NPDM was a low-toxic compound. In an in vivo antibacterial effect study, NPDM exhibited a better therapeutic effect than tiamulin against MRSA in a mouse thigh infection model as well as a mouse systemic infection model with neutropenia. The 50% effective dose (ED50) of NPDM in a Galleria mellonella infection model was 50.53 mg/kg. The pharmacokinetic properties of NPDM were also measured, which showed that NPDM was a rapid elimination drug in mice.

Toxicological Screening of 4-Phenyl-3,4-dihydrobenzo[h]quinolin-2(1H)-one: A New Potential Candidate for Alzheimer's Treatment

Toxicity studies are necessary for the development of a new drug. Naphthalene is a bicyclic molecule and is easy to derivatize. In our previous study, a derivative of naphthalene (4-phenyl,3,4-dihydrobenzoquinoline-2(H)one) was synthesized and reported its in vitro activity on different enzymes. This study was a probe to investigate the toxicity potential of that compound (SF3). Acute oral (425), subacute (407), and teratogenicity (414) studies were planned according to their respective guidelines given by organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD). Acute oral, subacute, and teratogenicity studies were carried out on 2000, 5-40, and 40 mg/kg doses. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. Vital organs were excised for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde) and histopathological analysis. LD 50 of SF3 was higher than 2000 mg/kg. In acute and subacute studies, levels of alkaline phosphates and aspartate transaminase were increased. Teratogenicity showed no resorptions, no skeletal or soft tissue abnormalities, and no cleft pallet. Oxidative stress biomarkers were close to the normal, and no increase in the malondialdehyde level was seen. Histopathological studies revealed normal tissue architecture of the selected organs, except kidney, in acute oral and subacute toxicity studies at 40 mg/kg. The study concluded that SF3 is safer if used as a drug.

Beagle dog 90-day oral toxicity study of a novel coccidiostat - ethanamizuril

BACKGROUND

Triazine coccidiostats are widely used in chickens and turkeys for coccidiosis control. Ethanamizuril is a novel triazine compound that exhibits anticoccidial activity in poultry. This study was designed to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of ethanamizuril in beagle dogs at doses of 12, 60 or 300 mg/kg/day in diet for 90 days.

RESULTS

Ethanamizuril was well tolerated at low and middle dosages in beagle dogs, and no drug-related toxical effects were observaed in terms of survival, clinical observations, organs weight and damage in these dose groups. However, in high dose administration group, food consumption and histologic changes in kidneys were noticed in both sexes of beagle dog, although the renal lesions were finally resolved at the end of 4 weeks exposure of ethanamizuril.

CONCLUSIONS

No-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was considered for ethanamizuril at dose of 60 mg/kg/day in Beagle dog. This result added toxicity effects of ethanamizuril to the safety database, which might guide safely using of ethanamizuril as a novel coccidiostat.

Safety pharmacology assessment of Ethanamizuril, a novel triazines coccidiostat

In the current study, to support the safety pharmacology assessment of Ethanamizuril as a new potent anticoccidial agent of triazine compounds, the effects of Ethanamizuril on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system were investigated. Using locomotor activity test, climbing behavior test and nembutal subthreshold hypnotic test at each time point after oral administration of Ethanamizuril to mice, the effects on the central nervous system were evaluated. An assessment of Ethanamizuril effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system were performed by the use of a telemetry system in conscious beagle dogs. The results showed that the treatment of Ethanamizuril had no effects on motor activity, behavioral changes, coordination, and sensory/motor reflex responses in mice. There were also no changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram at all doses and each time points in beagle dogs. Our data suggested that Ethanamizuril showed no adverse effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system.

Two-generation reproduction and limited teratology studies of ethanamizuril fed to rats

Ethanamizuril, a new anticoccidial agent that belongs to triazine derivatives, has a broad and good anticoccidial activity. To evaluate the reproductive toxicity and teratogenic potential of ethanamizuril, different concentrations of ethanamizuril were administered to Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding diets containing 0, 2, 8, and 30 ppm, respectively. Each group consisting of 30 males and 30 females (F0) was treated with different concentrations of ethanamizuril through a 13-week period before mating and during mating, gestation, parturition and lactation. In the 30 ppm dose group, pup body weight on days 7 and 21 in F1 offspring and day 21 in the F2a offspring were significantly decreased. A limited teratogenicity study was performed in combination with the F1 generation of a two-generation reproduction study. F1 offspring of the reproduction study were mated after weaning of the F2a offspring. Pregnant female rats were subjected to cesarean section on gestational day 20 for teratogenic examination. No obvious body weights, fetal body lengths, tail lengths, litter weights, number of viable fetuses, external, skeletal, or visceral malformations in fetuses were noted in any groups in the teratogenic test, but ethanamizuril could be passed on to offspring through lactation.

Rat two-generation reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity studies of a novel coccidiostat - Ethanamizuril

In the current study, to support the safety assessment of ethanamizuril as a new potent anticoccidial agent of triazine compounds, a reproductive toxicity and teratogenic potential assay of ethanamizuril was investigated. Groups of 30 males and 30 females were administered 0, 0.02, 0.1 or 0.2 mg/ml ethanamizuril by gastric incubation through a 10-week prebreed period as well as during mating, gestation, parturition and lactation in any generation. Compared to the control group, no test compound-related changes in copulation index, fertility index, gestation length, litter size, pup weight, pup sex ratio, pup viability, epididymal sperm counts or motility or other functional reproductive measures were noted in any generation, except few significant changes in high dose group in the number of sperm motility at III level in F0 males and the body weights of GD14 and GD21 in F1 rats. There were no compound-related necropsy findings or effects on organ weight. Histopathologic examinations revealed no evidence of compound-related changes in any organs including the reproductive organs of both sexes. In conclusion, long-term administrated 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg of ethanamizuril by means of oral gavage did not affect the reproduction of Sprague-Dawley rats and the development ability of their offspring under the experimental conditions.

Rat 90-day oral toxicity study of a novel coccidiostat - Ethanamizuril

In the current study, to support the safety assessment of ethanamizuril as a new potent anticoccidial agent of triazine compounds, a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity assay of ethanamizuril was investigated. Treatment related clinical signs of alopecia on back and neck have been observed in some male and female at the 65 and 130 mg/kg dose groups. The body weight and feed conversion efficacy of 65 and 130 mg/kg females and 65 mg/kg males were significantly increase than those of the control in treatment time, but noted decreased in the 130 mg/kg males. Dose related changes of hematologic and biochemical parameters such as MCV, MCH, TG, and the significant increased in the organ weight and the relative organ weight of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen in both genders in the 65 and 130 mg/kg treated groups were observed. Furthermore, histopathological observations revealed that 65 and 130 mg/kg ethanamizuril induced pathological damage such as hepatocyte steatosis and focal necrosis, renal tubular atrophy, tubule protein casts. Fortunately, the observed toxicities were recoverable in convalescence. The results indicated that liver, kidneys and lung were the main target organs. The NOAEL of ethanamizuril for rats was estimated to be 20 mg/kg dietary dose level.