The Terminalia laxiflora modulates the neurotoxicity induced by fipronil in male albino rats

Evaluation of the biological efficiency of Terminalia chebula fruit extract against neurochemical changes induced in brain of diabetic rats: an epigenetic study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic and progressive metabolic disorder that can stimulate neuroinflammation and increase oxidative stress in the brain. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of ethanolic Terminalia chebula extract against the neurochemical and histopathological changes induced in the brains of diabetic rats. The study clarified the reduction in oxidative stress induced in the brains of diabetic rats by the significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in levels of the antioxidants with decreasing the peroxidation products via ethanolic T. chebula extract at both doses (400 and 600 mg/kg). Moreover, T. chebula extract improved the brain integrity by lowering levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β-amyloid (Aβ) content, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and acetylcholine esterase (ACHE) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in a dose dependent manner compared to brain of diabetic rats. Severe nuclear pyknosis and degeneration were noticed in neurons of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum in brains of diabetic rats. The severity of these alterations decreased with T. chebula extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg compared to the other treated groups. The different electrophoretic protein and isoenzyme assays revealed that the lowest similarity index (SI%) values exist in the brains of diabetic rats compared to the control group. The quantity of the most native proteins and isoenzyme types increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the brains of diabetic rats, and these electrophoretic variations were completely diminished by T. chebula extract. The study concluded that T. chebula extract ameliorated the biochemical, histopathological and electrophoretic abnormalities induced in the brains of diabetic rats when administered at a dose of 600 mg/kg.

The ameliorative effects of quercetin and curcumin against subacute nephrotoxicity of fipronil induced in Wistar rats

Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that is widely used in agricultural, veterinary, and public health fields for controlling a wide variety of insect species and it is an environmentally potent toxic substance. Curcumin and quercetin, which are well-known natural antioxidants, are widely used to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on biological systems. The present study aimed to determine the potential ameliorative effects of quercetin and/or curcumin on fipronil-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Curcumin (100 mg/kg of body weight), quercetin (50 mg/kg of body weight), and fipronil (3.88 mg/kg of body weight) were administered to male rats by intragastric gavage for 28 consecutive days. In the present study, body weight, kidney weight, the renal function markers (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels) in the blood, antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde level as markers of oxidative stress, and histological changes of the renal tissue were evaluated. The levels of serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid were significantly increased in fipronil-treated animals. Additionally, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in the kidney tissue of rats treated with fipronil, malondialdehyde level was significantly increased. Histopathological analyses showed that the glomerular and tubular injury occurred in the renal tissue of fipronil-treated animals. Also, the supplementation of quercetin and/or curcumin with fipronil significantly improved fipronil-induced alterations in renal function markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde levels, and histological features of renal tissue.

N-Acetylcysteine Alleviated the Deltamethrin-Induced Oxidative Cascade and Apoptosis in Liver and Kidney Tissues

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a synthetic pyrethroid with anti-acaricide and insecticidal properties. It is commonly used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Humans and animals are exposed to DLM through the ingestion of polluted food and water, resulting in severe health issues. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prodrug of L-cysteine, the precursor to glutathione. It can restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance. Therefore, this research aimed to examine whether NAC may protect broiler chickens against oxidative stress, at the level of biochemical and molecular alterations caused by DLM intoxication. The indicators of liver and kidney injury in the serum of DLM-intoxicated and NAC-treated groups were examined. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant markers, superoxide dismutase activity, and apoptotic gene expressions (caspase-3 and Bcl-2) were investigated. All parameters were significantly altered in the DLM-intoxicated group, suggesting that DLM could induce oxidative damage and apoptosis in hepato-renal tissue. The majority of the changes in the studied parameters were reversed when NAC therapy was used. In conclusion, by virtue of its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, NAC enabled the provision of significant protection effects against DLM-induced hepato-renal injury.

Oxidative stress, apoptosis and histopathological alterations in brain stem and diencephalon induced by subacute exposure to fipronil in albino rats

Fipronil (FIP) is a highly effective insecticide that has been used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Its neurotoxic effect to insects and to non-target organisms, after nonintentional exposure, was reported. Many studies were conducted to evaluate FIP effects on mammals. However, slight is known about its effect on the brain stem and diencephalon. The current study was designed to investigate the ability of FIP to induce oxidative stress as a molecular mechanism of FIP neurotoxicity that resulted in apoptosis and neural tissue reactivity in these regions. Ten adult male rats received 10 mg/kg of FIP technical grade by oral gavage, daily for 45 days. Brain stem and diencephalon were processed to examine oxidative stress-induced macromolecular alteration (MDA, PCC and DNA fragmentation). Also, the histopathological assessment and immunoreactivity for caspase-3 (active form), iNOS and GFAP were performed on the thalamus, hypothalamus and medulla oblongata. Our results revealed that FIP significantly raised MDA, PCC and DNA fragmentation (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, significantly increased immunoreactivity to GFAP, iNOS and caspase-3 (active form) in the FIP-treated group was noticed (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, alterations in the histoarchitecture of the neural tissue of these regions were observed. We conclude that FIP can induce oxidative stress, leading to apoptosis and tissue reaction in brain stem and diencephalon.

Neurotoxic Effect of Fipronil in Male Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine and L-Carnitine

Simple Summary

Insecticides are widely used in agricultural and household environments. They induce wide range of deleterious effects. Fipronil is one of the most widely used phenylpyrazoles insecticides. The neurotoxic effect of such insecticide was tested in the present study with special emphasis on cognitive deficit as well as testing the possible ameliorative impacts of L-arginine and L-carnitine. The study proposed fipronil-induced cognitive deficit as a reflection to oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. Moreover, L-arginine and L-carnitine exerted ameliorative influence on fipronil induced oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. Therefore, L-arginine and L-carnitine can be considered as prospective candidates for mitigation of pesticide induced neurotoxicity especially in people with high-risk exposure to pesticide.

Abstract

The ameliorative effect of L-arginine (LA) and L-carnitine (LC) against fipronil (FPN)-induced neurotoxicity was explored. In this case, 36 adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups: group I received distilled water, group II received 500 mg/kg LA, group III received 100 mg/kg LC, group IV received 4.85 mg/kg FPN, group V received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 500 mg/kg LA and group VI received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 100 mg/kg LC for 6 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using Barnes maze (BM). Serum corticosterone, brain total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and dopamine were measured. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium-binding adaptor (Iba-1), doublecortin (DCX) and serotonin (S-2A) receptors were performed. Fipronil induced noticeable deterioration in spatial learning and memory performance. In addition, FPN significantly (p < 0.05) diminished brain antioxidant defense system and dopamine coincide with elevated serum corticosterone level. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. Furthermore, Iba-1 and DCX were significantly expressed in cortex and hippocampus whereas S-2A receptors were significantly lowered in FPN group. However, administration of LA or LC alleviated FPN-induced deteriorations. In conclusion, LA and LC could be prospective candidates for mitigation of FPN-induced neurotoxicity via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuropotentiating effects.

Ameliorative effects of jojoba oil on fipronil-induced hepatorenal- and neuro-toxicity: the antioxidant status and apoptotic markers expression in rats

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is an economically important plant due to its high oil content in the seeds. Fipronil is an extensively used phenylpyrazole insecticide. The present investigation aimed to assess the possible ameliorative effect of jojoba oil on fipronil induced toxicity in rats. Animals orally received the insecticide dissolved in corn oil by stomach tube at 1/10th LD₅₀ for 28 days. Fipronil induced hepatorenal toxic effects evidenced by elevated serum ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH activities, and urea and creatinine levels, with histomorphological changes in the liver and kidney. Brain GABA was elevated with histopathological alterations in the brain tissue. Oxidative stress was demonstrated in liver, brain, and kidney as indicated by elevated MDA and NO levels with reduction in GSH level and activities of SOD and CAT. In addition, caspase-3 gene expression was enhanced, while Bcl2 gene expression was downregulated in the three organs. Increased DNA fragmentation was recorded in the liver and kidney. Cotreatment of jojoba oil with fipronil ameliorated the toxic effects of fipronil on various organs with improvement of the antioxidant status, the rate of apoptosis and the histopathological alterations. In conclusion, jojoba oil provided significant protection against fipronil induced hepatorenal- and neuro-toxicity, by its antioxidant and antiapoptic effects, making it a possible beneficial protective of natural origin.

Ameliorative Effects of Boswellic Acid on Fipronil-Induced Toxicity: Antioxidant State, Apoptotic Markers, and Testicular Steroidogenic Expression in Male Rats

The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with 2 mL physiological saline/kg of body weight (bwt); boswellic acid (BA1) rats orally administered 250 mg BA/kg bwt; boswellic acid (BA2) rats orally administered 500 mg BA/kg bwt; fipronil (FPN) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt; (FPN + BA1) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 250 mg BA/kg bwt, and (FPN + BA2) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 500 mg BA/kg bwt. After 60 days, semen viability percentage and live spermatozoa percentage were decreased, and a considerably increased abnormality of the sperm cells in FPN-administered rats improved substantially with the co-administration of BA. BA had refinement of the histological architecture of testes and sexual glands. Quantitative analysis recorded a noticeable decline in the nuclear cell-proliferating antigen (PCNA) percentage area. FPN triggered cell damage, which was suggested by elevated malondialdehyde and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factors alpha, and decreased glutathione level. Proapoptotic factor overexpression is mediated by FPN administration, while it decreased the antiapoptotic protein expression. Similarly, BA has shown significant upregulation in steroidogenic and fertility-related gene expression concerning the FPN group. Pathophysiological damages induced by FPN could be alleviated by BA's antioxidant ability and antiapoptotic factor alongside the upregulation of steroidogenic and fertility-related genes and regimented the detrimental effects of FPN on antioxidant and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.

The protective effects of Terminalia laxiflora extract on hepato-nephrotoxicity induced by fipronil in male rats

The present study was led to investigate the defensive role of Terminalia laxiflora extract (TLE) on fipronil (FPN) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats. Rats were administered with TLE (100 mg/kg) against the renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by administration of FPN (10.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the serum, liver, and kidneys were harvested and assessed for subsequent analysis. FPN administration to rats resulted in a significant elevation of serum transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Also, FPN-treated groups exhibited a marked reduction in total protein and albumin levels. Compared with the control group, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated in groups treated with FPN, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione levels were distinctly reduced in this group. Significant increases in genomic DNA fragmentation and the expression level of the caspase-3 gene were also recorded. The biochemical result was supported by histopathological findings. Co-administration of TLE along with FPN significantly diminished the liver and kidney function tests decreased the level of lipid peroxidation, and enhanced all the antioxidant enzymes, while also diminishing the expression of caspase-3 and DNA laddering, indicating amelioration of DNA damage. These results indicate that TLE plays a vital role in diminishing FPN-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Chronic Administration of Fipronil Heterogeneously Alters the Neurochemistry of Monoaminergic Systems in the Rat Brain

Fipronil (FPN), a widely used pesticide for agricultural and non-agricultural pest control, is possibly neurotoxic for mammals. Brain monoaminergic systems, involved in virtually all brain functions, have been shown to be sensitive to numerous pesticides. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that chronic exposure to FPN could modify brain monoamine neurochemistry. FPN (10 mg/kg) was chronically administered for 21 days through oral gavage in rats. Thereafter, the tissue concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid; serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA); and noradrenaline (NA) were measured in 30 distinct brain regions. FPN significantly decreased DA and its metabolite levels in most striatal territories, including the nucleus accumbens and the substantia nigra (SN). FPN also diminished 5-HT levels in some striatal regions and the SN. The indirect index of the turnovers, DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios, was increased in numerous brain regions. FPN reduced the NA content only in the nucleus accumbens core. Using the Bravais–Pearson test to study the neurochemical organization of monoamines through multiple correlative analyses across the brain, we found fewer correlations for NA, DOPAC/DA, and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios, and an altered pattern of correlations within and between monoamine systems. We therefore conclude that the chronic administration of FPN in rats induces massive and inhomogeneous changes in the DA and 5-HT systems in the brain.

Innovative application of helium-neon laser: enhancing the germination of Adansonia digitata and evaluating the hepatoprotective activities in mice

The laser pretreatment of seed is drawing pronounced attention from the scientific community for its positive impact in boosting germination, seedling , and growth of plants. In this study, the laser pretreatment of Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) seeds was evaluated. Eight laser treatments were conducted at different powers, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mW, with the two-time interval for each power at 2 and 4 min. The outcomes indicated that the most efficient irradiation was 10 mW/2 min which induces the highest germination rate and polyphenolic contents for seeds. Based on these results, the animal experimental design was processed to assess the hepatoprotective activity of A. digitata extracts obtained through the optimum laser preillumination to enhance the resistance of liver damage in mice. The total phenol and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant properties of the methanolic extracts were estimated in vitro. The CCl4 was used to induce hepatotoxicity in mice. The animals were divided into five groups. The sera of the treated animals were used for the determination of transaminases, and the liver homogenates were used for the determination of antioxidant status, and further liver tissues were subjected to verify the anti-apoptotic effect of A. digitata methanolic extract. The in vivo results showed that the methanolic extract exposed to laser treatment at 10 mW/2 min provided better hepatoprotective capacity than the other treatments. Administration of A. digitata extract not only offered a significant decrease in liver enzyme activity but also markedly improved the antioxidant status and reduced the apoptotic progression induced by CCl4 toxicity in liver tissue.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies for determination of wound age and vitality in rats

In forensic medicine, it is vital to verify with the best attainable accuracy once injuries occurred during vital or post-mortem conditions. An immunohistochemical study was carried out to examine the time-dependent expression of macrophage-specific gene CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in different skin wound timings (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days) in rats. Histopathological studies were performed to assess the wound age and vitality. Eighteen male albino Wister rats (weighing 170-200 g) were used for wound induction. Rats (n = 3) were euthanised at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days from the starting point of wound induction. Histopathological examination showed that the epidermal re-epithelialisation was completed 14 days after skin incision. The inflammatory phase was recorded during the first 3 days of healing and reached the maximum levels at 5 days, then declined after 7 days, and completely removed at 14 days. The beginning of the proliferative phase was dated to day 3 and the peak at days 5 and 7. The initiation of the granulation tissue formation and remodelling phase of the healing process was observed 5 days after wounding. By immunohistochemical staining, negative VEGF gene expressions at early stages (0-3 days) were observed, as well as neither CD68+ macrophages nor α-SMA+ myofibroblast cells were detected. By increasing the wound ages (5-7 days), granulation tissue and angiogenesis were observed, with the migration of macrophages and fibroblast, which expressed VEGF, CD68, and α-SMA positive reaction. Time-dependent expression of the above markers suggested that they would be useful indicators for the determination of wound age. Both VEGF and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFb1) mRNA levels were determined in different skin wound ages. The transcription of TGFb1 and VEGF increased shortly after wounding, until post-wounding day 7. It then declined constantly, reaching minimal values on day 14.