Chitosan-TPP encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles: amplified protection mechanisms unveiled against Ethion-induced developmental toxicity through comprehensive in-vivo and in-silico elucidation

Aim

The study investigated Ethion-induced developmental toxicity in Wistar albino rats and the potential ameliorative effects of quercetin and nano-quercetin co-administration. Further, In-silico docking of Ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 was conducted.

Methodology

Quercetin nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic-gelation method. The encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles were characterized for Zeta size, UV-Vis spectroscopy, encapsulation efficiency, and TEM studies. Male rats were administered Ethion (high/low dose), quercetin, and nano-quercetin alone or in combination for 60 days. Female rats were introduced for mating on the 61st day, and pregnant females were observed for 20 gestational days. On GD 20, rats were sacrificed and evaluated for body/organ weight, reproductive indices, fetal morphology, skeletal, and visceral deformities.In silico binding energies of ethion and quercetin with MCL-1 were determined.

Results

Nanoparticle size was 363.2 ± 1.23 nm on day 0 and 385.63 ± 1.53 nm on day 60, with PDI of 0.247 and charge of 22.9 mV. Absorbance maxima were at 374 nm, with encapsulation efficacy of 85.16 ± 0.33%. EHD male crossed females showed decreased body/organ weights, reduced fertility, hematoma, cleft palate, tail curling, and absence of extremity. Nano-quercetin co-administration normalized parameters comparable to controls. Both Ethion and quercetin interacted with MCL-1, with quercetin exhibiting stronger binding energy.

Conclusion

Nano-quercetin demonstrated stronger antioxidant properties than quercetin, counteracting ethion-induced maternal/fetal abnormalities.

Benchmark Dose Approach to DNA and Liver Damage by Chlorpyrifos and Imidacloprid in Male Rats: The Protective Effect of a Clove-Oil-Based Nanoemulsion Loaded with Pomegranate Peel Extract

Pesticides are widely used around the world to increase crop production. They also have negative impacts on animals, humans, and the ecosystem. This is the first report evaluating a novel pomegranate-extract-loaded clove-oil-based nanoemulsion (PELCN) and its potential for reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, as well as its hepatoprotective effects against imidacloprid (IM) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) toxicity in male rats. The benchmark dose (BMD) approach was also used to study the dose-response toxicity of IM and CPF. IM and CPF were administered daily for 28 days at doses of 14, 28, and 54 mg/kg body weight (bw) of IM and 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg bw of CPF via drinking water. The PELCN was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day of pomegranate extract, 500 mg/kg bw of the clove oil nanoemulsion, and IM or CPF at high doses in the drinking water. In male rats, IM and CPF caused a reduction in body weight gain and hepatotoxic effects as evidenced by increases in the liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP. They caused oxidative damage in the liver of male rats as indicated by the decreased liver activity of the GST, GPX, SOD, and CAT enzymes and decreased serum TAC. IM and CPF produced a significant dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in hepatocyte cells, resulting in moderate to severe liver damage with cells that are more inflammatory and have enlarged sinusoids and compacted nuclei. IM had a higher BMD than CPF for both body and liver weight, suggesting that CPF was more dose-dependently toxic than IM. Albumin was a highly sensitive liver biomarker for IM, while total protein was a biomarker for the CPF-treated rats. GPx was an extremely sensitive biomarker of oxidative stress in the IM treatment, while CAT and GPx were highly sensitive parameters in the CPF-treated rats. Therefore, at comparable doses, CPF has a higher potential to cause liver damage and oxidative stress than IM. The hepatotoxicity of IM and CPF can be mitigated by administering a nanoemulsion containing clove oil and pomegranate extract. The nanoemulsion acts as a protector against the oxidative stress caused by these insecticides, especially at high doses. The nanoemulsion based on clove oil increases the bioavailability and stability of the pomegranate extract, which has antioxidant properties.

The Buzz on Insecticides: A Review of Uses, Molecular Structures, Targets, Adverse Effects, and Alternatives

Insecticides play a critical role in controlling the spread of insect-borne diseases and preserving crop health. These chemical substances are specifically formulated to kill or manage insect populations. Over the years, various types of insecticides have been developed, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, each with unique modes of action, physiological targets, and efficacy. Despite the advantages that insecticides offer, it is imperative to recognize the potential consequences on non-target species, the environment, and human health. It is therefore crucial to follow recommended label instructions and employ integrated pest management practices for the judicious use of insecticides. This review article provides an in-depth examination of the various types of insecticides, including their modes of action, physiological targets, environmental and human health impacts, and alternatives. The aim is to furnish a comprehensive overview of insecticides and to emphasize the significance of responsible and sustainable utilization.

Benchmark dose and the adverse effects of exposure to pendimethalin at low dose in female rats

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.

Fluoride and endosulfan together potentiate cytogenetic effects in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells

In this study, the cytotoxic potential of fluoride and endosulfan in combination was investigated in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems. Fluoride (25.1 mg kg^-1 body weight [bw] in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg kg^-1 bw by oral intubation) were administered orally alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg kg^-1 bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg kg^-1 bw) to male Swiss albino mice daily for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in micronuclei (MNs) induction and decreased ratio (p < 0.01) of polychromatic to normonochromatic erythrocytes (indicators of cytotoxicity) were observed compared with saline controls when animals were given the combination of fluoride and endosulfan. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in MNs induction and no change in the polychromatic erythrocytes to erythrocyte ratio were also observed when endosulfan was given alone. CAs such as gaps, breaks, fragments, rings, exchanges, and polyploidy were recorded in the bone marrow cells. The mean percent frequency of CAs was increased (p < 0.01) in all the treated groups compared with the control saline group. In the combination group (F + E), the percent frequencies of CAs were significantly higher (13.875%) compared with those in the individual treatment groups of fluoride (4.375%) and endosulfan (6.25%). The mitotic index was calculated as percentage of dividing cells. A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in mitotic index was observed in all treated groups compared with controls. In the combination group (F + E), mitotic index was significantly less than (p < 0.01; 4.1 ± 0.49) the saline control (10.8 ± 0.98). These results indicated that repeated intake of endosulfan through various sources in fluoride affected areas resulted in increased cytotoxic effects. The greater effect in the combination group indicated additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing cytotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Over-gene expression in the apoptotic, oxidative damage and liver injure in female rats exposed to butralin

The present study is the first report for studying the toxic effects of butralin herbicide on COX2, BAX, and Bcl2 gene expression, oxidative stress, and liver damage in female rats. Female rats were received butralin in drinking water for 28 days at concentration 4.16, 312, and 3120 mg/L that corresponded to the acceptable daily intake (ADI), no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), and 10 NOAEL, respectively. Butralin decreased body weights and increased relative liver weight of female rats exposed to high dose. It caused significant elevation in liver function enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant enzymes were decreased in liver tissue by increasing the dose. Butralin induced over-expression in the apoptotic related genes including COX2, BAX, and Bcl2 and pathological alteration in the liver of female rats especially at a high dose. It can be concluded that butralin induced oxidative damage and liver injure. The mechanism of damage could be due to generate reactive oxygen species, and increase lipid peroxidation that causes over-expression in the apoptotic related genes including COX2, BAX, and Bcl2. From the Benchmark dose (BMD) approach, there is dose-dependent manner in body weight, AST, ALT, and ALP, and ALT is a very sensitive parameter.

Herbal syrup from chicory and artichoke leaves ameliorate liver damage induced by deltamethrin in weanling male rats

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.

Increased heart fibrosis and acute infection in a murine Chagas disease model associated with organophosphorus pesticide metabolite exposure

Some reports suggest that exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides increases the incidence of infections. Ethylated dialkylphosphates (EtDAPs) are metabolites of OP pesticides widely distributed with immunomodulatory potential. Chagas disease is produced by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, and resolution of this infection requires the activation of inflammatory macrophages (MΦ), which results in cardiac fibrosis. Some reports indicate that EtDAPs increase the amount of the anti-inflammatory alternatively activated MΦ (M2; CD206⁺F4/80⁺). Therefore, we analyzed the course of T. cruzi infection, MΦ profiles from peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in the heart of BALB/c mice exposed to diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP) or diethylphosphate (DEP, 0.01 g/kg), common DAPs produced by OP pesticides, 24 h before infection with T. cruzi. We found that DEDTP increased the parasite burden in blood by 99% at the peak of the infection and enhanced the myocardial damage due to an increase in infiltrated inflammatory cells (induced by DEDTP or DETP) and fibrosis (induced by EtDAPs). In the PECs, exposure to EtDAPs increased the proportion of the MΦ subpopulations of M2a, M2b and M2d, which are associated with tissue repair. These results indicate that exposure to EtDAPs can exacerbate the acute phase of a parasitic infection and increase the long-term damage to the heart.

Organophosphorus pesticides can influence the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes with concomitant metabolic changes

Widespread use and the bioaccumulation of pesticides in the environment lead to the contamination of air, water, soil and agricultural resources. A huge body of evidence points to the association between the pesticide exposure and increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, e.g. cancer, birth defects, reproductive disorders, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic renal disorders or autoimmune diseases. Organophosphorus compounds are among the most widely used pesticides. A growing body of evidence is suggesting the potential interdependence between the organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) exposure and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article reviews the current literature to highlight the latest in vitro and in vivo evidences on the possible influence of OPs on obesity and T2DM development, as well as epidemiological evidence for the metabolic toxicity of OPs in humans. The article also draws attention to the influence of maternal OPs exposure on offspring. Summarized studies suggest that OPs exposure is associated with metabolic changes linked with obesity and T2DM indicated that such exposures may increase risk or vulnerability to other contributory components.

Combination of fluoride and endosulfan induced teratogenicity and developmental toxicity in Swiss albino mice exposed during organogenesis

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the teratogenic and developmental toxicity of fluoride and endosulfan alone and in combination in pregnant Swiss albino mice exposed during the organogenetic period (5-14 days) of gestation. Fluoride (25.1 mg/kg body weight in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg/kg bw by oral intubation) when administered alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg/kg bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg/kg bw) to pregnant mice caused significant teratogenic effects in developing fetuses. There was no maternal mortality but significant decreases in maternal weight gain and numbers of live fetuses and significant increases in numbers of fetal resorption were recorded in the treated groups. The fetal body weight and litter size also decreased significantly in all treated groups. No external malformations were observed in any of the fetuses. The percent of visceral and skeletal anomalies increased in the fetuses of all treated groups. The fetal malformations observed were internal hydrocephaly, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema, subcutaneous edema, reduced ossification of skull bones, widened cranial sutures, rib anomalies (short, wavy, partially ossified, or absent ribs), and reduced ossification of phalanges. The occurrence of visceral and skeletal malformations was more severe in the combination group, suggesting additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing developmental toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Chlorpyrifos Induces Metabolic Disruption by Altering Levels of Reproductive Hormones

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide and detected frequently in fruits, vegetables, as well as in urine and blood in humans. Studies have suggested that CPF can induce metabolic disruption, such as type-2 diabetes mellitus and changed body weight. The main mechanisms are based on oxidative damage, fatty-acid synthesis, and lipid peroxidation. Studies have also shown that CPF can change reproductive hormone (RH) levels. CPF might result in metabolic disorders through altered RH levels. Here, we review the studies showing that CFP causes metabolic disruption. Then, we present the studies showing that CFP changes RH levels. Finally, we discuss a potential pathway of how CPF elicits metabolic disruption.

Teratogenic effects induced by chitosan oligosaccharide in Wistar female rat Rattus norvegicus

The aim of this research is to investigate the teratogenic effects of chitosan oligosaccharide in Wistar female rats (Rattus norvegicus). Chitosan LD50 value was calculated by probit analysis. High dose, 1/10 LD50 which equal to 150 mg/kg body weight, and low dose, 1/30 LD50 which equal to 50 mg/kg body weight, were administrated orally to Wistar female rats to examine the teratogenic effect during organogenesis period from 6th day to 15th day of gestation. Treated and control rats were sacrificed and their foetuses were examined for external, skeletal and visceral anomalies, number and length of foetuses and their weights. Obtained results showed toxicity and teratogenic effects of chitosan on treated rats and their progenies, i.e. high fetal mortality, offspring's weight and length reduction, and high incidence of fetal external, skeletal and visceral abnormalities. This suggested that chitosan is a teratogenic compound, restricted to current results from orally treated Wistar rats.

Formulation and characterization of garlic (Allium sativum L.) essential oil nanoemulsion and its acaricidal activity on eriophyid olive mites (Acari: Eriophyidae)

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.

Phorate induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and differential expression of p53, apaf-1 and cat genes in fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

The present study was conducted to assess the in-vivo activities of certain molecular biomarkers under the impact of phorate exposure. Fish, Channa punctatus (35 ± 3.0 g; 14.5 ± 1.0 cm; Actinopterygii) were subjected to semi-static conditions having 5% (0.0375 mg/L for T1 group) and 10% of 96 h-LC₅₀ (0.075 mg/L for T2 group) of phorate exposure for 15 and 30 d. The oxidative stress was assessed in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. DNA damage was measured as induction of micronuclei (MN) and consequent differential expression of apoptotic genes-tumor suppressor (p53), apoptotic peptidase activating factor-1 (apaf-1) and catalase (cat) in liver and kidney, two major sites of biotransformation in fish, were quantified. Our findings reveal significant (p < 0.001) augmentations in SOD and CAT activities of liver and kidney tissues. MN frequency in erythrocytes of fish also increases significantly (p < 0.05) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The mRNA level of p53 increased significantly (p < 0.05) in liver at 10% of 96 h-LC₅₀ of phorate exposure after 30 d suggesting generation of stress due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Eventually, these findings decipher the dual role of ROS in generating genotoxicity as is evident by micronuclei induction and differential regulation of p53, apaf-1 and cat genes during the phorate induced DNA damage and apoptosis in test fish. The experimental inferences drawn on the basis of activities of aforesaid biomarkers shall be helpful in elucidating the possible causes of apoptosis under stressful conditions. Further, this study finds ample application in biomonitoring of phorate polluted aquatic ecosystem.

Inulin Supplementation Lowered the Metabolic Defects of Prolonged Exposure to Chlorpyrifos from Gestation to Young Adult Stage in Offspring Rats

Increasing evidence indicates that chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorus insecticide, is involved in metabolic disorders. We assess the hypothesis whether supplementation with prebiotics from gestation to adulthood, through a modulation of microbiota composition and fermentative activity, alleviates CPF induced metabolic disorders of 60 days old offspring. 5 groups of Wistar rats, from gestation until weaning, received two doses of CPF pesticide: 1 mg/kg/day (CPF1) or 3.5 mg/kg/day (CPF3.5) with free access to inulin (10g/L in drinking water). Then male pups received the same treatment as dams. Metabolic profile, leptin sensitivity, insulin receptor (IR) expression in liver, gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid composition (SCFAs) in the colon, were analyzed at postnatal day 60 in the offspring (PND 60). CPF3.5 increased offspring's birth body weight (BW) but decreased BW at PND60. Inulin supplementation restored the BW at PND 60 to control levels. Hyperinsulinemia and decrease in insulin receptor β in liver were seen in CPF1 exposed rats. In contrast, hyperglycemia and decrease in insulin level were found in CPF3.5 rats. Inulin restored the levels of some metabolic parameters in CPF groups to ranges comparable with the controls. The total bacterial population, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and butyrate levels were enhanced in CPF groups receiving inulin. Our data indicate that developmental exposure to CPF interferes with metabolism with dose related effects evident at adulthood. By modulating microbiota population and fermentative activity, inulin corrected adult metabolic disorders of rats exposed to CPF during development. Prebiotics supply may be thus considered as a novel nutritional strategy to counteract insulin resistance and diabetes induced by a continuous pesticide exposure.

Chlorpyrifos and lambda cyhalothrin-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes

Pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals introduced into the environment, and their adverse impacts on non-target organisms can be significant. The present study was conducted to shed light on effects of locally used insecticides chlorpyrifos (CPF) and lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) on oxidative stress biomarkers in human erythrocytes. The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein contents as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and osmotic fragility (OF) were measured in human erythrocytes exposed to CPF at concentrations of 0, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm and LCT at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, 600, and 800 ppm for 1 h and 3 h at 37°C. MDA levels and OF of erythrocytes were significantly higher in erythrocytes incubated with CPF and LCT at increasing concentrations of both insecticides and increased incubation time. However, erythrocyte CAT and SOD activities were decreased at all concentrations of CPF and LCT tested. Protein oxidation products were decreased at lower doses of CPF (100 and 500 ppm); at higher doses (1000 and 2000 ppm), total protein content was increased compared with control. In contrast LCT was associated with decreased in protein contents at all the concentrations. These results clearly demonstrated that CPF and LCT can induce oxidative stress in human erythrocytes ( in vitro).

Effect of endosulfan on immunological competence of layer birds

AIM

The present study was aimed to investigate the immunological competence of endosulfan insecticide after limited oral administration in White Leghorn layer chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 White Leghorn birds were given endosulfan in drinking water at 30 ppm/bird/day (no observable effect level dose) for a period of 3-months. Immune competence status of layer birds and chicks hatched from endosulfan offered birds were estimated at 15-day interval in layer birds and at monthly interval in chicks using immunological, biochemical parameters, and teratological estimates.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in levels of total leukocytes count, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute heterophil count, total serum protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, and serum gamma globulin in the birds fed with endosulfan as compared to control. Similarly, immune competence tests such as lymphocyte stimulation test, oxidative burst assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests indicated lower immunity in birds treated with endosulfan as compared to control. Subsequently, chicks produced from endosulfan-treated birds were also examined for immune competence, but no significant difference was observed between chicks of both the groups.

CONCLUSION

The exposure to endosulfan in limited oral dosage was able to exhibit hemo-biochemical and other changes that could be correlated with changes in the immunological profile of layer chickens suggesting cautious usage of endosulfan insecticide in poultry sheds.

How safe is the use of chlorpyrifos: Revelations through its effect on layer birds

AIM

The present study was aimed to investigate the immunological competence of chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide after oral administration in layer chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 White Leghorn birds were given CPF in drinking water at 0.3 ppm/bird/day (no observable effect level dose) for a period of 3-month. Immune competence status of layer birds and chicks hatched from CPF-treated birds were estimated at 15 days interval in layer birds and monthly interval in chicks using immunological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in values of total leukocytes count, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute heterophil count, total serum protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, and serum gamma globulin in the birds treated with CPF as compared to control. Similarly, immune competence tests such as lymphocyte stimulation test, oxidative burst assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests indicated lower immunity in birds treated with CPF as compared to control. Subsequently, chicks produced from CPF-treated birds were also examined for immune competence, but no significant difference was observed between chicks of both the groups.

CONCLUSION

The exposure to CPF produced hemo-biochemical and other changes that could be correlated with changes in the immunological profile of layer chickens suggesting total stoppage of using CPF in poultry sheds.

Biodegradation of flubendiamide by a newly isolated Chryseobacterium sp. strain SSJ1

Flubendiamide, as a new class (Phthalic acid diamide) of pesticide with a wide spectrum of activity against lepidopteran pests extensively used alone or in combination with other insecticides in agriculture system to get protection from insect pests. Due to high specificity and limited approach towards non-target organism, the extensive use of this pesticide as an alternate for organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides, causing an eventual increase in environmental pollution. Five flubendiamide-resistant bacterial strains were isolated during the present study from agriculture soil considering previous history of pesticide application. Minimal inhibitory concentration of all the isolates showed strain SSJ1 was most efficient flubendiamide resistant organism. Biochemical tests and molecular sequencing of 16s rRNA was carried out which confirmed the isolate as Chryseobacterium indologenes strain SSJ1. UV–visible spectrophotometer study revealed that 89.06 % initial pesticide was removed by the isolate at optimum temperature of 35 °C and pH 7.0 with 5 days incubation period and is further confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Results of the present study however, suggest strain SSJ1 is most resistant to flubendiamide and can possibly be applied in the bioremediation of flubendiamide contaminated soils.

Chlorpyrifos Exposure During Perinatal Period Affects Intestinal Microbiota Associated With Delay of Maturation of Digestive Tract in Rats

OBJECTIVES

Pesticide exposure via residues in food may be especially harmful when it takes place in the developing child. The present study was designed to assess the impact of perinatal exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF, an insecticide known to cross the placental barrier).

METHODS

Female rats were exposed to oral CPF (1 or 5 mg kg day vs vehicle controls) from gestation onset up to weaning of the pups that were individually gavaged (CPF or vehicle) thereafter. Two developmental time points were studied: weaning (day 21) and adulthood (day 60). After sacrifice, samples from the intestinal tract and other organs underwent microbiological and histological analyses.

RESULTS

Rat pups exposed to 5 mg kg day CPF were both significantly smaller (body length) and lighter than controls. Exposure to CPF was associated with changes in the histological structures (shorter and thinner intestinal villosities), an intestinal microbial dysbiosis, and increased bacterial translocation in the spleen and liver. These significant microbial changes in the gut were associated with impaired epithelium protection (mucin-2) and microbial pattern recognition receptor (Toll-like 2 and 4) gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to CPF during gestation and development affected the pups' intestinal development, with morphological alteration of the structures involved in nutrient absorption, intestinal microbial dysbiosis, alteration of mucosal barrier (mucin-2), stimulation of the innate immune system, and increased bacterial translocation. Perinatal exposure to CPF may therefore have short- and long-term impacts on the digestive tract.

Oxidative damage and nephrotoxicity induced by prallethrin in rat and the protective effect of Origanum majorana essential oil

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of prallethrin on renal dysfunction biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats and the protective effect of Origanum majorana essential oil.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups of seven rats in each group: (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 d, (III) treated with 64.0 mg/kg body weight prallethrin (1/10 LD50) and essential oil (160 μL/kg body weight) in olive oil and (IV) received essential oil (160 μL/kg body weight) in olive oil via oral route twice daily for 28 d.

RESULTS

Prallethrin caused significant increase in LPO and decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced. Consistent histological changes were found in the kidney of prallethrin treatment. Co-administration of essential oil attenuated the prallethrin induced renal toxicity and oxidative stress by decreasing LPO in kidney, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in serum. In addition, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione reduced level were increased in kidney in prallethrin-essential oil groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that prallethrin induced oxidative damage and renal toxicity in male rat. The administration of essential oil provided significant protection against prallethrin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes and histopathological damage.

Ameliorative effect of vitamin E to mouse dams and their pups following exposure of mothers to chlorpyrifos during gestation and lactation periods

Pesticides are omnipresent in environment, water, fruits, and vegetables and are considered as risk factors for human health. Consumers are mainly exposed to pesticides through diet, and the main question to be answered concerns the impact of such exposure on health. In this study, we developed a mouse model to mimic consumer exposure. During gestation and lactation periods, the experimental mouse dams (M) received one of the following treatments: (a) diet-free of pesticides; (b) diet enriched with chlorpyrifos (CPF; 44.0 μg kg(-1)); c) diet + oral vitamin E (vit. E; α-tocopherol; 200 mg/kg/mouse); and (d) diet enriched with CPF (44.0 μg/kg + oral vit. E (200 mg/kg/mouse). At weaning, pups (P) and dams were killed, and organs as well as blood samples were collected. Compared with control results, CPF induced alteration of measured parameters (e.g. organ weight, alkaline phosphatase, urea, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and cholinesterase) either in mouse dams or in their offspring. Also, CPF induced histological impairment in kidney, liver, and ovary. Administration of vit. E in conjunction with CPF clearly alleviated deviation of these parameters than those of control ones. In conclusion, a dietary exposure of mice during gestation and lactation to low dose of CPF led to significant changes in the mother but also in the weaned animals that have not been directly exposed to this pesticide. These biological and histological modifications could be reversed by an oral supplementation of vit. E.

Which exposure stage (gestation or lactation) is more vulnerable to atrazine toxicity? Studies on mouse dams and their pups

Either during gestation or lactation, the experimental mouse dams received one of the following treatments: (a) diet free of pesticide; (b) diet enriched with atrazine (ATZ); 31.0 μg kg⁻¹; (c) diet free of pesticide + oral vitamin E (α-tocopherol; 200 mg kg⁻¹ per mouse); and (d) diet enriched with ATZ (31.0 μg kg⁻¹) + oral vitamin E (200 mg kg⁻¹ per mouse). At the weaning, pups and dams were killed and selected organs and blood samples were collected for analyses. Compared with the control results, ATZ induced alteration in a number of biochemical and histopathological parameters either in the dams or their offspring. The ameliorative effect of vitamin E, based on estimating the “Ameliorative Index; AI” to malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) ranged between 0.95 and 1.06 (≈1.0) for the dams and the pups either in gestational or lactational exposure routes. In general, the mouse pups were more vulnerable to ATZ toxicity than their mothers and exposure during gestation was suggested to be more effective than during lactation. The findings may support the need to further investigating the adverse effects of exposure to low doses of commonly used pesticides, especially during pregnancy and breast-feeding as well as effects on newborn child.

Amelioration of prallethrin-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rat by the administration of Origanum majorana essential oil

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 of Origanum majorana essential 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.

Effects of indirect exposure of mice pups to endosulfan via their dams during gestation and lactation periods and the ameliorative effect of vitamin E

During gestation and lactation, the experimental mice dams received one of the following treatments: (a) diet free of pesticide; (b) diet enriched with endosulfan (END); 30.0 µg kg−1; (c) diet free of pesticide + oral vitamin E (α-tocopherol; 200 mg kg−1 per mouse); and (d) diet enriched with END (30.0 µg kg−1) + oral vitamin E (200 mg kg−1 per mouse). At weaning, pups and dams were killed, and selected organs as well as blood samples were collected for analyses. Compared with the control results, END induced alteration in a number of biochemical and histopathological parameters either in the dams or their offspring. The ameliorative effect of vitamin E to superoxide dismutase based on the “ameliorative index (AI)” for mothers and pups was 0.84 and 0.72, respectively. The AI for malondialdehyde reached a maximum value of nearly equal to 1.0 for dams or pups. For butyryl cholinesterase, the AI was 0.90 and 0.94 for dams and pups, respectively. In conclusion, a dietary exposure during gestation and lactation to low dose of END caused significant changes in the mother but also in the weaned animals that had not been directly exposed to this pesticide. These biological and histological alterations could be reversed to a great extent by oral supplementation of vitamin E.