Antispermatogenic effects of artemether: An animal model

Various antimalarial drugs have been shown to exert different adverse effects; however, scanty information is available for artemether-induced potential side effects. The present study assessed effects of artemether on lipid profile, sperm count, and histological features of testes in an animal model. The mean total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride, and total proteins in mice-administered artemether were higher compared with controls. The mean sperm counts in mice treated with artemether were reduced when compared with controls. In addition, it was observed that artemether affected the histopathology of seminiferous epithelia and Leydig cells. Evidence indicates that artemether exerts adverse effects in mice testes.     

Histopathological impact of industrial wastewater on the vital organs of Oreochromis mossambicus

The acute toxicity of paper mill wastewater to Oreochromis mossambicus was investigated with the lethal concentration (LC50) value 6.5% for 96?h exposure. This concentration was used as a baseline to study the effects of paper mill effluent on histopathological changes in gills, liver, kidney, and brain of fish. In the gills, filament cell proliferation, cellular infiltration, hemorrhage, and epithelial lifting were observed. In the liver, vacuolation of hepatocytes and necrosis were noted. In kidney, exfoliation and swollen with pyknotic nuclei were identified. Similarly, the brain also showed enlarged pyramidal cells, binucleated nuclei, vacoulation, and necrosis. These changes occurred predominantly in 21days following exposure of fish to the industrial waste water. Paper mill wastewater was found to be highly toxic to fish.     

Assessment of the neurotoxicity of intramuscular artemether in mice

Artemether has been shown to be a very reliable antimalarial drug particularly because of its potency against multidrug resistant strain of malaria parasite; however, there is concern about its potential toxic effects. This study was designed to evaluate the neurotoxic effect of artemether using a mouse model. The photomicrographs of brains of the mice in the different artemether treated groups showed neurodegeneration. This observation is an indication that artemether may be neurotoxic in mice.     

Biochemical evaluation of hepatotoxicity in mice due to administration of artemether

Effects of artemether administration on liver and selected biochemical parameters were evaluated. Eighty albino mice were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was given water which served as control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were given 1.2, 2.4, or 4.8 mg kg^?1 body weight artemether intramuscularly for five consecutive days. On day 6 all mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood was collected for analysis of alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, copper, and total proteins. Liver tissues were prepared for histological studies. It was found that the serum alanine and aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities were higher in groups treated with artemether compared to control. The serum concentrations of copper and total proteins were lower than control. The histological features of liver tissues after administration of artemether showed histopathological alterations. These findings showed that artemether administration may have reversible adverse effects on mouse hepatocytes.     

Histopathological effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on the gill and intestine of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

In current research, the combined effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) on the histopathological anomalies of gill and intestine tissues in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were studied. Common carp were exposed to TiO₂ NPs (10.0?mg L^?1), CuO NPs (2.5 and 5.0?mg L^?1), and mixture of TiO₂ NPs (10.0?mg L^?1)?+?CuO NPs (2.5 and 5.0 mg?L^?1) for two periods of exposure (10 and 20 days) and recovery (30 and 40 days). The most common histopathological anomalies in the gill of common carp such as hyperplasia, oedema, curvature, fusion, aneurism, and necrosis were observed. The synergistic effect of co-existing TiO₂ NPs and CuO NPs reduced the length of secondary lamella and increased the diameters of the gill filaments and secondary lamellae. Moreover, the presence of TiO₂ NPs increased the CuO NPs effects on the histopathological anomalies of intestine tissue and the synergistic effect of TiO₂ NPs and CuO mixture leads to an increase in the severity of histopathological lesions such as degeneration, swelling of goblet cells, and necrosis - erosion in the intestine tissue. In conclusion, the presence of TiO₂ NPs increased the toxicity of CuO NPs.     

入侵植物南美蟛蜞菊营养器官的形态解剖研究

南美蟛蜞菊（Wedelia trilobata（L.）Hitchc.）是华南地区常见的入侵植物之一,其环境适应性强,繁殖速度快,对入侵地生态环境的破坏而导致生物多样性丧失的危害现象已经引起关注。结构与功能的相适应是生物学的基本观点之一,对入侵植物营养器官的内部形态解剖结构的研究,是理解入侵能力与其生物特性之间关系的直接路径,同时也是其他生理机理研究的结构基础。为研究入侵植物南美蟛蜞菊营养器官内部形态结构与其入侵能力的适应性,采用常规徒手切片技术对其根、茎及成熟叶片3大营养器官进行解剖及显微观察。结果表明：南美蟛蜞菊根、茎均具有次生结构。根韧皮部外方薄壁细胞具有分泌道,次生结构横切面中央为发达的次生木质部所填充,周皮代替表皮起保护作用,根的初生生长时期长,具有次生生长可视为其入侵定居时与本地物种形成地下资源和空间竞争的结构基础;茎的初生结构分化不久即产生次生结构,次生结构中央有明显的髓,次生维管束组织产生于初生结构的维管束之间并形成一管状结构明显将皮层和髓分开,茎内部组织高度木质化可视为是其茎直立生长及竞争地上资源和空间的结构基础;叶片为异面叶,上下表皮均具有气孔器和表皮毛,叶片内部具有分泌道,维管束发达且具有束鞘延伸,能与叶片表皮细胞共同构成辅助输导系统,叶片的结构特征是构成其喜阳植物的基础。此外叶片及根分泌道的存在可能与其化感物质的分泌有关。研究结果丰富了南美蟛蜞菊入侵适应性研究的背景基础,同时也弥补其在形态结构研究中的空缺。     

源于大气的氟在水稻不同器官的分布及对糙米含氟量的影响

用开顶式熏气罩熏气的方法,研究了气源氟在水稻不同器官的分布及对糙米含氟量的影响。结果表明:气源氟主要分布于水稻叶片中,根含氟量不受气源氟的影响;籽粒含氟量取决于籽粒器官形成后空气氟浓度,与籽粒器官形成前的空气氟浓度无关;糙米氟含量与水稻抽穗齐穗后所暴露的氟剂量间呈极显著线性相关关系。     

Antioxidant effect of L-cysteine on sodium-valproate-induced oxidative stress in rat liver: biochemical and ultrastructural approaches

L-Cysteine has protective efficacy in cases of oxidative tissue injury. Sodium valproate is widely used as an anticonvulsant and an antidepressant in spite of hepatotoxicity as side effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of L-cysteine in liver toxicity induced by sodium valproate overdose. Release of the hepatic enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and levels of lipid profiles, as well as the oxidative, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant were assessed. Liver damage was judged histologically. L-Cysteine decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as improved the level of lipid profile, increased the enzymatic antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), and decreased the lipid peroxidation. L-Cysteine administration inhibited liver injury of sodium valproate.     

Effect of mercuric chloride on terrestrial slug Semperula maculata and histopathology of reproductive organs: a comprehensive study

Since the last few decades, terrestrial diversity is found to be under stress due to the contamination by various chemicals and gases of aquatic and agricultural media. The bioaccumulation of these compounds at certain concentrations in different tissues produces histopathological changes leading to behavioral changes in target animals. This study focused on terrestrial molluscan slug, Semperula maculata, against lethal concentrations of mercury chloride (HgCl₂). Bioaccumulation of Hg was highest in ovotestis, while lowest in the molluscan penis. Histopathological changes were observed in the cellular arrangement of reproductive organs. Alterations in the penis and the dart gland included dilated unicellular, multicellular glands, and muscular dystrophy, dilated peripheral glandular cells, respectively; dilation being maximal in the prostate gland. Ovotestis showed depleted number of gametocytes. Vacoulized pre-vitellogenic oocytes with early vitellogenic oocytes were noted under light microscopy. Mercury produced toxicity on secretory functions and lowered the rate of reproduction in animals. Evidence indicates that Hg produced gamete degeneration, impacted reproductive capacity and survival of this species in the ecosystem.     

Combined effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats

The objective of this work was to evaluate potential interactions between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (PCBs) in rats. Groups of five adult female rats were given 0, 2.5, 25, 250, or 1000?ng TCDD/kg body weight/day or TCDD in combination with a mixture of PCB congeners at a concentration of 2 or 20?µg?kg^?1 body weight/day by gavage for 28 days. After the 28-day treatment period, the rats were killed for the analysis of biochemical, liver enzyme activities, and hematological and pathological end points. Growth suppression, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and decreased thymic weight were observed in the 1000?ng TCDD group alone, or the groups receiving a mixture of 1000?ng TCDD and 2 and 20?µg PCBs. TCDD-increased liver and thymic weights were not altered by PCBs; however, growth suppression was more pronounced in animals receiving 1000?ng TCDD and 2?µg PCBs. Increased hepatic microsomal methoxy resorufin-O-demethylase and ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase activities occurred in 250 and 1000?ng?kg^?1 TCDD-treated animals, which were antagonized by PCBs. Effects of 250?ng TCDD on serum cholesterol and liver uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase activity were reduced by 20?µg PCBs. Treatment with 1000?ng TCDD increased serum albumin, decreased liver vitamin A, increased kidney vitamin A, and liver microsomal glutathione-S-transferase activity, which were not affected by PCBs. Decreased hemoglobin, platelet, packet cell volume, and red cell indices were observed in TCDD-treated rats, but no interactive effects were seen. Histopathological evaluation revealed that liver, thyroid, and thymus were the target organs, but the effects of co-exposure to PCBs and TCDD were variable. These results indicate that the mixture effects of PCBs and TCDD may be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic depending on the dose level and end points measured.     

Pathological effects of sublethal diazinon on the blood,gill, liver and kidney of the freshwater fish Capoeta damascina

Capoeta damascina has a large distribution in the Middle East and is one of the most abundant fishes in inland waters of Iran. Histopathological symptoms of the blood, gill, liver and kidney of C. damascina were investigated over 1, 5 and 9-day exposure to 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 1.5?mg?L^?1 diazinon. The data were analysed using analysis of variance and non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance. Diazinon concentration was more important than the exposure time on changes of the tissues. Diazinon decreased red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hb). The symptoms of the gill were mainly desquamation, epithelial hyperplasia, hyperplasia at the base of secondary lamella, epithelial lifting and curling. The prevalent symptoms of the liver were degeneration of nuclei, alternation in size and shape of hepatocytes, focal necrosis and pyknosis. Degeneration of Bowman's capsule, necrosis in renal tubule and haematopoietic tissue were the most common symptoms found in the kidney. In conclusion, the blood, gill, liver and kidney of C. damascina are sensitive enough to respond to low concentrations of diazinon over a short period and this species can thus be a bioindicator of diazinon.     

The effects of subchronic exposure to NeemAzal T/S on zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The objective of the study was to investigate the subchronic effects of the insecticidal preparation NeemAzal T/S at concentrations of 3, 10 and 30?mg/L on the mortality, growth and histopathology of juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as its related effects on selected indices of oxidative stress during a 28-day toxicity test. The juvenile growth toxicity test was performed according to OECD Guidelines 215 (Fish, Juvenile Growth Test). The results of this study indicate that these tested concentrations of NeemAzal T/S (containing 1% of the active ingredient azadirachtin A) affect fish growth and have a negative influence on the indices of oxidative stress in the juvenile stage of zebrafish, as well as cause mild histopathological changes in liver tissue.     

Amelioration of fluoride toxicity by vitamins and calcium on reproductive organs of female rat

Normal female rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) weighing between 150–200 g were treated with fluoride (Fl) contaminated drinking water (FW, 5.8 ppm), vitamin C (6 mg) and vitamin C (6 mg) + D (6 mg once a week) + calcium (6 mg) for 30 days. Fl water treatment to rats produced reduction in weights of ovaries, uterus, vagina, kidneys, and adrenal glands, circulating levels of estrogen, number of litters, fertility rate, and altered tissue and serum biochemistry compared to control rats. However, cholesterol concentrations of ovaries and adrenals increased significantly. The above altered parameters were restored partially/completely after exogenous feeding with vitamin C and vitamins (C + D) and calcium. The data suggest that Fl-induced adverse effects on reproductive and other organs in female rats, whereas vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium treatment ameliorated Fl toxicity. Therefore, vitamins (C and D) and calcium play an important role in prophylactic treatment of fluorosis.     

Acute effects of low-dose cypermethrin on male rat cells

Effects of synthetic pyrethroid insecticide α-cypermethrin were investigated following intradermal dose (5–50 mM) of cypermethrin to male albino Wistar rats. Glucose, protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, hemoglobin, blood RBC, and WBC content were determined 6 h after pesticide administration. Biochemical parameters and blood cell count changed significantly in treated rats at all doses. Low-dose cypermethrin affected early biochemical changes in rats.     

Sex-specific effects of yolk-androgens on growth of nestling American kestrels

Maternally derived androgen hormones concentrate in avian egg yolks as the yolks grow on the female’s ovary, possibly forming a basis for important maternal effects in birds. In the American kestrel (Falco sparverius), experimental elevation of yolk androgens in the first-laid egg of a clutch (a-egg) to the concentrations found naturally in a clutch’s later-laid eggs reduces the growth rate of a-egg nestlings compared to controls. These findings, together with discoveries from other species that the effects of yolk androgens on growth of female nestlings may differ from their effects on growth of male nestlings, raise the hypothesis that natural changes in yolk-androgen concentrations with laying order are ultimately due to a difference between the sexes in their yolk-androgen sensitivity and between early- and late-laid eggs in their sex ratio. By re-analyzing previously published data and adding to the analysis data from previously unanalyzed blood samples used for sex determination, we investigated possible sex-specific effects of yolk-androgens in the context of a potential sex-biased laying order in free-living American kestrels. We used a multi-level, mixed model with a Gompertz function to analyze growth of nestlings hatching from a-eggs that were control-treated or in which we experimentally elevated yolk-androgen concentrations shortly after laying to the higher concentrations naturally found in later-laid eggs. We discovered that male nestlings were more susceptible than female nestlings to growth inhibition by yolk-androgen elevation but did not find a bias in sex ratio with respect to laying order. Together, these findings do not support the above hypothesis. However, they are consistent with the hypothesis that sex differences in yolk-androgen sensitivity enable mothers to economically tune reproductive effort to an individual offspring’s reproductive value, which can vary more for one sex than the other.     

Interaction effects of lead on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of arsenic in the rat

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are common contaminants found in mine waste materials. For an evidence-based risk assessment, it is important to better understand the potential interaction of mixed contaminants; and this interaction study was investigated in an in vivo rat model. Following co-administration of a fixed dose of As^V as in sodium arsenate and different doses of Pb as lead acetate to Sprague–Dawley rats, blood arsenic concentration and bioavailability decreased. A decrease in As blood concentration when lead was co-administered was observed with increasing lead doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters for As in the blood showed faster absorption and elimination of this metalloid in the presence of Pb. The elimination half-life of As decreased from 67 days in As solo group to 27–30 with doses of Pb. Bioavailability of As was also decreased by 30–43 % in the presence of Pb. Decreased urinary excretion of Pb and tissue accumulation were also observed. It indicates lower absorption of As when co-administered with Pb. A probable explanation for these findings is that As co-administration with Pb could have resulted in the formation of less soluble lead arsenate. However, such an interaction between As and Pb could only explain about one-third of the variation when real mine waste materials containing both of these elements were administered to rats. This suggests that other effects from physical and chemical parameters could contribute to the bioavailability of arsenic in complex real environmental samples.     

Protective effects of Peganum harmala extracts on thiourea-induced diseases in adult male rat

Cancers and hepatoprotective prevention using traditional medicines have attracted increasing interest. The aim of our study was to characterize the putative protective effects of ethanol and chloroform extracts of Peganum harmala on thiourea-induced diseases in adult male rat. We seek to determine the effects of these plant extracts on body weight, thyroid and endocrine cancer parameters. In addition the putative hepatoprotective effect was checked by the determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and the bilirubin level in the blood. Our data show that ethanol and chloroform extracts of Peganum harmala protected the animal against the carcinogenic effects induced by thiourea since neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and thyroglobulin (TG) levels were back to the normal range. In addition, the observed-hepatocytotoxicity after thiourea treatment was greatly reduced (AST and ALT activities were respectively 270 IU/l and 60 IU/l and in the same order of magnitude as in the untreated rats) as well as the bilirubin levels (6 micromol/l) especially for animals receiving the choroform preparation. Therefore we may suggest that extracts of Peganum harmala are efficient to reduce the toxicity induced by thiourea in male rat as far as the above parameters are concerned.     

模拟水深和氮添加对三江平原湿地植物功能性状的影响

水深和氮素是影响湿地植物生长的关键因素,研究两者对功能性状的影响有助于预测未来环境变化下湿地植物的生长与分布趋势.以三江平原沼泽湿地3种优势植物(漂筏苔草Carex pseudocuraica、毛苔草Carex lasiocarpa和燕子花lris laevigata)为研究对象,设置3个水深(0、5、15 cm)和3...     

Integrating selected ecological effects of mixed European beech–Norway spruce stands in bioeconomic modelling

The simplicity of many bioeconomic models has been criticised several times, due to their lack of realism resulting from a deterministic nature and a single-species focus. In this context it was interesting to test the financial sensitivity of bioeconomic modelling against fairly well documented ecological effects in mixed forests. For this purpose our study linked existing results of ecological research with bioeconomic modelling. The presented methodological approach could not only show the importance of considering ecological effects in bioeconomic models; it in fact enabled prioritising ecological research from a financial point of view.In a first step, the possible influence of the tree species mixture on forest stand resistance, productivity and timber quality was derived from existing studies. In a second step, the available Monte Carlo simulations for Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), simulated under site conditions and risks typical of southern Germany, were extended by the mentioned ecological effects and then evaluated from a financial perspective.The results showed a clear influence of all tested ecological effects on the financial indicators, financial risk and return. While testing each ecological effect separately, an increased resistance against wind, snow and insect attacks had the greatest influence on financial risk and return. It over-proportionally enhanced the financial return while simultaneously the financial risk was reduced. In contrast, a degraded timber quality could eliminate the positive effect of risk compensation in mixed forests almost completely. The least influence on the financial indicators finally showed a changed volume growth in mixed forests.A combination of the separately tested ecological effects (increased resistance, changed volume growth and decreased timber quality), between both tree species, underlined the dominating importance of the stand resistance. The integration of ecological effects, induced by interdependent tree species, in our bioeconomic model resulted in significantly lower financial risk than ignoring these effects. Moreover, the financial return of mixed stand variants with a proportion of Norway spruce greater than 60% even exceeded that of the most profitable pure stand.In conclusion this paper clearly confirmed that ignoring ecological effects in bioeconomic models could lead to seriously biased financial results. While a changed volume growth proved rather to be of minor importance for European beech/Norway spruce stands, tree resistance and timber quality may change the financial results significantly.     

Immunoprotective effect of curcumin on cypermethrin-induced toxicity in rats

Immunotoxicological effects of cypermethrin and their reversal by curcumin following oral administration were evaluated in rats. Mature male Wistar rats were orally administered cypermethrin (25?mg?kg^?1 body wt), curcumin (100?mg?kg^?1 body wt) or both daily for 4 weeks. At the end of fourth week, hematological, serum biochemical, and immunological parameters were studied. Subchronic exposure to cypermethrin significantly reduced body weight, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, and cell-mediated immunity. Concomitant curcumin administration restored the changes in the body weight, hematological parameters, and serum biochemical indices and significantly increased the antibody titer, and cell mediated immunity. These results suggest that concurrent curcumin treatment has a beneficial role in mitigating immunotoxicological and other adverse effects of cypermethrin.