Protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on collagen content and oxidative stress induced by sodium fluoride in the liver and kidney of rats

Fluorosis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. The generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation has been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on the collagen content and oxidative stress in liver and kidney of fluoride-exposed rats. The first group served as control. The second group received 200 mg L^?1 of sodium fluoride through drinking water. The third and fourth groups received T. indica fruit pulp extract (200 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone and along with fluorinated drinking water respectively, daily by gavage for a period of 90 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all groups, and liver and kidney samples were taken concurrently. Levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were evaluated in the liver and kidney of experimental rats. Furthermore, level of hydroxyproline and histological examination of liver and kidney along with serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. In conclusion, fluoride was determined to cause adverse effects in rats, and the supplementation of tamarind to these animals alleviated the adverse effects of fluoride.     

Protective effects of curcumin on antioxidant status,body weight gain,and reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on antioxidant status, body weight (BW) gains, and some reproductive parameters in male rats exposed to subchronic doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups. The first group was kept as control. The second group (TCDD group) was given TCDD at a dose of 50 ng·kg^?1 BW per day; the third group (CUR group) was treated with CUR at a dose of 80 mg·kg^?1 BW per day. The fourth group (TCDD + CUR group) was given TCDD and CUR at the same doses simultaneously. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the TCDD group. In addition, TCDD exposure decreased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activities of kidney and brain, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of liver, kidney, and brain, and glutathione levels of liver, kidney, and heart. However, CUR treatment with TCDD exposure decreased MDA levels in all tissues and increased SOD activities of liver, kidney, and brain, CAT activity of heart, and GSH-Px activities of heart and brain. TCDD caused a decrease in BW gain, and CUR partially eliminated this effect of TCDD. In addition, while reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, and sperm motility tended to decrease with TCDD exposure, these effects tended to be close to normal levels by CUR treatment. In conclusion, CUR was seen to be effective in the treatment and prevention of toxicity induced by subchronic TCDD exposure.     

Effect of white African mineral hair dye on the activities of phosphatases and malondialdehyde level in selected tissues of albino rats

The effect of white African mineral dye Yombofita (YF) on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin, liver, kidney and serum of albino rats was investigated. The chemical analysis of the dye was first carried out using solubility test, pH determination and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Six different concentrations (0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00%) of the dye were prepared using hydrogen peroxide (30 volume) as solvent. A total of 80 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used for the study. The rats were divided into 8 groups of 10 each and were maintained on commercial feed for the period of the experiment i.e. 30 days. In group 1, the control group, the animals were applied distilled water on their heads, whereas in group 2 the vehicle i.e. hydrogen peroxide was applied. In groups 3 to 8 various concentrations of YF (white) dye ranging from 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 to 1.00% was applied respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and portions of the selected tissues were excised for the determination of ALP and ACP activities. The MDA level was also determined in the skin of experimental animals. The results revealed a significant decrease (p?p?相似文献   

Manganese toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster: extension of the life span by resveratrol

The effect of resveratrol was studied on the life span and motor activity of Drosophila melanogaster treated with manganese (Mn). Two days after emerging from the pupa, male wild type D. melanogaster were fed for 13 days with corn media containing 15?mM Mn. Thereafter, Drosophila were divided into six groups of 300 flies each: (1) the flies remained treated with Mn; (2) began treatment with 0.43?mM resveratrol (Mn-resveratrol group); (3) received no additional treatment (Mn-no treatment group); (4) simultaneously fed with Mn and resveratrol (Mn?+?resveratrol group). In addition, a control (5) with no treatment and another group (6) fed only with resveratrol after emerging from the pupa were included. All Mn-treated flies (group 1) were dead on the 25th day. The life span in the resveratrol group was 91?±?0.33 days (mean?±?S.E.M.) and in Mn-resveratrol flies was 83?±?2 days. These two values were significantly higher than those detected in the control (5) and Mn-no treatment (group 3) flies whose life span were 68?±?0.33 and 67?±?2.31 days, respectively. The Mn?+?resveratrol-fed flies had a markedly higher life span (31?±?1.53 days) than Mn-fed flies (23?±?0.88 days). In the flies that received Mn (Mn and Mn?+?resveratrol groups), the motor activity decreased significantly with respect to control (groups 5) and the Mn–resveratrol and resveratrol groups. In conclusion, resveratrol increased significantly the life span of Mn-treated D. melanogaster.     

非暴露式气管滴注3种典型纳米材料对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应

为探讨纳米二氧化硅(Nano-SiO2)、纳米四氧化三铁(Nano-Fe3O4)和单壁碳纳米管(SWCNTs)对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应,将49只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为7组,包括生理盐水对照组,以及3种纳米材料的低剂量组(2mg·mL-1)和高剂量组(10mg·mL-1),采用非暴露式气管滴注法染毒,每2d染毒1次,每次每只0.2mL,共染毒5周,眼眶取血后处死大鼠,称肝、肾重量计算脏器系数,测定大鼠血清中反映肝、肾功能的生化指标,并对肝、肾进行病理学观察.结果表明,1)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠体重明显降低,但对肝、肾脏器系数无明显影响;2)病理学观察发现,3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肝细胞轻度脂肪变性,肾脏则无明显改变;3)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肝功能异常,部分肝功能指标如谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)等出现显著降低;4)3种纳米材料均可导致大鼠肾功能异常,部分肾功能指标如尿酸(UA)、肌酐(CREA)、尿素氮(BUN)等出现显著升高或降低.以上结果提示,经呼吸道染毒的Nano-SiO2、Nano-Fe3O4和SWCNTs均可对大鼠肝、肾产生一定的毒性效应.     

The role of thymoquinone as antioxidant protection on oxidative stress induced by imidacloprid in male and female Swiss albino mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), an antioxidant agent, against imidacloprid (IMI)-induced oxidative stress in male and female mice. In total, 48 Swiss Albino male and female mice were fed a standard rodent diet and divided into 3 equal groups: the animals in the control group (vehicle treated) were given corn oil, the second group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI alone, and the third group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI and with TQ at 10 mg/kg/day for 21 days. During the experimental period, there were no significant changes between initial body weights and final body weights of IMI treated male and female mice. IMI produced significant increase in blood, liver, kidney, and heart malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in blood and liver glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, IMI treatment decreased erythrocyte, liver, and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in male mice and decreased erythrocyte and liver SOD activity in female mice. Erythrocyte catalase (CAT) activities were found to be low in male and female mice. However, treatment with TQ reversed IMI-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, TQ exhibited protective action against the IMI-induced histopathological changes in tissues of male and female mice. In conclusion, TQ was found to be effective in protecting mice against IMI-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms.     

Impact of industrial effluents on the biochemical composition of fresh water fish Labeo rohita

In acute toxicity (96 hr) experiment the fingerlings of freshwater fish Labeo rohita was exposed to tannery, electroplating and textile mill effluents. The LC0 and LC50 concentrations were 15% and 20% for tannery effluents, 3% and 6% for electroplating effluents and 18% and 22% for textile mill effluents respectively. It was found that, electroplating effluent was more toxic than tannery and textile mill wastes. After acute toxicity experiments for different industrial effluents, various tissues viz. gill, liver, muscle and kidney were obtained separately from control, LC0 and LC50 groups. These tissues were used for biochemical estimations. The glycogen content in all the tissues decreased considerably upon acute toxicity of three industrial effluents except muscle in LC50 group of tannery effluent and kidney in LC50 group of textile mill effluent, when compared to control group. The total protein content decreased in all tissues in three effluents except gills in LC50 group of tannery effluent, kidney in LC50 group of electroplating effluent and kidney in LC0 group of textile mill effluent. In general total lipid content decreased in all tissues after acute exposure when compared to control group. The results obtained in the present study showed that, the industrial effluents from tannery, electroplating and textile mills caused marked depletion in biochemical composition in various tissues of the fish Labeo rohita after acute exposure.     

Phytochemical screening and toxicological profile of methanolic extract of Picralima nitida fruit-rind (Apocynaceae)

The methanol (M) extract of the fruit-rinds of Picralima nitida (PN) was analyzed phytochemically and evaluated for its toxicity effect in Wistar rats. The rats were administered graded doses (0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 g kg^?1 p.o) of the extract daily for 6 weeks and the toxicological effect of these varying levels of extract were examined on the serum, hepatic, and renal concentration of biochemical parameters as well as the histopathology of tissue section of these liver, kidney, and lungs. Clinical signs and hematology were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids and polyphenols were major compounds. Both biochemical and histopathological data presented demonstrate dose-dependent signs of toxicity. Our results show a significant elevation in serum concentration of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino-transferase, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, and protein with high-dose of PN treatment tested. PN also caused a significant reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde and a slight increase in glutathione concentration at the lowest dose tested. Renal urea level was reduced significantly in test groups. A significant change was observed in the relative weights of the spleen, heart, and kidneys. The total white blood cell count was reduced, whereas the hematocrit level was increased remarkably in animals that received high doses of the extract. The acute toxicity LD₅₀ was estimated at 14.5 and 12.5 g kg^?1 body weight for male and female, respectively. These results show that prolonged usage of this extract at 1.5–6 g kg^?1 dose could cause liver, kidney, and lung injury, while the effect was mild at small dose levels (0.75 g kg^?1). Thus, the extract should be taken with caution bearing in mind that higher doses could affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs.     

火箭推进剂单推-Ⅲ对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应

为探讨新型火箭推进剂单推-Ⅲ(主成分为肼)对大鼠肝、肾的毒性效应及其作用机制,将24只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为4组:生理盐水对照组,低剂量组、中剂量组和高剂量组,采用灌胃方式染毒,单次染毒剂量分别为0、0.70、2.35、7.05mg·kg-1(以单推-Ⅲ中的肼计算),每天1次,连续染毒7d,眼眶静脉丛取血后腹主动脉放血处死大鼠,称肝、肾重量计算肝、肾的脏器系数,测定大鼠血清中反映肝、肾功能的生化指标,并对肝、肾进行病理学观察.结果表明,1)单推-Ⅲ染毒可导致大鼠出现后肢运动障碍,并显著提高大鼠肝、肾脏器系数及血糖水平;2)病理学观察发现,单推-Ⅲ染毒可导致大鼠肝脏灶性及汇管区少量炎症细胞浸润,肝细胞脂肪变性,肾脏则无明显改变;3)单推-Ⅲ染毒可导致大鼠肝功能异常,部分肝功能指标如谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、直接胆红素(D-BIL)等出现显著升高或降低;4)单推-Ⅲ染毒可导致大鼠肾功能异常,部分肾功能指标如尿素氮(BUN)、尿酸(UA)、肌酐(CREA)等出现显著升高或降低.综合以上实验结果可以看出火箭推进剂单推-Ⅲ对大鼠肝、肾组织可产生一定的毒性效应,并可造成一定程度的中枢神经损伤。     

Sub-lethal effect of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism of the food fish Clarias batrachus and monitoring of recovery

The effect of sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism in physiological important tissues, namely gills, kidney, liver, and muscle of the freshwater fish, Clarias batrachus, was studied. Fish were exposed to 1/20th and 1/10th of 96?h LC₅₀ concentrations for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After 28 days of exposure, fish were released into fresh water and kept in the same for 21 days in order to study the recovery. Fish were sacrificed at the stipulated periods and gills, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues were used for the estimation of total protein, amino acids, ammonia, urea, glutamine, protease, transaminases, and phosphatases. Total protein, amino acid, and ammonia contents were decreased in all tissues for 28 days and recovery was observed during the recovery period. Urea and glutamine levels were elevated, except in kidneys, and recovered at the end of the recovery period. The activities of protease, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferases, and acid and alkaline phosphatases were elevated in the tissues for 28 days exposure at both concentrations. Recovery of these enzymes activities was noticed during depuration.     

Effects of UV-light on biochemical composition of silk gland of silkworm,Bombyx mori L. fed an artificial diet

The effects of UV-light on biochemical parameters of posterior silk gland of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. were investigated in two popular bivoltine hybrids, Jufang (Chinese) × Chenxin (Japanese) and Chenxin × Jufang fed an artificial diet. Larvae of the first day of fifth instar were used for the present investigation. The larvae were irradiated with 20 W of UV-light at the intensity of 40 cm above the larvae for one of three exposure times (30, 60 or 120 min) just before feeding. UV treatment produced no significant effects at 30 min. However, at 60 or 120 min there was a significant decrease in silk gland weight and the levels of total protein, free amino acids, RNA and carbohydrates. UV-light thus affects the biosynthetic activities of silk glands.     

双酚A对小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞的氧化损伤

为探究双酚A(BPA)的氧化毒性,分别以剂量为20、40和80mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)的BPA对雄性昆明小鼠灌胃处理1周,并测定了小鼠体内活性氧自由基(ROS)水平、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量和DNA-蛋白质交联系数(DPC)。与对照组相比,各BPA暴露组小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞中的ROS生成量、MDA含量和DPC系数均升高,而GSH含量下降(P<0.05或P<0.01)。ROS生成量、GSH含量和DPC系数均显示出剂量-效应关系。研究表明,BPA可扰乱小鼠肝脏和肾脏细胞的氧化应激平衡,诱导细胞氧化损伤。     

Hematoxicity and hepatoxicity attributed to zinc and cadmium in the Norwegian rat

This study was carried out to determine changes in the blood and liver of rats given oral doses of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Thirty 3 month old rats were kept six to a compartment in a well-demarcated five compartment cage labeled A, B, C, D, and E. After 2 weeks of acclimatization, and with ad libitum administration of water and feed, group A and B rats were, respectively, exposed to 100 mg CdSO₄ and 2200 mg ZnSO₄, respectively, mixed with their feed. Group C rats were fed with a combination of 100 mg CdSO₄ and 2200 mg ZnSO₄ mixed with their feed, while group D rats were exposed to 100 mg CdSO₄ mixed with their feed for 48 h, and after they were given 2200 mg ZnSO₄ for 96 h. Group E rats served as control and were fed a normal diet. Analysis of blood samples after 5 days showed that in rats of groups A, B, C, and D, WBC count increased from 6800 to 12,400 mm^?3 and platelets from 26,000 to 88,000 mm^?3. Reduction in blood counts were found for RBC from 13.8 to 4.7 × 10⁶ mm^?3, hemoglobin from 15.6 to 11.4 dL^?1, and PCV from 47 to 34%. ESR was the same 1.0 mm h^?1 in all groups. Severe damage to the liver was also shown by severe degeneration of hepatocytes and increase in Kuppfer cells. The above observations were mildest in the liver of group C rats. A reduction of body weight was observed in all treatment groups. Cd and Zn were found to be hematoxic and hepatotoxic in the Norwegian rat with Cd exhibiting greater toxicity than Zn. Toxicity of Cd was suppressed by Zn only when both metals were admistered at the same time, but a delay in intake of Zn (after 48 h) had little effect on Cd toxicity.     

Chemopreventive role of Indigofera aspalathoides against 20-methylcholanthrene-induced carcinogenesis in mouse

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Indigofera aspalathoides (HAIA) against 20-methylcholanthrene (20-MC)-induced carcinogenesis in mice. Tumor was induced by single subcutaneous administration of 20-MC (200 µg per mouse) in Swiss albino mice. After 24 h of 20-MC administration, HAIA was administered at the doses of 250 and 500 mg kg^?1 body weight orally for 90 consecutive days. Mice of all groups were observed for 15 weeks to record tumor incidence (fibrosarcoma) and survival time. After 15 weeks the mice were sacrificed for the estimation of hematological profiles like hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and liver biochemical parameters, namely lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). HAIA treatment markedly reduced tumor incidence and prolonged the life span of sarcoma-bearing mice as compared to 20-MC control mice. Hematological profiles were significantly (p < 0.001) restored to normal levels in HAIA-treated mice as compared to 20-MC control mice. HAIA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) modulated the aforesaid liver biochemical parameters as compared to 20-MC control. The results concluded that I. aspalathoides demonstrated a remarkable chemopreventive effect in chemical-induced carcinogenesis in mouse. The potential chemopreventive action may be due to its antioxidant and detoxifying properties.     

实验性糖尿病新西兰兔主要器官组织的病理学观察

将雄性新西兰兔随机分为:基础饲料组(即对照组:n=15)和高糖高脂饲料组(即实验组:n=15,喂食10％猪油,37％白蔗糖混合53％的基础饲料).共观察12周.于12周实验结束时,全部处死动物,取动物心脏、肝脏、胰腺、肾脏,用1O％福尔马林液固定,常规石蜡包埋切片,H、E染色,光学显微镜下观察并照相.结果表明:动物心肌细胞肥大,并出现灶性坏死,淋巴细胞浸润,心肌细胞间成纤维细胞增生和毛细血管增生,胶原纤维增加;肝细胞有明显脂肪变性,细胞肿胀;肾脏表现有肾小球球囊增大,细胞增多,毛细血管壁增厚,肾小管上皮细胞胞体增大;胰腺组织表现为胰岛分布稀疏,数量减少,胰岛萎缩,胰岛细胞数量减少,成纤维细胞增生.     

Responses of the Indian major carp Labeo rohita to deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations

The effects of deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations on some hematological and biochemical profiles in the Indian major carp Labeo rohita have been examined. The lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of deltamethrin for 24 and 96 h were found to be 0.44 and 0.38 mg L^?1, respectively. During acute treatment (24 h), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), mean cellular volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were significantly increased compared to control group. Plasma glucose, protein, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and glycogen in gill and muscle were significantly decreased. Upon sublethal treatment (0.044 mg L^?1, 10th of 24 h LC₅₀), RBC and the biochemical parameters, except glucose and cholesterol, decreased significantly, while MCV, MCH, and MCHC values increased up to the 28th day and then declined. Cholesterol level was significantly increased throughout the study period. A biphasic response in the levels of Hb, Hct, WBC, and glucose were observed during sublethal treatment.     

稻米来源镉对生长期猪的生长特性及不同脏器组织镉蓄积的影响

环境中的镉污染对动植物及人类都带来了极大的危害。目前,多数镉毒理研究关注其无机状态,而来源于稻米的有机态镉的毒害作用报道较少。为评估稻米来源镉对生长期猪的毒性作用,选用初始体重为30 kg左右的健康生长猪28头,随机分为体重无明显差异的2组,即对照组与稻米来源镉组(试验组),研究稻米来源镉对生长期猪(生长及育肥全阶段)的生长特性及不同脏器组织镉蓄积的影响。结果表明,在生长及育肥阶段,试验组与对照组相比:1)生长特性无显著差异(P0.05);2)育肥期组织游离氨基酸含量,除肌肉中的赖氨酸显著降低外(P0.05),血浆、肝脏、肾脏及肌肉中其他游离氨基酸水平均无显著差异(P0.05);3)心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肾脏、肺脏、胃、小肠、大肠、骨骼中镉蓄积量显著增高(P0.05),而肌肉、血液中无显著差异(P0.05),脂肪、皮中未检出镉。日粮使用大比例镉超标稻米后镉在各脏器和组织中的蓄积规律为肾脏肝脏小肠脾肺大肠胃血液骨头心腿肌背肌脂肪、皮。由此可见,镉超标稻米对生长期猪的生长特性未产生显著的影响,稻米来源镉主要蓄积于肝脏和肾脏,而主流食用组织肌肉和血液中镉的蓄积量较少。     

Toxic responses of different organs following occupational exposure to sub-threshold limit value levels of paving asphalt fumes

The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether occupational exposure to asphalt fumes, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, or hematotoxic response. This was a cross-sectional study in which 210 subjects (80 exposed and 130 reference subjects) were investigated. Using standard methods, atmospheric concentrations of total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions of asphalt fumes were measured. Additionally, urine and blood samples were taken from subjects for complete blood count, white blood cell differential test, urinalysis, and routine biochemical tests of kidney and liver function. Both groups were similar as far as their demographic variables and smoking habits were concerned. The levels of exposure to total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions were estimated to be 0.9?±?0.2 and 0.32?±?0.09 mg m^?3, respectively (mean?±?SD), both of which being lower than the existing threshold limit values. Statistically, significant associations between exposure to asphalt fumes and changes in most liver and kidney function tests and complete blood count parameters provided circumstantial evidence in favor of the notion that exposure to sub-threshold limit value levels of total particulate and benzene-soluble fractions is associated with early liver and kidney dysfunction as well as hematological disorders.     

Studies on the nutrition of marine flatfish. Growth of the plaice Pleuronectes platessa on diets containing proteins derived from plants and other sources

The growth of 0-group Pleuronectes platessa L. on diets containing plant proteins was examined. Diets were made acceptable to the fish by including in them cod flesh which had been predigested with proteolytic enzymes, as well as a proportion of air-dried cod meal. A leaf-protein concentrate was fed at 6 levels ranging from 0 to 63 % of the total dietary protein; B.P. protein concentrate (Toprina) and soyabean meal were examined at a single level — about 45 % of the dietary protein. The remainder of the protein in these diets was animal protein, cod meal or cod flesh. Analysis of the weight gains after a 12 week feeding period and of the growth curves showed that, as the proportion of leaf protein in the diet increased, the growth rate diminished, the effect becoming more pronounced when leaf protein reached 40 % or more of the dietary protein. Growth on the diet containing B.P. protein concentrate was superior to that on the diet containing soyabean meal and was comparable with diets containing low levels of leaf protein. The protein efficiency ratios (PER= g live weight gain/g protein fed) for the different diets showed similar trends to the growth rates. Diets containing 40 % or less of leaf protein and the B.P. protein diet had PERs of 1.4 to 1.5. The soyabean meal diet and diets containing more than 40 % of the protein as leaf protein had PERs of 1.0 or less. The results are considered in the context of production diets for flatfish.     

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nano anatase in liver and kidney of Wistar rat

This study examined the adverse effects of TiO₂ nanoparticle (nano-TiO₂) on the kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Changes of serum biochemical parameters and pathological lesions indicated that liver and kidney were significantly affected in animals treated with 50?mg?kg^?1 of nano-TiO₂. The inverse relationship between the level of reactive oxygen species and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase indicates that nano-TiO₂ induces oxidative stress. A significant increase in the apoptosis of liver and kidney in a dose-dependent manner was also observed. The ultrastructural observations confirmed the internalization of nano-TiO₂ and their direct involvement in the mitochondria-mediated cytotoxicity. Data indicated that nano-TiO₂ induce oxidative stress which produces genotoxicity such as oxidative DNA damage, micronuclei (MN) induction, and cell apoptosis in liver and kidney.