Oxidative stress,hematological and biochemical alterations in farmers exposed to pesticides

In this study, a cohort of farmers from the Mateur region in the North of Tunisia, were interviewed and examined for the biochemical effects of pesticides. We studied their haematological profile, lipid parameters, serum markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. We also evaluated the activities of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and thiolactonase-paroxonase (PON). Moreover, lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. The duration of pesticide use and the farmers’ age were considered in the analysis. Our results revealed significant differences in some haematological parameters, in liver and kidney functions, in the lipidic status of the pesticide-exposed group. We also reported an increase in the index of incidence of cardiovascular risk in farmer populations. A significant decrease in AChE, BChE and PON levels was found among farmers. Lipid peroxidation, however, increased. The activities of SOD and CAT were remarkably elevated in farmer populations. There was a significant relation between changes in biological markers, the duration of pesticide use and the farmers’ age. This study indicates that a long-term exposure to pesticides may play an important role in the development of vascular diseases via metabolic disorders of lipoproteins, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, inhibition of BChE and decrease in thiolactonase-PON levels.     

Effect of High Content of Deinking Paper Sludge (DPS) on the Reinforcement of HDPE

Deinking paper sludge (DPS)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with and without coupling agent (3 % of maleated polyethylene (MAPE)) were manufactured by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding with high percentages of DPS (0, 20, 30 and 40 %). The effects of DPS content and MAPE on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the DPS/HDPE composites were investigated. Increasing DPS content in composites increased the tensile and flexural modulus (E; MOE), tensile and flexural strength (Rm; MOR), while decreased elongation at break and Un-notched impact resistance due to a poor adhesion between the DPS and HDPE. The addition of DPS also improved the thermal stability and increased the composites crystallinity. High content of DPS (40 %) and 3 % MAPE achieved good interfacial adhesion between fibres of DPS and HDPE. Therefore, an increase is observed for Rm, MOR, ductility, and impact toughness.     

Anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil against vanadium-induced oxidative stress and histological changes in the rat liver

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SOEO) against vanadium-induced hepatotoxicity...