Identification of Novel Natural Inhibitors to Human 3-Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase (PHGDH) for Cancer Treatment.

Targeting the serine biosynthesis pathway enzymes has turned up as a novel strategy for anti-cancer therapeutics. 3- Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 3-Phosphoglyceric acid (3-PG) into 3-Phosphohydroxy pyruvate (3-PPyr) in the first step of serine synthesis pathway and perform a critical role in cancer progression. PHGDH has been reported to be overexpressed in different types of cancers and emerged as a novel target for cancer therapeutics. During this study, virtual screening tools were used for the identification of inhibitors of PHGDH. A library of phenolic compounds was docked against two binding sites of PHGDH using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software. Out of 169 virtually tested compounds, Salvianolic acid C and Schizotenuin F possess good binding potential to co-factor binding site of PHGDH while Salvianolic acid I and Chicoric acid were identified as the best binding compounds toward the substrate binding site of PHGDH. The top selected compounds were evaluated for different physiochemical and ADMET properties, the obtained results showed that none of these hit compounds violated the Pfizer Rule and they possess acceptable ADMET profiles. Further, a commercially available hit compound, Chicoric acid, was evaluated for its anti-cancer potential against PHGDH-expressing gastric cancer cell lines (MGC-803 and SGC-7901) as well as cell lines with low expression of PHGDH (MCF-7 and MDA-MB2-31), which demonstrated that Chicoric acid possesses selective cytotoxicity toward PHGDH expressing cancer cell lines. Thus, this study has unveiled the potential of phenolic compounds, which could serve as novel candidates for the development of PHGDH inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.

Eriocalyxin B induces apoptosis in human triple negative breast cancer cells via inhibiting STAT3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Eriocalyxin B (EriB), a potent ent-kaurene extracted from Isodon eriocalyx, has turned up as novel anti-cancer agent during recent years against a range of cancer types. TNBC (Triple negative breast cancer) is highly aggressive breast cancer, which is resistant towards current therapeutics due to absence of drug targets. Here, we have probed the molecular mechanism of EriB-induced apoptosis in TNBC (MDA-MB231) cells to check whether its anticancer activity is mediated by modulation of STAT3 and NF-Ï°B. EriB induced apoptosis in MDA-MB231 cells via inhibiting NF-Ï°Bp65, STAT3 phosphorylation, increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, MMP dissipation, and activation of caspase-3. These results provide a rationale for further in vivo investigations on EriB, which might also prove to be a potential drug candidate for developing novel therapeutics against TNBC.

Microelectrophoretic study of environmentally induced DNA damage in fish and its use for early toxicity screening of freshwater bodies.

This study investigates the potential of the comet and micronucleus assays of fish DNA as a means of screening the toxicity of aquatic environments. Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala collected from the River Chenab in Pakistan were used as a case study for the application of comet and micronucleus techniques. Comet and micronucleus assays were used to compare DNA damage in C. catla and C. mrigala collected from polluted areas of the River Chenab and farmed fish. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed an acute level of toxicity from Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Sn, and Hg in river water. Comet assay showed significant (p < 0.05) DNA damage in C. catla representing 17.33 ± 2.42, 11.53 ± 2.14, and 14.17% DNA in the comet tail, averaged from three sites of the polluted area of the river. Tail moment was observed as 10.06 ± 2.71, 3.11 ± 0.74, and 14.70 ± 1.89, while olive moment was 8.85 ± 1.84, 3.83 ± 0.76, and 7.11 ± 0.73, respectively. Highly significant (p < 0.01) damage was reported in C. mrigala as 37.29 ± 2.51, 34.96 ± 2.53, and 38.80 ± 2.42% DNA in comet tail, tail moment was 23.48 ± 3.90, 19.78 ± 4.26, and 14.30 ± 1.82, and olive moment was 16.22 ± 2.04, 13.83 ± 1.96, and10.99 ± 0.90. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in genotoxicity between farmed and polluted area fish. Micronucleus assay showed a similar picture of significant difference in respect to single and double micronucleus induction: i.e., 23.20 ± 4.19 and 2.80 ± 1.07‰ in C. catla and 44.80 ± 3.73 and 06.20 ± 0.97‰, respectively, in C. mrigala. Nuclear abnormalities were found as 6.00 ± 0.84 and 09.60 ± 1.72/thousand cells, respectively, in both species. The results of this study suggest that these novel fish DNA damage assays can be used as an expedient toxicity screening for aquatic environments.

Health risks associated with pesticide residues in water, sediments and the muscle tissues of Catla catla at Head Balloki on the River Ravi.

A study of the levels of six pesticide residues (endosulfan, carbofuran, cypermethrin, profenofos, triazophos, and deltamethrin) was conducted to determine possible environmental and health risks in surface waters, sediment, and fish Catla catla. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The total concentration of pesticides in water, sediment, and fish ranged from 0.005 to 3.17 µg/l, 0.61 to 23.06 ng/g dry weight, and 0.35 to 19.15 µg/g lipid-normalized units, respectively. According to the concentrations and detection frequencies, endosulfan and profenofos were the most dominant pesticides recorded in fish tissue and sediment samples. Profenofos and cypermethrin, meanwhile, were the most abundant pesticides recorded in water samples at these sites. Cypermethrin and triazophos were not detected in the sediment samples. The concentration of endosulfan, carbofuran, and deltamethrin were higher than the permissible limits for fish set by international agencies and pose a potential ecological risk to the aquatic ecosystem and a consequent hazard to human health.

Assessment of pesticide residues in flesh of Catla catla from Ravi River, Pakistan.

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap which were estimated in the flesh of Catla catla sampled from ten sites of Ravi River between its stretches from Shahdara to Head Balloki were studied to know the level of contamination of the selected pesticides by GC-ECD method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran; however, DDT and DDE concentrations were more than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) about food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. Pesticide concentrations in the fish flesh were ranged from 3.240 to 3.389 for DDT, 2.290 to 2.460 for DDE, 0.112 to 0.136 for endosulfan, and 0.260 to 0.370 µg g(-1) for carbofuran. The findings revealed that the pesticide concentrations in the fish flesh decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. After Degh fall and After Hudiara nulla fall river sampling sites were found severely contaminated. It is proposed that a constant monitoring programs are needed to be initiated to overcome the present alarming situation.

Pesticides in the River Ravi and its tributaries between its stretches from Shahdara to Balloki Headworks, Punjab-Pakistan.

The present study investigated the presence and potent source of pesticides and specific pesticide bearing effluent release points on the River Ravi, between the Shahdara and Balloki Headworks. Pakistan has banned the use of organochlorine and nitrogen containing pesticides, yet no attention has been paid to the continuous monitoring and assessment of these banned pesticides to make sure that they are not being used in practice. Levels of selected organochlorine and nitrogen containing pesticide residues were assessed in water collected from 18 sampling sites on the River Ravi and its tributaries using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). All water samples were found to be contaminated with varying concentrations of pesticide residues. However, levels of pesticides were below the tolerance limits suggested in national and international standards. Pesticide concentrations in the water of river sites ranged from 0.034 to 0.045 microg/L for DDT, 0.033 to 0.046 microg/L for DDE, 0.108 to 0.123 microg/L for endosulfan and 0.028 to 0.040 microg/L for carbofuran. In tributaries, pesticide concentrations ranged from 0.0468 to 0.0685 microg/L for DDT, 0.0390 to 0.0637 microg/L for DDE, 0.111 to 0.147 microg/L for endosulfan and 0.0396 to 0.0631 microg/L for carbofuran. The results show pesticide concentrations in river water in the order: endosulfan > DDE > DDT > carbofuran. Pesticide concentrations in tributary waters decreased in the order: endosulfan > DDT> DDE > carbofuran. After Degh Fall and After Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were severely contaminated while, among the tributaries, Degh Fall and Hudiara Drain were severely contaminated with DDT, DDE, endosulfan and carbofuran. Constant monitoring programs should to be initiated to reform the present situation.

Ecological risk assessment of microplastics and mesoplastics in six common fishes from the Bay of Bengal Coast.

Plastic particles have emerged as a growing threat to both ecosystems and human well-being, as they are being ingested and accumulate at different trophic levels. However, microplastic and mesoplastic contamination and its risk to coastal and marine water fish have not been well studied, particularly in the northern Bay of Bengal. In this study, the presence of small-scale plastic particles (micro- and meso-sized) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and muscles of six edible fish species from the northern Bay of Bengal Coast were identified and analyzed. The overall range of microplastics was 1.74 ± 0.23-3.79 ± 2.03items/g in muscle and 0.54 ± 0.22-5.96 ± 3.16 items/g in the GIT, with 16.38 ± 8.08-31.88 ± 12.09 items/individual. No mesoplastics were found in muscle tissue, but they were present in the GIT at concentrations ranging from 0.33 ± 0.27 to 0.03 ± 0.02 items/g and from 0.51 ± 0.05to 1.38 ± 1.01 items/individual. Lepturacanthus savala accumulated the most microplastics in muscle, and Harpadon nehereus had the least. In addition, the highest levels of mesoplastics were detected in the GIT of Polynemus paradiseus and the lowest was detected in the GIT of Lutjenus sanguineus. Omnivorous fish showed higher plastic concentrations than carnivorous fish, which was linked to dietary habits, feeding strategies and digestive processes. Plastic material predominantly accumulated in the GIT rather than in the muscle. The majority of ingested plastic particles were fibres (95.18 %), were violet in color (34 %), and were < 0.5 mm in size (87 %). The dominant microplastic polymers included 38 % PE, 15 % PP, 33 % PU, and 14 % CES. In contrast, the prevalent mesoplastic polymers comprised 45 % PE, 19 % PP, 13 % PS, 16 % PA, and 7 % PET. Subsequently, a hazard analysis using the polymer hazard index (PHI) revealed that plastic contamination was of distinct hazard categories for different polymer types, ranging from grade I (<1) to grade IV (100-1000). The assessment of the contamination factor (1 < CF < 3) and pollution load index (PLI > 1) indicated moderate contamination of fish by the ingestion of plastic debris. This study provides the foremost evidence for the presence of mesoplastics and microplastics in coastal and marine fish in the study region, paving the way for future investigations and policy implementation.

Risk Assessment and Sources Apportionment of Toxic Metals in Two Commonly Consumed Fishes from a Subtropical Estuarine Wetland System.

The widespread occurrence of heavy metals in aquatic environments, resulting in their bioaccumulation within aquatic organisms like fish, presents potential hazards to human health. This study investigates the concentrations of five toxic heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Cr) and their potential health implications in two economically important fish species (Otolithoides pama and Labeo bata) from a subtropical estuarine wetland system (Feni estuary, Bangladesh). Muscle and gill samples from 36 individual fish were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results revealed that the average quantities of heavy metals in both fishes' muscle followed the declining order of Zn (109.41-119.93 mg/kg) > Cu (45.52-65.43 mg/kg) > Hg (1.25-1.39 mg/kg) > Pb (0.68-1.12 mg/kg) > Cr (0.31-5.82 mg/kg). Furthermore, Zn was found to be present in the highest concentration within the gills of both species. While the levels of Cu, Zn, and Cr in the fish muscle were deemed acceptable for human consumption, the concentrations of Pb and Hg exceeded the permissible limits (>0.5 mg/kg) for human consumption. Different risk indices, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic or target risk (TR), revealed mixed and varying degrees of potential threat to human health. According to the EDI values, individuals consuming these fish may face health risks as the levels of Zn, Cu, and Cr in the muscle are either very close to or exceed the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) threshold. Nevertheless, the THQ and HI values suggested that both species remained suitable for human consumption, as indicated by THQ (<1) and HI (<1) values. Carcinogenic risk values for Pb, Cr, and Zn all remained within permissible limits, with TR values falling below the range of (10-6 to 10-4), except for Zn, which exceeded it (>10-4). The correlation matrix and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) findings revealed that Pb and Cr primarily stemmed from natural geological backgrounds, whereas Zn, Cu, and Hg were attributed to human-induced sources such as agricultural chemicals, silver nanoparticles, antimicrobial substances, and metallic plating. Given the significance of fish as a crucial and nutritious element of a balanced diet, it is essential to maintain consistent monitoring and regulation of the levels and origins of heavy metals found within it.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic, and Antiarthritic Property of Different Parts of Bari Orchid.

Many different herbal extracts have historically been utilized to treat microbe-induced infections, injuries, cancer, thrombosis, and arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial, cytotoxic, in vitro thrombolytic, and in vitro antiarthritic properties of ethanolic extracts of stem and seed of Bari orchid 1 (BO) plant. This orchid plant was developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur. Fourteen microbes were employed in the antimicrobial investigation, and samples of orchids were compared to ciprofloxacin as a reference. The BO/seed extract was found to possess more antibacterial activity. The lethality test of brine shrimps was used to assess the LC50 values. The BO/stem extract exhibited a higher cytotoxicity potential, in comparison to the BO/seed extract. Two concentrations (1000 and 100 ppm) and two incubation times (24 hours and 1.5 hours) were used to assess the thrombolytic activity of the extracts. Regarding the thrombolytic effect, the BO/stem extract has demonstrated greater promise. Furthermore, the herbal extract's antiarthritic activity was investigated at four different concentrations, and the results were evaluated in comparison with those of diclofenac sodium. When comparing BO/stem extract to other extracts, the greatest values for protein denaturation were obtained.

Hepatoprotective effects of almond shells against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in albino rats.

Liver injury is a prevalent pathological process that can give rise to conditions such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and even cancer. It has been observed that plants and natural products possess significant protective effects against liver injury. Current study was performed to investigate the efficacy of almonds shell against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rat model. As almonds shell contain a large variety of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are largely associated with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. For this purpose, screening of small-scale library of twenty plant extracts was performed for evaluation of antioxidant potential by DPPH assay. The data revealed that almonds shell extract (ASEE) exhibited potent antioxidant activity. This potent extract was further evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in in vivo rat model on 30 rats, divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. On 29th day all rats were sacrificed and blood serum was collected for further analysis. Liver tissues were also preserved in formalin for histopathology. The results demonstrated that ASEE displayed a protective effect on liver function tests (LFT), renal function tests (RFT), and lipid biomarkers in comparison to the CCl4 group. The histological data also unveiled a substantial safeguarding impact on liver damage, characterized by a reduction in apoptosis, diminished liver hemorrhage, and decreased accumulation of cellular debris. The data indicates that ethanolic extract from almond shells possesses hepatoprotective potential, suggesting its viability as an alternative source for hepatoprotective drug development after pre-clinical research.

Potential Toxic Elements and Their Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk Assessment in Some Commercially Important Fish Species from a Ramsar Site.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as Hg, As, and Pb have become concentrated in the aquatic ecosystem as a result of increased human activities. However, these substances frequently have synergistic or antagonistic effects on the human body or other animals. As a result, there are concerns world-wide that commercially available food products, especially fish, may be contaminated with hazardous elements. In this study, samples of four selected fishes, Gutum (Lepidocephalichthys guntea), Baim (Macrognathus pancalus), Baila (Glossogobius giuris), Meni (Nandus nandus) were analyzed from one of the largest freshwater wetlands (designed as a Ramsar Site) in South Asia to evaluate PTEs contamination status and human health risk assessment. The result demonstrated that the degree of contamination for six PTEs decreased in the following sequences for fish: Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > As > Hg. The edible part of G. giuris had the maximum value for Hg (0.42 µg/g dw), while N. nandus predominantly accumulated As (<0.41 µg/g dw). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values ranged from 0.003 to 1.75, which was much lower than the recommended values. The hazard index (HI), THQ, total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) scores through consuming fish followed the decreasing order of Fe > Hg > Cu > Zn > Pb. The values for each index were less than 1, indicating that there were no substantial health risks for the consumers. The carcinogenic risks (CR) derived from the intake of Pb ranged from 4.92 × 10-8 to 4.14 × 10-8 for males and 5.45 × 10-8 to 4.59 × 10-8 for females, which also did not exceed the standard limit (1.00 × 10-6). This study demonstrated that, under the existing consumption rate, there was no potential health harm to consumers from consuming the studied fishes. This study offers a chance to regularly check PTEs in this environment, reducing the contamination of heavy metals.

Seasonal variation, contamination and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of coastal wetlands along the Bay of Bengal.

Functioning of coastal wetland habitats is essential for the ecosystem integrity and sustainability of coastal development that enables human progress along transitional waterways. However, these habitats are continuously being affected by a variety of pollutants including metallic elements. In this study, seasonal variation, pollution status and ecological risks of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, As, Cu, Zn and Pb) in surface sediment of the several types of coastal wetlands (estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, mangroves, and saltmarshes) were detected by using X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. The results showed that the mean concentration level of metals in the surficial sediment samples followed the order of Cu (84.06 ± 8.60 µg/g) > Zn (51.00 ± 8.97 µg/g) > Mn (38.25 ± 11.34 µg/g) > Cr (3.52 ± 0.91 µg/g) > Pb (0.27 ± 0.13 µg/g) > Co (0.24 ± 0.13 µg/g) > As (0.21 ± 0.12 µg/g) > Ni (0.16 ± 0.08 µg/g). In comparison to the pre-monsoon period, the post-monsoon season had higher concentrations of heavy metals while the overall accumulation level of metals in the wetlands exhibited a pattern of estuarine wetland (28.47 ± 31.35 µg/g) > mangrove (22.23 ± 30.79 µg/g) > mudflat (21.79 ± 29.71 µg/g) > sandy beach (21.47 ± 28.15 µg/g) > saltmarsh (21.28 ± 30.02 µg/g). Although, the pollution assessment indices e.g., contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) showed minimal levels of contamination in the studied sites, enrichment factor (EF) suggested greater enrichment of the metals in the pre-monsoon season but with the lowest ecological risk (RI < 40) in both seasons. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson's correlation were performed to determine the sources of heavy metals in collected samples which specified that Pb, As, Co and Ni predominantly came from natural sources whereas Cu, Mn, Zn and Cr emerged from anthropogenic sources such as industrial effluents, domestic wastewater, fertilizer or pesticide consumption on farmland along the riverbank, vessel emissions, and the confluence of tributary rivers.

Chenopodium album extract ameliorates carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rat model.

Major objective of this study was to explore the protective effect of the methanolic extract of Chenopodium album against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Chenopodium album has locally been used for multiple medicinal proposes. Methanolic extract of Chenopodium album (whole plant) was prepared with Soxhlet extractor and rotatory evaporator. Antioxidant activity of Chenopodium album was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Thirty Wister (albino) rats (150-200 g) were divided into six groups for the evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of different concentrations of Chenopodium album against carbon tetrachloride (1:1 CCl4: Olive oil) under the controlled laboratory conditions. Group-I rats were administrated with olive oil (Normal control), Group-II with CCl4 only, Group-III with Silymarin (positive control), Group-IV with Chenopodium album (100 mg/kg), Group-V with Chenopodium album (200 mg/kg) and Group-VI rats with Chenopodium album (300 mg/kg) for the period of 28 days. Serum was taken to determine the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine and urea in the blood. Formalin stored tissues were examined for histopathological analysis. DPPH assay showed that Chenopodium album has the potential for reduction of oxidative stress. Chenopodium album minimized the levels of ALT (70 ± 8.68 U/L, 68.75 ± 8.38 U/L & 73.5 ± 10.28 U/L), AST (219.5 ± 19.16 U/L, 140.75 ± 13.35 U/L & 221.25 ± 13.33 U/L) and ALP (289.5 ± 28.21 U/L, 258 ± 11.12 U/L & 248.25 ± 4.03 U/L) at different concentrations (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg respectively). Chenopodium album enhanced triglyceride level (64.75 ± 12.66 mg/dl at 200 mg/kg) as compared to CCl4 treated group (33.25 ± 1.26 mg/dl). Carbon tetrachloride elevated urea level (43.25 ± 6.6) was decreased by high dose of Chenopodium album (18 ± 8.17). Moreover, Chenopodium album also improved WBC level (9.69 × 103 /Cu.mr & 10.59 × 103 /Cu.mr at low and medium doses respectively), RBCs level (6.97 × 103 /Cu.mr) and hemoglobin level (13.95 G/dL, 13.467 G/dL & 14.05 G/dL at low, medium and high doses). In vivo study of Chenopodium album methanolic extract demonstrates the potential for protection of liver and after pre-clinical studies the plant can be used as a safe alternative of commercially available hepatoprotective medicines.

Comparative toxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate in freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus: A multi-biomarker approach.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the aquatic environment affect ecological repercussions and have fatal impacts on aquatic animals. The current study examined and correlated the toxicity of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The comparative toxicity studies were done by exposing O. mossambicus to various doses of AgNO3 and AgNPs (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µg/L) over a 7-day subacute exposure period. AAS analysis was used to detect Ag accumulation, while the histological examination established gill tissue damage. Oxidative stress affects lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl activity (PCA) in the gill tissue. Antioxidant parameters such as glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as metallothionein (MT) and reduced glutathione. The serum in the blood was used to determine non-specific immunological characteristics such as lysozyme (LYZ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and respiratory burst activity (RBA). The neurotoxic impact of acetylcholine esterase activity (AChE) was investigated in brain tissues. The findings demonstrated that larger concentrations of AgNO3 than AgNPs improved enzymatic antioxidant activities in the gill tissue. Histological examination of fish gills demonstrated that both AgNPs and AgNO3 induced telangiectasia and epithelial cell hyperplasia. By increasing the concentration of AgNPs and AgNO3, the present research demonstrated that silver accumulation leads to inefficient oxidative stress and altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters, leading to cellular damage.

Detecting Aquatic Pollution Using Histological Investigations of the Gills, Liver, Kidney, and Muscles of Oreochromis niloticus.

The present study aimed to determine the degree of changes in the histological architecture of the liver, gills, kidneys, and muscles of fish Oreochromis niloticus collected from different polluted river sites. Fish samples collected from the Faisalabad Fish Hatchery and upstream of Chakbandi drain acted as a control. Necrosis, hemorrhage, and epithelial hyperplasia were observed in the gills of fish inhabiting the river downstream of the Chakbandi drain entrance. Liver tissues were found to be affected by vacuolated cytoplasm, bile duct proliferation, melanomacrophages, and necrosis. In kidney tissues, shrinkage of the renal cortex, necrosis, and destructive renal tubules were observed. Histopathology of muscles indicates the presence of hypertrophy and swollen myofibers. In contrast, upstream specimens of fish exhibited mild tissue alterations. Histopathology of gills tissue showed vacuolization. Liver tissues indicated the presence of hypertrophy and more frequent Kupffer cells than usual. The vacuolation was also observed in kidney tissues. Muscle tissues expressed splitting of muscle fibres and degeneration in muscle bundles. However, sections of tissues collected from farmed fish have normal morphology and no anomalies. The histopathological assessment indicated various cellular, biochemical, and histological changes in response to the contamination in the vicinity of the fish.

Heavy Metals in Four Marine Fish and Shrimp Species from a Subtropical Coastal Area: Accumulation and Consumer Health Risk Assessment.

Trace-element or heavy-metal pollution has emerged as a serious concern in terms of both environmental and human health issues. This study measured six trace and toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in four marine fish and shrimp species to assess their accumulation levels and evaluate the risks to human health. The mean concentrations of the metals in fish and shrimp species (Labeo bata, Sillaginopsis panijus, Platycepalus fuscus, and Penaeus monodon) followed the decreasing order of Zn (40.8 ± 9.7 µg/g) > Cu (17.8 ± 7.1 µg/g) > Pb (6.2 ± 1.8 µg/g) > Ni (0.4 ± 0.3 µg/g) > Cd (0.06 ± 0.02 µg/g > Cr (below detection level). Among the metals, only Pb in finfish and Pb, Cu, and Zn in shrimp samples exceeded the national recommended limits, representing possible risks to consumers. The mean metal concentrations in the studied fish/shrimp species followed the descending order of P. monodon > S. panijus > P. fuscus > L. bata, which implies that bottom dwellers and omnivores had higher levels of metals. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI) concentrations of Zn and Cu for the studied species were lower than the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). In addition, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI or TTHQ) values for all species were < 1, indicating that consumers might not experience carcinogenic health risks. A strong significant (p < 0.05) correlation between Cu and Pb (r = 0.623) and Zn and Cu (r = −0.871) indicated they were from the same source of origin. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated possible anthropogenic sources of toxic metals in the study area, specifically industrial wastes and agricultural chemicals.

Contamination status and associated ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in different wetland sediments from an urbanized estuarine ecosystem.

Sediment samples of different wetland types (saltmarsh, mangrove, tidal pool, mudflat and sandflat) from an urbanized estuary were analyzed to evaluate the contamination level and ecological risks of five heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Zn, Ni and Cr). The findings showed that the mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals followed the order of Fe > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cr, while Pb and Fe concentrations exceeded the recommended guidelines. Heavy metals levels were highest in saltmarsh and mudflats. Contamination assessment indices e.g., contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), enrichment factor (EF), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) revealed that the studied wetlands had low to moderate levels of pollution, meaning these sites receive medium levels of anthropogenic contamination compared with background values. For some of the studied metals, such as Pb, Zn, Fe, and Ni, the EF value was >1 in certain types of wetland, indicating anthropogenic sources, while Cr was <1 indicating natural sources. The pollution load index (PLI) value was determined to be <1, indicating perfection of soil, and was in the following order: mudflat> saltmarsh> tidal pool> mangrove > sandflat. The ecological risk (RI) value was the highest for saltmarsh and the lowest for sandflats. However, the RI value for Cr, Zn, Ni, and Pb was <30 suggesting that these metals pose a low risk in the local ecosystem. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson's correlation specified that anthropogenic sources of metals.

Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Cultured Shrimp and Aquaculture Sludge.

Shrimp is one of the major export products in South Asian countries and also an eminent source of nutrition for humans. Hence, any negative effect of this industry may affect not only the country's economy but also human health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess heavy metal contamination and associated human health risks in cultured shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and aquaculture sludge collected from three shrimp farms of the Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. The results showed that among the eight metals studied, Pb (17.75 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and Cu (9.43 ± 2.8 mg/kg) levels in all shrimp samples were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Cd (0.09 ± 0.03 mg/kg), Mn (4.83 ± 2.2 mg/kg), As (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg), Hg (0.02 ± 0.006 mg/kg), Zn (18.89 ± 2.9 mg/kg) and Cr (0.69 ± 0.6 mg/kg) were within the permissible level. The concentrations of Mn (1043.37 ± 59.8 mg/kg), Cr (30.38 ± 2.1 mg/kg), Zn (74.72 ± 1.13 mg/kg) and Cu (31.14 ± 1.4 mg/kg) in the sludge of all farms were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Pb (20.23 ± 1.9 mg/kg), Cd (0.09 ± 0.2 mg/kg), As (0.44 ± 0.34 mg/kg) and Hg (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in all sludge samples were lower than the threshold limits. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) assessed for potential human health risk implications suggested that Pb and Cr may pose non-carcinogenic health effects, although carcinogenic risks (CR) values were acceptable for consumers. However, the pollution load index (PLI) of the studied area was below 1, which indicates low deterioration of the area. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) analyses revealed that study area is unpolluted and sludge is enriched with metals in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd > Hg > Pb > As.

A 21st Century Epidemy-Obesity: And Its Impact on Pregnancy Loss.

The prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age is growing significantly over the last years. Being obese or having a high body mass index (BMI) contributes to many diseases and pregnancy complications. This is concerning as an obese woman is at increased risk for developing several complications during pregnancy and is at increased risk for pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and metabolic disorders of a live-born child in his future. The pregnant woman's body mass index has to be monitored well during the whole pregnancy, and their diet should also be monitored to avoid future complications. Better results can be achieved if every woman would watch their weight before being pregnant for better outcomes in their future pregnancies. This review article aimed to determine the relationship between being obese or having a high BMI and pregnancy loss. Additionally, we tried to find the mechanism that is involved in pregnancy loss in obese women.

Nutritional and functional properties of Moringa oleifera.

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutrient composition and functional properties of dried Moringa oleifera leaves collected from two different ecological zones in Bangladesh, Joypurhat and Mymensingh. The proximate analysis revealed that M. oleifera leaves were rich in protein content, ranging from (22.99-29.36%), and low in fat, from (4.03-9.51%), fiber, from (6.00-9.60%), and ash, from (8.05-10.38%). The vitamin C content of fresh M. oleifera leaves ranged from (187.96-278.50 mg/100 g), Ca ranged from (1.322-2.645%), P ranged from (0.152-0.304 g/100 g), and K ranged from (1.317-2.025 g/100 g). The functional properties included WAC (158.00-415.00%), FC (28.30-117.65 mL/l) and FS (333.33-1000 mL/l). Together, these findings indicate that M. oleifera leaves are rich in vital phytonutrients, suggesting a promising balance of food ingredients for human and animal diets.