Relative gene expression, micronuclei formation, and ultrastructure alterations induced by heavy metal contamination in Pimelia latreillei (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in an urban-industrial area of Alexandria, Egypt.

The present research aims to evaluate the impact of industrial processes and anthropogenic activities on the beetle Pimelia latreillei inhabiting the polluted site at Zawya Abd El- Qader, Alexandria, Egypt. Beetles were collected from the vicinity of five factories. The genotoxic effects of environmental exposures to industrial heavy metals were monitored using a broad range of assays, including energy-dispersive X ray microanalysis and X-ray diffraction (SEM and EDX)), qRT-PCR gene expression assay, micronuclei formation, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis for the soil and testicular tissues of beetles collected from the polluted site revealed a higher percentage of heavy metals than the beetles collected from the reference site (Sidi Kirier, Alexandria, Egypt). To analyze/monitor genotoxicity in P. latreillei sampled from the polluted site, the transcription levels of levels of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and accessory gland seminal fluid protein (AcPC01) in testicular tissues were recorded. The incidence of micronuclei (MN) formation in the testicular cells was also observed. Quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was carried out to detect the changes in the gene expression of the aforementioned proteins. Genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90) were significantly overexpressed (> 2-fold) in specimens sampled from the polluted site; however, AcPC01 gene expression was under-expressed (<1.5-folds). The incidence of MN was significantly increased in specimens sampled from the polluted site. Ultrastructure anomalies (nuclear and cytoplasmic disruption) were also observed in the testicular cells of the beetles sampled from the polluted site compared to those sampled from the unpolluted site. Our results, therefore, advocate a need for adequate measures to reduce increasing environmental pollution in the urban-industrial areas.

Psidium guajava Linn leaf ethanolic extract: In vivo giardicidal potential with ultrastructural damage, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Considering the magnitude of giardiasis problem, the side-effects of the used anti-giardia drugs and the resistance posed against them, the current study aimed to evaluate the in-vivo giardicidal effect of Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGLE). METHODS: For fulfilling this aim, five Swiss-albino mice groups were included; GI: non-infected, GII: Giardia-infected and non-treated, GIII: Giardia-infected and metronidazole-treated, GIV: Giardia-infected and PGLE-treated, and GV: Giardia-infected and treated with both metronidazole and PGLE. Treatment efficacy was assessed via; Giardia cyst viability and trophozoite count, trophozoite electron microscopic ultrastructure, duodenal histopathological scoring, immunohistochemistry for TNF-α and duodenal scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, mice serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin, albumin, lipid profile including; total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides were assessed. Additionally, hepatic oxidative stress markers including; malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. RESULTS: Results showed that PGLE whether alone or combined with metronidazole has induced significant trophozoite count reduction and major architectural changes. Duodenal histological improvement, and local protective anti-inflammatory effect were confirmed. PGLE has also helped in healing of Giardia-induced gut atrophy. Thus, offered a comprehensive therapy for both the pathogen and the resultant pathological sequalae. Serum markers showed favorable hepatoprotective effect. Total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels were less in PGLE-treated group than in metronidazole-treated group. Hepatic oxidative stress markers revealed the promising extract antioxidant effect. This study highlights, the promising in-vivo giardicidal PGLE activity, that was comparable to metronidazole, thus, the extract would be an ideal strongly recommended treatment for giardiasis. When combined with metronidazole, the extract potentiated its therapeutic effect. Besides, having hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, the extract can combat the major side effects of metronidazole therapy.