Effects of Calcitonin Administration on the Amount of Bone Formation After Sutural Expansion Using Micro-CT.

OBJECTIVE: Calcitonin injections were used in this investigation to see whether they influenced the quantity of bone formation after a rabbit model was subjected to micro-computed tomography expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research was conducted on a total of 16 white male rabbits. Randomly, 4 groups of 4 rabbits each had their bone-borne expanders triggered by the Hyrax appliances as follows: In the first group (the control), the expansion was (0.5) mm per day for 12 days. In the second group, the same expansion protocol was used with 3 subcutaneous injections of calcitonin). In the third group, the expansion was (2.5) mm per day for 7 days followed by (0.5) mm per day for 7 days. In the fourth group, the same expansion protocol was used with 3 subcutaneous injections of calcitonin. As a result, all groups had their Hyrax devices expanded by 6 mm in total. Sutural separation and new bone growth were examined by micro-computed tomography after 6 weeks of retention. To end the experiment, the rabbits were given a high dosage of phenobarbitone (90 mg/kg). RESULTS: In the calcitonin-receiving group, there was a significant increase in anterior and posterior sutural separation, when compared with non-calcitonin-receiving groups. In the (2.5) mm instant expansion protocol, there was a significant increase in anterior and posterior sutural separation, when compared with the (0.5) mm instant expansion protocol. CONCLUSION: Calcitonin and the instant expansion protocol enhance new bone formation in rabbits.

Novel association between apoptotic sperm biomarkers with seminal biochemical parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity in patients with teratozoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether the dysfunction of physiological apoptosis and specific seminal biochemical parameters could be associated with male infertility and sperm morphological defects. STUDY DESIGN: Ejaculated sperm samples from sixty patients with isolated teratozoospermia and thirty fertile donors were analyzed. The proportion of both viable and dead spermatozoa expressing activated caspases was detected by fluorescence microscopy through the use of different specific carboxyfluorescein-labeled caspase inhibitors FLICA. The different stages of apoptosis in human were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by using the AO/EB fluorescent staining method. The levels of the seminal biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CK), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P)) were evaluated spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Patients with teratozoospermia showed significantly higher proportions of dead and live spermatozoa with activated caspases and spermatozoa in the late stage of apoptosis when compared to controls. Among the different studied biochemical seminal parameters, the rates of acetylcholinesterase activity, creatine phosphokinase, iron, and calcium were significantly increased in the patient group. However, the rate of phosphorus was significantly decreased. Interestingly, significant relationships were found between the studied biochemical and apoptotic biomarkers and the rates of atypical sperm forms with the incidences of head, mid-piece, and tail abnormalities. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between P, AChE, Fe, CK, and LDH with apoptotic markers. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the impact of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of teratozoospermia and suggest that seminal biochemical disturbance may arise such damage.

Protective role of zinc against the neurotoxicity induced by exposure to cadmium during gestation and lactation periods on hippocampal volume of pups tested in early adulthood.

The present study was conducted to assess the possible effect of cadmium (Cd) throughout gestation and lactation on the volume of the subregion of the hippocampus as well as the potential protective role of zinc (Zn) against Cd neurotoxicity. For this purpose, female rats received either tap water, Cd, Zn or Cd + Zn in their drinking water during gestation and lactation. At postnatal day 35 (PND35), the male pups were sacrificed, and their brains were taken for histologic, chemical, and biochemical analysis. Hippocampal volume was measured in histologic brain slices using Cavalieri's principle. Zn depletion was observed in the brains of pups issued from mothers exposed to Cd. Biochemical analysis further revealed that Cd exposure significantly increases the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as the metallothionein (MT) level. During histologic investigation, our results showed that gestational and lactational exposure to Cd significantly altered and decreased the volume of CA1, CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the dentate gyrus. However, there were no marked differences shown in CA2 subfield. Compared to Cd group, co-treatment with Cd and Zn provided correction of the changes induced by the Cd exposure. These results highlight the protective role of Zn against Cd-induced alteration in the hippocampus which is a crucial structure implicated in learning and memory processes.

Cadmium exposure exerts neurotoxic effects in peacock blennies Salaria pavo.

Cadmium (Cd) is considered as an important factor involved in several neurological disturbances. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Cd in the brain of peacock blennies Salaria pavo, a species used as a bioindicator of water pollution. A sublethal contamination of 2mg CdCl2 L-1 was performed over periods of 1, 4, 10 and 15 days. Total Cd accumulation was measured in brains and displayed low concentrations throughout the experiment. Partial-length cDNA of different ATP-binding cassette transporters (abcb1, abcc1, abcc2, abcg2 proteins) and acetylcholinesterase (ache) were characterized. mRNA expressions profiles displayed an up-regulation of abcc2 mRNA after 4 days of Cd exposure only while abcg2 mRNA was down-regulated after 10 days only. For AChE, the mRNA transcription and the activity of the enzyme were followed and highlighted that Cd exerted an inhibitory effect on the nervous information transmission. At the histological level, fish exhibited pathological symptoms in the optic tectum and the cerebellum and results showed that the cerebellum was the most affected organ.

Transcriptomic, Biochemical, and Histopathological Responses of the Clam Ruditapes decussatus from a Metal-Contaminated Tunis Lagoon.

This study was designed to investigate the molecular (transcriptional expression), biochemical (oxidative stress and neurotoxicity), and histopathological effects of metal contamination in the gill of clams (Ruditapes decussatus) sampled from the Tunis lagoon. The concentrations of five heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, and Zn) in surface sediments and their accumulation in soft tissues of R. decussatus were evaluated in three sites (Z1, Z2, and Z3). A metal contamination state of Tunis lagoon sediments was noted with spatial variations with relatively high levels at Z2. Biomarker analyses showed an increase in glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities and lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in the studied sites. Molecular investigation showed a significant overexpression of: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, ribosomal RNA 16S, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, heat shock protein 70, and metallothioneins in the three sampling sites. Moreover, our data were correlated to severe and diverse histopathological alterations in the clam gills. The principal component analysis showed that the Z2 region is more affected by metal contamination than Z1 and Z3 regions. Current field results suggest the use of several combined biomarkers at different cell levels instead of individual ones in monitoring programs.

Behaviour of Tunisian Psammomys obesus fed high-calorie diets: biochemical disturbance and histopathological alterations.

This work investigated the biochemical disturbances and histological alteration in Psammomys obesus animal model fed different high calorie diets (HCDs) during three months. Four diets were used: a low-calorie natural diet, Chenopodiaceae halophyte plant used as control (LCD), a high standard carbohydrate diet rich in protein, HCD 0, a high carbohydrate diet rich in two concentrations of fat, HCD 1 and HCD 2. All animals having received HCDs developed dyslipidemia after one month of experiment with distinction of different sub-groups developing or not obesity and diabetes. HCDs induced a remarkable increasing in blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels indicating a fast induction of dyslipidemia and a significant increase of aminotransaminases activities revealing a pronounced hepatotoxicity. Animal developing diabetes showed a severe hepatic injury, a degeneration of the adipose tissue and a significant reduction of retinal thickness. P. obesus seems to be an excellent animal model to investigate nutritional metabolic diseases.

Liver histopathological and oxidative stress assessment by a combination of formaldehyde and oxytetracycline in sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L).

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are the chemicals commonly used in aquaculture to prevent or treat fish diseases due to protozoa, parasites, and bacteria. Aim: The goal of the present study is to assess the liver injury and oxidative stress induced by exposure of sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L) to therapeutic doses of FA (200 ml.m-3) and OTC (40 g.m-3) under the same conditions being applied in intensive aquaculture systems in Tunisia. Methods: The liver histopathological survey was achieved after 5 and 10 days of exposure to FA, OTC separately or mixed. In parallel, liver catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess oxidative stress. Results: Results showed that treatment with FA and OTC used alone or in combinations induced liver damage as measured by sinusoid dilatation, intensive vacuolization, blood congestion, and focal necrosis. Significant elevation in catalyze activity and MDA levels were also observed in liver homogenates by the treatment (p ≤ 005). Conclusion: Combined treatment induced higher effects suggesting the critical hazards associated with FA and OTC when released to the environment.

A novel insight on chronic AlCl3 neurotoxicity through IL-6 and GFAP expressions: modulating effect of functional food fenugreek seeds.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to review the effect of chronic aluminium exposure on interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in the posterior brain and test the putative modulating effect of fenugreek seeds. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control; AlCl3 during 5 months (500 mg/kg body weight, intragastric for 1 month then 1600 ppm via the drinking water); AlCl3 plus fenugreek seed powder (FSP) (5%) during the last 2 months and FSP alone. RESULTS: Oral administration of aluminium chloride during 5 months caused hypoproduction of IL-6 together with a decrease in GFAP reactivity and an alteration of antioxidant status in the posterior brain. On the other hand, fenugreek seeds supplementation was able to enhance IL-6 expression, re-increase GFAP reactivity, and modulate the pro-oxidant-related effect. DISCUSSION: In the context of recent researches, IL-6 hypoproduction in the posterior brain could be a novel mechanism of Al chronic toxicity with a direct effect on glial cells. Using FSP as a diet supplement could offer a neuroprotective effect against Al toxicity. This could be mediated by astroglial cells protection, antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions.

Fenugreek seeds, a hepatoprotector forage crop against chronic AlCl3 toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Having considered how bioavailable aluminium (Al) may affect ecological systems and animals living there, especially cattle, and in search for a preventive dietary treatment against Al toxicity, we aimed to test the protective role of fenugreek seeds against chronic liver injury induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in Wistar rats. RESULTS: Five months of AlCl3 oral exposure (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via drinking water) caused liver atrophy, an inhibition of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), an enhancement of both lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an increase of total protein level in liver. Moreover, histopathological and histochemical examinations revealed moderate alterations in the hepatic parenchyma in addition to a disrupted iron metabolism. Co-administration of fenugreek seed powder (FSP) at 5% in pellet diet during two months succeeded to antagonize the harmful effects of AlCl3 by restoring all tested parameters. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the hepatotoxicity of AlCl3 through biochemical and histological parameters in one hand and the hepatoprotective role of fenugreek seeds on the other hand. Thus this work could be a pilot study which will encourage farmers to use fenugreek seeds as a detoxifying diet supplement for domestic animals.

Effect of the Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Diclofenac on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Liver: A Nitric Oxide-Dependent Mechanism.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable complication of liver surgery and transplantation. The purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of diclofenac on hepatic IRI and the mechanism behind it. Wistar rats' livers were subjected to warm ischemia for 60 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Diclofenac was administered intravenously 15 min before ischemia at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight. To determine the mechanism of diclofenac protection, the NOS inhibitor L-Nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was administered intravenously 10 min after diclofenac injection (40 mg/kg). Liver injury was evaluated by aminotransferases (ALT and AST) activities and histopathological analysis. Oxidative stress parameters (SOD, GPX, MPO, GSH, MDA, and PSH) were also determined. Then, eNOS gene transcription and p-eNOS and iNOS protein expressions were evaluated. The transcription factors PPAR-γ and NF-κB in addition to the regulatory protein IκBα were also investigated. Finally, the gene expression levels of inflammatory (COX-2, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-18, TNF-α, HMGB-1, and TLR-4) and apoptosis (Bcl-2 and Bax) markers were measured. Diclofenac, at the optimal dose of 40 mg/kg, decreased liver injury and maintained histological integrity. It also reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Its mechanism of action essentially depended on eNOS activation rather than COX-2 inhibition, since pre-treatment with L-NAME abolished all the protective effects of diclofenac. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that diclofenac protects rat liver against warm IRI through the induction of NO-dependent pathway. Diclofenac reduced oxidative balance, attenuated the activation of the subsequent pro-inflammatory response and decreased cellular and tissue damage. Therefore, diclofenac could be a promising molecule for the prevention of liver IRI.

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Dyslipidemic Effects of Salicornia arabica Decocted Extract in Tunisian Psammomys obesus Fed a High-Calorie Diet.

Salicornia is a halophyte plant that has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of scurvy, goiter, and hypertension. It is commercialized in Europe and Asia as fresh salads, pickled vegetables, green salt, or tea powder. This work is the first to assess the potential anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects of Salicornia arabica decocted extract (SADE). SADE was characterized by its significant in vitro radical scavenging activity (using DPPH and ABTS assays). The effect of SADE on food intake, weight loss, serum biochemical parameters, liver and kidney weights, adiposity index and on liver histology was investigated in the Tunisian gerbil Psammomys obesus (P. obesus), which is recognized as a relevant animal model of human obesity and diabetes. P. obesus animals were firstly randomly divided into two groups: the first received a natural low-calorie chow diet (LCD), and the second group received a high-calorie diet (HCD) over 12 weeks. On day 90, animals were divided into four groups receiving or not receiving SADE (LCD, LCD + SADE, HCD, and HCD + SADE). If compared to the HCD group, SADE oral administration (300 mg/kg per day during 4 weeks) in HCD + SADE group showed on day 120 a significant decrease in body weight (-34%), blood glucose (-47.85%), serum levels of total cholesterol (-54.92%), LDL cholesterol (-60%), triglycerides (-48.03%), and of the levels of hepatic enzymes: ASAT (-66.28%) and ALAT (-31.87%). Oral administration of SADE restored the relative liver weight and adiposity index and significantly limited HCD-induced hepatic injury in P. obesus. SADE seems to have promising in vivo anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effects.

Study of lipid profile and parieto-temporal lipid peroxidation in AlCl3 mediated neurotoxicity. Modulatory effect of fenugreek seeds.

BACKGROUND: Peroxidation of lipid (LPO) membrane and cholesterol metabolism have been involved in the physiopathology of many diseases of aging brain. Therefore, this prospective animal study was carried firstly to find out the correlation between LPO in posterior brain and plasmatic cholesterol along with lipoprotein levels after chronic intoxication by aluminium chloride (AlCl3). Chronic aluminum-induced neurotoxicity has been in fact related to enhanced brain lipid peroxidation together with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, despite its controversial etiological role in neurodegenerative diseases. Secondly an evaluation of the effectiveness of fenugreek seeds in alleviating the engendered toxicity through these biochemical parameters was made. RESULTS: Oral administration of AlCl3 to rats during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via the drinking water) enhanced the levels of LPO in posterior brain, liver and plasma together with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and LDL-C (Low Density Lipoproteins) levels. All these parameters were decreased following fenugreek seeds supplementation either as fenugreek seed powder (FSP) or fenugreek seed extract (FSE). A notable significant correlation was observed between LPObrain and LDL-C on one hand and LDHliver on the other hand. This latter was found to correlate positively with TC, TG and LDL-C. Furthermore, high significant correlations were observed between LDHbrain and TC, TG, LDL-C, LPObrain as well as LDHliver. CONCLUSION: Aluminium-induced LPO in brain could arise from alteration of lipid metabolism particularly altered lipoprotein metabolism rather than a direct effect of cholesterol oxidation. Fenugreek seeds could play an anti-peroxidative role in brain which may be attributed in part to its modulatory effect on plasmatic lipid metabolism.

Oxidative stress, biochemical and histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney of female rats exposed to low doses of deltamethrin (DM): a molecular assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate histopathological alterations of the liver and kidney of female rats exposed to low doses of DM and its potential genotoxic activity. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (3 groups, 6 rats in each) and treatment groups (3 groups, 6 rats in each). They were subjected to subcutaneous injections of DM (at doses of 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/kg bw/d) after 30, 45, and 60 d, respectively. RESULTS: Significant alterations were recorded in liver parenchyma induced by hepatic vacuolization, fragmented chromatin in nuclei, dilatation of sinusoids and congestions. Lesions within proximal and distal tubules were observed in the kidneys. Tissue congestions and severe alterations within glomeruli were visible. DM as a pyrethroid insecticide induced significant increase (P≤0.05) of plasma MDA concentrations after 45 d. A significant increase (P≤0.05) in plasma ALT (after 45 and 60 d) and AST (after 60 d) concentrations was recorded as compared to controls. During the whole experimental period the toxic agent provoked significant DNA damages (P≤0.05), especially in the dominance of classes 3 and 4 of obtained comet. CONCLUSION: DM even at a very low dose displays harmful effects by disrupting hepatic and renal function and causing DNA damages in puberscent female rats. Low doses of DM are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic.

Effects of humic acid and organic acids supplements on performance, meat quality, leukocyte count, and histopathological changes in spleen and liver of broiler chickens.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Humic Acid (HA), Organic Acids (OA), and their combination (HAOA) on the growth performance, meat quality, leukocyte count, and histopathological changes in the liver and spleen of broiler chickens. A total of 2100 one-day-old mix-sexed broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 5 replicates per treatment using 105 birds per pen (pen is used as an experimental unit). Treatments were: 1) Control (basal diet without additives), 2) Basal diet +0.1% HA, 3) Basel diet +0.1% HA+ 0.02% OA, 4) Basel diet +0.02% OA. Growth performance was not significantly affected by all dietary treatments during the experiment period. Sensory evaluation of breast meat indicated a significant positive response for color and smell corresponding to treatment 2) Basal diet +0.1% HA and treatment 3) Basel diet +0.1% HA+ 0.02% OA (P < 0.05). Birds receiving HA and HAOA developed fewer hepatic lesions compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and showed normal spleen structure with the extension of the white pulp area. Supplementation of HAOA corresponds to a lower heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The combination of HA and OA improves sensory attributes of cooked breast meat, H/L ratio, and preserves the histological structure of the spleen and liver of broiler chickens. HAOA can be recommended as a combined feed additive to improve broiler chickens' health.

Increased Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men with Varicocele: Relationship with Apoptosis, Seminal Oxidative Stress, and Spermatic Parameters.

This study intends to determine the extent of nuclear sperm injury in patients with varicocele and to investigate its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS). Ejaculated sperm samples from 51 patients diagnosed with varicocele and 29 fertile men were examined. According to the guidelines, the patient's sperm samples were classified into varicocele with normal semen parameters (n = 11) and varicocele with abnormal semen parameters (n = 40). Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The proportion of both viable and dead spermatozoa with externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) was detected by the bivariate annexin V/6-CFDA staining method. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts and antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured spectrophotometrically. Sperm DNA fragmentation, viable spermatozoa with externalized PS, and MDA levels were significantly higher in studied subgroups of patients with varicocele, either with normal or with abnormal semen parameters than controls. The seminal antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly reduced in both subgroups of patients with varicocele compared to the controls. The percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was positively correlated to the MDA level as well as the proportion of viable spermatozoa with externalized PS. However, the decreased seminal antioxidant status was negatively correlated with the increased proportion of sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic spermatozoa. Impaired seminal antioxidant profile and increased seminal level of lipid peroxidation may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death-mediated DNA breaks in patients with varicocele.

Multimarker approach analysis in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three freshwater sites.

The aim of this study is to assess the response of a multimarker approach in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three Tunisian dam lakes selected according to different environmental and ecological characteristics. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was analyzed in carp liver and used as a phase II detoxification enzyme, hepatic metallothionein content (MTs) was used as a metallic stress indicator, and cholinesterase activities were analyzed in muscle and brain and used as neurotoxicity biomarker. Micronucleus frequency test (MN) as a genotoxicity marker. GST and MT levels showed an increase in fish from the Bir Mcherga site and a decrease in Sidi Saâd site with respect to fish from Nebhana site. Results showed a strong inhibition of cholinesterase activities in fish from Bir Mcherga and Sidi Saâd sites compared to Nebhana site. Relatively high level of MN is reported specially in fish blood from the Bir Mcherga site.

Occurrence, sources and effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Tunis lagoon, Tunisia: an integrated approach using multi-level biological responses in Ruditapes decussatus.

Coastal lagoons are critical ecosystems presenting a strategic economic importance, but they are subjected to potential anthropogenic impact. As part of the Tunis lagoon (Tunisia) biomonitoring study, levels, composition pattern and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments along with their bioavailability in clam Ruditapes decussatus were investigated in polluted (S2-S4) and reference (S1) sites. In order to investigate the contamination effects at different biological levels in clams, a wide set of biomarkers, including gene expression changes, enzymatic activities disruption and histopathological alterations, was analysed. Biomarkers were integrated in a biomarker index (IBR index) to allow a global assessment of the biological response. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for chemical and biological data integration to rank the sampling sites according to their global environmental quality. Sediment PAHs levels ranged between 144.5 and 3887.0 ng g-1 dw in the Tunis lagoon sites versus 92.6 ng g-1 dw in the reference site. The high PAH concentrations are due to anthropogenic activities around the lagoon. PAH composition profiles and diagnostic isomer ratios analysis indicated that PAHs were of both pyrolitic and petrogenic origins. Clams sampled from S2 and S3 exhibited the highest PAH contents with 2192.6 ng g-1 dw and 2371.4 ng g-1 dw, respectively. Elevated levels of tissue PAHs were associated to an increase in biotransformation and antioxidant activities, and lipid peroxidation levels along with an overexpression of different genes encoding for general stress response, mitochondrial metabolism and antioxidant defence, in addition to the emergence of severe and diverse histopathological alterations in the clams' digestive glands. IBR index was suitable for sampling sites ranking (S1 = 0 < S4 = 0.4 < S3 = 1.15 < S2 = 1.27) based on the level of PAH-induced stress in clams. PCA approach produced two components (PC1, 83.8% and PC2, 12.2%) that describe 96% of the variance in the data and thus highlighted the importance of integrating contaminants in sediments, their bioaccumulation and a battery of biomarkers of different dimensions for the assessment of global health status of coastal and lagoon areas.

Relationship between sperm DNA damage with sperm parameters, oxidative markers in teratozoospermic men.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at determining the extent of sperm nuclear DNA damage in patients with isolated teratozoospermia and examining its relationship with oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN: Semen samples from 60 patients with isolated teratozoospermia and 30 normozoospermic donors were examined. DNA damage was evaluated by the COMET assay. Seminal antioxidant activities (Superoxide dismutase; Glutathione peroxidase; Catalase), iron and malondialdehyde concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Sperm DNA damage; malondialdehyde and iron levels were more elevated in studied groups than controls. Nevertheless, the antioxidant enzyme activity obtained was significantly lower in the group of patients with teratozoospermia compared to the controls. Sperm DNA damage was positively correlated to malondialdehyde and seminal iron level while reduced seminal antioxidant status was negatively associated with sperm DNA breaks. Interestingly, we noted that sperm DNA damage; lipid peroxidation, iron level, and impaired antioxidant status were negatively correlated to normal sperm morphology. CONCLUSION: These findings may explain the complex biological relationship between teratozoospermia, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. In fact, an impaired seminal antioxidant status and an increased seminal level of both lipid peroxidation and iron can affect sperm nuclear integrity resulting in DNA breaks and can be associated with poor sperm morphology.

Does the phycotoxin Okadaic acid cause oxidative stress damages and histological alterations to seabream (Sparus aurata)?

Okadaic Acid (OA) is a marine toxin responsible for DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) in humans produced by dinoflagellate. The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of OA have been well reported in mammalian experimental animals and in vitro cultured cells. However, there are no available investigations regarding the involvement of the oxidative stress pathways in OA toxicity, especially on aquatic animals such as fish. In this context, we aimed in the present work to demonstrate whether OA (7.5 µg/ml) induces oxidative stress and histopathological damages in the fish species Sparus aurata under short term exposure (2 h, 4 h and 24 h). To this end, we have assessed lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidative stress response in liver tissue, and finally ultrastructural changes were investigated in hepatic and gills tissues. Our results clearly showed that OA induced significant enhancement in all tested parameters in a time dependent manner and seems to be a strong inducer of oxidative stress in aquatic animals. The data of the present study indicate also that histology is a successful tool to reveal OA impact on liver and gill tissues of Sparus aurata since the animal showed vascular dilation and hepatocellular membrane disintegration in liver and hypertrophy in secondary lamellae and necrotic aspect in the primary lamellae in gill tissue.

Disruption of the zinc metabolism in rat fœtal brain after prenatal exposure to cadmium.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of maternal Cd and/or Zn exposure on some parameters of Zn metabolism in fetal brain of Wistar rats. Thus, female controls and other exposed by the oral route during the gestation period to Cd (50 mg CdCl2/L) and/or Zn (ZnCl2 60 mg/L) were used. The male fetuses at age 20 days of gestation (GD20) were sacrificed and their brains were taken for histological, chemical and molecular analysis. Zn depletion was observed in the brains of fetuses issued from mothers exposed to Cd. Histological analysis showed that Cd exposure induces pyknosis in cortical region and CA1 region of the hippocampus compared to controls. Under Cd exposure, we noted an overexpression of the genes coding for membrane transporter involved in the intracellular incorporation of Zn (ZIP6) associated with inhibition of that encoding the transporters involved in the output of the Zn into the extracellular medium (ZnT1 and ZnT3). A decrease in the expression of the gene encoding the neuro-trophic factor (BDNF) associated with overexpression of the encoding the metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1), factor involved in the homeostasis of Zn, was also noted in Cd group. Interestingly, Zn supply provided a total or partial restauration of the changes induced by the Cd exposure. The depletion of brain Zn contents as well as the modification of the profile of expression of genes encoding membrane Zn transporters, suggest that the toxicity of Cd observed in fetal brain level are mediated, in part, by impairment of Zn metabolism.