Smoking blunts sertraline response in depression: A prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Smoking is common in patients of depression and is known to affect response to antidepressants. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of smoking on the antidepressant effect of sertraline. Method: Patients with depression were divided into smoker and nonsmoker cohorts and followed up for 8 weeks. Serum sertraline levels were estimated using the high-performance liquid chromatography system. Response to treatment was evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: Serum sertraline levels did not differ between smokers and nonsmokers at 4 and 8 weeks. Nonsmokers responded better to sertraline than smokers after 8 weeks. Adverse drug reaction profile did not vary between the two groups and was not impacted by serum sertraline levels. Nonsmokers showed a greater fall in the HAM-D score than smokers. Conclusion: This study found depression among smokers to be less responsive to sertraline. This was not explained by serum sertraline levels. Treatment of depression in smokers with sertraline might require higher doses and duration, with more frequent reviews.

Emergence of Mycobacterium orygis-Associated Tuberculosis in Wild Ruminants, India.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium orygis was detected in 2 spotted deer from a wildlife sanctuary in western India and an Indian bison from a national park in central India. Nationwide surveillance is urgently required to clarify the epidemiology of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Assessment of thermal and temporal stability of SARS-CoV-2 samples using real-time qRT-PCR.

BACKGROUND: As per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in viral transport medium (VTM) are to be stored at 4 °C for less than 5 days and for more than 5 days at -70 °C. Samples are not transported or stored as per prescribed conditions because of the limitations, resulting in an apprehensive diagnosis. The aim of the study was to test the stability of the SARS-CoV-2 sample stored in VTM at different temperatures. METHODS: In this study, the stability of 21 positive and 9 negative samples for SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in commercial VTM at different temperatures (-80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 to 30 °C). Stability was checked for up to 50 days in the above storage conditions at different intervals. PathoDetect™ and Hi-PCR® kits were used for the detection of the four genes of SARS-CoV-2. The Cycle Threshold (Ct) value for determining the positivity of samples for PathoDetect™ was < 40 and for Hi-PCR® was < 38. RESULTS: The SARS-CoV-2 confirmatory genes (RdRp and E genes) and the internal housekeeping gene remained detectable even on the 50th day of the study. The Ct of the RdRp and E genes were found to increase with storage duration, but all positive samples remained positive till the end of the study, or the Ct value remained below the cut-off level. The negative samples gave consistent results until the end of the study. When the differences in Ct values were compared between the days in a set of experiments, they were not significantly different except in a few samples. CONCLUSION: The SARS-CoV-2 genetic materials in commercial VTM were stable at room temperature to -80 °C for 50 days.

Tuberculosis in free-ranging and captive wild animals: Pathological and molecular diagnosis with histomorphological differentiation of granulomatous lesions.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious zoonotic threat, impacting the human-livestock-wildlife interface globally. Here, we evaluated the status and histomorphological differentiation of TB lesions in 89 morbid cases of wild animals (bovids, cervids, carnivores, non-human primates, and pachyderms) in India. Histomorphological and molecular studies were done using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas cultural isolation was performed on selected samples. A total of 32 (35.95%) cases were confirmed as TB, comprising of 12 carnivores, 09 bovids, 06 cervids, 04 non-human primates, and a pachyderm. The TB lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes varied from the large-sized caseous nodules filled with dry cheesy material in bovids and cervids to variable-sized cavitations containing liquefied caseum in carnivores' lungs. The lungs, livers, and spleens of non-human primates exhibited small to medium-sized nodules. Histologically, lesions were divided into four categories (Types I, II, III, and IV) based on the extent of necrosis, the presence of mineralization, giant cells, and fibrous encapsulation. Extensive caseous necrosis with calcification, abundant giant cells, and thick fibroblastic encapsulation were consistent findings in the lungs, livers, and lymph nodes of bovids and cervids, whereas airway impaction with cellular exudate containing a teeming number of acid-fast bacilli and, at times, alveolar rupture leading to cavity formation was present in the lungs of carnivores. Absence of calcification and fibrous encapsulation was recorded in lungs of non-human primates. Immunohistochemical labelling with anti-early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) antibodies showed mild, moderate, and intense positive reactions in type II and III, type I, and type IV granulomatous lesions, respectively. Molecular detection by PCR revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (12 carnivores, 02 non-human primates and 01 pachyderm), M. bovis (02 cervids and 01 bovid) and M. orygis (02 cervids and 01 bovid). Cultural isolation confirmed M. tuberculosis in 03 carnivores and M. orygis in 02 cervids and 01 bovid. Our findings imply that TB is quite prevalent in the wildlife of India and there are considerable differences in the histomorphological lesions induced by distinct Mycobacterium species in different wild animals. The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated to prevent spillover and spillback incidences at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

A study to investigate the chemical potency, physical stability, and efficacy of analgesic agents over a period of two years post their expiry date.

Background: As per regulations, drugs have to be used within their shelf life and must be discarded after their expiry date. The present study was conducted in commonly used analgesic agents to investigate the change in the physical, chemical, and efficacy parameters of the drugs over a period of two years after their expiry date. Methods: The drugs studied were Tab Ibuprofen, Tab Diclofenac, Tab Piroxicam, Inj Diclofenac, and Inj Piroxicam. The parameters investigated were chemical potency, physical stability, and analgesic efficacy. Testing for these parameters was carried out once before expiry to establish the baseline followed by at expiry, and then every six months for two years post expiry date. Results: The active ingredient in all the drugs were within the accepted range as per IP during the study period indicating that they retained their potency up to a period of two years post expiry. The analgesic efficacy as determined by the "Radiant Heat Tail flick" and "Acetic acid-induced writhing" model also showed no significant difference in the Maximum Possible Efficacy and Percent protection, indicating that the drugs retained their efficacy. There was a slight difference in the dissolution times at expiry as compared to different time periods in the case of Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, while there are was no statistical difference in the disintegration times during the study period. Conclusion: The analgesic drugs in our study retained their chemical potency, physical stability and analgesic efficacy up to a period of two years after expiry. The expiry date of a drug, as estimated currently, is not an accurate reflection of its actual shelf life.

Primary malignant melanoma of the gastroesophageal junction: A rare and unusual disease.

Malignant melanoma, an aggressive tumor of skin, is also seen rarely in extra cutaneous sites like the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Primary melanoma of the GIT by itself is a rare tumor; often metastatic at presentation and if found non-metastatic, it is rarely resectable. We are reporting a histopathologically confirmed case of primary malignant melanoma affecting the 'gastroesophageal junction', which we operated on.

Efficacy and safety of a single-tablet regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg, lamivudine 300 mg and efavirenz 400 mg as a switch strategy in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected subjects on nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-containing first-line antiretroviral therapy in Pune, India.

OBJECTIVES: As per National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) estimates, there are 2.1 million people living with HIV (PWH) in India, of whom 1.2 million are on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study explored the use of a single-tablet regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg + lamivudine 300 mg + efavirenz 400 mg (TLE400 STR) as a first-line switch strategy in PWH in Pune, India. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in private sector ART clinics in three tertiary-level hospitals in Pune, India. PWH > 12 years of age (n = 502) who initiated first-line ART (predominantly TLE600 STR), completed ≥ 6 months of follow-up and achieved virological suppression [plasma viral load (VL) < 1000 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL] were identified and switched to TLE400 STR. The virological and immunological efficacy of TLE400 STR at 6 and 12 months of follow-up were noted. Grade 3/4 adverse events (especially efavirenz-related neuropsychiatric adverse events) leading to regimen discontinuation were also noted. RESULTS: Of 502 PWH who switched to TLE400 STR, complete virological suppression (VL < 20 copies/mL) was maintained in more than 97% of patients at follow-up. TLE400 STR was successful in maintaining CD4 counts within the range observed at the start of the regimen. Grade 3/4 adverse events leading to TLE400 STR discontinuation were seen in 11 (2.2%) patients. Virological failure (VL > 1000 copies/mL) and treatment regimen failure were seen in six (1.2%) and 49 (9.8%) subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TLE400 STR exhibits excellent efficacy and safety as a switch strategy and should be introduced in the Indian National ART Program, especially for PWH who are virologically suppressed on TLE600 STR.

Effects of treatment with a microRNA mimic or inhibitor on the developmental competence, quality, epigenetic status and gene expression of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

Expression levels of 13 microRNAs (miRNAs) were compared between buffalo blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer through hand-made cloning and IVF to improve cloning efficiency. Expression of miR-22, miR-145, miR-374a and miR-30c was higher, whereas that of miR-29b, miR-101, miR-302b, miR-34a, miR-21 and miR-25 was lower, in nuclear transferred (NT) than IVF embryos; the expression of miR-200b, miR-26a and miR-128 was similar between the two groups. Based on these, miR-145, which is involved in the regulation of pluripotency, was selected for further investigation of NT embryos. miR-145 expression was lowest at the 2-cell stage, increased through the 4-cell stage and was highest at the 8-cell or morula stage in a pattern that was similar between NT and IVF embryos. miR-145 expression was higher in NT than IVF embryos at all stages examined. Treatment of reconstructed embryos 1h after electrofusion with an inhibitor of miR-145 for 1h decreased the apoptotic index and increased the blastocyst rate, total cell number, ratio of cells in the inner cell mass to trophectoderm, global levels of acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 18 and expression of Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) in blastocysts. Treatment with an miR-145 mimic had the opposite effects. In conclusion, treatment of NT embryos with an miR-145 inhibitor improves the developmental competence and quality, and increases histone acetylation and expression of pluripotency-related genes.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis suihominis infecting domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) in India.

A total of 57 tissue samples of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) were collected from the meat outlets of five north Indian states and examined for sarcocystosis by histological and molecular methods. The genomic DNA extracted from five representative positive isolates was subjected to PCR amplification of the partial 18S rRNA gene followed by cloning and sequencing. Sequence analysis of the newly generated Indian isolates recorded 96.9-100.0% identity with published sequences of Sarcocystis suihominis. Two new haplotypes that have not been previously described manifested 99.5-100.0% nucleotide homology within themselves. In the phylogenetic analysis, Indian isolates of S. suihominis grouped together with S. suihominis originating from Italy, and they collectively formed a sister clade with Sarcocystis miescheriana within a clade containing various Sarcocystis spp. of ruminants having felids as final hosts. At the same time, this clade separated from a sister clade containing Sarcocystis spp. of bovid or cervid ruminants using canids as known or surmised definitive host. The current study established the phylogenetic relationship of Indian isolates of S. suihominis with various Sarcocystis spp. as well as with other taxa of Sarcocystidae family based on 18S rRNA gene for the first time.

Volatome finger printing of red wines made from grapes grown under tropical conditions of India using thermal-desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS).

The current study evaluated the key characters of aroma composition in diversified red wines (Cinsaut, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nielluccio, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Caladoc). Out of hundreds of volatile compounds 64 compounds were considered for study. Different groups consisting of fatty acids, volatile alcohols, aldehydes, esters, volatile phenols and terpenes were analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry coupled with thermal desorption (TD-GC-MS). Among all these diversified classes, alcohols were found as the most dominant group followed by esters and acids whereas aldehydes, phenols and terpenes were found to be minor compounds. Among the varieties, Nielluccio wine recorded highest concentration of total volatile compounds (191.53 mg/L) while, it was least in Caladoc wines (15.45 mg/L). The principal component analysis clearly differentiated Grenache wines based on their relationships between scores and their aroma composition followed by Nielluccio and Cinsuat wines. Out of sixty four compounds, only six aromatic compounds viz. butanediol, isoamyl actate, γ-Terpene, butanol, acetic acid and furfural have satisfying aroma descriptors with floral and fruity nuances and contribute to differentiate the Grenache wines from other varieties which have similar scores in PC1 analysis. The cluster analysis also suggested that the wines in the same group (Cinsaut, Tempranillo and Syrah), (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc and Merlot) and (Nielluccio and Petit Verdot) had similar aroma characterization. Grenache wines were well differentiated from the sub group formed by other red varieties.

A process-based insight to the recent disappearance of streams in the central part of Tarai region, Uttarakhand, India.

The integrated study of geomorphology and hydrogeology could be significant in predicting and assessing the groundwater environment of ecologically sensitive terrains such as the Tarai region in North India. In this article, we integrate topographic elevation, stream network, water level data, and input and output stresses acting on the aquifer to understand the hydrological processes and linkages between groundwater dynamics and geomorphic elements in Rudrapur sub-division of Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand in the central part of Tarai region. The study area was selected on account of the fact that the Rudrapur area of late has witnessed rapid agricultural growth, urbanization, and industrialization. It has been observed that primarily, water table elevations are controlled by the topography of the region. Further, the groundwater abstraction has increased with time; however, except in urbanized sectors, the water level does not show any significant decline. This has been attributed to increased recharge. Prima facie, it appears to be ecologically balanced. However, in a temporal framework, it was observed that over the years, a few streams have disappeared to compensate for enhanced groundwater abstraction. The article explains the underlying hydrological processes behind the disappearance of streams with help of schematic diagrams. It also put forward reasons for the persistence of shallow water level in parts of the study area. It suggests for preservation of the waterways of disappeared streams as possible sites for remedial measures like check dams etc. if required in future on account of over-exploitation of groundwater resources.

Toxicity assessment of cypermethrin nanoparticles in Channa punctatus: Behavioural response, micronuclei induction and enzyme alteration.

A comparative toxicity assessment was performed to evaluate the effect of cypermethrin nanoparticles (CypNPs) and cypermethrin (Cyp) on murrel, Channa punctatus. Size variation and shape morphology of nanoparticles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. CypNPs presented shoulder band at a wavelength of 277 nm and size range between 29.23 nm and 49.28 nm. The individuals of C. punctatus were exposed to two sublethal doses of LC50 viz 1/20th (S1) of LC50 and 1/10th (S2) of LC50 of CypNPs (20.54 mg/L) and Cyp (4 µg/L) for 15 days. Micronucleus assay was used to assess the genotoxicity while enzyme activity was evaluated by using alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The percentage of micronuclei was increased significantly at different doses in Cyp compared to CypNPs. The AST value of Cyp was significantly different from CypNPs at both doses while ALP level at the S2 dose (p < 0.05). Increased levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in blood serum caused tissue impairment cellular damage in liver in the fish exposed to Cyp compared to CypNPs which indicated that CypNPs is least toxic than the conventional form of Cyp. AST and ALT also acted as indicators of stress and altered physiological condition in C. punctatus.

Development of eco-friendly process for the production of bioethanol from banana peel using inhouse developed cocktail of thermo-alkali-stable depolymerizing enzymes.

Conversion of agro-industrial wastes to energy is an innovative approach for waste valorization and management which also mitigates environmental pollution. In this view, present study investigated the feasibility of producing bioethanol from banana peels using cocktail of depolymerizing enzyme/s. We isolated Geobacillus stearothermophilus HPA19 from natural resource which produces cocktail of thermo-alkali-stable xylano-pectino-cellulolytic enzyme/s using wheat bran within 24 h. The optimal temperature and pH for xylanase, filter paper cellulase and pectinase were 80, 70 and 80 °C, and 9.0, 8.0 and 9.0, respectively. Cocktail enzymes showed stability at high temperature (80 °C) and pH (10.0). Ni2+ and Zn2+ promoted the relative activity of xylanase and FPase, whereas Na+, Ca2+ and K+ promoted pectinase activity. Cocktail was assessed in saccharification of banana peel. Reducing sugar obtained (37.06 mg ml-1) after one variable at a time (OVAT) method is greatly influenced by enzyme dose. Further, response surface methodology was used to optimize saccharification leading to twofold increase in reducing sugar. Maximum ethanol production (21.1 gl-1) was achieved through fermentation giving the efficiency of 76.5% within 30 h. Hence utilization of waste biomass for production of value-added products through biotechnological intervention not only helps to combat environmental pollution but also contributes significantly to the economy.

Estimation of polyphenols by using HPLC-DAD in red and white wine grape varieties grown under tropical conditions of India.

Grapes are well known for their high content of phenolic compounds. Polyphenols are classified into flavonoids and non-flavonoids by their primary chemical structures of hydroxybenzene. Flavonoids mainly consist of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and flavonols whereas non-flavonoids include hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. In the present study, sixteen phenolic compounds from ten red and nine white grape wine varieties were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Gallic acid, Vanillic acid, Rutin hydrate, Ellagic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Sorbic acid, Catechin hydrate, Epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, Quercetin, Myricetin, Kaempferol, Piceatannol, and Resveratrol were major compounds found in red wine grapes. Among the varieties, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc showed maximum quantitative phenolics, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon, Niellucio, Cinsaut, and Syrah showed least quantitative phenolics in grape berries. Phenolic profile of white wine grapes showed lower concentration of phenolics than that of red wine grapes. The variety Gros Meseng showed maximum phenolics followed by Sauvignon, while the variety Colombard and Chenin Blanc showed least phenolics.

Pharmacological activities of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol: antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial studies.

The present study reports the antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial activities of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. Both the compounds are naturally present in cinnamon and bay leaf. Eugenol is abundantly present in clove. The antioxidant potential was measured in terms of reducing power (FRAP assay), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging ability and anti-lipid peroxidative activities. MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of test compounds on cell viability of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) as well as for the assessment of in vitro growth inhibition of promastigotes as a measure of anti-leishmanial activity.  Eugenol exhibited considerable NO radical scavenging (63%) and reducing abilities (FRAP value 127×104 µM/mM) while cinnamaldehyde showed comparatively better protective efficacy against lipid peroxidation in rat brain and kidney homogenates (up to 40%). Cinnamaldehyde also displayed substantial cytotoxic activity (75%) against PC-3 cell line. Both the compounds exhibited moderate anti-leishmanial activity and IC50 values for eugenol and cinnamaldehyde were found to be 0.681 g/ml and 1.426g/ml, respectively. The study revealed that both the test compounds have noticeable antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Egg production performance, egg yolk antioxidant profile and excreta concentration of corticosterone in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) fed diets containing different levels of green vegetables.

In order to study the effect of feeding graded levels of green vegetables on egg production performance and egg yolk antioxidant status, 27 female golden pheasants (GP) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The diets of the birds in groups T1 , T2 and T3 contained 1.4%, 2.7% and 5.0% of green vegetables respectively. Feeding of experimental diets started on 12th February (day 1) and was continued till 30 June 2012. Average number of eggs laid and egg mass produced by the hens in group T3 was higher (p < 0.004) than those of T1 and T2 . Hen day egg production was lowest (p < 0.001) in group T1 . Roche yolk colour score was highest (p < 0.01) in T3 followed by T2 and was lowest in T1 . Other external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of egg yolk was higher (p < 0.04) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Egg yolk concentration of total carotenoids, ß-carotene, total sulfhydryl, protein-bound sulfhydryl and non-protein-bound sulfhydryl was higher (p < 0.05), whereas concentration of malondialdehyde was lower (p < 0.024) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was highest (p < 0.012) in T1 , followed by T2 , and was lowest in T3 . Egg yolk concentration of TAC and TSH was positively and that of malondialdehyde was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. It was concluded that incorporation of green vegetables in the diet at 5% on dry matter basis would improve egg production, egg yolk antioxidant status and the ability of the captive GP to combat stress.

Simple Technique of Bridging Wide Gap in Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula - "Surgical Innovation".

The survival of the patients with esophageal atresia an tracheo esophageal fistula is believed to be an epitome of the success of the neonatal surgery. Restoring the continuty of the food pipe by esophagus to esophagus anastomosis is the best option. Preservation of natural esophagus by delayed repair in a wide gap esophageal atresia is a preferred technique worldwide, however such a management required prolonged hospitalization and dedicated nursing care, which is often not available in most of the centres in India. Esophageal substitutes in wide gap requires multiple operations and have long term problems, so remains the last option. I use the technique of oblique anastomosis which had distrinct advantage over circular anastomosis in the management of esophageal atresia1. This techniqe helps in bridging wide gap to some extent & minimal stricture formation.

Influence of dietary protein on serum metabolites and antioxidant status: A study in Chrysolophus amherstiae.

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding graded levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on serum biochemical profile of Lady Amherst's pheasants (LAP). Eighteen male LAP were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The CP content of the diets was 13.4%, 16.5%, and 19.1%, in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Serum concentrations of uric acid was lowest (P < 0.05) in group I. Relationship between serum concentration of uric acid and nitrogen intake was linear (R(2) = 0.39, P < 0.01). Concentrations of other serum metabolites and enzymes were similar among the groups. Serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3 ) was highest (P < 0.05) in group I, followed by groups II and III. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum was lower (P < 0.007), whereas serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher (P < 0.001) in group I as compared to groups II and III. Regression of serum concentration of TAC (R(2) = 0.74, P < 0.01) and MDA (R(2) = 0.39, P < 0.05) was polynomial. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was higher (P < 0.007) in group I as compared to groups II and III. Relationship between H/L ratio and nitrogen intake was polynomial (R(2) = 0.69, P < 0.05). Cell mediated immune response measured as foot web index was similar among the groups. Based upon the results, it was concluded that a diet containing 16.5% crude protein would be optimum for improving antioxidant defense and the ability of Lady Amherst's pheasant to combat stress. Zoo Biol. 35:346-354, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fipronil induced oxidative stress in kidney and brain of mice: protective effect of vitamin E and vitamin C.

Fipronil is a relatively new insecticide of the phenpyrazole group. Fipronil-induced effects on antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers are yet to be studied in vivo. The present study was undertaken to evaluate fipronil-induced alterations in the blood biochemical markers and tissue antioxidant enzymes after oral exposure in mice and to explore possible protective effect of pre-treatment of antioxidant vitamins against these alterations. Mice were divided into eight groups containing control, test and amelioration groups. Mice in the test groups were exposed to different doses of fipronil, i.e., 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg bw, respectively for 28 days. Mice in the amelioration groups were treated with vitamin E or vitamin C (each at 100 mg/kg) 2 h prior to high dose (10 mg/kg) of fipronil. Fipronil exposure at three doses caused significant increase in the blood biochemical markers, lipid peroxidation and prominent histopathological alterations; while level of antioxidant enzymes was severely decreased both in kidney and brain tissues. Prior administration of vitamin E or vitamin C in the fipronil exposed mice led to decrease in lipid peroxidation and significant increase in activities of antioxidants, viz., glutathione, total thiol, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Vitamin E and vitamin C administration in fipronil exposed mice also improved histological architecture of the kidney and brain when compared with fipronil alone treated groups. Thus, results of the present study demonstrated that in vivo fipronil exposure induces oxidative stress and pre-treatment with vitamin E or C can protect mice against this oxidative insult.