Ethoxyquin and Butylated Hydroxy Toluene Distrub the Hematological Parameters and Induce Structural and Functional Alterations in Liver of Rats.

The current experiment aimed to assess the effect of the synthetic antioxidants ethoxyquin (EQ) and/or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the liver function tests, hematological parameters, and liver histoarchitecture in rats. A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 10 animals per group. The first group served as the control and did not receive any treatments, and the second group served as the vehicle control and was orally administrated 1 ml of corn oil day after day for consecutive 45 and 90 days. The third group (EQ) was orally administered 1 ml of EQ dissolved in corn oil day after day for consecutive 45 and 90 days in a dose of 1/5 LD50, and the fourth group (BHT) was orally received 1 ml of BHT dissolved in corn oil day after day for consecutive 45 and 90 days in a dose of 1/5 LD50. The fifth group (combination group) was orally administered both EQ and BHT at the same doses and durations described above. The present results showed that the final body weight was significantly decreased in the EQ- or BHT-treated group particularly at 90 days of exposure to both compounds. Furthermore, the liver weight was significantly elevated in EQ, BHT, and co-exposed groups at 45 and 90 days of exposure, compared to the control group. Moreover, EQ, BHT, and their co-exposure caused a significant elevation in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, as well as total bilirubin at 45 and 90 days of exposure. On the other hand, there was no significant change in the total albumin. Hemoglobin value, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and differential leucocyte count at 45 and 90 days of exposure were significantly decreased. Histopathological significant findings in the liver were observed as vascular congestions, vacuolations, hydropic degenerations, lipidosis, and swelling, particularly in the co-exposed group for 90 days. These findings confirmed the hepatotoxic potential of EQ and BHT; therefore, it is recommended to control and limit the utilization of such chemicals.

Multidimensional Evaluation for Detecting Salt Tolerance of Bread Wheat Genotypes Under Actual Saline Field Growing Conditions.

Field-based trials and genotype evaluation until yielding stage are two important steps in improving the salt tolerance of crop genotypes and identifying what parameters can be strong candidates for the better understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms in different genotypes. In this study, the salt tolerance of 18 bread wheat genotypes was evaluated under natural saline field conditions and at three saline irrigation levels (5.25, 8.35, and 11.12 dS m-1) extracted from wells. Multidimensional evaluation for salt tolerance of these genotypes was done using a set of agronomic and physio-biochemical attributes. Based on yield index under three salinity levels, the genotypes were classified into four groups ranging from salt-tolerant to salt-sensitive genotypes. The salt-tolerant genotypes exhibited values of total chlorophyll, gas exchange (net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance), water relation (relative water content and membrane stability index), nonenzymatic osmolytes (soluble sugar, free proline, and ascorbic acid), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), K+ content, and K+/Na+ ratio that were greater than those of salt-sensitive genotypes. Additionally, the salt-tolerant genotypes consistently exhibited good control of Na+ and Cl- levels and maintained lower contents of malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage under high salinity level, compared with the salt-sensitive genotypes. Several physio-biochemical parameters showed highly positive associations with grain yield and its components, whereas negative association was observed in other parameters. Accordingly, these physio-biochemical parameters can be used as individual or complementary screening criteria for evaluating salt tolerance and improvement of bread wheat genotypes under natural saline field conditions.

Significance of trace elements in seminal plasma of infertile men.

The seminal fluid has the important function as a vehicle for the transportation of the spermatozoa through the epididymis, the vas deferens, and urethra and into the vagina. Major changes in the level of trace elements like zinc, magnesium, and cadmium in semen appear to be related to abnormal spermatozoal function and fertilizing capacity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of trace elements in semen of subfertile men compared to levels in the blood. The relationship of the trace elements with spermatozoal parameters was also evaluated. As part of the infertility evaluation, semen and blood samples were collected from 50 males attending the combined infertility clinic at a maternity hospital after 3 days' abstinence. Semen analysis and hypo-osmotic swelling tests were done on fresh semen samples. The serum and remaining semen sample were stored at -20 degrees C until they were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometry. No significant differences occurred in the levels of trace elements in normozoospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic semen. However, significantly high levels of cadmium were detected in semen of men who were smokers and had asthenozoospermia (p < 0.001) compared with those who had normal motility. We conclude that the high level of cadmium in smokers with asthenozoospermia is evidence of the possible toxic effect of this trace element and this may be one of the causes of asthenozoospermia.