Comparative biotoxicity study for identifying better alternative insecticide especially green nano-emulsion which used as mosquitocides.

This research work was planned to test biosafety of different nanomaterials on the different animals models. These nanoparticles were previously used as potential insecticides of mosquito larvae. The biosafety of these nanoproducts were evaluated on certain organs of non target animals that associated with mosquito breeding sites in Egypt. Animal organs such as the kidneys of rats, toads, and the fish's spleen were used as models to study the biological toxicity of these nanomaterials. After 30 days of the animals receiving the nanomaterials in their water supply, different cell mediated immune cells were assessed in these tissues. Both TNF-α and BAX immuno-expression were also used as immunohistochemical markers. Histopathology was conducted to detect the effect of the tested nanoproducts at the tissue level of the liver and kidneys of both the rats and toads. Green nanoemulsion of the lavender essential oil was relatively more effective, safe, and biodegradable to be used as insecticides against mosquito larvae than the metal-based nanomaterials.

Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles ameliorate testicular dysfunction due to levofloxacin-induced oxidative stress in rats.

The present work is aimed to assess the protective influence of zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles against oxidative stress-associated testicular dysfunction. The number of 50 male albino rats were randomly separated into five groups (n = 10): Group I, control: rats gavage distilled water orally; Group II, Levofloxacin: rats that administered Levofloxacin (LFX) softened in distilled water at a dosage of 40 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day; Group III, Zn-RSV: rats administered with Zn-RSV (zinc oxide resveratrol in distilled water at a dose 20 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day; Group IV, (LFX + Zn-RSV): rats that were administered with Levofloxacin along with Zn-RSV nPs; Group V, Levofloxacin + Zn: rats were administered with Levofloxacin and Zno at a dose of 20 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day as mentioned before. This study lasted for 2 months. Sera were collected to assess luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone values. Testicular tissues were utilized to evaluate levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT). Semen samples were utilized to measure their quality (motility, concentration, and vitality). Histopathological and immune histochemical techniques investigated the morphological changes in the testis. Rats treated with Levofloxacin showed significantly lower levels of serum LH, testosterone, FSH, testicular enzymatic NO, catalase, SOD, BAX, and BCL-2 immune reactivity and sperm quality but significantly greater testicular malondialdehyde and caspase-3 immuno-reactivity Compared to both control and zinc oxide resveratrol treatment. Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles ameliorated the harmful side effects of Levofloxacin. Improvements were more pronounced in the co-treatment (LFX + Zn-RSV) Zinc oxide resveratrol group than in the co-treatment (LFX + Zno) Zinc oxide group. Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles could be a possible solution for levofloxacin oxidative stress-induced fertility problems.

Curcumin-loaded hydroxyapatite nanocomposite as a novel biocompatible shield for male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation hazard.

Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its extraordinary benefits as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing agent. However, nano-formulation could maintain and regulate its pharmacological effect. Herein, we report the preparation of CUR/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (CUR/HA NC) and its application in the protection of male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation carcinogenic consequences. TEM images of the nanocrystalline HA nanoparticles (NPs) had a rod-like form with average dimensions of 40±5 nm in length and 10 ± 5 nm in width. XRD analysis illustrated the formation of a single phase of hexagonal crystalline HA NPs. The presence of the CUR fingerprint is visible in its FTIR spectra of the CUR/HA NC. Biochemical analysis and histological examinations revealed that CUR/HA NC injection does not significantly affect non-irradiation rats compared to the control. However, when injected pre-irradiation, it controls the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) GSH level, kidney, and liver functions as proved by biochemical histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This research introduces a novel effective protection modality for the γ-irradiation hazard via biocompatible CUR/HA NC injection.

Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Rats via Testicular Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress.

Amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are being utilized in different fields such as medicine, cosmetics, and foods. However, the causes and mechanisms underlying SiNP testicular damage remain largely unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate this issue. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 10), 500 ppm SiNP-treated group (n = 10), and 1000 ppm SiNP-treated group (n = 10). SiNPs were given orally in drinking water for 30 days. Micronucleus assay was performed on blood RBCs. The concentrations of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activity were measured. Moreover, the histopathological alterations and the expression of apoptotic (caspase-3) and pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (iNOS) in testes and epididymis were analyzed and compared between the three groups. The results showed an increased level of micronucleus frequencies in the 1000 ppm-treated group, as well as increased levels of MDA and decreased activity of CAT and GSH content in testicular tissues in the 1000 ppm-treated group, suggesting DNA damage and oxidative stress mechanisms. Also, there were significant testicular histopathological alterations in this group. Furthermore, 1000-ppm SiNPs could enhance testicular apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress by increasing the expression of apoptotic, pro-inflammatory, and oxidative stress genes including caspase 3 and iNOS in the examined tissue. The lower concentration of SiNPs did not produce any significant biochemical, histopathological, or immunohistochemical alterations whereas 1000-ppm SiNPs resulted in significant testicular changes by exacerbating apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-mediated testicular damage.

Insecticidal efficacy of nanomaterials used to control mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 with special reference to their hepatotoxicity in rats.

The present study aimed to develop a novel methodology for controlling the mosquito larvae using different nanoparticles, with special reference to their effect on rats (a non-target mammalian model). The mosquito species of Culex quinquefasciatus was reared in the laboratory. Chitosan, silver nanoparticles and their combination as well as lavender (Lavandula officinalis) nanoemulsion with different concentrations were tested as biological insecticides against the mosquito larvae. Mammalian toxicity of the used nanoparticles were evaluated using 27 adult male rats, experimental rats were divided into 9 equal groups (n=3). The nanoparticles were added to the drinking water for 30 days. At the end of the study, blood and tissue samples were collected to assess the levels of the serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, different genes expression as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1ß activity. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies using two markers (TNF-α and BAX expression) were also applied. The LC50 and LC90 were recorded for each tested nanoparticles, and also the changes of the treated mosquito larvae cuticle were assessed using the scanning electron microscopy. Green nanoemulsion (Lavandula officinalis) was more effective than metal (silver) or even biodegradable (chitosan) nanoparticles in controlling of Culex quiquefasciatus mosquito larvae, and also it proved its safety by evaluation of the mammalian hepatotoxicity of the tested nanoparticles.

Mass kills in hatchery-reared European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) triggered by concomitant infections of Amyloodinium ocellatum and Vibrio alginolyticus.

Amyloodiniosis and vibriosis are serious diseases in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) hatcheries with noticeable high mortality. This study was conducted on tank-cultured D. labrax frys at a private marine hatchery near Mariout Lake (Alexandria, Egypt). Frys showed a high mortality rate (70%), lethargy, darkening, asphyxia, ascites, and velvety skin appearance. Both infectious agents were presumptively identified in all investigated frys. The identities of the two recovered agents were confirmed by molecular assay and phylogenetic analysis. On the tissue level, histopathological examination of skin, splenic, and renal tissue indicated severe alterations due to the direct impacts of both infections. On the cellular level, scanning electron micrographs showed both protozoal and bacterial pathogens on/in gill epithelial cells in solitary and colonial forms. Vibrio alginolyticus showed variable results for tested antibiotics, with a higher sensitivity to florfenicol. A successful control strategy was strictly adopted to overcome infections and stop mortalities. Copper sulphate and hydrogen peroxide were efficiently applied to tank water to overcome A. ocellatum infections. Further, florfenicol was effectively used to overcome systemic V. alginolyticus infections. The efficacy of treatments was confirmed by the absence of infectious agents in randomly collected fish samples. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is one of the earliest Egyptian studies that dealt with the dilemma of mass kills associated with external parasitic/systemic bacterial infections among hatchery-reared European seabass.

Protective and Therapeutic Efficacy of Hesperidin versus Cisplatin against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Induced Renal Damage in Mice.

This study evaluates the antitumor efficacy of hesperidin (Hesp) versus cisplatin (Cis) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice, as well as its protective effect against Cis-triggered nephrotoxicity. Seventy female mice were allocated into control, Hesp, EAC, Hesp-protected, Hesp-treated, Cis-treated, and Cis+Hesp-treated groups. The inoculation of mice with EAC cells significantly reduced the mean survival time, while significantly increased the body weight, abdominal circumference, ascitic fluid volume, viable tumor cell count, and serum carcinoembryonic antigen, urea and creatinine levels, besides various hematological changes. Additionally, kidney tissue of EAC-bearing mice showed a significant increase in the malondialdehyde level, significant decreases in the reduced glutathione content and catalase activity, marked pathological alterations, and a strong Ki-67 expression with a weak caspase-3 expression in neoplastic cells infiltrating the renal capsule. Conversely, the administration of Hesp and/or Cis to the EAC-bearing mice induced, to various degrees, antitumor responses and alleviated the cytotoxic effects of EAC. In addition to the potent antitumor effect of the concomitant administration of Hesp and Cis, Hesp minimized the renal adverse side effects of Cis. In conclusion, Hesp may open new avenues for safe and effective cancer therapy and could be valuable for enhancing the antitumor potency and minimizing the renal adverse side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Characterization of digenetic trematodes infecting African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) based on integrated morphological, molecular, histopathological, and immunological examination.

Parasitic infection may cause massive losses in Clarias gariepinus fries and fingerlings. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the digenetic trematodes species (two adults' flukes and one metacercariae) infecting African catfish Clarias gariepinus, as well as their histopathological impacts on infected fish. The intestinal flukes were identified as Orientocreadium batrachoides and Masenia bangweulensis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Sequencing of their 28S (LSU rRNA) and 18S rRNA (SSU rRNA) genes confirmed that these trematodes belong to the families Orientocreadiidae and Cephalogonimidae, respectively. The metacercariae trematode infecting skin and muscles were only morphologically identified as Cyanodiplostomum sp. The gene expression levels of MHC II increased in naturally infected fish either with O. batrachoides or Cyanodiplostomum sp. alone, compared with uninfected catfish. In addition, lysozyme levels in individual fish serum increased in catfish infected either with O. batrachoides or Cyanodiplostomum sp. alone. Histopathological examination of the skin revealed embedded parasitic cysts that displaced tissue in the dermis. Surrounding tissues were infiltrated with melanomacrophages and displayed dermal edema. Histopathological analysis showed O. batrachoides or M. bangweulensis between the gastric folds of the stomach of infected catfish, causing infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the lamina propria.

Nigella sativa oil protects against emamectin benzoate-Induced neurotoxicity in rats.

This study evaluated the ameliorative impact of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on emamectin benzoate (EMB) neurotoxicity. Thirty-five male rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups (n = 7). G1 (control): received distilled water; G2: received NSO (3 ml. Kg-1 B.W.) for 6 weeks; G3: received EMB (9 mg kg-1 B.W.) for 6 weeks; G4: was co-treated with NSO and EMB for 6 weeks; G5: was treated with EMB for 4 weeks then, received NSO for 2 weeks. All treatments were given orally every other day. EMB increased serum urea, creatinine levels; brain dopamine, serotonin, malondialdehyde levels; brain expression levels of caspase 3 and TNF-α. While, it decreased serum total protein, albumin, brain GABA, AChE, GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD levels. Histopathological findings revealed hemorrhage, congestion, severe degeneration, and edema of the brain tissues. NSO reversed the EMB-induced biochemical and histopathological alterations. This NSO effect is mostly due to its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. These findings suggest NSO as a potential protective and therapeutic agent for EMB-induced neurotoxicity.

Cisplatin-conjugated gold nanoparticles-based drug delivery system for targeting hepatic tumors.

Cisplatin is a highly cytotoxic anticarcinogenic drug used to treat several kinds of solid tumors such as liver tumors. With the increase in the incidences associated with hepatic tumors and a lack of selectivity of cisplatin to cancer cells, it is important to explore new therapeutic strategies against them. The present study was designed to verify the ability of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to improve the hepatotherapeutic effect of cisplatin against DENA-induced hepatic tumors and to declare its ability to reduce the renal toxicity induced by cisplatin. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 20): Group (A)-negative control and group (B)-model of hepatocellular tumor induction. After 4 months, each group was subdivided into four subgroups as the following: Group (1) received normal saline, Group (2) was treated by cisplatin, Group (3) was treated by GNPs, Group (4) was treated by GNPs-cisplatin conjugates. Our results revealed a marked elevation in liver and kidney function tests and oxidant levels with a reduction in antioxidant levels in the DENA-administrated group. Remarkable histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissue sections were observed and confirmed by the overexpression of the immunohistochemical staining of placental glutathione S-transferase, Hep Par 1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Noticeable improvements in all the measurable toxicological parameters were recorded in the group treated with either GNPs or GNPs-cisplatin conjugate not observed in the group treated with cisplatin. We can conclude that GNPs not only improve the distribution of cisplatin, targeting it to the site of tumors, but it also reduces the renal toxicity induced by cisplatin, which are the primary concerns in cancer therapy.

Toxic Impacts of Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on Liver and Kidney of Male Adult Rats: an In Vivo Study.

The toxic effects of the amorphous silica nanoparticles have not been thoroughly studied. Moreover, the majority of the in vivo investigations were performed using an inhalation exposure method. The current study aimed to explore the potential toxic effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) after the treatment of adult male rats with two different concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) via drinking water for 28 days. The genotoxicity, antioxidant status, and liver and kidney functions were assessed. Besides, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. The results showed a significant elevation in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level concurrent with a reduction in total reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and catalase activity in the 1000-ppm SiNP-exposed rats as well as increase in ALT and AST activity confirmed by various histopathological alterations detected in liver. Also, in the 1000-ppm SiNP-exposed animals, there was an elevation in urea and creatinine levels confirmed by histopathological alterations detected in kidneys. Immunohistochemical findings in both liver and kidneys indicated strong expression of caspase-3 in the 1000-ppm SiNP-treated rats compared with the control and 500-ppm SiNP-treated groups. Such findings indicated that the 1000-ppm SiNPs exerted severe hepato-renal toxic impacts when compared with the control and 500-ppm SiNP-exposed rats.

Dietary solutions to dyslipidemia: Milk protein-polysaccharide conjugates as liver biochemical enhancers.

Protein-polysaccharide interactions have been a focus of scientific attention. This study aimed to improve the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of buffalo total milk proteins and whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) through noncovalent interactions with Psyllium husk (ispaghula) mucilage (PHM) and Nabq mucilage (NabM). Chemical composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of milk protein-mucilage complexes were explored. The effects of resulting complexes on liver function, hyperlipidemia, and histopathology of the liver in rats fed high-fat diet (HFD) were investigated. The results showed that the complexes exerted significant effect on normalizing tested parameters; WPH-NabM had the most significantly decreased level of malondialdehyde content and the liver histopathological examination proved an improvement in all groups fed with these complexes. These complexes can be used as functional protection elements against the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: PHM, NabM, and their complexes with milk proteins were proved to improve liver function, enhancing most of its measurable parameters and also diminishing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Mice with HFD achieved better health circumstances by combining these ingredients in their diet. Knowing how much these diseases proliferate in the western world and its correlation with high-fat consumption and modern lifestyle, its conjugation with PHM/NabM-MP complexes may reduce the negative impact of unhealthy food intake and, on some parameters, even improving the whole liver function. For that reason, the present study supports and pushes forward the dissemination and consumption of ispaghula or Nabq (the polysaccharides sources) or supplements originating from them. Although many interactions concerning milk proteins have already been analyzed, our study also proposes the interaction with bioactive polysaccharides as useful, opening a field of research aimed at the better application of milk proteins.

Studying the effect of formic acid and potassium diformate on performance, immunity and gut health of broiler chickens.

Our trial was conducted to study the effects of formic acid (FA) and potassium di-formate (KDF) in broiler ration on performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical, intestinal microbial load, histological picture of intestine and immune parameters of broilers. In this study 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided to 3 groups with 3 replicates of 40 chicks each. The trial continued for 35 days. The control group was fed only basal diet (G1). Group 2 (G2) were fed basal diet supplemented with FA (5 g/kg diet), and group 3 (G3) received basal diet supplemented with KDF (5 g/kg diet). The results showed that both FA and KDF significantly increased body weight gain (BWG), dressing percentage of broilers and significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). The highest percent of breast and thigh was observed in G3. The improvement in villus height was observed in G2 and G3 compared with the control one, and the highest was in G3. The results evidence that the using of FA or KDF in broiler feeds have significant effects on performance, immune parameters, and gut health without having any significant effects on blood biochemical. However, KDF is more effective than FA as little amount of FA reaches the small intestine due to metabolism and absorption, whereas KDF permits a proportion of FA to pass through the fore-gut intact and enter the small intestinal tract. In addition, FA has a strong odor and corrosiveness to gastrointestinal tract which limits its use.