Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Severe Acute Adult Poisonings in French Amazonia: Urgent Need for a Toxicovigilance Monitoring Framework.

BACKGROUND: Acute poisonings (AP) are a significant public health problem, accounting for a high number of emergency department visits and thousands of deaths worldwide. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of AP in an adult population admitted to Cayenne Hospital (French Guiana) and to investigate the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2022, including patients over eighteen years of age who had been admitted to the emergency department of Cayenne Hospital for acute poisoning. RESULTS: We included 425 patients. The median age was 34 years (IQR: 25-47). The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.52. A psychiatric disorder was found in 41.9% of patients. The Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) on admission was 1 or 2 for 84% of patients, and the mortality rate was 3.9%. The main involved toxicants were psychotropic drugs (43.1%), benzodiazepines (34.8%), and paracetamol (25.6%). The most lethal toxic was paraquat (5.2%). Intoxication was due to intentional self-poisoning in 84.2% of cases. Independent factors associated with severe poisoning (PSS 3 or 4) were chloroquine, neuroleptics, or paraquat poisoning; metabolic acidosis; and hyperglycemia (>5.5 mmol/L). The mortality rate was 3.9%, and the most involved toxic in death was paraquat. CONCLUSION: This study shows the frequent and deadly use of paraquat in APs in French Guiana. Urgent attention should be given to establishing a toxicovigilance monitoring framework and an antipoison center in the region.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of a Crude Polysaccharide Derived from Green Seaweed Halimeda tuna: Computational and Experimental Evidences.

In this study, we investigated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of crude polysaccharide (PSHT) extracted from green marine algae Halimeda tuna. PSHT exhibited anti-oxidant activity in vitro through scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl free radical, reducing Fe3+/ferricyanide complex, and inhibiting nitric oxide. PSHT maintained the erythrocyte membrane integrity and prevented hemolysis. Our results also showed that PSHT exerted a significant anti-edematic effect in vivo by decreasing advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde levels and increasing the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat's paw model and erythrocytes. Interestingly, PSHT increased the viability of murine RAW264.7 macrophages and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells by decreasing pro-inflammatory molecule levels, including nitric oxide, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Our findings indicate that PSHT could be used as a potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic, and anti-oxidant agent. These results could be explained by the computational findings showing that polysaccharide building blocks bound both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and TNF-α with acceptable affinities.

Two co-inherited SNPs of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are associated with Iraqi patients with lung cancer.

Background: The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene is essential polymorphic loci linked to most malignant tumors. This study assessed the association between the TERT gene and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in Iraq. Methods: Genomic DNA samples were extracted from a total of 200 samples of blood. Four specific PCR fragments were designed to amplify four high-frequency rs2735940, rs2736098, rs2736100, and rs10069690 SNPs within the TERT gene. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) followed by sequencing reactions were used for genotyping and validating the amplified fragments.

The effects of prolonged stress exposure on the brain of rats and insights to understand the impact of work-related stress on caregivers.

Introduction: Stress exposure is a significant concern in the healthcare sector. This animal model study aims to reproduce caregivers' working conditions and determine their impact on the brain. Method: Twenty-four healthy male rats of the Wistar strain were divided into four groups. Three groups were submitted each to one stressor for 21 days, while the fourth group was used as a control. Stressors were food and water deprivation (FW), permanent illumination (PI), and forced swimming (FS). At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized, and stress biomarkers, biological parameters, and DNA damage were measured. Results: Prooxidant biomarker rates increased in the different groups (+50 to +75%) compared to the control (p < 0.0001). Urinary corticosterone rates increased in all stressed animals, mainly in the PI group, with changes of up to +50% compared to the control group. Acetylcholinesterase levels decreased to -50% (p < 0.0001 for the three exposed groups). Total ATPase, (Na+/K+)-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase activities decreased in all stressed groups. The percentage of brain cell congestion and apoptosis was 3% for the FW group (p < 0.0001), 2% for the PI group (p < 0.0001), and 4% for the FS group (p < 0.0001) compared to the control (0.8%). DNA damage was observed in all exposed groups. Finally, we noticed behavioral changes and a depression-like syndrome in all stressed rats. Conclusion: Stressful conditions such as the working environment of caregivers can trigger several pathophysiological processes leading to oxidative, neurochemical, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disorders. These changes can progress to cell damage and apoptosis in the brain and trigger psychological and physical disorders.

Mitigation of Hepatic Impairment with Polysaccharides from Red Alga Albidum corallinum Supplementation through Promoting the Lipid Profile and Liver Homeostasis in Tebuconazole-Exposed Rats.

Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed are highly active natural substances with valuable applications. In the present paper, attempts have been made to discuss the physicochemical and structural features of polysaccharides isolated from red marine alga Alsidium corallinum (ACPs) and their protective effect in hepatic impairments induced by tebuconazole (TEB) in male adult rats. Structural features were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier-transformed infrared, and solid-state 1H and 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. ACPs are found to be hetero-sulfated-anionic polysaccharides that contain carbohydrates, sulfate groups, and uronic acids. In vitro biological activities suggested the effective antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of ACPs. For antioxidant testing in vivo, the biochemical analysis and plasma profiles displayed that oral administration of ACPs could mitigate blood lipid indicators, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and bilirubin. Liver function indexes involving alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase showed that ACPs possessed prominent antioxidant activities. Additionally, the intervention of ACPs potentially inhibited lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, key enzymes of lipid metabolism (<0.001), and improved antioxidant status (<0.05). Histomorphological observation confirmed that ACPs intervention could partially repair liver injuries caused by TEB. The computational results showed that A. corallinum monosaccharides bound 1JIJ, 1HD2, and 1WL4 receptors with acceptable affinities, which, together with deep embedding and molecular interactions, support the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic outlined effects in the in vitro and in vivo findings. Given their prominent antioxidant effects, ACPs are promising candidates for liver diseases and must be considered in pharmaceutical applications.

Bioactivity of Falkenbergia rufolanosa Methanolic Extract: Assessment of Its Effect on Methyl-Thiophanate Induced Bone and Blood Disorders.

This study aimed to evaluate the potentiality of a mineral and antioxidant-rich methanolic extract of the red marine alga Falkenbergia rufolanosa (FRE) against methyl-thiophanate (MT)-induced toxicity in adult rats. The animals were allocated into four groups: controls, MT (300 mg/kg), MT + FRE, and FRE-treated group for 7 days. Our results demonstrated severe mineral perturbations due to MT treatment, especially in calcium and phosphorus levels in plasma, urine, and bone. Similarly, the hematological analysis revealed increased red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells associated with striking genotoxicity. Interestingly, a significant rise in lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products level in erythrocytes and bone were noted. Meanwhile, a depletion of the antioxidant status in both tissues occurred. These biochemical alterations were in harmony with DNA degradation and histological variation in bone and blood. In the other trend, data showed that treatment with alga improved MT-induced hematotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress in the blood and bone. Osteo-mineral metabolism and bone histo-architecture were also noted. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that the red alga Falkenbergia rufolanosa is a potent source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents, as revealed by the in vitro analysis.

The Potential Effect of Polysaccharides Extracted from Red Alga Gelidium spinosum against Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis.

Gut injury is a severe and unpredictable illness related to the increased cell death of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Excessive IEC apoptotic cell death during the pathophysiological state entails chronic inflammatory diseases. This investigation was undertaken to assess the cytoprotective action and underlying mechanisms of polysaccharides from Tunisian red alga, Gelidium spinosum (PSGS), on H2O2-induced toxicity in IEC-6 cells. The cell viability test was initially carried out to screen out convenient concentrations of H2O2 and PSGS. Subsequently, cells were exposed to 40 µM H2O2 over 4 h in the presence or absence of PSGS. Findings revealed that H2O2 caused oxidative stress manifested by over 70% cell mortality, disturbed the antioxidant defense, and increased the apoptotic rate in IEC-6 cells (32% than normal cells). Pretreatment of PSGS restored cell viability, especially when used at 150 µg/mL and normal cell morphology in H2O2-callenged cells. PSGS also equally sustained superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and hindered the apoptosis induced by H2O2. This protection mechanism of PSGS may be associated with its structural composition. The ultraviolet visible spectrum, Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated that PSGS is mainly sulfated polysaccharides. Eventually, this research work provides a deeper insight into the protective functions and enhances the investment of natural resources in handling intestinal diseases.

Prevalence of Some Group A Beta-Lactamase Genes among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from Women with Cystitis.

Urinary tract infection is a common infection associated with considerable societal cost and even increasing antibiotic resistance, which to some extent represents a challenging issue facing infection control. In this work, some group A Beta-lactamase genes blaTEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M-1, bla CTX-M-2, bla CTX-M-9, bla CTX-M-25 among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from women with cystitis have been detected. The results showed that 100 isolates of 611 urine samples belonged to Escherichia coli. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of 100 isolates to 14 antibiotics revealed that 63%, 58%, 36%, 27%, 14%, 6%, 4%, 30%, 26%, 4%, 16%, 2%, and 44% of the isolates were resistant to Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Piperacillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Aztreonam, Piperacillin-tazobactam, Imipenem, Meropenem, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Nitrofurantoin, and Trimethoprome-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The results revealed that 29% of isolates were multidrug resistant. In the current study, the results of molecular detection showed the predominance of ESBL genes in Escherichia coli isolates: blaTEM 98% followed by blaSHV 69%, and then, blaCTX-M-1 66%. blaCTX-M-9 only appeared in one isolate. Both blaCTX-M-2 and blaCTX-M-25 were not detected. The study concludes the high spreading of coexistence of more than one gene of Group A ß-lactamase genes among uropathogenic Escherichia coli causes them to resist many antibiotics. This makes the treatment regimen unusual or hard to be achieved.

Hypocholesterolemic effects of a polysaccharide isolated from Balangu (Lallemantia royleana) seeds in Wistar rat fed on a cholesterol-containing diet.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of polysaccharide (PS) isolated from Balangu Shirazi (Lallemantia royleana) seeds in vitro as well as on the hypercholesterolemic diet-induced liver and kidney injury in adult rats. PS was structurally characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared, which confirmed the presence of bands characteristic of polysaccharides. Functional properties of PS were investigated based on water solubility index, holding and emulsifying capacities. The antioxidant activities were confirmed by DPPH radical scavenging assays, reducing power and the chelating effect assay. The administration of PS to a hypercholesterolemic diet for 30 days in Wistar rats significantly improved the liver and kidney levels in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and in vitamin C. The oxidative stress profile was confirmed by hematological and plasma biochemical parameters. In addition, histological alterations were significantly ameliorated in liver and kidney tissues. The study strengthens the hypothesis that the herbal polysaccharide can be used as a novel antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic compound against hyperlipidemia-induced atherosclerosis.

Effect of the incorporation of polysaccharides from green alga Bryopsis plumosa on beef sausages quality.

Maintaining the quality and stability of functional meat products during storage is one of the major challenges of these products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of polysaccharides extracted from green alga Bryopsis plumosa as a new natural additive in the formulation of beef sausages. In order to evaluate the impact of the incorporation of polysaccharides in beef sausages formulation, the physico-chemical, microbiological, and antioxidant properties were investigated during 12 days of storage at 4°C. Obtained data illustrated that the addition of this polymer in the formulation of beef sausages leads to a distinct antioxidant activity during 12 days of storage (4°C) with lower values in terms of lipid peroxidation compared to untreated samples. In addition, samples formulated with polysaccharides reduced the oxidation of Myoglobin, which consequently improved the color stability of meat during refrigerated storage. Furthermore, as compared to standard formulation, the addition of polysaccharides appears to have interesting antimicrobial potential that maintains sausage quality within a shelf life of 12 days. In conclusion, our results prove the efficiency of polysaccharides in providing more hygienic and safer meat products, which may suggest that PS could be used as a natural additive in functional foods.

Preparation and characterization of a novel hamada scoparia polysaccharide composite films and evaluation of their effect on cutaneous wound healing in rat.

This work was intended to prepare biodegradable and edible films from polysaccharide extracted from Hammada scoparia leaves (named PSP) and reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Four films with different ratios of PSP/PVA: P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), FP3 (30:70) and pure PVA (100 % PVA) were prepared and characterized in terms of structural (FT-IR), physical (Thickness, solubility and swelling index), optical and thermal properties (TGA). The antioxidant activities of different films were determined in vitro and evaluated in vivo through the examination of wound healing capability. Data revealed that the film P1 displayed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro and accelerated significantly the wound healing, after sixteen days of treatment, attested by higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (765.924 ± 4.44 mg/g of tissue) confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control, CYTOL CENTELLA® and pure PVA-treated groups. Overall, these results demonstrated that PSP/PVA based films exhibited a higher wound healing potential confirmed with the high antioxidant activities in vitro.

Efficacy of Essential Trace Elements Supplementation on Mineral Composition, Sperm Characteristics, Antioxidant Status, and Genotoxicity in Testis of Tebuconazole-treated Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This research was performed to evaluate the effect of tebuconazole (TBZ) on reproductive organs of male rats and to assess the protective role of combined essential trace elements in alleviating the detrimental effect of TBZ on male reproductive function. METHODS: For this purpose, 48 rats were exposed to 100 mg/kg TBZ, TBZ supplemented with zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), TBZ + (Se + Zn); TBZ + Cu; or TBZ + Fe. The experiment was conducted for 30 consecutive days. RESULTS: TBZ caused a significant perturbation in mineral levels and reduction in reproductive organs weights, plasma testosterone level, and testicular antioxidant enzyme activities. The TBZ-treated group also showed a significant increase in sperm abnormalities (count, motility, and viability percent), plasma follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and severe DNA degradation in comparison with the controls. Histopathologically, TBZ caused testis impairments. Conversely, treatment with trace elements, in combination or alone, improved the reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, TBZ-induced toxicity, and histopathological modifications in testis. CONCLUSION: TBZ exerts significant harmful effects on male reproductive system. The concurrent administration of trace elements reduces testis dysfunction, fertility, and toxicity induced by TBZ.

Conception and characterization of a multi-sensitive composite chitosan-red marine alga-polysaccharide hydrogels for insulin controlled-release.

Hydrogels properties open up many possibilities for medical applications. In the present study, protein drug insulin was selected as a model drug to test the in vitro release behavior of hydrogels based on blue crab chitosan (Cs) and red marine macroalga Falkenbergia rufolanosa polysaccharide (FRP). The FRP/Cs composed hydrogels were characterized in terms of structural, morphological, thermal and antioxidant properties. Data revealed that FRP addition enhanced the water holding capacity and the water uptake percentages, as well as the textural behavior. Moreover, the prepared hydrogels are simultaneous sensitive to pH, ionic strength and temperature as demonstrated in the swelling ratio test. Additionally, hydrogels at pH 1.2 PBS underwent greater degradation, compared to samples immersed in pH 7.4 PBS. Similarly, the kinetics of insuline release, through the FRP/Cs composed hydrogels exhibited higher released amounts in acidic systems. Through this study, the prepared hydrogels provided suitable and promising microenvironment in drugs delivery.

Falkenbergia rufolanosa polysaccharide - Poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films: A promising wound healing agent against dermal laser burns in rats.

This work was conducted to evaluate the compatibility between physicochemical, antioxidant and morphological properties of polysaccharide (FRP) extracted from red marine alga Falkenbergia rufolanosa reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composed films at different ratios of FRP/PVA: F1 (70:30), F2 (50:50), F3 (30:70) and PVA (100% PVA) and the potential wound healing effects. As assessed, FRP/PVA prepared films were heterogeneous, slightly opaque with a rough surface as ascertained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and colorimetric parameters. Even, X-ray diffraction and glass transition results revealed a semi-crystalline structure of FRP composed films which decreased with increasing PVA ratios. The antioxidant activities of composite films depicted that F1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in vitro. Therefore, F1 was found to promote significantly the wound healing, after eight days of treatment, evidenced by higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (885.12 ±â€¯20.35 mg/g of tissue) confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control, CYTOL BASIC® and PVA-treated groups. All together, the marine-derived polysaccharide gave a substantial pledge for the development of biodegradable films as a potent antioxidant material and a promising agent for tissue regeneration.

Therapeutic potential of polysaccharide extracted from fenugreek seeds against thiamethoxam-induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity in Wistar adult rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a polysaccharide extracted from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (FWEP) against insecticide-thiamethoxam (TMX)-induced hepatotoxicity. Obtained data exhibited potent antioxidant and antibacterial potentialities. On other trend, in vivo, adult female rats were divided into four groups: controls; TMX (100 mg/kg of body weight); TMX + FWEP at two graded doses, respectively (100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight) for 30 d. Up to TMX treatment, our data showed a significant increase in plasma markers of hepatotoxicity including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, which is coordinated with decline in total protein and albumin levels. Remarkably, a clear sign of genotoxicity was delivered by total disruption in hematological parameters and micronucleus (MN) test shown by severe chromatin degradation. These data were also associated with oxidative stress set up, histological and DNA injuries. However, co-administration with FWEP succeeded significantly in a dose-dependent manner in reducing and healing liver's hematological and genotoxic induced by TMX injuries.

Cardiotoxicity and myocardial infarction-associated DNA damage induced by thiamethoxam in vitro and in vivo: Protective role of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed-derived polysaccharide.

The risk of pesticides on the human health and environment has drawn increasing attention. Today, new tools are developed to reduce pesticide adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity induced by, thiamethoxam (TMX), and the cytoprotective effect of a novel polysaccharide, named fenugreek seed water polysaccharide (FWEP) in vitro using H9c2 cardiomyoblastes and in vivo using Wistar rat model. Animals were assigned into four groups per eight rats each: group 1 served as a control group, group 2 received TMX, group 3, and group 4 received both FWEP and TMX tested at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively). Regarding the in vitro study, our results demonstrated that TMX induced a decrease in H9c2 cell viability up to 70% with the highest concentration. In vivo, TMX injection induced marked heart damage noted by a significant increase in plasma lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, troponin-T, aspartate amino transferase activities, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Concomitant alterations in cardiac antioxidant defense system revealed depletion in the levels of glutathione and non-protein thiol and an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Similarly, a significant increase in heart lipid, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein product and in protein carbonyls levels was also noted. In addition, heart tissues histo-architecture displayed major presence of apoptosis and necrosis as confirmed by DNA degradation. However, supplementation with FWEP alleviated heart oxidative damage and genotoxicity. In this manner, ABTS radical-scavenging activity, linoleic acid oxidation tests and heart genomic and DNA nicking assay had proved FWEP strong antioxidant potential. In conclusion, FWEP provided significant protection against TMX-induced heart injury, and could be a useful and efficient agent against cardiotoxicity and atherosclerosis.

Cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of the red alga Alsidium corallinum against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in rat cardiomyocytes.

CONTEXT: Sepsis is the manifestation of the immune and inflammatory responses to infection that may ultimately result in multiorgan failure. Many substances are involved in myocardial dysfunction in sepsis, including hydrogen peroxide. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the protective activity of the red alga Alsidium corallinum against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The biological properties of A. corallinum were firstly investigated. Secondly, the H9c2 cells were pre-treated with alga extract, and then exposed to H2O2. RESULTS: Our results showed richness of the alga in antioxidant compounds, and its biological activities. H2O2 induced a morphological changes and decrease in H9c2 cell viability correlating with an increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Pre-treatment with A. corallinum, reduces toxicity and decreased the antioxidants status induced by H2O2. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated for the first time the protective effect of A. corallinum against H2O2-induced toxicity in H9c2 cells.

Potassium Bromate-induced Changes in the Adult Mouse Cerebellum Are Ameliorated by Vanillin.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to elucidate the effect of vanillin on behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes induced by potassium bromate (KBrO3), an environmental pollutant, in the cerebellum of adult mice. METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: group 1 served as a control, group 2 received KBrO3, group 3 received KBrO3 and vanillin, and group 4 received only vanillin. We then measured behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and molecular and histological changes in the cerebellum. RESULTS: We observed significant behavioral changes in KBrO3-exposed mice. When investigating redox homeostasis in the cerebellum, we found that mice treated with KBrO3 had increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the cerebellum. These effects were accompanied by decreased Na+-K+ and Mg2+ ATPase activity and antioxidant enzyme gene expression when compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant increase in cytokine gene expression in KBrO3-treated mice. Microscopy revealed that KBrO3 intoxication resulted in numerous degenerative changes in the cerebellum that were substantially ameliorated by vanillin supplementation. Co-administration of vanillin blocked the biochemical and molecular anomalies induced by KBrO3. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that vanillin is a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Ulva lactuca ethanolic extract in hypercholesterolemic mice.

CONTEXT: Hypercholesterolemia has significant cardiac consequences, since it is among the major risk factors of ischemic heart diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim was searching the cardioprotective effect of chemical constituents from the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca upon hypercholesterolemic regime in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, hypercholesterolemic group, and mice receiving 1% cholesterol associated with U. lactuca ethanolic extract. RESULTS: In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of phenolic compounds. Additionally, the alga alleviated cardiotoxicity, as shown by the improvement of haematological parameters, white cell viability, heart oxidative stress, plasma biochemical parameters and index of atherogenesis. Gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 significantly decreased in the heart of U. lactuca supplemented hypercholesterolemic animals. CONCLUSION: It was established that the green alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts cardiotoxic effects of hypercholesterolemic regime.