A PLAUSIBLE ROLE FOR POLLEN-RESIDING MOLDS IN AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

Pollen microbial content of 15 samples was investigated. Pollen was collected by honeybees. Total aerobic mesophilic count ranged from 3.00 to 5.48 Log CFU/g. Total mold and yeast count ranged from 2.3 to 6.99 Log CFU/g. Selected strains of isolated molds from pollen samples were characterized by conventional methods. Potent phytopathogenic and food spoilage species such as Penicillium sp., Alternaria alternata, Alternaria sp., Cladosporium werneckii, Mucor hiemalis, Rhizomucor pusillus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Drechslera tritici-repentis, Verticillium albo-atrum, and Aspergillus alliaceus were recovered. Other fungal species with valuable biotechnological and plant diseases control purposes were isolated. They were characterized as Geotrichum candidum, Monilia sitophilia, and Sepedonium chrysospermum. Animal pathogenic molds were also isolated. Bee pollen may be considered as a source for a highly diverse fungal flora with different applications.

Chlorpyrifos residues in food plant in the region of Setif-Algeria.

The epidemiological studies demonstrate that the residues of pesticides in plant food, increases the impact of cancers on the professionally populations. The effect of the residues of pesticides can also be at the origin of dysfunction of the reproductive systems, endocrinal and immune systems, ague attack and column of the nervous system and the deterioration of lungs. In this study, Chlorpyrifos residues in the samples were detected and quantified by employing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of these wastes in fruits and vegetables are confirmed. Acquired results revealed concentration in residue of chlorpyrifos in the apples, tomatoes, green and red pepper cultivated in the country as well as at the level of the cucumber. Our results showed that 61% of the analyzed samples introduce stocks of residues of pesticides which are broadly superior to the accepted maximum limit.

Endophytic fungi isolated from Pinus halepensis needles in M'sila (Algeria) region and their bioactivities.

Fungal endophytes grow asymptomatically within the tissues of all vascular plants and some are known to provide their host plants with tolerance to different types of environmental stress. Endophytic fungi were detected, isolated and collected from healthy needles of Alep pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) from the canton of El-Haourane in M'sila, Algeria. For the author's knowledge, these fungi are reported from this conifer for the first time in this region. A survey has been conducted using randomly sampled needles of symptomless trees for two categories of needles (old and young). From 600 surface-sterilized needles collected from 15 trees (300 needles for each age), 29 fungal isolates were obtained and identified on the basis of the morphological characterization using microscopic observations. The fungal isolates were grouped in Deuteromycetes and Zygomycetes. Species of Moniliales were the most common fungi assaciated with P. halepensis. It appears from the results also that the colonization frequency (CF%) was dependant on the age of the needles; older needles were more densely colonized than the younger needles with a 68.5%. The results of this study indicate that P. halepensis serves as a host to numerous endophytic fungi. These fungi could have significance as a source of novel metabolites. And therefore the mycoendophytes genera of Penicillium, Acremonium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Trichosporon, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Trichoderma. Expressed an antagonistic and antibiotic effect against pathogenic microorganisms to humans and plants.

Evaluation of the toxicity of cypermethrin pesticide on organs weight loss and some biochemical and histological parameters.

An increase in global food demand has resulted in a significant increase in the use of pesticides in agriculture. Synthetic pyrethroid pesticides account for over 30% of the global pesticide use; Pyrethroid pesticides were used preferably over organochlorines and organophosphates due to their high effectiveness, low toxicity to non-target organisms and easy biodegrability. It has widespread applications in agriculture through the world and as well in Algeria. Cypermethrin is one of the most insecticidal pyrethroids widely used in agriculture regions of Setif. to control wide range of insect pests in a variety of crops. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cypermethrin (Cyper-Ac 271 g/l from the active substance of the cypermethrin) on hematological, biochemical parameters, body weight loss, and histopathological study of some organs. Male mice weighing 30-40g were used, separated in 5 groups, n=6, two groups controls given vehicle (oil vegetable) and three experimental groups (Cypermetherin and vegetable oil). The animals were gavaged by 1/5 LD50 (LD50 = 485 mg/kg b/w) for 2 and 4 weeks respectively, and with 1/20 LD50 for 12 weeks, then the animals sacrificed at the end of the experiment.. Blood was collected. Enzyme activities were assayed in the plasma samples obtained. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALPH) and Glucose. Red blood cells, (RBC), and white blood cells (WBC) were calculated too. The samples of liver and kidney were processed for histology. The results indicated a significant increase in transaminases GOT, GPT, and AlP. The decrease in Hb, RBC and WBC which are related to the immunity, this is probably due to cell lyses explain the effect of Cypermetherin on erythropoeisis. cypermethrin treatment exhibited severe histopathological changes, especially in the liver and kideney accompanied by weight loss of some organs. We conclude that cypermethrin induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver and kidney.

Biochemical, hematological and histological parameters induced by cypermetherin toxicity in domestic rabbits.

Cypermetherin is widely used in Algeria; this insecticide belongs to the group of pyrethroids classified by the World Health Organization as moderately harmful class II (WHO, 2005). This study was conducted to search the effect of non lethal dose on biochemical parameters, hematological and histological parts of the organs. Male of domestic rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (1 kg) received per week and per gavage 1/10 LD50 of Cypermetherin (ARRIVO 25%, active substance of Cypermetherin 250 g/l). blood was collected 72 hours after the treatment. Enzyme activities were assayed in the plasma samples for Glutamate oxalo acetate transaminase (GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), Alcaline phosphatase (AlcP), creatinine (Crea) and glucose. Red blood (RBC) cells and white blood cells (WBC) were calculated too. The results indicated a significant increase in transaminases GOT and GPT, and AlcP explain a high energy generating product and dysfunction of the liver. A decline in Crea, Hb, RBC and WBC which is related to the immunity, this is probably due to cell lyses explain the effect of Cypermetherin on erythropoeisis. Histological examination confirmed the biochemical tests by the observation of inflammatory infiltrate and perilobular fibrosis. In conclusion, Cypermetherin with used dose affects biochemical, hematological and histological parameters of the rabbits.

Cypermetherin toxic effects on spermatogenesis and male mouse reproductive organs.

Cypermetherin has been implicated in the development of a variety of reproductive disorders in humans and infertility in wild life, where it increases the death rate of the offspring and induces aggressiveness (Elbetieha et al., 2001). Studies in workers exposed to handling of agro pesticides indicate that they have defects in their reproduction capabilities characterized by infertility and/or a decrease in the fertilizing potential, fetal death. In this study, mice weighing 30-35 g were used, separated in 3 groups, (1) control (2) vehicle (oil) and (3) experimental (Cypermetherin and oil). The animals were gavaged by 1/5, 1/20 LD50 for 2 and 4 weeks respectively, and with 1/5 LD50 for 12 weeks, then sacrificed. Epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated with respect to quantity, motility and morphology. The histology of testis and epididymis was also studied. Sperm count decreased by around 20% in treated animals compared with control. Teratology observations showed a clear modification of sperm morphology, especially the flagella. Testicular and epididymal morphology was also impaired. It is concluded that Cypermetherin may cause morphological and functional alteration of the male reproductive tract.

Toxico-pathological effects in rats induced by lambda-cyhalothrin.

Pesticides are widely used chemicals making human exposure to pesticides a realistic possibility. Biomonitoring is a common and useful tool for assessing human exposure to pesticides. Pyrethroids are effective insecticides that are often used in household sprays, aerosol bombs, insect repellents, pet shampoos, and lice treatments. Using products containing these compounds will expose people to these chemicals. Since these compounds frequently are used on crOPs, they are often detected in fruits and vegetables. Biomonitoring of exposure is a useful tool for assessing exposure to pesticides. Biomonitoring involves the measurement of the parent pesticide, its metabolite or reaction product in biological media, typically blood or urine, to determine if an exposure has occurred and the extent of that exposure. Although not without its limitations, biomonitoring has great utility in integrating all routes of exposure allowing for one exposure measurement. Pesticides have much shorter environmental half-lives and tend not to bioaccumulate. In fact, from humans within 24 hr as the parent pesticide, a mercapturic acid detoxification product, oxidative or dealkylation metabolites, and/or glucuronide or sulphate-bound metabolites. However, because of the heavy agricultural and residential use of these chemicals, humans are continually exposed to many of these chemicals. The objective of the present study was to explore modification in toxico-pathological responses of rats treated with lambda-cyhalothrin (commercially called karate). Rats (250 g weight), were gavaged by 1/100 LD50 for 4 weeks (one dose every week). Blood was collected before dosing and after 48 hours from the treatment. Enzyme activities were assayed in the plasma samples obtained. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALPH) and Glucose. The results showed a decrease in RBC; WBC and Hb. This probably explained by the effect of lambda cyhalothrin on the erythropoiesis and the destruction of cells. An increase of plasma enzyme activities in GOT and GPT were recorded, explain a high energy-generating product. The histopathological results showed alteration on the target organs such as liver and kidney, these biochemical and histological modifications are probably due to the effect of lambda cyhalothrin or their metabolites.

Biochemical investigation of cypermethrin toxicity in rabbits.

Pyrethroids are the most frequently used pesticides in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, hospitals public health, homes and textile industry. Cypermethrin, a composite pyrethroid is moderately toxic to mammals. Exposure to the pyrethroids occurs by inhalation, dermal and oral routes both accidentally as well as from the environment. Cypermethrin and DDT have been detected in human breast milk from malaria endemic area in South Africa. The WHO has recommended that the level of permethrin in drinking water not exceed 20 micrograms per liter (microg/L). The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits, habits and whether other chemicals are present. Pyrethroids are often combined commercially with other chemicals called synergists, which enhance the insecticidal activity of the pyrethrins and pyrethroids. The synergists prevent some enzymes from breaking down the pyrethrins and pyrethroids, thus increasing their toxicity. Because these compounds are broken down in the body quickly, there are several ways to measure the metabolites of these chemicals in human blood and urine. In this study the pyrethroid cypermethrin Sherpa 25% (active substance 250 g/l cypermethrin) was used, rabbits (1 kg weight), were gavaged by 1/20 LD50 for 3 weeks (one dose every week). Blood was collected before dosing and after 24, 72, 144 hours after the treatment. Enzyme activities were assayed in the plasma samples obtained. GOT, GPT, ALPH, CREA, GGT, Glucose and Total Pro were measured. Rabbits showed depression, decrease in feed intake, body weight and loose faeces. Livers exhibited fatty change, necrosis, lesions in kidney included tubular necrosis and pink homogeneous tubular casts. Serum ALT and creatinine concentrations increased while those of total proteins, albumin, serum cholesterol and triglycerides decreased.The results showed a decrease in RBC; WBC and Hb. This probably explained by the effect of cypermethrin on the erythropoiesis. An increase of plasma enzyme activities in GOT, GPT and CPK were recorded, explain a high energy-generating product. An increase, in the plasma enzyme activity in Alkaline phosphatase, related to their role in the cell permeability. The histopathological results showed lesions and morphological changes of hepato-cellular, fibrosis and appearance of inflammatory infiltrate, confirmed disturbances of the biochemical parameters. These changes were much underlines during the animal toxicity.

Flavonoid profile, antioxidant and antiglycation properties of Retama sphaerocarpa fruits extracts.

Retama sphaerocarpa occurs in the Mediterranean area of North-east Africa and in the Iberian Peninsula, and grows on a variety of soil types and climatic conditions. Used in Algerian folk medicine, it is a valuable species for revegetation and soil restoration. The aim of this study is to evaluate flavonoid composition and antioxidant and antiglycation properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts from R. sphaerocarpa fruits. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS was used to identify/quantify flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, FRAP, TEAC, and DPPH assays, and antiglycation capability by glucose/fructose-BSA assay. Results showed that fruits contain isoflavones (daidzein and genistein derivatives) and flavonols (apigenin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin derivatives), and extracts (especially the methanolic one, richer in flavonoids) possess good in vitro antioxidant and antiglycation properties. These findings evidence that R. sphaerocarpa fruits are a source of valuable phytochemicals, with potential applications in the field of phytopharmaceuticals and in food industry.

Atractylis gummifera L. poisoning: an ethnopharmacological review.

Atractylis gummifera L. (Asteraceae) is a thistle located in the Mediterranean regions. Despite the plant's well-known toxicity, its ingestion continues to be a common cause of poisoning. The toxicity of Atractylis gummifera resides in atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside, two diterpenoid glucosides capable of inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Both constituents interact with a mitochondrial protein, the adenine nucleotide translocator, responsible for the ATP/ADP antiport and involved in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Poisoned patients manifest characteristic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric and abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anxiety, headache and convulsions, often followed by coma. No specific pharmacological treatment for Atractylis gummifera intoxication is yet available and all the current therapeutic approaches are only symptomatic. In vitro experiments showed that some compounds such as verapamil, or dithiothreitol could protect against the toxic effects of atractyloside, but only if administered before atractyloside exposure. New therapeutic approaches could come from immunotherapy research: some studies have already tried to produce polyclonal Fab fragments against the toxic components of Atractylis gummifera.

Biochemical indicators of hepatotoxic effects of pesticides.

Pesticides can cause damage to man and beneficial organisms. Some sub-lethal effects of pesticides were studied in birds with a view to identifying characteristic biochemical responses that may be useful for the monitoring of exposure to sub-lethal levels in the field. Pesticides were used: demeton-S-methyl, (DSM), chlorpyriphos, chlorfenviphos, triazophos, pirimicarb, methiocarb and permethrin. Blood was collected before dosing, and 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the treatment from the brachial vein of birds. Enzyme activities were assayed in the plasma or serum samples obtained. The assays used were GOT, MDH, GDH, SDH, GAMMA GT and ChE. The results showed an increase in plasma and serum GOT and gamma-GT levels were found in all animals treated with the previous pesticides. The level of ChE increased in birds after treatment with permethrin. It was concluded that the pesticides cause structural and functional changes in the liver and also, the measurement of the previous parameter activities may be useful for assessing exposure and sub-lethal effects of pesticides on the wildlife.