The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of folate against methomyl-induced toxicity on the kidneys and testes of male rats. Adult male albino rats were divided into four groups; Group I served as the control (vehicle), Group II received folic acid (1.1 mg per kg b.wt.), Group III methomyl (1 mg per kg b.wt.) and Group IV folic acid and methomyl. Treatments were administered oral gavage on a daily basis for 14 weeks. Thereafter blood samples were collected and serum creatinine, testosterone and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. Animals were sacrificed and semen analysis was conducted. The kidneys and testes were excised and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses for caspase-3 were also undertaken. Methomyl treatment resulted in a significant ( < 0.001) elevation of creatinine and MDA levels and significant ( < 0.001) reduction in testosterone and TAC levels. Furthermore, methomyl caused a significant ( < 0.001) reduction in sperm quality. Histopathological examination indicated testicular and renal damage with strong immunoreactivity for caspase-3. Functional and tissue damage was prevented in rats treated with a combination of methomyl and folic acid. This is ascribed to the ability of folate to directly scavenge reactive oxygen species and indirectly enhance cellular redox homeostasis. This study identified that folic acid supplementation may have a beneficial effect in preventing or reducing the deleterious effects of methomyl exposure on kidney as well as testis structure and function. Future studies should focus on the fertility outcome/pregnancy index in rats.

Acrolein (Ac) is the second most commonly inhaled toxin, produced in smoke of fires, tobacco smoke, overheated oils, and fried foods; and usually associated with lung toxicity. Crocin (Cr) is a natural carotenoid with a direct antioxidant capacity. Yet, oral administration of crocin as a natural rout is doubtful, because of poor absorbability. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the potential protective effect of oral versus intraperitoneal (ip) crocin in mitigating Ac-induced lung toxicity. 50 Adult rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups; Control (oral-saline and ip-saline) group, Cr (oral-Cr and ip-Cr) group, Ac group, oral-Cr/Ac group, and ip-Cr/Ac group; for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. Results indicated increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in lungs of Ac-treated group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed lung edema, infiltration, fibrosis, and altered expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers. Compared to oral-Cr/Ac group, the ip-Cr/Ac group demonstrated remarkable improvement in the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the histopathological alterations. In conclusion, intraperitoneal crocin exerts a more protective effect on acrolein-induced lung toxicity than the orally administered crocin.

No abstract

An important remote sensing task is to delineate snow cover. The global significance of snow patterns constitutes an important part of the climate and bio system of the Earth. Snow contributes to the hydrologic cycle through precipitation storage and melting. It is also important to monitor snow cover lands, and detect its boundaries from the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NSDI). In this work, based on remote sensing methods we delineate the snow cover on Mount Lebanon from 2013 till 2018 basing on sequential Landsat OLI/TIRS data. Beside snow cover delineation we extracted terrain characteristics of these snow boundaries from the Digital Elevation Model AW3D30, elevation interval, slope, aspects, insolation calculated for a climatological snow melt analysis and understanding. The relation of snow covers with terrain morphology is an important climatological factor influencing on the snow position, duration and melting. In this study we are seeking a link between the available snow covers and the terrain parameters. As a final result of this study based on NDSI index of the Landsat Oli images, a snow duration map of mount Lebanon was built, and the analysis showed that the surface of the snow-cover decreases around spring and it depends directly on the orientation of the slopes especially them which are in full sun and those which are with the shelters.

Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound widely used as a biocide in antifouling paints. Moringa oleifera oil (MOO) has a promising antioxidant potential, which necessitates further exploration. This study was conducted to investigate the potential protective effect of MOO against TBT‐induced brain toxicity. The 30 rats were grouped into five groups (six each), Group I negative control, Group II positive control (vehicle), Group III MOO (5 ml/kg body weight [b.wt.]), Group IV TBT (10 mg/kg b.wt.), and Group V TBT & MOO. All treatments were given orally for 28 days. Thereafter, brains were exposed to oxidative stress and neurological parameters analyses. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2) examinations were also carried out. In rats administered TBT, increased malondialdehyde level, decreased reduced glutathione, and low total antioxidant capacity levels were in support of oxidative stress mechanism. Neurotoxicity was indicated by high nitric oxide level and increased acetylcholinestrase activity. Along with the histopathological alterations, the dysregulated expression of caspase‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2 were indicative of the apoptotic mechanism mediated by TBT. Co‐administration of MOO with TBT ameliorated the aforementioned toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT causes brain toxicity via oxidative, nitrosative, and apoptotic mechanisms. MOO demonstrates protective effect against TBT‐induced brain toxicity mostly via potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.

Fipronil (FPN) is phenylpyrazole insecticide extensively used to control a wide variety of pests. Betanin (BET) is a natural colorant with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of BET on FPN induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Forty rats were assigned into 4 equal groups; Group I (Control); Group II (BET) received 20 mg/kg b.wt/day; Group III (FPN) received 4.8 mg/kg b.wt/day; and Group IV (BET/FPN). All treatments were given orally for 90 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for analysis of serum urea and creatinine. Kidneys were harvested for determination of kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) level; gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1); oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical investigation of Nrf2, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and caspase-3 were also undertaken. The results revealed kidney dysfunction, downregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 genes, redox imbalance, structural damage, decreased Nrf2 and increased NF-κB immune-expression, in addition to strong caspase-3 immunoreactivity in FPN-treated group. In the combined group, BET co-administration resulted in functional and structural amelioration, up-regulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 genes, mitigation of redox imbalance, and strong anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. In conclusion, BET via activation of Nrf2-HO-1/NQO-1 pathway, exhibits beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects against FPN-induced nephrotoxicity.

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is one of the most frequently utilized pyrethroids. This study aimed to explore the toxic effects of subacute exposure to LCT on the pancreas and the hepatic glucose metabolism in adult male albino rats. 20 rats were equally grouped into; Control group and LCT group. The latter received LCT (61.2 mg/kg b.wt.), orally on a daily basis for 28 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum glucose and insulin levels. Pancreases were harvested and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); reduced glutathione (GSH); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interleukin-6 (IL-6); nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2); heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were assessed. Also, liver samples were analyzed for the activity of glucose metabolism enzymes, glycogen content, and pyruvate and lactate concentrations. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were undertaken as well. Results revealed hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels, in association with reduced CAT, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in LCT group. Liver analyses demonstrated a clear disturbance in the hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism, diminished glycogen content, decreased pyruvate, and increased lactate concentrations. Besides, pancreatic islets displayed degenerative changes and β-cells loss. Immunohistochemistry revealed diminished area percentage (%) of insulin and Nrf2 and increased TNF-α immunoreaction. In conclusion, subacute exposure to LCT induces pancreatic toxicity, mostly via oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, and dysregulates hepatic glucose metabolism in albino rats.

Background: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a major cause of suicidal poisoning in Egypt, with a high mortality rate owing to cardiac toxicity. Aim of the work: To explore the value of PGI score [stands for blood pH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Impaired systolic blood pressure (SBP)] as a predictor of cardiotoxicity and mortality in acute ALP-poisoned patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on acute ALP-poisoned patients presented to Zagazig University Hospital from October 2021 to March 2022. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were assessed at presentation by PGI score. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was done immediately and repeated as needed. On admission, serum troponin T and creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) levels were measured. According to the outcome, patients were categorized into survivors and non-survivors. Results: 73 patients were classified based on the PGI score as follow; 4 patients had score 0, 6 patients had score 1, 27 patients had score 2, and 36 patients had score 3. PGI score 3-patients displayed the highest mortality incidence contrary to those with score 0 (100% VS 25%). All PGI 3-patients ingested one tablet or more of ALP, exhibited ECG changes, and required vasopressors and mechanical ventilation, unlike to score 0 and 1-patients. Troponin T levels significantly elevated in the non-survivors, while CPK-MB levels showed no significant difference among the two groups. The PGI score negatively correlated with the survivability, while positively correlated with ALP ingested amount, ECG changes, serum troponin T levels, vasopressors need, and ventilation requirement. In ALP-poisoned patients, the best cutoff point of PGI score for cardiotoxicity prediction was ≥1, with 93.9% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity. Meanwhile, the best cutoff point of PGI score for mortality prediction was ≥2, with 95.4% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. Conclusion: The PGI score is a recommended predictor of cardiotoxicity and mortality in ALP-poisoned patients.