Our data have proven that severe concurrent exposure to allergen and ST increases airway inflammation and oxidative stress in previously sensitized rats. They also suggest that the oral NSO treatment could be a promising treatment for asthma.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Linum usitatissimum oil (LuO) against sub-chronic Roundup (RDP)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control group (no treatment), RDP group (Roundup at 269.9 mg/kg b.w.), LuO group (0.5 g/kg b.w. of LuO) and RDP+LuO group (RDP and LuO simultaneously). LuO decreased the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50=10.36 μg/ml) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50=22.85 mg/ml) in the tested tissues. The 30-day exposure of rats to RDP caused an increase in serum hepatic and renal markers: AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γGT, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. In addition, SOD, CAT and GST activities decreased by 43%, 61%, and 61%, respectively, while GPx activity, MDA and PCOs levels increased by 80%, 46%, 25%, respectively. LuO treatment alleviated hepatotoxicity in RDP-treated rats, showing improved levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemical parameters. The histological examination of the liver and kidney confirmed the changes in Roundup-treated rats and demonstrated the protective role of LuO.

Background: Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world’s ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism. Objectives: The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate. Methods: Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined. Results: Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, pro- gressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed. Conclusion: Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage. Keywords: Sodium nitrate; Telfairia occidentalis; pumpkin seed oil; hepatotoxicity; oxidative stress; protection; anti-oxidant status, rat.

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In the search for effective methods of biological control of stored products insect-pests, the essential oil of Origanum vulgaris was extracted using Clevenger apparatus and tested on reproduction and mortality of flour moth Ephestia kuehniella. Bio-insecticide works with a double action mechanism; administered by inhalation in pupae, essential oil affects their pupal development. It also disrupts the reproduction of exuviated adults by extending the preoviposition period and reducing the period of egg laying and fecundity because fecundated females cannot live more than four days compared to control group. Moreover, the essential oil administered by inhalation in adults causes a significant mortality rate compared to control group by reducing their lifespan. A repellent effect against larvae and adults of this pest was noticed in this work. This allowed us ranking this oil as "moderately repulsive".