Kg-1 BW Research Articles

Protective effects of Juglans regia oil on lead acetate-induced reprotoxicity in rats: an antioxidant, histological and computational molecular study.

Lead (Pb) is a metal that affects many body systems, primarily the male reproductive system. This study aimed to examine the phytochemical profiling and beneficial effects of Juglans regia oil (JRO) in alleviating lead-induced reprotoxicity-associated oxidative injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control group received no treatment, Pb group was exposed to 0.344 g kg-1 bw of Pb acetate, Pb + JRO group was co-treated with Pb plus walnut oil (0.9 g kg-1 bw) and JRO group received walnut oil only. Pb-treated rats showed significantly decreased gonado-somatic index, count and viability of sperm. Testosterone levels decreased in Pb-treated animals. Besides, Pb disrupted the oxidative/antioxidative status, the plasmatic lipase activity and testicular Pb content. Furthermore, Pb produced testis histopathological features, especially cell degeneration, atrophy and tubular disarrangement. Co-treatment with JRO was found to be effective for recovering the increased testicular oxidative damage-associated histological features in the Pb group. This was supported by the in silico modeling results. The in silico analyses revealed that JRO compounds bound androgen receptor and RAC-alpha serine/threonine kinase with high affinities, which together with pharmacokinetic properties and molecular interactions satisfactorily support the beneficial in vivo findings in the Pb + JRO group of rats. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

One-Pot Fabrication of Kinetically Inert Ultrasmall Manganese(II) Chelate-Backboned Polymer Contrast Agents for High-Performance Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Traditional macromolecules or nanoscale Mn2+ chelate-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) suffer from complicated and laborious synthesis processes, relatively low kinetic stability and T1 relaxivity, limiting their clinical applications. Herein, we fabricated a series of kinetically inert Mn2+ chelate-backboned polymers, P(MnL-PEG), through a facile and one-pot polymerization process. Particularly, P(MnL-PEG)-3 demonstrates a significantly higher T1 relaxivity of 23.9 Mn mM-1 s-1 at 1.5 T than that of previously reported small molecules and macromolecules or nanoscale Mn2+ chelate-based CAs. Due to its high T1 relaxivity, extended blood circulation, hepatocyte-specific uptake, and kidneys metabolism, P(MnL-PEG)-3 presents significantly enhanced contrast in blood vessel, liver, and kidneys imaging compared to clinical Gd3+-based CAs (Gd-EOB-DTPA and Gd-DOTA) at a dosage of 0.05 mmol Mn/Gd kg-1 BW, and can accurately diagnose orthotopic H22 liver tumors in vivo in animal models. We anticipate that this work will promote the development of clinically relevant MRI CAs.

Residue Depletion of Nitrofurazone Metabolites, Semicarbazide and 5-Nitro-2-Furaldehyde, in Broiler Chickens After Oral Administration.

Nitrofurazone (NFZ) antibiotic is banned in food-producing animals, and its metabolite, semicarbazide (SEM), is used as a marker residue for nitrofurazone abuse. However, SEM can also be generated during food processing without veterinary treatment. Therefore, SEM cannot be considered an unequivocal marker of NFZ. This study investigates the use of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (5-NF) as an additional marker for nitrofurazone in broiler chickens. After oral administration of NFZ and 5-NF at 25 mg·kg-1 BW for 10 days, tissues (muscle and liver) and plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In NFZ-treated chickens, 5-NF was detected within 1 h in plasma at a peak concentration of 1.4 ± 0.25 μg·kg-1, while in 5-NF-treated ones, the maximum concentration was 0.85 ± 0.06 μg·kg-1 after 2 h. 5-NF was not detected in muscle and liver for both treated groups from 0 to 21 days. However, SEM persisted for up to 3 weeks in muscle (0.3 ± 0.018 μg·kg-1), 2 weeks in liver (0.16 ± 0.008 μg·kg-1), and 1 week in plasma (0.4 ± 0.05 μg·kg-1) with a faster elimination rate in liver tissues (half-life of 4.6 days) compared to muscle tissues (half-life of 6.5 days). These findings suggest that SEM remains a better marker for detecting nitrofurazone abuse in chickens compared to 5-NF.

Efficacy of bee pollen and beebread against Salmonella typhimurium in BALB/c mice

The present work evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of bee pollen and beebread against the toxic changes induced by Salmonella typhimurium in BALB/c mice. The experiment was divided into six groups as; Gp1 was normal, Gp2 was infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium at 2×104 CFU, Gp3 and Gp5 were administrated with bee pollen and beebread of Helianthus annus crop alone at 250mg kg-1 bw respectively; Gp4 and Gp6 were with S. typhimurium and bee pollen and beebread H. annus at 250mg kg-1 bw respectively. Different hematological and oxidative stress parameters were assessed in animals. It has been observed that Gp2 showed alteration in the level of all tested parameters as compared to the Gp1, which indicated the toxicity induced by bacteria, but after the treatment with bee pollen and beebread as in Gp4 and 6, their level ameliorated to near normal, which showed the effectiveness of the tested bee products against bacteria.

Benchmark Dose for Dioxin Based on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Using Coexposure Statistical Methods and an Optimized Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic Model.

Dioxins are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting substances, but determining the effects and benchmark doses in situations of coexposure is highly challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between dioxin andgestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), calculate the benchmark dose (BMD) of dioxin in coexposure scenarios, and derive a daily exposure threshold using an optimized physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model. Based on a nested case-control study including 77 cases with GDM and 154 controls, serum levels of 29 dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) along with 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and five non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) were measured at 9-16 weeks of gestation. Bayesian machine kernel regression (BKMR) was employed to identify significant chemicals, and probit and logistic models were used to calculate BMD adjusted for significant chemicals. A physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model was optimized using polyfluorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PFDD/Fs) data by the Bayesian-Monte Carlo Markov chain method and was used to determine the daily dietary exposure threshold. The median serum level of total dioxin toxic equivalent (TEQ) was 7.72 pg TEQ/g fat. Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals in the fifth quantile of total TEQ level had significantly higher odds of developing GDM compared to those in the first quantile (OR, 8.87; 95% CI 3.19, 27.58). The BKMR analysis identified dioxin TEQ and BDE-153 as the compounds with the greatest influence. The binary logistic and probit models showed that the BMD10 (benchmark dose corresponding to a 10% extra risk) and BMDL10 (lower bound on the BMD10) were 3.71 and 3.46 pg TEQ/g fat, respectively, when accounting for coexposure to BDE-153 up to the 80% level. Using the optimized PBTK model and modifying factor, it was estimated that daily exposure should be below 4.34 pg TEQ kg-1 bw week-1 in order to not reach a harmful serum concentration for GDM. Further studies should utilize coexposure statistical methods and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBTK) models in reference dose calculation.

In vitro insulinotropic actions of extracts of Gnetum africanum welw and effects on glucose homeostasis in mice with diet-induced obesity-diabetes

IntroductionGnetum africanum leaf is consumed as a vegetable in many parts of Africa. Many ethnobotanical surveys indicate its usage in the management of inflammation-related diseases (such as diabetes). However, mechanisms underlying its antidiabetic actions are poorly understood. MethodsThis study conducted phytochemical analysis and investigated mechanisms underlying anti-diabetic actions of aqueous extracts of G. africanum in cellular and high fat-fed mice models of diabetes. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, qualitative phytochemical screening and the estimation of the total flavonoid and total phenolic content were conducted. Mechanisms underlying insulinotropic actions of the extracts as well as its effects on cytotoxicity, cell viability, intracellular calcium and membrane potential were assessed. In vivo actions were evaluated in mice with diet-induced obesity-diabetes. ResultsG. africanum has total phenolic content of 1.24±0.23GE/g and total flavonoid content of 1.54±0.06QE/g. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of the presence of atropine, vicenin 3, vicenin 2, alpha-chaconine, isoswertisin and solanidine. The extract stimulated non-toxic, concentration-dependent insulin-release from BRIN-BD11 cells (1.3-fold to 3.3-fold, P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). As glucose concentration increased from 1.1 mM to 5.6 mM and 5.6 mM to 16.7 mM, these effects increased by 2.0-fold (P < 0.001) and 1.2-fold (P < 0.05) respectively. Insulinotropic effects increased in cells depolarised with KCl (30 mM, 1.3-fold, P < 0.05). These effects reduced in the presence of diazoxide (300 µM, 67 %, P < 0.001), verapamil (50 nM, 50 %, P < 0.001), and absence of extracellular calcium (55 %, P < 0.001). Membrane potential (48 %, P < 0.05) and intracellular calcium (34 %, P < 0.05) increased in cells incubated with the extract. The extract improved glucose tolerance (22.2 %, P < 0.01 at 150 mg kg-1 bw; 35.1 %, P < 0.001 at 300 mg kg-1 bw) and plasma insulin levels (1.4-fold, P < 0.05 at 150 mg kg-1 bw; 2.9-fold, P < 0.001 at 300 mg kg-1 bw) in high fat fed mice in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionThese results suggest a role for the KATP-dependent pathway in G. africanum insulinotropic actions and encourage further development of the therapeutic potential of the extract.

Interventional clinical trial on mitigating endemic fluorosis in pregnant and lactating eweswith Spirulina platensis and its impact onlamb production traits.

This interventional clinical trial aimed to assess the potential impact of Spirulina platensis supplementation on pregnant and lactating ewes living in a Moroccan endemic fluorosis area. Forty-eight ewes were divided into four equal groups: Groups I and II served as controls belonging respectively to fluorosis-free and endemic fluorosis areas, Groups III and IV received respectively 250 and 500 mg*kg-1 BW/day of S. platensis, during late pregnancy and early lactation. The results revealed that ewes reared in fluorosis-free areas exhibited significantly lower plasma fluoride and significantly higher haemoglobin levels compared to endemic fluorosis areas (P < 0.0001). However, supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis significantly improved these two parameters compared to Group II (P < 0.0001). Ewes in the endemic area also displayed increased oxidative stress (P < 0.05), characterized by decreased ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity, as well as elevated levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis enhanced the antioxidant status (P < 0.05) by increasing ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity and decreasing levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Moreover, this dose yielded similar average daily gains compared to lambs of ewes living in fluorosis-free area. In conclusion, S. platensis may serve as a promising solution for addressing endemic fluorosis in pregnant and lactating ewes.

Contemporary educational and behavior change strategies improve dietary practices around a match in professional soccer players.

The importance of nutrition in optimizing the health and performance of professional soccer players has been well established. Despite published practical recommendations for the dietary requirements for professional soccer players, many players fail to meet these guidelines. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to assess the impact of targeted nutritional education and behavior change interventions on dietary intake in professional football players. Additionally, previous research within this population has reported elevations in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following match-play. Therefore, a further aim of this study was to examine whether any changes in dietary intake would influence RMR following match-play. Twenty players from the professional development phase in an English Premier League club (age: 18.4 ± 1.0 years; body mass: 76.1 ± 6.0 kg; stature: 1.80 ± 0.07 m) were randomly assigned to an "Intervention" (INT) group (n = 10), who received numerous nutritional education and behavior change interventions, or a "Control" (CON) group (n = 10), who received no nutrition support. Dietary intake was assessed daily throughout the match-week (Match Day (MD)-2, MD-1, MD, MD + 1, and MD + 2), whilst RMR was assessed on MD-1, MD + 1, and MD + 2. Statistical analyses on the intervention effects on dietary intake and RMR were carried out using a two factor (group and day) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a subsequent Bonferroni post-hoc test. Mean energy (3393 ± 852 vs. 2572 ± 577 kcal · day-1) and CHO (5.36 ± 1.9 vs. 3.47 ± 1.1 g · kg-1 BW · day-1) intake was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the INT vs. CON group. Furthermore, the INT group implemented nutrition periodization practices as CHO intake was significantly increased on MD-1 (7.0 ± 1.7 g · kg-1 BM · day-1), MD (7.1 ± 1.4 g · kg-1 BM · day-1) and MD + 1 (5.1 ± 0.8 g · kg-1 BM · day-1). However, the CON group did not periodize their CHO intake and failed to meet the CHO recommendations on MD-1, MD, and MD + 1 (<4 g · kg-1 BM · day-1). Compared to MD-1, the RMR increased on MD + 1 and MD + 2 in both groups, although it was only statistically significant for the INT group (MD + 1 = +243 kcal · day-1; MD + 2 = +179 kcal · day-1). The implementation of targeted nutritional education and behavior change interventions resulted in improved dietary practices in professional football players and enabled better adherence to recommended guidelines. However, despite this, RMR was still elevated in the 24-48 h following match play. Thus, in order to optimize recovery, this finding further reinforces the need for professional football players to adopt strategies to meet energy, and particularly CHO, requirements in the acute period following a match in order to account for this increase in energy requirement.

Increased resting lactate levels and reduced carbohydrate intake cause νLa.max underestimation by reducing net lactate accumulation-A pilot study in young adults.

Modulation of testing conditions such as resting lactate (Larest) levels or carbohydrate intake may affect the calculation of the maximal glycolytic rate (νLa.max). To evaluate the impact of elevated Larest as well as reduced and increased carbohydrate availability on νLa.max in running sprints (RST), twenty-one participants completed five 15-s RST tests on a running track under five different conditions: (I). baseline: Larest ≤1.5 mmol·L-1; (II). Lactate+: Larest ≥2.5 mmol·L-1; (III). CHO-: carbohydrate intake: ≤ 1 g·kg-1 BW d-1 for 3 days; (IV). CHO+: carbohydrate intake: ≥ 9 g·kg-1 BW d-1 for one day; and (V). acuteCHO: 500 mL glucose containing beverage consumed before RST. νLa.max was significantly reduced in lactate+ and CHO- conditions compared to the baseline RST, due to a reduction in the arithmetic mean delta (∆) between Lapeak and Larest lactate concentration (Lapeak, mmol · L-1). AcuteCHO led to an increase in Larest compared to baseline, CHO- and CHO+ with a high interindividual variability but did not significantly reduce νLa.max. Therefore, avoiding low carbohydrate nutrition before νLa.max testing, along with carefully adjusting Larest to below ≤1.5 mmol·L-1, is crucial to prevent the unintentional underestimation of νLa.max.

Effect of Spirulina Nigrita® Supplementation on Indices of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage after Eccentric Protocol of Upper Limbs in Apparently Healthy Volunteers.

Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina Nigrita® on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg-1 BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.

Study on curcumin fortification to improve the physicochemical properties and anti-oxidative potentialities of butteroil (ghee)

The potentiality of curcumin supplementation (3 mg Kg-1 bw d-1) to address various health-related issues has expanded study areas. In the present study, the prepared butter oil was supplemented with curcumin at different levels ranging from 0.1 % to 0.4 %. The water activity of curcumin-supplemented butter oil ranged between 0.50 - 0.59. The amount of total free fatty acids decreased on curcumin supplementation. The curcumin solubility in fat ranged from 59.26 % to 98.13 %. The antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition) of the 0.4 % curcumin supplementation was marked to be high i.e. 72.91 ± 2.43 % in comparison with the other samples. The prepared samples showed the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) ranging between 0.35–0.38 mg GAE g-1 and the highest was observed in the 0.4 % of curcumin supplemented sample respectively. The highest colour value (L* value – 44.82) was observed for the highly curcumin-supplemented sample (0.4 %). The melting point of the fat rose with a subsequent increase in the level of curcumin concentration in the samples. The standard plate count (SPC) was in the range of 11 – 40 CFU mL-1 while coliform count was absent in all the samples. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups of both butteroil and curcumin. The thermal analysis using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) observed several endothermic and exothermic peaks due to the complicated composition and structure of molecules.

Phyto-Fabrication of Moringa Oleifera Peel-Sourced Silver Nanoparticles: A Promising Approach for Combating Hepatic Cancer by Targeting Proinflammatory Cytokines and Mitigating Cytokine Storms.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from precancerous nodules, leading to liver damage and inflammation, which triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Dysregulation of these cytokines can escalate into a cytokine storm, causing severe organ damage. Interestingly, Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) fruit peel, previously discarded as waste, contains an abundance of essential biomolecules and high nutritional value. This study focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles infused with M. oleifera peel extract biomolecules and their impact on regulating proinflammatory cytokines, as well as their potential anticancer effects against Wistar rats. The freshly synthesized nanoformulation underwent comprehensive characterization, followed by antihepatic cancer evaluation using a diethyl nitrosamine-induced model (at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 BW). The study demonstrates a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB). Furthermore, it confirms that the newly biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit additional potential against hepatic cancer due to their capped biomolecules.

Safety evaluation of organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in imported canned fish in Nigeria

Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were measured in thirty popular brands of imported canned fish (mackerel, sardines, and tuna) in Nigeria to ascertain potential threats to humans arising from their consumption. The Σ20 OCP concentrations in mackerel ranged from 0.47 to 7.36 ng g−1, while those of tuna and sardines varied from 1.06 to 2.19 and 0.11 to 12.7 ng g−1, respectively. The Σ39 PBDE concentrations in mackerel varied from 0.06 to 4.21 ng g−1, while those of tuna and sardines ranged from 0.19 to 3.18 and 0.04 to 8.26 ng g−1, respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of OCPs and PBDEs from ingestion of the canned fish by adults and children were in the magnitude of 0.03 to 17.6 ng kg−1 bw day−1 and 9.9 × 10−3 to 11.5 ng kg−1 bw day−1 respectively. The hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) values for OCPs and PBDEs from ingestion of the canned fish were less than 1 and 10−6, respectively. The dietary intakes of OCPs and PBDEs from these brands of canned fish by adults and children result in no adverse non-cancer and cancer risks.

Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin in Plasma, Urine, and Feces of Donkey (Equus asinus) after a Single Intragastric Administration.

Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, but the study of its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKs/PDs) in donkeys is rarely reported. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin administered intragastrically, and to study the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in plasma, urine, and feces, and the PK/PD parameters were investigated to provide a rationale for enrofloxacin treatment in donkeys. A total of five healthy donkeys were selected for intragastric administration of 7.5 mg·kg-1 BW of enrofloxacin by gavage, and blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected. The results showed that the elimination half-life of plasma enrofloxacin was 11.40 ± 6.40 h, Tmax was 0.55 ± 0.12 h, Cmax was 2.46 ± 0.14 mg·L-1, AUC0-∞ was 10.30 ± 3.37 mg·L-1·h, and mean residence time (MRT) was 7.88 ± 1.26 h. The Tmax of plasma ciprofloxacin was 0.52 ± 0.08 h, Cmax was 0.14 ± 0.03 mg·L-1, and AUC0-∞ was 0.24 ± 0.16 mg·L-1·h. Urinary Cmax was 38.18 ± 8.56 mg·L-1 for enrofloxacin and 15.94 ± 4.15 mg·L-1 for ciprofloxacin. The total enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin recovered amount in urine was 7.09 ± 2.55% of the dose for 144 h after dosing. The total enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin recovered amount in feces was 25.73 ± 10.34% of the dose for 144 h after dosing. PK/PD parameters were also examined in this study, based on published MICs. In conclusion, 7.5 mg/kg BW of enrofloxacin administered intragastrically to donkeys was rapidly absorbed, widely distributed, and slowly eliminated in their bodies, and was predicted to be effective against bacteria with MICs < 0.25 mg·L-1.

Preventive effect of an ethanolic avocado on apoptosis induced via oxidative damage in albino rats tissues

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the production of oxidant precursors and the capacity of antioxidant defense. Oxygen free radicals play an important role in causing diseases. In this study, the protective effect of ethanolic avocado on apoptosis caused by oxidative damage in the tissue of albino rats was investigated. 24 male albino rats of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Mosul, Iraq, which were kept in standard conditions for at least 10 days before and through the experimental work, were examined. Four groups of rats include the control group (healthy group), the group of male rats with ethanolic avocado consumption; The third group of male rats that were treated with 0.5% of hydrogen peroxide H2O2; and the fourth group of male rats that were treated with both 0.5% H2O2 and avocado ethanolic extract (50 mg kg-1 BW) for four weeks. After fixing the tissues of the liver, kidney, lung, spleen and testis in 10% buffered formalin, they were stained with hematoxylin. TUNEL assay was performed using the TUNEL cell death assay kit to detect apoptotic cells. In this investigation, the histology results in four groups of rats showed that in the rats that were treated with avocado, there were minor tissue changes in their liver, kidney, and intestine, and the tissues of these organs were healthy. In TUNEL staining, it was also shown that there are no apoptotic cells in the liver, kidney and testis cells in avocado-treated rats. The results showed that ethanolic Avocado is useful against oxidative stress damage and it may be used to protect tissues against oxidative stress.

Novel objects placed in feeder increase the feeding time of foals fed concentrate feed

This study aimed to evaluate the feeding time and reactivity of male and female foals exposed to novel objects (seven plastic balls measuring 8 cm in diameter) placed inside the feeder. Eleven mixed-breed foals (males = 6; 316 ± 42 kg of BW, females = 5; 290 ± 35 kg of BW) were used. The amount of concentrate feed was calculated using 2000 g kg-1 BW for males and 1500 g kg-1 BW for females. Behavioral variables were assessed using a scoring system. Data on time spent feeding were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis (p &lt; 0.05) and compared using the PROC REG procedure of SAS (with object = without object). A line of equality (y = x) was used to test correlations. The behavioral model was fitted by a generalized linear model using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, and means were compared (p &lt; 0.05) by t-tests. Feeding time differed between sexes (males = 23.7 ± 4.8 min., females = 19.5 ± 3.1 min.), attributed to the longer time spent by males in attentive behavior when plastic balls were placed in the feeders. There was no effect on composite behavioral score. Both males (18.37%) and females (14.29%) were classified as calm while feeding in feeders with unfamiliar objects. By adding plastic balls to the feeder, it was possible to increase the feeding time of foals fed concentrate feed.

Exposure to the environmental pollutant chlorpyrifos induces hepatic toxicity through activation of the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways

Chlorpyrifos (CHP) is an inexpensive highly effective organophosphate insecticide used worldwide. The unguided and excessive use of CHP by farmers has led to its significant accumulation in crops as well as contamination of water sources, causing health problems for humans and animals. Therefore, this study evaluated the toxicological effects of exposure to the environmental pollutant CHP at low, medium, and high (2.5, 5, and 10 mg·kg−1 BW) levels on rat liver by examining antioxidant levels, inflammation, and apoptosis based on the no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) (1 mg·kg−1 BW) and the CHP dose that does not cause any visual symptoms (5 mg·kg−1 BW). Furthermore, the involvement of the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways in CHP-induced toxic effects was identified. The relationship between the expression levels of key proteins (p-JAK/JAK, p-STAT/STAT, p-JNK/JNK, p-P38/P38, and p-ERK/ERK) in the pathways and changes in the expression of markers associated with inflammation [inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), chemokines (GCLC and GCLM), and inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-кB, TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3, ASC, MyD88, IFN-γ, and iNOS)] and apoptosis [Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase3, Caspase9, and the cleavage substrate of Caspase PARP1] were also determined. The results suggest that CHP exposure disrupts liver function and activates the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways via oxidative stress, exacerbating inflammation and apoptosis. Meanwhile, the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways are involved in CHP-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings provide a novel direction for effective prevention and amelioration of health problems caused by CHP abuse in agriculture and households.

Remarkable Contamination of Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Free-Range Chicken Eggs from Rural Tibetan Plateau.

Rapid social-economic development introduces modern lifestyles into rural areas, not only bringing numerous modern products but also new pollutants, such as chlorinated paraffins (CPs). The rural Tibetan Plateau has limited industrial activities and is a unique place to investigate this issue. Herein we collected 90 free-range chicken egg pool samples across the rural Tibetan Plateau to evaluate the pollution status of CPs. Meanwhile, CPs in related soils, free-range chicken eggs from Jiangxi, and farmed eggs from markets were also analyzed. The median concentrations of SCCPs (159 ng g-1 wet weight (ww)) and MCCPs (1390 ng g-1 ww) in Tibetan free-range chicken eggs were comparable to those from Jiangxi (259 and 938 ng g-1 ww) and significantly higher than those in farmed eggs (22.0 and 81.7 ng g-1 ww). In the rural Tibetan Plateau, the median EDI of CPs via egg consumption by adults and children were estimated to be 81.6 and 220.2 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for SCCPs and 483.4 and 1291 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for MCCPs, respectively. MCCPs might pose potential health risks for both adults and children in the worst scenario. Our study demonstrates that new pollutants should not be ignored and need further attention in remote rural areas.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Milk of Croatian First-Time Mothers: 2010 Versus 2020.

The presence of selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, and -183) was investigated in human milk samples collected from first-time mothers living in Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Samples from 2020 and 2010 were analyzed, and the first temporal comparison between the profiles and levels of these compounds in this area was obtained. A statistically significant difference between mass fractions depending on the sampling year was observed only for BDE-99, with values in 2020 higher than in 2010. BDE-153, whose median value (0.25 and 0.26ngg-1 lipid weight (l.w.) in 2010 and 2020, respectively) did not decrease in the 10-year period, was the most frequently detected congener in samples from both years. ΣPBDEs ranged from < LOD to 3.53ngg-1l.w. (median 0.25ngg-1l.w.), and from 0.14 to 6.75ngg-1l.w. (median 0.55ngg-1l.w.) in 2010 and 2020, respectively. Maternal age and reported fish consumption had no effect on observed PBDE mass fractions, while for BDE-153, positive significant correlation (p > 0.05) was observed of its detected mass fraction with mother's body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and after childbirth. Infants median estimated daily intake (EDI) via milk ingestion for ΣPBDE was higher in 2020 (3.221 ng kg-1 bw day-1) compared to 2010 (1.429ngkg-1bwday-1), but both values were well below threshold value, indicating that human milk consumption in this specific case is unlikely to raise health risks to infants.

Polychlorinated Naphthalenes in Foods from the French Market: Occurrence, Dietary Exposure, and Evaluation of Relative Contributions to Dioxin-like Contaminants.

Despite the growing interest in PCNs and the dioxin-like toxicity exhibited by a number of congeners, a comprehensive assessment of their contribution to the cocktail of dioxin-like contaminants is still lacking. To address such a shortcoming, this study investigated the PCN contamination in foodstuffs recently acquired in France, together with that of the regulatory polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCNs were ubiquitous at levels (∑70 PCNs = 2.5-150 pg g-1 wet weight) similar to those reported in other countries, with maximum concentrations observed in fish and fishery products from the North-East Atlantic Ocean. Their congener patterns further suggested unintentional releases of PCNs, while those of the other foodstuffs were correlated to the historical PCN profiles. Low risk from dietary exposure was estimated (∑70 PCNs-EDIs of 60-360 pg kg-1 bw d-1, ∑24 PCNs-TEQ-EDIs of 8 × 10-3-2.2 × 10-2 pg TEQ kg-1 bw d-1), with milk and dairy products being the highest contributors, followed by meat and meat products. Finally, the rather high contributions of PCNs to the total PCNs+PCDD/Fs+PCBs concentrations (0.9-50%, average of 9%) and the toxic equivalents (0.2-24%, average of 5%) show that these substances are not minor components of the PCNs+PCDD/Fs+PCBs cocktail.