Organosomatic Indices Research Articles

Pre-Clinical Study of Hydro-Ethanol (60:40) Extract of <i>Areca catechu</i> (L.) on Testicular Androgenesis in Albino Rat: An Approach for Herbal Male Contraceptive Development

The present study was designed to determine the anti-testicular activity of hydro-ethanol seed extract of Areca catechu (10, 20 and 40 mg) in dose-dependent fashion in albino rats. Seminal vesicular fructose (SVF), oxidative stress sensors, gene expression, somatic weight, reproductive organo-somatic indices, spermiological, hormonal profile, and testicular histological examination for qualitative and quantitative investigations of spermatogenesis were observed. In compared to the placebo treated control (PTC), the exposure of the said doses showed a statistical significant downward deviation in the spermiological, hormonal, SVF profile, kinetics of testicular key androgenic dehydrogenase enzymes, and diameters of seminiferous tubules. Anti-oxidant enzyme kinetics were reduced significantly against PTC, and the quantity of malondialdehyde in male gonad and sperm precipitate was elevated in significant level (p<0.05). Expression of apoptotic promoting gene in testis was increased (p<0.05) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression exhibited a significant decrease (p<0.05) in treated group comparison to the PTC. The alterations in the activities of phosphatases in hepatic tissue was not significant from the background of PTC suggesting that the plant has no systematic undesirable effect in physiological processes. The observation highlighted that 10 mg dose as the threshold dose for imposition of such anti- testicular activity leading to male contraception.

Echis ocellatus venom-induced sperm functional deficits, pro-apoptotic and inflammatory activities in male reproductive organs in rats: antagonistic role of kaempferol

BackgroundEchis ocellatus envenoming is potentially toxic initiating clinical damages on male reproductive system. Kaempferol is a therapeutic agent with neutralizing potentials on snake venom toxins. This study investigated the antagonistic effect of kaempferol on E. ocellatus venom (EoV)-induced reproductive toxicities.MethodsFifty adult male rats were sorted at random into five groups of ten rats for this study. The control rats were allotted to group 1, while rats in groups 2–5 were injected with 0.22 mg/kg bw (LD50) of EoV intraperitoneally. Rats in group 2 were not treated while groups 3–5 rats were treated with serum antivenom (0.2 ml), and 4 and 8 mg/kg bw of kaempferol post envenoming, respectively.ResultsEoV actuated reproductive toxicity, significantly decreased sperm parameters, and enhanced inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic biomarkers in reproductive organs of untreated envenomed rats. However, treatment with kaempferol alleviated the venom-induced reproductive disorders with a dose dependent effect. Kaempferol significantly increased the testicular weight, organo-somatic index, sperm parameters, and normalized the levels of serum luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle stimulating hormone. Kaempferol ameliorated testicular and epididymal oxidative stress as evidenced by significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, enhancement of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. The inflammatory biomarkers; nitric oxide (NO) levels and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), and apoptotic biomarkers; caspase 3 and caspase 9 activities were substantially suppressed in the testis and epididymis of envenomed rats treated with kaempferol.ConclusionResults revealed kaempferol as a potential remedial agent against reproductive toxicity that could manifest post-viper envenoming.

Alterations in viscera histoarchitecture and organosomatic index as biomarkers of toxicity induced by Aba-Eku and Olusosun solid waste landfill leachates in Rattus norvegicus.

Solid waste disposal generates leachate, a mixture of deleterious chemical, physical and microbial contaminants, which poses risk to human and wildlife health. Leachate toxicity on relative organ weight and histopathology of important viscera in mammalian body is scarce. Leachate induced toxic effects on organosomatic indices and histopathology of vital mammalian organs were investigated. Wister rats were orally exposed to 1 - 25 % of raw and simulated leachates from Aba-Eku and Olusosun landfills for 30 days. At post-exposure, organosomatic index and histoarchitectural assessment of major viscera (heart, spleen, thymus and lungs) were conducted. The physico-chemical and organic compositions of the leachates were analysed using standard protocol. The tested leachates decreased weekly and terminal body weights, and altered organosomatic index of examined viscera in rats. The histoarchitecture of the investigated viscera revealed pathologies that ranged from mild to severe degeneration, cellular infiltration, haemorrhage, congestion, necrosis, disorganization of tissues and vacuolations. Others include increased histiocytes within the bronchial associated lymphoid, lymphoid depletions, haemosiderin deposits and apoptosis were observed in the examined viscera. Physico-chemical analysis of the leachates showed different concentrations of toxic metals, PAHs and PCBs that were higher than national and international permissible limits allowed in wastewaters. The physico-chemical compositions of the leachates are capable of eliciting the observed alterations in organosomatic indices and histopathological lesions in mammalian viscera. Xenobiotic components of the leachates possibly generated free radicals and/or directly disrupted the organ architectures. These findings suggest health risk to wildlife and human population exposed to emissions from waste landfills.

Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement protects against renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury via downregulation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling.

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) may lead to acute kidney injury via the induction of oxidative stress. On the other hand, Moringa oleifera has been reported to exert antioxidant activities. This study was designed to assess whether or not Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement could prevent I/R-induced renal injury. Renal I/R was induced by occluding the right renal artery for 30 min followed by a 2-h reperfusion. Renal I/R led to increased absolute renal weight and renal organo-somatic weight index. Renal I/R also caused distortion of renal histoarchitecture and impaired renal function evidenced by elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. In addition, renal I/R significantly elevated renal levels of hydrogen peroxide, MDA, and advanced oxidation protein products, but suppressed the levels of reduced glutathione, protein thiol, and non-protein thiol, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, renal I/R up-regulated myeloperoxidase activity and the renal levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Renal I/R also up-regulated Bax and caspase 3 expression in the kidney. Furthermore, I/R-driven structural and biochemical alterations were markedly inhibited by Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement. These results suggest that Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement may preserve the gross and histoarchitectural integrity of the kidney as well as renal function via downregulation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney of I/R rat.

Oxidative stress in the bivalve Diplodon chilensis under direct and dietary glyphosate-based formulation exposure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects on biochemical parameters and organosomatic indices in the freshwater bivalve Diplodon chilensis exposed to a glyphosate-based formulation under direct and dietary exposures (4mg a.p./L). After 1, 7, and 14days of exposure, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and the activities of glutathione-S- transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in the gills and digestive gland. The hepatosomatic (HSI) and branchiosomatic (BSI) indices were also analyzed. Direct and dietary glyphosate-based formulation exposure altered the redox homeostasis in the gills and digestive gland throughout the experimental time, inducing the detoxification response (GST), the antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GSH), and causing lipid peroxidation. After 14days of exposure, the HSI and BSI increased significantly (43% and 157%, respectively) only in the bivalves under direct exposure. Greater changes in the biochemical parameters were induced by the dietary exposure than by the direct exposure. Furthermore, the gills presented an earlier response compared to the digestive gland. These results suggested that direct and dietary exposure to a glyphosate-based formulation induced oxidative stress in the gills and digestive glands of D. chilensis. Thus, the presence of glyphosate-based formulations in aquatic ecosystems could represent a risk for filter-feeding organisms like bivalves.

Utilization of an insect-based diet by a herbivorous fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) and an opportunistic predator (Clarias gariepinus)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Alates termite (Macrotermes falciger) based diet in a herbivorous (Oreochromis mossambicus) and an opportunistic predator (Clarias gariepinus). Five diets were formulated to replace fishmeal at 0, 10, 30, 50, and 70 % and were denoted D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively. Clarias gariepinus sub-adults (209.24 ± 2.41 g/fish) were stocked at 5 fish per tank in recirculating fibreglass tanks (400 L) in triplicates. Oreochromis mossambicus juveniles (7.4 ± 4.78 g/fish) were randomly stocked at 10 fish per tank in recirculating fibreglass tanks (400 L) in triplicates. Fish were fed their allocated diets, twice a day to apparent satiation. Growth performance indices (specific growth rate, thermal-unit growth coefficient) were lowest at inclusion level above 50 % in both species (P < 0.05). The nutrient utilization indices (feed intake, protein efficiency ratio) were lowest at inclusion level above 50 % in both species. The organosomatic indices (condition factor, hepato-somatic index, viscero-somatic index) were not influenced by the inclusion of Alates termite meal in both species. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not influenced by Alates termite meal in O. mossambicus (P > 0.05). However, AST and ALT levels significantly increased at inclusion levels above 50 % in C. gariepinus (P < 0.05). The triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels showed no significant difference across diets in both fish species (P > 0.05). The study showed that both species may utilize an insect-based diet up to 50 % inclusion levels without adverse effects on growth performance and nutrient utilization.

Dietary sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Caulerpa sp. and Padina sp. modulated physiological performance, antibacterial activityand ammonia challenge test in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Nowadays, the use of seaweed derivatives in aquaculture has drawn attention for their potential as an immunostimulant and growth promotor. The sulfated polysaccharide extracted (SPE ) from green (Caulerpa sp.; SPC) and brown (Padina sp.; SPP) seaweeds with two concentrations (0.05% and 0.1%); nominated in four groups: SPC0.05 , SPC0.1 , SPP0.05 , SPP0.1 and control group (free of SPE ) were used for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet. Fish (N: 150; 8.5 ± 0.2 g) were selected aleatory distributed in 15 circular tanks (triplicate for the group) and fed test diets for 56 days. The outcomes revealed that the supplementation of SPE up to 1 g kg-1 failed to show significant differences in the organosomatic indices as compared to the control group. The most inferior protein value of dress-out fish composition was observed in the fish fed the control diet, which was statistically lower than the SCP0.1 group (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in other macronutrient composition among the treatments. Total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) had lower trend in the carcass of fish fed SPE supplemented diets, so that lowest MUFA were observed in SPC0.05 group (p < 0.05; 25.22 ± 4.29%). The lowest value of docosahexaenoic acid was observed in the control diet compared to the SPE -supplemented diets (p < 0.05). The serum alternative complement pathway levels in all treatments tend to promote compared to the control treatment. A similar trend was observed for lysozyme activity. According to the results, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) value were highest in SPC0.05 and SPC0.1 compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05), while a further elevation of the SPE Padina sp. extracted level (SPP0.1 ) leads to a decrease in SOD value. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of plasma was indicated not to influence by sulfated polysaccharide extracts in the refrigerated storage. The lowest serum stress indicators were observed in fish fed SPP0.05 group postchallenge test. Taken together, our outcomes revealed that SPE of two species of seaweeds bestows benefits in some of the immunity and antioxidant system. Also, notable elevations in HUFA were observed in juvenile rainbow trout fed supplemented with SPE .

Lipid profile and metabolic parameters of tilapia in the finishing phase in earth ponds or using biofloc technology

Tilapia is a species with great growth potential. Its production comes from a semi-intensive system, such as earthen ponds (EP). Recently, biofloc technology (BFT) appears as an option to intensify fish production. The objective of this work was to compare the organosomatic indices, biochemical parameters, and chemical composition of tilapia reared in EP and BFT. Fish were grown for 150 days, with an initial weight of ≅ 2 g and a final weight of ≅ 780 g. Thereafter, tissues and organs were collected to determine organosomatic indices and analyze biochemical parameters, fatty acid, and proximate composition. The carcass yield was higher for tilapia reared in EP than BFT. The production system did not affect the fish fillet yield. The other organosomatic parameters were higher for tilapia reared in BFT. Tilapia reared in EP showed higher content of crude protein and lipids in the fillet. In both production systems, there was no difference in the body lipid profile. Fish in BFT showed a higher concentration of glucose and ammonia in the muscle and amino acids in the liver. Fish reared in EP showed a higher concentration of lactate in the liver compared to those in BFT. In conclusion, the production system alters the metabolism of fish. The biofloc has a considerable amount of fatty acids, which can be considered in the formulation of diets for tilapia in this system.

Effect of aluminium on lipid profile and atherogenic index in prepubertal and young adult female rats: A pilot study

Objectives: Exposure of aluminium (Al) to mankind is inescapable, and its dyslipidaemic impact is a possible contributing factor to health hazards like cardiovascular diseases. The health effects due to the metalloestrogenic property of the metal need imperative consideration. The current experimental work was undertaken to explore Al-induced dyslipidaemia due to its metalloestrogenic property. Materials and Methods: To fulfil this objective, prepubertal (PP) and young adult (YA) female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered to two doses of Al [5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight (BW)] once daily for 2 weeks. After the completion of the acute exposure protocol, plasma and hepatic tissue lipid profiles were estimated. Analysis of variance was carried out by the Kruskal–Wallis test and the differences between the groups were analysed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test Results: Increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-LDL cholesterol in plasma were found in YAs treated with both doses of Al in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were not present in PP female rats. Decreased levels of lipid levels were observed in the case of hepatic lipid profile. Conclusion: The study ushers light towards the dyslipidaemic alterations in experimental female rats after acute Al exposure. Impacts of Al on the growth and organosomatic index during the vital developmental days were significantly decided by the pubertal status of the female rats. The results of this study indicate the impact of puberty on the Al-induced modifications in lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

Multiomics implicate gut microbiota in low cypermethrin (CP) exposure induced multiorgan toxicological effects in pubertal male rats

Cypermethrin (CP), widely used as a broad-spectrum pesticide, has raised concerns over its frequent presence in the environment and potential health risks. The present study focused on incorporating the gut-organ axis theory to reinterpret the toxicological effects and mechanisms following CP exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 mg/kg/d and 0.5 mg/kg/d) in pubertal male rats. The results showed alterations in histopathological and organosomatic indices in the liver, brain, and epididymis. Through multiomics network analysis, it was found that Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae may contribute to the alteration in serum L-carnitine and trigonelline, leading to hepatic lipid accumulation following CP exposure. Additionally, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Porphyromonadaceae were associated with CP-induced glutamatergic hypofunction and overproduction of TNF-α, potentially contributing to the brain neurotoxicity. Overall, the study provides important insights into the potential mechanisms underlying CP-induced toxicity and highlights the need for continued research to fully understand the implications for CP-induced health risks. The incorporation of the gut-organ axis theory in the study provides a promising avenue for future research into the potential interactions between gut microbiota and organ toxicity, and the potential for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental toxins.

Dose-Dependent Protective Effect of Hygrophila auriculata Seeds on Cyproterone Acetate-Induced Testicular Dysfunction.

Infertility affects 15% of global population. This study was designed to search out the most effective dose of chloroform fraction of hydro-ethanolic extract of Hygrophila auriculata seed to ameliorate cyproterone acetate (CPA)-treated male subfertility. The rats were made subfertile by CPA at the dose of 2.5 mg/100gm body weight for 45 days. The male subfertility represented by low sperm concentration, less motile, less viable, and less hypo osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa in CPA-treated group. Serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased in CPA-treated group in respect to control. Androgenic key enzyme Δ5,3β-HSD, 17β-HSD activities and gene expression pattern were also decreased significantly in respect to control. These antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities of CPA were significantly recovered after the treatment of Hygrophila auriculata at the dose of 2.5 mg, 5mg, and 10 mg/100gm body weight. CPA also generate oxidative free radical that indicated by altered catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities and protein expression pattern along with conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in testis. Expression pattern of Bax and Bcl2 genes were deviated from control after CPA treatment. Significant diminution of body weight, organo-somatic indices, and SGOT, SGPT activities were observed in CPA-treated group. All these biomarkers significantly recovered towards control after the treatment of Hygrophila auriculata at different doses. More significant recovery was observed in 5 mg and 10 mg of chloroform fraction-treated group and 5 mg dose, i.e., the minimum therapeutic dose to recover the CPA-induced subfertility.

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus norvegicus

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus norvegicus

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus Norvegicus

There is an increasing trend in the usage of medicinal plants in livestock production with some significantly toxic effects especially to vital organs such as reproductive tissues which necessitates this search. Twenty (20) matured male rats weighing 150-239g randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5) were used for the sub-acute toxicity. Group 1 rats were treated with distilled water while groups 2-4 were treated with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg respectively of the aqueous methanolic extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark (AMEBFSB) for 30 days. Animals were terminated on day 31 and some of the reproductive organs were collected and weighed. The Cauda epididymis served as a semen source for sperm analysis and testes were collected for histological examination. There was a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the final body weights, average weights of testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland of the treated groups as compared to the control. The semen evaluated showed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in sperm motility, sperm count, and percent normal sperm cell morphology in the 400mg/kg group, no significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the sperm viability and acrosome integrity as compared to control. Photomicrograph revealed loss and thinning of germinal epithelium and widened seminiferous tubule lumen. In conclusion, the oral administration of AMEBFSB for 30 days in male rats showed that the plant has antispermatogenic effects on reproductive functions.

Growth and Physiological responses of Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed with Dietary Supplementation of Garlic-Ginger Mixture

A-84-days study was conducted to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of juvenile Clarias gariepinus fed diets supplemented with garlic-ginger mixture. The garlic-ginger mixture was included in a base diet at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%; corresponding to treatments D0 or control, D1, D2 and D3. A total of 120 juveniles (46.55±3.66g) were randomly distributed in triplicate to 12 plastic tanks and fed three times daily with biweekly intermediate sampling. The results indicate that D2 fed fish had the most impressive weight gain (WG) of 218.74±6.42g and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.55±0.05, compared to the control (WG=99.53±0.03g, FCR=2.45±0.18). Furthermore, D2 treatment induced significant improvements in whole body bromatological composition, nutrient retention, organosomatic indexes, and serum biochemical profile in fish compared to control. The growth improvement observed could be due to the combined action of the bioactive components of ginger and garlic to enhance the functioning of the organs of the digestive system as well as the homeostasis balance of the body. Therefore, garlic and ginger can be used as a feed additive to enhance the production of African catfish.

Effect of Krill Oil Supplementation and Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Proximate Composition, and Organo-somatic Indices of Cyprinus carpio

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of krill oil supplementation on growth performance, proximate composition and organo-somatic indices of Cyprinus carpio, reared in a recirculating aquaculture system, at different stocking densities. Four experimental diets were formulated: LD - low density (15 fish/rearing unit- 3.5 kg/m3), where fish were fed with commercial feed, HD - high density (35 fish/rearing unit-8 kg/m3 fed with commercial feed), LD-KO - low density, where fish were fed with commercial feed supplemented with 5 g/kg feed krill oil, and HD-KO- high density, were fish were fed with commercial feed supplemented with 5 g/kg feed krill oil. After 60-days of rearing, final fish weight and individual weight gain was significantly higher (P˂0.05) in fish stocked in lower density, with better values in LD-KO groups. Also, the best values of FCR, SGR and PER were obtained in LD-KO groups. Regarding the proximate composition of meat, no significant differences (P˃0.05) were registered between the experimental variants. The organo-somatic indices revealed no significant differences (P˃0.05) in the cardiosomatic index, while hepatosomatic, splenosomatic, and visceral index differed significantly (P˂0.05) between the experimental variants. Accordingly, we can conclude that supplementation of carp diet with 5 g/kg feed krill oil can improve growth performance, without any modification at proximate composition of meat.

Evaluation of ME-PRO® and EnviroMeal Combinations as Partial and Complete Fish Meal Replacements in Diets for Juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Reared in A Recirculating Aquaculture System

A feeding trial was conducted in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) to test the growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). A standard salmon diet (Control) was used as the template for two experimental diets that contained a combination of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) defatted meal (EnviroMeal) and fermented soy protein (MEPRO®). The two ingredients were combined to replace fish meal by 50 or 100% (MEP/Meal 50 and MEP/Meal 100) in the experimental diets. At the 12-week trial conclusion, all growth parameters were similar among the three treatments. The diet containing no fish meal, MEP/Meal 100, demonstrated slightly higher numeric growth performance compared to the Control and MEP/Meal 50 treatment. Similarly, a histological analysis of distal intestines and organosomatic indices showed no significant difference among treatments. All intestinal samples were healthy in appearance showing no apparent enteritis. The results of this study show a combination of fermented soy and BSFL meal may be a viable option in sustainable diets for commercial Atlantic salmon production.

Short-Term Stress Response of Juvenile Rainbow Trout Subjected to Two Different Rearing Densities

Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were subjected to one of four treatments in a two-by-two experimental design: 1) fed at a density of 1.8 g/m3, 2) Fasted at 1.8 g/m3, 3) fed at 30.1 g/m3, and 4) fasted at 30.1 g/m3. Blood glucose and hematocrit were measured at 4, 6, 48, 168, and 336 hours after placement in one of the two rearing densities, with relative fin lengths and organosomatic indices recorded at 336 hours. Glucose levels over time were not significantly different among the density and feeding treatments. Hematocrit levels over time were also not significantly different. Total lengths, weight, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, and any of the relative fin lengths were not significantly different between the high and low densities. However, the hepatosomatic index was significantly greater in the fed fish compared to those fasted. The splenosomatic index was significantly greater in the higher density treatment. These results likely indicate no short-term stress response to the higher rearing density used in this short-term experiment and no interaction between starvation and density-related stressors.

Biology, digestive enzymes and organosomatic indices of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède, 1803) from Oyan Dam, Southwestern Nigeria

Some aspects of the biology, digestive enzymes and organosomatic indices of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus purchased from fishermen in Oyan dam was investigated. This study was aimed at providing information on the composition of food materials found in the gut and specific activities of selected enzymes as it affects the domestication of the species. 100 specimens of the species were examined for stomach contents, length-weight relationship, digestive enzyme assay and organosomatic indices, using standard methods. Food items observed were detritus (4%), fish part (12%), Insecta (13%). Sand was observed to be 11% of total stomach volume. The logarithmic equation for length-weight relationship lnW=2.68lnl-3.79 indicated that an increase in length led to a corresponding increase in weight with ‘R’ = 0.611, calculated ‘r’=0.78, ‘a’=2.68 and ‘b’=3.79 indicating positive allometric growth pattern. Amylase exhibited high activity in the stomach, while lipase and proteinase in the stomach and posterior intestine. Specific activities of digestive enzymes showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05). Viscerosomatic (2.92± 0.25), hepatosomatic (2.27± 0.22) indices and Fulton condition factor (1.93± 0.06) were recorded. Feed items present in the species confirm its overlapping feeding habit, indicating that the species is an omnivorous detritivore. This was also depicted in the activities of the different digestive enzymes.

The first-line antituberculosis drugs, and their fixed-dose combination induced abnormal sperm morphology and histological lesions in the testicular cells of male mice.

Rifampicin (RIF), Isoniazid (INH), Ethambutol (EMB), Pyrazinamide (PZA), and/or their fixed-dose combination (FDC) are extensively prescribed in the cure of Tuberculosis (TB) globally. In spite of the beneficial effect, these drugs are capable of inducing cellular toxicity. Existing information on the genotoxic effects of the first-line anti-TB drugs is limited and contentious. Herein, we evaluated the reproductive genotoxicity of RIF, INH, EMB, PZA, and their FDC utilizing the mouse sperm morphology assay. Histological examination of the testes of exposed mice was also performed. Male Swiss albino mice (11-13weeks old) were intraperitoneally exposed for 5 consecutive days to each of the anti-TB drugs at four different doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg bw of PZA; 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20mg/kg bw of RIF; 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10mg/kg bw of INH; 3.75, 7.5, 15 and 30mg/kg bw of EMB; and 7, 14, 28 and 56mg/kg bw of FDC corresponding respectively to ×0.25, ×0.5, ×1 and ×2.0 of the standard daily dose. In comparison with the negative control (normal saline), there was no significant difference in the testicular weight and organo-somatic index of exposed mice. There was an increase (p > 0.05) in the frequency of abnormal spermatozoa at most of the tested doses of each drug and a dose-dependent decrease with the FDC. Each of the anti-TB drugs except the FDC induced pathological lesions in the testes. These findings suggest that the individual first-line anti-TB drug unlike the FDC has the potential to provoke testicular anomalies in male mice.

A case study: temporal trends of environmental stressors and reproductive health of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from a site in the Potomac River Watershed, Maryland, USA

Decades of poor reproductive success and young-of-the-year survival, combined with adult mortality events, have led to a decline in the smallmouth bass (SMB; Micropterus dolomieu) population in sections of the Potomac River. Previous studies have identified numerous biologic and environmental stressors associated with negative effects on SMB health. To better understand the impact of these stressors, this study was conducted at the confluence of Antietam Creek and the Potomac River from 2013 to 2019 to identify temporal changes associated with SMB reproductive health. Surface water samples were collected and analyzed for over 300 organic contaminants, including pesticides, phytoestrogens, pharmaceuticals, hormones and total estrogenicity (E2Eq). Adult SMB were collected and sampled for multiple endpoints, including gene transcripts associated with reproduction (molecular), histopathology (cellular), and organosomatic indices (tissue). In males, biomarkers of estrogenic endocrine disruption, including testicular oocytes (TO) and plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) were assessed. Numerous agriculture-related contaminants or land use patterns were associated with gene transcript abundance in both male and female SMB. Positive associations between pesticides in the immediate catchment with TO severity and E2Eq with plasma Vtg in males were identified. In males, the prevalence of TO and detectable levels of plasma Vtg, liver vitellogenin transcripts (vtg) and testis vtg were high throughout the study. Peaks of complex mixtures of numerous contaminants occurred during the spring/early summer when spawning and early development occurs and to a lesser extent in fall/winter during recrudescence. Management practices to reduce exposure during these critical and sensitive periods may enhance reproductive health of these economically important sportfishes.