Effect of the mycotoxin zearalenone on the testis of mice and the protective role of vitamin E: Histological and toxicological study

Zearalenone [ZEN] is a non steroidal mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium fungi. It is frequently detected in cereals used for human food stuffs and animal feeds such as wheat, maize and rice. Zearalenone and its metabolites constitute an important class of endocrine disruptors which causes estrogenic effects and can alter reproduction. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the histological and biochemical toxic effects of Zearalenone on the testicular tissue of mice and the possible role of vitamin E in preventing such effects. The study was carried out on forty adult male mice classified into three groups; a control group which comprised three subgroups; [negative control that received no treatment and two positive controls receiving intraperitoneal injection of either olive oil or vitamin E], ZEN-treated group where zearalenone intoxication was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt for 3 days, while the protected group received vitamin E by intraperitoneal injection in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt daily for 3 days, simultaneously with zearalenone in a similar dose to that of ZEN-treated group. By the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum testosterone level. The mice were then sacrificed and fresh specimens were taken from the testis and processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Biochemical analysis of serum testosterone demonstrated significant decrease in the hormonal level in the ZEN-treated group compared to the control group, while vitamin E-protected group revealed nearly normal levels with no significant difference from the control subgroups. Light microscopic examination of ZEN- treated group revealed loss of normal architecture of the testicular tissue as several seminiferous tubules showed disorganization of the spermatogenic cells and dissolution of the intercellular connections. Ultrastructural examination of the same group revealed many degenerated cells with electron dense cytoplasm and dense irregular nuclei, multiple apoptotic spermatogenic cells, spermatids with various degrees of degeneration and failure of acrosomal cap formation together with multiple abnormal spermatozoa with irregular heads. Extensive exfoliation of spermatids together with other degenerated cells were frequently depicted in the lumen. Many Leydig cells appeared degenerated with irregular nuclei. On the other hand, vitamin E-protected group showed amelioration of most of the degenerative changes depicted in the ZEN treated group. Exposure to the mycoloxin zearalenone demonstrated a considerable risk on the testicular structure and function of mice. Simultaneous administration of vitamin E was efficient in preventing most of such toxic effects. Therefore, mycological analysis should be regular for food stuffs especially cereals. Whereas, vitamin E can be recommended for protecion against zearalenone intoxication

comparative histological and toxicological study on the protective effect of casein versus retinol on N-Butyl Benzene sulphonamide-induced toxicity in adrenal cortex of albino rats

N-butyl benzene sulphonamide [NBBS] is a plasticizer used in production of plastic resins and as a starting agent in the synthesis of agricultural fungicides. Workers engaged in these industries and consumers of their products are at an increased risk of neurodegenerative intoxication. Nevertheless, other possible toxic effects of NBBS have not yet been studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of NBBS on adrenal cortex of albino rats and the protective role of dietary casein versus retinol [vitamin A]. The study was conducted on forty two adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: a control group [further subdivided into; a negative subgroup receiving no treatment and three positive controls given olive oil, retinol or casein], NBBS-treated group and two protected groups receiving NBBS with either retinol or casein for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum corticosterone level and specimens from the adrenal cortex were processed and subjected to light and ultrastructural microscopic examination. Significant reduction of serum corticosterone level was noticed in NBBS-intoxicated group, while rats protected with casein or vitamin A showed restoration of serum corticosterone to nearly normal control values. On the other hand, light and ultrastructural examination revealed marked affection of the adrenal cortex of NBBS-intoxicated rats, with thickened connective tissue capsule and more affection of zona glomerulosa and fasiculata than zona reticularis. The pronounced feature of zona glomerulosa was hyperplasia and disorganized archades together with multiple lipid droplets and microvillous projections in some cells. Zona fasiculata showed disorganized columns. Some cells revealed excessive lipid droplets and myelin figures, while others showed nuclear pyknosis. Numerous bizarre mitochondria were demonstrated in some cells. Few cells showed disturbed mitochondrial cristae and rough endoplasmic reticulunt dilatation. Most of zona reticularis cells appeared normal, however, few cells revealed irregular nuclei and mitochondrial pleomorphism. Protection with vitamin A and casein was successful in ameliorating the biochemical and histological changes induced by NBBS, where increased serum corticosterone level was recorded approaching control values, with restoration of nearly normal histological structure of all three zones of the adrenal cortex, however casein was more effective in reversing NBBS toxic effects. The plasticizer NBBS showed significant adreno-cortical toxicity. The use of antioxidants especially casein was efficient against NBBS toxic effects. Restriction of the use of plastic packaging for foods, pharmaceuticals and other biological products is recommended to avoid leaching of plasticizers resulting in toxic exposure

Evaluation of the severity of organophosphous insecticide intoxication using poisoning severity scoring, laboratory and therapeutic parameters

Organophosphorus [OP] compounds are the most widely used insecticides that cause poisoning after accidental, occupational or suicidal exposure. Poisoning is particularly common in the developing countries where more potent agents are widely available for agricultural and household purposes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of poisoning severity score [PSS], different laboratory and therapeutic measures in assessment of severity of OP poisoning, and to determine the need for intensive care management in cases of OP intoxication. One hundred patients suffering from acute OP poisoning were interviewed and categorized clinically according to PSS into three grades. Routine laboratory tests were done including arterial blood gases, random blood sugar and serum potassium on admission. Specific tests were estimation of pseudo choline sterase activity on admission and serum amylase on admission and after six hours. The studied patients received different lines of treatment in the form of general measures plus atropine or atropine and pralidoxime with or without assisted mechanical ventilation.55% of patients had the mildest degree of OP intoxication [PSS1], 31% had PSS2 and 14% were graded as PSS3. Significant correlation was detected between the degree of poisoning assessed by PSS and different laboratory investigations as well as the lines of treatment used. Cases having the highest score of severity [PSS3] had the lowest psudocholinesterase activity with more pronounced hyperglycemia, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Acute pancreatitis occurred specifically in them. They needed atropine and pralidoxime in addition to assisted mechanical ventilation with longer stay in hospital than other cases. Accordingly, all these parameters including clinical scoring[PSS], laboratory findings and lines of treatment needed can be used for determination of the severity of OP poisoning. They are recommended to be applied in all OP-intoxicated patients

Polymerase chain reaction-based DNA analysis for gender identification of antemortem and postmortem human skin

Gender identification is an important investigative tool as it can be used to assess rapid information in forensic cases involving missing persons, intersex problems, mass disaster and in crime scenes. The aim of the present work was to assess the reliability of the skin as a tissue sample whether fresh or putrified for gender determination and to validate an application of gene print sex determination system. Forty skin samples were used [15 obtained from cadavers, and 25 from discarded surgically resected skin]. DNA extraction was done using two methods [crude and column] with two different kits, [Puregene cell, tissue kit and GFX purification kit]. Amplification of the single copy X-Y homologous amelogenin gene using PCR technology was followed. The results showed that DNA extracted by the column method was of high quality with no gross contaminants as compared to the crude method. The success rate of the amelogenin amplification was 100% in all skin samples [antemortem and postmortem]. It enabled gender identification from as low as 100 mg skin sample with low cost and less complicated technique. In conclusion the amelogenin gene sex determination system is a highly discriminating and reliable method and skin can be used as a good source for DNA extraction used for identification purposes