Quercetin in association with moderate exercise training attenuates injuries induced by experimental diabetes in sciatic nerves.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a frequent, serious and debilitating chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperglycemia, oxidative and nitrosative stress are involved in causing nerve damage in several animals, humans and experimental models of diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the synergistic cumulative neuroprotective effect of quercetin administration and moderate exercise training on sciatic nerves injuries in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. DM was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (60 mg/kg). The diabetic rats received quercetin (30 mg/kg body weight/day) and performed an exercise training program (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week) for 5 weeks. Various biochemical parameters of oxidative and nitrosative stress were determined and histopathological evaluations were performed from sciatic nerves. Diabetic rats showed significantly increased oxidative and nitrosative stress parameter levels in the sciatic nerves. Diabetic trained rats treated with quercetin exhibited a significantly reduced hyperglycemia and its metabolic abnormalities induced by intraperitoneal administration of STZ. Histological alterations of the sciatic nerves induced after STZ administration were restored by administration of quercetin. Quercetin administration in association with moderate exercise training not only attenuated the diabetic condition but also restored sciatic nerves injuries by controlling hyperglycemia to down-regulate the generation of free radicals, as well as the elevation of antioxidant enzymes.

Rifaximin modulates 5-fluorouracil-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the protective potential of rifaximin in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced intestinal mucositis in the Wistar rats'. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine Wistar rats were divided into 4 interventional groups of 6 animals (A, B, C and F) and one control group (M) of 5 animals. Groups A, B and C received for three days consecutively rifaximin orally: 50 mg/kg (group A), 100 mg/kg (group B) and 200 mg/kg (group C). In the fourth day, 500 mg/kg of 5-FU was administered intraperitoneally to the groups A, B, C and F. A semi-quantitative histological assessment for duodenum, jejunum and colon were obtained by rating 11 histological characteristics of mucositis from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). Semi-quantitative grades were a measure for TLR4 immunopositive cells. Statistical comparisons used - U Test, with a Bonferroni correction for alpha (p ≤ 0.016). RESULTS: In the group F the most affected areas were the jejunum (median histological score 25) and the duodenum (median histological score 22). The assessment of duodenum histological lesions depicted significant difference between F and B groups (U = 1.5, p = 0.007) and between F and C groups (U = 0, p = 0.003). Graded microscopic degenerative lesions on jejunum were significantly different between F and C groups (U = 0, p = 0.004). Graded TLR4 immunopositive cells in the jejunum surface epithelium was significantly different between groups F and C (U = 2.5, p = 0.006). In the colonic mucosa, significantly differences were noted on microscopic degenerative lesions between F and A groups (U = 0, p = 0.004) and between F and C groups (U = 0, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of rifaximin for 3 consecutive days proved efficient in preventing intestinal mucosal degenerative lesions induced by 5-FU.

Natural chemopreventive alternatives in oral cancer chemoprevention.

We studied the effect of grape seed extract Burgund Mare (BM) on oral carcinogenesis and compared it with that of curcumin (CU). Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): 4-nitro-quinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) oral carcinogenesis was induced to groups 1 - 5; groups 2 and 3 received BM and CU respectively during initiation and groups 4 and 5 BM and CU during post-initiation of carcinogenesis; group 6 represented the negative control group. Total malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assayed fluorometrically in oral tissue (gingival, jugal, palatal, lingual mucosa) and serum. Histopathological exam was performed and a dysplasia score given to each oral mucosal lesion. Ki67, cyclin D1, p63, Bcl2 and p53 were immunohistochemically evaluated. BM and CU reduced tissue MDA values elevated by 4NQO (P = 0.000). The difference between CU and BM effect was significant in the initiation (P = 0.02) but not in the post-initiation phase of carcinogenesis (P = 0.58). Tissue GSH levels decreased by 4NQO (P < 0.001) were not significantly modified by BM or CU. Serum MDA levels increased by 4NQO (P = 0.000) were significantly lowered by CU (P = 0.04) and BM (P = 0.04) during initiation and by CU during post-initiation of carcinogenesis (P = 0.01). CU was more potent than BM during post-initiation of carcinogenesis (P = 0.01). Serum GSH lowered by 4NQO (P = 0.55) was significantly decreased by BM and CU (P < 0.012), with no significant difference between groups receiving BM or CU. Moderate dysplasia was the most advanced dysplasia induced and gingival localization the most frequent. Both BM and CU lowered dysplasia scores, with BM being the most efficient during post-initiation of carcinogenesis (P = 0.001). Ki67, cyclin D1, p63, Bcl2 and p53 expression increased with dysplasia scores. BM showed chemopreventive properties during initiation and post-initiation of oral carcinogenesis, reducing local and general oxidative stress and the intensity of dysplasia. During post-initiation of carcinogenesis BM and CU exhibited similar effects.

Canine Gastric Pathology: A Review.

Gastric disorders are common in dogs and are a major reason for veterinary consultation. In human medicine, the classification of gastric diseases based on histological features, genotypes and molecular phenotypes helps to better understand the characteristics of each subtype, and to improve early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Canine gastric lesions often show strong histological similarities to their human counterparts. However, such conditions in the canine stomach are poorly studied and their cellular and molecular features are largely unknown. This article reviews the histopathological classification of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of the canine stomach and provides an update on the application of molecular techniques within the field of canine gastric pathology. The canine disorders are compared with current knowledge of the equivalent human diseases.

Effects of rifaximin on indomethacin-induced intestinal damage in guinea-pigs.

AIM: Enterobacterial translocation into the gut mucosa is the first step required for activation of neutrophils and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), involved in the pathogenesis of indomethacin-induced intestinal lesions. Rifaximin may limit NSAID-associated intestinal damage by decreasing the bacterial load. We aimed to study the effect of rifaximin on indomethacin-induced intestinal damage in guinea-pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four guinea pigs, equally divided in four interventional groups (A-D), received indomethacin, given orally once daily (30 mg/kg) for three consecutive days. In groups B, C, D different doses of rifaximin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were given orally two hours before indometachin administration. Semi-quantitative grades were measure for gross findings, degenerative lesions, neutrophils and eosinophils infiltrates and iNOS immunopositivity. Statistical comparisons used Mann Whitney Test, with a Bonferroni correction for alpha (p ≤ 0.016). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of graded gross findings, microscopic degenerative lesions, endothelium damage and iNOS immunopositivity found no difference between A and B groups. Significant fewer gross findings (U = 3, p = 0.015), microscopic degenerative lesions (U = 2, p = 0.008) and lower grades for iNOS immunopositivity (U = 0, p = 0.002) were found in group C compared with group A. In group D, significant lower grades for iNOS immunopositivity were obtained (U = 0, p = 0.002) compared with group A and fewer degenerative lesions without reaching statistical significance (U = 4, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: 100 mg/kg of rifaximin proved efficient in preventing gut degenerative lesions induced by indomethacin in a guinea pig model, the iNOS activity being significantly decreased.

Antimicrobial activity of Mentha piperita and Saturenja hortensis in a murine model of cutaneous protothecosis.

BACKGROUND: To date there is no defined pharmacologic treatment protocol available against cutaneous protothecosis, which is difficult to combat using conventional drugs. OBJECTIVES: Our experiment aimed to comparatively investigate the effect of two essential oils (Mentha piperita and Saturenja hortensis) against cutaneous protothecosis experimentally induced by Prototheca zopfii in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunosuppressed BALB/c female mice, were divided into six experimental groups, infected with P. zopfii, and then treated for 21 days against the infection. The effectiveness of the different treatments was assessed clinically and histologically by quantifying the degree of inflammation (immunohistochemical quantification of macrophages, T lymphocytes and neutrophils) and fibrosis. RESULTS: Skin lesions in experimental protothecosis from non-treated mice were more severe as compared to the four groups of treated animals. Both M. piperita and S. hortensis have proved to be efficient in vivo in the treatment of cutaneous protothecosis by reducing the clinical signs and significantly reducing the degree of inflammation (P<0.05 for the number of macrophages, T lymphocytes and neutrophils) and fibrosis as compared to untreated animals. CONCLUSION: Interestingly, our study shows that M. piperita and S. hortensis could represent a potential source of natural antimicrobial products in the treatment of cutaneous protothecosis.

Lethal herpesvirosis in 16 captive horned vipers (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes): pathological and ultrastructural findings.

Sixteen captive adult horned vipers (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes) were submitted for necropsy examination following a 2-week history of lethargy, anorexia and dyspnoea. Gross lesions included widespread haemorrhage, serosanguineous effusions in the body cavities and multiple pinpoint white to yellow foci in the liver. Microscopically, there was multifocal hepatic coagulative necrosis associated with intranuclear acidophilic inclusion bodies in sinusoidal endothelial cells. Similar endothelial lesions were observed in the myocardium, fat bodies, kidneys and spleen. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous virions (100-110 nm) in the nuclei of endothelial cells and intracytoplasmic enveloped virions (140-150 nm) were also found. The gross and histological findings and the ultrastructural features of the intranuclear inclusions and viral particles were consistent with herpesviral infection. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of a lethal herpesvirosis in horned vipers and the second report in snakes.

Histopathological features of canine spontaneous non-neoplastic gastric polyps - a retrospective study of 15 cases.

Fifteen cases of canine gastric polyps, collected over a 4-year period, were investigated using gross inspection, histological procedures and immunohistochemical techniques for Helicobacter infection. No breed or sex predisposition was found for gastric polyps, although they occurred mainly in elderly animals. There were 9 pedunculated and 6 sessile polypoid growths, between 5 to 30 mm in diameter developed mainly in the pyloric region of the stomach. The most common type of gastric polyps was the hyperplastic one. The inflammatory type was identified in three cases. Foci of AB/PAS Goblet positive cells resembling intestinal metaplasia, mild dysplasia of gastric epithelium, well delimited calcified areas, islands of osteoid matrix and nematodes were present in some of these lesions. Histological examination of the adjacent gastric polyp (surrounding gastric mucosa) revealed a severe chronic inflammation in 13 cases and a high grade of Helicobacter species colonization in all cases, but Kendall test analysis showed no correlation between Helicobacter spp. colonization degree and gastritis scores (τ = 0289; p = 0.204). A significant correlation was found between Helicobacter spp. location and gastritis scores (τ = 0.497; p = 0.035). Immunohistochemistry performed with a polyclonal antibody confirmed Helicobacter spp. infection in all cases. Based on their morphology, Helicobacter pylori - like organisms were described in 3 of 15 cases. No high degree of dysplasia nor neoplasia were identified in these lesions. The etiology and pathogenesis of gastric polyps in dogs are still unknown, although a severe chronic antral gastritis may be a predisposing condition for development of gastric polyps in dogs.

Comparative study concerning mistletoe viscotoxins antitumor activity.

Viscum album L. (Santalaceae) (VA) - a parasitic plant that grows on various trees - has proved a significant anticancer effect in both experimental studies and clinical trials. The present study assesses the influence of oxidative stress in mistletoe induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells, in relation to classic cytostatic therapy. VA ethanolic extract was administered alone and combined with doxorubicin (chloride) in Swiss female mice previously intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells (1 × 106/animal) that consequently developed Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). The administered doses were of 50 mg/kg on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day for the VA extract, respectively of 2.5 mg/kg on the 1st and 6th day for doxorubicin, after tumor cell implantation. Fourteen days later all mice were euthanized, ascites of the EAC were collected in order to analyze the tumor proliferation parameters, as well as blood samples, in order to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma. Tumor development was associated with increased activity of plasma enzymes; classic doxorubicin therapy not only prevents the accumulation of ascitic fluid, but also significantly reduces the activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, in association with VA extract, the protective effect is improved. Oxidative changes in Ehrlich tumor cells consisted in decreased catalase activity and amplified xanthine oxidase and peroxidase activities.

The effect of chronic toxicity of pethidine on the spinal cord: an experimental model in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of chronic spinal analgesia with pethidine in a rabbit model. We introduced epidural catheters in twenty New Zealand white rabbits, divided into two groups, and we administered 0.5 mg/kg pethidine or the same volume of normal saline through the catheters, for three consecutive days. Throughout the experiment, the animals were evaluated in terms of neurological status using the Tarlov score. After the rabbit's euthanasia, 4 µm sections of spinal cord stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin were analyzed by a pathologist blinded to the study for neurohistopathological changes. The results were statistically analyzed with Prism 5 software for Windows. No significant differences were noticed between the two groups in as far as body temperature (p=0.295) and weight (p=0.139) were concerned. In the group of animals, which received epidural pethidine, nine rabbits showed histological changes suggestive for neurotoxicity at the lumbar level of the spinal cord. These findings were significantly different compared with the control group which received only saline (no microscopic lesions revealed; p=0.0006). When combining the data from both groups or using the pethidine group alone, there was a significant correlation between the presence of neurological injury (Tarlov score) and the presence of the histopathological lesions in the spinal cord (r=-0.709, p=0.0002 and r=-0.635, p=0.013, respectively). Based on our findings, the chronic epidural administration of pethidine in rabbits induces moderate to severe histological changes on the spinal cord, but further investigations are needed to make a definitive statement about the histological effect of pethidine on the neurological tissue.

Hepatic and systemic effects of rosuvastatin on an experimental model of bile duct ligation in rats.

In the early stages of cholestasis, a plethora of mechanisms are considered to contribute to the liver injury: oxidative stress, inflammation, cholangiocytes proliferation and fibrosis. Our study aims to investigate the effects of different doses of rosuvastatin (Ro) on experimental bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis. 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): Sham group (laparotomy); BDL group (subjected to bile duct ligation); BDL group treated with Ro (5 mg/bw daily); BDL group treated with Ro (10 mg/bw daily). After 6 days of treatment, in the day 7 after BDL, the animals were sacrificed and we explored hepato-cytolysis, the seric parameters for cholestasis and oxidative stress in plasma, liver, brain and kidneys. Proliferation was investigated by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), while inflammation by liver histology, TNFR2 expression and NF-κB induction and activation. To assess fibrosis, we performed Tricrom-Masson staining, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1) expression, and for myofibroblast activation, we analyzed α-SMA expression. The administration of Ro in early stages of cholestasis proved to have a beneficial effect by decreasing α-SMA. Ro didn't exert systemic oxidative stress effects, but increased hepatocytolysis, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and sustained increased levels of pro-fibrotic cytokine TGF-ß1 as well as the number of proliferating cells in ducts and parenchyma. Ro inhibited the induction and the activation of NF-κB, which could be considered a beneficial effect. Further studies must be carried out in order to clearly investigate the balance between risks and benefits for Ro administration in early stages of cholestasis.

The effects of chitosan and low dose dexamethasone on extrahepatic cholestasis after bile duct ligation in Wistar rats.

UNLABELLED: Inflammation and oxidative stress are important pathways in the development of liver fibrosis following biliary obstruction. AIM: To evaluate the effects of low dose dexamethasone and chitosan, a natural compound with no side-effects, on liver damage caused by bile duct ligation in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty female Wistar rats, randomly and equally divided in 5 groups: I (SHAM) underwent only laparotomy, II (BDL) with bile duct ligation, III (DEX) 0.125 mg/kg dexamethasone i.m. daily, IV (CS) 1 mg/kg chitosan by gavage and group V (DEX+CS), both substances. After six days, the following parameters were assessed from liver homogenates: malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), total SH groupings, nitric oxide (NO), and from plasma: MDA, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB). A histopathological examination was performed using some of the elements of the Knodell Histological Activity Index. RESULTS: BDL significantly increases the levels of MDA, liver enzymes, and the necro-inflammatory score compared to the sham group and it decreases the antioxidant capacity. DEX protects against lipid peroxidation and improves the antioxidant capacity, but it is not able to protect the hepatocytes. Chitosan significantly decreases (p<0.05) the levels of MDA (0.07±0.01 vs 0.10±0.01 nmoles/mg protein BDL group, p=0.027) and also ALT, TB, GGT and reduces liver necrosis and inflammation (2.75±0.95 vs 1±0, p<0.05). Both CS and DEX reduce the level of NO significantly. CONCLUSION: BDL induces severe oxidative stress damage after six days already. Chitosan proved very efficient in protecting the hepatocytes against oxidative stress, a fact supported by the histological findings.

The first description of a congenital right ventricular cardiac aneurysm in a pigeon (Columba livia domestica, Cluj blue tumbler pigeon).

Congenital cardiac aneurysms and diverticula are rare cardiac outpouchings first described in humans. Our paper describes a congenital cardiac aneurysm in the wall of the right ventricle in a pigeon. A number of pigeons (n = 23), Cluj blue tumblers (Aves: Columbiformes: Columbidae: Columba livia domestica), were found dead (accidental poisoning) in October 5, 2011 in Cluj-Napoca, Central Romania. One individual (a 7-mo-old male) presented with a thin-walled pouch in the wall of the right cardiac ventricle. A complete necropsy examination was performed, and samples of the heart (ca. 0.5 cm) with evident macroscopic lesions were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. During the necropsy examination, a well-demarcated outpouching was noted in the wall of the right cardiac ventricle. The aneurysm had a broad communication with the corresponding ventricular chamber. Histologically, the wall of the right ventricular pouch consisted of mature fibrous connective tissue with collagen fibers and fibroblasts. No viable cardiomyocytes were found in the wall of the aneurysm. No infarction, inflammation, or granulation tissue was identified in the aneurysm. This is the first reliable record of a congenital cardiac aneurysm in a pigeon and also the first record of this cardiac anomaly in birds. Herein we describe gross and histopathologic changes of a congenital cardiac aneurysm in a pigeon.

Histopathological aspects and local implications of oxidative stress in patients with oral lichen planus.

Aerobic life is connected with continuous production of free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells posses an enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system to maintain redox homeostasis. Oxidant-antioxidant imbalance resulting in excessive accumulation of ROS is defined as oxidative stress. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammation of unknown etiology. Several researchers suggest that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological alterations and the status of local oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in patients with OLP. We evaluated and compared the local levels of oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in patients with OLP with that of normal controls. Increased levels of MDA and decreased levels of GSH suggest the idea of oxidative stress implication in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.

The effect of distraction rate on bone histological and histomorphometrical properties in an ovine mandible model.

UNLABELLED: Lengthening the mandible by distraction osteogenesis (DO) is nowadays a well-recognized technique in maxillofacial surgery. This study compared two different distraction rates and evaluated histological and histomorphometrical properties of the distracted bone in an experimental ovine mandible model with the goal of elaborating a universally accepted distraction protocol. STUDY DESIGN: Tissue blocks of regenerated bone were harvested from twelve young adult sheep. DO was performed on the mandibular midline after five days of latency period. The sheep were divided into two groups. The first group underwent activation of 0.8 mm÷day during 12 days resulting in 9.6 mm of new bone while the second group followed a geometric rate pattern of 0.2 mm - three days, 0.4 mm - three days, 0.8 mm - three days and 1.6 mm - three days resulting in 9 mm of new bone. The regenerated bone was histologically and histomorphometrically analyzed after 30, 45 and 60 days of consolidation. The relative osteoid volume (OV÷TTV) was significantly increased in the geometric rate distraction group (p=0.015) comparing with linear distraction group while the relative bone volume (BV÷TTV) was significantly increased in the linear distraction group (p=0.019) compared to the geometric distraction group.

Chemopreventive effects of Calluna vulgaris and Vitis vinifera extracts on UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 hairless mice.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a major cause of non-melanoma skin cancer in humans. Photochemoprevention with natural products represents a simple but very effective strategy in the management of cutaneous neoplasia. The study investigated the protective activity of Calluna vulgaris (Cv) and red grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L, Burgund Mare variety) (BM) extracts in vivo on UVB-induced deleterious effects in SKH-1 mice skin. Forty SKH-1 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): control, UVB irradiated, Cv + UVB irradiated, BM+UVB irradiated. Both extracts were applied topically on the skin in a dose of 4 mg/40 µl/cm(2) before UVB exposure - single dose. The effects were evaluated in skin 24 hours after irradiation through the presence of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and sunburn cells, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 levels. The antioxidant activity of BM extract was higher than those of Cv extract as determined using stable free radical DPPH assay and ABTS test. One single dose of UVB generated formation of CPDs (p<0.0001) and sunburn cells (p<0.0002) and increased the cytokine levels in skin (p<0.0001). Twenty hours following irradiation BM extract inhibited UVB-induced sunburn cells (p<0.02) and CPDs formation (p<0.0001). Pretreatment with Cv and BM extracts resulted in significantly reduced levels of IL-6 and TNF-α compared with UVB alone (p<0.0001). Our results suggest that BM extracts might be a potential candidate in preventing the damages induced by UV in skin.

Non-invasive oxidative stress markers for liver fibrosis development in the evolution of toxic hepatitis.

Oxidative stress is related to the liver fibrosis, anticipating the hepatic stellate cells' (HSC) activation. Our aim was to correlate oxidative stress markers with the histological liver alterations in order to identify predictive, noninvasive parameters of fibrosis progression in the evolution of toxic hepatitis.CCl4 in sunflower oil was administered to rats intragastrically, twice a week. After 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), hydrogen donor capacity (HD), sulfhydryl groups (SH), and glutathione (GSH) were measured and histological examination of the liver slides was performed. Dynamics of histological disorders was assessed by The Knodell score. Significant elevation of inflammation grade was obtained after the second week of the experiment only (p=0.001), while fibrosis started to become significant (p=0.001) after 1 month of CCl4 administration. Between plasma MDA and liver fibrosis development a good correlation was obtained (r=0.877, p=0.05). Correlation between PC dynamics and liver alterations was marginally significant for inflammation grade (r=0.756, p=0.138). HD evolution revealed a marginally inverse correlation with inflammation grade (r=-0.794, p=0.108). No correlations could be established for other parameters with either inflammation grade or fibrosis stage.Our study shows that MDA elevation offers the best prediction potential for fibrosis, while marginal prediction fiability could be attributed to high levels of plasma PC and low levels of HD.

Occurrence of fungi with mycotoxic potential in grain of transylvania and potential hazardous effects in broiler chicken.

Investigations on the mycological quality of feeds from Transylvanian farms are presented. The investigations had two objectives: 1. survey for mycological contamination and related chemical composition; 2. the evaluation of effects ofFusarium graminearum Schw. infested wheat (8% in the diet) on productivity and digestibility of nutrients in broilers. More than 50% of the samples showed water contents exceeding 16%, due to inadequate harvesting and storage conditions. This correlated with high my-cological contamination, with dominant species of the genusFusarium, Aspergillus, Alternaria,Penicillium andRhizopus. Feeding trials with broilers showed that live weight gain and digestibility coefficients of protein and fat in animals givenFusarium infested grain were depressed. As well N-retention and feed conversion rate (kg feeding stuff/ kg weight gain) were impaired.