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Paraquat (PQ) is a noxious herbicide which adversely affects the vital organs including male reproductive system. Sudachitin (SCN) is a naturally occurring flavonoid that demonstrates a wide range of biological potentials. The current study was designed to investigate the alleviative potential of SCN to avert PQ‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Forty‐eight male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were apportioned into four groups including control, PQ (5 mg/kg), PQ + SCN (5 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg), and SCN (30 mg/kg) only treated group. Our findings elucidated that PQ treatment reduced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) and its antioxidant genes as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while elevating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, PQ intoxication upregulated the expressions of Keap‐1 while downregulating the expression of 3‐beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), 17‐beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Moreover, sperm anomalies were increased following the exposure to PQ. Besides, PQ exposure decreased the levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) while increasing the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Additionally, PQ treatment escalated the expressions of cysteinyl aspartate‐specific proteases‐3 (Caspase‐3) and Bcl‐2‐associated X‐protein (Bax) while downregulating the expressions of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2). Furthermore, PQ exposure disrupted the normal architecture of testicular tissues. However, SCN treatment remarkably protected the testicular tissues via regulating the aforementioned disruptions owing to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and androgenic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity and distribution patterns of pollinator assemblages were explored at Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber, AJK, Pakistan. Sampling was recorded fortnightly by using pan traps, sweep nets, and handpicking. A one-year survey of pollinator fauna was recorded from selected locales of DVNP from October 2019 to September 2020. We observed the same species richness in all three study sites, but a great difference was observed in species abundance. A total of 5565 individuals of 58 species belonging to 23 families and four orders were collected from DVNP. Barmala was reported as the highest abundant site (2815 individuals), followed by the Vatala (1832 individuals) and Deva (918 individuals). SIMPER analysis indicated an overall dissimilarity of Deva-Vatala (18.88%), Deva-Barmala (29.12%), and Vatala- Barmala (10.84%). The biological dissimilarity was evaluated and based on insect taxonomy indicated that Coccinella septempunctata, Sceliphron madraspatanum, Aedes albopictus, Eristalis tenax, Crambus albellus, Zonitoschema melanarthra, Zonitoschema gibdoana, Camponotus vagus, Polistes carolira, and Episyrphus viridaureus were the main contributing species in the community dissimilarity. Results showed significant differences between Vatala - Deva with higher Shannon value in Vatala (H’ = 4.03) than Deva (H’ = 3.92), Deva-Barmala with higher Shannon index in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Deva (H’ = 3.92) and Vatala-Barmala have a higher average value of Shannon diversity in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Vatala (H’ = 4.03). DVNP offers habitat and plentiful resources for the insect pollinator assemblages of four major insect orders, viz. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. We detected variations in the abundance of different insect groups (orders, families, and species) during different seasons and study sites within DVNP. This study emphasizes the conduct of research work based on more explorative surveys in association with vegetation types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-weeks feeding experiment was performed to study the requirement of vitamin E for rohu fingerlings. Six practical diets were fed to fingerlings including one control diet (E0) and five test diets (E25, E50, E75, E100 and E125) supplemented with graded vitamin E levels including 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg. After the completion of trial, fish growth, vitamin E, antioxidant enzymes activities and fatty acids profile was determined. From the results it was concluded that the graded supplemental vitamin E levels improve the utilization of feed and fish growth. The antioxidant enzymes activities also showed significant results by increasing vitamin E level in the diet. However, an inverse relation was recorded between the contents of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and vitamin E level in the diet. Moreover, analysis of fatty acids profile showed decrease in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). While, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were increased in all vitamin E supplemented diets compared to control group. Furthermore, vitamin E level of 80.62 mg/kg was found optimum for maximum growth performance in L. rohita fingerlings, beyond which no increase in growth was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dietary effect of vitamin E supplementation on fingerlings of Labeo rohita during refrigerated storage was investigated. Six graded levels of vitamin E, between 0-125 mg/kg vitamin E, were fed to fish. After 60-day feeding trial, fish were sacrificed, fillets were stored in refrigerator at -20°C and analyzed on 0, 15 and 30th day of storage. Upon refrigeration the vitamin E fed fish showed reduced level of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at all storage days. The enzyme activities were improved by elevating the levels of vitamin E in diet as well as by storage period (P < 0.05) for all treatments. Fatty acid profile indicated that n-3, n-6 fatty acids and the ratios of ARA/EPA and n-3/n-6 were increased by increasing vitamin E supplementation and decreased with an increase in the storage period. Conclusively, the dietary vitamin E reduced lipid peroxidation and improved the fillet quality of stored fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of a newly introduced insecticide, Malathion on the health of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix fish. The fish serve as valuable biomarkers for ecological harm caused by toxins, especially as they are a significant source of protein and easily accessible. The current study focuses on histopathological alterations, nuclear changes in erythrocytes, and DNA damage in fish brain after exposure to Malathion at environmentally relevant concentrations. The research aimed to assess the potential toxicity of Malathion on fish health, utilizing histological examinations and genetic toxicity assessments through micronuclei and s. Freshwater fish were exposed to Malathion for 18 days under constant pH, temperature and hardness conditions. The study involved sacrificing fish on the 6th, 12th, and 18th days of exposure for tissue and blood sample collection. Histological examinations revealed significant alterations in the fish brain, including necrosis of neurons, cytoplasmic vacuolization, edema, and congestion of neural cells. The severity of these changes increased with higher Malathion concentrations and longer exposure periods. The micronuclei and Comet assays were employed to evaluate genetic toxicities, providing insights into the potential harm posed by Malathion to fish health. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of environmental pollutants on aquatic ecosystems and emphasize the necessity for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies. The observed histopathological alterations and genetic toxicities highlight potential risks associated with Malathion exposure, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the environmental consequences of new insecticides. The results showed significant morphological changes in red blood cells, severe histological changes and DNA damage in brain tissues of exposed fish.Thus, malathion in water have toxic effects on fish therefore its seepage into aquatic bodies should be carefully monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avifauna population estimation and hydrological analysis of surface water of Mangla dam Wetland was carried out for two consecutive years by conducting bird census in the months of January. The birds are counted by Point Count Method from a fixed point and for the fix time period in such a way that the Sun is always at the back. A total of 37,082 birds belong to 37 species visited the wetland in 2010 whereas 28 with population of 21,302 birds in 2011. Twenty one bird species were common at the study site for both years. The most abundant bird species were Black Headed Gull and Great Cormorant for both years 2010 and 2011. The census index (139.93 / km²) was higher in 2010 rather than (80.38 / km²) in 2011. The level of Co+2, Cu+2, Fe+2, Mg+2, Mn+2 and Zn+2 were found to be within the permissible limits in surface water analysis. However, the levels of Cr+2, Pb+2 and Cd+2 were high from safe limits. The study emphasized on extensive monitoring of the lake and catchment area in order to address the threats posed by heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute toxicity tests (96-hr LC50 and lethal concentration) of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) were conducted with two fish species viz. Channa marulius and Wallago attu. At the end of each trial, the fish were dissected and their organs viz. gills, kidney and liver were isolated for the determination of antioxidant enzymes activity. Cadmium was significantly more toxic than chromium with the mean 96-hr LC50 values of 75.70 ± 0.91 and 94.86 ± 0.96 mg L-1, respectively. C. marulius was significantly less sensitive than W. attu. Activity of superoxide dismutase increased with increasing metallic ion concentrations in the test mediums for both fish species. However, the activity of catalase and peroxidase decreased by increasing the concentration of metallic ions in the test mediums. The fish kept in control conditions (without metal stress) showed maximum activity of catalase and peroxidase. The fish, C. marulius accumulates significantly higher contents of chromium than cadmium. Among fish organs, liver appeared as a target organ that accumulate significantly higher contents of chromium followed by that of kidney, gills, fins, skin, muscle and bones. The W. attu followed almost the similar trend as that of C. marulius for the accumulation of metals. The accumulation order of metals in fish organs were liver>kidney>gills>fins>skin>muscle>bones for both fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic contamination by heavy metals is a worldwide environmental problem. This contamination is due to different anthropogenic activities of human. Different metals have the tendency to induce harmful effect on living organisms. In order to evaluate the acute response of cadmium and copper alterations in the behaviour of freshwater fish, Channa (C.) marulius and Wallago (W.) attu, the static bioassay tests were carried out. The LC50 values of cadmium and copper were determined as 75.70±0.91; 32.96±0.36 and 1.07±0.01; 0.60±0.02 mg L-1 for C. marulius and W. attu, respectively. During the acute exposure of both metals, the fish showed some abnormal activities like erratic swimming, equilibrium loss and enhanced surfacing behaviour. The metals concentrations showed direct relationship with fish hyperactivity and convulsions rate. The cadmium and copper exposed test mediums showed directly maximum relationship with somersaulting activity (R²=0.838; 0.861) for C. marulius while the same for W. attu was maximum with hyperactivity (R²=0.797; 0.882). These indications were more pronounced for both fish species in the copper than cadmium exposed test mediums. The fish kept in the medium without metal exposure showed normal behaviour and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the palliative potential of ginkgetin (GK) against polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) instigated renal damage in rats. 24 rats were separated into 4 groups i.e., control, PS-MPs-intoxicated (0.01mgkg-1), PS-MPs (0.01mgkg-1) and GK (25mgkg-1) administrated and GK (25mgkg-1) only treated group. Results of the experiment showed that the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes i.e., glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GSR) & catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased, while the levels of ROS and MDA were increased following PS-MPs treatment. Furthermore, PS-MPs intoxication increased the levels of kidney function markers such as creatinine, urea, NGAL and KIM-1, while a significant reduction was observed in creatinine clearance. Moreover, PS-MPs significantly increased the TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β levels and COX-2 activity. Furthermore, it reduced the Bcl-2 level, while increased the levels of Caspase-9, Bax and Caspase-3 and induced histological damages in the renal tissues. However, the treatment of GK significantly regulated the biochemical, renal, inflammatory, apoptotic markers and attenuated the PS-MPs induced histopathological damages due to its reno-protective, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) is a noxious herbicide which is well known for its adverse effects on vital organs including kidneys. Sudachitin (SCN) is a plant derived flavone that is obtained from Citrus sudachi and demonstrates a range of pharmacological potentials. This investigation was executed to assess the protective effects of SCN to counteract PQ instigated renal damage in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Twenty-four rats were apportioned in 4 different groups i. e., control group, PQ (5 mg/kg) intoxicated group, PQ (5 mg/kg)+SCN (20 mg/kg) cotreated group and SCN (20 mg/kg) only administrated group. Our findings revealed that exposure to PQ reduced the expressions of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and its cytoprotective genes while escalating the expression of keap1. Furthermore, PQ intoxication reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutathione (GSH) contents while increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PQ exposure significantly increased the levels of neutrophil gelatinous-associated lipocalin (NGAL), urea, kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) as well as creatine while reducing creatine clearance. Additionally, PQ upregulated the levels of inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis- α (TNF- α), nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB), interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, PQ administration upregulated the expression of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) and (cysteine-aspartic acid protease) Caspase-3 while downregulating the expressions of (B-cell lymphoma 2 protein) Bcl-2. Besides, PQ exposure prompted various histopathological damages in renal tissues. Nonetheless, SCN substantially restored aforementioned alterations in the renal tissues owing to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)