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Simple Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the histological changes and key characteristics observed during gonadal development in three types of sequential hermaphrodite fish and further elucidates the associated regulatory genes and signaling pathways involved. The aim is to enhance our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying sex differentiation in sequential hermaphrodite fish, thereby offering novel insights into research on sex determination. This article explicitly states that the regulatory mechanisms of most sex-related genes are similar across different sequential hermaphrodite fish species; however, a minority of genes demonstrate distinct regulatory patterns among diverse species. Consequently, future studies should integrate multiple levels of regulatory genes, environmental factors, and fine-tuned regulation of the neuroendocrine system to further explore these regulatory mechanisms. As a fundamental taxonomic group within vertebrates, fish represent an invaluable resource for investigating the mechanisms underlying sex determination and differentiation owing to their extensive geographical distribution and rich biodiversity. Within this biological cohort, the processes of sex determination and differentiation are intricately governed by both genetic factors and the complex interplay of environmental cues. While variations in external environmental factors, particularly temperature, can exert a modulatory influence on sex differentiation in fish to a limited degree, genetic factors remain the primary determinants of sexual traits. Hermaphroditic fish display three distinct types of sexual transitions: protandry (male to female), protogyny (female-to-male), bidirectional sex change (both directions serially). These fish, characterized by their unique reproductive strategies and sexual plasticity, serve as exemplary natural models for elucidating the mechanisms of sex differentiation and sexual transitions in fish. The present review delves into the histological dynamics during gonadal development across three types of sequential hermaphroditic fish, meticulously delineating the pivotal characteristics at each stage, from the inception of primordial gonads to sexual specialization. Furthermore, it examines the regulatory genes and associated signaling pathways that orchestrate sex determination and differentiation. By systematically synthesizing these research advancements, this paper endeavors to offer a comprehensive and profound insight into the intricate mechanisms governing sex differentiation in sequential hermaphroditic fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fish culture is an important sector in securing food supply for human, however, potential hazards as biological and chemical contamination is a challenge. This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on tilapias based on sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination. The study revealed stressed aquaculture system as tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites and endoparasites. Infestation was found to be sex, length and weight dependent. Male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to infection. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. Infected fish showed increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and physiological homeostasis. The study emphasizes that parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight. Objective: The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on farmed tilapias based on fish sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination. Materials and methods: A total of 111 fish were collected from an aquaculture farm in Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters of water from the culture system were evaluated. Both ecto- and endoparasites were checked. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. In addition, heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in different fish tissues and water samples from the aquaculture system. Results: The study revealed stressed aquaculture system. Tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites including Trichodina, Icthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogrus, and Cichlidogyrus, and endoparasites as Icthyophonus hoferi, the nematode Capillaria and coccidian protozoa. The study showed that male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to Dactylogyrus infection. Infected fish showed altered biochemical markers with subsequent increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The post-mortem lesion in the skin, gill lamellae, intestine, spleen, and liver showed significant pathological remarks. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. On the other hand, infected Nile tilapia tissues showed higher rate of metals accumulation compared to non-infected ones. Metals accumulated at a higher rate in the liver followed by kidney, intestine, gills, and muscles, respectively. Conclusions: This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and harming fish's physiological homeostasis and the histological state of tissues. The parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans due to possible zoonosis from parasitic infections and its subsequent bacterial infections with long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals including cadmium (Cd) are one of the major persistent and non-biodegradable wastewater pollutants. However, Cd reaches the aquatic ecosystem via industrial and agricultural waste discharges and causes serious deterioration in the welfare status of aquatic animals. The use of feed supplements with immune-stimulants to mitigate the toxic influences of heavy metals including Cd is a much more intriguing point. Thus, the current experiment used the bio-synthetized chitosan nanoparticles derived from Bacillus subtilis (Bs-CNPs) as a feed supplement and evaluated its ameliorative impacts on the growth and welfare status of Cd-intoxicated Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Bifactorial design (3 Bs-CNPs levels × 3 Cd levels) was used in the current study where Nile tilapia fingerlings (58–63 g) were fed on 0.0, 2, and 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed alongside with exposing to 0.0, 0.392, and 0.784 mg Cd/L for 60 days to represent nine treatments as follows: T1: control group (no Cd exposure; no Bs-CNPs supplement); T2 and T3: fish were intoxicated with 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively; T4 and T5: fish fed on 2 and 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed, respectively; T6 and T7: fish were fed on 2 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed along with exposure to 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively; and T8 and T9: fish were fed on 4 g Bs-CNPs/kg feed along with exposure to 0.784 and 0.392 mg Cd/L, respectively. It is noted that the Cd-intoxicated fish exhibited significant retardation in growth performance and digestive enzyme activities with a decline in their survival rate compared to the control group (T1). The results also revealed that exposing fish to Cd toxicity alone with no feed supplement (T2 and T3) experienced abnormal clinical signs and behavioral changes. Compared with the control group (no Cd with no Bs-CNPs), highest values of cortisol, glucose, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and acetylcholine esterase activity were found in fish fed on the control diet along with exposure to 0.784 mg Cd/L. Higher Cd restudies in liver, intestine, gills, kidney, and muscles tissues were detected in fish exposed to 0.784 mg Cd/L alone and the sequence order of Cd levels in different fish organs is intestine > gills > liver > kidney > muscles. Remarkable pathological alterations in hepatic and intestinal tissues were also observed. On the other hand, feeding Nile tilapia on Bs-CNPs-enriched diets alone with no Cd exposure enhanced their growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and hematological parameters with no Cd residues in fish organs. Interestingly, feeding the Cd-intoxicated fish on diets with Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) returned their growth, digestive enzymes, hematological, and biochemical parameters to approximate those of the control group. Furthermore, these treatments showed histopathological alteration recovery in the intestine and liver tissues is similar to those in the control group (no Cd with no Bs-CNPs). Fish fed on Bs-CNPs levels with no Cd exposure showed no Cd residues in different fish organs. The Cd levels in different organs of fish exposed to 0.392 mg Cd/L along with feeding on Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) were lower than those in Cd-exposed fish treatments. Consequently, the current study evoked that feeding Nile tilapia fingerlings on Bs-CNPs (4 g/kg feed) could enhance their growth performance and protect the fish from the Cd toxicity that may occur in the aquatic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of magnifying the damage caused by obesity induced by monosodium glutamate, using a model of maternal periodontitis, on the structure of the anterior tibialis muscle of the offspring. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: control (n = 6), obese (n = 6), control with periodontitis (n = 6) and obese with periodontitis (n = 6). At 78 days of life, the rats were mated with males without any experimental intervention. The offspring of these rats (n = 1/L), at 120 days of life, were weighed and measured, then euthanized. Plasma was collected for analysis of cytokines IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17 and TNF‐α. Adipose tissues were collected and weighed, and the anterior tibial muscle was designated for histomorphological analyses (n = 6/group). Results: Monosodium glutamate offspring showed significant muscle changes, such as a reduction in the size of fibres and neuromuscular junctions, and an increase in the nucleus and capillaries. However, all these changes were more expressed in monosodium glutamate‐obese with periodontitis offspring. Conclusion: This leads us to suggest a magnifying effect promoted by periodontitis to the damage already well described by monosodium glutamate‐obesity, determined by low‐intensity inflammation, causing greater muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of pesticides in veterinary medicine, agriculture, public health, and aquatic environments has increasingly threatened aquatic life in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity, behavioral changes, and histological alterations caused by pymetrozine (PY) in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The 96-hour LC50 value for PY was found to be 0.28g/ L, indicating the concentration at which half of the test population succumbed within 96 hours. Behavioral changes such as hyperexcitation, irregular swimming, dark coloration, loss of balance, and lethargy were observed and varied with the concentration of PY. The study also demonstrated that the mortality rate, clinical lesions, behavioral changes, and histological alterations in the gills, liver, and kidneys were all influenced by both the dosage of PY and the duration of exposure, highlighting the toxicological impact of PY on the Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the combination effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and metformin against letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Female Wistar rats were administered letrozole (1 mg/kg/day, p.o) for 21 days, except for the control group of animals. On the 22nd day, PCOS-induced animals were segregated into 4 groups and administered with CMC, ACV, metformin, and a combination of ACV and metformin, respectively. The treatments were continued for 15 days, and on the 36th day, all the animals were sacrificed for biochemical (blood glucose, lipid profile), hormonal (sex hormones and adiponectin), and pro-inflammatory mediator estimations in blood samples. The ovarian tissue samples were used for oxidative stress parameters and histological alterations. The PCOS control animals showed a significant alteration in the estrous cycle. The administration of letrozole resulted in the alteration of hormonal balance and elevation of body weights, glycemic state, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory mediators in serum, and oxidative stress in ovarian samples. Individual treatment groups and combination treatment groups reversed the letrozole-induced alterations in PCOS animals, and more promising results were observed with combination therapy than with individual treatment groups. Further, the therapeutic potential of the combination treatment group was also confirmed by the histological observations in the ovarian samples. The study showed that the combination of ACV and metformin significantly alleviated letrozole-induced PCOS complications in rats. This might have been achieved by mitigating the hormonal imbalance, pro-inflammatory, hyperglycemic, and hyperlipidemic states in serum, and oxidative stress in the ovary samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was evaluation of the neuroprotective potential effect of Ocimum basilicum on oxidative stress status in rat induced Alzheimer's disease. Fifty rats were divided into five groups (ten rats each). Rats were treated orally with AlCl3 to induced AD. Group 1 (control group). Group 2 (AD group): supplemented orally with AlCl3 (17mg/kg/day) for four weeks. Group 3 (OB/AD group) supplemented concomitantly with oral rivastigmine (3 mg/kg /day). Group 4 (OB/AD group) supplemented concomitantly with oral OB (250mg/kg/day) and Group 5 (OB/AD group) supplemented concomitantly with oral OB (500 mg/kg/day). The results showed that the plant leaves extract increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) with a significant decrease of a serum MDA and also the aggregation of tau protein expression was decreased . Histological changes were observed in brain tissues of AD rats. However, the high dosing of the plant leaves extract (500 mg/kg) was more powerful than the low treatment with low dose (250 mg/kg) by decreasing Tau protein expression. The results suggest that Ocimum basilicum can relieve symptoms and prevent the progression of AD severity by improving memory function. It can be concluded that OB leaves were alleviated the memory impairment and learning abilities due to antioxidants activity of flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2023; 6(3.000): 728-738]

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging field of study that seeks to synthesize nanoparticles using non‐chemical mechanisms such as microorganisms, plants, and animal blood serum. Among these, plants have gained particular attention due to their ease of handling, availability, and ability to synthesize a wide range of nanoparticles. Therefore, the current study aimed to fabricate the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Chinese medicinal plants (CMP) for their possible toxicity in common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, CMP was dried, ground, and used as a bio‐reductive agent. The fabricated AgNPs were characterized and a well dispersed AgNPs were obtained. Moreover, the C. carpio was exposed to the AgNPs for bioaccumulation and histological alterations. The obtained findings revealed that the AgNPs were mostly accumulated in the intestines followed by the gills, muscles, liver, and brain. The accumulated AgNPs caused histological alterations in gills and intestines at the highest concentration (0.08 mg/L). However, very less alterations were caused by the lowest concentration, especially in the intestine. In conclusion, further in‐depth research is needed to determine the risks associated with the usage of nanoparticles to reveal their harmful impacts on fish and the aquatic environment. Highlights: The biological fabrication of AgNPs is considered eco‐friendly.Chinese medicinal plants play a significant role in AgNPs synthesis.AgNPs have excellent antibacterial activity.AgNPs are bioaccumulated in various organs of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetics are one of the major pollutants in the aquatic ecosystem due to the quantum of production to meet the astronomical demand of users that eventually becomes harmful to organisms. Changes in physic-chemical parameters such as potential of hydrogen (pH), Electrical conductivity (EC), Temperature (T oC) Dissolved oxygen (DO) were investigated at the beginning and after 96 hours of cosmetic exposure. This study also investigated the effects of four facial cosmetic products (Powder, foundation, concealer, and primer) histopathologically in fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (gills) exposed to binary, trinary, and quaternary mixtures in laboratory bioassays for 48 hours and 96 hours. The results of pH, T oC, EC and DO ranged from 6.21 - 6.64, 25.40 - 26.70 oC, 0.04 - 0.14 mS/cm, and 10.00 -12.00 mg/l respectively. The joint action toxicity evaluation of the binary, trinary, and quaternary mixtures of the cosmetics prepared based on an equitoxic ratio against the test organism was in concordance with the model of synergism. Results showed the prevalence of severe lamellar necrosis in the gills of C. gariepinus which was observed across all combinations except in the combinations of Powder + Primer as well as Powder + Foundation + Concealer + Primer. Moderate lamellar necrosis and hypertrophied epithelium were observed in fish exposed to a mixture of Powder + Foundation + Concealer. The results obtained in this study suggested that the presence of facial cosmetics in the aquatic ecosystem could be dangerous to fish and subsequently human health via biomagnification. Therefore, there is an urgent need for environmental regulators to enforce safety standards for the emission of these selected cosmetics wastes into the waterways to prevent damage to aquatic organisms and public health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leaves from Physalis angulata L. plant have been used as a source of traditional herbal medicine. However, toxicity studies on the P. angulata leaf (PAL) extract are limited. This study aimed to determine the subacute toxicity of the PAL extract on renal and liver functions and the associated histopathology. Methods: The PAL material was prepared by maceration, and the total flavonoid content of the ethanolic extract was determined, using spectrophotometry. Twenty female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five each. The control group was untreated, but the other three groups received the PAL extract at 100, 500, or 1000 mg/kg, body weight. The subacute toxicity testing was performed over 28 days, and the toxicity symptoms were recorded daily. Results: The PAL extract contained a total flavonoid content of 22.47 mg/g quercetin. At 500 or 1000 mg/kg, the extract caused significant diarrhea in rats. There were no significant differences in the relative organ weights, or the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine. There was no significant damage in the kidneys and liver, but mild histological changes were evident in rats treated with 1000 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusion: The PAL extract did not cause renal or liver dysfunction in rats following 28 days of exposure. However, since diarrhea and mild histological alterations occurred in the liver and kidneys, precautions should be exercised when using the P. angulata extract at high doses in humans, especially over long periods.

Pikeperch of age classes 3+ and 4+ were collected from the Garaši reservoir (Serbia) to analyze their bioindicator potential and compare their possible differences. Concentrations of 26 elements were determined in gills, muscles, and liver by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and of 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and six polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in muscle by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS). Histopathological changes in the liver and gills were analyzed as biomarkers of general fish health. Only the concentrations of Cd, Na, and P in the muscles differed significantly. The OCPs and PCBs concentrations were below the detection limits, so fish meat consumption does not pose a risk concerning these substances. Hg and Cd exceeded the maximum allowed concentrations in some 4+ individuals, probably due to biomagnification. Gills were the most affected by metal exposure in both age classes. Histopathological changes and indices were minor and did not differ significantly between age classes, suggesting that pollution did not affect the morphology and structure of gills and liver. There were no significant correlations between elemental accumulation and fish condition or between histopathological scores. Therefore, both age classes can be used as bioindicators of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work mainly focused on highlight the histological alterations induced by experimental lead poisoning on Carassius gibelio Bloch species and lead-detoxifying ability of spirulina powder added 2% in fish diet. 90 1 year old Prussian carps, were divided in 3 groups as follow: C (control group), E1 group (75 ppm Pb into water as Pb(NO3)2 x ½H2O), E2 group (75 ppm Pb into water+2% spirulina powder in feed), according to the experimental protocol. Fish tissue (gills, intestine, liver, kidney and gonads) were sampled and histologically processed at the end of a 21-day trial period. Histological sections analyzed with an Olympus microscope have revealed the lead-harmful effects to the fish tissues, while spirulina powder has showed an ameliorating effect on the tissue structural changes caused by lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections infringe on different organs causing varying degrees of histological changes which contribute directly or indirectly to fish loss. Histological alterations play significant implication in fish health thereby proffer supports for effective diagnoses to improve the management of cultured fish. Various developmental stages of farmed Clarias gariepinus were randomly collected from 100 farms across the three agricultural zones (East, West and Far – East) in Lagos State, Nigeria from purposively classified culture systems based on water usage management systems (WUMS) into daily water renewal (DWR), weekly water renewal (WWR) and bi – weekly water renewal (BWR)). The organs (skin, gills and intestines) were selected for parasitological examinations and histological sectioning using standard procedure. The water qualities monitored were temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, iron, alkalinity, hardness, and turbidity and measured using standard methods. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages, standard deviation were used to determine the occurrence and rate of histological changes in relations with parasitic infections while semiquantitative analysis was used to assess the histological lesion on gills. This study reveals possible relationship between parasitic infections and histological changes on the gills. The protozoans (Trichodina spp, Vorticella spp., Tetrahymena spp., Chilodonella spp., Piscinoodinium spp. and Ichthyobodo spp.) and monogenean trematode (Dactylogyrus spp., and Gyrodactylus spp.) were related parasites found with varying degrees of histological changes like hyperplasia of the epithelial cells, lifting of the primary epithelium, sloughing of the epithelium, fusion of the secondary lamellae, oedema of the lamellae, vacuolation of the epithelial cells, swelling of the epithelial cells, diffuse infiltration of lamina propria by neutrophil and necrosis of the secondary lamellae, classified into stages I, II and III. The most frequently observed histopathology in all the culture systems was hyperplasia of the gill lamellae; DWR-86.96%, WWR – 88.10%, BWR – 92.86%, followed by the fusion of the secondary lamellae; DWR-65.22%, WWR– 75%, BWR– 78.57%. No histopathological change was observed on the skin and the intestine and lesions were least in the daily water renewal (DWR) culture system. Hence, it can be safely inferred that good management practice in terms of water renewal system should be encouraged to alleviate parasitic infections and minimize organ damage in cultured fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the impacts of emerging contaminants within the context of climate change is crucial for understanding ecosystem health decline. Among these, the organic UV-filters 4-methylbenzylidenecamphor (4-MBC) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Their unique physico-chemical properties, along with their growing commercialization and consumption, have made them ubiquitous in aquatic environments through both direct and indirect releases, raising significant concerns about their potential threats to inhabiting biota. Additionally, increasing surface water temperatures exacerbate ecological risks, making it imperative to understand the implications for non-target species at different biological levels. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of UV-filters 4-MBC or BP-3, at ecologically relevant concentrations, combined with current and predicted warming scenarios, on the performance and male reproductive health of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel populations. Using biomarkers across sub-cellular, cellular, tissue, and individual levels, the study revealed significant physiological and biochemical impairments in both sperm cells and adults exposed to UV-filters. Temperature emerged as the primary driver influencing mussel responses and modulating the impacts of 4-MBC/BP-3, emphasizing their sensitivity to temperatures outside the optimal range and interactive effects between stressors. Specifically, sperm motility declined with increasing UV-filter concentrations, while temperature alone influenced ROS production, leading to compromised mitochondrial activity and DNA damage in the presence of combined stressors, indicative of potential reproductive impairments. Adults exhibited high UV-filter bioconcentration potential in whole tissues, compromised physiological status , morphophysiological changes in digestive glands, oxidative stress, and alterations in metabolic capacity, antioxidant defences, and biotransformation mechanisms, correlating with UV-filter exposure and temperature increase. Among the UV-filters tested, 4-MBC was the most detrimental, especially when combined with warming. Overall, this study underscores the vulnerability of M. galloprovincialis to cumulative stressors and highlights the importance of employing a multi-biomarker approach to assess and mitigate the impacts of stressors on coastal ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Investigated the responses of M. galloprovincialis to 4-MBC or BP-3 and thermal stress. • Temperature exacerbateed the effects of both UV-filters, emphasizing interactive impacts. • Combined stressors affected sperm motility, mitochondrial function, and DNA integrity. • In vivo assessment revealed compromised morphophysiological functions in adults. • Adults exhibited altered haemocyte and metabolic activities, oxidative stress and loss of DNA integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present experimental work was conducted to elucidate the toxicity of nimesulide at three different doses in black kites (Milvus migrans). M. migrans is one of the most common raptors near human habitations. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether nimesulide is similarly hazardous to raptors as was diclofenac sodium and to investigate the acute oral toxicity of nimesulide in these birds. For this study, eight adult male black kites (M. migrans) were randomly divided into four groups. M. migrans in the control group (n = 02) were not treated with nimesulide. The other three groups were given nimesulide doses. The birds in the first (n = 02) were declared the control group. The second (n = 02), third (n = 02), and fourth groups were administered nimesulide at a low, medium, and high dose of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day, respectively, for 10 days. Nimesulide-addled birds became listless and despondent, then anorexic. The birds were standing there with their eyes closed and showing no signs of life. There was an increase in saliva production, a slowing of breathing, and dilated pupils. No clinical signs were observed in the control group. No mortality was seen in the control or treated groups. The control group did not show lesions of gout, but black kites intoxicated with nimesulide at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day showed inflammation, apoptosis, hemorrhage, necrosis, and leukocytic infiltration tissues of the liver, kidney, and heart of black kites (M. migrans) treated with different concentrations of nimesulide. The treated groups also showed apoptosis of myofibrils and hyperplasia. The hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, necrosis of skeletal muscles and hemorrhage were prominent in the muscles of black kites (M. migrans) intoxicated with nimesulide. All observed histological alterations got worse in a dose-related way. There was no significant difference in AST, ALT, ALP, serum uric acid, but a significant difference was observed in the values of serum urea (p = 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.019).

Our work mainly focused on highlight the histological alterations induced by experimental lead poisoning on Carassius gibelio Bloch species and lead-detoxifying ability of spirulina powder added 2% in fish diet. 90 1 year old Prussian carps, were divided in 3 groups as follow: C (control group), E1 group (75 ppm Pb into water as Pb(NO3)2 x ½H2O), E2 group (75 ppm Pb into water+2% spirulina powder in feed), according to the experimental protocol. Fish tissue (gills, intestine, liver, kidney and gonads) were sampled and histologically processed at the end of a 21-day trial period. Histological sections analyzed with an Olympus microscope have revealed the lead-harmful effects to the fish tissues, while spirulina powder has showed an ameliorating effect on the tissue structural changes caused by lead.

The impacts of the Batts drain on two chronically exposed fish (O. niloticus and C. gariepinus) were assessed using multiple biomarkers. Concentrations of metals in water and sediments (Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Al) showed significant elevations near the Batts discharges (site 2) compared to the reference site (site 1). The liver and gills of fish collected from site 2 showed marked elevations in the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels. In addition, significant reductions in glutathione-reduced contents were also recorded. Tissue and species-specific antioxidant responses were associated with excessive generations of reactive oxygen species, which were visualized fluorescently. Various histological alterations were observed in the gills and livers of both species. These alterations varied between compensatory responses (ex: epithelial thickening and lifting) and irreversible damage (ex: necrotic degeneration). Based on the level of lipid peroxidation and the frequency of histopathological modifications, O. niloticus demonstrated greater resistance to the same level of pollution than C. gariepinus. Using integrated biomarkers to evaluate the real impacts of untreated discharges of the Batts drain is applied for the first time on the selected fish species at the studied sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to highlight the histological alterations of some tissue of Prussian carp’s specimens, subjected to sub lethal Pb intoxication with and without coriander dietary supplementation. 90 Prussian carps, with weighing between 10 and 12 g were divided according to the following treatments for 21 days: C (without treatment), E1 (75 ppm Pb into water), E2 (75 ppm Pb into water+2% lyophilized coriander leaves in feed). Gill, intestine, liver and kidney were sampling and analyzed in light microscopy at the end of experiment. QuickPHOTO Micro 2.2 software has been used for the histological study. Our findings were: severe histological alterations in experimental Pb-poisoned group; coriander lyophilisate has been shown to be an excellent chelator on liver tissue and is largely able to attenuate the toxic effects of lead in the kidneys, intestine and gill.

Our study aimed to highlight the histological alterations of some tissue of Prussian carp's specimens, subjected to sub lethal Pb intoxication with and without coriander dietary supplementation. 90 Prussian carps, with weighing between 10 and 12 g were divided according to the following treatments for 21 days: C (without treatment), E1 (75 ppm Pb into water), E2 (75 ppm Pb into water+2% lyophilized coriander leaves in feed). Gill, intestine, liver and kidney were sampling and analyzed in light microscopy at the end of experiment. QuickPHOTO Micro 2.2 software has been used for the histological study. Our findings were: severe histological alterations in experimental Pbpoisoned group; coriander lyophilisate has been shown to be an excellent chelator on liver tissue and is largely able to attenuate the toxic effects of lead in the kidneys, intestine and gill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to assess the level of heavy metals in the water, soil, and tissues of Pomacea canaliculata from Lake Dakong Napo, Esperanza, Philippines as well as identify the histopathological alterations in the gonads and muscles of the snail. Heavy metals were detected using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and slides for histological studies were prepared using histological routine procedure. Results revealed that in sediments Cr (174.67±62 mg/L) and Ni (269.33±17.56 mg/L) were above from the recommended safe limits of the international standards, US EPA (≤25) and FAO (≤50) while concentrations of Pb (16.35± 0.58 mg/L), Cd (5±1.42 mg/L), and Cr (1±0 mg/L) in water were above from the recommended safe limits of the national standards, DAO (≤0.05; ≤0.01; ≤0.05). These heavy metals were below the permissible limits in the gonads and muscles of P. canaliculata however, alterations in the tissues of the snail are evident suggesting that these heavy metals and other environmental stressors are negatively affecting the organisms inhabiting the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript was conducted to spotlight the toxic effect of two sub-lethal concentrations of Methomyl (Copter) LC 20 (0.075 g/L) and LC 40 (0.180 g/L) on some biochemical parameters and histological alterations for land snail Monacha Cartusiana (Muller, 1774). Land snails belong to the class Gastropoda and Phylum Mollusca. This study cleared that both the used concentrations (of Copter) caused a significant increase for activities of three enzymes: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), and Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) after 24, 48, and 72 h from exposure starting. In contrast, a total protein (TP) activity decreased at exposure for two concentrations at all lethality periods. Both concentrations of Copter (0.0.75 g/L and 0.180 g/L) have shown histological changes for land snail tissues after 96 h of exposure; digestive gland, hermaphrodite gland, foot, and mantle. Degeneration, rupture, and vacuolization for digestive cells have been shown; furthermore, hemolytic infiltration in connective tissue will be recognized for the digestive gland. The Oocyte and sperm show degenerated with deformation in the connective tissue of the hermaphrodite gland. Likewise, deformation in the muscle fiber layer of the foot in the land snail distorts the epidermis and mucus gland suffering from necrosis. Moreover, mantle shows rapture in epidermis layer, deformed in muscle fiber layer, and vacuolization and necrosis take place in mucus gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocrotophos (MCP) insecticides are used worldwide for protecting crops against pests. It has been reported as a pollutant that possesses long-term effects on the freshwater ecosystem. In the ecosystem, fishes are more vulnerable to aquatic pollutants as they are in direct contact with the environment. The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effect of MCP in freshwater fish species Channa punctatus (Bloch) under in-vitro conditions. Fish were exposed to acute dose (96 hrs LC50 = 53.996 mg/L) for 96 h of MCP. Increased SOD activity was observed at 24 hrs; however, it was significantly high in gills and kidneys at 96 hrs and in the liver at 72 hrs compared to the control. Histopathological alterations were also observed viz. fused and swollen tips of secondary lamellae, epithelial necrosis in the tissue of gills, vacuolization, congested sinusoids and disintegration of the hepatocytic cell membrane was observed in tissue of the liver and glomerular destruction, vacuolization of the inner epithelial cell was observed in the kidney at 96 hrs of MCP exposure. Overall, we observed at the median-lethal concentration (LC50) of MCP in Channa punctatus not only induce the SOD activity, but also alters the tissue histology in the vital organs of Channa punctatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of 26 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Si, Sr, and Zn) was analyzed in the gills, liver, and muscle of pikeperch males and females from Garaši reservoir using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Histopathological (HP) changes in the gills and liver, and human health risk were also analyzed. The gills were most affected by metal pollution in both sexes. The concentrations of Hg in muscle tissue of four males, and Cd in two females and two males exceeded the maximum allowed concentrations. Statistical tests only revealed significant differences regarding the concentrations of Mg, K, and S in the muscle (higher in males) and Al, Ag, and Mn in the liver (higher in females) of individuals between sexes. Low to moderate levels of pathological changes were recorded for the gills and liver in both sexes. Significant differences between sexes were observed for inflammatory index of gills (IGI) and HP index of gills (IG), males had higher values compared to females, and for liver necrosis, where females had higher values compared to males. Gills were less affected by HP changes compared to the liver. There was no significant non-cancerogenic and cancerogenic health risk due to the consumption of pikeperch meat from the Garaši reservoir. However, women are under greater risk by consuming the meat of both male and female individuals, probably due to a longer lifetime and lesser body weight compared to the men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols are emerging endocrine disrupting pollutant, and several studies have reported that they are already ubiquitous in various environmental matrices and intend to deposit in sediment. The primary sources of bisphenols are river and sewage discharge. Sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), a typical deposit feeder, is one of the most important commercial marine species in Aisa. However, the effects of the bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues bisphenol AF (BPAF) on sea cucumber was unclear. In this study, we carried out field survey in major sea cucumber farming areas in northern China, with the aim of determining which bisphenol analogue is the major bisphenol contamination in this aquaculture area. The results showed that the presence of BPAF was detected in four sampling sites (Dalian, Tangshan, Laizhou, and Longpan). The mean level of BPAF in Laizhou sediment samples was the highest which reached to 9.007 ± 4.702 μ g/kg. Among the seawater samples, the BPAF only have been detected in the samples collected at Longpan. (0.011 ± 0.003 μ g/L). Furthermore, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the single and combined toxicity of BPA and BPAF on sea cucumbers. The concentrations were informed by the findings based on the results of field research. (0.1, 1.0, and 10 μ g/L). After exposure, the body weight gain, and specific growth rate showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). We observed the histological alterations in respiratory tree of treated sea cucumbers including the fusion and detachment of lining epithelial tissue, and increase of lumen space. However, the catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) activity was not significantly changed (P > 0.05). We evaluated the effects of BPA and BPAF through calculating the integrated biomarker response index (IBR), and the results indicated that the toxicity of combined treatment was higher than single treatment. Additionally, BPAF exposure to A. japonicus was more toxic than BPA. [Display omitted] • The presence of bisphenols along the Shandong peninsula was investigated. • The impact of long-term exposure to BPA and BPAF at environmental level on Apostichopus japonicus was explored. • Single and combined treatment of BPA and BPAF caused histological alterations of respiratory tree in A. japonicus. • The immune enzyme activity was not significantly changed after the exposure to the bisphenols. • Adverse effects caused by BPA and BPAF was evaluated through calculating the integrated biomarkers response index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water temperature is a crucial environmental factor that significantly affects the physiological and biochemical processes of fish. Due to the occurrence of cold events in aquaculture, it is imperative to investigate how fish respond to cold stress. This study aims to uncover the mechanisms responds to acute cold stress by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the histomorphology, glycolipid metabolic and antioxidant enzymes, fatty acid composition and transcriptome at three temperatures (16 °C, 10 °C and 4 °C) in Phoxinus lagowskii. Our results showed that cold stress not damaged muscle microstructure but caused autophagy (at 10 °C). In addition, serum glucose (Glu) and triglycerides (TG) increased during cold stress. The activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), fructose phosphokinase (PFK), hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in muscle were measured and analyzed. During cold stress, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased, reactive oxygen species content decreased. No significant difference in Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, malondialdehyde and total cholesterol (T-CHO) contents among groups. Phosphokinase and pyruvate kinase activities decreased, and HK activity increased during cold stress. Our study resulted in the identification of a total of 25,400 genes, with 2524 genes showing differential expression across different temperature treatments. Furthermore, KEGG pathway indicated that some pathways upregulated during light cold stress (at 10 °C, including autophagy, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Additionally, circadian rhythm is among the most enriched pathways in genes up-regulated during severe cold stress (at 4 °C). Our findings offer valuable insights into how cold-water fish respond to cold stress. [Display omitted] • Histological altered during cold stress of Phoxinus lagowskii muscle. • The antioxidant and glycolipid metabolic mechanism changed during cold stress. • Light Cold stress significantly upregulated autophagy, and AMPK signaling pathway. • Circadian rhythm genes were significantly upregulated under severe cold stress. • The results provide insight into the response to cold stress in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study heavy metal removing capability and antioxidant properties of chitosan supplemented diet tested in lead poisoning induced Oreochromis mossambicus in comparison with and standard fish diet. O. mossambicus fishes weighed (20 ± 2gm) were purchased from a local commercial fish pond and acclimated to the laboratory conditions for 10 days. After that fish were dived into four groups, each group received respective feed throughout the experimental period. The fish fed with standard diet exhibited drastic weakening of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid, α- tocopherol and β-carotene and also displayed abnormal histological changes in gills, liver, and intestine. The fish fed with a chitosan supplemented diet for 10 days showed substantial enhancements in antioxidant levels and also normal histological structures of organs in the fish.

Chlorpyrifos (ChF) is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used in agricultural fields and indoor for controlling pests. Aquatic ecosystems are the recipients of various pesticide residues due to leaching spray drift and agricultural runoff and pose toxicity for aquatic organisms. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress enzymes and histological alterations in the vital organs of tilapia due to ChF exposure. LC50 (24 h) was calculated as 52.78 μg/l by exposing tilapia with different acute concentrations of ChF. For assessment of sub-lethal toxicity of ChF, the fish were divided into four groups (ChF1, ChF2, ChF3, and control group). ChF1 group was treated with 1/15th of LC50, whereas ChF2 and ChF3 groups were treated with 1/10th and 1/5th of LC50, respectively for 14 days. After that, ChF induced changes in oxidative stress enzymes and histological alterations were evaluated. It was found that the level of glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased significantly in the liver of ChF-treated tilapia. Histological study of liver tissues showed an increased number of Kupffer cells, hydropic degeneration, necrosis, and hemorrhage. In the spleen of treated fish, increased melanomacrophage centers, necrosis, and congestion were detected. Disorganized muscle fibers, cardiac muscle fiber degeneration, and coagulative necrosis were observed in the heart of ChF-treated fish. It is concluded that sub-lethal concentrations of ChF can induce oxidative stress and histological alterations in the tissues of tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mansour Almansour,1 Saud Alarifi,1 Bashir Jarrar21Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Jerash University, Jerash, JordanBackground: Silicon dioxide (silica) nanoparticles (SDNPs) are widely used in nanotechnology and medicine, but these nanomaterials may carry a high risk for human health while little is known about their toxicity. Methods: We investigated the alterations in morphometry, biochemistry, hematology, histology of liver tissue and gene expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes induced by 10-nm SDNPs. Healthy male Wistar albino rats were exposed to 20, 35 and 50 repeated injections of SDNPs (2 mg/kg body weight). Whole blood, serum and plasma samples were used for hematological and biochemical analyses, whereas liver biopsies were processed for histopathological and gene expression alterations. Results: In comparison with control rats, exposure to SDNPs lowered the body weight gain and liver index and increased the counts of white blood cells and platelets, but lowered the platelet larger cell ratio and plateletcrit. Levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, low-density lipids, procalcitonin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as potassium, phosphorus and iron concentrations, were increased. Histopathology revealed that SDNPs could induce hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, hyperplasia of Kupffer cells, karyopyknosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. SDNPs reduced the expression of 12 genes of drug-metabolizing enzymes significantly (p

The larynx-related adverse effects that depend on cisplatin decrease patient comfort and many antioxidants have been used to eliminate these side effects. We aimed to identify the laryngeal mucosal changes imposed by cisplatin and investigated whether antioxidants, and their healing effects on these changes, may help reduce laryngeal complications in patients resulting from adverse effects in the larynx. A rat model was designed to evaluate the effects of cisplatin on the larynx and the protective role of antioxidants. Single-dose cisplatin was given both intraperitoneally alone and additionally administered with p-coumaric acid, melatonin, resveratrol, vitamin D, and oleic acid over 5 days. Whole larynges were dissected and evaluated histologically, histochemically, and immunohistochemically. Varying degrees of mucosal changes cisplatin group, but neither erosion nor an ulcer was observed. Numerous variable histological effects of antioxidants were observed on cisplatin exposed laryngeal mucosa. The most obvious effects of cisplatin were edema. The results of the study showed that resveratrol was the most preventive antioxidant agent against cisplatin-dependent mucosal changes. The highest increase in the Ki67 index was in the oleic acid group. Vitamin D increased stromal cyclooxygenase-2 expression that may have an effect on increasing mucosal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of garlic on induced oral Mucositis of Albino rats subjected to different gamma radiation doses. All rats were divided into subgroups and irradiated according to the assigned doses except two control groups. The irradiated rats were subjected to induce mucositis in 1, 2 and 3 days after irradiation. Subgroups were orally administered garlic with doses of 500 mg/kg body weight from the beginning of irradiation process. The right buccal mucosa specimens were excised, processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Morphometric and Statistical analyses were carried out for epithelial thickness to detect differences between groups. The irradiated subgroups revealed histopathological aggravated changes with applied doses. The garlic succeeded to reduce the histological changes in the buccal mucosa and also to preserve epithelial thickness. Statistically, the epithelial thicknesses were decreased in an inverse relation with irradiation doses. The current study displayed that the garlic administration could help to a great extent to overcome the Mucositis of buccal mucosa resulting from the exposure to different doses of gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are invested in various sectors and are becoming more persistent in our ambient environment with potential risk on our health and the ecosystems. The current study aims to investigate the histological, histochemical and ultrastructural hepatic changes that might be induced by 10 nm silver nanomaterials. Male mice (BALB/C) were exposed for 35 injections of daily dose of 10 nm Ag NPs (2 mg/kg). Liver tissues were subjected to examination by light and electron microscopy for histological, histochemical and ultrastructural alterations. Exposure to Ag NPs induced Kupffer cells hyperplasia, sinusoidal dilatation, apoptosis, ground glass hepatocytes appearance, nuclear changes, inflammatory cells infiltration, hepatocytes degeneration and necrosis. In addition, 10 nm Ag NPs induced histochemical alterations mainly glycogen depletion with no hemosiderin precipitation. Moreover, these nanomaterials exhibited ultrastructure alterations including mitochondrial swelling and cristolysis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, apoptosis, multilammellar myelin figures formation and endoplasmic destruction and reduction. The findings revealed that Ag NPs can induce alterations in the hepatic tissues, the chemical components of the hepatocytes and in the ultrastructure of the liver. One may also conclude that small size Ag NPs, which are increasingly used in human products could cause various toxigenic responses to all hepatic tissue components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of environmentally realistic concentration of TCS on cellular and tissue level in P. hypophthalmus. In this context, experimental fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of TCS viz. 109 and 208 μg L-1 for thirty days including a control (without TCS) in triplicate and histological study of gills, liver and kidney were performed. TCS exposed fish showed various alterations such as upliftment of gill epithelium, fusion of secondary gill lamellae, curling of gill filaments, necrosis of renal tubules and degeneration of epithelial cells in kidney and degeneration in hepatocytes, damaged sinusoids, aggregation of melanomacrophages in liver. The degree of histological alterations was measured quantitatively as well as qualitatively and showed highest damage with the increase in TCS concentration. Therefore, in the present scenario, there is an urgent need to use this chemical in a holistic way to protect the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in many commercial products, nanomedicine, agriculture, personal care products, different industries and pharmaceutical preparations with potential risk in human health and the environment. The current work was conducted to investigate the renal damage that might be induced by the acute toxicity TiO2 NPs. A total of 40 healthy male adult Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were exposed to TiO2 NPs (126, 252, 378 mg/kg bw) for 24 and 48 h. Fresh portions of the kidneys from each rat were processed for histological and histochemical alterations. In comparison with respective control rats, exposure to TiO2 NPs has marked the following glomerular, tubular and interstitial alterations including the followings: glomerular congestion, Bowman's capsule swelling and dilatation, inflamed glomeruli, renal tubules cloudy swelling, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, congestion, necrosis, hydropic degeneration, dilatation and congestion of blood vessels, hyaline droplets and hyaline casts precipitation, interstitial edema and fibrosis. From the findings of the current work one may conclude that TiO2 NPs are capable of inducing kidney damage with more insulation in the cortex and the proximal convoluted tubules than the medulla and the distal ones respectively. In addition, it might be concluded that renal damage induced by these nanomaterials is dose and duration of exposure dependent. Further hematological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mytilus galloprovincialis bioaccumulated lanthanum. • Mussels exposed to Lanthanum decreased their metabolic capacity. • Contaminated mussels activated their antioxidant and biotransformation defences. • Contaminated mussels showed oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. • Histopathological alterations were induced by lanthanum. Inappropriate processing and disposal of electronic waste contributes to the contamination of aquatic systems by various types of pollutants such as the rare-earth elements (REE) in which lanthanum (La) is included. Knowledge on the toxicity of these elements in marine organisms is still scarce when compared to other metals such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). Therefore, this study aims to assess the toxicity of La on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis , considered a good bioindicator of aquatic pollution, through the analysis of metabolic, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and histopathological markers. Organisms were exposed to different concentrations of La for a period of 28 days (0, 0.1, 1, 10 mg/L) under controlled temperature (18 °C ± 1.0) and salinity (30 ± 1) conditions. La concentrations in mussels increased in higher exposure concentrations. La exposure demonstrated a biochemical response in mussels, evidenced by lowered metabolism and accumulation of energy reserves, activation of the antioxidant defences SOD and GPx as well as the biotransformation enzymes GSTs, especially at intermediate concentrations. Despite oxidative stress being shown by a decrease in GSH/GSSG, oxidative damage was avoided as evidenced by lower LPO and PC levels. Inhibition of the enzyme AChE demonstrated the neurotoxicity of La in this species. Histopathological indices were significantly different from the control group, indicating impacts in gonads, gills and digestive glands of mussels due to La. These results show that La can be considered a risk for marine organisms and thus its discharge into the environment should be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Full-length cDNA sequences of MjSeGpx and MjGSTMu were cloned and characterized. • M. japonicus can generate adaptive processes to deal with thermal stress. • Acute thermal stress caused lipid peroxidation and histological injuries. • M. japonicus is a promising indicator species to assess marine thermal alteration. Abstract Water temperature is a crucial ecological factor in aquatic environments. In the context of global warming, aquatic organisms are inevitably subject to thermal stress. The kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus is an important commercial crustacean and has become one of the most important species in shrimp fisheries and aquaculture in China. However, M. japonicus showed relatively poor thermotolerance and frequently suffers mass mortalities during the summer months. The thermally sensitive properties of this species also make it a potential indicator species to reflect thermal alteration. Since this species raises both commercial and scientific interests, we investigated the effects of thermal stress on M. japonicus with special emphases on oxidative stress and antioxidant response, heat shock proteins expression profiles and histological changes. The results revealed that transcription of antioxidant enzymes (MjSeGpx and MjGSTMu) and heat shock proteins (Mjhsp60, Mjhsp70 and Mjhsp90) were all dramatically induced in both hepatopancreas and gill of M. japonicus under thermal stress with various expression patterns, and the up-regulated extent of the five genes exhibited a tendency of increasing with temperature. Several oxidative stress biomarkers, including MDA content, CAT activity, SOD activity and GST activity were assessed. The CAT activity was found to be more inducible than SOD and GST activities under thermal stress. In contrast to the higher basal antioxidant enzymes activities in the gill than that in the hepatopancreas, the hepatopancreas exhibited higher MDA content than that of gill. In consistent with the relatively higher MDA content, histological alterations appeared in the hepatopancreas of M. japonicus under thermal stress. This study provided comprehensive clues for uncovering the mechanisms underlying the thermal stress response and summer mortality syndrome of M. japonicus and evaluating the bioindicator potential of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Complement is traditionally recognized as part of the innate immune system, defending the host against the invasion of foreign pathogens. In complement system, C3 (complement component 3) is a central component. Therefore, research into C3 can help us better understand the functions of fish complement system. In this study, we detected the grass carp C3 (gcC3) mRNA expression in all sample tissues from healthy grass carp, which was highest in the liver, followed by the heart and the spleen, and lowest in the muscle, head kidney, trunk kidney, blood and intestine. After infection with Aeromonas hydrophila , gcC3 mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated in the gill, liver, spleen, intestine, trunk kidney and head kidney. Interestingly, C3 protein levels were downregulated and subsequently upregulated in the liver and serum. Histologically, C3 protein at 24 h pi was over expressed in necrotic liver sites, and the liver index (LI) at this point was significantly higher than that of the control. These findings are indicated that C3 plays an important role in the immune response of grass carp after A. hydrophila infection, and C3 protein may play an assistant role in repairing liver tissues from A. hydrophila injury. Highlights • C3 is significantly important in grass carp innate immunity. • gcC3 is expressed in multiple tissues; expression is highest in the liver. • Liver and serum C3 concentrations are fluctuated during early stage of infection, and reached to peaks during later stage. • We analyzed the possible relationship between changes in C3 level and liver injury after grass carp infected A. hydrophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide that is used to control the unwanted growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, each having ten. Group one served as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to CBZ in the measure of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the third and fourth groups, rats were administered 800 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera (moringa oil) and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed oil), plus CBZ with the same dose given to group two. Groups five and six were administered with moringa and flaxseed oils respectively for six weeks. A marked decline was seen in oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and a rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in group two with severe histological disruptions. Moringa oil and flaxseed oil were used to alleviate these changes. In addition, a biocomputational molecular docking analysis of three proteins found in male rats was performed. In relation to CBZ (CID:10584007) the screened proteins namely testis-expressed protein (TX101_RAT), EPPI_RAT, and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5_RAT) were docked, and their docking score were obtained (−5.9 kcal/mol), (−5.8 kcal/mol) and (−5.6 kcal/mol) respectively. By examining these interactions in 2D and 3D structures, a detailed understanding of the unique and specific binding affinity, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and water bonds were obtained. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) molecular docking analysis showed that protein interaction with CBZ causes reproductive complications in protein expression and functions by hampering their normal function and blocking active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commiphora molmol has been known as ''myrrh'' and it has been one of the common herbs consumed throughout the world especially in the Arabian countries. Aim: to study the effect of Commiphora molmol on the total leukocyte count and histological alterations in liver and spleen of mice. Materials and methods: Adult male mice (20 mice) were adapted in the basal diet in this study, then divided to two groups: The first group contained 10 mice and served as the control group, and the second group consisted of 10 mice and served as myrrh treated group in drinking water. The total leukocytes count was done. Liver and spleen paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H&E to determine the effect of treatments on these organs. The experiment took two weeks. All the experimental testes were done twice in time intervals of one week. Results: myrrh dietary supplementation improved the cellular immune response by increasing the total leukocytes count in myrrh treated animals when compared to the non-treated animals. In the second group which received myrrh, the livers of the mice suspension showed more and/or less normal histological profile when compared to the first group (control group). Moreover, the microscopic investigation of the spleen of myrrh-cure mice, illustrated an increased density of lymphatic glands around the arterioles in the white pulp. In conclusion, the results from this study demonstrated the effectiveness of myrrh as signs showing future success of immunological drugs, and further investigations should be done to show the benefits of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological, biochemical and histological indices in Clarias gariepinus broodstock, and teratogenic indices in embryos exposed to sublethal concentrations of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene were investigated in 2014 using a static-renewal bioassay protocol. Phenanthrene (1.41 mg l−1) was the most toxic, followed by pyrene (1.53 mg l−1) and naphthalene (7.21 mg l−1), based on 96 h LC50 values. Hepatosomatic indices were significantly higher in naphthalene- and pyrene-treated males compared with solvent controls, whereas fecundity in females was significantly lower by factors of 2.4 (naphthalene), 2.8 (phenanthrene) and 2.4 (pyrene), compared with controls. Catalase levels were lower in female phenanthrene-treated fish compared with controls. Histological alterations observed in PAH-treated fish include oedema, inflammatory cells, epithelial lifting and hyperplasia in the gills, vacuolation, haemosiderin pigments and sinusoidal congestion in the liver, and degenerated zona radiata in the ovary. Teratogenic effects were not observed, as evidenced by the lack of histological alterations in embryos spawned from pre-exposed broodstock. Sex-specific responses and the utility of biomarkers at cellular and individual levels of organisation are therefore demonstrated for holistic evaluations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ecotoxicological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irinotecan (CPT-11), commonly used in the treatment of many cancer types, may have several side effects that limit the use of CPT-11 in specific tissues such as the heart. In the current study, positive effects of curcumin (CRC) was determined in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against heart damage, caused by CPT-11, in rats. Rats were divided randomly into four equal groups (Control, CPT-11, CRC, and CPT-11 + CRC). CPT-11 10 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally and CRC 100 mg/kg−1 was given orally. Blood and tissue samples were collected from all groups at day 30 for the detection of oxidative stress, histological changes, and cytokine levels. Results showed that CPT-11 caused dramatic changes in heart tissue for oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx levels), histological tissue damage, and cytokine levels (TNF and IL-4). CRC therapy reversed the elevated oxidative stress, histological tissue damages, and immunological changes and protected cardiac tissue against CPT-11 toxicity when given together with CPT-11.In conclusion, CPT-11 caused adverse effects on cytokine levels, histological alterations, and oxidative stress in rats. However, CRC treatment eliminated these toxic effects with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, these results suggest that CRC may play a protective role against CPT-11 toxicity in heart tissue of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sertraline is widely prescribed as relatively safe antidepressant drug, hepatic toxicity was reported in some patients with sertraline treatment. The present study was conducted to investigate the morphometric, hepatotoxicity, and change in gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes. Male healthy adult rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) ranging from 1050 to 1100 g were exposed to oral daily doses of sertraline (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 mg/kg) for 9 weeks. The animals were subjected to morphometric, hepatohistological, histochemical and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Sertraline chronic exposure induced morphometric changes and provoked histological and histochemical alterations including: hepatocytes hydropic degeneration, necrosis, nuclear alteration, sinusoidal dilation, bile duct hyperplasia, inflammatory cells infiltration, portal vessel congestion, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, portal fibrosis and glycogen depletion. In addition, the gene expression of drug and arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes were reduced significantly (p value <0.05). The most affected genes were cyp4a12 , ephx2 , cyp2d9 and cyp1a2, demonstrating 5 folds or more down-regulation. These findings suggest that chronic sertraline treatment induced toxic histological alterations in the hepatic tissues and reduced the gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes. Patients on chronic sertraline treatment may be on risk of hepatotoxicity with reduced capacity to metabolize drugs and fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas hydrophila is the causative agent of bacterial septicemia that is frequently observed in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus . In this study, we evaluated the biological parameters and immune enzymes in the liver of grass carp following A. hydrophila infection and quantified the alterations in liver histology using a semi-quantitative system. For the biological parameters, we found that the liver somatic index (LSI) was more sensitive than Fulton's condition factor (CF) and was significantly decreased at three days post-injection (DPI). At the immune enzyme level, the level of peroxidase (POD) in the liver significantly increased at 1 and 3 DPI. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased at 3 DPI. Similarly, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity significantly increased at 1, 3, and 5 DPI. Histologically, the results indicated that the liver index at 3, 5, and 7 DPI was significantly higher than that of control groups. The regressive alterations as the highly variable reactions patterns and its index at 5 DPI was significantly higher than that of 1, 21 DPI, and the control groups. Based on our results, we suggest that grass carp resist A. hydrophila infection via an innate immune mechanism in the liver. The findings of this study will help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of resistance to A. hydrophila infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]