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Lindane is a broad-spectrum insecticide widely used on fruits, vegetables, crops, livestock and on animal premises to control the insects and pests. The extensive use of pesticides and their residues in the soil and water typically join the food chain and thus accumulate in the body tissues of human and animals causing severe health effects. The study was designed to determine the toxicity effects of sub-lethal concentrations of lindane on hemato-biochemical profile and histo-pathological changes in Rohu (Labeo rohita). A significant increase in the absolute (p<0.05) and relative (p<0.05) weights was observed along with severe histo-pathological alterations in liver, kidneys, gills, heart and brain at 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentration of lindane. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in RBCs count, PCV and Hb concentration while a significant (p<0.05) increased leukocytes were observed by 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane at 45 and 60 days of the experiment. Serum total protein and albumin were significantly (p<0.05) decreased while hepatic and renal enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) increased due to 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane at days-45 and 60 of experiment compared to control group. The observations of thin blood smear indicated significantly increased number of erythrocytes having nuclear abnormalities in the fish exposed at 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane. ROS and TBARS were found to be significantly increased while CAT, SOD, POD and GSH were significantly decreased with an increase in the concentration and exposure time of lindane. The results showed that lindane causes oxidative stress and severe hematological, serum biochemical and histo-pathological alterations in the fish even at sub-lethal concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the defensive effects of Vitamin E (Vit. E) and Urtica dioica (UD) in the mitigation of developmental anomalies induced by thiamethoxam (TMX) in chicken embryos. Methods: For this purpose, a total of 140 fertile eggs were equally divided into seven experimental groups (AG); Groups A and B were kept as negative and sham control, respectively. Group C was exposed to TMX while groups D and E were supplemented with Vit. E and U. dioica, respectively along with TMX. Group F received Vit. E and group G U. dioica, only. The eggs were examined on days 10th and 20th of incubation for the assessment of developmental flaws and musculoskeletal anomalies. Results: The mortality rate was highest (40%) in group C (TMX) followed by groups D and E (20 and 15%), respectively. Developing embryos were exposed to TMX for retarded growth weight and crown-rump length (CRL) were significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The highest survival rate was recorded in negative control group A. The teratogenic defects recorded in this study include growth retardation, decreased crown-rump length, shortened beak, exencephaly, feather scantiness, and limb deformities. Morphometric analysis revealed improved growth by all parameters in Vit. E and U. dioica supplemented groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that developmental defects are due to induced TMX, can be counteracted with Vit. E and U. dioica and have no phytochemicals negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the toxicopathological effects of feeding of ochratoxin contaminated feeds to broiler chicks for 21 and 35 days. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously. In these experiment six groups each having 75 chicks were maintained and offered feeds containing 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg OTA. Half of the birds from each group of both experiments were killed on days 21 and 35, respectively. Remaining birds of all the groups were switched to basal feed and killed on day 42 of the experiment. Birds killed in both experiments showed a significant decrease in the feed intake and body weight in OTA fed groups. OTA associated clinical signs and behavioral alterations included diarrhea, depression, increased water intake and ruffled feathers. The highest mortality was 12 and 20 percent observed in birds fed 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg OTA, respectively. OTA fed birds showed a significant increase in the relative weights of liver and kidneys while decrease in weight of bursa of Fabricius and thymus. Gross lesions in liver and kidneys included enlargement, paler discoloration, friable consistency and hemorrhages. Microscopic changes in the kidneys included congestion and tubular epithelial cell necrosis. Liver showed vacuolar degeneration along with individual cell necrosis in birds fed 0.2-0.8 mg/kg OTA. Birds killed on day 35 of the intoxication showed changes similar to those observed in 21 days old birds with the exception of increased severity of these alterations in 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg OTA groups. In conclusion, present study suggested that OTA induced pathological alterations were dependent upon dose and duration of exposure.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) upon production and breeding parameters in White Leghorn (WL) breeder hens. For this purpose, 84 WL breeder hens were divided into seven groups (A-G). The hens in these groups were maintained on feed contaminated with OTA @ 0.0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/Kg, respectively for 21 days. These hens were artificially inseminated with semen obtained from healthy roosters kept on OTA free feed. Egg production and their quality parameters were recorded. Fertile eggs obtained from each group were set for incubation on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, hens in each group were killed to determined gross and microscopic lesions in different organs. OTA residue concentrations were determined in extracts of liver, kidneys and breast muscles by immunoaffinity column elution and HPLC-Fluorescent detection techniques. Feeing OTA contaminated diet resulted in a significant decrease in egg mass and egg quality parameters. Liver and kidneys showed characteristic lesions of ochratoxicosis. Residue concentration (ng/g) of OTA in the hens fed 10 mg/kg OTA, was the highest in liver (26.336±1.16) followed by kidney (8.223±0.85) and were least in breast muscles (1.235±0.21). Embryonic mortalites were higher, while hatachabilites of the chicks were lower in the groups fed higher doses of OTA. Feeding OTA contaminated diets to breeder hen resulted in residues accumulation in their tissues along with significantly reduced production and breeding performance.

Black Aspergilli are second most important cause of contamination of poultry feed and their by-products with ochratoxin-A after Aspergillus ochraceous in Pakistan. A total of 23 black Aspergilli were isolated from poultry feeds. Of these black Aspergilli samples, 12 (52.17%) were toxigenic (Ochratoxin A). A PCR based molecular method of cloning and sequencing of ITS (internal transcribed spacer) regions of fungal DNA was developed to identify these fungi. A universal pair of primers (ITS1 and ITS4) was used and PCR product (600 bp) for A. niger was amplified. These specific universal primers of ITS region were tested for twelve DNA samples of different isolates of Aspergillus species isolated from poultry feeds. The sequencing of ITS-region provided a powerful and reliable tool for identification of black Aspergilli responsible for the production of ochratoxin-A in poultry feed.

This study was designed to evaluate some pathological responses of male White Leghorn (WL) chicks, kept on low level of ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed. For this purpose, 350 a-day old male WL chicks were divided into five groups (A-E). Group A, was kept as control, while Groups B, C, D, and E were fed OTA-contaminated diet at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/Kg feed, respectively, for 21 days. Feed intake on daily basis and body weight gain of the chicks was recorded on weekly basis. A subjective scoring of clinical signs and gross pathological lesions on visceral organs was performed. Relative weights of liver, kidneys and gizzard were recorded at the end of experiment. Serum biochemical profile and histological alteration in liver and kidneys of chicks was determined to assess the OTA mediated damage. A significant decrease in the feed intake and body weight gain of the chicks was observed in OTA treated groups. Clinical signs exhibited by the chicks included severe diarrhea, dullness, depression, increase water intake and ruffled feathers. Gross pathological lesions on liver and kidneys included lighter in coloration, friable and hemorrhagic. A significant increase in the weight of liver, kidney and gizzard was observed in OTA fed chicks. Histologically, liver and kidneys of chicks showed degenerative and necrotic changes. Serum biochemical profile indicated a severe damage to liver and kidneys in OTA fed chicks. The finding of this study suggested that there were pathological effects from OTA in male WL chicks kept on low doses of OTA-contaminated diet.

This study was carried out to ascertain the changes in hematology and serum constituents in cross bred cattle affected with bovine theileriosis in semi arid zone of Pakistan. A total of 50 cross bred cows of age 2-5 years were included in the study. Twenty animals of same age were kept as healthy controls. The affected animals showed signs and symptoms of bovine theileriosis i.e., high rise in body temperature, general debility, enlarged prescapular lymph nodes, mucosal hemorrhages, conjunctivitis, etc. These animals were subjected to examination of peripheral blood smears for the presence of Theileria annulata schizonts in infected mononuclear cells and piroplasms in red blood cells. Significant (P≤0.05) decrease was observed in total erythrocyte counts, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, serum total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations in cattle affected with bovine theileriosis compared with healthy controls, while significant (P≤0.05) increase was observed in serum bilirubin and alanine transaminase of affected cattle compared with healthy controls. Non significant differences were observed in serum magnesium and uric acid concentration in both affected and healthy controls. These observations revealed that bovine theileriosis caused by T. annulata in cross bred cattle in semi arid zone is associated with hemato-biochemical alterations.

White Leghorn layer breeder hens, 30 weeks of age, were divided into 12 groups (A-L). Group A was kept on basal feed and served as control, while group B was offered feed supplemented with vitamin E (100 mg/Kg). Groups C-G were offered feed containing 100, 500, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 µg/Kg aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), respectively, whereas groups H-L were offered same dietary levels of AFB1 along with vitamin E (100 mg/Kg). The experimental feeds were offered for three weeks and afterward all the groups were switched over to basal feed for next two weeks. Body weight, absolute and relative weights of liver and kidneys of AF fed birds were significantly higher than control group. Pathological lesions in aflatoxin (AF) fed birds included enlarged, pale and friable liver, swollen kidneys and hemorrhages on different organs. Histopathological lesions in liver included fatty change, congestion and hemorrhages, while in kidneys tubular necrosis, cellular infiltration, congestion and hemorrhages were found in groups fed AFB1 at 500 μg/Kg and higher doses. In AF fed hens, no significant ameliorative effects of vitamin E could be observed upon AF induced decrease in feed intake, gross pathology and histopathological alterations and organ weight except body weights. It was concluded that the vitamin E ameliorated the AFB1 induced toxic effects in some of parameters studied.

Mycotoxins are among the most important environmental contaminants. In the present study, ochratoxin A (OTA) was produced by propagation of Aspergillus ochraceus and fed to breeder hens. For this purpose, 84 breeder hens were divided into seven groups (A-G). Group A served as control, while groups B, C, D, E, F and G were fed OTA at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/Kg feed, respectively for 3 weeks. Clinical signs, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and egg mass production were recorded on daily basis, while body weight was recorded on weekly basis. Lesions on visceral organs and serum biochemical parameters were determined. Significant decrease in feed intake, body weight and egg mass production was found in the OTA treated groups compared to control (P

This study investigates the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on agricultural workers in South Punjab, Pakistan. A sample of 100 exposed and 100 unexposed individuals with clinical abnormalities was selected from districts Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Rahim Yar Khan. Clinical abnormalities, including throat infection, nasal allergy, skin allergy, eye irritation, uric acid levels, muscle and respiratory infections, hepatitis, restlessness, and chest tightness, were significantly more prevalent among pesticide-exposed individuals. Hematological parameters revealed significant decreases in hemoglobin, white blood cell count, erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, and neutrophils, alongside significant increases in mixed cell count and monocytes. Serum profiles displayed decreased glucose levels and increased levels of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides in exposed workers. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatine phosphokinase, and serum minerals were notably reduced in exposed workers compared to unexposed counterparts. Prolonged pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated production of free radicals and alterations in antioxidant defense enzymes. Comet assay analysis detected DNA damage in pesticide-exposed workers, correlated with increased age and duration of exposure. In conclusion, pesticides elicit oxidative stress and lead to hematological, serological, and genetic abnormalities in exposed agricultural workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry poses serious threat to the environment. Huge amount of untreated dyes is being discharged in the industrial effluents. Azo dyes are of major concern due to their extensive use and carcinogenic properties. Here we have studied the microbial degradation of four textile azo (C.I reactive black 5, yellow 145, and red 195) and phthalocyanine dyes (C.I reactive blue 21). Thirty-five bacteria and one yeast isolated from textile industry wastewater were tested for their tolerance to and degradation of the four dyes. Most of the bacteria showed maximum dye tolerance at 1000 ppm. Dye degradation monitored by measuring the absorbance of dye solutions at their λmax (592 nm for black dye, 614 nm for blue dye, 423 nm for yellow dye and 523 nm for red dye) before and after bacterial treatment for 5 days and showed 83% removal of black 5, 49% removal of blue 21, 84% removal of yellow 145 and 85% removal of red 195 by Jeotagalicoccus huakuii. Comamonas aquatica could degrade 79% of black 5, 42% of blue 21, 83% of yellow 145 and 87% of red 195. Bacillus subtilis degraded 84%, 41%, 82%, 85%; Moraxella sp. degraded 82%, 28%, 81%, 77% and Aeromonas veronii degraded 73%, 30%, 80%, 76% black, blue yellow and red dyes, respectively. To determine the toxicity of degraded dye products a hemolytic assay was performed which showed a variable decrease or increase in red blood cells cytotoxicity caused by bacterial treated or untreated dye solutions. The current study suggests that some of the bacteria have the potential to degrade a number of textile industry dyes and could be exploited for xenobiotic removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant and is toxic to animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxico-pathological effects of Cd and the effects of hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicates (HSCAS) on Cd-induced pathological alterations in male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 180 male C. japonica at 25 d of age were divided into nine equal groups, i.e. A–I. Group A was kept as control while groups B and C were administered with Cd @ 100 and 200 mg/kg feed. Groups D and E were fed HSCAS @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed. Groups F, G, H, and I were administered with HSCAS along with Cd in different combinations. The total duration of the experiment was 35 d (at experimental day 0, bird age was 21 d). Gross changes in Cd-fed groups included enlargement of the liver and atrophied testes. Histopathological picture of groups B (100 mg Cd/kg) and C (200 mg Cd/kg) showed fatty change, individual cell necrosis, and proliferation of bile ducts at hepatic triad. Testes showed testicular degeneration which included absence of spermatogenesis, pyknotic, and dark nuclei between the spermatids and absence of spermatids and spermatozoa. No parameter studied showed any adverse effect of HSCAS given to the quail @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed. Groups of quail-fed Cd and HSCS concurrently in different combinations did not show any adverse effect suggesting an amelioration of Cd-induced pathological changes in the birds. It was concluded that concurrent administration of HSCAS and Cd protected the quail from adverse effects of Cd toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]