marwa farouk

The current work was undertaken to test the genotoxic potential of chlorpyrifos (CPF), dimethoate, and lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) insecticides in rat brain and liver using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Three groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed orally to one third LDof CPF, dimethoate, or LCT for 24 and 48 h while the control group received corn oil. Serum samples were collected for estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); the brain and liver samples were used for comet assay and for histopathological examination. Results showed that signs of neurotoxicity appeared clinically as backward stretching of hind limb and splayed gait in dimethoate and LCT groups, respectively. CPF, LCT, and dimethoate induced oxidative stress indicated by increased MDA and decreased GPx levels. CPF and LCT caused severe DNA damage in the brain and liver at 24 and 48 h indicated by increased percentage of DNA in tail, tail length, tail moment...

Drought is a slow-onset phenomenon that evolves over a season or even years. Drought affects people more than any other natural disaster due to its widespread and significant negative impacts. Population growth and associated water demand add further stress on water resources, especially in periods of drought. Drought indices represent a single value resulting from processing a considerable amount of data. These indices provide a short message to stakeholders to adapt water resource management strategies. Since drought results from interconnected phenomena, designing a composite drought index that includes several drought indices can accurately capture drought events. Drought assessment over a large-scale basin (e.g., the Blue Nile) is a challenging objective that has not been deeply tackled before except for small portions of the basin. This paper assessed droughts over the whole basin by evaluating meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought indices. The calculated drou...

The current study was undertaken to explain the cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of penconazole (PEN) fungicide and chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide in male rats. Rats (N=10/group) were treated with 500 mg/kg body weight PEN orally for 24 h, 48 h and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days and the control animals were administered distilled water only. Chlorpyrifos exposed groups received 39 mg/kg body weight for 24 h and 48 h and 8 mg/kg body weight for 30 days by oral gavage and the control group was received corn oil. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count. Bone marrow was flushed from the femur bones for chromosomal aberration (CA) and comet assay. Spleen samples were preserved in 10% formalin for histological examination. The level of DNA damage was measured using DNA damage index. The results showed that PEN and CPF caused significant hematological changes, significant increase in DNA damage index and increased the number of nuclei with I, II, III and IV degrees of dam...

Dimethoate (DM) and Lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) are commonly used insecticides. Human being and farm animals are expected to have acute toxicity. The present work aimed to explore the effect of acute exposure to DM and LCT on hematological parameters and to detect DNA damage in bone marrow of Sprague Dawley rats using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay). Thirty animals were divided into three groups of ten rats each. LCT group administered 26 mg/kg body weight, DM group administered 103 mg/kg body weight orally for 24 and 48 hours, while the control group received the vehicle only. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, bone marrow was flushed from the femur bone for comet assay and spleen samples were preserved in formalin for histopathological examination.  Results showed minor changes in blood profile in all exposed groups associated with mild changes in histology of spleen tissue. Alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay in bone ...

Background Castration is a husbandry practice raising important questions on the welfare and physiological status of farm animals. Searching for effective castration methods that minimally compromise the body physiology is worthy of attention. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the differential response of biological systems in donkeys to surgical castration versus the chemical one by CaCl2 with special emphasis on stress, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups; the chemical (Ch) and surgical (S) groups (n = 6). The Ch group was chemically castrated by intratesticular injection of 20% CaCl2 dissolved in absolute ethanol. Blood samples were collected prior to castration and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after the beginning of experiment. Results Surprisingly, the Ch group at the end of the experiment was characterized by significantly higher cortisol level compared to the S group. TC and LDL-C levels in the S group ...

In dogs, splenectomy is mandatory as an emergency following splenic rupture with resultant hemoperitoneum and hypotensive shock. The present work aimed to evaluate the Doppler ultrasonographic parameters of brachial and femoral veins in splenectomized dogs and to investigate the effect of splenectomy on the coagulation and lipid profiles. A total number of 9 dogs underwent clinical, abdominal ultrasonographic and laboratory examinations prior to the surgical operation and kept for 60-day observation period post-splenectomy. Follow-up ultrasonography revealed no serious complications post-splenectomy. Both brachial and femoral veins were imaged medial to their corresponding arteries. Doppler ultrasonographic parameters of both veins showed no significant changes throughout the study period (P > 0.05). Haematological analysis revealed development of anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis in dogs post-splenectomy. Coagulation profile exhibited no significant variations in prothrom...

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a high-risk metastasizing tumor with a poor prognosis and poorly understood mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate that transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing 1 (TMIGD1) is a novel tumor suppressor that is highly expressed in normal renal tubular epithelial cells, but it is downregulated in human renal cancer. We have identified CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteinβ (C/EBPβ, also called LAP) as a key transcriptional regulator of TMIGD1, whose loss of expression is responsible for downregulation of TMIGD1 in RCC. Transcriptionally active C/EBPβ/LAP physically interacted with and increased TMIGD1 promoter activity and expression of TMIGD1. Re-introduction of TMIGD1 into renal tumor cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastatic behaviors such as morphogenic branching and cell migration. Restoring TMIGD1 expression in renal tumor cells stimulated phosphorylation of p38MAK, induced expression of p21CIP1 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor ...

To develop mucoadhesive tablets for the vaginal delivery of progesterone (P4) to overcome its low oral bioavailability resulting from drug hydrophobicity and extensive hepatic metabolism. The tablets were prepared using mixtures of P4/Pluronic® F-127 solid dispersion and different mucoadhesive polymers. The tablets were evaluated for physical properties, swelling index, mucoadhesive properties and drug release kinetics. P4 pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties were evaluated in female rabbits and compared with vaginal micronized P4 tablets and intramuscular (IM) P4 injection, respectively. The tablets had satisfactory physical properties and their swelling, in vitro mucoadhesion force and ex vivo mucoadhesion time were dependent on tablet composition. Highest swelling index and mucoadhesion time were detected for tablets containing 20% chitosan-10% alginate mixture. Most tablets exhibited burst release (∼25%) during the first 2 h followed by sustained release for ∼48 h. In ...

Three gram positive bacterial isolates, isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus circulans and Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius were grown at 20, 35, and 50 o C then subjected to cellular fatty acids analysis. Although in different amounts, the fatty acids (10:0), (12:0), (14:0), (16:0) and (17:0) were detected in cells of the three bacterial isolates obtained from all the incubation temperatures. Increasing temperature from 20 to 50 o C raised the proportion of the saturated fatty acids by 26.10%, 09.89% and 29.61% in B. licheniformis, B. circulans and G. thermoglucosidasius, respectively. Cellular protein contents and protein banding pattern on SDS-PAGE of the three isolates were estimated at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 o C. The highest amount of protein concentration in all isolates was obtained at 20ºC. In contrast, the highest number of protein bands was not obtained from these treatments.

The contribution of HLA DRB-DQB to type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Bahrainis, Lebanese, and Tunisians was investigated. DRB1*030101-DQB1*0201 was a locus that conferred susceptibility in three populations, while DRB1*040101-DQB1*0302 was a locus that conferred susceptibility only in Tunisians and Bahrainis. The DRB1*100101-DQB1*050101 (Bahrainis) and DRB1*150101-DQB1*060101 (Lebanese) loci were largely protective. The contribution of HLA to T1D must be evaluated with regard to ethnic background.

The study objective was to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of sulfoxaflor (SFX) insecticide in male Sprague Dawley rats. To attain these objectives, forty male Sprague Dawley rats of 10–12 weeks old were randomly divided into four equal groups; the 1st group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 25, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight SFX by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Relative testicular weight, testosterone, FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm DNA damage, and histopathological changes in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesical of these rats were investigated after 4 weeks. The results showed that SFX exposure resulted in a significant increase in FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels as well as the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms and DNA damage in rat sperms. Histopathological examination of testes established testicular degeneration with coagulative necrosis as well as the proliferation of interstitial connective...

The study objective was to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of sulfoxaflor (SFX) insecticide in male Sprague Dawley rats. To attain these objectives, forty male Sprague Dawley rats of 10–12 weeks old were randomly divided into four equal groups; the 1st group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 25, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight SFX by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Relative testicular weight, testosterone, FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm DNA damage, and histopathological changes in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesical of these rats were investigated after 4 weeks. The results showed that SFX exposure resulted in a significant increase in FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels as well as the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms and DNA damage in rat sperms. Histopathological examination of testes established testicular degeneration with coagulative necrosis as well as the proliferation of interstitial connective...

For the last few years, researchers have been interested in developing a method for chemical sterilization which may be a better alternative to surgical castration. An ideal chemical sterilant would be one that effectively arrests spermatogenesis and androgenesis as well as libido with absence of toxic or other side effects. Calcium chloride in various solutions and concentrations has been tested in many animal species, but few studies have been evaluated it in equines as a chemical sterilant. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chemical castration with 20 % calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol in comparison with surgical castration in donkeys based on the changes in the serum testosterone level and the histopathological changes in treated testes. Twelve clinically healthy adult male donkeys were used in this study. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a surgical (S) group (n = 6) and a chemical (C) group (n = 6). ...

In the present study, the potential immunoprotective role of infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine on immunopotentiated chickens challenged with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus (vvNDV) genotype VIId was investigated. The chickens were divided into five groups vaccinated with NDV vaccine, but group (G1) was kept as control unvaccinated birds. The G2 and G4 were immunopotentiated using mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) while G3 and G5 received MOS and IBD vaccine. The G1, G2, and G3 were infected with vvNDV while G4 and G5 served as uninfected birds. The humoral response to NDV vaccine was measured by hemagglutination inhibition test while cellular response was estimated by chicken interleukin-2 ELISA, total and differential leucocytic count, bursa body weight index, and histopathological examination of the bursae. The results revealed that the immunopotentiated groups possessed a good cellular and humoral response to vvNDV although the severity of histopathological lesions was variable. The G3 had the best cellular and humoral response, and IBD vaccine enhanced the immune response against the infection with vvNDV. Histopathologically, the typical bursal lesions of NDV were observed in G1 such as lymphocytic depletion, acute inflammatory reaction, and degenerative changes of the bursal follicles. In contrast, such histopathological changes in the immunopotentiated groups were less evident both in severity and prevalence, while the immune reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was a prominent finding in G4 and G5. In conclusion, the immunopotentiation of the chickens as well as NDV and IBD vaccination improved the bird immunity and diminished the immunosuppressive effect of the vvNDV.

H1 antihistamines are the most widely used drugs for relieving symptoms of histamine-mediated disease. Although chlorpheniramine maleate and cetirizine hydrochloride have tolerable side effects, they induce severe side effects on chronic use such as hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. LCarnitine is an effective biological active compound that is involved in oxidation of fatty acids in the liver through transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production from fat. L-Carnitine has well-known antioxidant properties, improves hepatic function, and improves mitochondrial function in hepatic cells. In the present study, we evaluated the possible role of oxidative stress and the therapeutic and hepatoprotective effect of L-carnitine on chlorpheniramine maleate– and cetirizine hydrochloride–induced liver damage during chronic use. Methods are measurement of ALT, AST, ALP and albumin serum levels and measurement of hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers MDA and GSH in groups with and without combination with Lcarnitine. Histopathological examination of changes in hepatic tissue and scoring of the induced hepatic damage was conducted in all treatment groups. Co-treatment of L-carnitine with chlorpheniramine maleate and cetirizine hydrochloride significantly improved the deteriorated hepatic function as indicated by reduction in the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and elevation in serum albumin levels compared with control and untreated groups. Moreover, co-administration of L-carnitine with chlorpheniramine maleate and cetirizine hydrochloride decreased hepatic MDA and elevated hepatic GSH levels compared with control and untreated groups. Ultrastructure examination of hepatic tissue found that co-treatment with L-carnitine decreased hepatic necrosis and damage. In conclusion, oxidative stress can be a possible explanation of hepatic damage induced by chronic therapy with chlorpheniramine maleate and cetirizine hydrochloride. L-Carnitine has prominent hepatoprotective effects on chlorpheniramine maleate– and cetirizine hydrochloride–induced hepatic damage possibly through improvement of hepatic function and decreasing oxidative stress.

H1 antihistamines are the most widely used drugs for relieving symptoms of histamine-mediated disease. Although chlorpheniramine maleate and cetirizine hydrochloride have tolerable side effects, they induce severe side effects on chronic use such as hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. LCarnitine is an effective biological active compound that is involved in oxidation of fatty acids in the liver through transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production from fat. L-Carnitine has well-known antioxidant properties, improves hepatic function, and improves mitochondrial function in hepatic cells. In the present study, we evaluated the possible role of oxidative stress and the therapeutic and hepatoprotective effect of L-carnitine on chlorpheniramine maleate– and cetirizine hydrochloride–induced liver damage during chronic use. Methods are measurement of ALT, AST, ALP and albumin ser...

Aluminum (Al) is a trace element available in the Earth's crust naturally and also is the most toxic metals studied because it caused many affections in animals and human. It has been suggested as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of encephalopathy, osteomalacia and microcytic anemia. So it causes many economical losses. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral of primary importance for human and animal health. Vitamin E compounds and Selenium haveantioxidative characteristics which needed for the suitable function of the immune system. Meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is a provocative chelation which bound to plasma albumin and appears to be excreted in the urine. Therefore, the present study has been designed to explore the protective effects of vitamin E & selenium and/ or DMSA against aluminum chloride intoxication in rats by monitoring hemato-logical picture, serum testosterone hormone, Aluminum residues, lipid per oxidation, Nitric oxid, some antioxidant enzymes as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxides (GPx) in brain and testicular tissues beside the pathological examination. 50 adult male albino rats were divided into five groups. The first group (group I) served as a control. The second group exposed to Aluminumchloride (AlCl 3) twice weekly at a dose of 2 mg/kg b.w, twice / week, orally by stomach tube for three months. The third group received DMSA at a dose of 27 mg/kg b.w, twice/ week, orally by stomach tube in addition to AlCl in the same dose for 3 months. The fourth group (group IV) received Vitamin E & Selenium (1ml/ liter) in drinking water in addition to AlCl 3 at the same dose for 3 months. The fifth group (group V) received Vitamin E & Selenium in drinking water and DMSA by stomach tube in addition to AlCl 3 at the same doses for 3 months. Blood samples were taken for complete blood picture (CBC) also serum was obtained for determination of testosterone hormone levels as well as brain and testes tissue for biochemical parameters, AL residues estimation, and pathological examination. The results of hematological picture revealed that animals in group II showed a significant increase in WBCs, monocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes and platelets when compared with other groups, while RBCs count significantly decreased. There was a highly significant increase in lipid per oxidation (MDA) and Nitric oxid in group II while GPx and CAT levels were significantly decreased. Rats in group II have a significantly higher concentration of AL in brain and testes tissue than in other treated groups specially group III and V. The histopathological examination of brain in group II showed demyelination, neuronal degeneration up to necrosis compared to other groups as well as degeneration of spermatogenic cell in the somniferous tubules of testes with formation of spermatid giant cells inside the lumen with interstitial inflammation and de-generation of pseudo stratified columnar epithelium of prostate gland. The results of this investiga-The protective role of DMSA and vitamin E & selenium on aluminum induced neuro and reproductive toxicity in male rats

Background: For the last few years, researchers have been interested in developing a method for chemical sterilization which may be a better alternative to surgical castration. An ideal chemical sterilant would be one that effectively arrests spermatogenesis and androgenesis as well as libido with absence of toxic or other side effects. Calcium chloride in various solutions and concentrations has been tested in many animal species, but few studies have been evaluated it in equines as a chemical sterilant. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chemical castration with 20 % calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol in comparison with surgical castration in donkeys based on the changes in the serum testosterone level and the histopathological changes in treated testes. Methods: Twelve clinically healthy adult male donkeys were used in this study. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a surgical (S) group (n = 6) and a chemical (C) group (n = 6). Animals in the (S) group were subjected to surgical castration while those in the (C) group received a single bilateral intratesticular injection of 20 % calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol (20 ml/testis). Animals were kept under clinical observation for 60 days. Changes in animals' behavior and gross changes in external genitalia were monitored daily. Serum concentrations of testosterone were measured prior to treatment and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-treatment. Testicles in the (C) group were examined histopathologically at the end of the experiment.