Nephroprotective Efficacy of Selenium and Zinc Against Potassium Dichromate-Induced Renal Toxicity in Pregnant Wistar Albino Rats

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) compounds are potent toxicants commonly used in numerous industries. Thus, potential toxic effects and health hazards are of high relevance. Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are known for their antioxidant and chemoprotective properties. However, little is known about their protective effects against CrVI-induced renal damage during pregnancy. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the protective efficacy of these two essential elements against potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity in pregnant Wistar Albino rats. Female rats were divided into control and four treated groups of six each receiving subcutaneously on the 3rd day of pregnancy, K₂Cr₂O₇ (10 mg/kg, s.c. single dose) alone, or in association with Se (0.3 mg/kg, s.c. single dose), ZnCl₂ (20 mg/kg, s.c. single dose) or both of them simultaneously. The nephrotoxic effects were monitored by the evaluation of plasma renal parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA damage, and renal Cr content. The obtained results showed that K₂Cr₂O₇ disturbed renal biochemical markers, induced oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in kidney tissues, and altered renal histoarchitecture. The co-administration of Se and/or ZnCl₂ has exhibited pronounced chelative, antioxidant, and genoprotective effects against K₂Cr₂O₇-induced renal damage and attenuated partially the histopathological alterations. These results suggest that Se and Zn can be used as efficient nephroprotective agents against K₂Cr₂O₇-induced toxicity in pregnant Wistar Albino rats.

CHRONIC THIACLOPRID EXPOSURE IMPAIRS COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND TRIGGERS MITOCHONDRIAL APOPTOSIS PATHWAY IN RAT STRIATUM AND HIPPOCAMPUS: NEUROPREVENTIVE EFFECT OF BITTER APRICOT KERNELS EXTRACT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.)

Thiacloprid (THI) is a nicotinic receptor agonist widely used as pesticide in Algeria, however it is susceptible to accumulate in various fruits and vegetables and pouring downstream into food plates and contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, several natural compounds are provided with cytoprotective potential and, therefore, are able to act against the harmful effects of toxicants such as pesticides. This study focused on striatum (str) and hippocampus (hipp) mitochondrial toxicity assessment, evaluation of behavioral function and intrinsic apoptosis pathway in rats exposed to THI at low-dose (0.020 mg/kg) for 3 months. In addition, this study examined neuroprotective potential of bitter apricot kernel extract when administered concomitantly with THI at the dose of 50 mg/kg. In current study, assessment of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and swelling, evaluation of mitochondrial redox status, cholinergic function (Ach E) and apoptosis markers (Caspase 9 and 3, Bax and Bcl2, Cytochrome c and cytosolic calcium) were performed in both brain areas, besides behavioral and histopathological examination. The results showed an increase of lipid peroxidation in both of str and hipp with a values of 1,14 ± 0,04 nmol/mg of proteins (pr) and 1,58 ± 0,09 nmol/mg pr.  respectively  and a significant decrease in GSH (0,09 ± 0,01 mmol/mg pr. in hipp and 0,08±0,01 mmol/mg pr. in  str), the results also showed a change in the activity of antioxidants enzymes  SOD (16,37±1,09 UI/mg pr. in hipp14,54±1,46 UI/mg pr. in str) , CAT (0,010±0,01 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 0,005±0,004 UI/mg pr. in str), GPx (0,01± 0,001 nmol/mg pr. in both hipp and str) and GST (23,73±1,68 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 17,56± 1,04 UI/mg pr. in str), as well as an abrupt increase in mPTP opening with a value of  (0,057±0,005 in str and 0,054±0,005 in hipp) , which leaded to mitochondrial swelling where the level o mitochondrial swelling was (0,016±0,002 in str and 0,106±0,003 in hipp), the swelling was associated also with a high  releasing of Cyt-c with a values of (4,48 ± 1,26 µg/ml in str and 5,32 ± 1,08 µg/ml in hipp ) and Ca++( 2,26±0,06 mmol/l in str and 2,32±0,07 mmol/l in hipp) into the cytosol, the results also showed a significant decreasing of Bcl2 (16,4 ± 1,86 ng/mg pr in str and 14,8± 0,82 ng/mg pr in hipp), in the other hand the rates of caspase-9 were (278±14 mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 212 ±24 mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), caspase3 (184± 16mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 250 ±14mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), and BAX (0,926 ng/mg pr in str and 1,189 ng/mg pr in hipp) were increased.  The results of this study revealed also a decrease of memorization processes and learning abilities, at the same time a decrease in Ach E activity (14,02± 0,78 nmol/min/mg pr. in str and 22,35± 1,77 nmol/min/mg pr. in hipp) was recorded. Inversely, bitter apricot kernels extract showed higher cytoprotective potential against THI neurotoxicity, since mitochondrial redox homeostasis and membrane integrity were recovered, cognitive impairment and brain tissue damage were also prevented. In conclusion, THI induced mitochondrial disorders, triggered apoptosis signaling pathway and impaired cognitive functions which were prevented by bitter apricot kernels extract when associated with this pesticide.

Meningoencephalitis due to the amoeboflagellate Naegleria fowleri in ruminants in Algeria

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a fatal infection in most cases, caused by the amoeba flagellate Naegleria fowleri. This report describes the first cases of PAM in Algeria, in a cow and a ewe from Batna, north-eastern Algeria. The death of both ruminants occurred a week after the first clinical manifestations. The cerebrospinal fluid, after staining with May-Grünwald-Giemsa, showed the presence of amoebae cells. Histological sections revealed numerous amoebae in all parts of the brain. The presence of N. fowleri was confirmed using a species-specific real-time PCR in histological tissue sections. The two PAM cases were reported during the hot season, and the source of infection is very likely the water where the cattle came to drink. Particular attention should be focused on this type of infection in aquatic environments when the temperature is high and preventive measures must be taken to avoid the proliferation of N. fowleri.

Minor Salmonella: potential pathogens in eggs in Algeria

Introduction: Salmonellosis is one of the major foodborne diseases known to be closely related to the consumption of contaminated eggs, infected poultry, and poultry products. Control and survey of the poultry chain are the key elements and the most critical steps in the prevention of human transmission of Salmonella. Methodology: This study was carried out in East Algeria on 150 eggs meant for consumption collected from mini-markets and immediately tested for Salmonella using standard methods (ISO AFNOR 6579 modified in 2002). Briefly, the shell surfaces were carefully wiped using sterile appropriated tissues while the white and yellow yolks were separated. All 10 samples were pooled together and a total of 45 samples were carefully analyzed. Results: A contamination rate of 4.4% was found, and two strains of Salmonella bradford were isolated from white and yellow yolks. The results showed that XLT4 was the best medium for Salmonella isolation from yolks. Screening for other Salmonella in parental chickens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test revealed seropositive cases of Salmonella enteritidis at the top of the poultry production pyramid. Conclusions: Occurrence of Salmonella in yolks and seropositive results for S. in parental chickens is a serious and potential danger to public health. Radical and preventive measures must be taken at the critical points to control and to avoid human transmission. These measures must be installed at all levels of egg production through the application of appropriate and strict regulations, and use of good hygienic practices in transport, storage, and food preparation.

Trypanosomiasis of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria: First report

Camel trypanosomosis is a life-threatening disease in the camel species and responsible for severe economic losses either in milk or meat productions. This study was carried out on the south-east area of Algeria on 100 camels of various ages and either sex from two herds. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed higher levels of trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi, an elongated parasite with a kinetoplast and a single nucleus located in its half-length and one flagellum with great heterogeneity. This first investigation reveals higher infection rate than those observed in other countries using blood smears, the trypanosomosis attack has reached an alarming level and the occurrence of trypanosomosis at this high level on blood smears is like "the tree that hides the forest" and make up a serious and potential danger both on animal and public health. Therefore, radical preventive and offensive drastic measures must be taken against this menacing disease at the critical points to prevent the economic losses and to avoid possible human transmission.

Survey of Salmonella serovars in broilers and laying breeding reproducers in East of Algeria

BACKGROUND

Avian salmonellosis affects the poultry industry in underdeveloped and in developed countries. The aim of this study was to identify the most common Salmonella serovars in broilers and laying breeding reproducers in Eastern Algeria according to the ISO 6579 method.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 294 samples were obtained from two flocks of 10,000 broilers and laying breeding reproducers. Samples included livers and spleens, drag swabs of bottom boxes of young chickens, cloacal swabs, and faecal samples of chickens. Additional samples were also taken from water, feed and dusty surfaces.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Only the cloacal swabs, poultry faeces and samples from dusty surfaces were positive for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Livingstone with a detection rate of 12% and 1.6% respectively. The results showed evidence of legislative failure regarding biosafety within the poultry industry in the area of Batna, Eastern Algeria.