Etude de l’impact de l’exposition à un mélange de pesticides sur quelques activités physiologiques chez les pigeons domestique Columba livia domestica

This study aims to evaluate the toxicity and the joint effects of two commonly used insecticides (deltamethrin and abamectin), whether applied alone or as a mixture. Also, it tends to determine the possible effects on seasonal reproduction, and liver and kidney functions in domestic pigeons subjected to a long photoperiod (19L-5D). To achieve this end,42 male pigeons (Columba livia domestica) weighing 333.8 ± 1.56 g were divided into equal 7 groups. The control group (T), and the other groups were treated by gavage with both individual insecticides; the treated groups by deltamethrin: (de): 20 mg/kg of body weight, the group (DE): 40 mg/kg body weight; the treated groups with abamectin: (ab): 10mg/kg body weight, the group (AB): 20 mg/kg body weight. The pigeons were treated with mixtures of the two doses of each insecticide (de+ab: 20 mg/kg of body weight of deltamethrin + 10 mg/kg of body weight of abamectin, DE+AB: 40 mg/kg of body weight deltamethrin + 20 mg/kg body weight abamectin) throughout 12 weeks of the experimental period. The obtained results showed that under a long photoperiod, the sexual activity of the control group is characterized by a significant growth in testicular volume up to the 6th week. It is followed by a spontaneous gonadal regression up to the 12th week with azoospermia. Yet, in the treated groups, the reproductive cycle is disturbed with a delayed refractory phase. In addition, a decrease in body weight and an increase in testicular weight with a low level of testosterone compared to the control group and also a decrease in concentration and motility of spermatozoa. Changes in hepatic biochemical parameters were noted in treated groups, which are characterized by an increase in transaminases (ASAT, ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glucose, while a decrease in albumin and total proteins. The kidney function is affected by the increased uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. The impact of these insecticides on oxidative stress parameters is represented by a remarkable increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) activity in the studied tissues (testes, liver, and kidneys). In the histopathological study, the macroscopic observation revealed severe tissue lesions in the testicles, liver, and kidneys in all treated groups compared to the control group. However, the interaction between the mixtures of the two insecticides is mainly antagonistic for all the tested biochemical parameters. In conclusion, the combined exposure of pigeons to deltamethrin and abamectin caused functional and structural alterations related to reproductive, hepatic, and renal functions along with the dominance of an antagonistic interaction between the combined doses. Keywords: Deltamethrin, Abamectin, Interaction, Seasonal Reproduction, Liver, Kidney, Oxidative Stress.

Etude de l’effet protecteur d’une plante médicinale en cas d’une intoxication subchronique par un pesticide chez les pigeons domestiques (Columba livia).

ABSTRACT Pulicaria odora (Asteraceae) is widely used in traditional medicine in Algeria for its anti- inflammatory, antirheumatic, antibacterial, and antifungique activities. Aqueous extract of Pulicaria odora (PO) was prepared by infusing the areal part after being powdered. Cyperméthrine (CYP) is a synthetic pyrethroid used against insects in agricultural fields and for veterinary purposes. The present study was conducted to assess whether the aqueous extract of PO could serve as a protective agent against the toxic effect of two doses of CYP on the seasonal reproduction of male domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) subjected to a long photoperiod (19L: 05D) and hepatic, renal, and cerebral function parameters. Simultaneously, the evaluation of free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were performed for PO in vitro. For the in vivo study, thirty pigeons were divided equally into six groups; group C used as control, PO group used as positive control (300 mg/k bw/day), CYP1 and CYP2 groups treated respectively with 10 and 20 mg/Kg bw/day, in addition to the combination groups of CYP1+PO and CYP2+PO. All treatments were performed by force-feeding for 10 consecutive weeks starting from mid- February. The testicular volume and the progression of their plumage moult were measured every 15 days, while organ weights, sperm parameters, hepato-renal and brain biochemical markers were analyzed, as well as the assessment of testosterone, gonadotropins (LH, FSH), free thyroxine (FT4), oxidative stress markers and the histopathological examination at the end of the 10th week. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of PO has a strong DPPH scavenging activity and ferric FRAP reducing antioxidant power. The in vivo study showed that the testicular weights of CYP1 and CYP2 groups were significantly increased in the last week by delaying the refractory phase until the end of the experimental period when most of the spermatozoa were malformed or dead. A significant increase in the levels of plasma LH and FSH, with a significant decrease in plasma testosterone and FT4 was noted, and none of the CYP groups affected the molt score. Notable changes in hepatic and renal markers were manifested by a significant increase in liver and kidney weights, plasma phosphatase alkaline activity, and the levels of plasma total proteins, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, creatinine, and glucose. Cyperméthrine treatment caused neurotoxicity in male pigeons which was demonstrated by a significant decrease in brain weight and acetylcholine esterase activity, accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma sodium levels. Similarly, Cyperméthrine caused increased concentration of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and decreased antioxidant capacity (GSH and GPx). The histological changes observed confirm the above results in the different tissues studied. A significant improvement in almost all of the parameters studied was observed in the combined treatment groups of CYP1+PO and CYP2+PO compared to the CYP group. Based on the current results, it can be concluded that exposure to CYP can cause testicular, hepatic, renal, and brain dysfunctions, oxidative damage, and altered histological profiles. Additionally, the aqueous extract of PO indicated greater efficacy in mitigating the toxicity of Cyperméthrine, which may be linked to its antioxidant activity. Keywords: Pulicaria odora, Cypermethrin, Pigeon, Seasonal reproduction, Oxidative stress, Antioxidants

Studies on biomarkers of environmental stress during the sexual activity of bivalves in northeastern Algeria

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of environmental stressors on male reproductive biomarkers of two sentinel mussels along Annaba Bay, considered to be reservoirs receiving industrial, agricultural, and domestic discharges. Males Mytilus galloprovincialis and Donax trunculus were collected from reference sites (S1) and from locations exposed to untreated sewage (S2) and a mixture of pollutants (S3) during four seasons. The morphometric study of soft weight, total body weight, shell weight, and shell length was realized. Testicular Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. Testicular sperm concentration, motility, velocity, the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), the beat cross frequency (BCF), spermatozoan DNA fragmentation, and the testicular histological profiles were realized. Results indicated the existence of strong positive correlations between soft weight, total weight, shell weight, and of shell length in all sites of both species. The correlation of soft weight-shell length was weakened in the polluted S2 and S3, with a significant decrease in meat yield of the two species collected from the two polluted sites S2 and S3 during January and October. Individuals from contaminated sites have diminished sperm concentration, motility, velocity, ALH, and BCF, along with a significant increase in spermatozoan DNA fragmentation that was much higher in S3. In the contaminated sites and in both species, the MDA concentration was higher, while the GPx and GSH levels were lower, compared to the reference sites. Testicular tissue demonstrated histo-pathological alterations in the two mussels subjected to anthropogenic activities during the four seasons. In conclusion, reproductive biomarkers of males of these two species were changed in place and time, which is likely correlated to pollution types and the changing seasonal stressors. According to meat yield data obtained during this study, it is suggested to collect these mollusk species in the cold period in order to obtain high meat quantity and increase profit.

The status of biological markers in wistar rats exposed to lead and treated with Allium triquetrum

The aim of our study is to evaluate the protective effect of bulbs (B) and leaves (L) of wild garlic aqueous extracts (Allium triquetrum L.) on the reproductive, hepatic and renal functions induced by lead acetate (Pb) in Wistar rats. Simultaneously, an in vitro study was affected including phytochemical screening, chromatogram (HPLC) and antioxidant activity of A. triquetrum.The in vivo experiment was realized using male rats that divided into 18 groups; the control (C), the Pb (500mg/Kg BW), the positive controls of B and L at different concentrations (2, 3, 4 and 6 g/Kg BW),in addition to the mixtures of each of Pb-B (Pb-B1, Pb-B2, Pb-B3, Pb-B4) and Pb-L (Pb-L1,Pb-L2, Pb-L3, Pb-L4). After 21 days of treatment, Sperm characteristicswere evaluated by CASA system, plasma testosterone and plasma biochemical parameters, as well as testicular, epididymal hepatic, and renal oxidative stress markers. The phytochemical screening proved that the extracts of B and L were rich in various compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins), while the HPLC profile demonstrated that leaves contain more of caffeic acid, rutin, and isoquercetin. Moreover, leaves extracts showed better antioxidant activity (DPPH) than bulbs. The in vivo results revealed a significant decrease in the weight of testicles and epididymis,sperm concentration, motility, testosterone, velocity, vitality, round cells, total proteins, albumin, GSH, and GPx level in Pb-treated rats compared to the control, alongside a significant increase in liver and kidney weights, plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and MDA tissue. However, the co-administration of A. triquetrum extracts (Pb-B and Pb-L) displayed a significant difference in the levels of all previous markers compared to the Pb-group, in a dependant dose manner. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of A. Triquetrum bulbs and leaves have the potential to attenuate the repro-toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity of Pb through the modulation of most of the studied markers in Wistar rats.

The protective effect of hawthorn on rats treated with a toxic dose of copper

The objective of this work is to use hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, a plant used in traditional medicine, as a protective agent against copper chronic intoxication. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups; the control that received tap water and standard diet ad libitum, two positive controls treated respectively with Hawthorn leaves and fruits aqueous extract, a group treated with Cu, and finally, two groups treated respectively with Cu+leaves and Cu+fruits. The treatment was done by gavage for 30 days. The reproductive, hepatic, renal, hematological, lipid, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Cu exposure reduced testosterone, sperm concentration, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx levels compared to control groups. Dead sperm and MDA levels were increased in rats of the Cu group compared to the untreated control. When compared to the Cu group, levels of testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx were much higher in the CuF and CuL groups along with a significantly lower MDA concentration. A significant increase in the activity of AST, ALT, and ALP and the creatinine level of the Cu group was observed compared to the control, but CuF and CuL have significantly decreased AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea levels compared to the Cu group. The cu group has respectively increased hepatic and renal MDA concentration, and decreased GSH level and GP x activity compared to the control. The combined treatments (CuF and CuL) showed a significant decline in MDA concentration, accompanied by significant raise of GSH and GPx levels compared to the Cu group, as well as both positive controls (F and L) demonstrated a significant augmentation of GSH and GPx levels compared to the control. In the kidney, the Cu group has respectively increased and decreased MDA concentration and GPx activity, but CuF and CuL have significantly reduced the MDA concentration and raised both GSH level and GPx activity. Copper treatment reduced G6PD, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, TRIG, and CHOL levels compared to the control. Compared to the Cu group, the two combined treatments (CuL and CuF) have raised G6PDH, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, TRIG, and CHOL levels, with a decrease in WBC, PLT, and LDL levels. In conclusion, Cu administration to rats has induced reprotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity, but when hawthorn aqueous extracts were co-administrated with this metal, normal levels of most biological markers were established, while positive control (s) boosted sperm concentration and velocity (VCL and VAP).

Study on certain biomarkers in the Wistar rat exposed to mercury and treated with sweet and bitter honey

This study concerns an attempt to alleviate the toxicity of mercurial toxicity (HgCl2: Hg) by two types of honey (sweet: SH and bitter: BH) by evaluating certain plasma markers linked to reproductive, hepatic, and renal function after 10 weeks of daily gavage. 36 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups; the control (C), 2 groups of positive controls: 3gSH / kg.bw, and 3gBH / kg.bw, 1 mercury group: 10mgHg / kg.bw, and 2 combined treatment groups: 10mgHg / kg.bw + 3gSH /kg.bw and10mgHg / kg.bw + 3gBH / kg.bw. A physicochemical profile, an assay of bioactive compounds, and tests on antioxidant activity were performed on honey. The results obtained show that BH has an antioxidant power greater than that of SH and mainly its tannin content. The effect of mercury on reproduction creates a decrease in body weight and the relative weight of the testes and epididymis. Spermogram abnormalities were observed in the Hg-exposed group, indicating a decrease in the number and mobility of sperm. The pro-oxidant effect of mercury-induced depletion in the level of CAT, GPx, and GSH, but also generated an increase in testicular level of MDA. The histological changes observed in the testes and epididymis confirmed the above biochemical results. Mercury decreased the relative weight of the liver and increased it in the kidneys. Notable changes in parameters related to liver and kidney function are manifested by a significant increase in the serum concentration of ASAT, ALAT, PAL, LDH, total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, and MDA, while the concentration of albumin, total proteins, calcium, as well as markers of oxidative stress (CAT, GSH, GPx) in liver and kidney tissue were significantly reduced in rats of the Hg group compared to the control and positive controls. Histologically, mercury caused signs of hepatic and renal dilation and necrosis. To conclude, apitherapy reduced the harmful effect of Hg on markers of reproduction, liver, and kidney, and the effect of BH was shown to be more effective than SH in more than half markers which is probably due to the qualities and amounts of antioxidants.

Mercury detoxification by Deglet Nour (palm date) and vitamine C in the domestic rabbit Oryctolagus ciniculus : Study on biochemical, reproductive and histological markers

Male domestic rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus were exposed to HgCl2 alone (Hg), combined with vitamin C (Hg-VC), the date palm (Hg-DN), vitamin C, and date palm (Hg-VC-DN) for a period of six weeks, to estimate the protective role of these components against mercury poisoning. Liver function: On hepatic function, the relative liver weight was moderately decreased in all treated groups compared with the control, and the rate of total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride were increased in groups Hg, Hg-VC, and Hg-DN compared with the control, whereas the group Hg-VC-DN showed a slight modification. However, a remarkable reduction of liver activity resulted in a decreased activity of transaminases GOT and GPT in the group Hg compared with the control, while an intense activity of GOT and GPT occurred in the Hg-VC-DN group compared with other treatment groups. Treatment with vitamin C and dates in groups Hg-DN and Hg-VC has moderately improved the activity of these enzymes. Renal function: Renal function was disrupted by mercury, with a significant increase in the relative weight of the kidney in the group Hg, while the Hg-VC treated group showed a moderate decrease compared with the control, rates of urea, and serum creatinine levels elevated the Hg group compared with the control, the other treatment groups showed a moderate increase compared to the control. Pancreatic function: It is clear that exposure to mercury can affect the pancreas and damage, and dysfunction caused pancreatic hypoglycemia in the group Hg compared to the control, however, the slight improvement in the treated groups showed the effective prevention of vitamin C and dates. Rates appeared to disrupt minerals by mercury, iron levels increased, and calcium levels decreased moderately, while a significant increase in phosphorus levels in the Hg group compared to the control. However, the decrease in phosphorus levels is significant in Hg-VC, Hg-DN, and Hg-VC-DN groups compared to the control. Testicular function: Epididymal sperm concentration, speed, motility, viability, the relative weight of testes, and plasma testosterone levels were estimated. The results showed a slight increase in the relative weight of testis in the group Hg-VC-DN compared to the control. Testosterone levels decreased significantly in the group treated with mercury alone (Hg) and the group treated with the combination Hg-VC. The hormone levels in group Hg-VC-DN were close to that of the control, a decrease in speed, motility, and vitality was observed in the Hg group compared with the control, Whereas, the Hg-VC, Hg-DN, and Hg-VC-DN treated groups showed an improvement compared with the Hg treated group.

The detoxification of mercury by Algerian medicinal plants (Urtica dioica and Raphanus sativus) in Wistar rat

This study aims to evaluate the protective role of two Algerian plants (stinging nettle leaves Urtica dioica and red radish roots Raphanus sativus) against the oxidative stress induced by chronic mercury exposure in Wistar rats for 30 consecutive days. Biometric, biochemical, and fertility markers, in addition to reduced glutathione levels (liver, kidney, and testis), and the histological profiles of the liver, kidney, testis, and epididymis were evaluated. Mercury induced a negative effect on growth and organs' absolute weights (liver, kidney, testis, and epididymis) in the two sexes compared to the control. In males and females, the levels of glucose, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, and ALP were significantly raised in the Hg group. In the latter group, the concentrations of minerals; Mg, Fe, and Ca were significantly decreased. Besides, the Hg+UD group has only showed raised AST activity and reduced Mg level. Concerning the fertility markers, Hg has provoked a significant decrease in the spermatozoa’s concentration and motility and plasma testosterone level as well. Furthermore, hepatic, renal, and testicular GSH concentrations have declined significantly in the Hg-treated rats compared to the control. A remarkable enhancement of the fertility markers and also in the GSH level of all organs of the UD group, accompanied by normal levels of these markers in the Hg+UD group. Histological profiles showed some hepatic and renal impairment in rats exposed to Hg. It revealed marked degeneration of most seminiferous tubules, with few sperms in the epididymis ducts. However, the Hg+UD rats have demonstrated an improved histological structure with the presence of important numbers of sperms. In addition, increased sperm numbers were noted in the UD-supplemented rats. Fresh juice of radish supplementation has kept the levels of glucose, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, ALT, ALP, and Fe within their normal biochemical ranges. Mercury disrupted rats’ growth and the absolute organ weights of both males and females (liver, kidney, testis, and epididymis). data indicated a significant increase in glucose, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels, in addition to the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP. The levels of minerals Mg, Fe, and Ca were affected in the Hg group. Fresh juice of radish supplementation has kept the levels of glucose, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, ALT, ALP, and Fe within their normal biochemical ranges.

Impact of eco-biological factors on some blood and biochemical markers in goats in Northeastern Algeria

The aim of this study is to find out the effect of hot and cold seasons, age, sex and the physiological states on some biological markers of native Arabia goats Capra hircus from the province of Guelma, North-east Algeria. A number of 60 healthy goats were selected during winter and summer from the same herd situated at 100 km southward the Mediterranean Sea with an altitude of 600m. Animals were then divided into 6 subgroups; nursing males, nursing females, adult males, dry females, lactating and females in gestational period. Blood samples were collected in winter (February at 9 °C) and in summer (August at 39 °C). Blood was analysed to evaluate the levels of Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, haemoglobin, haemotocrit, monocytes, lymphocytes, glucose, total proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDH and ALP, calcium and iron. Effects of seasons: The comparison of winter data to that of summer has showed the following: - A significant increase in the level of triglycerides was seen in all groups. - An elevation in cholesterol level of dry and gestant females, accompagnied with an augmentation of LDH and glucose in the lactating group. - A significant reduction in the level of total proteins and LDH of nursing animals, and in the RB and lymphocytes of adults. - A significant decrease in Ca concentration of lactatings and adult males, with a diminution in the levels of Fe and WB of the latter group have been also observed. - A decrease in the HT of nursing females, and in the level of hemoglobin in the gestants and nursing males, and also in the ALP activity of the latter group. The effect of age: The results showed higher activity of ALP in nursing goats than in adult goats, and the contrary for the levels of monocytes and triglycerides in winter. The effect of sex: Arbia goats had significantly higher activity of ALP in females compared to males during cold season, while other parameters were similar in both sexes. The effect of physiological states: When comparing dry goats with pregnancy females, the results have showed significant differences in the concentrations of total proteins, cholesterol and the LDH activity. But during the hot season, a significant increase was recorded in Ht and ALP activity in the dry females compared to the lactating goats. In winter time, there was a significant decrease in the concentration of Hb, Ca, triglycerides in lactating compared to gestational period; contrary, glucose concentration was higher. During summer, results showed also significant decrease in RBC and Fe and a significant increase in lymphocytes. However the activity of LDH has significantly declined in both seasons.

Health assessment of workers in a paint factory

The relationship between environmental exposure and human health worldwide is a vital issue. The objectives of this study are to study the impact of working conditions (paint components, temperature, ..........) on the health of paint manufacturers in the SNIC factory, in Souk Ahras. The state of health of workers in the paint factory (SNIC*) was the subject of our study. The selected experimental cohort was divided into two groups; administrative staff (control, n=33) with an age of (43.03±9.82 years) and paint manufacturers (exposed, n=34) with an age of (41.44±7.82 years). Seniority between (13.76±9.18 years) for the witness, and (15.29±8.20 years) for the exposed workers. The dosage of hematological parameters (red blood cells, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets) was carried out. In addition, serum testosterone level was measured and then related to clinical symptoms. The possible effects of different working periods (1-5, >5-10, >10-15 and >15 years) on workers' health status were also investigated. The results showed a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit in workers who worked for a long period (>10 years). However, white blood cell counts increased at the start of employment, but lymphocyte counts decreased over longer periods. With respect to testosterone, there was no significant variation between the paint manufacturers and the control during all work periods. Nevertheless, the level of serum testosterone was weakly decreased in workers suffering from neuropsychological disorders compared to those suffering from other symptoms. To conclude, the painters of the SNIC factory suffer from many symptoms related to this profession as well as reported in the literature. The hematology of exposed workers was generally affected after 10 years of employment. The level of testosterone was not affected neither by the duration of employment, nor by the neuro-psychological symptoms. These results are probably affected by the relatively acceptable working conditions.

Trace metals’ distribution in bivalves Mollusks of Annaba Gulf (north-east Algeria)

Most of the sea coasts are exposed to various types of pollutants caused by industrial and anthropogenic activities, emitting toxic physical and chemical particles. In order to determine the degree of contamination with these environmental pollutants in two bivalve molluscs Donax trunculus and Mytilus galloprovincialis colonizing the Gulf of Annaba. The sampling of which was carried out in March 2018. The sampling sites are the two control sites El-Bettah and El-Henaya. As well as, the sites Sidi Salem and Boukhemira for the species D. trunculus and Seybouse and Boukhemira for the species M. galloprovincialis are considered as polluted sites from the results obtained. The samples chosen were fragments of the body, gonads and hepatopancreas of male and female individuals. Emphasis was placed on the performance of two parameters of oxidative stress, the dosage of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, a histological study of the gonads was carried out to confirm. Generally, the results indicate that the highest MDA concentrations are recorded at Sidi Salem and Seybouse in females of D. trunculus and individuals of M. galloprovincialis respectively. Also, a decrease in the concentration of GSH is always marked on the site of Sidi Salem for D. trunculus and Boukhemira for M. galloprovincialis. In addition, the histological study reveals tissue malformations. According to the results obtained, these two bio-indicators have the ability to resist and test this contamination based on the interpretations. Suggesting that, this accumulation and translated by a physiological imbalance and histological alterations.

The protective role of vitamin C and virgin olive oil in Wistar rats fed a Pb contaminated diet

The aim of the present study, however, is to assess the possible protective roles of natural substances (ascorbic acid and local virgin olive oil) in Pb-intoxicated rats. The test includes the immune response (leucocytes and glutathione), reproduction, liver function, and the level of mineral calcium and iron. Natural substances supplementation was given at the beginning of the Pb intoxication or after a while. The suppression of vitamin C from Pb-intoxicated rats was also tested. As part of the Mediterranean basin, Algerians consume much of the virgin olive oil of different strains. Rats were randomly divided into three groups of ten individuals and exposed either to 500mg Pb/l as lead acetate in their drinking water (G2) or 500mg Pb/l combined with 300mg vitamin C/l (G3) for a period of 4 weeks. The control group was given deionized water only (G1). After decapitating half of each group, part of the peripheral blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA for haematological study. The other part of the blood was collected in dry tubes and used for biochemical measurement after obtaining serum, which was then frozen immediately at -20°C. Immunoglobulins were separated by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The internal organs; Thymus, Adrenal, Kidney and Spleen were removed and their wet weights were obtained. Fresh virgin olive oil was obtained from the Skikda region at an altitude of 500m. Also, vitamin C was obtained from the pharmacy. Both lead and vitamin C were dissolved in deionized water. Lead was given at 500 mg lead acetate/l, vitamin C was supplemented at 300mg/l and virgin olive oil was supplemented at 5% diet. Animals were randomly divided into two main groups. The first main group was fed on basal diet as a negative control (G1); the second main group received lead-contaminated drinking water ad-libitum for a period of four weeks. This group was divided into the following four subgroups; Pb alone (G2), Pb-vitamin C (Pb-VC (G3)), Pb-virgin olive oil (Pb-OO (G4)) and Pb-vitamin C-virgin olive oil (Pb-VC-OO (G5)). To conclude, Pb-contaminated feed containing a sufficient amount of vitamin C, could help reduce metal toxicity to some extent, if its supplementation was given early in the poisoning. Also, when vitamin C was suppressed in the second treatment, Pb toxicity was evident in some cases. This study also suggests that virgin olive oil and also vitamin C are useful in protecting rats from lead poisoning by boosting the immune system. The finding also suggests the nutritional benefit and antioxidant role of virgin olive oil and vitamin C in maintaining animal health.

Study on certain biochemical, haematological and reproductive markers of workmen exposed to industrial copper in north-east Algeria

The aim of the present study is to assess the health status of subjects working in a hot polluted environment (copper factory) from an arid region in Algeria. Such conditions are similar to those encountered in case of global warming. Workmen exposed to copper dust and high temperaure (working period of 21.4±5.3 years) were compared to the control group of administrative staff (working period of 24±3.33 years). However, serum transaminases (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, bilirubin, granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes levels were estimated. The obtained results have showed a remarkable decrease in glucose and triglycerides levels of the exposed individuals compared to the control. It seems that the significant depletion of the energy supplying molecules may be an indication of cellular stress provoked by the working conditions. Conversely, cholesterol concentration was significantly increased in the exposed subjects. There were no significant variations concerning serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes between the exposed workers and the administrative staff. In conclusion, within hot polluted environment, the hepatic functions were unaltered, whereas triglycerides and glucose were significantly reduced. The unaffected hepatic markers could be attributed to copper tolerance and also to the arid environment adaptation.

Impact of bio-ecological factors on blood constituents and endocrine profile of domestic sheep (Ouled DJellal and cross breed) fed natural vegetation in north east Algeria

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of age and lactation on the blood biochemistry of domestic sheep (n = 39) reared under the local breeding conditions during cold winter, a season characterized with a relatively low pasture. Accordingly, healthy animals grazing on natural local pasture were chosen. Animals were then divided into four groups; rams (4.8±0.43 years), male lambs (10 weeks old), and 2 weeks (4.3±0.51 years) and 10 weeks (4.7±0.72 years) lactating ewes. Blood samples were collected in December at temperature of 8°C when the pasture level was at its minimum. Results showed depletion in the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and calcium in early lactation compared to the 10 weeks lactation. On the other hand, the concentration of total proteins declined in ewes after 10 weeks lactation, which might be due to the exhausted mothers in producing milk components for a long period, in addition to the relatively poor diet in this humid and cold season. However, the triglycerides levels were lower in rams than those of lambs. ِ Contrary, there were elevated levels of total proteins and urea in rams compared to lambs. It can be concluded that the obtained biological parameters were within the physiological ranges, although the study was carried out in cold winter, relatively poor in pasture. Hence, the applied rearing conditions of the ovines are acceptable in this region since it produces healthy animals with normal biological parameters

Impact du mercure sur le lapin domestique Oryctolagus cuniculus : Etude biochimique, reproducteur, histologique et thérapeutique

Abstract Twenty four males were divided into three groups. The control was fed a basic diet, whereas the other two groups were treated either by Hg alone (1g HgCl2/Kg food) or Hg-oil (1g HgCl2/Kg food+5% Pistacia oil), respectively, for 37 consecutive days. The following serum parameters were estimated; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, uric acid, triglicerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL- cholesterol. Compared to the control, results have revealed a significant decrease in serum ALP activity in mercury treated group, accompanied by a significant increase in serum AST. Furthermore, serum urea concentration was significantly higher in the mercury group compared to the control. However, the concentration of urea and the activity of ALP and AST of the Hg+oil group were not statistically different from the control. Moreover, no significant variations were recorded concerning AST, creatinine and uric acid. The lipid profile; triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were not significantly varied between the three groups, despite the observed elevated concentration of triglycerides in Hg+oil group. In conclusion, P. lentiscus oil may partially help in the protection against mercury intoxication as in the case of ALP, AST and urea, and it could also be considered a safe nutritional source, at least by maintaining total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in their normal ranges.

Impact of Pb on rat and workers: biochemical, reproductive, histological and therapeutic study

Abstract Female wistar rats, were exposed, either to a diet containing 250mg Pb acetate/kg/diet or combined with 500mg cystine for the first period of 3 weeks, where half of the animals were sacrificed. In the second period, the treatment method was inversed for the remaining animals and continued for other 3 weeks. Lead has induced a significant reduction on animals total body weights compared to the control during the two periods of treatment. The ovary weight was also significantly decreased and has the same manner as that of total body weight. Lead toxicity had decreased liver weight in the first period. A significant increase in spleen weight, especially in the Pb exposed group, has been observed in the two treatment's period. However, the adrenal and kidney weights have been decreased significantly after suppressing the cystine. No significant variations in the concentrations of cortisol, calcium and iron were enregistred. The ovary histological study after 3 weeks lead treatment has showed a graafian follicular atresia, whereas for those exposed to the combined treatment; about 20% of follicles contained two oocytes at the same time.