Nejla Soudani

• Professeure
• Tunis El Manar University

Widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has the potential to harm non-target creatures diffusely and contaminate aquatic habitats through leaching and runoff events. Triazoles are among the fungicides used extensively worldwide due to their efficacy against fungal crop diseases and their broad spectrum of action. In this study, the impact of To...

The byssus is a bundle of fibers that bivalves produce to anchor themselves to submerged surfaces underwater. In this study, the total lipid content (TL) and the fatty acid (FA) composition of the byssus of the bivalve Noah's ark shell (Arca noae) were determined. Results showed that TL content was higher in winter than in summer. The FA profile of...

Object In light of the dimethoate known toxicity, it is imperative to evaluate its impact on lipid profile and its potential genotoxicity of key species like the Mediterranean green crabs. Methods The current study aimed to assess the effect of dimethoate acute toxicity on the fatty acid composition and DNA integrity of C. aestuarii’s hepatopancre...

Cobalt (Co) is an essential element to fish and other organisms that become toxic at high concentrations. This element is emerging as a concerning pollutant in water bodies, potentially endangering the health of marine biota. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term subcellular toxicity of cobalt in the common carp Cyprinus carpio (0...

The current study aims to examine the concentrations of eight trace elements (TE) (nickel, aluminum, copper, cadmium, lead, cobalt, chromium, and zinc) in the edible tissue of the invasive blue crab Portunus segnis in two southern Mediterranean lagoons (i.e., Bizerte Lagoon (BL) and Ghar El-Melh Lagoon (GML)) between 2020 and 2021. The samples were...

The baleful effect of penconazole fungicide on clam Ruditapes decussatus gills: fatty acids composition, redox status and histological features, Chemistry and Ecology, ABSTRACT Penconazole is a widely used fungicide to control critical fungal diseases of crops. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of PEN exposure, for 96 h, on fatty acids comp...

Barium (Ba) is a naturally occurring alkaline earth metal that is mined and used for industrial purposes. This earth metal can easily impact organisms commonly found in coastal zones, particularly marine bivalves, through aquatic discharges resulting from industrial activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential toxic effects...

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effects of CoCl2-induced hepatotoxicity and fatty acid changes in juvenile Cyprinus carpio. Fish were divided into six experimental groups in duplicate. The first group served as controls. The second group received the lowest exposure dose at 2.5 µg/L. In the third group, fish were expo...

Dimethoate (DMT) is one of the most harmful and commonly used organophosphate pesticides in agricultural lands to control different groups of parasitic insects. However, this pesticide is considered a dangerous pollutant for aquatic organisms following its infiltration in coastal ecosystems through leaching. Yet, our investigation aimed to gain new...

The blue swimming crab Portunus segnis has a great economic interest in local and foreign fishing markets and is in high demand by consumers. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the change in total lipid (TL), fatty acids composition and nutritional quality indices (NQI) of the meat of blue swimming crab Portunus segnis after freezing at -18...

Dimethoate is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide and acaricide. Through various pathways, such as runoff and drift, dimethoate can reach marine environment, and easily impact common organisms in coastal areas, close to agriculture lands, namely crustaceans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effects of dimethoat...

The current study examined the concentrations of eight trace elements (TE) (nickel, aluminum, copper, cadmium, lead, cobalt, chromium, and zinc) in the edible tissue of the invasive blue swimming crab Portunus segnis from two southern Mediterranean lagoons, Bizerte Lagoon (BL) and Ghar El-Melh Lagoon (GML), in the years 2020–2021. The highest TE co...

The effect of frozen storage at a commercial temperature (−30°C) on the nutritional characteristics of the blue swimming crab Portunus segnis for a period of 120 days was investigated. Lipid and protein oxidation was investigated by analyses of peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, free fatty acids, and advanced oxidation protein...

The present study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of three fi sh species (Sparus aurata, Sarpa salpa, and Mullus barbatus) collected from the Bizerte lagoon (South Mediterranean coasts). Proximate composition, fatty acids and nutritional quality indices were determined. Results showed that the nutritional quality of the three fish follows...

Lithium (Li) is a toxic monovalent alkaline metal used in household items common to industrial applications. The present work was aimed at investigating the potential toxic effects of LiCl on the redox status, fatty acid composition, and histological aspects of the marine ragworm Perinereis cultrifera. Sea worms were exposed to LiCl graded doses (2...

Bivalves are known to exhibit wide morphological variations, which are closely linked to their ecology and reproductive activity. Therefore, the study of growth is necessary to model population dynamics, which, in turn, is crucial to support the exploitation and management of the stock. The current study aimed to analyze the shell morphological var...

Lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyh) is a potential pyrethroid insecticide widely used in pest control. The presence of pyrethroids in the aquatic ecosystem may induce adverse effects on non-target organisms such as the sea urchin. This study was conducted to assess the toxic effects of λ-cyh on the fatty acid profiles, redox status, and histopathological as...

Acrylamide (ACR), organic compound, has been widely used owing to its broad spectrum of chemical and industrial applications. This study aims at evaluating the response of the antioxidant defense system, fatty acid composition and histopathological aspect in the respiratory trees of Holothuria forskali against ACR exposure under laboratory conditio...

This investigation was aimed to assess and evaluate the effect of frying process with three different oils (corn, olive and margarine) on fatty acids and lipid classes’ composition of clam and their impact on the nutritional value and tissues quality. The results indicated that the contents of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty ac...

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)–induced hepatotoxicity in mice. M...

The present work aims to determine and compare the tolerance to different stress environmental conditions in two crabs’ species the native Carcinus aestuarii and the invasive Portunus segnis . In this study, C.aestuarii appeared more intolerant to environmental stressor as shown by the important changes occurred on the proximate, fatty acids and th...

The present study aimed to document the interaction between mercury (Hg), as a model chemical stressor to an aquatic organism, and Fatty acid (FA) profile in the longitudinal muscle of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali. To assess the sensitivity of this species to the toxic effects of Hg, young H. forskali were exposed to gradual doses of Hg (40...

In the current investigation, we evaluated the biological consequences of trace elements contamination in the two Tunisian gulfs (Gabes gulf and Tunis gulf) on the blue swimming crabs hepatopancreas (Portunus segnis). The concentrations of three trace elements (cadmium, copper, and lead) in the hepatopancreas P.segnis were evaluated. Additionally,...

The effect of storage time (5, 10 and 15 days) and temperature (− 20 °C and + 4 °C) on the biochemical composition of the Tunisian mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was evaluated by investigating changes in proximate composition, fatty acids, minerals and nutritional quality indices. Lipid and protein degradations were also evaluated through sever...

Narcissus tazetta ( Amaryllidaceae ) is a medicinal plant, widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 )-induced hepatotoxicity in mi...

The objective of the present work is to evaluate the possible toxic effect engendered by graded doses of lead chloride (PbCl2) on Mactra stultorum mantle and adductor muscles through a battery of biomarkers responses. M. stultorum were divided into 4 groups and exposed to three concentrations of PbCl2 (D1:1mg/L, D2: 2.5 mg/L and D3: 5 mg/L) with co...

The aim of the present study was to investigate the combined effects of seasonality and anthropogenic pressure on a battery of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage and histological alterations in the native clam Ruditapes decussatus collected from a less contaminated area (LCA), Ghar El Melh, a moderately contaminated...

In this study, the potential hazardous impacts of the technical grade glyphosate acid (GLY) and its commercial formulation roundup (RD®) were evaluated for the first time on holothurians. To do this, redox status, fatty acid (FA) profile, and histopathology aspects were assessed in the respiratory tree tissue of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali...

The aim of this study was to analyze the biochemical alterations in the gills of Venus verrucosa under exposure for 6 days to three doses of lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyh) (100, 250, and 500 µg L-1). Malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxide, and hydrogen peroxide levels in the gills of treated groups increased. λ-Cyh exposure significantly increased the pr...

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a highly toxic compound which provokes a wide range of complicated disorders. The present work aimed to investigate the potential effects of HgCl2 toxicity on the redox state, fatty acids composition and histomorphological aspect of Cerastoderma edule (C. edule) gills and digestive gland. To this end, C. edule were expos...

Hexavalent chromium (chromium (VI)), a highly toxic heavy metal, is a common pollutant of aquatic ecosystems. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential toxic effects of chromium (VI) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatty acids profile in the gills and digestive gland of Venus verrucosa, an ecologically and economically important bivalve...

Coastal transitional waters are exposed to many anthropogenic threats. This study aims to assess the trace metals' pollution status of transitional waters by evaluating its biological effects in the clam Venerupis decussata. Among the studied sites along the Tunisian littoral, South Tunis and Boughrara were the most impacted, since clams from these...

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that affect the physiological status of aquatic organisms. The present investigation evaluated the possible toxic effect of lead chloride (PbCl2) on biomarkers responses, DNA damage and histological alterations in Venus verrucosa gills and digestive gland. Three concentrations of PbCl2 (D1:1µgL⁻¹, D2:...

Acrylamide (ACR) is among the most deleterious pollutants in the environment and presents a serious risk to humans and ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to assess its effects when administered at different concentrations (5, 10 and 20 mg L–1) to evaluate antioxidant status in the gills of Mactra stultorum. Our results showed, after five day...

Zinc is one of the important essential trace minerals to human health due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to elucidate its potential protective role against maneb-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each. Mice of group I (negative controls) have received dail...

Lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyh), a synthetic pyrethroid type II, is one of the most toxic xenobiotics to aquatic organisms, which leads to a number of complex toxicological syndromes. The present study aimed to assess the adverse effects of λ-cyh, on fatty acid (FA) composition, redox status, and the histopathology aspect of Venus verrucosa digestive gl...

The effects of frying treatment using diverse gastronomic oils (corn oil, extra virgin olive oil and margarine oil) on the composition of the phospholipids (PLs), nutritional and chemical quality indices were evaluated on the most commercial clams (Venerupis decussata) in Tunisia. The frying treatment resulted in significant changes on saturated (S...

The aim of this study is to elucidate the toxicity induced by PbCl2, administered in graded doses (1; 2.5; 5 mg/L), in the redox state, in the fatty acid composition and in the histological structure of Mactra corallina digestive glands. Our findings showed a progressive accumulation of Pb in the M. corallina digestive glands in all treated groups....

Acrylamide (ACR), a ubiquitous agent, has various chemical and industrial applications, and it is found in backed or fried carbohydrate-rich food. It has been related to multiple toxicological effects, and it causes high cytotoxicity through oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of ACR toxicity administered a...

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lead chloride (PbCl2) exposure at graded concentrations on the gills of Venus verrucosa. Clams were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 severed as control and groups D1, D2, and D3 were exposed to 1, 10, and 100 µg/L of PbCl2, respectively, during 7 days. The exposure to PbCl2 increased m...

This study aimed to provide information about the changes in fatty acid composition and quality in Ruditapes decussatus tissue after four culinary treatments (steamed, baked, grilled and fried). All treated samples showed a significant decrease in moisture and protein. In contrast, a significant increase in fat content resulted from the grilled and...

This study assessed the impact of PbCl2 on the antioxidant and macromolecules statues in C. edule gills. Cockles were exposed to graded concentrations of PbCl2 (1, 10 and 100 µg/ L) for 3 and 6 days. The exposure to these concentrations stimulated macromolecules alterations revealed with increases of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and advanced...

Lead is non-essential toxic metal used in the industrial process causes severe risk to aquatic organisms. This study aimed (aims) to evaluate the effect of Pb on oxidative stress in gills of Mactra corallina. During the experiment, bivalves were randomly divided into four groups, control served as control and D1, D2 and D3 groups were exposed to Pb...

Vanillin, a widely used flavoring agent, has antimutagenic and antioxidant properties. The current study was performed to evaluate its beneficial role against hepatotoxicity induced by maneb, a dithiocarbamate fungicide. Mice were divided into four groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls which received by intraperitoneal way only...

Mercury is one of the most harmful pollutant that threat marine biota. This study assessed the Hg impact on the fatty acid (FA) composition and the antioxidant statues in Holothuria forskali body wall tissue. Specimens were exposed to HgCl2 graded doses (40, 80 and 160 μg L−1) for 96 h. A decrease in linoleic, arachidonic and eico�sapentaenoic acid...

Abstract. The present work evaluated the possible protective effects of quercetin against glyphosateinduced hepatotoxicity in adult rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (C), a glyphosate-treated group (Gly) and a group treated with both glyphosate and quercetin (Gly+QE). During the experimental period (15 days), glyph...

Mercury (Hg) is among the most deleterious contaminant in the aquatic environment and presents a serious risk to humans and ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of Hg on oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA integrity and histological structure of the respiratory tree of Holothuria forskali exposed to different concentrations of mercury chloride...

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous and a major environmental metal pollutant in the aquatic ecosystem. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of mercury graded doses exposure on oxidative stress, redox status, metallothionein levels and genotoxicity in the intestine of sea cucumber Holothuria forskali. Specimens were exposed for 96 h to t...

The bivalve Venerupis decussata has been proposed as a sentinel species for assessment of lagoon water. Our study aimed to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of oxidative stress biomarkers, metal content and DNA damage in Venerupis decussata digestive gland collected seasonally from contaminated (BOUGHRARA “L2”) and comparatively cleaner (...

The effect of five refrigerating conditions (including fresh and stored lots at 15, 30, 90 and 180 days) on lipid peroxidation and fatty acid composition of clams (Venerupis decussata) tissues were investigated. All storage conditions reduced the moisture and lipid contents (p<0.05). Compared with fresh samples, the proportions of saturated (SFA) a...

The present study pertains to the possible adverse effects of penconazole exposure on the lung of adult rats, and to the potential ability of vitamin E (Vit E) in mitigating the toxicity induced by this fungicide. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each: Group I (Controls): rats drank distilled water; Group II (PEN): rats...

Our study investigated the protective effect of Nitraria retusa (N. retusa) fruit against penconazole-induced changes in blood hematological and mineral profiles in rats. Rats were treated either with penconazole (67 mg/kg body weight), N. retusa fruit aqueous extract (300 mg/kg body weight) or with penconazole associated with N. retusa. Penconazol...

Weaning is a natural and inevitable phase of mammalian development. In both animals and humans, this process represents a transition from a milk based diet (low carbohydrate content) to a solid diet (relatively rich in carbohydrates). Both, the dietary change and the decline of the mother's attention during this critical period cause a state of str...

Several metals including barium (Ba) known as environmental pollutants provoke deleterious effects on human health. The present work pertains to the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin C, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate the toxic effects induced by barium chloride (BaCl2) in the heart of adult rats. Animals were randomly...

Context: Barium (Ba) may induce oxidative stress leading to tissues injury. Objective: Our study investigated the therapeutic efficiency of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) against neurotoxicity induced by Ba in adult rats and their progeny. Material and methods: Pregnant rats are exposed either to Ba (67 ppm), Ba + Zn, Ba + S or to only Zn and Se. Resu...

Pesticides exposure causes usually harmful effects to the environment and human health. The present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of penconazole, a triazole fungicide, on the cerebrum and cerebellum of adult rats. Penconazole was administered intraperitoneally to male Wistar rats at a dose of 67 mg kg⁻¹ body weight every 2...

In the present study, we aimed to examine the potential protective effect of C. aurantinum L. peel extract against oxidative damage induced by hexavalent chromium in the heart of adult rats. Rats were divided into six groups. Group I served as controls and received standard diet. Group II received via drinking water potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) a...

Context: Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. (Nitrariaceae) is a medicinal plant which produces edible fruits whose antioxidant activity has been demonstrated. Objective: The current study elucidates the potential protective effect of N. retusa fruit aqueous extract against nephrotoxicity induced by penconazole, a triazole fungicide, in the kidney of a...

The present study aims to investigate the effects of pollution on the oxidative status of the natural species Venerupis decussata in the southern coast of Tunisia coast. Clams were collected each month during summer 2014 from two contrasting sites (S1: Zarrat coast region and S2: Boughrara lagoon). The concentration of copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and ca...

The protective effect of Nitraria retusa fruit extract against hepatotoxicity induced by penconazole at a dose of 67 mg/kg body weight given intraperitoneally every two days to male Wistar rats was investigated. Penconazole exposure increased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and advanced oxidation protein product levels. Hepatic biomarkers as we...

The present study was performed to evaluate the protective effect of selenium (Se) against penconazole (PEN)-induced oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue of adult rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each. The first group represented the controls. For the second group (PEN), no treatment was performed during the first 6 day...

In Tunisia the commercial exploitation of Donax trunculus is limited to the unregulated catches which threaten the biological sustainability of this species. Knowledge of the gametogenic development of a species is a prerequisite for proper management and sustainable exploitation of this fishery. The reproductive cycle of D. trunculus from the Bay...

Acute and 90-day subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted to establish the safety evaluation of xylanases preparations. A potential oxidative stress evaluation was also performed through testing the generation of oxidative radicals, depletion of antioxidants via oxidative modification of lipids, proteins and DNA of organ cells. During the su...

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group recei...

There is considerable interest in the study of free radical-mediated damage to biological systems due to pesticide exposure. However, there is a lack of consensus as to which determinations are best used to quantify future risks arising from xenobiotic exposure and natural antioxidant interventions. Our study investigated the potential ability of s...

Dimethoate (DM) is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in agriculture and industry and has toxic effects on non-target organisms especially mammalian. However, we still know little about DM-induced kidney injury and its alleviation by natural antioxidants. In the present study, selenium (Se), vitamin E, DM, Se+DM, vitamin E+DM, Se+vitamin E+...

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible protective effects of Artemisia campestris against fenthion (FEN)-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. FEN was administered orally at a dose of 551 ppm, which represented ¼ of LD50, for 21 consecutive days to pregnant and lactating rats. Oxidative stress was monitored in the ki...

Potassium dichromate (K(2) Cr(2) O(7) ) is an environmental contaminant widely recognized as a carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen toward humans and animals. This study investigated the effects of K(2) Cr(2) O(7) on the hepatic function of pregnant and lactating rats and their suckling pups. Experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats given 7...

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of selenium (Se) on methimazole (MMI; an antithyroid drug)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats in each group: group I served as controls that received standard diet; group II received MMI in drinking water...

Chromium(VI), a very strong oxidant, causes high cytotoxicity through oxidative stress in tissue systems. Our study investigated the potential ability of ethanolic Citrus aurantium L., family Rutaceae extract, used as a nutritional supplement, to alleviate lung oxidative damage induced by Cr(VI). A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled wit...

Nowadays, people’s exposure to pesticides such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is increasing continuously. This compound is suspected to produce in excess free radicals which have adverse effects on human health causing several cell alterations in the organism. The present study investigated oxidative stress in the bone and erythrocytes o...

To determine the efficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E to alleviate lung oxidative damage induced by dimethoate, an organophosphorus compound. Adult Wistar rats were exposed during 30 days either to dimethoate (0.2 g/L of drinking water), dimethoate+selenium (0.5 mg/kg of diet), dimethoate+vitamin E (100 mg/kg of diet), or dimethoate+selenium+vit...

Selenium has a pharmacological properties and it is well considered as an antioxidant. The present study investigated the potential ability of selenium, used as a nutritional supplement, to alleviate bone impairments in suckling rats whose mothers were treated with methimazole, an antithyroid drug. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four...

Chromium is known for its wide toxic manifestations. This experiment aims to evaluate the effect of selenium against oxidative stress induced by chromium in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received the standard diet; group II received drinking water...

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to free radicals overproduction, which contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy. The present study investigated the effects of Artemisia campestris (Ac), a plant of the Asteraceae family, on renal impairment and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single...

Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) is a plant growth regulator used in agriculture worldwide. The present study investigated the propensity of GA(3) to induce hematological disorders. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: group I served as controls; group II received orally GA(3) (200 ppm) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 aft...

Pesticides have been used in agriculture to enhance food production by eradicating unwanted insects and controlling disease vectors, nevertheless occupational exposure to high levels of these compounds can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by serious oxidative and neurotoxic effects. However, there is a lack of consensus as to whic...

Gibberellic acid (GA₃) has been worldwide used in agriculture as a plant growth regulator. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of GA₃ on the morphology and the thyroid hormone levels in adult rats and their suckling pups. Animals were given daily 200 ppm GA₃ in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery...

Pesticide hazards have been accentuated by the sharp rise in their agricultural, industrial and domestic use. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause oxidative damage. Our study investigated the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate erythrocyte oxidative damage induced by dimethoate (DM),...

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphate insecticide used in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the world including Tunisia. Recent investigations have proved the crucial role of natural antioxidants to prevent the damage caused by toxic compounds. In this study, we investigated the role of Artemisia campestris (Ac) leaf powder in protection...

The present study investigates the potential ability of selenium, considered as an antioxidant with pharmacological property to alleviate oxidative stress and hematological parameter disorders induced by methimazole, an antithyroid drug. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as negative control and...

Chromium, a major environmental pollutant, is known for its wide toxic manifestations. The present experiment pertains to the protective role of selenium (Se) against K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced hepatotoxicity. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received standard diet; group II received in drink...

To assess kidney damages in pregnant and lactating rats and in their suckling pups, Wistar female rats were given, through drinking water, 700 parts per million (ppm) of K(2)Cr(2)O(7) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Toxicity was objectified by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and nitric...

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is largely used as a selective herbicide in Tunisia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2,4-D on the kidneys of adult rats and their suckling pups. Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the controls and the treated rats that received 600 mg/L of 2,4-D in their drinking water...

Excess chromium (Cr) exposure is associated with various pathological conditions including hematological dysfunction. The generation of oxidative stress is one of the plausible mechanisms behind Cr-induced cellular deteriorations. The efficacy of selenium (Se) to combat Cr-induced oxidative damage in the erythrocytes of adult rats was investigated...

Exposure to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) compounds is of concern in many Cr-related industries and their surrounding environments. K(2)Cr(2)O(7) is widely recognized as an animal and human carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen. The present study investigated the bone maturity of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Experiments we...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical changes in cobalt-exposed rats and to investigate the potential role of Tunisian propolis against the cobalt-induced renal damages. Twenty-four pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups and were treated as follows: group 1 (control) received distilled water; group 2 received 350ppm of C...

Acute exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds can cause cardiotoxicity. Our study pertains to the protective effect of selenium against K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced cardiotoxicity. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received standard diet; group II received in drinking water K(2)Cr(2)O(7) alone...

Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) is an endogenous plant growth regulator used worldwide in agriculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of GA(3) on the kidney function of adult rats and their pups. Female Wistar rats were given daily 200 ppm GA(3) in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. GA(3)...

Acute exposure to pesticides can cause hepatotoxicity. Our study pertains to the potential ability of selenium and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate oxidative stress induced by dimethoate. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups of six each: group I served as controls; group II received in their drinking...

The present study investigates the bone maturity of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with gibberellic acid (GA(3)). Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group I that served as controls and group II that received orally GA(3) (200 ppm) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In the GA(3) group, an increase in...

Chromium is a toxic metal implicated in human diseases. This study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of Se against K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Female Wistar rats, used in this study, were divided into four groups of six animals each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received orally only K(2)Cr(2)O(7) (70...

LVP1, a novel protein inducing lipolytic response in adipose cells, was purified from scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus venom. It represented 1% of crude venom proteins, with pHi approximately 6 and molecular mass of 16170 Da. In contrast to well-characterized scorpion toxins, reduction and alkylation of LVP1 revealed an heterodimeric structure....

Besides the previously described LVP1, a second protein, LVP2, inducing a lipolytic response in adipose cells, was purified from scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus venom. It represented 2% of crude venom proteins, with pHi = 6 and molecular mass of 16889 Da. The reduction and the alkylation of LVP2 revealed an heterodimeric structure. Isolated alp...

Methimazole, an antithyroid drug, is known for its wide toxic manifestations. This study aims to investigate the improving effects of selenium on methimazole-induced hepathotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II receiv...