Fenthion induced-oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats and their progeny: Alleviation by Artemisia campestris

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 against oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity induced by fenthion in female rats and their pups. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group I served as controls which received standard diet, group II received orally FEN 551 ppm, group III received both 551 ppm of FEN and experimental diet (5% Artemisia) and group IV received experimental diet (5% Artemisia). Oral administration 551 ppm of FEN by drinking water to adult rats caused hepatotoxicity as monitored by the increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defence system. Particularly, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased by FEN. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by histological changes marked by leucocytes infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation (moderate peliosis), granuloma inflammatory disorders and necrosis in hepatocytes of dams. While, slight leucocytes infiltration was shown in pups. Treatment with Ac prevented the liver damage induced by FEN, as revealed by inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation accompanied by an improvement of liver histopathological changes, CAT and GPx activities except GSH and SOD which were not modified. It could be concluded that A. campestris is promising a protective agent against hepatotoxicity during the exposure to fenthion.     

Impacts of small hill dams on agricultural development of hilly land in the Jendouba region of northwestern Tunisia

We examine the shifting farming system around the small hill dams in northwestern Tunisia. A socio-economic questionnaire was given to a sample of farmers using water from eight representative small hill dams. Cluster analysis was used to establish farmer groups before and after creation of the reservoirs. Before the creation of hill dams, farmers were grouped into two clusters. Afterwards, three new farming systems emerged. The main differences between these groups are farm area, cropping system, irrigation practice, livestock type and number, and income. Following construction of the small hill dams farmers increased the extent of fruit tree cultivation, introduced irrigation practices, and augmented livestock herd size and production. Farmer income increased with the availability of water in the hill dam reservoirs.     

Oxidative damage in bone and erythrocytes of suckling rats exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

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 of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with 2,4-D. Experiments were carried out on adult Wistar rats given 600 mg/L of 2,4-D in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Exposing dams to 2,4-D caused disorders in the bone of their progeny. Indeed, it induced changes in bone mineralization, especially calcium and phosphorus levels. Moreover, total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, which reflected bone resorption, was enhanced while total alkaline phosphatase, which reflected bone formation, was reduced suggesting that this herbicide accelerated bone resorption. The impairment of bone function corresponded histologically.Rats exposed to 2,4-D showed in both bone and erythrocytes an increase in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyl levels and a decrease in non-enzymatic (glutathione, non-protein thiol, and vitamin C) and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) antioxidant system.