Genotoxic and histopathological alterations in rats exposed to herbal liquors

The increase in consumption of herbal liquors in Nigeria is a cause for alarm. These are consumed with the mis-conception that they are without toxic effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the genotoxic and histopathological alterations in rats exposed to herbal liquors. Female rats were exposed to herbal liquors for 6 weeks. The histopathological and genotoxic evaluation were done to assess extent of damage. Pathological examination revealed incidences of aggregates chronic inflammatory cell infiltrates in the heart of Jedi treated group while the heart of the other groups had no abnormalities. The histologic sections of the kidney tissue revealed congested vessels while the lung showed reduction in air filled alveolar spaces with infiltration of alveoli and interstitium by aggregates of inflammatory cells indnadicating moderate to severe pulmonary inflammation. Histologic sections of lung tissue in rats treated with herbal liquors reveals congestion of pulmonary vessels and interstitial hemorrhages. Genotoxic evaluation of rat lymphocytes exposed to herbal liquors via comet assay shows that rats administered with the different herbal liquors developed significant (p < 0.05) as revealed in the % DNA in tail, % DNA in head, olive moment, tail length and tail moment which indicates the presence of DNA strand breaks and a marker for oxidative DNA damage. This result reveals that herbal liquors contain substances that produce reactive oxygen species that have pathological effect on certain organs as well as inducing DNA strand breaks that could compromise the integrity of the DNA which can lead to mutation.

Clinical and neurophysiological correlations in post-Covid‑19 patients and rationale for pathogenetic therapy

Clinical and neurological, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological examination of 50 patients aged 50–65 y. o. with an experience of COVID‑19 infection within the last 3 to 6 months, revealed pathological changes in the central nervous system in the form of cerebrastenic and autonomic disorders, motor disorders, vestibulopathy symptoms, which occurred in various combinations, with astheno-vegetative syndrome as obligate. Cognitive impairments were detected in 26% of patients; the mental fatigability index was 1.055 ± 0.124; a high level of situational anxiety was noted in 35% of patients, and a high level of personal anxiety in 50 % of patients with the experience of COVID‑19. The study of brain biopotentials revealed moderate diffuse changes (18%) and irritative disorders on the part of hypothalamic (69 %) and diencephalic structures (20%). All of the above may indicate that, regardless of the form of coronavirus infection occurred in humans, i. e., latent, mild, moderate or severe, one of the targets of the pathological impact of COVID‑19 virus is the median structures of the brain responsible for autonomic and cognitive functions. Nevertheless, in our opinion, these disorders are associated not with a direct pathological effect, but are mediated mainly by circulatory disorders in the microcirculatory bed due to endothelial damage and are rather functional disorders on the part of the central nervous system. This provides the grounds for the selection of pathogenetic therapy aimed at stabilizing the functional state of neurons, and one of the drugs of choice may be citicoline (Noocyl), the action of which is associated with reinforcing the cell membrane of the neuron and normalizing bioelectric processes.

Microbial Pathogenesis

For a pathogenic microbe to cause disease in a susceptible host, it must gain access to that host first. The pathogenicity of a microbe is determined by the virulence factors alongside other innate mechanisms. Apart from the initiation of infection, these virulence factors also enable the pathogenic microorganism to survive in the new environment within the susceptible host. They also enable the pathogenic microorganism to invade the host, colonize, and evade the host defense mechanisms. These virulence factors include; invasins, capsules, siderophores, adhesins, enzymes, endotoxins, and exotoxins. Key words: Pathogenicity factors and Pathological effect on cells.

Valorization Use of Amphipod Meal, Gammarus pulex, as a Fishmeal Substitute on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Histological and Histometric Indices of the Gut, and Economic Revenue of Grey Mullet

The future of aquaculture development is directed toward high intensification to overcome the decline in natural fishing and to provide enough protein for the increasing world population. The spread of aquaculture production and intensification requires the search for high-quality, new efficient feed ingredients with low cost and sustainable importance. Therefore, the current study aimed to detect the effects of partial or total replacement of fishmeal with amphipod meal, Gammarus pulex, on growth performance, survival percent, feed utilization, histological alteration of intestine and liver, and economic yield of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, fry. Five diets were formulated to contain 100% fishmeal (FM), or FM replaced with 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% amphipod meal (APM) (D0, D25, D50, D75, and D100, respectively). A total of 300 grey mullet fry (0.097 ± 0.001 g), were divided into five groups (three replicates each) at an initial stocking density of 20 fry per aquaria (100 L). The aquarium’s water is renewed at a rate of 30% daily. During a 60-day experimental period, the feeding rate was 20% of body weight, which was introduced as five meals per day. Fish fed D50 achieved the highest significant values of final weight (1.80 g), weight gain (1.70 g), survival (86.67%), final length (4.47 cm), and length gain (2.06 cm). In addition, the feed utilization of diets containing increasing substitution levels of FM showed that the highest protein intake (0.82 g ish−1), protein efficiency ratio (0.83), protein productive value (30.65%), and the lowest significant feed conversion ratio (1.21) were recorded with D50. The dose-response study revealed that the best substitution levels could range between 50% and 75%. Histological observations confirmed that the highest number of goblet cells and intestinal villi were recorded in the group fed D50. No pathological effect was observed in the liver at all substitution levels. In terms of economic efficiency, the best economic conversion ratio was recorded in the group fed D50. This study confirmed that 50% partial substitution of FM with APM is the ideal replacement level for grey mullet fry. In addition, the use of a new renewable alternative, such as APM to substitute FM, could relieve the pressure on the capture of wild fish and reduce the environmental impact of inland aquaculture.

Physiology of magnesium metabolism and the use of magnesium in intensive care (part 2)

In the second part of the review, aspects of changes in magnesium metabolism under conditions of severe stress, mechanisms of anti-stress protection of the body with the participation of magnesium, features of magnesium participation in water-electrolyte metabolism at the cellular level, the anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium and the role of magnesium in the processes of detoxification of the body in acute poisoning with certain poisons are consi-dered. The main mechanisms of the body’s magnesium defence are to suppress the mechanisms of oxidative stress by limiting the production of stress hormones, the intake of ionized calcium and sodium into cells with a decrease in the severity of transmineralization and sodium retention in the body, suppressing the action of factors that initiate the development of inflammation and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, in blocking and protecting glutamate receptors. Magnesium therapy can help keep effective energy production in the body in critical conditions by maintaining the functioning of the Na+/K+-ATPase, the work of the Na+/H+-exchanger, helping reduce the severity of cellular acidosis. The mechanisms of functioning and the prescription of the sodium-magnesium antiporter are discussed. Hypertonic solutions of magnesium sulfate are being injected at a high rate to create the effect of rapid low-volume fluid resuscitation, thereby eliminating the dangerous effects of severe hyperchloremia and hypernatremia that occur when using hypertonic sodium chloride solutions. In toxico-logy, magnesium preparations are used to protect the body when exposed to heavy metals, organophosphorus compounds. They also help reduce the severity of oxidative stress caused by heavy metals, inhibit excess production of endogenous carbon monoxide, and limit free radical damage in its pathological effect. During detoxification, magnesium prevents depletion of the antioxidant system by helping maintain sufficient levels of glutathione and other antioxidants in cells.

Effects of Rumex tianschanicus Losinsk extract on hematological indicators in experimental gastritis

Gastritis is the most common gastrointestinal disease, with peptic ulcer disease accounting for 30 % of all cases, affecting about 10 % of the global population. According to 2020 statistics, 50,8 % of the population in developing countries suffers from gastritis and this number increasing annually. This study examined the medical effects of Rumex tianschanicus root extract on aspirin induced gastritis in rats. Forty five rats, 250±50 g were grouped into two: control group rats received placebo and experimental groups received acetylsalicylic acid 160 mg/kg, orally once daily for 5 consecutive days to induce acute experimental gastritis. Following gastritis registration, rats were grouped into three groups and treated with Rumex tianschanicus L.extract. The first group was given 100 mg/kg orally once a day for ten days. The second group received 50 mg/kg orally once a day for ten days. The third group did not receive the medication. At the end of the study, all the animals were Killed to determine cytological, histological changes and hematological indices. The result showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0,001) of total number of leukocytes, total number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin level and content of platelets but they were all within the physiological norm. As a result of the study the Rumex tianschanicus extract pharmacological properties were evaluated and its potential effect on the hematological parameters of rats during the treatment of experimental gastritis accessed. It was discovered that the Rumex tianschanicus extract has no pathological effect on peripheral blood and hemopoiesis during the period of its use. In this regard, the extract of Rumex tianschanicus is recommended for further in-depth research in experimental conditions, followed by a transition to clinical trials.

Influence of New Compound Disinfectant From N-Dodecyl-2-(Piridin-1-Ium)Acetamide Chloride on Pathogenic Microorganisms in Poultry Houses

With the development of large-scale and intensive poultry farming, environmental disinfection has become particularly important, and the effectiveness of disinfection depends upon the performance of the disinfectants. Quaternate ammonium salt is a group of positively charged polyatomic ions with both antibacterial and antiviral activities. In order to prepare an ideal disinfectant for poultry farms, we combined a quaternate ammonium salt N-dodecyl-2-(piridin-1-ium)acetamide chloride with two other disinfectants (chlorhexidine acetate and glutaraldehyde), respectively. The antimicrobial activity, mutagenicity, and safety of the compound disinfectants were assessed by the European Standard methods using ATCC strains and clinical isolates. The results showed that both compound disinfectants meet the requirements of microbial reduction, and their effectiveness was not affected by organic matter. Quaternary ammonium disinfectant resistance genes were not detected in the strains tested indicating that bacteria are less likely to develop resistance to these compound disinfectants. Ames test showed that there was no detectable mutagenicity in the strains treated with the compound disinfectants. In vivo experiment showed that both compound disinfectants did not have significant pathological effect in mice. The bactericidal effect of the compound disinfectants was not significantly different among strains of different sources (p&gt;0.05). Clinical tests showed that compound disinfectant had a good bactericidal effect on the air and ground of poultry farms. These results show that quaternary ammonium salts in combination with other compounds can enhance the bactericidal effect and can be used safely in poultry feedlots. This study provides a technical reference for the development of a new quaternate ammonium compound disinfectant with strong disinfection effect and low irritation.

TOLERANСЕ OF THE DRUG FOR VETERINARY USE TULATRIN

Mass antibacterial therapy carried out according to therapeutic and preventive schemes is considered to be a highly effective and the most rational measure for controlling infectious diseases in the conditions of large-scale industrial pig breeding. It was found that the long-term intramuscular use of the drug Tulatrin in a therapeutic and three-fold therapeutic dose does not have a pronounced pathological effect on pigs. During the experiment, no animal deaths and manifestations of clinical signs of intoxication (depression, vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, etc.) were noted. The animals were active and ate food well. The live weight of piglets in experimental groups does not significantly differ from the animals that were kept in the control groups. The liver is the most sensitive to the action of tulatromyc in with prolonged intake of the drug in higher doses, which is confirmed by the results of biochemical studies. However, the intrinsic hepatotoxicity associated with the use of high doses, or with prolonged use, is characteristic of all drugs of the macrolide group. It should be noted that in this case, the maximum increase in marker liver enzymes does not exceed 10 % of the upper limit of the norm, so we can say that the liver damage is of a trace nature, since the clinical significance is an increase in liver samples by at least 2 times. Also, the increase in total protein was not fatal and did not affect the change in the clinical status of animals. We did not note the death of animals and the manifestation of clinical signs of intoxication and hepatopathy. Tulatrin is one of the safe medicines, and is characterized by good tolerability. The results obtained confirm the safety of using the drug in the recommended dosage regimen.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND PREGNANCY: PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGICAL TACTICS

Currently, due to the increase in the incidence of HIV infection in women of reproductive age, the number of desired pregnancies in such patients has increased. This makes it necessary to study the pathological effect of the human immunodeficiency virus on the placenta, fetus and the female body as a whole. HIV belongs to retroviruses and contributes to the discoordination of a woman's immune mechanisms. Using the gp41 and gp120 glycoproteins, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease, the virus destroys CD4 cells and increases the viral load. It founded that the risk of infection of the fetus decreases from 45% to 1% with HIV infection before pregnancy and with antiretroviral therapy throughout its duration. Vertical infection is possible in the intrauterine, intranatal and postnatal periods, the main of which is the period of childbirth-up to 70%. Viral, maternal, placental, fetal, obstetric and neonatal factors contribute to an increased risk of transmission of the pathogen to the fetus. High viral load and antiretroviral therapy lead in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to the development of chronic placental insufficiency due to the formation of focal and diffuse deciduitis, membranitis, intervillusitis and chorionamnionitis and damage to the hematoplacental barrier. Early diagnosis before 12 weeks of gestation, timely therapy with nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as well as protease inhibitors during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum period are the main aspects of preventing HIV infection and further disorders of the child's growth and development. The timely choice of the method of delivery, indications and contraindications to delivery through the natural birth canal helps to reduce the risk of infection in a particularly dangerous period - the intrapartum.

Computational Insights into the Deleterious Impacts of Missense Variants on N-Acetyl-d-glucosamine Kinase Structure and Function

An enzyme of the mammalian amino-sugar metabolism pathway, N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK), that synthesizes N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-6-phosphate, is reported to promote dynein functions during mitosis, axonal and dendritic growth, cell migration, and selective autophagy, which all are unrelated to its enzyme activity. As non-enzymatic structural functions can be altered by genetic variation, we made an effort in this study aimed at deciphering the pathological effect of nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in NAGK gene. An integrated computational approach, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and protein–protein docking simulation, was used to identify the damaging nsSNPs and their detailed structural and functional consequences. The analysis revealed the four most damaging variants (G11R, G32R, G120E, and A156D), which are highly conserved and functional, positioned in both small (G11R and G32R) and large (G120E and A156D) domains of NAGK. G11R is located in the ATP binding region, while variants present in the large domain (G120E and A156D) were found to induce substantial alterations in the structural organizations of both domains, including the ATP and substrate binding sites. Furthermore, all variants were found to reduce binding energy between NAGK and dynein subunit DYNLRB1, as revealed by protein–protein docking and MM-GBSA binding energy calculation supporting their deleteriousness on non-canonical function. We hope these findings will direct future studies to gain more insight into the role of these variants in the loss of NAGK function and their role in neurodevelopmental disorders.