Reproductive toxicity of Samanea tubulosa on rats

Samanea tubulosa é uma planta utilizada na fitoterapia e na alimentação animal. Entretanto, a ingestão de vagens de S. tubulosa tem sido associada à ocorrência de abortos em bovinos. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da dieta contendo 5% de vagens de S. tubulosa em ratos machos e fêmeas Wistar. A dieta foi administrada para ratos machos (n = 10) por 60 dias antes do acasalamento. Ratos fêmeas (n = 10) receberam o tratamento por 30 dias, durante a coabitação e do dia gestacional (GD) 0 ao GD 20. As fêmeas tratadas foram acasaladas com ratos não tratados. Em machos, o consumo da planta causou diminuição no consumo de ração e redução de 20% no índice de fertilidade. A prole de machos tratados apresentou menor ganho de peso e comprimento cabeça cauda. Fêmeas tratadas com a planta apresentaram aumento do consumo de ração e água e do peso corporal. Ainda, foram observadas diminuição na fertilidade, fecundidade e no índice de gestação e aumento do peso da placenta e no número médio de corpos lúteos. Desse modo, em decorrência aos possíveis efeitos tóxicos sistêmicos e reprodutivos, o consumo prolongado de S. tubulosa não é recomendado para fins fitoterápicos ou alimentar.Samanea tubulosa is a plant used for medicinal and feeding purposes. However, ingestion of S. tubulosa pods has been associated with bovine abortion. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects of diet containing 5% of S. tubulosa pod meal on male and female Wistar rats. Diet was administered to male rats (n = 10) for 60 days before mating. Female rats (n = 10) received the treatment for 30 days, during cohabitation and from gestational day (GD) 0 to GD20. Treated animals were mated with untreated rats. In male rats, plant consumption caused decreased food consumption and 20% fertility index reduction. Litters from treated males presented lower body weight and crown–rump length. Female rats treated with the plant increased water and food intake and body weight. Decreases in fertility, fecundity and gestation indices and increase of placenta weight and mean number of corpora lutea were found. Thus, owing to the possible general and reproductive toxic effects, long-term consumption of S. tubulosa is not recommended for phytotherapic or food purposes

Study of the possible toxic effects of Solanum lycocarpum exposure in adult rats and their offspring.

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill é uma planta comum no cerrado brasileiro e possui um alcalóide com configuração estereoespecífica para a síntese de hormônios esteróides. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para determinar os possíveis efeitos tóxicos da ingestão dos frutos de S. lycocarpum (3% adicionados à dieta) em ratos adultos machos (60 dias de administração), fêmeas (37 dias) e fêmeas prenhes (nos períodos de pré-implantação e organogênese). Poucas diferenças significantes no peso corpóreo e no consumo de água e ração foram observadas. Nenhuma diferença significante foi detectada no ganho de peso dos animais e no ciclo estral. Ratas tratadas apresentaram redução significante nos pesos do útero e do fígado. Porém, nenhuma diferença significante foi observada nos pesos de outros órgãos (adrenal, fígado, vesícula seminal, testículo e ovário) e na avaliação de enzimas e proteínas sangüíneas de ratos fêmeas e machos. Ao estudo anatomopatológico as fêmeas apresentaram maior incidência de hiperplasia do epitélio endometrial, cistos foliculares, proliferação de ductos biliares, congestão hepática e renal. A administração da planta no período de pré-implantação causou poucas alterações nos consumos de água e comida das fêmeas e sua prole apresentou aumento de hemorragia do bulbo olfatório. O consumo da planta durante a organogênese aumentou a média de filhotes fêmeas, reduziu o peso da placenta e aumentou o número de fetos com esternébrios assimétricos. Tomando estes dados em conjunto, pode-se sugerir que a administração da S. lycocarpum à 3% na ração causa efeitos tóxicos em ratas adultas e na prole, principalmente quando exposta durante o período de organogênese.Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill is a common plant in Brazilian savanna. This plant has an alkaloid with stereospecific configuration to the synthesis of steroid hormones. Since the plant may be long-term consumed, the present study was undertaken to determine the possible toxic effects of S. lycocarpum fruit ingestion (3% added to the diet) on male (60 days of administration), female (37 days) adult rats and pregnant female (during preimplantation and organogenesis). Few significant differences in the body weight and consumption of food and water were observed. No significant differences were detected in the male and female weight gain and the estrous cycle. Female treated rats showed a significant reduction in the uterus and liver weights. However, no significant differences were observed in other organ (adrenal, liver, seminal vesicle, testicle and ovary) weights and in the evaluation of blood enzimes and proteins of the female and male rats. The anatomopathological study showed a higher incidence of endometrial epithely hiperplasy, pholicular cysts, biliary ducts proliferation, hepatic and renal congestion in female rats. Plant administration during preimplantation caused few alterations in food and water consumption in female and their offspring showed increase in olfactory bulb hemorragy. Plant consumption during organogenesis increased the media of female pups, reduced placental weight and increased the number of fetuses with assimetric sternebrae. These data suggest that the S. lycocarpum administration at 3% causes toxic effects in adult female rats and in the offspring, specially when exposed to the plant during organogenesis

Study of the possible toxic effects of Solanum lycocarpum exposure in adult rats and their offspring.

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill é uma planta comum no cerrado brasileiro e possui um alcalóide com configuração estereoespecífica para a síntese de hormônios esteróides. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para determinar os possíveis efeitos tóxicos da ingestão dos frutos de S. lycocarpum (3% adicionados à dieta) em ratos adultos machos (60 dias de administração), fêmeas (37 dias) e fêmeas prenhes (nos períodos de pré-implantação e organogênese). Poucas diferenças significantes no peso corpóreo e no consumo de água e ração foram observadas. Nenhuma diferença significante foi detectada no ganho de peso dos animais e no ciclo estral. Ratas tratadas apresentaram redução significante nos pesos do útero e do fígado. Porém, nenhuma diferença significante foi observada nos pesos de outros órgãos (adrenal, fígado, vesícula seminal, testículo e ovário) e na avaliação de enzimas e proteínas sangüíneas de ratos fêmeas e machos. Ao estudo anatomopatológico as fêmeas apresentaram maior incidência de hiperplasia do epitélio endometrial, cistos foliculares, proliferação de ductos biliares, congestão hepática e renal. A administração da planta no período de pré-implantação causou poucas alterações nos consumos de água e comida das fêmeas e sua prole apresentou aumento de hemorragia do bulbo olfatório. O consumo da planta durante a organogênese aumentou a média de filhotes fêmeas, reduziu o peso da placenta e aumentou o número de fetos com esternébrios assimétricos. Tomando estes dados em conjunto, pode-se sugerir que a administração da S. lycocarpum à 3% na ração causa efeitos tóxicos em ratas adultas e na prole, principalmente quando exposta durante o período de organogênese.Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill is a common plant in Brazilian savanna. This plant has an alkaloid with stereospecific configuration to the synthesis of steroid hormones. Since the plant may be long-term consumed, the present study was undertaken to determine the possible toxic effects of S. lycocarpum fruit ingestion (3% added to the diet) on male (60 days of administration), female (37 days) adult rats and pregnant female (during preimplantation and organogenesis). Few significant differences in the body weight and consumption of food and water were observed. No significant differences were detected in the male and female weight gain and the estrous cycle. Female treated rats showed a significant reduction in the uterus and liver weights. However, no significant differences were observed in other organ (adrenal, liver, seminal vesicle, testicle and ovary) weights and in the evaluation of blood enzimes and proteins of the female and male rats. The anatomopathological study showed a higher incidence of endometrial epithely hiperplasy, pholicular cysts, biliary ducts proliferation, hepatic and renal congestion in female rats. Plant administration during preimplantation caused few alterations in food and water consumption in female and their offspring showed increase in olfactory bulb hemorragy. Plant consumption during organogenesis increased the media of female pups, reduced placental weight and increased the number of fetuses with assimetric sternebrae. These data suggest that the S. lycocarpum administration at 3% causes toxic effects in adult female rats and in the offspring, specially when exposed to the plant during organogenesis

Hoplias aff. malabaricus Bloch, 1794 (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) parasites

ABSTRACT: Aquatic organisms are a subject of great interest because of their nutritional value and their high availability as human food. As a result, an increasing number of studies are being conducted on potentially harmful aquatic organisms such as aquatic parasites that compromise host health, as well as affect public health by zoonosis. A balance between the characteristics of healthy and diseased states in fish infected by parasitic fauna is dependent on parasite-host-environment interactions. Here, we have compiled a bibliographical review of the general aspects and epidemiology of the parasites of Hoplias aff. malabaricus Bloch, 1794, a widely distributed and consumed fish species in Brazil

Ergot alkaloids at doses close to EU regulatory limits induce alterations of the liver and intestine

An increase in the occurrence of ergot alkaloids (EAs) contamination has been observed in North America and Europe in recent years. These toxins are well known for their effects on the circulatory and nervous systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EAs on the liver and on the intestine using the pig both as a target species and as a non-rodent model for human. Three groups of 24 weaned piglets were exposed for 28 days to control feed or feed contaminated with 1.2 or 2.5 g of sclerotia/kg, i.e., at doses close to EU regulatory limits. Contaminated diets significantly reduced feed intake and consequently growth performance. In the liver, alteration of the tissue, including development of inflammatory infiltrates, vacuolization, apoptosis and necrosis of hepatocytes as well as presence of enlarged hepatocytes (megalocytes) were observed. In the jejunum, EAs reduced villi height and increased damage to the epithelium, reduced the number of mucus-producing cells and upregulated mRNA coding for different tight junction proteins such as claudins 3 and 4. In conclusion, in term of animal health, our data indicate that feed contaminated at the regulatory limits induces lesions in liver and intestine suggesting that this limit should be lowered for pigs. In term of human health, we establish a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 100 g/kg body weight (bw) per day, lower than the benchmark dose limit (BMDL) retained by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to set the tolerable daily intake, suggesting also that regulatory limit should be revised

Effects of Buchenavia tomentosa consumption on female rats and their offspring = Efeitos do consumo de Buchenavia tomentosa em ratas e em suas proles

Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler is a common plant in Brazilian cerrado. Fruits of this plant are employed in human feeding and folk medicine. Cattle producers affirm that consumption of the fruits cause abortion in cows, and even death. Considering that the plant may be consumed by pregnant women and animals, the present study was undertaken toevaluate the possible toxic effects of the ingestion of B. tomentosa fruit (10% added to the diet), from the first to the twenty-first days of gestation, on reproductive parameters and on physical and neurobehavioral development of rats offspring. An increase in food consumption at pregnancy days 11 and 17, and weight increase at day 17 of pregnancy were observed. Besides that, we verified an increase in weight of male offspring on post natal day 1. Other parameterswere not affected by plant consumption. These results indicate that the consumption of B. tomentosa at 10% during pregnancy cause slight toxicological effects. The changes verified in the present study indicate toxic action of the fruit possibly induced by flavonoids with hormonal action; however, further studies must be accomplished to corroborate this hypothesis. Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler é uma planta típica do cerrado brasileiro. Os frutos desta planta são empregados na alimentação humana e medicina popular. Criadores de bovinos afirmam que oconsumo desta planta produz aborto em vacas bem como a morte destes animais. Uma vez que a planta pode ser consumida pelo homem e animais, em idade fértil e inclusive gestantes, o presente estudo avaliou os possíveis efeitos tóxicos da ingestão de dieta com 10% de frutos de B. tomentosa do primeiro ao vigésimo primeiro dia de gestação sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos e sobre o desenvolvimento físico e neurocomportamental das ninhadas de ratos. Foram observadaselevações no consumo de alimentos nos dias 11 e 17 de gestação e no peso ao dia 17 de gestação. Aumento do peso dos filhotes machos foi verificado no primeiro dia após o nascimento. Outros parâmetros não foram afetados pelo consumo da planta. Estes resultados indicam que a ingestão, durante a gestação, de uma dieta acrescida com 10% de B. tomentosa causa efeitos tóxicos leves. As alterações verificadas no presente estudo indicam ação tóxica do fruto possivelmente induzidospor flavonoides de ação hormonal; no entanto, estudos detalhados devem ser conduzidos para garantir esta hipótese

<b>Effects of <em>Buchenavia tomentosa</em> consumption on female rats and their offspring</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v32i4.7220 <b>Effects of <em>Buchenavia tomentosa</em> consumption on female rats and their offspring</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v32i4.7220

<em>Buchenavia tomentosa</em> Eichler is a common plant in Brazilian cerrado. Fruits of this plant are employed in human feeding and folk medicine. Cattle producers affirm that consumption of the fruits cause abortion in cows, and even death. Considering that the plant may be consumed by pregnant women and animals, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible toxic effects of the ingestion of <em>B. tomentosa</em> fruit (10% added to the diet), from the first to the twenty-first days of gestation, on reproductive parameters and on physical and neurobehavioral development of rats offspring. An increase in food consumption at pregnancy days 11 and 17, and weight increase at day 17 of pregnancy were observed. Besides that, we verified an increase in weight of male offspring on post natal day 1. Other parameters were not affected by plant consumption. These results indicate that the consumption of <em>B. tomentosa</em> at 10% during pregnancy cause slight toxicological effects. The changes verified in the present study indicate toxic action of the fruit possibly induced by flavonoids with hormonal action; however, further studies must be accomplished to corroborate this hypothesis.<br><em>Buchenavia tomentosa</em> Eichler is a common plant in Brazilian cerrado. Fruits of this plant are employed in human feeding and folk medicine. Cattle producers affirm that consumption of the fruits cause abortion in cows, and even death. Considering that the plant may be consumed by pregnant women and animals, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible toxic effects of the ingestion of <em>B. tomentosa</em> fruit (10% added to the diet), from the first to the twenty-first days of gestation, on reproductive parameters and on physical and neurobehavioral development of rats offspring. An increase in food consumption at pregnancy days 11 and 17, and weight increase at day 17 of pregnancy were observed. Besides that, we verified an increase in weight of male offspring on post natal day 1. Other parameters were not affected by plant consumption. These results indicate that the consumption of <em>B. tomentosa</em> at 10% during pregnancy cause slight toxicological effects. The changes verified in the present study indicate toxic action of the fruit possibly induced by flavonoids with hormonal action; however, further studies must be accomplished to corroborate this hypothesis

Anatomopatologia de amostras de bovinos alimentados com glicerol Anatomic-pathological samples of cattle fed with glycerol

O aumento na produção de biodiesel vem acompanhado do incremento na geração de subprodutos, dentre os quais a glicerina bruta e o glicerol, que vem sendo objeto de inúmeros trabalhos em que se destaca seu uso como fonte energética para alimentação de animais de produção. Entretanto, sua utilização tem sido observada com atenção devido à presença de contaminantes como o metanol, utilizado no processo de separação dos ácidos graxos do glicerol. O metanol é um álcool e tem sido responsável por intoxicações, principalmente em seres humanos e primatas, caracterizadas por acidose metabólica e problemas oculares, apresentando menor toxidade a outras espécies animais. Os efeitos tóxicos da intoxicação por metanol são atribuídos principalmente ao ácido fórmico, um metabólito do processo de degradação do metanol no fígado. Objetivou-se com esse estudo verificar a possível ação tóxica da glicerina bruta e do metanol por análises histopatológicas do sistema nervoso central (SNC), fígado, rúmen, intestino delgado e rim de 24 bovinos confinados por 84 dias, consumindo rações contendo até 24% de glicerina bruta na matéria seca (MS),a qual apresentava 80,35% de glicerol, e The increase in biodiesel production has led to higher production of crude glycerin, thus, numerous studies have highlighted the use of crude glycerin and glycerol as energy source to be used for animal feed production. However, its use has been closely watched because of the presence of contaminants such as methanol used in the process of separating fatty acids from glycerol. Methanol is an alcohol and has been responsible for intoxication in humans and primates, characterized by metabolic acidosis and eye problems, with less toxicity to other species. The toxic effects of methanol poisoning are attributed mainly to formic acid, a metabolite of the degradation process of methanol in the liver. The objective of this study was to verify the possible toxic action of crude glycerin and methanol by pathological examinations of the central nervous system (CNS), liver, rumen, small intestine and kidney from 24 feedlot cattle for 84 days, feed containing up to 24% of crude glycerin in dry matter (DM) presenting in its composition 80.35% glycerol, and <0.01% methanol. There were no pathological changes observed in dairy cows and steers up to 24% of glycerol inclusion based on the diet DM. The total weight gain and feed conversion were not affected by inclusion of glycerol. We conclude that crude glycerin can be included up to 24% of total DM in the diets of steers and dairy cows without compromising animal performance or display toxicity