A study was designed to evaluate ameliorative effect of propolis against methoxychlor (MXC) induced ovarian toxicity in rat. The organochlorine pesticide (MXC) is a known endocrine disruptor with estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, and anti-androgenic properties. To investigate whether chronic exposure to MXC could cause ovarian dysfunction, two groups of Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were exposed to MXC alone in a dose of 200mg/kg, twice/weekly, orally or MXC dose as previous plus propolis in a dose of 200mg/l/day, in drinking water for 10 months. Another two groups of rat were given corn oil (control) or propolis. Multiple reproductive parameters, ovarian weight, serum hormone levels, ovarian oxidative status and ovarian morphology were examined. In MXC-exposed group, there is a significant decrease in body and ovarian weight vs. control. MXC decreases serum estradiol and progesterone levels. A significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation was obtained while a significant decrease of the total antioxidant was recorded. Ovarian histopathology showed primary, secondary and vesicular follicles displaying an atretic morphology. Increase in the ovarian surface epithelium height accompanied with vacuolated, pyknotic oocytes were obtained. The previous toxic effects were neutralized by the administration of propolis in MXC+propolis group. The present results suggest that propolis may be effective in decreasing of MXC-induced ovarian toxicity in rat.

Aim: This study evaluated the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw, pasteurized and ultra-heat treated (UHT) buffalo milk consumed in upper Egypt. Materials and Methods: Milk samples were collected from January to June 2013. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied. Results: All the tested samples were positive for AFM1, which were above the Egyptian regulations limits 0 ng/L. The raw milk showed 93% of samples were above the permitted limit set by the European Commission (EC), whereas 3.3% of samples exceeded US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) tolerance limit. The pasteurized milk showed 100% and 13.5% of samples exceeded the EC, and US FDA, respectively. UHT milk Brand I and II showed 100% and 86.5% of samples were above EC, and 36.6% and 6.6% of samples exceeded US FDA, respectively. Conclusion: These results raise concerns about the milk consumed in Egypt and it must be monitored for AFM1 contamination

Abstract In the present study, penconazole fungicide was examined for its affect on the morphology and function of testes in rats. Male rats were orally administered penconazole at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg, three times/week, for 9 months. Testosterone hormone level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Testicles were submitted for histopathological examination using light microscope. Testicles were exposed for more investigation using transmission electron microscope. Quantitative analysis of seminiferous epithelial cycle and Leydig cells were obtained. The results revealed that a significant decrease in testosterone hormone level than the control group. Light microscope examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in testes at the level of seminiferous tubules. Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cell numbers showed significant depletion. Ultrastructural investigation showed Sertoli and Leydig cells had several morphological alterations. Spermatogonic cells showed multiple features of apoptosis. From the previous findings, we concluded that penconazole fungicide induced structural and functional testicular impairment. The use of penconazole as a fungicide must be restricted and regularly monitored in the environment.