Publications by authors named "A N Al-Dissi"
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the effects of contaminated groundwater from a legacy pesticide plant on male and female Sprague Dawley rats, focusing on toxicity over a 60-day exposure period.
- Rats exposed to higher concentrations of groundwater (1% and 10%) experienced significant liver damage and other health issues, including reduced plasma albumin and signs of kidney damage.
- Findings indicate that both liver and testicular toxicity were dose-dependent, highlighting the importance of using innovative assessment methods for understanding the risks of exposure to complex contaminant mixtures.
Article Synopsis
- Ergot alkaloids have harmful effects on livestock, prompting a study on their impact on pregnant sheep's blood vessels and the role of -1 adrenergic receptors.
- Twelve pregnant sheep were divided into control and exposure groups, with the exposure group receiving ergot-contaminated feed for 45 days.
- Results showed significant increases in contractile response in the umbilical artery and vein of the exposed group, leading to lower fetal weights, indicating that current ergot safety limits may need reassessment.
Article Synopsis
- Exposure to industrial contaminants can negatively impact memory and brain function in rats.
- The study found that rats exposed to contaminated groundwater showed impaired memory but no issues with motor skills.
- A reduction in blood flow to the brain and lower serotonin levels were observed in the contaminated group, suggesting neurotoxic effects, but the specific harmful chemicals remain unidentified.
Male reproductive capacity has fallen considerably in recent decades; in addition, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased in many developed countries. The cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but environmental toxicants are considered a major contributing factor. To study potential reproductive toxicants, robust in vitro testis models are needed.
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- Assessing toxicity from complex mixtures of industrial contaminants is difficult, as shown in a study with male rats exposed to contaminated groundwater from a pesticide site in Canada for varying durations (7, 14, 28, and 60 days).
- The study found inflammation and gonadotoxicity in the rats, evidenced by changes in blood cell counts, reduced spermatogenesis (Johnsen score), and lowered testosterone levels, indicating that the reproductive system was affected.
- Additionally, elevated levels of plasma symmetric dimethylarginine suggested kidney impairment, while increased lipid peroxidation in both testicular and lung tissues highlighted the organ damage caused by the contaminated groundwater, emphasizing the need for better risk assessment methods.