Suresh C. Joshi

Influence of methyl parathion on reproductive parameters in male rats

Exposure of human population to pesticides and industrial pollutants has considerably increased the risk of human health hazard. In the present study, therefore we have sought to investigate the toxic effects of Methyl Parathion on male reproductive system of rat. The tested dose was given orally to the rats for 30 days at the dose level of 30 mg/kg/day. Sex organs weight analysis, histochemical and histopathological changes and mating trials were the criteria used to evaluate the reproductive efficacy of the treated rats. The body weight of the animals did not show any significant change. However, Methyl Parathion caused significant decrease in the weight of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate with marked pathomorphological changes. Also, marked reduction in epididymial and testicular sperm counts in exposed males were noticed. Fertility test showed 80% -ve fertility in treated animals. A significant reduction in the sialic acid contents of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and testicular glycogen were noticed, while the protein and cholesterol content were raised significantly. From the above-mentioned findings, it has been concluded that exposure to Methyl Parathion has deleterious effects on male reproductive system of rat. Therefore, application of such insecticide should be limited to a designed program.

NEMATICIDAL, INSECTICIDAL, ANTIFERTILITY, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF SALICYLANILIDE SULPHATHIAZOLE AND ITS MANGANESE, SILICON AND TIN COMPLEXES

A facile synthesis and studies on the stereochemistry and biochemical aspects of some organosilicon(IV), organotin(IV), and manganese(II) complexes derived from imine having N∪N∪O donor system is reported. The imine was prepared by the condensation of salicylanilide with sulphathiazole. This imine reacts with organosilicon(IV)chloride, organotin(IV)chloride, and hydrated manganese(II) chloride to yield compounds having M─O and M←N bonds. The structures of the compounds have been elucidated by physicochemical and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, 119Sn NMR, and ESR) studies, which clearly point to a trigonal bipyramidal geometry around silicon(IV) and tin(IV), and tetrahedral geometry around manganese(II), as the active lone pair of the nitrogen is also included in the coordination sphere. In the search for better fungicides and bactericides, studies were conducted to assess the growth-inhibiting potential of the synthesized complexes against various pathogenic fungal and bacterial strains. These complexes are highly active against nematode (Meloidogyneincognita) and insect (Trogodermagranarium). The activity will be increased with increasing concentration. These studies demonstrate that the concentrations reached levels that are sufficient to inhibit and kill the pathogens. All compounds have also been found to act as sterilizing agents by reducing the production of sperm in male mice.

Evaluation of reproductive and developmental toxicity of cypermethrin in male albino rats

The ever-increasing use of pesticides in the agricultural and public health has become a major cause of sterility in human and various other animals particularly in males. This study was sought to screen the toxic impacts of cypermethrin (synthetic pyrethroid) on reproduction and development. Twenty-four Wistar male rats divided into four groups were orally administered cypermethrin of daily doses 50, 75, or 100  mg kg−1 bwt per day for 45 days; and for developmental toxicity, 12 female rats were separated into two groups. Maternal rats (experimental) were administered cypermethrin (100 mg kg−1) by gavage daily from 6th to 17th day of gestation, and the control group was dosed only vehicle (olive oil). The body weights, fertility index, biochemical, enzymatic, hormonal, and histopathological parameters were the criteria used to evaluate the toxicity of cypermethrin. Study showed significant decline in the weight of testes, epididymises, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostate, and reduction in sperm counts both in epididymises and testes in chemical-treated animals. Pre- and post- fertility test showed 50%, 80%, and 100% negative results after treatment. A significant degenerative reduction in testicular glycogen and sialic acid was also noted. In contrast, protein and cholesterol levels of testes were significantly increased. In addition, acid phosphatase activity was significantly increased, while alkaline phosphatase, testosterone, leutinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were diminished. Histology of testes showed degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Cypermethrin exposure during gestation produced adverse effects markedly in females and fetuses.

Synthetic, magnetic, spectral, antimicrobial and antifertility studies of dioxomolybdenum(VI) unsymmetrical imine complexes having a N∩N donor system

Unsymmetrical imine molybdenum(VI) complexes of the type [MoO2(L1)(L2)] formed by the interaction of dioxobis(2,4-pentanedionato)molybdenum(VI) in a 1:1:1 molar ratio with different imines derived from the reactions of sulphagunanidine, sulphamethazine, sulphapyridine and sulphadiazine with various aromatic aldehydes and ketones, have been prepared and the products characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic measurements and spectral studies. The complexes have also been tested in vitro. The antifertility screening data indicate the antiandrogenic nature of the complexes. The spectral studies suggest that all the ligands behave in a bidentate fashion, coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen (>C=N−) and other functional group NH as (N∩N) donors. Studies also reveal that the ligands react with dioxobis(2,4-pentanedionato)molybdenum(VI) to give diamagnetic mononuclear molybdenum(VI) complexes.

Male reproductive toxicity of organophosphorous compounds: a review

Fertility is declining in many countries and there has been substantial interest in the potential adverse effects of exposure to environmental hazardous chemicals, including pesticides on male reproduction. Organophosphorous compounds (organophosphates, OP) constitute a heterogeneous category of chemicals specifically designed for the control of pests or plant diseases. OP are known to produce reproductive toxicity, resulting in a decrease in the fertility levels of humans and animals. This review article mainly focused on toxicity of some OP such as acephate, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, fenitrothion, malathion, and monocrotophos especially dealing with reproductive toxicity in males. Furthermore, this review deals with mode of action and clinical syndromes of OP. Considerable lab studies on animals concluded that OP produce adverse effects on male reproductive system.

Treatment of dermatophytosis by a new antifungal agent 'apigenin'.

Dermatophytes are the most common causative agents of cutaneous mycosis and remain a major public health problem in spite of the availability of an increasing number of antifungal drugs. It was, therefore considered necessary to pursue the screening of different extracts (compounds) of selected traditional medicinal plants reportedly having antidermatophyte potential. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify specific compound from the most active extract (free flavonoid) of stem of Terminalia chebula of the selected plants to treat dermatophytosis induced on experimental mice. Mice which were experimentally induced with Trichophyton mentagrophytes were grouped in six of five animals each. To treat the lesions on infected mice, two concentrations of isolated apigenin ointment, i.e. 2.5 mg g−1 (Api I) and 5 mg g−1 (Api II), and terbinafine (standard) of concentration 5 mg g−1 were used. Complete recovery from the infection was recorded on 12th day of treatment for reference drug Terbinafine and Api II (5 mg g−1) concentration of ointment, whereas Api I (2.5 mg g−1) ointment showed complete cure on 16th day of treatment. Fungal burden was also calculated by culturing skin scraping from infected mices of different groups. Apigenin has shown potency as the infected animals recover completely by Api II comparable to the standard drug in 12th day. So Apigenin can be explored as an antifungal agent in the clinical treatment of dermatophytosis in future.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Abelia grandiflora Assisted AgNPs

In past few years, wide applicability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various field attract for an approach of rapid, cost effective and eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs that is expanding research toward biological methods. The biosynthesised AgNPs were confirmed visually by appearance of dark brown color formation in mixture and silver surface plasmon resonance band observed at 413 nm by using UV-Visible Spectroscopy. The micrograph obtained by SEM and TEM confirmed the formation of AgNPs of 10-30 nm range. The X-ray Diffraction affirmed the crystalline nature of particles with a face centered cubic structure. The AgNPs exhibited the antimicrobial activity against Gram negative bacteria (Gram (-) Bacteria) and Gram positive bacteria (Gram (+) Bacteria) (Escherichia coli-MTCC-443, Staphylococcus aureus-MTCC-3381, Bacillus subtilis-MTCC No.10619, Proteus vulgaris-MTCC 1771, Klebsiella pneumonia-MTCC No 7028 and Bacillus megaterium-MTCC No. 2412). A. grandiflora may be used for the green synthesis of ultra-fine nanoparticles of silver for their antimicrobial activities.

Antiandrogen and Antimicrobial Aspects of Coordination Compounds of Palladium(II), Platinum(II) and Lead(II).

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of an interesting class of biologically potent macrocyclic complexes have been carried out. All the complexes have been evaluated for their antimicrobial effects on different species of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The testicular sperm density, testicular sperm morphology, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and fertility in mating trails and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs have been examined and discussed. The resulting biologically active [M(MaLn)(R2)]Cl2 and [Pb(MaLn)(R2)X2] (where, M = PdII or PtII and X = Cl or NO3) type of complexes have been synthesized by the reactions of macrocyclic ligands (MaLn) with metal salts and different diamines in 1:1:1 molar ratio in methanol. Initially the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations and conductivity measurements. The mode of bonding was established on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 195Pt NMR, 207Pb NMR, XRD and electronic spectral studies. The macrocyclic ligand coordinates through the four azomethine nitrogen atoms which are bridged by benzil moieties. IR spectra suggest that the pyridine nitrogen is not coordinating. The palladium and platinum complexes exhibit tetracoordinated square-planar geometry, whereas a hexacoordinated octahedral geometry is suggested for lead complexes.

Green Synthesis of AgNPs Stabilized with biowaste and their antimicrobial activities

In the present study, rapid reduction and stabilization of Ag+ ions with different NaOH molar concentration (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM and 1.5 mM) has been carried out in the aqueous solution of silver nitrate by the bio waste peel extract of P.granatum. Generally, chemical methods used for the synthesis of AgNPs are quite toxic, flammable and have adverse effect in medical application but green synthesis is a better option due to eco-friendliness, non-toxicity and safe for human. Stable AgNPs were synthesized by treating 90 mL aqueous solution of 2 mM AgNO3 with the 5 mL plant peels extract (0.4% w/v) at different NaOH concentration (5 mL). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM and SEM. Further, antimicrobial activities of AgNPs were performed on Gram positive i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilius and Gram negative i.e. E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The AgNPs synthesized at 1.5 mM NaOH concentration had shown maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) i.e. 49 ± 0.64 in E. coli, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilius had shown 40 ± 0.29 mm, 28 ± 0.13 and 42 ± 0.49 mm ZOI respectively. The MIC value of 30 μg/mL observed for E. coli Whereas, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had shown 45 μg/mL, 38 μg/mL, 35 μg/mL respectively. The study revealed that AgNPs had shown significant antimicrobial activity as compared to Streptomycin.

Synthetic, stereochemical, and biological aspects of manganese (II) complexes with unsymmetrical sulfur containing bidentate schiff bases

The synthesis and characterization of tetracoordinated manganese (II) complexes of unsymmetrical sulpha drug azomethines having general formula (MnL 1 L 2 ) are reported. The 1:1:1 reactions of hydrated manganese chloride with unsymmetrical monobasic bidentate azomethines resulted in the formation of coloured solids. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, magnetic measurements, IR, ESR, and UV spectral studies. The magnetic and spectral studies indicate tetrahedral geometry for the resulting complexes. The ligands along with their complexes have been screened in vitro against a number of pathogenic fungal and bacterial strains. The antifertility activity of some representative ligands and their manganese complexes have been studied and important parameters like testicular biochemistry, sperm dynamics, and reproductive organ weights have been discussed. The studies indicate that the metal chelates are more potent than the parent ligands.