Essotolom Badjabaissi

Background: Sterculia setigera is a plant used in traditional medicine for many purposes. We previously reported that its dry hydroethanolic leaf extract (SSE) protected cerebellar granule neurons and PC12 cells against H₂O₂, 6-OHDA, and serum deprivation-induced cell death, and mitigated ethanol neurotoxicity in the cerebellar cortex of neonatal Wistar rats while preserving motor coordination. This study aims to establish the toxicological profile of Sterculia setigera leaves' hydroethanolic extract, using appropriate in vitro and in vivo models. Methods : The brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay served as a cytotoxicity test (in vitro model). An acute oral toxicity test was conducted according to OECD TG 423 (2000 mg/kg). The repeated dose oral toxicity of 28 days was performed following the OECD TG 407 (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) on Wistar rats. Results: The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) was 1.84 mg/mL. Based on acute oral toxicity, the LD50 value of the extract was up to 2000 mg/kg of body weight. The 28-day repeated oral administration of Sterculia setigera leaves hydroethanolic extract did not provoke negative effects on rats, as they were safe based on body and organ weight, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological results. Conclusion : These results indicate that the dry hydroethanolic extract of S. setigera leaves did not provoke adverse effects that can lead to death or internal histological lesions in Wistar rats after 28-day oral administration. Keywords: Sterculia setigera; cytotoxicity; Artemia salina; toxicological profile

Background : The increase in agricultural production has been accompanied by intensive pesticide use, leading to chronic environmental contamination. In Togo, residues exceeding regulatory limits have been detected in vegetable crops, particularly abamectin (ABM) and cypermethrin (CYP). ABM, derived from Streptomyces avermitilis, acts on GABA-gated chloride channels and crosses the blood–brain barrier, inducing oxidative stress and neurotoxic damage. CYP, a synthetic pyrethroid, targets voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in abnormal neuronal discharges and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. While their acute effects are well known, the subchronic impacts of low-dose exposure, especially in combination, remain poorly understood. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the subchronic neurotoxic effects of combined exposure to abamectin and cypermethrin, administered at realistic doses, in rats. Methods : This study evaluated the subchronic neurotoxicity of ABM and CYP, administered individually or in combination for 90 days to 40 Wistar rats divided into five groups: control, ABM (0.3 mg/kg/day), CYP (0.7 mg/kg/day), mixture M1 (ABM 0.3 + CYP 0.7 mg/kg/day), and mixture M2 (ABM 0.6 + CYP 1.4 mg/kg/day). Results : The results revealed that exposure, particularly to mixtures, decreased brain protein levels, significantly reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and markedly increased malondialdehyde levels compared to groups exposed to a single pesticide.. Glutathione S-transferase activity was less affected, but caspase-3 was activated in M1 and M2 groups, indicating apoptosis induction. Histological analyses in M1 and M2 groups showed pronounced hypocellularity associated with cellular hypertrophy and necrotic foci compared with controls. Conclusions : The observed synergistic effect highlights an increased toxicological risk, underscoring the need for further mechanistic studies and appropriate regulatory measures. Under environmental conditions where combined exposures are frequent, these results highlight the importance of considering the impact of mixtures rather than isolated compounds. Keywords: Abamectin, Cypermethrin, Oxidative stress, Pesticide mixture, low-dose

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity, as well as the cytotoxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of D. guineense willd fruit pulp. Methodology: Three different tests were performed. The cytotoxicity test was performed using Artemia salina larvae. The acute toxicity test was conducted by single oral administration of Dialium guineense at 5000 mg/kg. When subacute toxicity tests were performed by repeated oral administration of Dialium guineense at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Results: The fruit pulp of Dialium guineense presented a CL ₅₀ equal to 1.40 mg/mL and an LD ₅₀ greater than 5000 mg/kg. This pulp at the dose of 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose as well as the overall white blood cell counts, particularly neutrophils and eosinophil polymorphonuclear cells, at low doses after 28 days of treatment. Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract of the Dialium guineense willd fruit pulp does not show signs of cytotoxicity, major acute or subacute toxicity.

Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Lomé Vegetables: Implications for Health and Food Consumption