Imidacloprid (IMI) is a widely used insecticide known for its high selectivity toward insects. Ellagic acid (EA) is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound recognized for its therapeutic potential and favorable safety profile in the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of EA, formulated as novasomes (NOV), against IMI-induced thyroid dysfunction and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Rats were divided into four equal groups: control, EA-NOV, IMI, and IMI + EA-NOV. Thyroid function was assessed by measuring free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Thyroid tissues were examined to evaluate histopathological alterations, as well as to assess the oxidative/antioxidant pathway (Nrf2, SOD, TAC, MDA), inflammatory pathway (IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB), apoptotic pathway (Bcl, BAX), and autophagy pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, Beclin-1). Exposure to IMI resulted in impaired thyroid function, the upregulated gene expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and downregulated P53 expression. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining revealed Beclin-1-mediated autophagy, alongside increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, EA improved thyroid function and ameliorated histopathological alterations by enhancing autophagy-inducing pathways. Additionally, the alleviation of oxidative stress was evidenced by the increased immunohistochemical staining of Nrf2, which promoted the synthesis and activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced apoptotic and inflammatory markers. This study proposes the use of EA as a potential protective, naturally occurring phytoceutical against IMI-induced thyroid dysfunction, primarily through the modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated autophagy.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is a commonly used new-generation pesticide that has numerous harmful effects on non-targeted organisms, including animals. This study analysed both the adverse effects on the pancreas following oral consumption of imidacloprid neonicotinoids (45 mg/kg daily for 30 days) and the potential protective effects of lycopene (LYC) administration (10 mg/kg/day for 30 days) with IMI exposure in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The apoptotic, pyroptotic, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress biomarkers were evaluated, along with the histopathological alterations. Upon IMI administration, noticeable changes were observed in pancreatic histopathology. Additionally, elevated oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum-associated stress biomarkers, inflammatory, pyroptotic, and apoptotic biomarkers were also observed following IMI administration. LYC effectively reversed these alterations by reducing oxidative stress markers (e.g., MDA) and enhancing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT). It downregulated ER stress markers (IRE1α, XBP1, CHOP), decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), and suppressed pyroptotic (NLRP3, caspase-1) along with apoptotic markers (Bax, cleaved caspase-3). It also improved the histopathological and ultrastructure alterations brought on by IMI toxicity.

Eggplant is economically highly rated in both Asia and Africa because of its richness in vitamins and antioxidants. The work purpose is to conduct a gap period, dietary risk assessment, and effect on some quality parameters of pymetrozine, pyriproxyfen, and acetamiprid on eggplant under greenhouse conditions. The QuEChERS method was appropriate for residue extraction for used insecticides. Recoveries ranged from 86 -105 % with relative standard deviation(RSD) rated from 1.52 to 10.26%. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for analysis. Pymetrozine, acetamiprid, and pyriproxyfen reached half-life by 1.15, 1.62, and 4.64 days consecutively. Pre-harvest interval guided to 3, 5, and 7 days for the three insecticides respectively. All tested insecticides decreased significantly the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, N, P, and K content in leaves of eggplant compared with the control. Pyriproxyfen recorded the highest decrease. Pymetrozine and acetamiprid significantly decreased the total soluble solids(T.S.S.), ascorbic acid(vitamin C), carbohydrates, and total soluble sugars content in eggplant fruits compared with control, and did not significantly decrease total nitrogen, crude protein, and Fe content. Pyriproxyfen significantly decreased all parameters except % acidity and recorded the highest decrease compared with the control. Eggplant can be harvested safely after 3 to 7 days after application with tested insecticides. Risk quotient(RQ) was higher than 1 till the 5th and 7th day after application then became less than 1 for the rest of the tested interval days which indicates low long-term risk. The effect on plant quality needs to be studied in depth in future studies.

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of sixcommercial nematicides with ten formulations namely ethoprophos (Todabeet®, Root Phos®, and Nemafeng®), fenamiphos (Javelin®), fosthiazate (Capsul pro®),cadusafos (Rugby®), oxamyl (Mass Tode®, Oxyle®, and Canzakel®), and bionematicide abamectin (Namazoho®) against Meloidogyne incognita on sugar beet plants based on numbers of galls and juveniles (J2s) as well as plant growth characteristics. The nematicides were applied to the soil at the recommended dosage rate. All nematicides caused a significant reduction in the number of J2s and root galls with different levels of efficacy. However, ethoprophos (Todabeet ®) and ethoprophos (Root Phos®) had the highest nematicidal effect with a 100 % reduction in the number of juveniles in soil and galls, while oxamyl (Mass Tode®) and cadusafos (Rugby®) were relatively least effective causing 63.2 and 65.91 %; 64.6 and 69.5 %; reduction in J2s population and galling, respectively. Abamectin (Namazoho®), fenamiphos (Javelin®), ethoprophos (Nemafeng®),oxamyl (Oxyle®), oxamyl (Canzakel®), and fosthiazate (Capsul pro®) ranked intermediate in descending order by 89.4 and 87.5%; 88.3 and 89.77 %; 87.2 and 95.45 %; 84.4 and 87.5 %; 70.1 and 63.64 %; 68.9 and 59.09 % reduction in J2s population and galling, respectively. Also, all of the nematicides significantly increased plant length, fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. Ethoprophos (Root Phos®) had the highest increase effect. However, all nematicides significantly decreased N, P, K, and total chlorophyll content compared to the control, while abamectin had the highest decrease effect. Efficacy of Six Commercial Nematicides against Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognitaand Their Impacts on Sugar Beet Plant Growth and Chemical Constituents