The group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are particularly dangerous for the environment and by consequence for human health because of the risk to be transmitted in the food chain. Among them, the urgent problem of obsolete and forbidden organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) needs a rigorous management in many countries, including Kazakhstan. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of pesticides content in food products on the genetic status and health of the population living on the contaminated areas near destroyed warehouses for OCPs (4 villages of Talgar district and 1 control site, Almaty region). The food products sampled in Taukaraturyk (control site), and in 4 villages where non-utilized obsolete pesticides were discovered: Beskainar, Kyzylkairat, Amangeldy, and Belbulak. The contents of 24 pesticides in food products from plant (apples, pears, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers) and animal (beef meat, cow milk, honey) origin, that grown in places of localization of non-utilized OCPs, were determined, sometimes in high and unacceptably high concentrations (before 2500 times over MRL). In pears, the pesticides content (especially DDT, γ-HCH, β-HCH, endosulfan, and aldrin pesticide group), was higher than in other fruits. Among vegetables, the highest levels of all groups of pesticide were found in cucumbers. Beef meat samples demonstrated increased contents of β-HCH, γ-HCH, endrin and dieldrin. In cow milk samples only the high concentration of dieldrin was found. The content of pesticides in meat was 4-5 times higher than in milk. The medical examinations, carried out among the cohorts living around the polluted by pesticides territories and control cohort from ecologically favorable village, showed that there were more individuals with high and middle levels of somatic health in the control group than in groups exposed to OCPs. The long-term effect of the pesticide contamination of the environment on genetic status of the population was assessed by chromosomal aberration (CA) frequencies. The highest level of chromosomal aberrations was identified for the examined residents of Kyzylkairat (41%) and Belbulak (38%), a high level in Amangeldy (12%), and middle level in Beskainar (6.5%). The association between the CA frequency, health status and the pesticides contents in food were assessed by a Spearman rank correlation. The low indicators of somatic health status were strictly associated with high levels of CA, and good health status indicates that the CA rates did not exceed the spontaneous level of mutagenesis. The strongest correlation was shown between high levels of chromosomal aberrations and the content of different pesticides in pears (Cr = 0.979-0.467), tomatoes (Cr = 0.877-0.476), cucumbers (Cr = 0.975-0.553) and meat (Cr = 0.839-0.368). The obtained results highlight the need to improve health protection by increasing the public awareness to the security of the storage of obsolete OCPs in order to strengthen food safety by efficient control services.

One of the most promising areas in Kazakhstan at present is the production of feed additives based on plant materials with mineral components. This article describes the use of a feed additive made from green plant materials obtained by growing the traditional cereal crop Hordeum vulgare (barley) from the family Poaceae, and the non-traditional fodder crop Rumex confertus (sorrel) from the family Polygonaceae, with the addition of locally produced montmorillonite and additional ingredients – calcium phosphate, potassium iodide and urea, which are necessary for metabolic processes in a growing organism and improve the nutritional qualities of milk and meat. The effect of a combination of plant components with the addition of mineral additives on the biochemical parameters of young sheep is shown. A significant (2-3 times) increase in concentration of protein, glucose, cellular enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and urea was noted, which may indicate a high calorie content of the additive and the absence of factors contributing to pathological deviations in the development of animals.

Background: Infections can be/are a global factor of mutational damage, causing undesirable changes in heredity both in the present and in future generations. All this makes the problem of infectious mutagenesis extremely urgent and requires timely assessment of the mutagenic effect and therapeutic and preventive assistance to the population in highly pathogenic viral infections. Aim: the study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the genetic apparatus of buccal epithelial cells in people who had undergone coronavirus infection of varying severity. Methods: The genetic status of people 2-3 months after infection with COVID-19 was studied by karyological and micronucleus analysis in buccal epithelial cells of the oral cavity. Results and Discussion: Reliable increase of karyological indices (cytogenetic disorders (micronuclei), proliferation indices, nucleus destruction indices) in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity was detected. The studied abnormalities were detected in all patients who underwent the disease regardless of disease severity and contacts. In patients with the severe form of COVID-19, a significant increase in cytogenetic abnormalities was noted in comparison with the data of the control group and the indices of patients with moderate and mild forms of the disease. Conclusions: contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, regardless of the presence of clinical manifestations, causes karyological abnormalities in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity. This indicates its significant mutagenic potential.

Chronic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid may cause a number of adverse effects and chronic conditions. Intestinal adsorbents based on natural materials are used to prevent or treat various intoxications. In this study, it was described detoxification and protective effect of composite pectin/montmorillonite intestinal adsorbents in rats receiving high doses of acetylsalicylic acid. 60 Wistar rats received 100 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid without or together with composite intestinal adsorbents based on montmorillonite and 5%, 10%, and 20% pectin. After 16 days of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure blood biochemistry profiles, including levels of total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and liver enzymes. It was observed significant changes in blood biochemistry profile as well as in liver enzyme levels in rats receiving acetylsalicylic acid for 16 days. Concomitant administration of acetylsalicylic acid and composite intestinal adsorbents based on montmorillonite and 5%, 10%, and 20% pectin provided a protective effect as judged by recovery of blood biochemistry and liver enzyme profiles to control levels. The composite adsorbent with 20% pectin had maximum effect. Therefore, pectin/montmorillonite intestinal adsorbents can be used to decrease gastrointestinal irritation and adverse effects of drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid.

The aim of the study was to assess the physiological and biochemical action the new feed additive. The studies were carried out on white laboratory rats of the Spraque Dawley line. The additive consisted of four ingredients - bentonite, barley, wheat, calcium phosphate, in the ratio (2: 8: 8: 2). The use of fortified, enriched with vegetable fat-protein components, feed additive with natural montmorillonite (bentonite) affects the protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body, contributes to an increase in the weight of the animal. After prolonged intake of the feed additive, enzymatic activity and an increase in the content of protein, glucose, and lipids in the blood were observed. The feed additive has a good adsorptive and antioxidant effect, reducing toxic products, participating in the inactivation of free radicals, and exerting a protective effect on cell membranes. When feeding with a fodder additive, the protein content in the diet increased, as compared with the control, it should be noted that the phosphorus content in the blood and lymph increased, the increase in energy costs increased with an increase in muscle mass. The supplement is high in calories, has an antioxidant and adaptogenic effect, maintains a balance of biochemical and oxidative processes and can be recommended as a safe and effective supplement to the daily diet of farm animals.