Research Article
Acute Lead Exposure Weakens Myocardial Contractile Function and the Therapeutic Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Zhengyi Zhou,
Zhuo Tang,
Zihao Dai,
Shuhe Xu,
Yujie Ge,
Yuemin Ding*
,
Xiong Zhang
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
106-110
Received:
16 September 2025
Accepted:
22 October 2025
Published:
22 November 2025
Abstract: This study comprehensively utilized toad hearts and myocardial cell models to explore the effects of acute lead exposure on myocardial contractile function and the therapeutic effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). The results showed that lead acetate (PbAc) dose dependently inhibited the contractile function of toad hearts. Acute treatment with 50, 150, and 450 mM PbAc reduced the amplitude of heart contraction to 92.8%, 78.0%, and 69.7% of the control before medication (P<0.01), respectively, and reduced heart rate to 92.4%, 92.5%, and 54.9% of the control before medication (P<0.05). After treatment with a middle concentration of PbAc (150 mM) for 24 hours, the cell viability of H9c2 decreased to 71.9% of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the lead exposure group, ALA at a concentration of 10 μM significantly improved cardiac contractile function, increasing the amplitude of cardiac contractions and heart rate to 109.4% and 134.2% of the control, respectively (P<0.05). Correspondingly, ALA at a concentration of 20 μM increased the cell viability of H9c2 to 112.6% of the control group (P<0.05). This study indicates that PbAc can significantly inhibit myocardial contractility and reduce cell viability, while ALA can antagonize lead induced myocardial injury and has significant cardioprotective potential.
Abstract: This study comprehensively utilized toad hearts and myocardial cell models to explore the effects of acute lead exposure on myocardial contractile function and the therapeutic effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). The results showed that lead acetate (PbAc) dose dependently inhibited the contractile function of toad hearts. Acute treatment with 50, 15...
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Research Article
Sheep Farming Practices and Constraints in Ouaddaï Province, Eastern Chad
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
111-120
Received:
24 October 2025
Accepted:
4 November 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.bio.20251306.12
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Views:
Abstract: A study was conducted to examine production practices and identify constraints in sheep farming in the Ouaddaï province of eastern Chad. This study, carried out between October and December 2023, surveyed 380 farmers across four departments of the Ouaddaï province using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation. The results show that the farmers interviewed in the study area are predominantly from Maba (42.10%), and the majority are male (76.05%) and married (57.89%). Most have a primary school education (75.79%). The average age of the respondents was 39 ± 19 years, ranging from 15 to 65 years. Nearly half of the farmers acquired their livestock through purchase (48%) or inheritance (32%). The main objectives of sheep farming in the province are selling livestock (58%) and self-consumption (20%). Sheep are raised using an extensive, free-range system (86.31%) in areas with poor-quality pastures. Most farmers supplement the animals' basic feed (76%). According to our respondents, the main constraints to sheep farming in the area are the lack of water points (55%), pasture (30%), and disease and theft (10%). To improve sheep farming in the Ouaddaï province, it is essential to train farmers and address the main constraints that limit its development in order to boost their zootechnical and reproductive performance.
Abstract: A study was conducted to examine production practices and identify constraints in sheep farming in the Ouaddaï province of eastern Chad. This study, carried out between October and December 2023, surveyed 380 farmers across four departments of the Ouaddaï province using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation. The results...
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