https://www.liabjournal.com/index.php/liab <p><strong><em>Letters in Animal Biology</em></strong> (<em>LIAB</em>) is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal that publishes the results of original research pertaining to animal biology. <em>LIAB</em> encompasses a broad range of topics on animal production, health, and welfare along with the fundamental aspects of genetics, physiology, nutrition, medicine, microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, reproduction, and animal products. Articles published in <em>LIAB</em> cover research topics on all domestic animals, birds, and companion animals; however, the topics on wildlife species, laboratory animals, and other aquatic species will be considered for publication as long as they have direct or indirect implications on animal production, health, or other biological aspects. <em>LIAB</em> publishes high quality research articles, reviews, short communications, and case reports.</p> en-US [email protected] (Editor-In-Chief: Dr. Jubeda Begum) [email protected] (Technology Division) Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:42:30 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.4 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 https://www.liabjournal.com/index.php/liab/article/view/244 <div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p>Heavy metals, including zinc, are known for their high toxicity. Although zinc is an essential trace element, excessive concentrations can lead to systemic toxicity, with adverse effects on various organs, particularly the liver and kidneys – two major target organs. This study investigated the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with zinc oxide (ZnO) and the protective role of Allium sativum (garlic) in male rabbits exposed to ZnO. A daily dose of 30 mg of ZnO and/or 5 g garlic were administered orally to 4 groups of rabbits for 60 days. The first group was used as a control, while the others were used as treatment groups. Biochemical, hepatic, renal, enzymatic, organ weights, and histological parameters were assessed. The results revealed a significant decrease in total bilirubin and triglyceride levels in the group treated with garlic. Cholesterol, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and the relative weight of the liver were non significantly reduced. However, a non significant increase in urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and the relative weight of the kidney was observed in the garlic treated group. Zinc oxide administration induced a significant decrease in total bilirubin, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase levels. The levels of direct bilirubin, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly increased in ZnO treated group compared to the control. The combination of garlic and zinc oxide led to mixed outcomes, with both amelioration and enhancement of certain parameters. Histological examination of the liver and kidney revealed severe morphological and tissue damage in ZnO treated rabbits, whereas co-treatment with garlic reduced tissue damage, indicating partial protection. Overall, these findings suggest that garlic possesses hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties against zinc- induced toxicity, likely due to its strong antioxidant potential.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> Katia Benhamoudi, Yasmina Moumen, Mouloud Boulkhssaim, Amina Siouani Copyright (c) 2026 Benhamoudi Katia, Moumen Yasmina, Boulkhssaim Mouloud, Siouani Amina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.liabjournal.com/index.php/liab/article/view/244 Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000