ABSTRACT
Abstract This study aims to elucidate the beneficial effect of Punica granatum L., Lythraceae (pomegranate) peel extract in the management of colon cancer induced intrarectally with N-methylnitrosourea. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered N-methylnitrosourea (2 mg in 0.5 ml water/rat) intrarectally three times/week for five weeks to induce colorectal cancer, followed by treatment with either 5-fluorouracil (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or Punica peel extract (2.25 or 4.5 g/kg, p.o.). Developed tumor elevated plasma TGF-β, and Bcl2, serum epidermal growth factor, carcinoembryonic antigen, colon cancer specific antigens, and matrix metalloproteinase-7. Besides, immune-histochemical studies revealed an increase in COX-2, cyclin D1 and survivin content, as well as upregulation of the expression of colonic β-Catenin, K-ras and C-myc genes. These results were further supported by the histological findings. Punica peel extract-treated rats, particularly those treated with a high dose, exhibited a marked reduction in the aforementioned parameters and improved the histological organization of the colon tissue. These alterations were consistent with those mediated through 5-fluorouracil. The present study encourages the use of P. granatum L. against colon cancer. Because Punica peel extract promotes apoptosis, mitigates inflammation and suppresses tumor cell proliferation in vivo, the potential mechanism underlying these activities might depend on the inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
The main objective of the prospective study is to investigate the influence of zyloric (allopurinol) drug on the human hormones profile. Sera separated from whole blood samples were withdrawn from adult males and females to measure serum FSH, E2, LH, Prolactin, Progesterone, DHEAS, Testosterone, TSH, T3, T4, Fasting Insulin, and Cortisol. All these hormone concentrations were determined quantitatively using ELISA procedure. The current study shows significant changes within all volunteers' hormones. We concluded that the present study may be useful in drug dose optimization depending on the drug effect on each human hormone and in the addition of new medical guidelines for drug companies to avoid negative side effects that could harm the patient.
ABSTRACT
The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) with or without calcium phosphate composite on osteoclastogenesis in osteoporotic rats. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were harvested from adipose tissue of both the omentum and the inguinal fat pad of male rats, as the sex mismatch, to track the MSCs fate and to ensure their homing to the injured females' femurs. The isolated ASCs were characterized via the morphological appearance, multilineage potential and the PCR detection of CD29, CD44, CD106, CD14, CD34 and CD45 surface markers. Fifty adult female albino rats were enrolled in the current study. The rats were classified into five groups: group 1 was the gonad intact control, group 2 served as untreated ovariectomized (OVX) rats, group 3 was OVX rats treated with ASCs, group 4 was OVX rats treated with ASCs with injectable bone substitute (IBS) and group 5 was OVX rats treated with IBS. The serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-қβ ligand (RANKL) were assayed using ELISA procedure. In addition, nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ) gene expression level was estimated in femur bones using real time –PCR. The isolated ASCs proved their MSCs identity via their morphological appearance and multilineage potential. In addition, the isolated ASCs showed positive expression for CD29, CD45, CD44 as well as CD106 and negative expression for CD34 and CD14. Besides, the positive expression of the Y-chromosome (sry) gene detected in the ASCs treated groups indicated that the systemically delivered single dose of undifferentiated ASCs was able to home at the females' femur bones. Adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) injection with or without calcium phosphate composite in OVX rats reversed the effect of ovariectomy on the studied biomarkers causing significant increase in serum OPG level accompanied with significant decrease in serum RANKL level. Also, significant down regulation of NF-κβ gene expression in femur bones was detected in the treated groups compared with untreated OVX group. These results clarified the good influence of ASCs against osteoclastogenesis. In addition the combination of ASCs injection with osteoinductive material injectable calcium phosphate composite (IBS), may be useful to achieve the significant antiosteoporotic effects.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to achieve a balance between selenium (Se) incorporation and optimal growth of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, and to assess the safety of administration of selenium-enriched yeast (Se-Y) in comparison with inorganic sodium selenite in experimental animals. Se as sodium selenite was incorporated into yeast cells in different concentrations (19, 39 and 57 μM Se), then dry yeast biomass, yeast cell viability and Se content of the yeast were evaluated. Acute toxicity of Se, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Se-Y were determined. In chronic toxicity study, one hundred and eight (male and female) rats were classified into 10 groups. Group (1) was control. Groups 2, 3 and were given three dose levels of Se 3.8, 1.91 and 0.95 mg/kg/day respectively for 3 months. Groups 5, 6 and 7 were given three dose levels of yeast 250, 125 and 66.5 mg/kg/day respectively for 3 months. Groups 8, 9 and 10 were given three dose levels of Se-Y 250, 125 and 66.5 mg/kg/day respectively for 3 months. Heamoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cells (WBCs) count, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, urea and creatinin levels were determined. Moreover, histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissue sections were evaluated. With the increase of Se concentration added to the fermentation medium, the significant increase in the selenium content in yeast cells was recorded. While, the increased Se incorporation in the yeast caused a significant decrease in dry yeast biomass and cell viability as compared to blank. The present results also showed that animals administered yeast at different doses for 3 months displayed nearly no changes in the studied biochemical parameters. Administration of Se or Se-Y in high and intermediate doses significantly decreased Hb level and WBCs counts, while they caused significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP activity as well as urea and creatinin levels. Administration of Se or Se-Y in low dose exhibited nearly no changes in AST activity while they caused significant increase in ALT and ALP activities. Moreover, administration of Se in low dose caused significant increase in urea and creatinin levels in both male and female rats. These results are well documented by histopathological findings. The present study indicated that 19 μM Se could be the proper concentration for achieving the optimal growth of yeast cells. Additionally, this study asserted the safety of chronic administration of Se-Y compared with inorganic Se.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the possible mechanisms for the toxic impact of marijuana smoke on the level of male reproductive hormones and their related genes expression. Male albino rats were enrolled in this study and divided into: (I) control group; (II) and (III) Marijuana smoke exposed groups in which the animals were exposed to marijuana smoke daily for two and four weeks respectively. Serum free testosterone, FSH and LH were assayed. Brain follicle stimulating hormone gene (FSH-B) and luteinizing hormone gene (LH-B) as well as testicular cytochrome P19 (CYP19) genes expression were evaluated. Histological examination of brain and testis tissues was done. Marijuana smoke produced significant reduction in serum reproductive hormones levels. Similarly, it caused significant down-regulation in the expression of reproductive hormones related genes. Histological investigation of brain tissue of marijuana smoke exposed rats revealed marked deterioration in medulla oblogata and cerebellum. While, histological examination of their testis tissues showed no histopathological changes.The present findings suggest that marijuana smoke adversely affects male reproductive function due to its ability to suppress gonadotropin output from pituitary in addition to its impact on the structure and/or function of DNA nucleotide sequences of reproductive hormones related genes. Marijuana smoke could impair fertility in male rats through alteration in circulating levels of reproductive hormones and down-regulation of the expression level of reproductive hormones related genes.
ABSTRACT
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with hallmark pathologies including extracellular Aβ protein deposition in extracellular senile plaques and vessels, and intraneuronal tau deposition as neurofibrillary tangles. The current study comprises the oxidative modifications associated with the pathological lesions of neuronal damage characterized AD. The repeated exposure to aluminum and heavy metals, mutations in a number of chromosomes and genes, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and brain injury, are the major causes for these modifications. There is clearly a need for the identification and development of panels of biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and early detection of sporadic AD. Thus, a collection of the most globally manifested expeditious diagnostic tools for early detection of AD is outlined in this review. Also, a survey of the vast clinically approved therapeutic modalities for restricting and even treating the symptoms of AD is summarized. These arguments provide useful information in both understanding pathogenesis as well as accessing the novel treatment approaches for AD.