ABSTRACT
Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate pesticide used widely in agriculture. Unexpectedly, the pure pesticidecompounds are less toxic than its commercial formulations. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare betweenthe commercial DZN formulation Basudin 60EM® and active ingredients forms of DZN to find the nontoxicform. Several groups of male mice were treated with different doses (1/40, 1/20, and 1/10 of LD50) of commercialformulation and active ingredients of DZN pesticide for 4 weeks. A quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) wasconducted to investigate the expression of TNF-α, p53, and Caspase-3 genes. Furthermore, the effect of bothforms of DZN on intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and DNA damage was studied. Theresults showed that the TNF-α, p53, and Caspase-3 expression levels were increased in commercial formulationtreated mice than those treated with active ingredient form. Moreover, the commercial formulation form was ableto increase ROS generation and induce DNA damage much more than the active ingredient-treated mice. Theresults concluded that not only the organophosphates but also the other byproducts affect the cellular responses tocytokine and apoptotic elements through alteration in the mRNA expression by increasing the levels of free radicalgeneration
ABSTRACT
Aim: To overcome the toxic effects attributed to the use medicinal treatments against diabetes there is a desire toward using natural food and folk remedies. So, the aim this study was to use nanoparticles of dried cactus fruit peels (Opuntia ficus-indica) compared with powder materials to control blood glucose in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Place and Duration of Study: Food Toxicology and Contaminants Department, Polymer and Pigments Department, and Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Egypt, between April 2017 and March 2018. Methodology: Powder and nanoparticles were used to determine the fatty acids content and assessment the dietary fiber contents, mycotoxin contamination as well as examine the antimicrobial activity. Moreover, male albino rats were treated with single i.p. dose of STZ to induce diabetes. STZ induced-rats were divided into several groups and treated daily with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt of cactus fruit peels powder or nanoparticles orally for 2 months. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were aspirated to determine glucose levels as well as liver and pancreas tissues were collected for the biological analyses. Results: The results of the present study exhibited that both extracts of cactus fruit peels either powder or nanoparticles were able to reduce significantly the glucose levels and increase the expression of insulin and insulin receptor genes in induced-diabetic rats. Moreover, cactus fruit peels extracts exhibited antifungal and antibacterial activities and increase in the antioxidant enzymes (GPx and CAT) as well as anti-genotoxic effects in DM-induced rats. Furthermore, nanoparticles of dried cactus fruit peels were more effective in control glucose levels, gene expression, antimicrobial and anti-genotoxic activities compared with powder materials even in its low dose. Conclusion: The results conclude that the nanoparticles form of cactus fruit peels extracts was much more effective in the therapeutic action than powder form. The anti-diabetic effect of cactus fruit peels nanoparticles could be attributed to its content from dietary fiber. Moreover, the antifungal and antibacterial activities as well as the anti-genotoxic ability of cactus fruit peels nanoparticles could be attributed to fatty acids and/or GABA contents which were more able to control oxidative stress.
ABSTRACT
Alzheimer disease (AD) is known as lacking in the neuro-transmitters within the brain cells due to increase the Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity. So, use of AchE inhibitors (AchEI) is believed to be the best way in treatment of Alzheimer. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the AchEI and apoptotic activities of fenugreek saponin against AD in vivo. Ninety male aged Sprague Dawley rats were allocated in several experimental groups including untreated animals, supplemented animals with 0.05%, 0.1% and 2% of fenugreek saponin (FS), animals treated with AlCl3 to induce AD, AD-induced animals treated with the previous doses of FS or with Rivastigmine. Brain tissues of different groups were used for determine the AchEI and apoptotic activities as well as generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage and expression of apoptotic related genes (Bax; Bcl2 and caspase-3). The results showed that FS increased the AChEI and apoptosis activities as well as elevated the gene expression levels of Bax; Bcl2 and caspase-3 genes in AD-induced rats. However, FS decreased the ROS generation and DNA damage in AD-induced rats compared with control rats. The results suggested that the ability of fenugreek saponin to inhibit AD due to increase AChE inhibition activity might be attributed to increase the antioxidants in this herb. Moreover, enhancement the apoptosis by fenugreek saponin could be attributed mainly to the regulation process of Bax, Bcl-2 and casapse-3 in the apoptotic pathway and not by generation of ROS in the brain cells of the AD-induced rats.
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.