Innovative optimization for enhancing Pb2+ biosorption from aqueous solutions using Bacillus subtilis.

Introduction: Toxic heavy metal pollution has been considered a major ecosystem pollution source. Unceasing or rare performance of Pb2+ to the surrounding environment causes damage to the kidney, nervous, and liver systems. Microbial remediation has acquired prominence in recent decades due to its high efficiency, environment-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Methods: The lead biosorption by Bacillus subtilis was optimized by two successive paradigms, namely, a definitive screening design (DSD) and an artificial neural network (ANN), to maximize the sorption process. Results: Five physicochemical variables showed a significant influence (p < 0.05) on the Pb2+ biosorption with optimal levels of pH 6.1, temperature 30°C, glucose 1.5%, yeast extract 1.7%, and MgSO4.7H2O 0.2, resulting in a 96.12% removal rate. The Pb2+ biosorption mechanism using B. subtilis biomass was investigated by performing several analyses before and after Pb2+ biosorption. The maximum Pb2+ biosorption capacity of B. subtilis was 61.8 mg/g at a 0.3 g biosorbent dose, pH 6.0, temperature 30°C, and contact time 60 min. Langmuir's isotherm and pseudo-second-order model with R2 of 0.991 and 0.999 were suitable for the biosorption data, predicting a monolayer adsorption and chemisorption mechanism, respectively. Discussion: The outcome of the present research seems to be a first attempt to apply intelligence paradigms in the optimization of low-cost Pb2+ biosorption using B. subtilis biomass, justifying their promising application for enhancing the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions using biosorbents from contaminated aqueous systems.

Rutin of Moringa oleifera as a potential inhibitor to Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase as revealed from the molecular dynamics of inhibition.

Tyrosinase is a binuclear copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the conversation of monophenols to diphenols via o-hydroxylation and then the oxidation of o-diphenols to o-quinones which is profoundly linked to eukaryotic melanin synthesis and fruits browning. The hyperpigmentation due to unusual tyrosinase activity has gained growing health concern. Plants and their metabolites are considered promising and effective sources for potent antityrosinase enzymes. Hence, searching for potent, specific tyrosinase inhibitor from different plant extracts is an alternative approach in regulating overproduction of tyrosinase. Among the tested extracts, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera L. leaves displayed the potent anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 98.93 µg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner using L-DOPA as substrate; however, the kojic acid showed IC50 of 88.92 µg/ml. The tyrosinase-diphenolase (TYR-Di) kinetic analysis revealed mixed inhibition type for the Ocimum basilicum L. and Artemisia annua L. extracts, while the Coriandrum sativum L. extract displayed a non-competitive type of inhibition. Interestingly, the extract of Moringa oleifera L. leaves exhibited a competitive inhibition, low inhibition constant of free enzyme ( K ii app ) value and no Pan-Assay Interfering Substances, hinting the presence of strong potent inhibitors. The major putative antityrosinase compound in the extract was resolved, and chemically identified as rutin based on various spectroscopic analyses using UV-Vis, FTIR, mass spectrometry, and 1H NMR. The in silico computational molecular docking has been performed using rutin and A. bisporus tyrosinase (PDB code: 2Y9X). The binding energy of the predicted interaction between tropolone native ligand, kojic acid, and rutin against 2Y9X was respectively - 5.28, - 4.69, and - 7.75 kcal/mol. The docking simulation results revealed the reliable binding of rutin to the amino acid residues (ASN260, HIS259, SER282) in the tyrosinase catalytic site. Based on the developed results, rutin extracted from M. oleifera L. leaves has the capability to be powerful anti-pigment agent with a potential application in cosmeceutical area. In vivo studies are required to unravel the safety and efficiency of rutin as antityrosinase compound.

Health Aspects, Growth Performance, and Meat Quality of Rabbits Receiving Diets Supplemented with Lettuce Fertilized with Whey Protein Hydrolysate Substituting Nitrate.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was grown using a foliar spray with whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) as opposed to normal nitrate fertilization. Lettuce juice was prepared from lettuce cultivated without any fertilization, nitrate fertilization, or WPH. Sixty weaned, 4-week-old male V-line rabbits with an average 455 ± 6 g body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15) and administered different lettuce juices. Rabbits administered WPH-fertilized lettuce showed significantly higher (n = 5, p < 0.05) body weight and carcass weight than those receiving nitrate-fertilized lettuce. Rabbits administered nitrate-fertilized lettuce were associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP), bilirubin (total, direct, and indirect), and kidney biomarkers (creatinine, urea, and uric acid). Rabbits administered WPH-fertilized lettuce avoided such increases and exhibited normal levels of serum proteins. Rabbits administered nitrate-fertilized lettuce manifested significantly (p < 0.05) lower RBCs and Hb levels than that of the other groups, while those receiving WPH-fertilized lettuce showed the highest levels. Liver and kidney sections of rabbits receiving WPH-fertilized lettuce witnessed the absence of the histopathological changes induced by feeding on nitrate-fertilized lettuce and produced higher quality meat. WPH-lettuce can substitute nitrate-fertilized lettuce in feeding rabbits for better performance and health aspects.

Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of Papain-Hydrolyzed Camel Whey Protein and Its Hepato-Renal Protective Effects in Thioacetamide-Induced Toxicity.

Papain hydrolysis of camel whey protein (CWP) produced CWP hydrolysate (CWPH). Fractionation of CWPH by the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) generated fractions (i.e., SEC-F1 and SEC-F2). The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity (ACE-IA) and free radical scavenging actions were assessed for CWP, CWPH, SEC-F1, and SEC-F2. The SEC-F2 exerted the highest ACE-IA and scavenging activities, followed by CWPH. The protective effects of CWPH on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced toxicity were investigated in rats. The liver enzymes, protein profile, lipid profile, antioxidant enzyme activities, renal functions, and liver histopathological changes were assessed. Animals with TAA toxicity showed impaired hepatorenal functions, hyperlipidemia, and decreased antioxidant capacity. Treatment by CWPH counteracted the TAA-induced oxidative tissue damage as well as preserved the renal and liver functions, the antioxidative enzyme activities, and the lipid profile, compared to the untreated animals. The current findings demonstrate that the ACE-IA and antioxidative effects of CWPH and its SEC-F2 fraction are worth noting. In addition, the CWPH antioxidative properties counteracted the toxic hepatorenal dysfunctions. It is concluded that the hydrolysis of CWP generates a wide range of bioactive peptides with potent antihypertensive, antioxidant, and hepatorenal protective properties. This opens up new prospects for the therapeutic utilization of CWPH and its fractions in the treatment of oxidative stress-associated health problems, e.g., hypertension and hepatorenal failure.

Lipolytic Postbiotic from Lactobacillus paracasei Manages Metabolic Syndrome in Albino Wistar Rats.

The current study investigates the capacity of a lipolytic Lactobacillus paracasei postbiotic as a possible regulator for lipid metabolism by targeting metabolic syndrome as a possibly safer anti-obesity and Anti-dyslipidemia agent replacing atorvastatin (ATOR) and other drugs with proven or suspected health hazards. The high DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] scavenging activity and high activities of antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) of the Lactobacillus paracasei postbiotic (cell-free extract), coupled with considerable lipolytic activity, may support its action against metabolic syndrome. Lactobacillus paracasei isolate was obtained from an Egyptian cheese sample, identified and used for preparing the postbiotic. The postbiotic was characterized and administered to high-fat diet (HFD) albino rats (100 and 200 mg kg-1) for nine weeks, as compared to atorvastatin (ATOR; 10 mg kg-1). The postbiotic could correct the disruption in lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzymes in HFD rats more effectively than ATOR. The two levels of the postbiotic (100 and 200 mg kg-1) reduced total serum lipids by 29% and 34% and serum triglyceride by 32-45% of the positive control level, compared to only 25% and 35% in ATOR's case, respectively. Both ATOR and the postbiotic (200 mg kg-1) equally decreased total serum cholesterol by about 40% and 39%, while equally raising HDL levels by 28% and 30% of the positive control. The postbiotic counteracted HFD-induced body weight increases more effectively than ATOR without affecting liver and kidney functions or liver histopathology, at the optimal dose of each. The postbiotic is a safer substitute for ATOR in treating metabolic syndrome.

Safely effective hypoglycemic action of stevia and turmeric extracts on diabetic Albino rats.

The potentiality of Stevia leaves and turmeric roots as remedies against diabetes mellitus type 2 was tested in this study. Stevia leaves and turmeric roots were extracted with ethanol:water (80:20 v/v) and analyzed by HPLC. Turmeric extract (TUE) was rich in; curcumin, gallic acid, and eugenol. Stevia extract (STE) contained 28 known compounds, including glycosides, aromatic organic acids, and catechin. Fifty rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each); the control group were fed with feed and water ad libitum. Forty rats were injected a single dose of alloxan, then treated with either 10 mg/kg glibenclamide (GLI), 300 mg/kg STE, or 200 mg/kg TUE or water (positive control) through daily gastric oral gavages for 56 days. Treating diabetic rats with TUE significantly reduced serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin down to the negative control levels. Both GLI and STE produced similar but less effective actions. Animals treated with either STE or TUE exhibited reduced levels of liver and kidney markers compared to the negative control, while GLI increased them significantly. It could be concluded that turmeric roots and stevia leaves extracts can be used treatment for type 2 diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Turmeric roots and stevia leaves extracts may be used as a remedy for type 2 diabetic patients as aiding substituting treatments under medical supervision. The two plant sources can be used as raw materials for the extracts, which can be used under medical supervision as a gradual replacement of the synthetic antidiabetic drugs. These extracts can be used after a preliminary clinical study to determine the dose and frequency of administration. Stevia extract can be incorporated in drinks as a sweetener and drug. Turmeric extract has a bitter taste, so it may be incorporated in some foods such as bread, which is a traditional practice in some kinds of bread in Egypt. But its content in the bread and the acceptability of the taste should be adjusted. Alternatively, this food can incorporate both TUE and STE to get the best biological action and to conceal the bitter taste of turmeric.

Assessment of antioxidant traits and protective action of Egyptian acacia pods extracts against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats.

This study investigates the protective effect of Egyptian acacia pod extracts against overdose of paracetamol-induced liver damage. Egyptian acacia green and brown pods were extracted by mixture of ethanol 80%: HCl (6 M) (99:1 v/v). In extracts of green and brown pods, total phenolic content in hydrolyzed ethyl acetate fraction (HEF) at pH 4, was 649.89 and 712.14 mg GAE/g while antioxidant activity was 95.55% and 97.35%, both being the highest than any fraction. HEF (pH 4) in brown pods was analyzed by HPLC, there were 22 phenolic compounds rich in ethyl vanillin about 227 mg/g and 11 flavonoids rich in catechin 48.70 mg/g. A biological experiment was conducted using HEF (pH4) in brown pods against overdose of paracetamol in albino rats induced to hepatotoxicity. Thirty rats were divided into five groups; a control group, a paracetamol group, and the other three received paracetamol plus silymarin or two doses of HEF. Animals were received paracetamol and treated with either silymarin or HEF showed reduced levels of liver (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) markers compared with the control group as well as reduction of oxidative stress and increment antioxidant enzyme activity in liver tissue when compared with the paracetamol group. It could be concluded that both HEF and silymarin are considerably high hepatoprotector against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats due to their strong antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Both HEF and silymarin improved liver functions and exerted strong antioxidant activities. This antioxidant activity would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by parcetamol. Thus, it may be concluded that the liver plasma membranes were protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver by phenolic compound in HEF treatment. The study demonstrated the HEF hepatoprotective activity and recommends using Egyptian acacia pods for treatment of liver disorders.

Pomegranate peel methanolic-extract improves the shelf-life of edible-oils under accelerated oxidation conditions.

Natural antioxidants extracted from agri-waste resources have gained increased economic, sustainable, and health attention due to their sustainability, safer food-applications, and beneficial components. Pomegranate peel extracts (Punica Granatum L.) have natural phytochemicals with superior protective effects stabilizing a variety of the most common vegetable oils consumed globally. Among five different pomegranate peel extracts, methanolic extract has maximum total phenolic content of 18.89%, a total flavonoid content of 13.95 mg QE kg-1, and a relative antioxidant activity of 93% when compared to other pomegranate peel extracts. Additionally, the HPLC analysis of pomegranate peel methanolic extract exhibited the maximum number of phenolic and flavonoid fractions. HPLC fractions showed that pyrogallol and ellagic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds with 453 and 126 mg kg-1, respectively. In terms of flavonoid fractions, hesperidine and quercetrin were the highest detected-flavonoids with about 50 and 35 mg kg-1, respectively, from HPLC flavonoids fractions. Therefore, pomegranate peel methanolic extract was selected at different concentrations (100, 200, 400, and 600 ppm) for the stabilizing experiment of Egyptian freshly refined edible oils (sunflower, soybean, and corn oils) in comparison with synthetic antioxidant (tert-butyl hydroquinone TBHQ-200 ppm) during accelerated storage at 70°C for 10 days. The results from the accelerated storage experiment indicated that pomegranate peel methanolic extract (at different concentrations: 200, 400, and 600 ppm) exhibited stronger antioxidant capability in all tested oils rather than negative controls (without antioxidant) and synthetic antioxidant TBHQ-200. Under accelerated oxidation conditions, pomegranate peel methanolic extract have the potential capability to improve the shelf life of edible oils in comparison with the most powerful synthetic antioxidant (TBHQ-200 ppm).

Phenolic profiles, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract.

This work is aimed to evaluate phenolics composition, and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydro-methanol pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract (MPE). In addition, the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effect of MPE in Wister albino rats was compared with standard drugs (glibenclamide and atorvastatin). Total phenolic content and total flavonoid contents in MPE (mg g-1 ) accounted for 188.9 as GAE and 13.95 as QE, respectively. Phenolic and flavonoids compounds in MPE analyzed by HPLC and revealed the presence of 23 phenolic compounds and 20 flavonoid compounds. For in vivo experiment, 56 rats were distributed into 8 groups. Group 1 was the normal control, while group 2 contained rats orally administrated with 200 mg kg-1 MPE daily. Group 3 contained diabetic rats (induced with a single dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. alloxan). Group 4 contained diabetic rats administered daily with 200 mg/kg MPE. Group 5 contained diabetic rats administered orally with a glibenclamide (standard drug for diabetic) at 10 mg/kg daily. Group 6 fed with high fat diet (HFD). Group 7 contained HFD-rats administered orally with 200 mg/kg MPE daily. Group 8 contained HFD-rats administered orally with atorvastatin (used to lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and fats and to raise HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood) at 10 mg/kg daily. The study lasted for 56 days. Administration with MPE 200 mg/kg to both diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats significantly decreased blood glucose, HbA1c , total lipid, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as improved liver and kidney functions, compared with glibenclamide and atorvastatin effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pomegranate peel, constituted about 50% of fruit fresh weight, is rich in bioactive compounds with potent health-promoting activities. The results of the current study stated that MPE is rich in phenolics and flavonoids with powerful antioxidant potential. In addition, MPE showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities due to the strong antiradical action via its antioxidant compounds. MPE enhanced liver and kidney functions when compared to standard drugs in diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats. MPC could be used as a natural material to develop diabetic and hyperlipidemic drugs.

Antioxidant traits and protective impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against diclofenac sodium-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Moringa oleifera gained importance as a medicinal plant. The current study assesses Moringa leaf ethanol extracts (MLE) against experimentally diclofenac sodium (DcNa)-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Leaves were extracted with different solvents differing in polarity. Assessment involved total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). HPLC was performed for identifying phenolic compounds, wherein ethyl vanillin (1,205 mg/kg), 3-OH-tyrosol (812.2 mg/kg), benzoic acid (273.8 mg/kg), salicylic acid (240.0 mg/kg), chlorogenic acid (233.3 mg/kg) and 3,4,5-methoxy-cinnamic acid (172.5 mg/kg) were measured. Fifty animals (each treatment group consisted of 10 rats) were subjected to five treatments and the experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Animals were exposed to DcNa (100 mg/kg) and two doses of MLE as well as silymarin (an antioxidant flavonoid C25 H22 O10 ) for 4 weeks. Liver marker enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase as well as urea, uric acid, and creatinine were increased. Serum albumin and total protein decreased in DcNa-treated rats. Homogenates nitric oxide increased in liver tissue of the DcNa-treated rats, while the activity of each of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase decreased. It could be concluded that MLE in both doses and silymarin are considerably hepatoprotective with antioxidant activity (AOA) against DcNa-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Administration of MLE caused improvements in kidney functions and acted as antioxidant enzymes as compared with silymarin (as a reference drug). AOA was exhibited by MLE in vivo, and this would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by DcNa. Plasma membrane was protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver increased by phenolics in the MLE. The study demonstrated the MLE hepatoprotective activity and recommends using M. oleifera leaves for the treatment of liver disorders.

Hepatoprotective effect of cold-pressed Syzygium aromaticum oil against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

UNLABELLED: Contexts: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver injuries. There are claims that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & L.M.Perry, (Myrtaceae) protects from such injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective effects of cold-pressed S. aromaticum oil (CO) against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) along with CCl4 (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and peroxidation were evaluated in rats' serum and tissues. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CO were analyzed. RESULTS: High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (39.7%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.1%) were detected in CO. The oil contained high amounts of tocols and phenolics. The LD50 value at 24 h was approximately 5950 mg/kg. Treatment with 200 mg/kg CO resulted in a decrease of creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to 0.86, 32.6, and 2.99 mg/dL, respectively. Levels of TL, TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were decreased to 167, 195.3, 584.5, 74.6, and 39.0 mg/L, respectively, after 8 weeks of treatment. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were reduced and glutathione levels were elevated in CO-treated rats. CO reduced the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney function markers, protein, and lipid profiles, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver indicated that CO treatment reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis. CONCLUSION: CO possessed a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated possibly by the antioxidant properties of the oil.