Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) aqueous extract improves hyperglycemia, testicular inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue structure induced by Streptozotocin via oxidative stress inhibition.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known hyperglycemic metabolic condition identified by oxidative stress and biological function disruption. Kiwifruit is a valuable source of polyphenols and vitamin C with great antioxidant, nutritional, and health-promoting effects. Therefore, this study was initiated to explore the antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic effects of kiwifruit aqueous extract (KFE) against oxidative injury and testis dysfunction in rats with diabetes. Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats (160-170 g) were divided into four groups: Group 1 served as the control, Group 2 supplemented orally with kiwifruit extract (KFE; 1 g/kg/day) for one month, Group 3 was treated with a single streptozotocin dose (STZ; 50 mg/kg ip), and Group 4 where the diabetic rats were administered with KFE, respectively. According to the results, the GC-MS analysis of KFE revealed several main components with strong antioxidant properties. In diabetic rats, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycemia were accompanied by perturbations in hormone levels and sperm characteristics. Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, aminotransferase, phosphatase activities, and protein content were decreased. Furthermore, histology, immunohistochemical PCNA expression, and histochemical analysis of collagen, DNA, RNA, and total protein. were altered in rat testis sections, supporting the changes in biochemistry. Furthermore, diabetic rats supplemented with KFE manifested considerable amendment in all the tested parameters besides improved tissue structure and gene expressions (NF-kB, p53, IL-1ß, Bax, IL-10, and Bcl2) relative to the diabetic group. In conclusion, KFE has beneficial effects as it can improve glucose levels and testis function, so it might be used as a complementary therapy in DM.

Echinacea purpurea root extract mitigates hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, and ultrastructural changes induced by hexavalent chromium via oxidative stress suppression.

Environmental and occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is mostly renowned as a possible hepatotoxic in mammals. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, a phenolic-rich plant, is recurrently used for its therapeutic properties. Therefore, this investigation was done to explore whether E. purpurea (EP) root extract would have any potential health benefits against an acute dose of CrVI-induced oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity. Results revealed that GC-MS analysis of EP root extract has 26 identified components with a significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Twenty-four Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, EP (50 mg/kg BW/day for 21 days), CrVI (15 mg/kg BW as a single intraperitoneal dosage), and EP + CrVI, respectively. Rats treated with CrVI displayed a remarkable rise in oxidative stress markers (TBARS, H2O2, PCC), bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and a marked decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase activities, and serum protein level. Also, CrVI administration induced apoptosis and inflammation in addition to histological and ultrastructural abnormalities in the liver tissue. The examined parameters were improved significantly in rats pretreated with EP and then intoxicated with CrVI. Conclusively, EP had a potent antioxidant activity and could be used in the modulation of CrVI-induced hepatotoxicity.

Dual mechanism (sunlight/dark) of the self-assembly nitazoxanide drug on cellulose nanocrystal surface for destroying the Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.

Destruction of the cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) Oocysts is the main target of the work via the improvement effect of the nitazoxanide (NTZ) drug by increasing the drug adsorption process without changing the cell viability. The synthesis of a self-assembly nanocomposite (NCP) of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and NTZ drug was performed successfully via the chemical precipitation methods without utilizing the temperature. Also, the characterization of the fabricated NCP was achieved by different techniques to confirm the natural formation of the NCP. The efficient loading of the NTZ drug on the CMC surface and the release process of NCP was calculated by a UV-Visible spectroscopy device, and the loading efficiency is 37 %. The release efficiency is displayed at 66.3 % after 6 h, and 97 % after 48 h at pH 7.4 with NTZ pure, while the release efficiency of CNC@NTZ at the same pH is 61 % after 6 h, and 86 % after 48 h at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of NCP was conducted on normal mouse liver cells (BNL) via the quick screening cytotoxicity method (SRB). The effect of NCP on C. parvum was detected with an in-vivo study in the dark and under sunlight conditions. Compared to the NTZ and CNC, the fabricated NCP was able to destroy 89.3 % of the oocyst wall after 96 h. Moreover, a sporulation inhibition percentage of 53.97 % ± 0.63 % was achieved by a maximum concentration of 7 mg/mL after 9.5 h. The results are very encouraging to use the modified NCP as an alternative NTZ drug, although further research is required in terms of clinical trials.

Bromelain Modulates Liver Injury, Hematological, Molecular, and Biochemical Perturbations Induced by Aluminum via Oxidative Stress Inhibition.

Aluminum (Al) is an important factor in the environment as it is used in agriculture and several industries leading to hazardous effects via oxidative stress. Bromelain is a cheap extract from the byproduct waste of Ananas comosus stem. It has been used in several biological and therapeutic applications. So, this study was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective potential of bromelain versus oxidative stress induced by aluminum chloride in rats. Results revealed that administration of AlCl3 reduced the body and liver weights and increased Al concentration in the blood and liver tissue. Also, AlCl3 caused valuable changes in hematological parameters and increased TBARS and H2O2 concentrations in rat liver. Enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST) and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidants and protein content were significantly decreased. Furthermore, alterations in liver biomarkers such as bilirubin level and enzyme activities in both serum and liver homogenate (LDH, ALP, AST, and ALT) were detected. AlCl3 also caused inflammation as indicated by upregulation of the inflammation-related genes [interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß)], tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) expression. In addition, histopathological examination showed significant variations in the liver that confirms the biochemical results. Otherwise, bromelain intake alone slumped lipid peroxidation and gotten better antioxidant status significantly. Moreover, supplementation with bromelain before AlCl3 intoxication restores enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as well as biochemical indices and tissue architecture with respect to the AlCl3 group. In conclusion, bromelain proved its remarkable protective power to abolish AlCl3 toxicity. So, it might represent a new strategy in the therapy of metal toxicity by its antioxidant capacity.

Nephroprotective role of Echinacea purpurea against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats.

Environmental and occupational exposure to chromium compounds, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], is widely recognized as a potential nephrotoxic in humans and animals. Its toxicity is associated with the overproduction of free radicals, which induces oxidative damage. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is an herbaceous perennial plant rich in phenolic components and frequently used for its medicinal benefits. The current work evaluated the effectiveness of E. purpurea (EP) against oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity induced by potassium dichromate in male rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, E. purpurea (EP; 50 mg/kg; once daily for 3 weeks), hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI); 15 mg/kg; single intraperitoneal dose), and EP + Cr(VI) where rats were pretreated with EP for 3 weeks before receiving CrVI, respectively. Results revealed that rats exposed to Cr(VI) showed a significant increase in PC, TBARS, and H2 O2 , kidney function biomarkers (Urea, creatinine, and uric acid), lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), TNF-α, IL-18, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor-1) levels as well as a considerable decline in metallothionein (MT), glutathione (GSH) content, enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and protein content. Cr(VI) induced apoptosis in kidney tissues as revealed by upregulation of Bax and caspase 3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Furthermore, EP treatment ameliorated the Cr(VI)-induced histopathological and ultrastructure variations of kidney tissue, which was confirmed by the biochemical and molecular data. It is clear from the results of this study that EP exerts nephroprotective effects by improving the redox state, suppressing inflammatory reaction and cell apoptosis as well as ameliorating the performance of kidney tissue architecture, which is eventually reflected by the improvement of kidney function in rats.

Actinidia deliciosa Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Changes in Pancreatic α-, ß-, and δ-Cells and Immunohistochemical and Histological Architecture in Diabetic Rats.

The present study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic effect of Actinidia deliciosa in diabetic rats. Rats were grouped as follows: control, Actinidia deliciosa aqueous extract (ADAE, 1 g/kg, daily and orally), streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg BW, single intraperitoneal dose), and STZ plus ADAE, respectively. Twenty-eight components were detected by GC-MS analysis with high phenolic contents and high DPPH scavenging activity. In vivo results revealed that rats treated with STZ showed a highly significant elevation in blood glucose and a decrease in insulin hormone levels. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels were elevated, while bodyweight, enzymatic, and nonenzymatic antioxidants were significantly decreased. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical insulin expression, besides ultrastructure microscopic variations (ß-cells, α-cells, and δ-cells), were seen in pancreas sections supporting the obtained biochemical changes. Otherwise, rats supplemented with ADAE alone showed an improved antioxidant status and declined lipid peroxidation. Moreover, diabetic rats augmented with ADAE showed significant modulation in oxidative stress markers and different pancreatic tissue investigations compared to diabetic ones. Conclusively, ADAE has a potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic influence that may be utilized as a health-promoting complementary therapy in diabetes mellitus.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Actinidia deliciosa against Streptozotocin-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammations in Rats.

The present research intended to assess the possible protective and hypoglycemic effect of Actinidia deliciosa fruit aqueous extract (ADAE) in diabetic rats. The scavenging antioxidant capabilities of ADAE were evaluated using GC-MS analysis. In addition, rats were divided into four groups: control, ADAE, streptozotocin-induced DM (STZ), and STZ-treated rats + ADAE in an in vivo investigation. GC-MS analysis of ADAE was shown to include major components with high total phenolic contents and high DPPH scavenging activity. In diabetic rats, significant elevation in blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation, bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase activity as well as a change in lipid profile was observed, while insulin, body and liver weights, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, liver function biomarkers, and protein content were significantly decreased. Furthermore, changes in the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ), apoptotic, and inflammation-related genes were found. In addition, histological differences in rat liver tissue architecture were discovered, corroborating the biochemical modifications. However, consuming ADAE alone reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant status. Furthermore, diabetic rats given ADAE showed significant reductions in oxidative stress indicators and biochemical parameters, as well as improved tissue structure, when compared to the diabetic rats' group. Also, ADAE supplementation protects diabetic rats' hepatic tissue by upregulating PPAR-γ and downregulating apoptotic and inflammatory-related gene expression. In conclusion, A. deliciosa has beneficial protective effects so, it might be used as a complementary therapy in diabetes mellitus.

Nephroprotective role of bromelain against oxidative injury induced by aluminium in rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bromelain against oxidative stress stimulated by aluminium chloride in rats. Rats were grouped as follows; group one was used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated orally with bromelain (250 mg/kg, daily), aluminium chloride (AlCl3; 34 mg/kg BW, every other day) and bromelain plus AlCl3 for 30 days, respectively. Administration of AlCl3 caused a significant reduction in rats' body and kidney weights, and increased Al accumulation in kidney tissue. Also, AlCl3 treatment elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, kidney functions biomarkers levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity. While enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants, protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly decreased. In addition, significant alterations in lipid and protein profiles were detected. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical variations were seen in kidney sections supporting the obtained biochemical changes. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain singly declined lipid peroxidation and improved most of the studied parameters. Moreover, rats pretreated with bromelain followed by AlCl3 intoxication showed significant alleviation in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status and biochemical indices with respect to AlCl3 treated group. Conclusively, bromelain has beneficial protective effects and has the capability to counteract the toxic influence of AlCl3. So, bromelain might represent a novel approach in the therapy of metal toxicity because of its antioxidant and chelating properties.