Ameliorative impacts of sinapic acid against mercuric chloride-induced renal toxicity: role of antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines.

Because of their beneficial properties, natural products, especially medicinal plants, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and play a significant role in research. This study was aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of sinapic acid against mercuric chloride-induced renal toxicity in mice. The mice were allocated to four groups named a normal group (G1), model group (G2; received HgCl2, 1 mg/kg bw), treatments groups (G3 and G4: received 50 and 100 mg/kg bw of sinapic acid together with HgCl2). Mice received HgCl2 remarkably showed alteration in all examined biochemical biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and bilirubin), and induced alteration in blood cell picture and anemia. HgCl2 intoxication decreased both systemic and renal antioxidant activity and induced over all oxidative stress as indicated by alteration in inflammation and oxidative stress associated markers. HgCl2 affected renal histology with leukocytic and inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and tubular necrosis. Administration of sinapic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) markedly restored the HgCl2-induced oxidative stress (serum and renal: MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC), proinflammatory cytokines (serum and renal: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and PGE2) and restored the changes on biochemical markers, and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes). Taken together, the results of the present study disclose that sinapic acid has the potential to attenuate HgCl2-induced renal toxicity and may be an ideal choice against mercury poisoning.

Clay chips and beads capture in situ barley root microbiota and facilitate in vitro long-term preservation of microbial strains.

Capturing the diverse microbiota from healthy and/or stress resilient plants for further preservation and transfer to unproductive and pathogen overloaded soils, might be a tool to restore disturbed plant-microbe interactions. Here, we introduce Aswan Pink Clay as a low-cost technology for capturing and storing the living root microbiota. Clay chips were incorporated into the growth milieu of barley plants and developed under gnotobiotic conditions, to capture and host the rhizospheric microbiota. Afterward, it was tested by both a culture-independent (16S rRNA gene metabarcoding) and -dependent approach. Both methods revealed no significant differences between roots and adjacent clay chips in regard total abundance and structure of the present microbiota. Clay shaped as beads adequately supported the long-term preservation of viable pure isolates of typical rhizospheric microbes, i.e. Bacillus circulans, Klebsiella oxytoca, Sinorhizobium meliloti, and Saccharomyces sp., up to 11 months stored at -20°C, 4°C, and ambient temperature. The used clay chips and beads have the capacity to capture the root microbiota and to long-term preserve pure isolates. Hence, the developed approach is qualified to build on it a comprehensive strategy to transfer and store complex and living environmental microbiota of rhizosphere toward biotechnological application in sustainable plant production and environmental rehabilitation.

Chrysin abrogates gibberellic acid-induced testicular oxidative stress and dysfunction via the regulation of antioxidants and steroidogenesis- and apoptosis-associated genes.

GA3 is widely used as a growth stimulant in agricultural regions. The long-term use of GA3 can cause organs damage. Chrysin is a flavonoid found in nature that is commonly used to treat organ toxicity. In this study, we examined the effect of chrysin on the testes function of GA3-affected rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Saline was given to the control group. The chrysin group was given orally 50 mg/kg/BW of chrysin in saline. The GA3 group received a daily oral gavage of GA3 (55 mg/kg/BW). The protective group (chrysin + GA3) was given chrysin and GA3 as those described in chrysin and GA3 groups. There were an increase in MDA levels in the serum and testicular tissue of GA3-treated group. Catalase, GSH, and SOD levels were all lowered in the GA3-treated rats. Chrysin dramatically reduced the harmful effects of GA3 by restoring reproductive hormone levels, altered sperm parameters, and antioxidant capabilities. Furthermore, GA3 reduced the quantitative expression of steroidogenesis genes StAR and 3-HSD, as well as Bcl2 genes, while it increased the apoptotic marker BAX; all were alleviated by the pre-administration of chrysin. The pre-administration of chrysin protected the GA3 group from spermatogenic vacuolation, interstitial edema, necrosis, and depletion. Chrysin inhibited oxidative stress and modulated antioxidant activity, as well as apoptosis-/anti-apoptosis-related mediators in the testes. Chrysin has the potential to repair GA3-induced testicular dysfunctions. This suggests that chrysin is preferable as a medication to mitigate GA3-induced oxidative damage in the testes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chrysin has the potential to repair GA3-induced testicular dysfunctions. This suggests that chrysin is preferable as a medication to mitigate GA3-induced oxidative damage in the testes.

Alternatives to antibiotics for organic poultry production: types, modes of action and impacts on bird's health and production.

The poultry industry contributes significantly to bridging the nutritional gap in many countries because of its meat and eggs products rich in protein and valuable nutrients at a cost less than other animal meat sources. The natural antibiotics alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, essential oils, enzymes, immunostimulants, and phytogenic (phytobiotic) including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins are the most common feed additives that acquire popularity in poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). They are commonly used worldwide because of their unique properties and positive impact on poultry production. They can be easily mixed with other feed ingredients, have no tissue residues, improve feed intake, feed gain, feed conversion rate, improve bird immunity, improve digestion, increase nutrients availability as well as absorbability, have antimicrobial effects, do not affect carcass characters, decrease the usage of antibiotics, acts as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, compete for stress factors and provide healthy organic products for human consumption. Therefore, the current review focuses on a comprehensive description of different natural antibiotic growth promoters' alternatives, the mode of their action, and their impacts on poultry production.

N-Acetylcysteine Alleviated the Deltamethrin-Induced Oxidative Cascade and Apoptosis in Liver and Kidney Tissues.

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a synthetic pyrethroid with anti-acaricide and insecticidal properties. It is commonly used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Humans and animals are exposed to DLM through the ingestion of polluted food and water, resulting in severe health issues. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prodrug of L-cysteine, the precursor to glutathione. It can restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance. Therefore, this research aimed to examine whether NAC may protect broiler chickens against oxidative stress, at the level of biochemical and molecular alterations caused by DLM intoxication. The indicators of liver and kidney injury in the serum of DLM-intoxicated and NAC-treated groups were examined. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant markers, superoxide dismutase activity, and apoptotic gene expressions (caspase-3 and Bcl-2) were investigated. All parameters were significantly altered in the DLM-intoxicated group, suggesting that DLM could induce oxidative damage and apoptosis in hepato-renal tissue. The majority of the changes in the studied parameters were reversed when NAC therapy was used. In conclusion, by virtue of its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, NAC enabled the provision of significant protection effects against DLM-induced hepato-renal injury.

The modulatory impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract against methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root (licorice) is a widely used herb for its beneficial effects on health. This study explored the protective effects of licorice extract against oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction caused by methotrexate (MTX). Mice were allocated into (i) negative control group that received saline; (ii) licorice extract group, orally administered with 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) licorice extract for 12 days; (iii) positive MTX-intoxicated group, injected with a single intraperitoneal dose of MTX (20 mg/kg bw) on day 7; and (iv) a protective group that received licorice extract for 12 days and then MTX on day 7 as in groups 2 and 3. Total proteins, albumin, globulins, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured in blood and testis samples collected from all groups. Testicular oxidative stress, serum reproductive hormones, and spermogram were examined. The expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes (translocator protein; and P450scc) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 genes were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The bioactive contents of licorice extract were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Pretreatment with licorice extract ameliorated the toxic effects of MTX on total proteins, albumin, and globulins and oxidative stress biomarkers and reversed the effect of MTX on examined serum and tissue antioxidants. Besides, MTX down-regulated mRNA expression of translocator protein and P450scc genes. Licorice extract averted the decrease in serum testosterone and the increase in IL-1ß and IL-6 levels induced by MTX. Moreover, MTX increased sperm abnormalities and percentage of dead sperms and reduced sperm motility. These changes were absent in the licorice preadministered group. Licorice prevented the increase in immunoreactivity of testis for Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 that were overexpressed in MTX-injected mice. Licorice extracts positively regulated the expression of steroidogenesis genes suppressed by MTX, increased antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and catalase) and reduced biomarker of oxidative stress (testicular malondialdehyde) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and -6). Moreover, reduction in testicular tissue immunoreactivity to Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2. In conclusion, licorice extract mitigated the toxic effects of MTX-induced testicular dysfunction at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels.

Synergistic protective effects of lycopene and N-acetylcysteine against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most frequently used chemotherapy agents. The objective of this design was to determine the ameliorative effect of lycopene (LP) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in rats with hepatic and renal toxicity induced by CP. Rats were divided randomly into 7 groups (7 rats/group): control vehicle group (saline only), the LP group (10 mg/kg, orally), the NAC group (150 mg/kg, orally), the CP group (7.5 mg/kg, IP on day 27), the LP-CP group, the NAC-CP group, and the LP-NAC-CP group. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (APK), and levels of urea, creatinine, and lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) increased after CP injection in the serum. Moreover, CP decreased levels of protein, albumin, and HDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde significantly increased with a decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the liver and kidney tissues. CP also induced some pathological lesions and increased the expression of caspase-3 in the liver and kidney tissues. Administration of LP and NAC alone or in combinations ameliorated hepatorenal toxicity and apoptosis induced by CP.

Bioremediation role of Spirulina platensis against deltamethrin-mediated toxicity and its chemical residues in chicken meat.

Deltamethrin (DM) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide commonly used in veterinary and agriculture. However, both animal and human exposure are associated with hepatorenal toxicity. Our experimental goal was to assess the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) against DM-induced hepatorenal injury, growth performance, meat chemical composition, and its residues in meat, liver, and skin of broiler chickens. Sixty 1-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were assigned to 4 experimental groups; each was divided into 3 replicates with five chicks each; the 1st group received basal diet alone (control), 2nd group supplemented with SP 20 g/kg diet, 3rd group supplemented with DM 300 mg/kg diet, and 4th group supplemented with DM and SP diet. All groups have received the treatment for 35 days. DM, decreased body weight, weight gain, and increased feed conversion rate. DM showed a significant increase in ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, and MDA and a significant decrease in SOD, and GSH levels. Also, SP significantly reduced DM levels in meat, skin, and liver with a reduction 63.01, 63.00, and 62.90 %, respectively. The DM intoxicated group showed a significant decrease in protein and a marked increase in fat, cholesterol, and triglycerides when compared to the control group. Histopathological changes were also recorded. Dietary SP improved these parameters. Dietary inclusion of SP can be recommended due to the protective effects on DM-induced toxicity in broiler chickens.

The Protective Impact of Salsola imbricata Leaf Extract From Taif Against Acrylamide-Induced Hepatic Inflammation and Oxidative Damage: The Role of Antioxidants, Cytokines, and Apoptosis-Associated Genes.

Salsola imbricata is a herbal plant native to Saudi Arabia, known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the protective effects of an ethanolic leaf extract of Salsola imbricata against the oxidative stress and hepatic injury caused by acrylamide. Rats received intragastric administrations of 20 mg/kg of body weight of acrylamide to induce hepatic injury, or 300 mg/kg of body weight of Salsola ethanolic extract orally for 7 days before acrylamide administration. The treatments were continued for 3 weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected from all the groups, and the following biochemical parameters were tested: serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma glutaryl transferase), urea, albumin, total proteins, catalase, SOD (superoxide dismutase), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and MDA (malondialdehyde). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2), HO-1 (Hemoxygenase-1), COX-2 (Cyclooxgenase-2), TGF-ß1 (transforming growth factor-beta1), Bax, and Bcl2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), which are associated with oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and anti-apoptotic effects. The annexin and survivin immunoreactivity were examined at the immunohistochemical level. Pretreatment with the Salsola ethanolic extract reduced the negative impact of acrylamide on ALT, AST, GGT, urea, albumin, and total proteins. The Salsola ethanolic extract reversed acrylamide's effects on serum and tissue antioxidants. Nrf2/HO-1 expression was downregulated, while COX-2 and TGF-ß1 were upregulated in the acrylamide-administered group and normalized by the pre-administration of Salsola ethanolic extract to the acrylamide experimental group. The immunoreactivity of annexin and survivin was restored in the experimental group administered Salsola ethanolic extract plus acrylamide. In conclusion, Salsola ethanolic extract inhibits and regulates the side effects induced in the liver by acrylamide. Salsola induced its impacts by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis-/anti-apoptosis-associated genes at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels. Salsola is recommended as oxidative stress relievers against environmental toixicity at high altitude areas.

A novel plant-based-sea water culture media for in vitro cultivation and in situ recovery of the halophyte microbiome.

The plant-based-sea water culture medium is introduced to in vitro cultivation and in situ recovery of the microbiome of halophytes. The ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) was used, in the form of juice and/or dehydrated plant powder packed in teabags, to supplement the natural sea water. The resulting culture medium enjoys the combinations of plant materials as rich source of nutrients and sea water exercising the required salt stress. As such without any supplements, the culture medium was sufficient and efficient to support very good in vitro growth of halotolerant bacteria. It was also capable to recover their in situ culturable populations in the phyllosphere, ecto-rhizosphere and endo-rhizosphere of halophytes prevailing in Lake Mariout, Egypt. When related to the total bacterial numbers measured for Suaeda pruinosa roots by quantitative-PCR, the proposed culture medium increased culturability (15.3-19.5%) compared to the conventional chemically-synthetic culture medium supplemented with (11.2%) or without (3.8%) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, representative isolates of halotolerant bacteria prevailed on such culture medium were closely related to Bacillus spp., Halomonas spp., and Kocuria spp. Seed germination tests on 25-50% sea water agar indicated positive interaction of such bacterial isolates with the germination and seedlings' growth of barley seeds.

Changes in urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels during heptathlon race in professional female athletes.

Acute strenuous exercise can induce a state of oxidative stress affecting the involved muscles. Heptathlon is a multi-event exercise of two days duration and can be considered an acute, intensive endurance exercise. The purpose of this study is to compare the oxidative stress response to heptathlon events day by day and to determine the impact of this type of exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers. The study subjects included eight heptathlon athletes who participated in the National First Class Republic competition in Egypt (October 19-21, 2011). Blood samples were collected at rest after exercise for two successive days and analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA). Morning urine samples were collected one hour after exercise for each day and were analyzed for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in both plasma MDA and urine 8-OHdG levels after exercise regardless of the day. We concluded that exercise generates higher MDA levels compared to DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage in athletes with antioxidant supplementation.

Bio-preparates support the productivity of potato plants grown under desert farming conditions of north Sinai: Five years of field trials.

Organic agriculture as well as good agricultural practices (GAPs) intrigues the concern of both consumers and producers of agricultural commodities. Bio-preparates of various rhizospheric microorganisms (RMOs) are potential sources of biological inputs supporting plant nutrition and health. The response of open-field potatoes to the application of RMO bio-preparates, the biofertilizer "Biofertile" and the bioagent "Biocontrol", were experimented over 5 successive years under N-hunger of north Sinai desert soils. Both vegetative and tuber yields of a number of tested cultivars were significantly improved due to rhizobacterial treatments. In the majority of cases, the biofertilizer "Biofertile" did successfully supply ca. 50% of plant N requirements, as the yield of full N-fertilized plants was comparable to those received 50% N simultaneously with bio-preparates treatment. The magnitude of inoculation was cultivar-dependent; cvs. Valor and Oceania were among the most responsive ones. Bio-preparate introduction to the plant-soil system was successful via soaking of tubers and/or spraying the plant canopy. The "Biocontrol" formulation was supportive in controlling plant pathogens and significantly increased the fruit yields. The cumulative effect of both bio-preparates resulted in tuber yield increases of ca. 25% over control.