Analgesic Effect of Dexmedetomidine-Nalbuphine Combination vs. Dexmedetomidine Alone in Donkeys Undergoing Field Castration under Total Intravenous Anesthesia.

This study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of dexmedetomidine-nalbuphine vs. dexmedetomidine alone in jacks undergoing field castration under total intravenous anesthesia. Jacks were premedicated with intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), either alone (Group D, n = 6) or in combination with 0.3 mg/kg nalbuphine (Group DN, n = 6). IV ketamine (1.5 mg/kg) and propofol (0.5 mg/kg) were used to induce general anesthesia, which was maintained by a continuous propofol (0.2 mg/kg/min) IV infusion. The quality of anesthesia, analgesia, and recovery were evaluated. A simple descriptive scale (SDS) was used to measure pain from the recovery time to 6 h later. The DN group exhibited improvements in analgesic and recovery quality and SDS of pain at 1-, 2-, and 3-h post-recovery. There was an apparent improvement in cardiac status, as evidenced by the enhanced heart rate and electrocardiogram findings compared to group D during surgery and recovery time. The DN group had a lower level of inflammatory cytokines, both during the surgery and shortly after recovery. Therefore, the dexmedetomidine-nalbuphine combination prior to IV anesthesia of ketamine and propofol in jacks undergoing field castration resulted in a stable surgical plane of anesthesia, improved antinociception, less pain postoperatively, and better cardiac stability.

Evening primrose oil enriched with gamma linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury model in male rats via TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 pathway.

The modulatory role of primrose oil (PO) supplementation enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate against a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage model was assessed in this study. Twenty male Albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group received corn oil orally. The PO group received 10 mg/kg P O orally. The CCl4 group received 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally and PO/CCl4 group; received PO and 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally. The relative liver weight was recorded. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and the expression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were assessed. The binding affinities of γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol constituents with IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were investigated using molecular docking simulations. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations of the liver were performed. The results indicated that CCl4 elevated serum liver enzyme and hepatic MDA levels, whereas GSH levels were diminished. The upregulation of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions were induced by CCl4 treatment. The PO/CCl4-treated group showed amelioration of hepatic injury biomarkers and oxidative stress. Restoration of histopathological and ultrastructural alterations while downregulations the gene expressions of TNF-α, IL1-ß and IL-6 were observed. In conclusion, evening primrose oil enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate elicited a potential amelioration of CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities and molecular docking of Moringa oleifera seed oil extract against experimental model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss female albino mice.

The current research intended to evaluate the antitumor properties of Moringa oleifera oil extract (MOE). Fifty-six female Swiss albino mice were employed in this study. Animals were assigned into four groups: control (C) group, moringa oil extract (MOE) group administered (500 mg/kg b. wt) MOE daily via gavage, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) group and EAC group administered daily with (500 mg/kg b.wt) MOE for two weeks (EAC/MOE). The results showed that MOE significantly ameliorated the EAC increase in body weight and reduced the EAC cell viability. In addition, they upgraded the levels of hepatic and renal functions, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers and EAC-induced hepatic and renal histopathological changes. Treatment of EAC with MOE induced antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and normalized most of the tested parameters besides the histopathological alterations in both renal and hepatic tissues. HPLC for the MOE identified Cinnamic acid, Ellagic acid, Quercetin, Gallic acid, Vanillin and Hesperidin as major compounds. The molecular docking study highlighted the virtual binding of the identified compounds inside the GSH and SOD proteins, especially for Quercetin which exhibited promising binding affinity with good interactive binding mode with the key amino acids. These results demonstrate that the antitumor constituents of MOE against EAC induced oxidative stress and inflammation by preventing oxidative damage and controlling EAC increase.

Correction: Mahmoud et al. Neurotoxic Effect of Fipronil in Male Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine and L-Carnitine. Biology 2021, 10, 682.

In the original publication [...].

Cardioprotective Effect of Flibanserin against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Female Rats: Role of Cardiac 5-HT2A Receptor Gene/5-HT/Ca2+ Pathway.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening ischemic disease and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Serotonin (5-HT) release during myocardial ischemia plays an important role in the progression of myocardial cellular injury. This study was conducted to investigate the possible cardioprotective effect of flibanserin (FLP) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups and were treated orally (p.o.) with FLP (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg) for 28 days. ISO was administered subcutaneously (S.C.) (85 mg/kg) on the 27th and 28th days to induce MI. ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats exhibited a significant increase in cardiac markers, oxidative stress markers, cardiac and serum 5-HT levels, and total cardiac calcium (Ca2+) concentration. ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats also revealed a remarkable alteration of electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and significantly upregulated expression of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptors gene. Moreover, ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats showed significant histopathological findings of MI and hypertrophic signs. However, pretreatment with FLP significantly attenuated the ISO-induced MI in a dose-dependent manner, as the effect of FLP (45 mg/kg) was more pronounced than that of the other two doses, FLP (15 and 30 mg/kg). The present study provides evidence for the cardioprotective efficacy of FLP against ISO-induced MI in rats.

Comparative effects of curcumin versus nano-curcumin on histological, immunohistochemical expression, histomorphometric, and biochemical changes to pancreatic beta cells and lipid profile of streptozocin induced diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide problem characterized by hyperglycemia as well as the damage of the microscopic structure of the beta cells of Langerhans pancreatic islets. In the present study, the histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and biochemical alterations to pancreatic beta cells in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were assessed in rats treated with curcumin (CU) (100 mg/kg/day) or nano-curcumin (nCU) (100 mg/kg/day) for 1 month. Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were distributed into four groups: the nondiabetic control group, the diabetic untreated group, and two diabetic groups treated with CU or nCUR, respectively. Blood glucose, serum insulin levels, and lipid profile were measured. The pancreatic tissues were collected and processed into paraffin sections for histological and immunohistochemical examination, oxidative stress markers, and real-time PCR expression for pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1). The insulin expression in beta cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Morphometrically, the percentage area of anti-insulin antibody reaction and the percentage area of islet cells were determined. STZ-induced deteriorating alteration in beta cells led to declines in the number of functioning beta cells and insulin immunoreactivity. In STZ-treated rats, CU and nCUR significantly reduced blood glucose concentration while increasing blood insulin level. It also caused a significant increase in the number of immunoreactive beta cells to the insulin expression and significant reduction of the immunoreactive beta cells to the caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, CU and nCUR could have a therapeutic role in the biochemical and microscopic changes in pancreatic beta cells in diabetes-induced rats through STZ administration with more bio-efficacy of nCUR.

Effect of monosodium glutamate on fetal development and progesterone level in pregnant Wistar Albino rats.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widespread flavor enhancer and stabilizer in manufactured or packaged foods that possess myriad adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MSG on placental progesterone receptors and fetal development. Thirty pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups (ten/each). The control group (G1) gavaged distilled water only, low-dose treated group (G2) gavaged 3 g/kg MSG, and high-dose treated group (G3) gavaged 6 g/kg MSG from 1st to 18th days of gestation, and all pregnant rats were sacrificed on the 19th day of gestation. The effect of MSG on fetal weights, crown vertebral length (CVL), placental weight, placental ghrelin expression, and fetal skeleton examination were estimated. MSG induced a significant decrease in fetal weights, CVL lengths, placental weight, and ghrelin expression in both treatment groups compared to the control group. Several parts of the fetal skeleton showed incomplete ossification and delayed chondrification in which high-dose maternally treated fetuses were more affected. Many degenerative changes were detected in both maternal and fetal liver and kidney tissues in MSG-treated groups. Moreover, MSG caused a significant increase in serum ALT, ALP, and creatinine levels in pregnant rats' blood. Serum progesterone was only elevated in G3 on the 19th day of gestation. This study showed that the administration of MSG during pregnancy adversely influences fetal growth and skeletal development and caused several biochemical and histological changes in the maternal and fetal liver and kidney tissues which assure the toxic and teratogenic effects of MSG.

Evaluation of Cadmium or Lead Exposure with Nannochloropsis oculata Mitigation on Productive Performance, Biochemical, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Barki Rams.

This study was designed to determine the lead or cadmium exposure of Barki rams and the beneficial role of Nannochlorposis oculata (N. oculata) 4% as a feed supplement, as well as its mitigating role against these elements' impacts concerning performance, biochemical markers of liver enzymes and kidney function, thyroid hormone activity, and oxidative stress markers. Six groups of 36 Barki rams (33.63 ± 1.29 kg) were divided into G1: which served as control; G2: was given 4% dietary N. oculata; G3: was given oral 1 mg/kg cadmium chloride; G4: was given 5 mg/kg/day lead acetate; G5: was given oral 1 mg/kg cadmium chloride and 4% dietary N. oculata, and G6: was given oral 5 mg/kg/day lead acetate and 4% dietary N. oculata; and treatments were continued for 60 days. Cadmium and lead-exposed groups exhibited lower and weaker weight gain as well as feed conversion ratio, respectively, than the control and other groups. Additionally, levels of T3, T4, total proteins, albumin, and glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced in both G3 and G4 compared to control. However, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, total cholesterol, triglycerides, protein carbonyl content (PCC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) in cadmium and lead-exposed groups. Dietary N. oculata (4%) improves serum proteins, creatinine, urea, T4, and oxidative stress indicators as compared to the control group. Finally, 4% dietary N. oculata greatly enhances the investigated parameters in terms of performance, thyroid hormones, serum biochemical, and antioxidant activity and may assist in reducing the endocrine disrupting effects of Pb and Cd.

Immunostimulatory effects of Nannochloropsis oculata supplementation on Barki rams growth performance, antioxidant assay, and immunological status.

BACKGROUND: Natural feed supplements are gaining popularity in the animal production sector due to their safety and potential immunostimulatory properties, as well as the ban of some antibiotics and their negative residual effects. This study was carried out for 1 month to investigate the effect of Nannochloropsis oculata supplementation on growth performance and cell-mediated immunological status of rams assessed by leukogram assessment, lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interleukin assay after lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) including interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 12 (IL12), and gamma interferon (γ-IF), as well as Comet assay (% of DNA damage, tail length (px), % DNA in tail, tail moment and Olive tail moment). METHODS: Eighteen Barki rams (26.21 ± 0.64 kg) were divided into 3 equal treatment groups (6 sheep/each), G1: animals served as the control group that was fed the basal diet only, while the other treated groups (G2 and G3 (Nan 1.5% and Nan 3%) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.5% and 3% N. oculata (dry matter basis), respectively. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that G3 showed a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in performance (body weight and body weight gain), the highest significant count (P < 0.05) in lymphocytes, and the lowest significant (P < 0.05) levels of neutrophils and neutrophils and lymphocytes ratio (N/L) ratio. Meanwhile, both levels of N. oculata significantly (P < 0.05) decreased MDA and increased TAC than control which seemed to be directly correlated with supplemented dose. There was a significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in the lymphocyte transformation assay produced significant (P < 0.05) high cytokines (IL6, γ-IF, IL12, and TNF-α) and the lowest significant (P <0.05) percent of DNA damage. The conducted principal component analysis estimated the inter-relationship between parameters and revealed that microalgae correlated strongly with cytokine assay and TAC, and negatively with Comet assay parameters; MDA, and neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: It can be noted that dietary addition of N. oculata 3% increased sheep's performance while also producing significant-high cytokines. It also enhanced sheep immunology by considerably enhancing lymphocyte transformation ability. The antioxidant activity of Nannochloropsis appears to influence these findings. It was proposed that the Barki rams' basal diet be supplemented with 3% N. oculata.

Methanolic Phoenix dactylifera L. Extract Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatic Injury in Male Rats.

This study investigated the ameliorative potential of methanolic date flesh extract (MDFE) against cisplatin-induced hepatic injury. Twenty male rats (weighing 180-200 g) were allocated into four groups: control; date flesh (DF) group (oral 600 mg/kg MDFE for 21 days); Cis group (7.5 mg/kg i.p. at day 16); and date flesh/cisplatin (DF/Cis) group (oral 600 mg/kg MDFE for 21 days and 7.5 mg/kg i.p. at day 16). Hepatic biochemical parameters in sera, and inflammatory and oxidant/antioxidant hepatic biomarkers were estimated. Hepatic histological changes and the immunohistochemistry of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed. Pretreatment with MDFE decreased Cis-triggered liver biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and histological damage. Moreover, MDFE treatment reduced Cis-induced hepatic NF-κB, COX-2, and α-SMA protein expression. MDFE exerted a hepatoprotective effect when used concomitantly with Cis. Its effect was mediated via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Influence of genistein and diadizine on regularity of estrous cycle in cyclic female Wistar rat: interaction with estradiol receptors and vascular endothelial growth factor.

Background: Isoflavones are estrogenic compounds that exist in soy, clover, and peanuts. They are selective estrogen receptor modulators. Aim: The study was planned to explain the interactions of isoflavones with estrogen receptors alpha (ERα), beta (ERß), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues during different stages of the estrous cycle of regular cyclic female Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-two regular cyclic females were divided equally into control group: fed casein-based diet and isoflavones group: fed casein-based diet and gavaged 50 mg/kg/day soy isoflavones extract 40%. The regularity of estrus cycles was monitored. Final body weight (FBW), weight gain (BWG), and ovarian and uterine weights were estimated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry for ERα, Erß, and VEGF in ovarian and uterine tissues were performed. Results: All females (100%, n = 16) in control group showed regularity in estrous cycle compared to 62.5% (n = 10) in isoflavones group. Estrus and diestrus phases revealed prolongation and shortening in isoflavones rats than control, respectively. Nonsignificant variation was noted in the duration of the whole cycle of both groups. FBW and BWG significantly decreased however, ovarian and uterine weights increased significantly in all estrous phases of isoflavones group than control. Histopathology demonstrated an increase in number of follicles/ovaries besides, hyperplasia and proliferation of luminal epithelium with hydropic degeneration in the isoflavones group. Also, uterine connective tissue stroma showed edema in the isoflavones group during all estrous phases. Immunostaining percentages of ERα, Erß, and VEGF protein expression were significantly elevated in the isoflavones group during all estrous phases. Conclusion: Isoflavones induced irregularity of the estrous cycle that was encountered by increased and altered ERα, Erß, and VEGF expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues.

Assessment of modulatory activity of Uncaria tomentosa extract against fipronil immunotoxicity in male rats.

This study has investigated the effect of using the Uncaria tomentosa (UT) extract against immunotoxicity that induced by fipronil (FP) in male Wistar rats. Twenty-eight, male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into four groups (7 rats each). Control group received distilled water. FP group received FP 9.7 mg/kg b. wt orally via gastric tube. UT group received 120 mg/kg b. wt. of UT extract orally. FP-UT group received both FP and UT (9.7 and 120 mg/kg b.wt, respectively) for 30 days. Hematological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), estradiol, histamine and immunoglobulin E (IGE) were assayed. Histopathological and electron microscopical examinations were performed to the lymphoid organs. Hematological parameters, were decreased in the FP group than the control group. There was a rise in MDA of FP group followed by a decrease in TAC content with histological and ultrastructure degenerative changes. UT extract treatment ameliorated the FP-induced perturbations for the former parameters. The results showed that FP treatment exerted an immunotoxic effect through acting as an endocrine disruptor and allergic, pro-inflammatory that was confirmed by histopathological and ultrastructure study of the lymphoid organs. Uncaria tomentosa extract could successfully modulate FP-induced immunotoxicity by diminishing all the studied parameters.

Neurotoxic Effect of Fipronil in Male Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine and L-Carnitine.

The ameliorative effect of L-arginine (LA) and L-carnitine (LC) against fipronil (FPN)-induced neurotoxicity was explored. In this case, 36 adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups: group I received distilled water, group II received 500 mg/kg LA, group III received 100 mg/kg LC, group IV received 4.85 mg/kg FPN, group V received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 500 mg/kg LA and group VI received 4.85 mg/kg FPN and 100 mg/kg LC for 6 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using Barnes maze (BM). Serum corticosterone, brain total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and dopamine were measured. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium-binding adaptor (Iba-1), doublecortin (DCX) and serotonin (S-2A) receptors were performed. Fipronil induced noticeable deterioration in spatial learning and memory performance. In addition, FPN significantly (p < 0.05) diminished brain antioxidant defense system and dopamine coincide with elevated serum corticosterone level. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. Furthermore, Iba-1 and DCX were significantly expressed in cortex and hippocampus whereas S-2A receptors were significantly lowered in FPN group. However, administration of LA or LC alleviated FPN-induced deteriorations. In conclusion, LA and LC could be prospective candidates for mitigation of FPN-induced neurotoxicity via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuropotentiating effects.

Dimethyl fumarate abridged tauo-/amyloidopathy in a D-Galactose/ovariectomy-induced Alzheimer's-like disease: Modulation of AMPK/SIRT-1, AKT/CREB/BDNF, AKT/GSK-3ß, adiponectin/Adipo1R, and NF-κB/IL-1ß/ROS trajectories.

Since the role of estrogen in postmenauposal-associated dementia is still debatable, this issue urges the search for other medications. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has shown a neuroprotective effect against other neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of DMF on an experimental model of Alzheimer disease (AD) using D-galactose (D-Gal) administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, resembling a postmenopausal dementia paradigm. Adult 18-month old female Wistar rats were allocated into sham-operated and OVX/D-Gal groups that were either left untreated or treated with DMF for 56 days starting three weeks after sham-operation or ovariectomy. DMF succeeded to ameliorate cognitive (learning/short- and long-term memory) deficits and to enhance the dampened overall activity (NOR, Barnes-/Y-maze tests). These behavioral upturns were associated with increased intact neurons (Nissl stain) and a reduction in OVX/D-Gal-mediated hippocampal CA1 neurodegeneration and astrocyte activation assessed as GFAP immunoreactivity. Mechanistically, DMF suppressed the hippocampal contents of AD-surrogate markers; viz., apolipoprotein (APO)-E1, BACE1, Aß42, and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Additionally, DMF has augmented the neuroprotective parameters p-AKT, its downstream target CREB and BDNF. Besides, it activated AMPK, and enhanced SIRT-1, as well as antioxidant defenses (SOD, GSH). On the other hand, DMF inhibited the transcription factor NF-κB, IL-1ß, adiponectin/adiponectin receptor type (AdipoR)1, GSK-3ß, and MDA. Accordingly, in this postmenopausal AD model, DMF treatment by pursuing the adiponectin/AdipoR1, AMPK/SIRT-1, AKT/CREB/BDNF, AKT/GSK-3ß, and APO-E1 quartet hampered the associated tauo-/amyloidopathy and NF-κB-mediated oxidative/inflammatory responses to advance insights into its anti-amnesic effect.

Assessment of changes in the liver of pregnant female rats and their fetuses following monosodium glutamate administration.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common flavor enhancer and stabilizer for ready-made or packaged foods. This research investigated the impact of MSG on the maternal and fetal liver. The present study was carried out on sixteen mature female Albino rats and eight male rats of reproductive age. The control group was dissected on day 20 of gestation. MSG group was administrated MSG daily at a dosage of 1 g/5 mL/kg body weight from day 0 to day 20 of gestation. The liver function and lipid profile of the control and treated mothers were investigated in the blood sera. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities in the liver homogenate of maternal and fetal tissue were assayed, in addition to histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were done to the liver tissue. The activities of liver functions and lipid profile significantly altered in the treated mothers with MSG. MSG significantly reduced the SOD and reduced GSH activities in addition to the elevated TNF-α and NO in liver tissue of pregnant mothers and their fetuses. Severe histopathological alterations were observed in both maternal and fetal liver tissues of MSG-treated groups. Moreover, histochemical observations showed a reduction of total polysaccharides in the liver of pregnant rats and fetuses. A significant increase in the percentage area of positive immunoreaction for caspase 3 was observed in the liver of treated rats with MSG compared to the liver of the control. The liver of fetuses treated with MSG revealed an alteration like their mother. This study showed that during the gestational period MSG exposure resulted in several biochemical, histological, and histochemical changes in the maternal and fetal liver tissues which emphasize the toxic effect of MSG.

The effect of dietary supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seeds) mediates immunological function in male Wistar rats.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of dietary Nigella sativa on the cell-mediated immune response. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided equally into a control group and treated groups that received black seeds at rates of 30 and 50 g/kg in the diet (Sa30 and Sa50 groups, respectively, for 30 days. The weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and cell-mediated immune response were monitored after the injection of 0.1 mL of 10% phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The intumesce index, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), interleukin-12 (IL-12), gamma interferon (γ-IF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological examination and an immunohistochemistry analysis of splenic caspase-3 and CD8 were performed. Nigella sativa significantly improved the weight gain and FCR. Intumesce index of Sa50 group was significantly increased. Nigella sativa significantly increased TAC, CAT, IL-12, γ-IF and TNF-α. A histological examination of PHA-stimulated foot pads showed increased leukocyte infiltration and edema in a dose-dependent pattern. Splenic caspase-3 and CD8 showed significant decreases and increases, respectively, in the Sa30 and Sa50 groups. The results indicate that Nigella sativa seeds exhibit immunostimulatory function through their antioxidant potential, induction of cytokine production, promotion of CD8 expression and reduction of splenic apoptosis.

Anti-obesity potential of Moringa olifera seed extract and lycopene on high fat diet induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats.

Present research explored the anti-obesity effect of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and lycopene (LYC). Forty eight male Sprauge Dawely rats were divided equally into 6 groups. Group Ι (C) served as control, group ΙΙ (MC) was given Moringa olifera seed oil extract (800 mg/kg b.wt) for 8 weeks, group ΙΙΙ (LC) was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for 8 weeks, group ΙV (O) received high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks, group Ñ´ (MO), was given HFD for 20 weeks and received (800 mg/kg b.wt) Moringa olifera seed oil extract for last 8 weeks and group Ñ´Ι (LO), received HFD for 20 weeks and was given (20 mg/kg b.wt) LYC for last 8 weeks. Hematology, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, lipid profile, serum liver and kidney biomarkers, inflammatory markers, leptin, resistin and heart fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) were determined. Also histopathology for liver, kidney and aorta were performed besides immunohistochemistry (IHC) for aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC significantly ameliorated the HFD induced hematological and metabolic perturbations as well as reduced leptin and resistin. Both treatments exerted these effects through promotion of antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory cytokines along with reduced iNOS protein expression. Administration of Moringa olifera seed oil extract and LYC have anti-obesity potential in HFD induced obesity in male Sprauge Dawely rats.

Hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves aquatic extract against lead acetate-induced liver injury in male Wistar rats.

Current research was performed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on lead acetate-induced hepatic injury. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided equally into 4 groups. The first group was control, while the second, third, and fourth groups were given 200 mg/kg aqueous Moringa extract only, 100 mg/kg lead only, and 100 mg/kg lead plus 200 mg/kg aqueous Moringa leaves extract, respectively, via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were recorded. Serum lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities, and proteins beside hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation were assessed. Liver histopathological examination and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) immunohistochemistry were performed. Administration of lead lowered (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and perturbed lipid profile than control. Lead increased liver enzyme activities and TNF-α, while reduced serum proteins and hepatic antioxidant markers compared to control. Lead aggravated hepatic DNA fragmentation beside the presence of histopathological lesions. Co-administration of aqueous Moringa extract with lead significantly alleviated lead-induced adverse effects. The administration of aqueous Moringa extract with its antioxidant significantly restored the lead perturbations through reduction of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage via amelioration of NF-kB and TNF-α which kept hepatocyte integrity and reduced serum hepatic enzyme activities.