A comparative study on the protective effects of cuminaldehyde, thymoquinone, and gallic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced pulmonary and renal toxicity in rats by affecting ROS and NF-κB signaling.

CCl4 toxicity is a fatal condition that can cause numerous organ dysfunctions. We evaluated and compared the protective effects of cuminaldehyde (CuA), thymoquinone (TQ), and gallic acid (GA) on CCl4-induced pulmonary and renal toxicity in rats. The impacts of these compounds on CCl4-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and morphological alterations were examined. The results showed that the compounds under investigation prevented CCl4 from significantly increasing pulmonary and renal lipid peroxidation and NO levels, as well as massively depleting GSH levels and GPX and SOD activities. Moreover, they suppressed the CCl4-induced increase in mucus secretion in the lung and upregulated the gene expression of pulmonary and renal NF-Ò¡B, iNOS, TNF-α, and COX-2. The heatmap cluster plots showed that GA and TQ had better protective potencies than CuA. The external organ morphology, histopathological results, and chest X-ray analysis confirmed the toxicity of CCl4 and the protective influences of the tested compounds in both the lungs and kidneys of rats. These compounds displayed predicted competitive inhibitory effects on iNOS activity and may block the IL-13α2 receptor, as revealed by molecular docking analysis. Thus, CuA, TQ, and GA, particularly the latter two, are prospective protective compounds against the pulmonary and renal toxicity caused by CCl4.

Regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and IL-13 in asthmatic rats by aerosol inhalation of the combined active constituents of Punica granatum juice and peel.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway illness. For the first time, we evaluated the proposed anti-asthmatic protective and therapeutic potency of inhaling Punica granatum juice (PJE) and peel (PPE) extract mixture (PM). Rats were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) for 23 days and aerosolized with PM before each OVA challenge (protected group) or following the final OVA challenge for 3 days (therapeutic group). Considerable concentrations of phenolics were detected in PJE and PPE. Therefore, PM demonstrated synergistic scavenging abilities of NO and DPPH radicals. It also showed synergistic anti-inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the white blood cells by lowering the gene expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, IL-6, and IL-8. In addition, PM increased IL-10 gene expression while decreasing NO and TNF-α levels in LPS-exposed cells. Regarding the rats that were protected with PM, they exerted pulmonary pro-oxidant effects but prevented the OVA-induced upregulation of NF-κB, IKK, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, IL-13, and COL1A1, as well as MUC5AC and mucin over-secretion. While PM in the therapeutic group improved reactive oxygen species levels and normalized most of the investigated inflammatory and fibrotic mediators and mucin formation, but slightly improved the antioxidant indices. In addition, OVA-induced morphological alterations were massively improved after PM inhalation for short or long periods. Thus, PM inhalation prevented and treated OVA-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, while the inhalation period between 3 and 23 days needs to be optimized to acquire a better impact on the antioxidant indices.

Phoenix dactilyfera L. Pits Extract Restored Bone Homeostasis in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporotic Animal Model through the Antioxidant Effect and Wnt5a Non-Canonical Signaling.

Oxidative stress associated with long-term glucocorticoids administration is a route through which secondary osteoporosis can be developed. The therapeutic potential of Phoenix dactilyfera L. pits is offered by their balanced, valuable and diverse phytochemical composition providing protective potential against oxidative reactions, making it a good candidate to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). This study evaluates the possible anti-osteoporotic effect of date pit extract (DPE) against dexamethasone (DEXA)-induced osteoporosis. Male rats were allocated into three control groups, which received saline, low and high doses of DPE (150 and 300 mg/kg/day), respectively. Osteoporosis-induced groups that received DEXA (1 mg/kg/day) were divided into DEXA only, DPE (2 doses) + DEXA, and ipriflavone + DEXA. Femoral bone minerals density and bone mineral content, bone oxidative stress markers, Wnt signaling, osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation markers, and femur histopathology were evaluated. DPE defeated the oxidative stress, resulting in ameliorative changes in Wnt signaling. DPE significantly reduced the adipogenicity and abolished the osteoclastogenic markers (RANKL/OPG ratio, ACP, TRAP) while enhancing the osteogenic differentiation markers (Runx2, Osx, COL1A1, OCN). In Conclusion DPE restored the balanced proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts precursors. DPE can be considered a promising remedy for GIO, especially at a low dose that had more potency.

Inhibition of oxidative stress, IL-13, and WNT/ß-catenin in ovalbumin-sensitized rats by a novel organogel of Punica granatum seed oil saponifiable fraction.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling. Here, we prepared two pomegranate fractions from the seed oil, saponifiable (Sap) and unsaponifiable (UnSap). Two organogels (Orgs) were also formulated with the Sap (Org1) or the UnSap (Org2) fraction and beeswax (BW). All preparations were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts. The transdermal delivery of the most efficient one was evaluated against ovalbumin (OV)-induced bronchial asthma in rats compared to dexamethasone (DEX). The results showed that the prepared pomegranate fractions and BW had considerable amounts of phenolics (flavonoids and tannins) and triterpenoids. Org1 was shown to be the most effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fraction with synergistic activities (combination index, 1), as well as having protective and therapeutic influences on OV-sensitized rats. Org1 inhibited the multiple OV-induced signaling pathways, comprising ROS, WNT/ß-catenin, and AKT, with an efficiency superior to DEX. Subsequently, the pro-inflammatory (COX-2, NO, and IL-13), and pro-fibrotic (COL1A1) mediators, oxidative stress, and mucin secretion, were all down-regulated. These outcomes were verified by the histopathological results of lung tissue. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that the transdermal delivery of Org1 to OV-sensitized rats shows promise in the protection and treatment of the pathological hallmarks of asthma.

Trichoderma reesei fungal degradation boosted the potentiality of date pit extract in fighting scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in male rats.

Date pits are nutritious by-products, containing high levels of indigestible carbohydrates and polyphenols. To maximize the biological effects of the active ingredients, the hard shell of the polysaccharide must be degraded. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the protective potentials of date pits extract (DP) and fungal degraded date pits extract (FDDP) against scopolamine (SCO)-induced neurodegeneration in male rats. Date pits were subjected to fungal degradation and extraction, followed by the measurement of phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activities. Forty-two adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into seven groups: three control groups administered with either saline, DP or FDDP; four groups with neurodegeneration receiving SCO (ip 2 mg/kg/day, SCO group) with no treatment, SCO with DP (oral 100 mg/kg/day, DP + SCO group), SCO with FDDP (oral, 100 mg/kg/day, FDDP + SCO group), and SCO with donepezil (DON, oral, 2.25 mg/kg/day, DON + SCO group). The treatment duration was 28 days, and in the last 14 days, SCO was administered daily. Morris water maze test, acetylcholine esterase activity, oxidative stress, markers of inflammation and amyloidogenesis, and brain histopathology were assessed.

A review article on nanotechnology in aquaculture sustainability as a novel tool in fish disease control.

In recent decades, aquaculture has played a significant role in fulfilling the vast demand for animal protein requirements and consequently in food security. However, environmental contamination and disease prevalence are considered essential challenges for the sector. In this regard, new approaches have been paved in technology to deal effectively with such challenges. Among these, nanotechnology-as a novel and innovative tool-has a broad spectrum of uses and a tremendous potential in aquaculture and seafood preservation. It can provide new technologies for management of drugs as liberation of vaccines and therefore hold the assurance for civilized protection of farmed fish against disease-causing pathogens. This article presents a review of nanotechnology and its applications in aquaculture. Additionally, it gives a brief idea about the fish disease and classical ways of controlling pathogens. On the other hand, this review sheds the light on nanotechnology as a potential novel tool which may possibly enhance the management and the control of disease prevalence. Therefore, the importance of this technology to promote sustainable aquaculture has also been highlighted. Focusing on the role of selenium nanoparticles as an efficient element is discussed also in this article.

Exogenous melatonin restrains neuroinflammation in high fat diet induced diabetic rats through attenuating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 expression.

AIM OF THE WORK: Neuroinflammation can arise from metabolic disturbances accompanying type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an implication of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of melatonin (Mel) can amend diabetic complications. Here, we examined the effect of exogenous melatonin on neuroinflammation in high fat diet (HFD)-induced T2DM rats. MAIN METHODS: Twenty-one adult male Sprague-dawley rats were divided in to three groups: control group: fed commercial standard rat chow, T2DM group: fed with HFD for 16 weeks, and T2DM-Mel group: received HFD for 8 weeks, followed by weekly melatonin treatment (i.p injection 10 mg/kg in saline) for 8 weeks with continuous supply of HFD. After which, animals were submitted to euthanasia for brain and blood samples collection. KEY FINDINGS: In T2DM-Mel group the diabetic profile was ameliorated, and the state of low-grade systemic inflammation was alleviated through lowering serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and leptin while increasing adiponectin. Melatonin improved brain oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH), whereas malondialdehyde was declined. Melatonin reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in blood and brain and its hippocampal expression, also hippocampal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was reduced, moreover IDO1 hippocampal expression was declined, furthermore recovered neuronal morphology following melatonin treatment was also clearly viewed in the hippocampus under the light microscope in T2DM-Mel rats. SIGNIFICANCE: Melatonin can be considered as a promising solution in preventing neuroinflammation development in T2DM owing to its ability to render the oxidative stress and accompanied low-grade systemic inflammation.

In vitro anti-nephrotoxic potential of Ammi visnaga, Petroselinum crispum, Hordeum vulgare, and Cymbopogon schoenanthus seed or leaf extracts by suppressing the necrotic mediators, oxidative stress and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The kidney is an essential organ required by the body to perform several important functions. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most prevailing kidney complications that result from exposure to an extrinsic or intrinsic toxicant, which increase the need for the acquisition of proper remedies. Recently, natural remedies are gaining great attention owed to the fact that they have fewer side effects than most conventional drugs. METHODS: The current study recorded a new therapeutic role of the well-known medicinal plants for kidney stones [Ammi visnaga (AVE), Petroselinum crispum (PCE), Hordeum vulgare (HVE), and Cymbopogon schoenanthus (CSE)]. Hence, the aqueous extracts of these plants examined against CCl4-induced toxicity in mammalian kidney (Vero) cells. RESULTS: These extracts showed the presence of varying amounts of phenolic and triterpenoid compounds, as well as vitamin C. Owing to the antioxidant potential of these constituents, the extracts suppressed the CCl4-induced oxidative stress significantly (p < 0.05) by scavenging the reactive oxygen species and enhancing the cellular antioxidant indices. In addition, these extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the CCl4-induced inflammation by inhibiting the gene expression of NF-кB, iNOS, and in turn the level of nitric oxide. Consequently, the morphological appearance of Vero cells, cellular necrosis, and the gene expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (a marker of renal injury) after these treatments were improved. The AVE improved CCl4-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress in Vero cells and showed a more potent effect than the commonly used alpha-Ketoanalogue drug (ketosteril) in most of the studied assays. CONCLUSION: Thus, the studied plant extracts, especially AVE can be considered as promising extracts in the management of nephrotoxicity and other chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.