Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the growth, hemato-biochemical, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, involved gens and histopathological alterations in growing rabbits challenged with aflatoxin B1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a significant pollutant found in food and feed, posing a threat to public health. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LACP) against AFB1 in growing rabbits by investigating growth, serum metabolites, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response. A total of 60 growing male rabbits (721.5 ± 2.68g) were allocated to 4 experimental groups. The control group receiving only a basal diet, the AFB1 group (0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet), the LACP group (1 × 109 cfu/g /kg diet), and the combination group (1 × 109 cfu/g + 0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet; AFB1+ LACP) for 8 wk. The administration of AFB1 alone significantly decreased the final body weight, body gain, and feed intake, while significantly increasing the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). A significant decline in total proteins and globulins, along with elevated levels of hepatic enzymes (AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT) and renal function markers (creatinine and uric acid), were observed in the AFB1-contaminated group (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) were significantly decreased, alongside a significant elevation of triglycerides, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin in growing rabbits fed diets with AFB1 (P < 0.05). Supplementing the AFB1 diet with LACP restored the growth reduction, improved liver (AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT) and kidney (creatinine and uric acid) functions, and enhanced immune markers in rabbit serum (P < 0.05). Antioxidant indices (SOD, GSH, and CAT) were significantly decreased in the AFB1 group (P < 0.05). However, the addition of LACP to the AFB1-contaminated diets improved antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PC) in hepatic tissues of rabbits (P < 0.05). Serum interlukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were significantly increased in the AFB1 group (P < 0.05), but the addition of LACP significantly reversed this elevation. AFB1 downregulated the expression of immune-inflammatory genes such Nrf2, IL-10, and BCL-2 genes, while up-regulating the caspase-3 (CASP3) gene (P < 0.05). Supplementing AFB1 diet with LACP significantly decreased the expression of immune-inflammatory genes (Nrf2, IL-10, and BCL-2) and reduced the expression of the apoptotic-related gene CASP3. This study highlights the potential of L. plantarum (1 × 109 cfu/g /kg diet) as a protective agent against AFB1 in growing rabbits by enhancing antioxidant and immune function and reducing apoptosis and inflammation pathways.

Effect of monosodium glutamate on serum sex hormones and uterine histology in female rats along with its molecular docking and in-silico toxicity.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used worldwide as a food flavour enhancer by the food industry. The current study investigated the in vivo toxic effects of MSG on the uterus in adult female Sprague Dawley rats and in vitro using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, computational toxicity and molecular docking. The average levels of progesterone and oestrogen in the MSG-treated animals significantly altered. Besides, the average uterine lumen area (µm2) was smaller than the control group. MSG showed high-affinity binding to acetylcholine receptors and disrupted the normal nerve signal with a predicted LD50 of 4500 mg/kg. MSG also demonstrated good binding affinity to human oestrogen receptors beta and some other proteins that have an oxidative stress role in the female reproductive organs. Therefore, a precaution should be taken when utilising this compound, especially for females under the risk factor of hormonal abnormality.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicological evaluation of Averrhoa carambola leaves in Sprague Dawley rats.

Averrhoa carambola is a species of tree native to tropical Southeast Asia. It possesses antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia effects and has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments. However, the presence of oxalic acid in its fruits might restrict its consumption by individuals suffering from kidney disease, and caramboxin can cause neurotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. carambola leaves (MEAC) in male and female rats. In the acute study, female rats were given a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg of MEAC and closely examined for distinct indications of toxic effects during the first 4 h, periodically for 48 h, and daily thereafter for 14 days. Rats of both sexes were employed in the sub-chronic investigation for the 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study. Results of the acute study revealed the safety of MEAC up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg where the rats did not show changes or signs of toxicity. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, MEAC (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) administration did not affect the body weight, food, and water consumption, motor coordination, behavior, or mental alertness in the treated rats. In addition, no variations in hematological or biochemical markers were found in MEAC-treated rats. In conclusion, these findings pinpoint the safety of MEAC at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. The leaves of A. carambola could be safely consumed by people with kidney disease to treat other ailments.

Therapeutic Potential of Certain Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents: A Scoping Review.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is considered to be among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse and metastasis are the major obstacles in cancer therapy. Therefore, introducing new therapeutic agents for cancer remains a priority to increase the range of effective treatments. Terpenoids, a large group of secondary metabolites, are derived from plant sources and are composed of several isoprene units. The high diversity of terpenoids has drawn attention to their potential anticancer and pharmacological activities. Some terpenoids exhibit an anticancer effect by triggering various stages of cancer progression, for example, suppressing the early stage of tumorigenesis via induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer cell differentiation and activating apoptosis. At the late stage of cancer development, certain terpenoids are able to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis via modulation of different intracellular signaling pathways. Significant progress in the identification of the mechanism of action and signaling pathways through which terpenoids exert their anticancer effects has been highlighted. Hence, in this review, the anticancer activities of twenty-five terpenoids are discussed in detail. In addition, this review provides insights on the current clinical trials and future directions towards the development of certain terpenoids as potential anticancer agents.

Ameliorative Effect of Thymoquinone-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Chronic Lung Injury Induced by Repetitive Intratracheal Instillation of Lipopolysaccharide in Rats.

Thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa, possesses several benefits in traditional and modern medicines. This study examined the effect of a single dose of Nano-TQ on chronic lung injury induced by repetitive intratracheal installation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats received LPS twice weekly for 8 weeks via intratracheal installation and a single dose of TQ-PLGA NPs on the day after the last dose of LPS. Six rats from each group were sacrificed after 8 and 10 weeks, and samples were collected for analysis. Repetitive intratracheal installation of LPS caused histopathological alterations, including partial or complete obstruction of the alveoli, interstitial edema, mild fibroblastic proliferation, fibrous strands besides lymphocytes and plasma infiltrations, suffered fetalization, bronchiectasis, hypertrophied arterioles, and others. Investigation of the ultrastructure revealed prominent necrotic pneumocytes with destructed chromatin and remnant of necrotic debris in the narrowing alveolar lumen in LPS-induced rats. TQ-PLGA NPs effectively ameliorated LPS-induced histopathological and ultrastructural alterations in the lung of rats. In addition, TQ-PLGA NPs significantly alleviated serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß1 in LPS-induced rats. In conclusion, TQ-PLGA NPs prevented inflammation and tissue injury in the lungs of rats challenged with repetitive intratracheal installation of LPS. Therefore, TQ-PLGA NPs represent a promising candidate for the prevention of lung injury induced by LPS, pending further studies to determine its safety and exact protective mechanism.

Effect and Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum Spores on Alleviation of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in a Pilot in vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS) exhibit disease prevention properties, but no study has been carried out on the anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy property of GLS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hyperglycemia-mediated cardiomyopathy protection and mechanisms of GLS in streptozotocin (STZ)induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups. Two groups were given STZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment and when their fasting plasma glucose was above 16.7 mmol/L, among them, one group was given placebo, as diabetic group, and another group was given GLS (300 mg/kg) treatment. The group without STZ treatment was given placebo as a control group. The experiment lasted 70 days. The histology of myocardium and biomarkers of antioxidants, myocardial injury, pro-inflammatory cytokines, pro-apoptotic proteins and phosphorylation of key proteins in PI3K/AKT pathway were assessed. RESULTS: Biochemical analysis showed that GLS treatment significantly reduced the blood glucose (-20.3%) and triglyceride (-20.4%) levels compared to diabetic group without treatment. GLS treatment decreased the content of MDA (-25.6%) and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (-18.9%) but increased the activity of GSH-Px (65.4%). Western blot analysis showed that GLS treatment reduced the expression of both alpha-smooth muscle actin and brain natriuretic peptide. Histological analysis on the cardiac tissue micrographs showed that GLS treatment reduced collagen fibrosis and glycogen reactivity in myocardium. Both Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that GLS treatment decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (cytokines IL-1ß, and TNF-α) as well as apoptosis regulatory proteins (Bax, caspase-3 and -9), but increased Bcl-2. Moreover, GLS treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of key proteins involved in PI3K/AKT pathway, eg, p-AKT p-PI3K and mTOR. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that GLS treatment alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and further attenuating the fibrosis and myocardial dysfunction induced by STZ through stimulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Associated Targets of the Antioxidant Cardioprotection of Ganoderma lucidum in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Using Open Targets Platform: A Systematic Review.

Even with substantial advances in cardiovascular therapy, the morbidity and mortality rates of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) continually increase. Hence, a feasible therapeutic approach is urgently needed. Objectives. This work is aimed at systemically reviewing literature and addressing cell targets in DCM through the possible cardioprotection of G. lucidum through its antioxidant effects by using the Open Targets Platform (OTP) website. Methods. The OTP website version of 19.11 was accessed in December 2019 to identify the studies in DCM involving G. lucidum. Results. Among the 157 cell targets associated with DCM, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was shared by all evidence, drug, and text mining data with 0.08 score association. mTOR also had the highest score association 0.1 with autophagy in DCM. Among the 1731 studies of indexed PubMed articles on G. lucidum published between 1985 and 2019, 33 addressed the antioxidant effects of G. lucidum and its molecular signal pathways involving oxidative stress and therefore were included in the current work. Conclusion. mTOR is one of the targets by DCM and can be inhibited by the antioxidative properties of G. lucidum directly via scavenging radicals and indirectly via modulating mTOR signal pathways such as Wnt signaling pathway, Erk1/2 signaling, and NF-κB pathways.

Class 1 Integrons in Clinical Multi Drug Resistance E. coli, Sana'a Hospitals, Yemen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) Escherichia coli is one responsible for raised mortality and morbidity and was reported as major health problem. Class 1 integrons has crucial role in distributing antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria. Present work was aimed to determine the prevalence of class 1 integrons and its association with antibiotic resistance in MDR E. coli isolated from patient's body fluid and tissues from 6 health centers in Sana'a, Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study a total of 198 E. coli from patients diagnosed with infection that had been referred to 6 hospitals and medical diagnostic from July, 2017 to August, 2017 in Sana'a, Yemen. Susceptibility of E. coli isolates to 15 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. Conventional polymerase chain reaction was used for detection of class 1 of integrons in 100 randomly selected MDR E. coli. RESULTS: Overall 174 (87.9%) of 198 E. coli isolates were MDR. Class 1 integrons were detected in 67% of the randomly selected 100 of 198 MDR E. coli. A significant range (p<0.05-p<0.0001) was identified between presence of class 1 integrons and resistance to ceftriaxone, aztreonam, cefepime, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefotoxime, cefepime-clavulanic acid, ceftazidime-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, norfloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while no significant difference were identified between integron class 1 and resistance to gentamicin, amikacin, nitrofurantoin and imipenem. CONCLUSION: High MDR E. coli isolates were detected in this study, among them the prevalence of class 1 integrons is the most common. The significant association between class 1 integrons and resistance to common prescribed antibiotics in hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen.

Effects Of Inappropriate Waste Management On Health: Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Among Malaysian Population

@#Numerous health issues can arise from improper domestic waste management. Uncollected wastes provide food and breeding sites for insect, bird and rodent which can expose the community to vector borne disease. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the community awareness towards domestic waste management. This study is a cross-sectional study conducted at Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia. The questionnaire consists of five sections with a total of 57 questions. The questionnaire consists of four parts: Socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. T-test, ANOVA test, Chi-squared test were used according to the type of variables and significance level will be taken at 95% or p-value of less than 0.05. A total of 355 respondents participated in this study. The mean age was 40.52 ±14.94. The majority of them were male (52.1%), Malay (71.0%), married (71.3%), with secondary educational (81%) and employed (41.1%). The majority of respondents mentioned that inappropriate waste management can cause dengue fever and leptospirosis (98.0%, 97.2%; respectively). Property type, education, occupation, ethnicity, religions and household income were significant influenced the knowledge of the participants towards domestic waste management. For attitude, gender, education, ethnicity, religion and income significantly influenced the attitude of the participants towards domestic waste management. For practice, ethnicity, religion and occupation were significantly influenced the practice of the participants towards domestic waste management. In conclusion, the community has moderate awareness of domestic waste management. Awareness of waste management should also be taught in school so that the next generation of people will have a better understanding and eventually have better practice in domestic waste management. It is also hoped that a carefully thought-out strategy can be developed to further improve the community awareness towards domestic waste management which will shed a new light on tackling this issue.

The relationship between fat and progesterone, estradiol, and chorionic gonadotropin levels in Quebec cow's milk.

PURPOSE: The majority of milk in industrialized countries is obtained from pregnant cows, which contains increased levels of estrogen and progesterone compared to non-pregnant cows. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of hormones present in milk with different fat content because previous studies on humans have shown potential effects of increased milk consumption on serum and urine hormone levels as well as on sperm parameters. However, it is unclear whether consumption of milk at the currently recommended levels would lead to systemic effects. METHODS: Samples of cow's milk of varying fat concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3.25, 10, and 35%) were analyzed via competitive ELISA assays. RESULTS: Progesterone concentrations were significantly correlated to increasing fat content of milk (r = 0.8251, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Research on conditions in which additional progesterone may have an effect on human health should consider inclusion of limitation of milk intake and its effects. Further studies are needed to determine the concentration of progesterone in milk of different fat content in other regions and countries and to quantify the potential pathophysiologic role.

Perceptions Of Physicians About Clinical Pharmacist’s Role In Al Qassim’s Hospitals In Saudi Arabia

@#The objective of this study is to explore physician’s perception toward clinical pharmacy services and role of clinical pharmacists in governmental hospitals at Al-Qassim region. An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted. Results: 150 males and 39 females participated giving 75.5% (189 of 250) response rate. Physicians perceptions were found to be high (equal or more than 90% of frequency) in some clinical pharmacy services such as patients’ education and counselling, monitoring of patients’ responses to drug therapy including toxicity/side effects and provision of drug information to healthcare professionals. The physicians showed low perception (less than 76%) in the taking of patients’ medication history on admission, by clinical pharmacists. Conclusion: Physicians’ perception toward clinical pharmacy services and the role of clinical pharmacists was not found to be completely favourable. The reason of this mixed responses and to the accommodating feelings of clinical pharmacy services in clinical setting appear to relate to the state of infrastructure and environments of hospitals. The infrastructure and environments of hospitals need to be updated for an improved accommodation clinical pharmacy services.