Green Synthesis of Genistein-Fortified Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as a Potent Hepatic Cancer Inhibitor: Validation through Experimental and Computational Studies.

In hepatic cancer, precancerous nodules account for damage and inflammation in liver cells. Studies have proved that phyto-compounds based on biosynthetic metallic nanoparticles display superior action against hepatic tumors. This study targeted the synthesis of genistein-fortified zinc ferrite nanoparticles (GENP) trailed by anticancer activity assessment against diethylnitrosamine and N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene induced hepatic cancer. The process of nucleation was confirmed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray beam diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and FT-IR. An in vitro antioxidant assay illustrated that the leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii have strong tendency as a reductant and, in the nanoformulation synthesis, as a natural capping agent. A MTT assay confirmed that GENP have a strong selective cytotoxic potential against HepG2 cancer cells. In silico studies of genistein exemplified the binding tendency towards human matrix metalloproteinase comparative to the standard drug marimastat. An in vivo anticancer evaluation showed that GENP effectively inhibit the growth of hepatic cancer by interfering with hepatic and non-hepatic biochemical markers.

Commelina benghalensis (Wandering Jew) Linn exhibits abortifacient potentials and hepatotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats via elevating indicators of oxidative stress and activating proinflammatory cytokines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Commelina benghalensis Linn is a perennial plant with upright stems reaching a height of 1 m. Its stem is commonly used to induce abortion in traditional medicine. However, there are insignificant scientific data to evaluate such a claim. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was conducted to determine the abortifacient and toxicological potential of ethanol extract of Commelina benghalensis Linn stem (EECBS) via selected proinflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the phytochemicals responsible for EECBS's toxicity and abortifacient effects, high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used. The abortion rate was determined by monitoring the markers of reproductive system failure in the experimental model. To assess rat hepatotoxicity, biochemical markers and immunohistopathological parameters were used. RESULTS: Results demonstrated the presence of isomeric benzene-mesitylene compounds in EECBS. Also, EECBS significantly altered the markers of liver function and oxidative damage while eliciting a significantly reduced (P < 0.05) number of live fetuses, number of corpora lutea, progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, whereas the number of dead fetuses percentage vaginal opening, and post-implantation loss increased significantly (P < 0.05). Estrogenicity studies indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in uterine weight, uterine glucose, and ALP dose-dependently. Moreover, EECBS also caused a vaginal hemorrhage preceding the parturition. Also, EECBS treatment significantly increased levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and significantly elevated the expression of COX-2 protein in the liver. CONCLUSION: The current investigation established Commelina benghalensis Linn stem's abortifacient activity. Continuous use, on the other hand, may cause liver damage in pregnant rats by disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing COX-2 expression. Hence, caution should be excised while consuming this plant's stem for medication purposes, especially during the gestational period.

Apocynin loaded silver nanoparticles displays potent in vitro biological activities and mitigates pyrogallol-induced hepatotoxicity.

Drug-loaded nanoparticles are currently gaining attention due to their improved drug delivery properties. Apocynin, a natural polyphenolic compound, is a component of many plants. It has many medicinal and pharmacological properties. Pyrogallol is an anti-psoriatic agent. However, its clinical usage is limited due to its cumulative and dose-dependent hepatotoxicity. The objective of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles coated with Apocynin (Apo-AgNPs), and investigate the antioxidant and liver protective effects of Apo-AgNPs on pyrogallol-induced toxicity in rats. The nanoparticles were characterized and it was determined that the synthesis technique results in homogeneously dispersed core-shell Ag structures with spherical forms and an average diameter of 13 nm (6.3 nm). Our results showed that Apo-AgNPs exhibited potent antioxidant and excellent membrane stability activities in vitro. In rats, Apo-AgNPs (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly prevented pyrogallol-induced elevations of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and decreased blood levels of uric acid. Moreover, Apo-AgNPs restored the decreased activities of the liver antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, as well as non-enzyme antioxidant glutathione, as well as significantly decreased catalase activities which were induced by pyrogallol treatment. Histological studies indicated that pyrogallol -induced liver damage was alleviated following Apo-AgNPs treatment in rats. Apo-AgNPs significantly suppressed the up-regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein expression. These results indicated that Apo-AgNPs protected the rats from damage via preserving the antioxidant defense systems, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, and expression of COX-2 and NF-κB in rats.

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf extract ebbs propanil-induced oxidative and apoptotic damage in the liver of rats.

Phytochemicals derived from plant sources are well recognized as sources of pharmacologically potent drugs in the treatment of several oxidative stress-related ailments. Dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii was evaluated for its possible protection against oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver of male Wistar rats exposed to propanil (PRP). In the experimental design, olive oil served as the vehicle, and rats were grouped into control (2 mL/kg olive oil), PRP (200 mg/kg/day), Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract (200 mg/kg/day), and Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract (200 mg/kg/day)+PRP (200 mg/kg/day), and treated daily, p.o., for seven days. Oxidative stress parameters, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl 2-associated X protein (Bax), p53, caspases (9/3), and terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were observed in all groups. Propanil significantly elevated superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation levels, while concomitantly depleting GSH and p53 levels. Further, PRP enhanced the expressions of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax, and TUNEL-positive cells in the liver of rats. However, these observed alterations were reversed following treatment with Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract. Our studies suggest that Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract protected against PRP toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and attenuating critical endpoints in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

Hypoxia and the Kynurenine Pathway: Implications and Therapeutic Prospects in Alzheimer's Disease.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease predominantly pose a significant socioeconomic burden. Characterized by progressive neural dysfunction coupled with motor or intellectual impairment, the pathogenesis of ND may result from contributions of certain environmental and molecular factors. One such condition is hypoxia, characterized by reduced organ/tissue exposure to oxygen. Reduced oxygen supply often occurs during the pathogenesis of ND and the aging process. Despite the well-established relationship between these two conditions (i.e., hypoxia and ND), the underlying molecular events or mechanisms connecting hypoxia to ND remain ill-defined. However, the relatedness may stem from the protective or deleterious effects of the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). The upregulation of HIF-1α occurs in the pathogenesis of most NDs. The dual function of HIF-1α in acting as a "killer factor" or a "protective factor" depends on the prevailing local cellular condition. The kynurenine pathway is a metabolic pathway involved in the oxidative breakdown of tryptophan. It is essential in neurotransmission and immune function and, like hypoxia, associated with ND. Thus, a good understanding of factors, including hypoxia (i.e., the biochemical implication of HIF-1α) and kynurenine pathway activation in NDs, focusing on Alzheimer's disease could prove beneficial to new therapeutic approaches for this disease, thus the aim of this review.

The anti-parasite action of imidazole derivatives likely involves oxidative stress but not HIF-1α signaling.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic options for toxoplasmosis are limited. This fact underscores ongoing research efforts to identify and develop better therapy. Previously, we reported the anti-parasitic potential of a new series of derivatives of imidazole. OBJECTIVE: In the current investigation, we attempted the investigation of the possible action mechanism of few promising anti-parasite imidazole derivatives namely C1 (bis-imidazole), C2 (phenyl-substituted 1H-imidazole) and C3 (thiophene-imidazole) METHODS: We evaluated if oxidative stress, hypoxia as well as metabolic reprogramming of host l-tryptophan pathway form part of the parasite growth inhibition by imidazoles. Anti-parasite assay was performed for imidazoles at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 µM, while pyrimethamine was used as reference drug to validate assay. RESULTS: Imidazole compounds restricted parasite growth dose-dependently. However, in the presence of an antioxidant (Trolox), l-tryptophan and/or CoCl2 (chemical inducer of hypoxia), the growth inhibitory efficacy of imidazoles was appreciably abolished. Further, imidazole treatment led to elevated level of reactive oxygen species, while reducing parasite mitochondrial membrane potential compared with control. In contrast, imidazole had no effect on host HIF-1α level suggesting its exclusion in the anti-parasite action. CONCLUSION: Taken together, imidazole-based compounds might restrict parasite growth by causing oxidative stress. The findings provide new insight on the likely biochemical mechanisms of imidazoles as prospective anti-parasite therapy. Data gives new perspective that not only underscores the anti-parasite prospects of imidazoles, but implicates the host l-tryptophan pathway as a feasible treatment option for T. gondii infections.

Exploring the binding interactions of structurally diverse dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands with α-amylase: Spectroscopic approach coupled with molecular docking.

Postprandial hyperglycemia has orchestrated untimely death among diabetic patients over the decades and regulation of α-amylase activity is now becoming a promising management option for type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated the binding interactions of three structurally diverse dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands with α-amylase to ascertain the affinity of the ligands for α-amylase using spectroscopic and molecular docking methods. The ligands were characterized using 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy and CHN analysis. Diselenoimidodiphosphinate ligand (DY300), dithioimidodiphosphinate ligand (DY301), and thioselenoimidodiphosphinate ligand (DY302) quenched the intrinsic fluorescence intensity of α-amylase via a static quenching mechanism with bimolecular quenching constant (Kq) values in the order of x1011 M-1s-1, indicating formation of enzyme-ligand complexes. A binding stoichiometry of n≈1 was observed for α-amylase, with high binding constants (Ka). α-Amylase inhibition was as follow: Acarbose > DY301>DY300>DY302. Values of thermodynamic parameters obtained at temperatures investigated (298, 304 and 310 K) revealed spontaneous complex formation (ΔG<0) between the ligands and α-amylase; the main driving forces were hydrophobic interactions (with DY300, DY301, except DY302). UV-visible spectroscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) affirmed change in enzyme conformation and binding occurrence. Molecular docking revealed ligands interaction with α-amylase via some key catalytic site amino acid residues (Asp197, Glu233 and Asp300). DY301 perhaps showed highest α-amylase inhibition (IC50, 268.11 ±â€¯0.74 µM) due to its moderately high affinity and composition of two sulphide bonds unlike the others. This study might provide theoretical basis for development of novel α-amylase inhibitors from dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands for management of postprandial hyperglycemia.

Histomorphological and Redox Delineations in the Testis and Epididymis of Albino Rats Fed with Green-Synthesized Cellulose.

It has also become increasingly necessary to diversify the production of cellulose for biomedical applications. In this study, cellulose-green-synthesized from Sesamum indicum (GSC)-was administered orally to rats for 14 days as follows: control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. The impact of GSC on the antioxidant status and histomorphology of the testes and epididymis were studied. GSC had no effects on organ weights and organosomatic indices. In the testes, GSC caused nonsignificant changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels, whereas it significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In the epididymis, GSC significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels, but caused a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, at ×200 magnification, testicular morphology appeared normal at all doses, however, extravasation of the germinal epithelium of the epididymis was observed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. Conversely, at ×400 magnification, spermatogenic arrest (testes) and chromatolytic alterations (epididymis) were observed at the higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg GSC). This study reports on the effect of green-synthesized cellulose on testicular and epididymal histology and redox status and further extends the frontiers of research on cellulose.

New imidazoles cause cellular toxicity by impairing redox balance, mitochondrial membrane potential, and modulation of HIF-1α expression.

BACKGROUND: Our previous reports demonstrated the prospects of a new series of imidazoles as a source of alternative anti-parasite treatments, thus warranting further studies that include toxicity profiling. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated three imidazoles: bis-imidazole (compound 1), phenyl-substituted 1H-imidazole (compound 2), and thiopene-imidazole (compound 3) for cellular toxicity and possible mechanisms. METHODS: The three (3) compounds were assessed for in vitro cytotoxic action. Additionally, we probed likely mechanistic actions of these imidazoles. Findings showed dose-dependent cellular toxicity by these imidazoles. RESULTS: In the presence of antioxidant (Trolox), cytotoxicity was improved for compounds 2 and 3 but not for compound 1. Meantime, compound 7 promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was abated in the presence of a standard antioxidant (Trolox). Additionally, the three (3) imidazoles impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). While MMP was not restored after treatment removal, the addition of antioxidant (Trolox) improved MMP for compounds 2 and 3 treatment. Additionally, compound 1 elevated expression of hypoxia-inducing factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). This may not be unconnected with the capacity of compound 1 to cause oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: We show evidence that supports the cytotoxic action of imidazoles involves likely impairment to redox balance and mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings help our understanding of the mechanistic action of these imidazoles in living cells, and altogether may boost their prospects as new and alternative anti-protozoans.

Amine-modified kaolinite clay preserved thyroid function and renal oxidative balance after sub-acute exposure in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Kaolinite clay is an abundant natural resource in Nigeria with several industrial applications. Incidentally, the wide-scale use of kaolinite clay is hampered by its small surface area. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of amine-modified clay on electrolyte, thyroid, and kidney function markers. METHODS: Modification of kaolinite clay with an amine functional group was achieved using surface grafting technique. Characterization with a scanning electron microscope and Brunauer-Emmett Teller surface area analyzer confirmed this modification. However, there is sparse information on the effect of amine-modified kaolinite clay on electrolyte homeostasis, thyroid, and renal function. Rats were administered amine-modified kaolinite clay at the doses of 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: After 14 days of repeated-dose treatment, there were no significant changes in levels of albumin, uric acid, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine, and relative kidney organ weight. Furthermore, there were no changes in the concentration of potassium, although amine-modified kaolinite clay significantly decreased sodium, calcium, and total cholesterol levels. Amine-modified kaolinite clay, at all treatment doses, also preserved the renal histoarchitecture and oxidative balance in rats. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports on the effect of amine-modified kaolinite clay on renal markers and thyroid function, and further deepens our understanding of their biochemical action. This baseline data may boost the prospect of using amine-modified kaolinite clay in the treatment of contaminated water.

Salubrious effects of a vermiculite-cellulose-based bionanocomposite on oxidative stress indices and histomorphology of male Wistar rats.

There is a current interest from the food packaging, biomedical and agricultural sectors in hybrid materials formed from clays and natural polymeric compounds. However, research investigating the toxicity of vermiculite-cellulose nanocrystal (VERN) hybrid on the testes of Wistar rats is rare. Twenty rats, divided into control and treatment groups, were orally administered distilled water, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw VERN daily for two consecutive weeks. At the termination of experiments, the testicular organo-somatic index, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were not significantly changed by VERN relative to the controls. Contrarily, myeloperoxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels were depleted in the testes of treated rats. Moreso, VERN increased follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, and decreased testosterone levels at the 20 mg/kg dose. Histology of the testes revealed healthy looking Leydig cells at the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg VERN. Overall, these results indicate that oral exposure of VERN was not overly deleterious to the redox and structural histoarchitecture in the testes of rats.

Characterization of leachates from waste landfill sites in a religious camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Nigeria and its hepatotoxicity in rats.

Landfill sites near human settlements are known to have adverse health effects. Here, we investigated the effect of different concentrations of leachates from the Redemption Camp landfill (RCLL, 10%, 30%, 50%) on the liver of adult female rats after 21 days of exposure in their drinking water. The physicochemical and metal analyses showed that biochemical oxygen and chemical oxygen demand, zinc and magnesium levels were significantly high, whereas copper level was low in RCLL when compared to water samples from residential areas close to the landfill site, and were higher than the acceptable limits (p < 0.05). The predominant bacteria isolates recovered from the leachate and drinking water samples were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp. At the end of the 21-day exposure, RCLL increased the weight of the liver. Malondialdehyde concentrations were increased and glutathione levels were decreased significantly in the liver of treated animals at all concentrations of leachates tested. Furthermore, the activities of serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase and cholesterol concentrations were increased whereas bilirubin and albumin levels were decreased dose-dependently. Histological examination of the liver was characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells around hepatocytes, and extended sinusoids. The histo-pathological alterations and oxidative damage observed in the liver of treated rats and occurrence of pathogenic species and metals in the RCLL may suggest possible impaired hepatic health in subjects with occupational or environmental exposure.

Renal toxicological evaluations of sulphonated nanocellulose from Khaya sengalensis seed in Wistar rats.

Nanocellulose is currently gaining attention due to its unique properties. This attention includes its application as building blocks for developing novel functional materials, plant drug and also in drug delivery systems. However, its safety remains largely untested or less understood. Thus, sulphonated nanocellulose (KSS) was prepared from cellulose (KSC) isolated from Khaya senegalensis seed (KS). KS, KSC and KSS were characterized using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), particle size distribution (PSD), zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impact of KSS on selected renal markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in Wistar rats was also investigated. Thus, male rats were randomly assigned to four groups of five animals each and were treated with KSS (0, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg BW) for 14 days. Thereafter, biomarkers of renal oxidative damage, inflammation and immunohistochemical expressions of iNOS, COX-2, Bcl-2 and p53 were evaluated. The results revealed KSS to have crystallinity of 70.40%, it was monomodal and has a flaky surface with agglomerations. KSS had no effect on markers of kidney function and oxidative damage, although there was a generalized hypernatremia after 14 days of exposure. Lastly, KSS enhanced the antioxidant status and immunohistochemical expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in the kidney of the rats. While the biomedical applications of KSS may appear plausible, our data suggests that it could induce renal toxicity via the combined impacts of electrolyte imbalance and inflammation.

Effect of Ethanolic Extract from Seeds or Pods of Xylopia Aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) on the Testicular Function of Adult Male Rats.

Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) is used in some folk medicines and widely consumed as a spice in some parts of Nigeria. Its efficacy as an anti-androgenic substance has warranted the attention of African scholars. This study evaluated the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), sperm quality (motility, count, morphology), testosterone level and histo-pathological changes of the testis of rats chronically treated with ethanolic extract of the pods (without seeds), seeds, and fruits (pods + seeds) of Xylopia aethiopica. Male Wistar (224-246 g) rats were treated with the extract of the pods, seeds, and fruits of Xylopia aethiopica at the dose of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body wt. for 60 days. Serum biochemistry, sperm quality and histo-pathological examination of the testis were assessed for any treatment-related adverse effects. After treatment with Xylopia aethiopica, testosterone level was decreased dose-dependently in the animals treated with the seed extract compared to all other groups. The enzymatic activities of LDH and γ-GT were higher in rats treated with the seed and fruit extracts compared with those treated with the pods. The numbers of motile sperm, and counts were decreased while the numbers of sperm with morphological defects were higher in rats treated with the seed and fruit extracts compared to the control. Histopathological changes of the testis were also more severe in rats treated with the highest dose of the seed extract. We conclude that the compounds related to the anti-infertility effects of Xylopia aethiopica are present in the seeds.

Alterations in morphology and hepatorenal indices in rats subacutely exposed to bitumen extract.

Bitumen is a complex mixture of dense and extremely viscous organic liquids produced by distillation of crude oil during petroleum refining. Nigeria has a large deposit of natural bitumen, yet to be fully exploited. Discharges of petroleum hydrocarbons and other petroleum-derived products have caused environmental pollution and adverse human health effects in several oil-rich communities. In this study, bitumen obtained from a seepage source in Agbabu, the town of first discovery, was used in sub-acute toxicity studies in a rat experimental model, in order to assess potential health risks posed to local populace sequel to full exploitation of bitumen. Dosages were chosen to accommodate low to high cases of environmental exposures. Male Wistar rats were administered, per os, dosages of bitumen extract at 5, 3, 2, and 1 mg/kg body weight. Following euthanasia 28 days later, histological findings revealed severe portal congestion and cellular infiltration in the liver, while in the kidney there were protein casts in the tubular lumen. The relative liver and kidney weights in the 5 mg/kg groups were 34% and 40% higher than in the controls, with a concomitant decrease in food and water consumption. Furthermore, plasma clinical analyses revealed marked elevation in aspartate aminotransferase and triglycerides levels in bitumen extract-intoxicated rats. The results indicate the potential hepatorenal toxicity in adult rats following repeated exposure to bitumen extract.

Selenium and rutin alone or in combination do not have stronger protective effects than their separate effects against cadmium-induced renal damage.

CONTEXT: Selenium (Se) and rutin (RUT) are antioxidants that protect against tissue damage. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the separate and combine protective effects of RUT and Se against cadmium (Cd)-induced renal damage were evaluated in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were treated by gavage to RUT (30 mg/kg) or Se (0.15 ppm) or Cd (200 ppm) in drinking water alone or in combination (30 mg/kg RUT +0.15 ppm Se + 200 ppm Cd). Corn oil was used as vehicle (2 mL/kg). After a 5-week treatment period, rat kidneys were removed for biochemical assays and histopathological examination. Se and Cd levels were evaluated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The malondialdehyde and glutathione levels as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the Cd-treated animals were increased compared with control values (0.056 ± 0.0003 versus 0.011 ± 0.0005 µmol/mg; 0.005 ± 0.0006 versus 0.00085 ± 0.0002 µg/mg; 1.62 ± 0.09 versus 0.48 ± 0.12 units/mg; 650 ± 25 versus 361.89 ± 31 µmol H2O2/mg, respectively). Cd treatment was also associated with decreased renal Se concentration (4.19 ± 0.92 versus 7.73 ± 0.7 µg/g dry weight), increased alkaline phosphatase (0.07 ± 0.0015 versus 0.033 ± 0.0019 unit/mg), acid phosphatase (0.029 ± 0.0021 versus 0.015 ± 0.0016 unit/mg), and lactate dehydrogenase (0.032 ± 0.004 versus 0.014 ± 0.0027 unit/mg) activities, respectively, and with evidence of severe renal damage. The combination of RUT and Se or their separate effects prevented the Cd-induced oxidative renal damage. However, their combine effects do not have stronger effects than their separate effect against Cd-induced renal damage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: RUT and Se function as potent antioxidant in the protection of renal damage induced by Cd.

Phytochemical, sub-acute toxicity, and antibacterial evaluation of Cordia sebestena leaf extracts.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, Cordia sebestena (Boraginaceae), an understudied medicinal plant, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, antibacterial potential, and sub-acute toxicity of C. sebestena leaves. METHODS: Ethyl acetate extracts were analyzed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. The antibacterial potential of the extracts was tested against five standard bacteria, namely Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clinical observations and blood parameters were used to evaluate the possible toxicity of C. sebestena. RESULTS: The TLC profile yielded 39 fractions, which were pooled to nine combined sub-fractions (A-I). The FTIR spectrum of sub-fraction H indicated the presence of aliphatic C-H stretching vibration at 2922 and 2850 cm-1, C=O stretch at 1734 and 1708 cm-1, and C=C stretch of aromatics and aliphatics at 1464 and (shoulder) 1618 cm-1, respectively. The fractions of the C. sebestena ethyl acetate leaf extract showed antibacterial potential across board, but fraction H had the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus and S. aureus. The study also indicated the relatively low toxicity profile of the ethyl acetate leaf extract of C. sebestena in the liver of rats. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that C. sebestena leaves have strong antibacterial potential and low toxicity, thereby underlying the scientific basis for their folkloric use in the management of microbial infections and its associated complications.

Protective Effect of Curcumin against the Liver Toxicity Caused by Propanil in Rats.

We investigated the protective effects of curcumin on propanil-induced alterations in biochemical indices in blood and liver of male Wistar rats. The study consisted of four treatment groups, with six animals each, designated as control, propanil (20mg/kg), curcumin(50 mg/kg), and curcumin (50 mg/kg) + propanil (20 mg/kg). Rats were administered their respective doses orally, every other day, for 28 days. Propanil administration elicited significant (P < 0.001) increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, by 24% and 56%, respectively, compared to the control. Treatment with propanil elevated bilirubin, creatinine, and total cholesterol levels in rats, but these were not significant relative to controls. Administration of propanil to rats significantly (P < 0.001) increased lipid peroxidation levels. However, catalase activity, vitamin C, and reduced glutathione levels were significantly reduced. Exposure to propanil did not produce any significant changes in packed cell volume, neutrophils, and leukocyte counts. The supplementation of curcumin attenuated the adverse effects of propanil intoxication by reducing lipid peroxidation levels and restored the levels of serum enzymes and reduced glutathione. The present study showed that propanil increased oxidative stress and altered some biochemical parameters in the rats but curcumin could afford some protection to attenuate propanil-induced toxicity in the liver.

Virgin coconut oil protects against liver damage in albino rats challenged with the anti-folate combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. However, its use is associated with toxic reactions. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), derived from coconut, has been widely used throughout history for its medicinal value. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial actions of VCO against TMP-SMX-induced alterations in serum biochemical end points. METHODS: Twenty rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (control) received no drug, whereas group 2 received TMP-SMX (8/40 mg/kg) twice daily for 7 days. Group 3 was administered coconut oil at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight per day. The last group was treated with TMP-SMX (8/40 mg/kg) and coconut oil (600 mg/kg) simultaneously. Blood samples were collected from all groups on the 8th day of the experiment for measurement of serum biochemical parameters. Organ weights and coefficients were also evaluated. RESULTS: TMP-SMX caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of serum total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase by 192%, 67%, and 41%, respectively, relative to controls. This was followed by a significant reduction in triglyceride and relative kidney weight by 40% and 7%, respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the activities of serum aminotransferases, total acid phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, uric acid, cholesterol, albumin, and urea levels. Supplementation of VCO ameliorated TMP-SMX-induced effects by restoring the levels of total bilirubin, alkaline phospahatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the active components of coconut oil had protective effects against the toxic effects induced by TMP-SMX administration, especially in the liver of rats.

Management of anxiety and sleep disorders: role of complementary and alternative medicine and challenges of integration with conventional orthodox care.

There is renewed attention and greater focus on anxiety and sleep- sleep-related disturbances because of the high prevalence, complexity, and their health related implications. The role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which refers to therapeutic approaches that are "complementary to the end goals of decreasing illness and enhancing wellness, but are alternative to conventional medical treatment" is also increasingly recognized. In this review, we considered CAM approach to the management of anxiety and sleep disorders and discussed a few challenges associated with the effective integration of alternative therapy with conventional orthodox medical care.