Ferulago angulata extract ameliorates epididymal sperm toxicity in mice induced by lead and diazinon

Effects of diazinon on the ovarian tissue of rats: a histochemical and ultrastructural study

Despite the negative environmental and biologic effects, organophosphates have currently been widely used. We aimed to examine the possible negative effects of diazinon, a type of organophosphate, on rat ovarian tissue. Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. No treatment was given to control, olive oil was applied to sham group. Experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with 30 and 60 mg/kg/day diazinon, respectively. 24 h later, ovarian tissues were extracted, preparated, examined via light and electron microscope. In the experimental groups granulosa and corpus luteum showed degenerative changes. Dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and morphological alterations of mitochondria in granulosa cells were detected utrastructurally. Also, accumulation of lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles was observed in cells of corpus luteum. A statistically significant dose-dependent decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase reactivity and a statistically significant increase in caspase-3 expression in cells of atretic follicles and corpus luteum were observed. Results show that exposure to a single dose of diazinon may disrupt antioxidant system, trigger atresia in follicles and negatively effect corpus luteum functions. It was concluded that studies applying possible antioxidant treatments should be carried out to reduce and prevent the negative effects of diazinon on the reproductive system.

Silymarin mitigates toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in mice

Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, increases oxidative stress in sperm and testicular tissue. This study evaluated the effect of silymarin, a potent antioxidant, on the quality of sperm and testicular tissue in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. NMRI adult male mice were divided into four groups: control; cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg/kg, once a week); cyclophosphamide + silymarin; and silymarin (intraperitoneal injection, 200 mg/kg, every other day). After a 35-day treatment period, the caudal region of the epididymis was examined for sperm parameters, the right testis was used for stereological studies, and the left testis was used to assess biochemical factors. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. In the cyclophosphamide group, there was a significant reduction in the mean total volume of testicular tissue, the average volume of seminiferous tubules and their components, and the average volume of interstitial tissue. Additionally, there was a notable decrease (p < 0.001) in the average number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and sperm parameters. The mean concentration of testosterone hormone (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level (p < 0.01) also significantly decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, these adverse changes were mitigated in the cyclophosphamide + silymarin group compared to the cyclophosphamide group. Our results showed that silymarin as an antioxidant can mitigate the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on testicular tissue and sperm parameters.

A review of the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of the Ferulago genus based on Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of coumarins

BACKGROUND

The Ferluago W.D.J. Koch genus includes 48 accepted perennial herbs that are distributed in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Europe, Central and Middle East of Asia. These plants are widely used in folk and conventional medicine due to their biological benefits such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Conducting a comprehensive review based on the structure activity relationships (SARs) of the coumarins, which has not been previously documented, can lead to a better insight into the genus Ferulago and its beneficial therapeutic activities.

METHODS

This review covers literature from 1969 to 2023, were collected from various scientific electronic databases to review phytochemical, pharmacological, and ethnopharmacological data of Ferulago species, as well as latest information on the SAR of reported coumarins from this genus.

RESULTS

Phytochemical studies showed that the biological actions of this genus are mediated by the reported specialized metabolites, such as coumarins and flavonoids. Simple coumarins, prenylated coumarins, furanocoumarins, and pyranocoumarins are the largest subclasses of coumarins found in diverse Ferulago species, which have discussed the biological effects of them with a focus on the Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR). For example, prenylated coumarins have shown potential leishmanicidal and anti-neuropsychiatric effects when substituted with a prenyl group at the 7-hydroxy, as well as the C6 and C8 positions in their scaffold. Similarly, furanocoumarins exhibit varied biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-convulsant effects. Modifying substitutions at the C5 and C6 positions in furanocoumarins can enhance these activities.

CONCLUSION

This study conducted a comprehensive review of all available information on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Ferulago species. Given the high occurrence of coumarins in this genus, which exhibit potential anti-Alzheimer and anti-microbial properties, it presents promising new therapeutic avenues for addressing these common issues. Further investigation is needed to understand the molecular-level mechanisms of action and to explore their clinical applications.

Effects of nano-berberine and berberine loaded on green synthesized selenium nanoparticles on cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization of goat sperm

After cryopreservation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage sperm. Antioxidants are the primary defense against oxidative damage. Berberine is a bioactive alkaloid found in Berberis vulgaris, Curcuma longa, and Ergon grape, and is a potent antioxidant. Due to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidant chemicals are required to protect sperm. However, berberine has low bioavailability, making it less effective. Loading techniques on nanoparticles and nanotechnology can help overcome this limitation. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized with barberry extract, and berberine was loaded on them. Berberine nanoparticles were then synthesized using anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump technique. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by EDX, UV-visible, FE-SEM, Zeta-Potential, and FTIR tests. In this experiment, we aim to investigate the impact of nano-berberine and berberine loaded on Se-NPs on goat sperm parameters after freeze-thawing. We assessed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in vitro fertility, and the subsequent embryo development of zygote with treated sperm after determining the optimal concentration of various chemicals on sperm parameters. The study found that all treatments had significant differences from the control group in terms of motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity, ROS level, lipid peroxidation, in vitro fertility ability, and the capacity to develop inseminated oocytes (p < 0.05). The most significant outcomes were observed with berberine loaded on Se-NPs and the combination of selenium nanoparticles with berberine nanoparticles.

The use of amino acids and their derivates to mitigate against pesticide-induced toxicity

Exposure to pesticides induces oxidative stress and deleterious effects on various tissues in non-target organisms. Numerous models investigating pesticide exposure have demonstrated metabolic disturbances such as imbalances in amino acid levels within the organism. One potentially effective strategy to mitigate pesticide toxicity involves dietary intervention by supplementing exogenous amino acids and their derivates to augment the body's antioxidant capacity and mitigate pesticide-induced oxidative harm, whose mechanism including bolstering glutathione synthesis, regulating arginine-NO metabolism, mitochondria-related oxidative stress, and the open of ion channels, as well as enhancing intestinal microecology. Enhancing glutathione synthesis through supplementation of substrates N-acetylcysteine and glycine is regarded as a potent mechanism to achieve this. Selection of appropriate amino acids or their derivates for supplementation, and determining an appropriate dosage, are of the utmost importance for effective mitigation of pesticide-induced oxidative harm. More experimentation is required that involves large population samples to validate the efficacy of dietary intervention strategies, as well as to determine the effects of amino acids and their derivates on long-term and low-dose pesticide exposure. This review provides insights to guide future research aimed at preventing and alleviating pesticide toxicity through dietary intervention of amino acids and their derivates.

Ferulago angulata extract alleviates testicular toxicity in male mice exposed to diazinon and lead

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ferulago angulata extract (FAE) against the reproductive toxicants Diazinon (DZN) and Lead (Pb) in mice. These pollutants are known to induce oxidative stress (OS), while FAE acts as a natural antioxidant. Adult male NMRI mice were exposed to DZN, Pb, and DZN+Pb, with or without FAE treatment for six weeks. We evaluated OS markers, testicular histology, and expression of mRNA related to enzymatic antioxidants. Exposure to DZN and Pb led to increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) in the testes, along with a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was altered. However, when FAE was administered concurrently, it restored the biochemical parameters to normal levels, reduced the toxic effects of DZN and Pb, and provided protection against testicular histopathological injury. These findings suggest that FAE has the potential to serve as a protective agent against oxidative damage caused by contaminants in reproductive organs, specifically in the testes.

Melatonin improves meiosis maturation against diazinon exposure in mouse oocytes

AIMS

Organophosphorus pesticide diazinon (DZN) has adverse effects on animals and humans by direct contact or the spread of food chain. The antioxidant melatonin has protective effects on female reproduction. This study aimed to explore the effects of DZN on meiosis maturation in mouse cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and the effects of melatonin.

MAIN METHODS

Different concentrations of DZN and melatonin were added during the in vitro maturation of COCs. Then we detected the extrusion rate of the first polar body, the number of sperms binding to oocyte, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS), early apoptosis. Subsequently, the expression of Juno, CX37, CX43 and ERK1/2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

DZN exposure results in the failure of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocyte meiosis. Destruction of repositioning and function of mitochondria increases the levels of ROS and early apoptosis. The DZN-exposed oocytes express less Juno resulting to bind less sperms than normal. The loss of gap junctions and failure to activate ERK1/2 also contribute to the failure of cytoplasmic maturation. All these ultimately lead to the poor oocyte quality and low fertility. Appropriate melatonin can effectively restore all these defects.

SIGNIFICANCE

Under DZN exposure, melatonin can significantly improve the quality of oocytes, and melatonin promotes oocyte maturation by protecting gap junction and restoring ERK1/2 pathway, which is a new breakthrough for improving female fertility.

Anti-inflammatory and -apoptotic effects of a long-term herbal extract treatment on DSS-induced colitis in mice fed with high AGEs-fat diet

Background

Obesity is associated with many comorbidities including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We investigated prophylactic effects of an herbal extract (HE) on the DSS-induced colitis mice challenged with high AGEs-fat diet 60% (HFD).

Methods

Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed with either HFD (8 groups, 6 mice in each group), or normal diet (ND) (8 groups, 6 mice in each group). After 6 weeks, animals received HE (combination of turmeric, ginger, boswellia and cat’s claw extract) for 7 weeks in three doses (high dose (0.6 mg/g); low dose (0.15 mg/g) and mid dose (0.3 mg/g)). Next, mice were subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Control mice received ND and instead of HE and DSS they received distilled water. Obesity index markers were determined, H&E staining and TUNEL assay evaluated apoptosis. Colonic expressions of IL-6, RAGE, AGER1, Sirt1, Bax, Bcl2, ZO-1 and P53 were determined.

Results

HE ameliorated colitis in HFD mice by reducing colonic myeloperoxidase activity (by 2.3-fold), macrophage accumulation (by 2.6-fold) and mRNA expression of IL-6 (by 2.3-fold) in HFD mice. Moreover, HE restored ZO-1 (by 2.7-fold), prevented apoptosis and maintained immune homeostasis. HE reduced activation of NF-κB protein (by 1.3-fold) through decreasing RAGE (by 1.93-fold) and up-regulation of Sirt1 (by 7.71-fold) and prevented down-regulation of DDOST (by 6.6-fold) in HFD mice.

Conclusions

HE ameliorated colitis in prophylactic in HFD mice and it was, at least partly, due to the restoration of the gut integrity, suppression of inflammation and apoptosis via modulation of colonic Sirt1, RAGE and DDOST signaling.

Graphic abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00603-x.

The ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological properties of genus Ferulago - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Ferulago, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is found mainly in the Mediterranean area, Southwest and Middle Asia, the Caucasus and North Africa. Since ancient times, species of this genus have been largely employed in traditional medicine for their biological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, insecticidal, and anti-malaria, cholinesterase inhibition effects, etc. AIMS: The scope of this paper is to present a comprehensive respect review of this interesting genus including traditional uses, chemical composition of volatile and non-volatile metabolites, and in vitro and in vivo biological properties either utilizing the crude extracts or essential oils, or the single isolated compounds. Furthermore, critical considerations of the published data have been highlighted by comparing them with the results obtained from species of other genus belonging to the Apiaceae family.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information on these genera was collected from scientific databases and cover from 1967 up to 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Ferulago, all the botanical names of the species, both accepted names or synonyms, essential oils, volatile components, traditional uses, activity, pharmacology, and toxicity. No limitations were set for languages. A total of 230 articles were included in the present review.

RESULTS

Researches performed on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from species of genus Ferulago showed several biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, enzymatic, cytotoxic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antileishmanial, antimalarial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, etc. Activities. Phytochemical investigations of Ferulago species have revealed that coumarins are the main constituents of the genera. A large number of flavonoids, terpenoids and other metabolites were also identified. Furthermore, a complete review on the essential oil composition of all the taxa studied so far has been also included.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we have provided scientific information and research developments on traditional uses, phytochemical profiles, biological activities and industrial practices on the Ferulago genus. The commercial use and the applications in agri-food sector of some of these species have been also considered. In fact, the various extracts and essential oils have been used as antioxidants and/or as antimicrobial agents, for the stabilization of sunflower and soybean oil, for food packagings, as antioxidants of mayonnaise and yogurt during their storage and, also, as economically valid source for obtaining single compounds, more expensive at a synthetic level.

Ferulago angulata extract improves the quality of buck spermatozoa post-thaw and counteracts the harmful effects of diazinon and lead

During cryopreservation, spermatozoa are exposed to chemical or physical stress that has adverse effects on the quality of mammalian spermatozoa. Recently, much attention has been paid to environmental contaminants (ECs) in livestock, because of their detrimental effects on livestock productivity and fertility. ECs like diazinon (DZN) and lead acetate (LA) are considered ubiquitous and induced oxidative stress, which decreases spermatozoa quality. Since Ferulago angulata extract (FAE) has antioxidant properties, the present study investigated the effect of FAE supplementation in a freezing extender, in the presence or absence of DZN + LA, during cryopreservation, on the quality and fertility ability of buck spermatozoa after thawing. Pooled ejaculates were diluted with a freezing extender and supplemented with FAE (0.002%, w/v) in the presence or absence of DZN (100 μM) + LA (12.5 μM). Post-thaw spermatozoa parameters, ROS production, fertilization ability, and developmental competence of oocytes inseminated with FAE/DZN + LA treated spermatozoa were calculated. The results demonstrated that FAE improves cryopreserved spermatozoa motility, viability, membrane integrity, fertilizability, and developmental competence, and reduced spermatozoa ROS production in the presence or absence of DZN + LA. Besides, FAE significantly restored the adverse effects of DZN + LA exposure during cryopreservation on inner cell mass (ICM) count, trophectoderm (TE) cell count, total cell number (TCN), and the ratio between ICM to TCN. In conclusion, FAE on its own resulted in an improvement in the buck spermatozoa's quality and fertility. Therefore, the addition of FAE, as a natural antioxidant to buck semen extender, can increase spermatozoa cryotolerance and post-thaw resistance even when exposed to ECs.

Effect of Nigella sativa and Foeniculum vulgare seeds extracts on male mice exposed to carbendazim

The increasing prevalence of environmental pollutants such as pesticides is a major global problem that affects living organisms. Exposure to environmental pollutants remains a major source of health risk throughout the world. The potential health benefits of various medicinal plants and natural products in relation to protect various diseases are currently receiving considerable attention. A current approach is to develop a new biological compound from natural products that inhibits pain. Ethnopharmacological surveys have been found to be one of the most reliable tools for the discovery of the natural and semi-synthetic drug. The present study was performed to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes induced by carbendazim (CBZ) and the potential protective effect of seeds extracts of Nigella sativa (NSSE) and Foeniculum vulgare (FVSE) against CBZ toxicity in male mice. Mice were distributed into 6 groups. Mice of group 1 were served as control. Group 2 was exposed to CBZ. Group 3 was supplemented with NSSE and exposed to CBZ. Group 4 was treated with FVSE and CBZ. Normal mice of group 5 and 6 were subjected to NSSE and FVSE respectively. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in mice of group 2. In mice of group 2, significant declines of RBC, HB, Hct, WBC, total protein, FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, T3, CAT and SOD were observed. Moreover, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, BUN, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, CK, LDH, MDA and GSH were significantly enhanced. Treatment with NSSE and FVSE showed attenuation effects against CBZ induced hematological and biochemical changes. The results suggest that the attenuation effects of NSSE and FVSE attributed to their antioxidant properties.