Green-Synthesized Silver and Selenium Nanoparticles Using Berberine: A Comparative Assessment of In Vitro Anticancer Potential on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line (HepG2)

A well-known natural ingredient found in several medicinal plants, berberine (Ber), has been shown to have anticancer properties against a range of malignancies. The limited solubility and bioavailability of berberine can be addressed using Ber-loaded nanoparticles. In this study, we compared the in vitro cytotoxic effects of both Ber-loaded silver nanoparticles (Ber-AgNPs) and Ber-loaded selenium nanoparticles (Ber-SeNPs) in the human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and mouse normal liver cells (BNL). The IC50 values in HepG2 for berberine, Ber-AgNPs, Ber-SeNPs, and cisplatin were 26.69, 1.16, 0.04, and 0.33 µg/mL, respectively. Our results show that Ber and its Ag and Se nanoparticles exerted a good antitumor effect against HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis via upregulating p53, Bax, cytosolic cytochrome C levels, and caspase-3 activity, and the down-regulation of Bcl-2 levels. Similarly, incubation with Ber and both Ber-NPs (Ag and Se) led to a significant dose-dependent elevation in inflammatory markers' (TNF-α, NF-κB, and COX-2) levels compared to the control group. In addition, it led to the arrest of the G1 cell cycle by depleting the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK-2 mRNA. Furthermore, Ber and both Ber-NPs (Ag and Se) caused a significant dose-dependent increase in LDH activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, our findings offer evidence that Ber and its nanoparticles intensified oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the migration rate of cells subjected to berberine and its nanoforms was notably decreased compared to that of control cells. It can be inferred that Ber nanoparticles exhibited superior anticancer efficacy against HepG2 compared to unprocessed Ber, perhaps due to their improved solubility and bioavailability. Furthermore, Ber-SeNPs exhibited greater efficacy than Ber-AgNPs, possibly as a result of the inherent anticancer characteristics of selenium.

Protective effect of Allium atroviolaceum-synthesized SeNPs on aluminum-induced brain damage in mice

This study evaluated the possible neuroprotective effect of Allium atroviolaceum extract (AaE)-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on aluminum (Al)-induced neurotoxicity in mice, explaining the likely mechanisms. Mice were divided into five groups: G1, control; G2, AaE group that received AaE (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks; and groups 3, 4, and 5 received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. After that, G4 received AaE (200 mg/kg), and G5 received SeNPs-AaE (0.5 mg/kg) for another 1 week. Exposure to AlCl3 boosted oxidative damage in brain tissue as evidenced by a reduction in glutathione concentrations and other antioxidant enzymes along with increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels. There was also a rise in the concentrations of interleukin-1β, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-II activities. AlCl3-treated mice showed reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine levels, increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and reduced Bcl-2, and Bax, and caspase-3 activities. Treatment with SeNPs-AaE significantly reduced markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In addition, in SeNPs-AaE-treated rats, levels of BDNF and dopamine were significantly increased along with a reduction in AChE as compared with the AlCl3 group. Therefore, our results indicate that SeNPs-AaE has a potential neuroprotective effect against Al-mediated neurotoxic effects because of its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuromodulatory activities.

Pergularia tomentosa coupled with selenium nanoparticles salvaged lead acetate-induced redox imbalance, inflammation, apoptosis, and disruption of neurotransmission in rats’ brain

In this study, the neuroprotective potential of either Pergularia tomentosa leaf methanolic extract (PtE) alone or in combination with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs-PtE) was investigated against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced neurotoxicity. Experimental rats were pretreated with PtE (100 mg/kg) or SeNPs-PtE (0.5 mg/kg) and injected intraperitoneally with PbAc (20 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Notably, SeNPs-PtE decreased brain Pb accumulation and enhanced the level of dopamine and the activity of AChE compared to the control rats. In addition, elevated neural levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione along with decreased lipid peroxidation levels were noticed in pretreated groups with SeNPs-PtE. Moreover, SeNPs-PtE significantly suppressed neural inflammation, as indicated by lower levels of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor-kappa B p65, and nitric oxide in the examined brain tissue. The molecular results also unveiled significant down-regulation in iNOS gene expression in the brains of SeNPs-PtE-treated rats. In addition, SeNPs-PtE administration counteracted the neural loss by increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels as well as decreasing BCL2-associated X protein and caspase-3 levels. To sum up, our data suggest that P. tomentosa extract alone or in combination with SeNPs has great potential in reversing the neural tissue impairment induced by PbAc via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This study might have therapeutic implications in preventing and treating several lead-induced neurological disorders.

Evaluation of antiobesity and hepatorenal protective activities of Salvia officinalis extracts pre-treatment in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

The present study evaluated the effects of Hail Salvia officinalis total extract (SOTE) and its high flavonoid fraction (SOHFF) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and hepatorenal damage in rats. Salvia officinalis plants were collected from Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Rats were fed HFD and supplemented orally with SOTE (250 mg kg^-1) or SOHFF (100 mg kg^-1) or simvastatin (SVS; 10 mg kg^-1) every day for 8 weeks. Compared to the controls, HFD-induced obesity led to significant increases in body weight, body weight gained, blood insulin, leptin, cardiac enzymes (LDH and CPK) activity, and atherogenic index (AI). HFD rats also showed higher levels of hepatic and renal function biomarkers (ALT, urea, and creatinine), as well as lower levels of PPARγ and Nrf2-gene expression and a disrupted lipid profile. Moreover, HFD rats had lower levels of hepatic and renal antioxidant biomarkers (CAT, GPx, SOD, GR, and GSH), accompanied by higher levels of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory mediators (interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)). In addition, histological examination of hepatic and renal tissues revealed histopathological changes that validated the biochemical findings. Compared to HFD group, SOTE and SOHFF treatment led to marked amelioration of all the aforementioned parameters. Collectively, supplementation with SOTE and SOHFF effectively reversed HFD-induced alterations through its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, SOTE and SOHFF have therapeutic potential in controlling obesity and related pathologies.

Echinops spinosus effect against diabetes and its hepatorenal complications: total extract and flavonoids fraction

The perennial plant Echinops spinosus (ES) grows in the Hail area of Saudi Arabia, and its traditional formulations are often employed in folk medicine. The goal of this study is to identify the active components present in Hail Echinops spinosus and to investigate the anti-diabetic properties of both ES total extract (ESTE) and its high flavonoids fraction (ESHFF) in experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection in rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups. Diabetes was induced using STZ (55 mg/kg). Seven days after STZ administration, the diabetic animals were treated daily with ESTE, ESHFF, or metformin (MET) as a standard anti-diabetic drug for 28 days. Blood and tissues samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological investigations. Both ESTE and ESHFF demonstrated anti-diabetic properties, as evidenced by lowering glucose levels and increasing the levels of insulin, insulin receptor expression rate, and glycogen synthesis. Additionally, ESTE as well as ESHFF alleviated diabetic complications in the kidneys and liver by decreasing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory mediators, and suppressing the apoptotic cascade along with correcting diabetic dyslipidemia. It could be deduced that Hail ES extracts could play a role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related lesions as well as oxidative damage in hepatic and renal tissues.

Green-synthetized selenium nanoparticles using berberine as a promising anticancer agent

OBJECTIVE

The chemo-preventative and therapeutic properties of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been documented over recent decades and suggest the potential uses of SeNPs in medicine. Biogenic SeNPs have higher biocompatibility and stability than chemically synthesized nanoparticles, which enhances their medical applications, especially in the field of cancer therapy. This study evaluated the potential of green-synthetized SeNPs by using berberine (Ber) as an antitumor agent and elucidated the mechanism by which these molecules combat Ehrlich solid tumors (ESTs).

METHODS

SeNPs containing Ber (SeNPs-Ber) were synthesized using Ber and Na₂SeO₃ and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Sixty male Swiss albino mice were then acclimatized for one week, injected with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, and divided into four groups: EST, EST + cisplatin (5 mg/kg), EST + Ber (20 mg/kg), and EST + SeNPs-Ber (0.5 mg/kg). At the end of a 16-day observation period, 12 mice from each group were euthanized to analyze differences in the body weight, tumor size, gene expression, and oxidative stress markers in the four groups. Three mice from each group were kept alive to compare the survival rates.

RESULTS

Treatment with SeNPs-Ber significantly improved the survival rate and decreased the body weight and tumor size, compared to the EST group. SeNPs-Ber reduced oxidative stress in tumor tissue, as indicated by a decrease in the lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and an increase in the glutathione levels. Moreover, SeNPs-Ber activated an apoptotic cascade in the tumor cells by downregulating the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression rate and upregulating the Bcl-2-associated X protein and caspase-3 expression rates. SeNPs-Ber also considerably improved the histopathological alterations in the developed tumor tissue, compared to the EST group.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a new insight into the potential role of green-synthesized SeNPs by using Ber as a promising anticancer agent, these molecules could be used alone or as supplementary medication during chemotherapy.

Hepatorenal protective efficacy of flavonoids from Ocimum basilicum extract in diabetic albino rats: A focus on hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities

Plant derived phytochemical therapy is a bright candidate for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications. Ocimum baslicum is used as an anti-diabetic traditional medicine. Hence, the present study investigated the effect of Hail Ocimum extract (HOE) and its total flavonoids (HOETF) against hepatorenal damage in experimental diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Diabetic animals were co-treated daily with HOE, HOETF or metformin (MET) as a standard anti-diabetic drug for four weeks. Compared to controls, HFD/STZ-treatment lead to significant increases in fasting blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels. Furthermore, diabetic rats had elevated hepatic (ALT and ALP) and kidney functions (urea and creatinine) biomarkers together with disturbed lipid profile and decreased PPAR-γ gene expression. Higher levels of hepatic and renal LPO and NO paralleled with lower levels of GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR) after HFD/STZ treatment. Additionally, noteworthy inflammatory and apoptotic responses were evident in both organs of diabetic rats as witnessed by augmented levels of TNF-α, IL-1b and Bax levels with declined levels of Bcl-2. Moreover, histological examination of hepatic, renal and pancreatic tissues validated the biochemical findings. On contrary, co-treatment of diabetic animals with HOE or HOETF could decrease glucose and insulin levels together with improvement of lipid markers and alleviation of hepatorenal dysfunction, oxidative injury, inflammatory and apoptotic events. Conclusively, HOE or HOETF could be a promising complementary therapeutic option for the management of diabetic hepatorenal complication owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; anti-apoptotic properties.

Antitumor activity of zinc nanoparticles synthesized with berberine on human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells through acting on Cox-2/NF-kB and p53 pathways

BACKGROUND

Drawbacks and side effects of currently available therapies to colorectal cancer (CRC) devoted the researchers to search for new therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the effects of zinc nanoparticles biosynthesized with berberine (ZnNPs-BER) on Caco-2 cells compared to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and explore the possible underlying pathways.

METHODS

Caco-2 and Vero cells were treated with 5-FU, BER, or ZnNPs-BER for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers and cell cycle were determined. Additionally, Cox-2 and NF-kB levels were also measured.

RESULTS

The IC50 of 5-FU, BER, and ZnNPs-BER on Caco-2 cells were 34.65 µM, 19.86 µg/ml and 10.49 µg/ml, respectively by MTT assay. The IC50 value for 5-FU in Vero cells was 21.7 μg/ml, however, BER and BER-ZnNPs treatment showed non-toxic effects to the Vero cells. Further, ZnNPs-BER exerted significant induction of ROS besides exhaustion of the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells indicated by declined GSH and elevated NO and MDA contents. Marked increments in levels of Bax and caspase-3 were detected together with declines in Bcl-2 levels in Caco-2 cells submitted to BER-ZnNPs therapy. On the molecular basis, upregulation in mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, and tumor suppressor gene p53) with downregulation in the antiapoptotic gene (Bcl-2) were observed in ZnNPs-BER treated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, ZnNPs-BER showed more pronounced effects on apoptosis increased cell percentage in the S and subG1 phases. In addition, green synthesis of ZnNPs with BER showed notable induction of Cox2 and NF-kB in Caco-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the antitumor potential of ZnNPs-BER in colon cancer cells may be endorsed for induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic changes in tumor cells. Our study documents the new therapeutic potential of Zn nanoparticles conjugated with BER, as a new option for combined chemotherapy.

Allicin mitigates hepatic injury following cyclophosphamide administration via activation of Nrf2/ARE pathways and through inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic machinery

Treatment with anti-neoplastic agents, including cyclophosphamide (CP), is associated with several adverse reactions. Here, we distinguished the potential protective effect of allicin against CP-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats. To assess the effect of allicin, four experimental groups were used, with 7 rats per group, including control, allicin (10 mg/kg), CP (200 mg/kg), and allicin + CP-treated groups. All groups were treated for 10 days. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Treatment with CP led to deformations in the liver tissue that were associated with higher liver function markers (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase). Additionally, a disturbance in the redox balance was observed after CP exposure, as indicated by increased levels of oxidants, including malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the decreased levels of endogenous antioxidants, including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. At the molecular level, CP treatment resulted in reduced expression of the Nrf2/ARE pathway and other genes related to this pathway, including NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. CP also led to a hyper-inflammatory response in hepatic tissue, with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1beta, and upregulation of nitric oxide synthase 2. CP also enhanced the immunoreactivity of the profibrogenic cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta, in liver tissue. Upregulation of caspase 3 and Bcl-2-associated X protein and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 were also observed in response to CP treatment. Treatment with allicin reversed the molecular, biochemical, and histological changes that occurred with CP exposure. These results suggest that allicin can be used in combination with CP to avoid hepatotoxicity.

The Potential Protective Effect of Orange Peel and Selenium against 17β-Estradiol- Induced Chronic Non-Bacterial Prostatitis in Rats

BACKGROUND

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is defined as a major health problem faced by the male population.

AIM

We aimed to investigate the protective effects of Orange Peel Extract (OPE) and/or Selenium (Se) on chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in a rat model.

METHODS

Fifty-six adult male Wistar albino rats were castrated; after 5 days, they were divided randomly into eight groups (n= 7). The control group received saline treatment; while 17β-estradiol (E2) (0.25mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously in rats from Groups V, VI, VII, and VIII to induce chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. They were then treated with OPE (400mg/kg body weight; Groups II, IV, VI, and VIII) and/or sodium selenite (0.5mg/kg body weight; Groups III, IV, VII, and VIII) for 30 days. Interleukin-2 (IL2) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) mRNA expressions were determined using qPCR; Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) protein expression was determined immunohistochemically. Prostate tissue histology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were measured.

RESULTS

E2 administration significantly increased IL2 and PCA3 mRNA expressions, and PSA protein expression. It also increased the prostate wet weight and body weight, and lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels, decreased the glutathione and antioxidant enzyme levels and caused distinct histological alterations in the prostate gland. OPE and/or Se markedly improved all the studied parameters due to their antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

OPE and Se showed protective effects against 17β-estradiol-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. These results suggest that protection of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis by OPE+Se combination involves anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Moreover, their synergistic mechanism was mostly achieved via the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation processes.

Idiopathic ileal volvulus with multiple concomitant infections in a starving man

BACKGROUND

Small bowel volvulus is defined as the torsion of the small intestine, potentially leading to bowel obstruction, gangrene and perforation. It is a rare condition, especially in adults.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year-old man was retrieved from the jungle with severe weight loss and abdominal symptoms. He succumbed to death despite 22 days of intensive medical treatment. An autopsy revealed a ruptured gangrenous ileal volvulus with peritonitis and subdiaphragmatic abscess. Further laboratory analysis detected systemic Candida tropicalis and intestinal gramnegative bacterial sepsis, systemic Zika virus viremia, leptospirosis complicating rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, Type I Herpes Simplex virus infection of the tongue and upper gastrointestinal tract. The cause of death was the ruptured ileal volvulus, complicated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Herpes simplex virus esophagitis in a malnourished patient with resolving leptospirosis and underlying Zika virus co-infection.

CONCLUSION

Rare clinical scenarios of adult-onset intestinal volvulus with concomitant multiple infections precludes clinical diagnosis and early treatment, leading to devastating consequences of clinical outcome. The positive clinical and postmortem correlation is a good learning lesson in many disciplines of medicine and science.

The Potential Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in MicroRNAs Dysregulation in STZ-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders that are characterized by a loss of glucose homeostasis and insufficiency in production or action of insulin. Development of newly antidiabetic molecules using a variety of organic compounds and biomolecules has been in practice for a long time. Recently, nanomaterials are also being used in antidiabetic studies for their unique properties. In this context, zinc nanoparticles have drawn attention due to the relationship between diabetes and imbalance of zinc homeostasis. Few studies have attempted to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZON) in microRNA dysregulations in diabetes. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of ZON on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats as well as its role in microRNA dysregulations. Diabetes was induced in rats by 60 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of STZ and then treated with ZON (5 mg/kg bwt) for 15 consecutive days. The levels of glucose, insulin, oxidative stress markers, and microRNAs expression were measured in liver and pancreas tissues. Intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg bwt of STZ to Wistar rats caused significant decreases in the body weight and Zn contents of pancreas, liver, and kidney. Also, STZ injection increased the blood glucose level and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO). Meanwhile, STZ decreased blood insulin and pancreatic anti-oxidants. STZ also resulted in β cell dysfunction and destruction and altered the expression of certain pancreatic and liver microRNAs. ZON treatment for 15 days, at a dose of 5 mg/kg bwt resulted in marked improvements in the blood insulin, glucose tolerance, and structure and function of the pancreatic β cells. Furthermore, ZON administration reduced LPO and NO, and increased the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants in STZ-induced diabetic rats. It was found also that ZON specifically regulated the expression of pancreatic and liver microRNAs that involved in diabetes development. The obtained results revealed that ZON is a promising antidiabetic agent. The antidiabetic effect of ZON was partially mediated by restoring the oxidants/antioxidants balance and by modulating the alerted microRNAs.

Hypoglycemic potential of selenium nanoparticles capped with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes in rats

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) capped with glucose and polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) on the hyperglycemia and prooxidants/antioxidants imbalance present in model streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. SeNPs were synthesized and characterized. Twenty-four albino male rats were grouped into four different groups. After the rats were induced to have type 2 diabetes by STZ, the SeNPs-treated groups received a dose of 0.5 mg/ml of SeNPs for seven days. Plasma glucose and insulin levels, pancreatic insulin expression, the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. TEM images revealed the formation of semispherical particles with average size between 40 and 50 nm. SeNPs administration successfully reduced the hyperglycemia, raised the levels of insulin in both the pancreas and the plasma and restored the damaged pancreatic tissue. SeNPs also showed enhancement of the elimination of the diabetes-induced oxidative stress injuries by decreasing the pancreatic LPO and NO levels. Furthermore, the activities of the antioxidant enzyme GPx and GSH levels of the diabetic rats were increased. In conclusion, SeNPs capped with PVP could be used in the future as an agent that could manage Diabetes mellitus.

Antitumor Potential of Berberine and Cinnamic Acid against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma in Mice

BACKGROUND

Berberine and cinnamic acid are natural compounds that exhibit potent anticancer activities through distinct molecular mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the proapoptotic potential of cinnamic acid and berberine in cancer cells by examining their effect on the expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. Moreover, the effects of berberine and cinnamic acid on the antitumor activity of cisplatin were investigated in Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice.

METHODS

For the study, 90 male mice were inoculated intramuscularly with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (2.5 × 106/mouse), and then on day 4, mice were randomly divided into six experimental groups (group 1-untreated Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), group 2-EST treated CDDP, group 3-EST treated CA, group 4-EST treated BER, group 5-EST treated CA + CDDP, and group 6-EST treated BER + CDDP).

RESULTS

The results showed that berberine and cinnamic acid significantly decreased tumor growth and tumor volume (-74.8 and -75.5%, respectively) both as single agents and in combination with cisplatin. Moreover, both berberine and cinnamic acid increased the ratio of tumor growth inhibition (-91.5 and -92.6%, respectively), mean survival time (61.5 and 26 days, respectively), and percentage increase in lifespan (559 and 263%, respectively) of the treated mice. Our results also showed that both berberine and cinnamic acid-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (74.1 and 45.1, respectively) and caspase-3 expression (14.3- and 11.6-fold increase, respectively). Additionally, berberine and cinnamic acid decreased oxidative stress markers, as shown by the decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and an increase in reduced glutathione level.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that berberine and cinnamic acid have potential as antitumor and antioxidant agents derived from natural sources, which could be used alone or in combination with regular chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin. These effects could be attributed to the proapoptotic activity of berberine and cinnamic acid.

Pulled/nursemaid's elbow

Nursemaid's elbow is a radial head subluxation caused by axial traction on the extended arm while the forearm is pronated, allowing for slippage of the radial head. A 2-year-old boy presented with pain, swelling and reduced range of movement of the right elbow for 4 days. The mother noted that the child was moving the right upper limb less often and there was tenderness over the right elbow. X-ray of the right elbow showed subluxation of the elbow joint with no obvious fracture. A trial of conservative management was decided upon and the patient was placed on a right elbow backslab with the right forearm in a supine position. On follow-up, there was no swelling, tenderness or neurological deficit noted. A repeate x-ray revealed normal findings.

Ceratonia siliqua pod extract ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis and oxidative stress

Background

Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease found predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the developing world, with the second highest socioeconomic and public health burden despite strenuous control efforts. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua pod extract (CPE) on liver fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Methods

The schistosomal hepatopathologic mouse model was established by tail immersion with schistosomal cercaria. The extract was given daily for 10 days beginning 42 days post-infection. Liver samples were obtained from mice sacrificed 9 weeks after infection. Liver histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining.

Results

Typical schistosomal hepatopathologic changes were induced in the untreated mice. However, the oral administration of CPE was effective in reducing worm number and the egg load in the liver. This treatment also decreased granuloma size and collagen deposition by inhibiting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) expression. Schistosomal infection induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitrite/nitrate (nitric oxide; NO) production along with concomitant decreases in glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. However, treatment of mice with CPE at 300 or 600 mg/kg inhibited LPO and NO production, increased GSH content, and restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes compared with untreated infected mice. Furthermore, treatment with CPE inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced Bax expression in hepatic tissue.

Conclusion

These data indicated that extracts from Ceratonia siliqua pods may play an important role in combating schistosomal hepatopathology and may inhibit granuloma formation and liver fibrosis through down-regulation of TIMP-2 expression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1389-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n=7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.

Twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence

Twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence occurs in approximately one percent of monochorionic twins. This condition is always fatal for the recipient twin and carries a high mortality rate for the pump twin. Various treatment options are described, but management is continually evolving with the publication of new data. We report an acardiac acephalic monochorionic twin who was diagnosed at 31 weeks gestation. Serial ultrasonographical examinations of the normal pump twin showed intrauterine growth restriction but with no evidence of heart failure. A healthy pump twin was delivered by caesarean section at 34 weeks.

Multiple polypoid endometriosis--a rare complication following withdrawal of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for severe endometriosis: a case report

A 30-year old female who initially had typical endometriosis treated according to a standard regimen later developed numerous highly vascular endometrial polyps on the vagina, cervix, ureter, serosal surfaces of the uterus, pouch of Douglas (POD) and other areas of pelvic peritoneum as well as the endometrium 8 months after withdrawal of treatment with Zoladex gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist used for treatment of this disease. We postulate that these polyps developed as a rebound phenomenon upon withdrawal of Zoladex. We believe this is the first report of this complication following use of GnRH analogue.