A multidisciplinary approach to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Arbutus pavarii Pampan fruit; in vitro and in Vivo biological evaluations, and in silico investigations

The Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

Protective role of hesperetin in sorafenib-induced hepato- and neurotoxicity in mice via modulating apoptotic pathways and mitochondrial reprogramming

INTRODUCTION

Sorafenib, an FDA-approved standard chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, is associated with numerous adverse effects that significantly impact patients' physiological well-being. Consequently, identifying agents that mitigate these side effects while enhancing efficacy is crucial. Hesperetin, a flavone present in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxic and neurotoxic effects of sorafenib and the potential protective role of hesperetin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss albino mice were orally administered sorafenib (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with hesperetin (50 mg/kg) over 21 days. Behavioral assessments for anxiety and depressive-like behaviors were conducted. Additionally, evaluations encompassed apoptotic activity, mitochondrial integrity, liver enzyme levels, proliferation rates, and histopathological changes.

RESULTS

Combining hesperetin with sorafenib showed improvements in behavioral alterations, liver damage, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver apoptosis compared to the sorafenib-only group in mice.

CONCLUSION

Hesperetin exhibits potential as an adjunct to sorafenib, mitigating its side effects by attenuating its toxicity, enhancing efficacy, and potentially reducing the occurrence of sorafenib-induced resistance through the downregulation of hepatocyte growth factor levels.

Diacerein provokes apoptosis, improves redox balance, and downregulates PCNA and TNF-α in a rat model of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia: A new non-invasive approach

One of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), causing severe annoyance and embarrassment to patients. The pathogenesis of BPH has been connected to epithelial proliferation, inflammation, deranged redox balance, and apoptosis. Diacerein (DIA), the anthraquinone derivative, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This study intended to investigate the ameliorative effect of DIA on the prostatic histology in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. BPH was experimentally induced by daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate for four weeks. The treated group received DIA daily for a further two weeks after induction of BPH. Rats' body and prostate weights, serum-free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were evaluated. Prostatic tissue was processed for measuring redox balance and histopathological examination. The BPH group had increased body and prostate weights, serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, PSA, and oxidative stress. Histologically, there were marked acinar epithelial and stromal hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrates, and increased collagen deposition. An immunohistochemical study showed an increase in the inflammatory TNF-α and the proliferative PCNA markers. Treatment with DIA markedly decreased the prostate weight and plasma hormones, improved tissue redox balance, repaired the histological changes, and increased the proapoptotic caspase 3 expression besides the substantial reduction in TNF-α and PCNA expression. In conclusion, our study underscored DIA's potential to alleviate the prostatic hyperplastic and inflammatory changes in BPH through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing effects, rendering it an effective, innovative treatment for BPH.

Bioinformatics, RNA sequencing, and targeted bisulfite sequencing analyses identify the role of PROM2 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker

OBJECTIVES

Prominin 2 (PROM2) gene has been reported as a molecular biomarker of human cancers; however, its role is still controversial. This study was therefore arranged to seek the role of PROM2 in different cancers with Bioinformatics and in vitro analyses.

METHODS

A combination of bioinformatics and molecular experiments.

RESULTS

Through the utilization of Bioinformatics analysis, it was observed that in 19 out of the 24 human cancers studied, there was a significant increase in the expression of PROM2 compared to the respective control samples. Additionally, the overexpression of PROM2 was linked specifically to a decrease in overall survival (OS) among breast cancer (BRCA), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients. Furthermore, advanced molecular investigations were conducted, encompassing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) as well as targeted bisulfite sequencing (bisulfite-seq) assessments of PROM2. These analyses were performed across an array of lung cancer cell lines (A549, ABC-1, EBC-1, and LK-2) and a normal control lung cell line (MRC-9). Results of these analysis revealed overexpression and reduced methylation of PROM2 within lung cancer cell lines, relative to the corresponding control cell line. This suggests that PROM2 assumes a substantial function in the advancement and course of BRCA, LUAD, and UCEC cancers. Subsequent pathway analysis revealed that genes enriched by PROM2 are actively engaged in four pivotal pathways. Additionally, intriguing associations were observed between PROM2 expression, tumor purity, infiltration of CD8+ T immune cells, and genetic modifications. Moreover, we also predicted a few MicroRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and potential drugs that could help to understand and better manage these cancers via designing appropriate therapies targeting PROM2.

CONCLUSION

Via this study, we effectively revealed PROM2 overexpression as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of survival in BRCA, LUAD, and UCEC.

A pan-cancer analysis of pituitary tumor-transforming 3, pseudogene

BACKGROUND

Although evidence regarding pituitary tumor-transforming 3, pseudogene (PTTG3P) involvement in human cancers has been acquired via human and animal model-based molecular studies, there is a lack of pan-cancer analysis of this gene in human tumors.

METHODS

Tumor-causing effects of PTTG3P in 24 human tumors were explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets from different bioinformatics databases and applying in silico tools such as The University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer (UALCAN), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Kaplan Meier (KM) plotter, cBioPortal, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), Cytoscape, Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER), and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Then, via in vitro experiments, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and targeted bisulfite sequencing (bisulfite-seq), expression and promoter methylation levels of PTTG3P were verified in cell lines.

RESULTS

The PTTG3P expression was overexpressed across 23 malignancies and its overexpression was further found significantly effecting the overall survival (OS) durations of the esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) and head and neck cancer (HNSC) patients. This important information helps us to understand that PTTG3P plays a significant role in the development and progression of ESCA and HNSC. As for PTTG3P functional mechanisms, this gene along with its other binding partners was significantly concentrated in "Oocyte meiosis", "Cell cycle", "Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis", and "Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation". Moreover, ESCA and HNSC tissues having the higher expression of PTTG3P were found to have lower promoter methylation levels of PTTG3P and higher CD8+ T immune cells level. Additionally, PTTG3P expression-regulatory drugs were also explored in the current manuscript for designing appropriate treatment strategies for ESCA and HNSC with respect to PTTG3P expression.

CONCLUSION

Our pan-cancer based findings provided a comprehensive account of the oncogenic role and utilization of PTTG3P as a novel molecular biomarker of ESCA and HNSC.

Antimicrobial efficacy of phyto-synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extract of Rosamarinus officinalis L

The current research investigation demonstrated that the aqueous leaves extract of Rosamarinus officinalis possesses cardinal phyto-chemicals to fabricate AgNPs in an eco-friendly way. The phyto-synthesized AgNPs were characterized to be stable, monodispersed, polycrystalline and mostly spheroidal in conformation. The nano-spheriods were observed to be 25-75 nm in diameter, displaying λmax peak at 430 nm. From the comparative antimicrobial investigations, it was observed that AgNPs manifested tremendous bactericidal properties against all test organisms particularly S. epidermis (89%), S. aureus (84%) and K. pneumonia (84%), owing least MIC values of 40µL. The aced fungicidal activity was also exhibited by AgNPs against all fungal test species particularly C. herbarum (90%), A. flavus (85%), R. stolonifer (85%) and C. jadinii (85%). In contrast to AgNPs, all crude ethanolic, aqueous, methanolic and n-hexanoic extracts manifested less to moderate antimicrobial activity against all test micro-organisms with three-fold escalating MIC values i.e., 160µL.

Seed Priming with Glutamic-Acid-Functionalized Iron Nanoparticles Modulating Response of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (Mung Bean) to Induce Osmotic Stress

Rising soil salinity is a major concern for agricultural production worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. To improve salt tolerance and the productivity of economic crop plants in the face of future climatic changes, plant-based solutions are required to feed the continuously increasing world population. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain the impact of Glutamic-acid-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Glu-FeNPs) on two varieties (NM-92 and AZRI-2006) of mung beans with different concentrations (0, 40 mM, 60 mM, and 80 mM) of osmotic stress. The result of the study showed that vegetative growth parameters such as root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, moisture contents, leaf area, and the number of pods per plant were significantly decreased with osmotic stress. Similarly, biochemicals such as protein, chlorophylls, and carotenes contents also significantly declined under induced osmotic stress. The application of Glu-FeNPs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) restored both the vegetative growth parameters and biochemical contents of plants under osmotic stress. The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with Glu-FeNPs significantly ameliorated the tolerance level of Vigna radiata to osmotic stress by optimizing the level of antioxidant enzymes and osmolytes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and proline contents. Our finding indicates that Glu-FeNPs significantly restore the growth of plants under osmotic stress via enhancing photosynthetic activity and triggering the antioxidation system of both varieties.

Investigating the nutraceutical potential of apple peel extract supplementation for regulating the glucose metabolism in hyperlipidemic Female human subjects

Hyperglycemia is a condition often observed in diabetics, dyslipidemia and obese. It is a major factor behind the development of diabetes and the reasons can be genetics, environmental factors, dietary choices and obesity. Many medicinal plants have anti-diabetic potential. This study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of apple peel extract. This study also investigated the chemical characterization of apple peel. Phytochemicals including total phenolics and flavonoids were determined. Encapsulated 350mg/day was given to treatment groups. Random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c of 45 diabetic female adults was measured on the 0-day and 45th day. Results showed that apple peel contained moisture (14.71±3.57)%, ash (17.82±2.13)%, nitrogen free extract (32.12±3.52)%, crude protein (6.89±0.83)%, crude fiber (19.17±0.21)% and crude fat (9.91±2.31)%. Findings showed that apple peel contains magnesium (6.61±1.088), calcium (8.17±0.32), zinc (14.08±1.21) and potassium (67.21±1.86). These findings were shown in mg in kg. Apple peel extract contained total phenolic content (TPC) of 8.14±1.07 and total phenolic content (TFC) of 4.89±1.81. Apple peel extract showed a significant reduction in all blood parameters of hyperglycemia. All results were significant at p<0.05.

Antimicrobial activity of AgNO3 nanoparticles synthesized using Valeriana wallichii against ESKAPE pathogens

The emergence of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE infections has emerged as a serious public health threat. Nosocomial infections are most often caused by ESKAPE bacteria. To combat multidrug-resistant ESKAPE, the research team used Valeriana Wallichii extracts and nanoparticles. The well diffusion technique was used to test antimicrobial activity on Muller Hinton agar medium. The FTIR, SEM and XRD techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticles synthesized in an environmentally benign manner. Both NPs performed better than extracts made with methanol and water in this investigation. The smallest zones of inhibition were shown against A. baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae, whereas the largest zones of inhibition were seen against E. faecium. However, NPs synthesized from shoot extracts exhibited remarkable effects against all MDR ESKAPE infections, with zones of inhibition of 23, 20, 12, 18, 22 and 14mm, respectively. Although E. faecium. had the largest inhibitory zone in both methanolic root and shoot extracts (19mm and 22mm, respectively), K. pneumonia and E. cloacae had the smallest zones when tested with these solvents. Water-based extracts inactivated multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our research show that extracts and nanoparticles have stronger antibacterial efficiency because biologically active substances including Terpenoids, Alkaloids, Phenol and Pholobutannins affect people and microbe.

Investigating the therapeutic potential of aqueous extraction of curry plant (Murraya koenigi) leaves supplementation for the regulation of blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes mellitus in female human subjects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. It is spreading around the globe like a pandemic. Major factors behind the development of diabetes can be genetics, environmental factors, dietary choices and obesity. Many medicinal plants have anti-diabetic potential. This study has investigated the anti-diabetic effect of curry leaves extract. This study also investigated the chemical characterization of curry leaves. Phytochemicals including saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides were also investigated. Encapsulated 5mg per kg of the body weight and 10mg per kg of the body weight were given to treatment groups I and II. Random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c of 45 diabetic female adults were measured on the 0-day and 45th days. All results were analyzed using the two-sample t-test in IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Curry leaves contained moisture (24.1±1.78)%, ash (17.82±2.13)%, nitrogen free extract (36.12±3.52)%, crude protein (8.32±0.83)%, crude fiber (6.98±2.31)% and crude fat (6.87±0.21)%. Mineral analysis showed that magnesium and calcium were major minerals present in curry leaves. Curry leaves extract contained saponins 2.71±0.23, flavonoids 7.84±0.42, tannins 0.91±0.09, glycosides 0.17±0.01, phenols 3.89±0.12, alkaloids 2.01±0.87. These phytochemicals were expressed in mg/100 g of the sample. Curry leaf extract showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin in both treatment groups.

Determination of chemical composition and investigation of potential of triphala powder in hypercholesterolemia in men in controlled randomized trial

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition with elevated cholesterol and lipid profile. It is the leading reason behind myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease. It is observed in young people as well due to a sedentary lifestyle. Triphala powder has a hypolipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemia effect. This study was designed to investigate the effect of triphala powder against hypercholesterolemia. This study also examined Triphala powder's chemical composition. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were examined. Encapsulated 400 mg and 600 mg Triphala powder were given to treatment groups I and II. Lipid profile parameters were measured and compared at 0 weeks and 10th weeks in all groups. All results were analyzed using ANOVA in IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results of proximate analyses have shown that Okra pod powder contains moisture 12.27%, ash 11.25%, nitrogen-free extract 45.93%, crude protein 13.37%, crude fat 2.95% and crude fiber 14.23%. Mineral analysis showed that iron and manganese are major minerals in triphala powder. Triphala powder showed a significant reduction in lipid profile parameters in hypercholesterolemia. All results are taken significantly at p<0.05.

In Vitro Study of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Immunostimulant, and Hemolytic Activities of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) and Lepidium sativum Seeds

The Moroccan flora abounds and is an important reserve of medicinal plants. Nigella sativa and Lepidium sativum are plants that are widely used in traditional medicine for their multiple therapeutic properties. The current study aims to highlight the biological activities that can justify and valorize the use of these plants. Flavonoids, total phenols, condensed tannins, and sugars were determined. The biological activities tested were antioxidant by determining the IC50 (defined as the concentration of an antioxidant required to decrease the initial concentration by 50%; inversely related to the antioxidant capacity), hemagglutination, and hemolytic activities. Phytochemical quantification of the seed extracts indicated that the total phenol content was largely similar for both plants and in the order of 10 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/g. On the other hand, L. sativum seeds registered a higher content of flavonoids (3.09 ± 0.04 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g) as compared to Nigella saliva (0.258 ± 0.058). Concerning condensed tannins, N. saliva seeds present a higher amount with a value of 7.2 ± 0.025 mg/g as compared to L. sativum (1.4 ± 0.22 mg/g). Concerning the total sugar content, L. sativum shows a higher content (67.86 ± 0.87 mg/g) as compared to N. sativa (58.17 ± 0.42 mg/g); it is also richer in mucilage with a content of 240 mg as compared to 8.2 mg for N. saliva. Examination of the antioxidant activity using a DPPH (2.2-diphenyl 1-pycrilhydrazyl) test revealed that the EButOH (n-butanol extract) and EAE (ethyl acetate extract) extracts were the most active, with IC50 values of 48.7 and 50.65 μg/mL for the N. sativa extracts and 15.7 and 52.64 μg/mL for the L. sativum extracts, respectively. The results of the hemagglutination activity of the different extracts of the two plants prepared in the PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) medium showed significant agglutination for the L. sativum extract (1/50) compared to the N. sativa extract (1/20). An evaluation of the hemolytic effect of the crude extract of the studied seeds on erythrocytes isolated from rat blood incubated in PBS buffer compared to the total hemolysis induced by distilled water showed a hemolysis rate of 54% for Nigella sativa and 34% for L. sativum. In conclusion, the two plants studied in the current work exhibited high antioxidant potential, which could explain their beneficial properties.

Hesperetin mitigates sorafenib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice through inhibition of the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase receptor inhibitor that targets various signaling pathways. It is used as the first line of treatment in advanced hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas. Sorafenib was reported to induce cardiotoxicity due to myocyte necrosis. Hesperetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study investigated the putative protective effect of hesperetin against sorafenib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice through downregulation of NLRP3/TLR4 signaling and inhibition of apoptosis. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were distributed into four groups: untreated control, hesperetin (50 mg/kg/day, orally), sorafenib (100 mg/kg/day, orally), and combination (Hesperetin+Sorafenib). After a three-week treatment period, various biochemical parameters in cardiac tissues were assessed. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured. Moreover, TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptotic activity were done. Compared with the sorafenib group, the combination group exhibited reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and lower NLRP3/TLR4 expressions. Histologically, the combination group showed improved myocardial histology and a marked decrease in collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical examination showed decreased caspase-3 and increased Bcl-2 expression. Before recommending hesperetin as an adjuvant, clinical studies are warranted for mitigating sorafenib cardiotoxicity.

Screening a novel six critical gene-based system of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in prostate adenocarcinoma patients with different clinical variables

The mechanisms behind prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) pathogenicity remain to be understood due to tumor heterogeneity. In the current study, we identified by microarray technology six eligible real hub genes from already identified hub genes through a systematic in silico approach that could be useful to lower the heterogenetic-specific barriers in PRAD patients for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. For this purpose, microarray technology-based, already-identified PRAD-associated hub genes were initially explored through extensive literature mining; then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction of those hub genes and its analysis helped us to identify six most critical genes (real hub genes). Various online available expression databases were then used to explore the tumor driving, diagnostic, and prognostic roles of real hub genes in PRAD patients with different clinicopathologic variables. In total, 124 hub genes were extracted from the literature, and among those genes, six, including CDC20, HMMR, AURKA, CDK1, ASF1B, and CCNB1 were identified as real hub genes by the degree method. Further expression analysis revealed the significant up-regulation of real hub genes in PRAD patients of different races, age groups, and nodal metastasis status relative to controls. Moreover, through correlational analyses, different valuable correlations between treal hub genes expression and different other data (promoter methylation status, genetic alterations, overall survival (OS), tumor purity, CD4+ T, CD8+ T immune cells infiltration, and different other mutant genes and a few more) across PRAD samples were also documented. Ultimately, from this study, a few important transcription factors (TFS), miRNAs, and chemotherapeutic drugs showing a great therapeutic potential were also identified. In conclusion, we have discovered a set of six real hub genes that might be utilized as new biomarkers for lowering heterogenetic-specific barriers in PRAD patients for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Influence of Canning and Storage on Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Properties, and Bioactive Compounds of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Wholes, Halves, and Pulp

This study aimed to examine the effect of canning and storage on physicochemical, mineral, and antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of apricot wholes, halves, and pulp. The findings for physicochemical properties revealed that the total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugars, and ascorbic acid were found higher in apricot pulp (37.15, 1.39, and 20.74% and 7.21 mg/100 g FW, respectively) followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The remarkable contents of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were found in the apricot pulp which revealed that canning and storage slightly affected the mineral composition. Bioactive substances were identified and quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which indicated a higher presence of chlorogenic acid (34.45 mg/kg FW), quercitin-3-glucoside (16.78 mg/kg FW), neochlorogenic acid (26.52 mg/kg FW), gallic acid (5.37 mg/kg FW), kaempferol (14.22 mg/kg FW), ellagic acid (6.02 mg/kg FW), procyanidin B₂ (8.80 mg/kg FW), and epicatechin (9.87 mg/kg FW) in apricot pulp followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content was found highest in apricot pulp (13.76 GAE mg/100 g FW) followed by wholes (8.09 GAE mg/100 g FW) and halves (6.48 GAE mg/100 g FW) which decreased significantly throughout the storage period. Antioxidant properties were assessed by DPPH, ABTS⁺, MCA, and BCBA, which were found higher in the apricot pulp (92.23 TEAC μg/g DW, 92.33 TEAC μg/g DW, 33.80 TEAC μg/g DW, and 68.40 TEAC μg/g DW, respectively) that is correlated with the higher presence of bioactive compounds. Thus, apricot pulp containing excellent sources of nutrients, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidant components could be used for consumption purposes that provide nutraceuticals and antioxidants globally.

Microwave assisted hydrothermally synthesized cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles for the degradation of organic dyes and antimicrobial applications

A novel photocatalyst based cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles (Co-ZnFe₂O₄ NPs) was prepared to actively concentrate degradation of organic dyes in water. The aim this study is to investigate the effect of substitution of Co²⁺ for Zn²⁺ in zinc ferrites nanoparticles and is characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, SEM, Photoluminescence and Vibrating sample magnetometer technique. When the calcinations temperature increases from 150 °C to 450 °C the amorphous ferrites begins to vanish and the characteristic reflections of cubic spinal Co-ZnFe₂O₄ phase are only observed at 450 °C. The band gap energy (E_g) of sample calcined at 250 °C is calculated at 5.2 eV and that of 450 °C is 4.5 eV. The observed value of band gap energy decreased with increasing calcinations temperature in the samples. The increase in PL peak intensity is due to collective emissions and light-scattering. The doping material, cobalt substitution at spinel zinc ferrites surface, and hence gradually decrease the amorphous effect, increase the saturation magnetization and decrease the coercivity while increasing the temperature. The compounds calcined at 250 °C and 450 °C were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A sample with 450 °C calcination temperature leads to higher efficiencies in the inhibition of growth of bacteria and degradation of organic dyes. Hence, this study provides a novel photocatalyst of Co-ZnFe₂O₄ NPs in the tile to degrade and analyze the environmentally ignored organic compounds.

Nutritional status, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different fruits and vegetables' peels

The present study assessed nutritional status, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content in fruits, i.e., mango (Mangifera indica), apple (Malus domestica), and vegetable, i.e., bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) peels. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were evaluated by using methanol extracts along with 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay, respectively having Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Gallic acid (GA) as standard. The TPC and antioxidant activity in the peels ranged from 20 mg GAE/g to 525 mg GAE/g and 15.02% to 75.95%, respectively, which revealed that investigated fruit and vegetable peels are rich source of phytochemical constituents. Bottle gourd peels exhibited the highest value of DPPH compared to the rest of the peels included in the study. Likewise, mango peels had the highest TPC as compared to the rest of the fruit peels. This research showed that the utilization of agricultural wastes should be promoted at commercial level to achieve the nutritional benefit at zero cost and minimize the generation of biological waste.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Provoke Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Knocking Down the STAT3 Activated Signaling Pathway: In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of liver cancer and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in HCC progression, migration, and suppression of apoptosis. This study investigates the apoptotic effect of the dietary antioxidant (n-3 PUFAs) on HepG2 cells and analyzes the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo study: Seventy-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 25): Group I (control): 0.9% normal saline, intraperitoneal. Group II: N-Nitrosodiethylamine (200 mg/kg b.wt) intraperitoneal, followed by phenobarbital 0.05% in drinking water. Group III: as group II followed by n-3 PUFAs intubation (400 mg/kg/day). In vivo study: liver specimens for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. In vitro study: MTT assay, cell morphology, PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. n-3 PUFAs significantly improved the histopathologic features of HCC and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Further, HepG2 cells proliferation was suppressed through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 activity. Here we report that n-3 PUFAs may be an ideal cancer chemo-preventive candidate by targeting STAT3 signaling, which is involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Prevalence and patterns of chromosomal abnormalities among Egyptian patients with infertility: a single institution’s 5-year experience

Background

Chromosomal abnormalities represent an important cause of human infertility. Little is known about the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities among Egyptian couples with infertility. We estimated the cytogenetic profiles and semen analysis patterns among infertile couples. We analyzed data from medical archives of 2150 patients with infertility in Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt from 2015 to 2019. The data included karyotypes and semen analysis reports.

Results

Chromosomal abnormalities were reported in 13.5% of infertile patients (290/2150); 150 out of 1290 (11.62%) males and 140 out of 860 (16.28%) females. Within the infertile males, the numerical chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 134/1290 (10.38%) males, and structural abnormalities were found in 16/1290 (1.24%) males. Within the infertile females, numerical sex chromosome abnormalities were detected in 75/860 (8.72%) females, structural sex chromosome abnormalities were found in 31/860 (3.6%) females, mosaicism of the sex chromosome was found in 22/860 (2.56%) females, and male pseudohermaphrodites were detected in 12/860 (1.39%) females.

Conclusions

Numerical chromosomal aberrations are the most frequent patterns among infertile couples. Attention should be paid to the traditional chromosomal analysis as an important diagnostic step in the infertility work-up.

Effect of Ag doped MnO2 nanostructures suitable for wastewater treatment and other environmental pollutant applications

A modest sol-gel method has been employed to prepare the pure and Ag doped MnO₂ nanoparticles and methodologically studied their physical, morphological, and photosensitive properties through XRD, TEM, EDAX, Raman, UV, PL and N₂ adsorption - desorption study. Tetragonal crystalline arrangement with spherical nanoparticles was found out through XRD and TEM studies. The EDAX studies further supported that formation Ag in the MnO₂ crystal matrix. The bandgap energy of Ag doped MnO₂ was absorbed through UV spectra. Photo -generated recombination process and surface related defects were further recognized by PL spectra. Through visible light irradiation, the photo - degradation of methyl orange (MO) and phenol dye solutions were observed. The optimum condition of (10 wt% of Ag) Ag doped MnO₂ catalyst showed tremendous photocatalytic efficiency towards MO than phenol under same experimental study.

Effect of the traditional medicinal plants Rhazya stricta, Balanitis aegyptiaca and Haplophylum tuberculatum on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

This work examines the effects of lyophilized extracts of the medicinal plants Rhazya stricta, Balanites aegyptiaca and Haplophylum tuberculatum on liver damage induced by paracetamol in mice. Rapid HPLC finger prints for some of these extracts were made. The hepatoprotective effects of the plant extracts were compared with that of the standard hepatoprotective agent silymarin. The extracts (1 g/kg) and silymarin (0.1 g/kg) were given orally for 5 consecutive days. On the last day of treatment a hepatotoxic oral dose of paracetamol (0.6 g/kg) was given, and 3 h later, the hepatic function of mice was evaluated using pentobarbitone -induced sleeping time, the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and cholesterol concentration in plasma. The livers were weighed and examined for macro- and microscopic changes. Pretreatment with R. stricta or with silymarin protected the livers of treated mice against paracetamol hepatotoxicity as evidenced by a significant improvement of the above liver function tests. B. Aegyptiaca had a relatively modest hepatoprotective activity, while H. tuberculatum was almost ineffective. Oral pretreatment of mice for 5 consecutive days with an extract of R. stricta or silymarin protected about 57% and 92% of the treated mice, respectively, against the lethal effect of paracetamol (1 g/kg). B. aegyptiaca and H. tuberculatum protected only 27% and 16% of the animals, respectively.

Effect of Rhazya stricta on the developing rat fetus

Rhazya stricta is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, inflammation, and helminthiasis. Our objective was to determine if the plant extract has any effect on fetal development in the rat. A lyophilized extract of the plant was administered daily on three consecutive gestation days (GD) covering the period of preimplantation and organogenesis. The fetuses were examined on GD 20. Higher doses (5.0 or 8.0 g/kg) of R. stricta generally caused a reduction in maternal weight gain, compared to controls, whereas the lower doses (0.5 to 2.0 g/kg) did not. Treatment on GD 1, 2, 3, or 7, 8, 9 had no effect on the fetal weight. Treatment on later days GD 8, 9, 10, or 10, 11, 12, or 13, 14, 15 reduced both the number of live fetuses and their weight. Pronounced intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was observed in groups treated at later stages, particularly in the high dose groups. Extreme resorption characterized R. stricta treatment on GD 10, 11, and 12. Examination of the conceptus 24 h after R. stricta treatment indicated retarded placental development associated with hypovascularity, which possibly contributed to the IUGR and fetal death. The incidence of malformations such as micromelia, adactyly, maxillary-mandibular hypoplasia, protruding tongue, and edema, did not reach statistical significance. Except perhaps for a generalized growth retardation, no skeletal malformations were obvious. These observations are suggestive of potential fetal toxicity of R. stricta if taken during pregnancy.

Effect of Teucrium stocksianum on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

1. Hepatoprotective activity of an ethanolic extract of Teucrium stocksianum was investigated against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in mice. 2. Paracetamol at an oral dose of 0.6 g/kg produced about 94% mortality in mice while pretreatment with the plant extract (0.5 and 1 g/kg for 5 days) reduced the death rate to 0%. 3. Paracetamol (0.6 g/kg, orally) produced liver damage as manifested by significant rises in liver weight, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and bilirubin concentration, pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, and by the significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver. 4. Pretreatment of mice with T. stocksianum at the above doses significantly ameliorated all the paracetamol-induced signs of liver damage described above. 5. T. stocksianum did not produce any lethality or adverse effects in the livers of treated mice. 6. These results indicate that T. stocksianum ethanolic extract contains hepatoprotective constituents, and suggest further work on the isolation and characterization of these constituents which may potentially be used as hepatoprotective agents.