Subchronic Exposure to Mixture of Cadmium, Copper, and Nickel Induces Neurobehavioral Deficits and Hippocampal Oxidative Stress of Wistar Rats

The present study was aimed at evaluating the influence of the subchronic exposure of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) mixtures on affective behaviors, memory impairment, and oxidative stress (OS) in the hippocampus. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 equal groups. Group 1 (control) received a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%). Groups 2, 3, and 4 received Cd (0.25 mg/kg), Cu (0.5 mg/kg), and Ni (0.25 mg/kg), respectively, while group 5 received a Cd, Cu, and Ni mixture through intraperitoneal injections for 2 months. After the exposure period, all rats were submitted to behavioral tests. Subsequently, OS markers and histological changes in the rats' hippocampi were assessed. Results showed that a 2-month exposure to the mixtures of metals (MM) has led to higher anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors and cognitive deficits in rats when compared to the control group and the individual metals. Furthermore, the MM induced heightened OS, evidenced by the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the hippocampus. The histopathological analysis also supported that MM caused a neuronal loss in the CA3 sub-region. Overall, this study underscores that subchronic exposure to the Cd, Cu, and Ni mixture induces an OS status and histological changes in the hippocampus, with important affective and cognitive behavior variations in rats.

Chemical composition of essential oils of Citrus limon peel from three Moroccan regions and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and dermatoprotective properties

Introduction: The current study aimed to explore the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and dermatoprotective properties of lemon peel essential oil (EO). Methods: The chemical composition of lemon EOs extracted from the lemon of three cities in Morocco was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antioxidant property was estimated by two complementary tests: Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the inhibition of albumin denaturation and proteinase. Inhibitory properties of α-glucosidase and α-amylase were used to reveal the antidiabetic activity of lemon peel EOs. Dermatoprotective property was evaluated by the tyrosinase inhibition method. Results: In addition to high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, GC-MS analysis of lemon peel EOs demonstrated the presence of D-limonene, β–pinene, and γ-terpinene as the main compounds in the three samples studied. Lemon peel EOs exhibited significant antioxidant activities by IC50 values ranging from 40.57 µg/mL to 100.22 µg/mL and 113.63 µg/mL to 180.90 µg/mL obtained by DPPH and FRAP tests, respectively. in vitro inhibition of enzymes involved in inflammatory response revealed that lemon peel EOs presented remarkable inhibitory activities against albumin denaturation (230.48 µg/mL>IC50<341.13 µg/mL) and proteinase (199.70 µg/mL>IC50<307.05 µg/mL). Moreover, lemon peel EOs demonstrated powerful inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with various IC50 values (1689.06 µg/ mL>IC50>4000 µg/mL and 1021.58 µg/mL>C50<2467.62 µg/mL), respectively. These EOs also revealed significant inhibition of tyrosinase with IC50 values ranging from 248.42 μg/ mL to 378.02 μg/mL. Conclusion: These results revealed that lemon peel EOs might constitute a new product with beneficial biological abilities against the mentioned complications.

Addition of Chickpea Flour in Durum Wheat Flour Makes Tortilla More Nutritious and Palatable, and Technologically Acceptable

In order to contribute to the reduction of nutritional deficiencies in Morocco, this study was undertaken to develop a healthier tortilla with higher iron and protein, while maintaining adequate technological and sensory qualities. Composite durum wheat flour enriched with 20, 25, 30, and 35% chickpea flour was assessed for nutritional, functional, and technological properties. Then, we selected two composite blends of 75:25 and 70:30 of durum wheat and chickpea flours for making tortillas to study nutritional, technological, and sensorial qualities. In addition, we studied the effects of making and cooking process and storage time. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis, and GraphPad Prism was used to create graphs. The results showed that composite tortilla had significantly higher nutritional value than durum wheat tortilla, and the best ratio was 30% chickpea flour. At this ratio, the results showed the best cooking time and the best yellowness, but tortilla fluffiness and puffiness decreased. Tortilla processing significantly increased protein at 30% chickpea flour, while minerals except sodium, weight, and diameter decreased. Adding 30% chickpea flour to durum wheat tortilla improved flavor. Then, storage decreased the weight resulting in decreased flexibility, and sanitary quality was lost early for 30% chickpea flour. In conclusion, adding 30% chickpea flour to durum wheat flour results in a healthier and tastier tortilla, which should be consumed fresh.

Phenolic fraction concentrates supplementation ameliorates learning and memory impairments in chronically stressed streptozotocin-diabetic rats by reducing brain tumor necrosis factor-α

Introduction: The present work aims to assess if insulin combined with phenolic fraction concentrates (PFCs) prevents diabetes-related cognitive impairments by controlling neuroinflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS). Methods: Directly after confirming the hyperglycemia, diabetic animals were treated with insulin combined with PFC and were exposed to 2 stressors/day for 12 weeks. Then, four cognitive tests were carried out to assess learning and memory performances. Finally, the rats were anesthetized, blood samples were collected for corticosterone and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) analysis, and the brain regions viz. striatum, hippocampus, and prefrontal-cortex of each hemisphere were dissected out for TNF-α analysis. Results: Both diabetes and stress could induce learning and memory impairments, which were more prominent in stressed diabetic animals, and significantly reversed by insulin treatment supplemented with PFC compared to the insulin monotherapy. Moreover, diabetic rats exposed to CMS displayed disturbances in glucose homeostasis as well as corticosterone secretion. These dysfunctions were linked to the significant increase of TNF-α in the blood as well as in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Insulin significantly ameliorated this inflammatory abnormality, while the supplemented treatment showed a significant effect, by stabilizing TNF-α to its normal levels in the hippocampus and in the blood when compared to insulin monotherapy. Conclusion: Insulin supplemented with PFC has a favorable effect over insulin alone on inflammatory aberrations linked with type 1 diabetes and stress in animals, confirming the preference of the combined treatment over insulin for the management of cognitive impairment in stressed diabetic subjects.

Effects of date seeds administration on anxiety and depressive symptoms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: biochemical and behavioral evidences

OBJECTIVES

Several epidemiological data indicate that chronic hyperglycemia is associated with behavioral changes such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. Date seeds, one of the most potent products with potential antioxidant activities and possess many benefits against hyperglycemia and its complication. The aim of the current study was to explore the potential effect of date seeds extract on biochemical and behavioral changes (anxiety and depression) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups as follows: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with the lyophilized aqueous extract of the date seed (2,000 mg/kg) (LAE-DS) and diabetics treated with insulin (4 UI/day). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). After 24 days treatment period, anxiety and depressive behaviors were evaluated using four behavioral tests. After sacrifice, blood samples were collected to evaluate lipid parameters. In addition, rat organs (kidney, liver and brain) were dissected out in order to estimate lipid peroxidation levels as oxidative stress marker.

RESULTS

Oral administration of the lyophilized aqueous extract of date seeds and insulin injection for 30 days significantly decreased blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats and protected them against undesirable changes in lipid parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis index. Compared to untreated diabetic rat, a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation levels in kidney, liver and brain (Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) were observed after treatment with insulin or LAE-DS in diabetic rats. Furthermore, insulin and LAE-DS administration prevented anxiety-related behaviors in STZ-diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it would be possible to combine this extract with insulin and use it as an antioxidant supplement for type 1 diabetic patients.

THE SCOUT METHOD PROTECTS THE PERCEPTION AND WORKING MEMORY OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social networks are effective and easy-to-use means of communication in the modern age technology. They remarkably influence the young users’ behavior being so entranced in such a virtual world which would easily develop into addiction. In this study we aim to measure the impact of addiction to Facebook on perception and working memory comparing two groups of young people, and how to protect scouting young people against this attachment or addiction. The study was carried out in the national center of scouting of Morocco at Ibn Tofail University on 53 master students with an average age of 24.45 years and 50 young scout leaders of Hassania Marocain scouting, who have an average age of 24.06. The educational level of these young people is between the 1st year of higher studies and the master degree. Digital test of complex Rey-Osterrieth figure and a Facebook addiction test questionnaire were used. The comparison of the means of attachment to Facebook between the two studied groups using T-test showed significant result (t = -2.510; P = .014 <0.05) with scout leaders demonstrated higher average of attachment to Facebook than that detected by master students. The results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between the hours consumed per day on Facebook and the perception and working memory. The perception of young Scout leaders is better than that of master students. We concluded that attachment to social networks influences working memory and perception, while the Scout method would serve as a new remedy for this scourge.