The Nephroprotective Potential of Brassica nigra Sprout Hydroalcoholic Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Renal Toxicity in Rats.

The nephroprotective potential of the Brassica nigra sprout (BNS) hydroalcoholic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced renal toxicity in rats was the object of this study. B. nigra sprouts were prepared in the lab to monitor the bio-changes in bioactive compounds during the sprouting for up to 7 days at 17 ± 1 °C and 90% relative humidity. Subsequently, 6-day sprouts of B. nigra were selected according to their phenolics and antioxidant activity, extracted, and examined for their nephroprotective and antioxidative stress potential at 250 and 500 mg sprout extracts kg-1 bw, in vivo. Weight gain, organ weight, lipid profile, atherogenic index, kidney functions, and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. The results indicated that the most proficient treatment for weight gain improvement was BNS extract at 500 mg kg-1. BNS at 250 mg kg-1 was remarked as the lowest weight gain enhancer compared to the NR group. A significant increase in TG, TC, LDL-c, and VLDL-c levels in the rats with CCl4-induced renal toxicity, and a significant decrease in HDL level, was noted. The administration of the BNS extract at 250 and 500 mg kg-1 considerably attenuated TG, TC, LDL-c, and VLDL-c levels, compared to the NR group. The most efficient treatment for improving the lipid profile was the BNS extract at 500 mg kg-1, even better than 250 mg kg-1. Administrating the BNS extract substantially attenuated the alterations in the creatinine, urea, and BUN caused by the CCl4 injection. The most efficient improvement was markedly recorded with the BNS extract at 500 mg kg-1, compared to the NR group. The rats treated with the BNS extract showed significant enhancement in GSH, CAT, and SOD activities and a considerable reduction in MDA levels. Administering the BNS extract at 250 and 500 mg kg-1 can efficiently reverse CCl4 inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities, significantly increase GSH, CAT, and SOD, and decrease the MDA levels dose-dependently. The BNS extract at 250 and 500 mg kg-1 exhibits nephroprotection and antioxidative stress in a dose-dependent matter. The total nephroprotection % was recorded at 65.18% and 99.21% for rats treated with 250 and 500 mg kg-1, respectively. These findings could prove and potentiate the nephroprotective activities of the BNS extract in the range of the given doses. Further clinical studies are highly recommended for confirming the nephroprotection efficiency of the B. nigra sprout.

The Indicator of Emotional Eating and Its Effects on Dietary Patterns among Female Students at Qassim University.

Emotional eating (EE) is considered as the inclination to eat in response to emotions and is associated with certain syndromes. In this sense, we explored the indices of EE and its association with dietary patterns among female students at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study of 380 participants (aged 18-29 years, female students) was performed. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were taken, such as height, body mass index, fat mass and hip-waist circumference as well as the Emotional Eating Scale (EES). The classification of the ESS included the thresholds of 44.7, 43.9 and 11.3% for low, moderate and high EE, respectively. Linear regression after adjustment showed that fat intake was a significant predictor of EE (p = 0.031) as well as feelings of enthusiasm. We also observed an interesting indication: fat intake (p = 0.011) and educational level (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with, and could be significant predictors of, EE. The results highlight the importance of emotional eating, its relationship with the consumption of foods that contain fat and understanding how it develops by raising awareness of the importance of healthy food for a healthy lifestyle.

Correction: Rashid et al. Natural Compounds of Lasia spinosa (L.) Stem Potentiate Antidiabetic Actions by Regulating Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Biochemical and Cellular Indexes. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 1466.

In the published publication [...].

Nigella sativa-Floral Honey and Multi-Floral Honey versus Nigella sativa Oil against Testicular Degeneration Rat Model: The Possible Protective Mechanisms.

The male reproductive function, particularly the testes, and the related hormones are sensitive to various xenobiotics. This work aimed for the first time to assess Nigella sativa floral honey (NS floral honey) and multi-floral honey (M-floral honey) versus Nigella sativa oil (NS oil) against rat testicular degeneration induced with azathioprine (AZA). A total of 40 male Wister rats were assigned into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) 15 mg/kg of AZA, (3) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of M-floral honey, (4) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of NS floral honey, and (5) AZA + 500 mg/kg of NA oil. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), free androgen index (FAI), gonadotrophins, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), apoptosis markers, and redox status were assessed to clarify the possible protective mechanisms. Pituitary-testicular axis disruption, apoptosis markers, poor redox status, and sperm quality (count, viability, and motility) were set with AZA. Serum TT, SHBG, and absolute and relative testis weight were significantly restored in the NS oil and NS floral honey groups. Meanwhile, the NS oil group exhibited a significant elevation in FT and FAI. Serum gonadotrophins increased significantly in the NS floral honey (p < 0.01) and M-floral honey and NS oil (p < 0.05) groups. Testicular caspase-3, caspase-9, and nitric oxide showed significant improvement in the NS floral honey and NS oil groups. NS oil supplementation significantly normalized redox status (p < 0.05), whereas NS floral honey improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. Sperm quality exhibited a significant improvement in the NS oil group (p < 0.05). M-floral honey did not show reliable results. Although NS floral honey could protect against testicular damage, it did not upgrade to the level of improvement achieved with NS oil. We claim that further clinical studies are essential for focusing on the quality and quantity of bioactive constituents.

Exposure to Bisphenol A Substitutes, Bisphenol S and Bisphenol F, and Its Association with Developing Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review.

Bisphenol A, a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been replaced with its analogs bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) over the last decade due to health concerns. BPS and BPF are present in relatively high concentrations in different products, such as food products, personal care products, and sales receipts. Both BPS and BPF have similar structural and chemical properties to BPA; therefore, considerable scientific efforts have investigated the safety of their exposure. In this review, we summarize the findings of relevant epidemiological studies investigating the association between urinary concentrations of BPS and/or BPF with the incidence of obesity or diabetes. The results showed that BPS and BPF were detected in many urinary samples at median concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 0.4 µg·L-1. At this exposure level, BPS median urinary concentrations (0.4 µg·L-1) were associated with the development of obesity. At a lower exposure level (0.1-0.03 µg·L-1), two studies showed an association with developing diabetes. For BPF exposure, only one study showed an association with obesity. However, most of the reported studies only assessed BPS exposure levels. Furthermore, we also summarize the findings of experimental studies in vivo and in vitro regarding our aim; results support the possible obesogenic effects/metabolic disorders mediated by BPS and/or BPF exposure. Unexpectedly, BPS may promote worse obesogenic effects than BPA. In addition, the possible mode of action underlying the obesogenic effects of BPS might be attributed to various pathophysiological mechanisms, including estrogenic or androgenic activities, alterations in the gene expression of critical adipogenesis-related markers, and induction of oxidative stress and an inflammatory state. Furthermore, susceptibility to the adverse effects of BPS may be altered by sex differences according to the results of both epidemiological and experimental studies. However, the possible mode of action underlying these sex differences is still unclear. In conclusion, exposure to BPS or BPF may promote the development of obesity and diabetes. Future approaches are highly needed to assess the safety of BPS and BPF regarding their potential effects in promoting metabolic disturbances. Other studies in different populations and settings are highly suggested.

Natural Compounds of Lasia spinosa (L.) Stem Potentiate Antidiabetic Actions by Regulating Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Biochemical and Cellular Indexes.

Natural biometabolites of plants have been reported to be useful in chronic diseases including diabetes and associated complications. This research is aimed to investigate how the biometabolites of Lasia spinosa methanol stem (MEXLS) extract ameliorative diabetes and diabetes-related complications. MEXLS was examined for in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidiabetic effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model, and its chemical profiling was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The results were verified by histopathological examination and in silico ligand-receptor interaction of characterized natural biometabolites with antidiabetic receptor proteins AMPK (PDB ID: 4CFH); PPARγ (PDB ID: 3G9E); and mammalian α-amylase center (PDB ID: 1PPI). The MEXLS was found to show a remarkable α-amylase inhibition (47.45%), strong antioxidant action, and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), urea, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), liver glycogen, creatinine kinase (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increase in serum insulin, glucose tolerance, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Rat's pancreas and kidney tissues were found to be partially recovered in histopathological analyses. Methyl α-d-galactopyranoside displayed the highest binding affinity with AMPK (docking score, −5.764), PPARγ (docking score, −5.218), and 1PPI (docking score, −5.615) receptors. Data suggest that the MEXLS may be an exciting source to potentiate antidiabetic activities affirming a cell-line study.

Influence of Using Food Delivery Applications on Adult Saudi Female Dietary Habits and Preferences during COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions: Attitude Survey.

Food delivery applications (FDAs) shined during COVID-19 global lockdown restrictions. Consequently, lifestyle changes imposed a greater use of these applications over this period. These changes may strongly influence the nutritional health of individuals, particularly adult Saudi females. A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the influence of using FDAs during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on attitude behaviours, including dietary habits and preferences among Saudi adult females. Participants voluntarily submitted their answers to a questionnaire administered via the Google Survey platform. Results illustrated that most Saudi female users of FDAs were aged between 18-24 years with 64.9%, 91.5% being single and 37% ordering food online within one to two days a month. There was a significant association between the influence of using FDAs during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and age, education, and average days of ordering food online (p ˂ 0.05). Another important factor is that higher education was associated with more frequent use of the FDAs, there were direct relationships between education level and using FDAs, 58% of the participants were educated as undergraduate or postgraduate. Although lifestyle changes increased the use of FDAs during COVID-19 global lockdown restrictions, these changes may negatively affect individuals' dietary habits and preferences, particularly adult Saudi females. These findings can aid in promoting healthy diet management globally and in Saudi Arabia unless the governments lead to significant beneficial changes toward improving food delivery applications.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dietary Habits and Sleep Quality Applying the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in Adult Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study aimed to evaluate the possible correlations between sleep quality and dietary habits in a population of Saudi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exactly 444 adults completed a web-based cross-sectional study using an electronic questionnaire. Results indicate a significant difference between body mass index (BMI) and bad sleep quality. Smoking is linked to bad sleep quality. Both genders affected by coronavirus had a substantially bad quality compared to non-affected. An association between the degree of craving for sugar and bad sleep quality was found. In addition, there was a statistical difference between males and females who crave sugar very often in bad sleep quality. The result of sleep latency in males was 35.83%, who suffered from a severe sleep disorder, while 41.18% were female. The sleep duration was 65.00%, and 53.90% of males and females slept between 6 and 7 h per day. Sleep efficiency, measured according to the Pittsburgh questionnaire protocol, was measured in percentages, where a value of less than 65.00% is considered the lowest sleep efficiency. Females had a lower sleep efficiency of 25.49% compared to males (13.33%). These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.03). In conclusion, quality and sleep duration were impaired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the observed changes were associated with diet.

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Behaviors of Saudi Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to spread rapidly worldwide, forcing countries to enact lockdowns and strict social-distancing measures that affect individual and population health. This study investigates the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 786 participants, with a mean age of 30 years. The questionnaire was administered online and sent via social media applications. Dietary habits, physical activity, TV-watching time, sleep patterns, stressors, and socio-demographic data were evaluated. Among the survey respondents, there was an increase in weight gain, food consumption, and decreased physical activity. Respondents who gained weight consumed more snacks, ate larger food portions, and engaged in less physical activity. Furthermore, a high fish, water, and supplements intake was noticed. Although respondents' intake of fruits and vegetables was low, most individuals reported a negatively changed intake. However, most respondents reported increased consumption of lean meat and sweet foods. Observing changes in dietary and lifestyle habits during the lockdown period may help elaborate on the pandemic's consequences for population health and assist in formulating and implementing policies for future closures, while supporting vulnerable groups.

Relationship between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini-Review.

Studying the factors that cause diabetes and conducting clinical trials has become a priority, particularly raising awareness of the dangers of the disease and how to overcome it. Diet habits are one of the most important risks that must be understood and carefully applied to reduce the risk of diabetes. Nowadays, consuming enough home-cooked food has become a challenge, particularly with modern life performance, pushing people to use processed foods. Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has grown dramatically over the last few decades worldwide. This growth is accompanied by the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. UPFs represent three main health concerns: (i) they are generally high in non-nutritive compounds such as sugars, sodium, and trans fat and low in nutritional compounds such as proteins and fibers, (ii) they contain different types of additives that may cause severe health issues, and (iii) they are presented in packages made of synthetic materials that may also cause undesirable health side-effects. The association between the consumption of UPF and the risk of developing diabetes was discussed in this review. The high consumption of UPF, almost more than 10% of the diet proportion, could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adult individuals. In addition, UPF may slightly increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Further efforts are needed to confirm this association; studies such as randomized clinical trials and prospective cohorts in different populations and settings are highly recommended. Moreover, massive improvement in foods' dietary guidelines to increase the awareness of UPF and their health concerns is highly recommended.

Ameliorative and Antioxidative Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum-Fermented Oat (Avena sativa) and Fermented Oat Supplemented with Sidr Honey against Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats.

The ameliorative and antioxidative stress effects of probiotic-enriched fermented oat (FOE) or fermented oat with honey (HFOE) extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were examined. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) were increased in FOE and HFOE after 72 h of fermentation, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reached 7.35 mg 100 g-1 in FOE and 8.49 mg 100 g-1 in HFOE. The ß-glucan levels were slightly decreased to 2.45 g 100 g-1 DW in FOE and 2.63 g 100 g-1 DW in HFOE. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FOE and HFOE were studied in a designed animal model with seven treated groups for 6 weeks. Groups were treated as follows: group 1 (negative group, NR) and group 2 (diabetic rats, DR) were administered 7 mL distilled water orally per day; group 3 (DR + MET) rats were orally administered 50 mg standard drug Metformin kg-1 daily; group 4 (DR + FOE1) diabetic rats were orally administered 3.5 mL FOE daily; group 5 (DR + FOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL FOE daily; group 6 (DR + HFOE1) rats were orally administered 3.5 mL HFOE daily; and group 7 (DR + HFOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL HFOE daily. The HFOE at the high dose had a synergistic effect, lowering random blood glucose (RBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The hypolipidemic potential of HFOE at the high dose was indicated by significant reductions in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). In addition, 7 mL of HFOE improved liver and kidney function more effectively than other fermented extracts or Metformin. As well as the antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were significantly enhanced after the administration of HFOE at 7 mL by 68.6%, 71.5%, 55.69%, and 15.98%, respectively, compared to the DR group. In conclusion, administration of L. plantarum-fermented oats supplemented with honey demonstrated antidiabetic effects and a potential approach for controlling glucose levels and lipid profiles, and protecting against oxidative stress.

Incredible affinity of Kattosh with PPAR-γ receptors attenuates STZ-induced pancreas and kidney lesions evidenced in chemicobiological interactions.

Since ancient times, plants have been used as green bioresources to ensure a healthier life by recovering from different diseases. Kattosh (Lasia spinosa L. Thwaites) is a local plant with various traditional uses, especially for arthritis, constipation and coughs. This research investigated the effect of Kattosh stem extract (LSES) on streptozotocin-induced damage to the pancreas, kidney, and liver using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. In vitro phytochemical, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of LSES were accomplished by established methods followed by antidiabetic actions in in vivo randomized controlled intervention in STZ-induced animal models for four weeks. In an in silico study, LSES phytocompounds interacted with antidiabetic receptors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR, PDB ID: 3G9E), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, PDB ID: 4CFH) and α-amylase enzyme (PDB ID: 1PPI) to verify the in vivo results. In addition, LSES showed promising in vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, it showed a decrease in weekly blood glucose level, normalized lipid profile, ameliorated liver and cardiac markers, managed serum AST and ALT levels, and increased glucose tolerance ability in the animal model study. Restoration of pancreatic and kidney damage was reflected by improving histopathological images. In ligand-receptor interaction, ethyl α-d-glucopyranoside of Kattosh showed the highest affinity for the α-amylase enzyme, PPAR, and AMPK receptors. Results demonstrate that the affinity of Kattosh phytocompounds potentially attenuates pancreatic and kidney lesions and could be approached as an alternative antidiabetic source with further clarification.

Development of instant paneer type product from groundnut using microwave dehydration.

The present study aimed at the development of a groundnut-based dehydrated paneer type product which could serve as an instant vegan protein source. In the process of preparing groundnut paneer, a ratio of 1:5 of groundnut to water and 2.0% calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution was used for the preparation of groundnut paneer and the product was evaluated for physicochemical, instrumental color, instrumental textural, and sensory characteristics. The developed paneer cubes (1.5 × 1.5 × 1 cm) were dehydrated using a vacuum-assisted microwave dryer at different microwave powers (200-600 W, 250 mbar vacuum). The minimum bulk density (0.55 g/cc) and maximum rehydration ratio (2.9) were recorded in the sample dehydrated at 600 W. The samples dried at 600 W also showed significantly (p < .05) higher L* values, softer texture and high sensory scores for color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability after rehydration.

COVID-19 Candidate Genes and Pathways Potentially Share the Association with Lung Cancer.

COVID-19 is considered as the most challenging in the current situation but lung cancer is also the leading cause of death in the global population. These two malignancies are among the leading human diseases and are highly complex in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as the most frequent and highly complex and heterogeneous in nature. Based on the latest update, it is known that the patients suffering from lung cancer, are considered to be significantly at higher risk of COVID-19 infection in terms of survival and there are a number of evidences which support the hypothesis that these diseases may share the same functions and functional components. Multi-level unwanted alterations such as (epi-)genetic alterations, changes at the transcriptional level, and altered signaling pathways (receptor, cytoplasmic, and nuclear level) are the major sources which promote a number of complex diseases and such heterogeneous level of complexities are considered as the major barrier in the development of therapeutics. With so many challenges, it is critical to understand the relationships and the common shared aberrations between them which is difficult to unravel and understand. A simple approach has been applied for this study where differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and network level understanding are carried out. Since, gene expression changes and genomic alterations are related to the COVID-19 and lung cancer but their pattern varies significantly. Based on the recent studies, it appears that the patients suffering from lung cancer and and simultaneously infected with COVID-19, then survival chance is lessened. So, we have designed our goal to understand the genes commonly overexpressed and commonly enriched pathways in case of COVID-19 and lung cancer. For this purpose, we have presented the summarized review of the previous works where the pathogenesis of lung cancer and COVID-19 infection have been focused and we have also presented the new finding of our analysis. So, this work not only presents the review work but also the research work. This review and research study leads to the conclusion that growth promoting pathways (EGFR, Ras, and PI3K), growth inhibitory pathways (p53 and STK11), apoptotic pathways (Bcl- 2/Bax/Fas), and DDR pathways and genes are commonly and dominantly altered in both the cases COVID-19 and lung cancer.

Gastroprotective Effects of Spirulina platensis, Golden Kiwifruit Flesh, and Golden Kiwifruit Peel Extracts Individually or in Combination against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Spirulina platensis (SP), golden kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) flesh (KF), and golden kiwifruit peel (KP) individually or in combination (SFP) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Negative control rats (GI) were orally administered distilled water in parallel with other treatments. The positive control rat group (GII) was administered 30 mg kg-1 indomethacin to induce gastric ulcers. The KF and KF extracts were used individually or together with SP in treating indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerated rat groups. Gastric ulcerated rat's groups GIII, GIV, GV, GVI, and GVII were orally administered at 30 mg kg-1 rat body weight as total phenolic content (TPC) equivalent from SP, KF, KP, SPF extracts, and Lansoprazole (30 mg kg-1, as reference drug) daily up to 14 days, respectively. The relevant biochemical parameters, antioxidant biomarkers, and histopathological examination were examined. Remarkably, treating rats with SP, KF, KP, and SFP extracts markedly reduced gastric juice and stomach volume expansion induced by indomethacin. The SP significantly retrieved the pH of gastric juice to a regular rate compared to GI. The ulcer index (UI) was significantly attenuated by SP, KF, KP, and SFP administration. The protection index percentage (PI %) was 80.79, 54.51, 66.08, 75.74, and 74.86% in GIII, GIV, GV, GVI, and GVII, respectively. The gastric mucin content was significantly better attenuated by 95.7 in GIII compared to its content in GI. Lansoprazole increased mucin content by 80.3%, which was considerably lower than SP and SFP. SP, KF, KP, SFP, and Lansoprazole improved the reform of gastric mucosal-increased secreted mucus by 95.6, 61.3, 64.8, 103.1, and 80.2% in GIII, GIV, GV, GVI, and GVII, respectively. Interestingly, SFP efficiently increased vit. B12 level by 46.0% compared to other treatments. While Lansoprazole administrating did not significantly attenuate vit. B12 level. The SP and SFP improved iron and Hemoglobin (HB) levels depending on treatment. SP, KF, KP, and SFP significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in blood and stomach tissues. The most potent effect was observed with SP, and SFP was even better than Lansoprazole. Histopathologically, treating rats with SP extract showed a marked reduction of gastric damage and severity changes induced by indomethacin. KP was much better than KF in lessening gastric histopathological damages caused by indomethacin. SFP significantly alleviates gastric histopathological alterations. The lansoprazole-treated group (GVII) greatly relieved the gastric histopathological changes and recorded mild focal necrosis and desquamation of the mucosa in addition to mild oedema in the serosal layer. In conclusion, the presented results proved the antiulcer potential of SP and A. chinensis extracts against an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats, which may be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammation efficiency. Thus, these data suggested that SP, KF, KP, and SFP extracts as natural and safe alternatives have a gastroprotective potential against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties are probable mechanisms.