Nigella sativa Extract Potentially Inhibited Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Induced Infection in Rabbits: Potential Immunomodulatory and Growth Promoting Properties.

Weaning is the most crucial period associated with increased stress and susceptibility to diseases in rabbits. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a historic emergent pathogen related to post weaning stressors, adversely affects rabbit's growth rate and productive cycle. Since MRSA is rapidly evolving antibiotics resistance, natural products are desperately required to tackle the public health threats posed by antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed to screen the iin vitro antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa extract (NSE) and its interactions with antibiotics against MRSA isolates. Moreover, 200 weaned rabbits were divided into 4 groups to investigate the iin vivo superiority of NSE graded levels towards growth performance, tight junction integrity, immune responsiveness and resistance against MRSA. Herein, NSE showed promising antimicrobial activities against MRSA isolates from animal (77.8%) and human (64.3%) origins. Additionally, MRSA isolates exposed to NSE became sensitive to all antimicrobials to which they were previously resistant. Our results described that the growth-promoting functions of NSE, especially at higher levels, were supported by elevated activities of digestive linked enzymes. Post-NSE feeding, rabbits' sera mediated bactericidal activities against MRSA. Notably, upregulated expression of occludin, CLDN-1, MUC-2 and JAM-2 genes was noted post NSE supplementation with maximum transcriptional levels in 500 mg/kg NSE fed group. Our data described that NSE constitutively motivated rabbits' immune responses and protected them against MRSA-induced experimental infection. Our results suggest the antimicrobial, growth stimulating and immunomodulation activities of NSE to maximize the capability of rabbits for disease response.

Drought-Induced Oxidative Stress in Pearl Millet (Cenchrus americanus L.) at Seedling Stage: Survival Mechanisms through Alteration of Morphophysiological and Antioxidants Activity.

We report the impact of drought stress on pearl millet during the early seedling stage and its survival mechanism. Drought stress imposed for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days showed considerable changes in morphophysiological attributes, which were evident by a decline in seedling elongation, fresh and dry biomass, and relative water content (RWC) and degradation of chlorophyll pigment. Besides this, visible chlorosis lesions were observed in leaves as compared to the control. As compared to the respective controls, a nearly 60% decline in chlorophyll content was recorded after 14 and 21 days of drought stress. In both root and shoot, drought stress raised the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Both H2O2 and O2●- levels were significantly elevated along with a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in both roots and shoots, which clearly indicated ROS-induced oxidative stress. Concomitant with the increase in ROS levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in roots, membrane integrity was also lost, which clearly indicated ROS-induced peroxidation of membrane lipids. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants were significant (p ≤ 0.001). After 7, 14 and 21 days of drought stress, activities of all the antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) were inhibited, clearly indicating a loss of antioxidant defense machinery. Likewise, the levels of ascorbate (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels declined significantly (p ≤ 0.01). Our results reveal that, being tolerant to arid climatic conditions, pearl millet is highly susceptible to drought stress at the early seedling stage.

Growth, carcass parameters, biochemical and oxidative stress indices, and meat traits of duck breeds under different stocking densities.

This investigation was aimed to inspect if there is an influence of various stocking density on growth, carcass parameters, blood indices, and meat traits of Muscovy and Mallard ducks. One hundred twenty-six 1-day-old of each Muscovy and Mallard ducks were randomly allocated into three experimental groups with different stocking density. Group one (SD1) was 5 ducks/m2, while group 2 (SD2) was 7 ducks/m2 and group 3 (SD3) was 9 ducks/m2. The growth, carcass parameters, meat quality, blood indices were calculated. Body weight of SD1 was 18 and 4.5% heavier than SD2, while, it was 29.5 and 12% heavier than SD3 of Muscovy and Mallard duck breeds, respectively. SD3 possessed the highest levels of, H/L, ALT, AST, LDL, VLDL, and MDA with the lowest levels of lymphocyte, SOD,GSH, GPX, C3, total antioxidant capacity and IGG of both ducks' breeds. The carcass weight decreased by 40 and 15% from SD1 to SD3 in Muscovy and mallard ducks, respectively. The dressing % was highest at SD1 (84 and 83%) when compared with SD3(71and80%) of Muscovy and Mallard ducks, respectively. Cooking loss was 20 and 16% greater in group three when compared with group one in Muscovy and Mallard ducks, respectively. In conclusion ducks raised in low SD possessed the best performance with better welfare.

Diosgenin Modulates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder that results in excessive energy accumulated in adipose tissue causing dysfunction of adipocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Diosgenin (DG), a steroidal saponin produced by several plants, has been reported to have antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diosgenin on oxidative stress and inflammation in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Thirty adult male mice were divided into three groups including the control group, mice fed with a normal diet; the HFD group, mice fed with a high-fat diet for 6 weeks; and the HFD+DG group, mice fed with a high-fat diet and diosgenin daily for 6 weeks. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities were evaluated. Histopathological changes in the adipose tissues have been investigated. Results: Data showed that diosgenin increased TAC activities with a concomitant decrease in MDA levels. As well, DG reduces the TNF and IL-6 levels. The histopathological changes in the adipose tissues due to high-fat consumption were restored upon DG supplementation. Conclusion: Our results suggested that diosgenin is a promising agent for regulating obesity by increasing the levels of antioxidants, modifying oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might prevent the onset of many diseases.

The larvicidal effect of neemazal T/S, clove oil and ginger oil on tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta compared to coragen.

The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and biochemical changes of Tuta absoluta 3rd instar larvae affected by neemazal T/S, clove oil and ginger oil. These compounds were evaluated compared to the recommended pesticide, Coragen 20% SC. by means of sublethal concentrations, LC25 and LC50 under constant laboratory conditions. Results showed that neemazal T/S is more toxic than detected oils compared with higher toxicity of coragen with LC50 values of 57.52, 159.94, 633.38 and 930.71 µg mL-1 for coragen, neemazal, ginger oil and clove oil, respectively. There were highly significant differences between all treatments and untreated larvae. Neemazal possessed the greatest effect on activity level of most physiological parameters than selected oils. Larval content of digestive enzymes was decreased significantly 48 h after all treatments except for lipase, α-esterase and ß-esterase (in case of coragen and clove oil). Also, total proteins, total carbohydrates, total lipids and total free amino acids take the same trend. Based on this study, these sublethal doses caused a significantly dose-dependent perturbation in determined components.

Prevalence and Characterization of PVL-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Cow's Milk.

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and some toxin genes of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in unpasteurized raw cow's milk collected from retail outlets located at Mansoura, Dakahliya governorate, Egypt. In that context, a total of 700 raw cow's milk samples were investigated for the presence of S. aureus, which was identified in 41.1% (288/700) of the samples. Among the S. aureus isolates, 113 PVL-positive S. aureus were identified and subjected for further analysis. The PVL-positive S. aureus were investigated for the existence of toxin-related genes, including hemolysin (hla), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tst), and enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, see, seg, sei, and selj). Genotypic resistance of PVL-positive strains was performed for the detection of blaZ and mecA genes. Among the PVL-positive S. aureus, sea, seb, and sec were detected in 44.2, 6.2%, and 0.9%, respectively, while the hla and tst genes were identified in 54.9% and 0.9%, respectively. The blaZ and mecA genes were successfully identified in 84.9 (96/113) and 32.7% (37/113) of the total evaluated S. aureus isolates, respectively. PVL-positive S. aureus displayed a high level of resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Multidrug resistance (resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) was displayed by all methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 38.2% of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. The obtained findings are raising the alarm of virulent PVL-positive MRSA clones in retail milk in Egypt, suggesting the requirement for limiting the use of ß-lactam drugs in food-producing animals and the importance of implementing strong hygiene procedures in dairy farms and processing plants.

Reproductive Performance and Culling Rate of Purebred Holstein Cows and Their Crosses With Fleckvieh and Brown Swiss Cows Under Subtropical Conditions.

This study aimed to elucidate the reproductive performance of purebred Holstein (HO) cows with their crosses with Fleckvieh (FV) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows under subtropical conditions. A total of 677 cows [487 HO, 104 HO × FV (HFV); 50% FV and 50% HO and 86 HO × BS (HB); 50% BS and 50% HO] were enrolled in this study. Pure HO cows had significantly greater service per conception (S/C; 3.69), days open (147.9 days), and calving interval (449.6 days), than the HFV (2.89, 116.7, and 407.4 days, respectively) and HB (3.07, 134.3, and 434.2 days, respectively) crossbred cows. At day 28, the conception percentage was significantly greater among HFV crossbred cows vs. pure HO cows [crude odds ratios (COR) = 2.16], but embryonic loss, abortion percentage, calving difficulty, and retained placenta percentage were similar (p > 0.05) among pure HO cows and their crosses. HFV crossbreds had significantly lower incidence of endometritis (COR = 0.70, p = 0.035), mastitis (COR = 0.69, p = 0.015), and ketosis (COR = 0.53, p = 0.004) vs. other cows. HB and pure HO cows had a similar incidence of mastitis, lameness, and ketosis (COR = 0.76, 0.75, and 0.81; p = 0.223, 0.468, and 0.492, respectively). HFV crossbred cows had a lower risk of culling rate than HB crossbred cows. In summary, HFV cows demonstrated the best reproductive performance in terms of S/C, days open, calving interval, conception at 28 days, mastitis percentage, ketosis percentage, and endometritis.

Disposition of Cefquinome in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Following Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration.

The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in turkeys of cefquinome (CFQ), a broad-spectrum 4th-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, were explored after a single injection of 2 mg/kg body weight by intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes. In a crossover design and 3-weeks washout interval, seven turkeys were assigned for this objective. Blood samples were collected prior to and at various time intervals following each administration. The concentration of CFQ in plasma was measured using HPLC with a UV detector set at 266 nm. For pharmacokinetic analysis, non-compartmental methods have been applied. Following IV administration, the elimination half-life (t1/2ʎz), distribution volume at steady state (Vdss), and total body clearance (Cltot) of CFQ were 1.55 h, 0.54 L/kg, and 0.32 L/h/kg, respectively. Following the IM administration, CFQ was speedily absorbed with an absorption half-life (t1/2ab) of 0.25 h, a maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 2.71 µg/mL, attained (Tmax) at 0.56 h. The bioavailability (F) and in vitro plasma protein binding of CFQ were 95.56% and 11.5%, respectively. Results indicated that CFQ was speedily absorbed with a considerable bioavailability after IM administration. In conclusion, CFQ has a favorable disposition in turkeys that can guide to estimate optimum dosage regimes and eventually lead to its usage to eradicate turkey's susceptible bacterial infections.

Potential impact of stocking density on growth, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of different broiler breeds.

The aim of the current study to investigate the potential impact of different stocking densities on growth performance, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of Arbor Acres and Ross-308 broiler breeds to recommend the better stocking density with low production cost simultaneously with high quality. A total of 312 one-day old of each Arbor Acres broiler and Ross-308 were randomly classified into 3 experimental groups with different stocking density, each of 6 replicates. The first group (SD1) was 14 birds/m2 (28 kg/m2), while the second group (SD2) was 18 birds/m2 (36 kg/m2) and the third group (SD3) was 20 birds/m2 (40 kg/m2). The growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. SD3 group possessed the lowest body weight. Alanine transaminase in Arbor Acres was 15 and 14% higher in SD3 when compared with SD1 and SD2, respectively. While, was 21 and 20% of Ross-308, respectively. SD3 revealed the highest values of cholesterol, TG, MDA, and LDL of both breeds when compared with SD1 and SD2, with the lowest levels of HDL, GPX, and IGG. Birds of SD3 was the nastiest carcass weight 873 (P = 0.000) and 1,411.60 g (P = 0.000); dressing percentage 63.07 (P = 0.000) and 75.83% (P = 0.000); breast weight 513.10 g (P = 0.000) and 885.50g (P = 0.000); thigh weight 359.90 g (P = 0.000) and 526.08 g (P = 0.000) when compared with SD1 and SD2 of Arbor Acres and Ross-308, respectively. The dressing % of SD1 and SD2 was approximately 19% better than that of SD3 of Arbor Acres, while it was 4% of Ross-308. The cooking loss and drip loss of breast and thigh muscles were higher in SD3 of both breeds. Moreover, SD3 possessed the highest bacterial count. In conclusion birds reared in medium stocking density revealed better performance and welfare than high density but similar to low density. Therefore, from the economic point, medium density was the best.

The modulatory impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract against methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root (licorice) is a widely used herb for its beneficial effects on health. This study explored the protective effects of licorice extract against oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction caused by methotrexate (MTX). Mice were allocated into (i) negative control group that received saline; (ii) licorice extract group, orally administered with 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) licorice extract for 12 days; (iii) positive MTX-intoxicated group, injected with a single intraperitoneal dose of MTX (20 mg/kg bw) on day 7; and (iv) a protective group that received licorice extract for 12 days and then MTX on day 7 as in groups 2 and 3. Total proteins, albumin, globulins, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured in blood and testis samples collected from all groups. Testicular oxidative stress, serum reproductive hormones, and spermogram were examined. The expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes (translocator protein; and P450scc) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 genes were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The bioactive contents of licorice extract were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Pretreatment with licorice extract ameliorated the toxic effects of MTX on total proteins, albumin, and globulins and oxidative stress biomarkers and reversed the effect of MTX on examined serum and tissue antioxidants. Besides, MTX down-regulated mRNA expression of translocator protein and P450scc genes. Licorice extract averted the decrease in serum testosterone and the increase in IL-1ß and IL-6 levels induced by MTX. Moreover, MTX increased sperm abnormalities and percentage of dead sperms and reduced sperm motility. These changes were absent in the licorice preadministered group. Licorice prevented the increase in immunoreactivity of testis for Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2 that were overexpressed in MTX-injected mice. Licorice extracts positively regulated the expression of steroidogenesis genes suppressed by MTX, increased antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and catalase) and reduced biomarker of oxidative stress (testicular malondialdehyde) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and -6). Moreover, reduction in testicular tissue immunoreactivity to Bcl-2-associated X protein and cyclogenase-2. In conclusion, licorice extract mitigated the toxic effects of MTX-induced testicular dysfunction at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels.

Ameliorative impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in mice.

Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic that has been used worldwide for many years. While considered an essential medicine by the WHO, gentamicin can also lead to severe kidney damage. This study explored the ameliorative effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on gentamicin-induced renal injury in mice. Four groups of n = 7 mice were used: (a) control; (b) G. glabra-only; (c) gentamicin-only; and (d) gentamicin plus G. glabra. Kidney samples were tested for: antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [Gpx]); expression of HO-1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 genes; expression of Cox-2 and Bax; cytokine levels (IL-1ß, and IL-6); histopathological anomalies; and standard renal functional component levels (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen). The effects of gentamicin were generally reversed or normalized following treatment with G. glabra root extract. Gentamicin decreased Gpx and SOD parameters and increased IL-1 ß and IL-6 levels, but these returned to normal in the G. glabra-treated group. Gentamicin upregulated tissue levels of Cox-2 and Bax, and downregulated HO-1 and Nrf-2 expression but again, and these levels returned to normal in the group treated with G. glabra. Mice that had received gentamicin exhibited acute renal blood vessel congestion, focal interstitial round cell aggregation, and hydropic degeneration of renal tubular epithelium. However, those that had also received G. glabra showed a normal histopathology. Findings from this study indicate that in mouse models, gentamicin-induced kidney damage can be reversed or ameliorated by administering G. glabra, so it can be considered as an effective complimentary therapy.

Regulatory effect of diosgenin on lipogenic genes expression in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice.

Obesity is one of the most serious health problems in the world, increasing the risk of other chronic diseases. Alterations in fatty acid synthesis related genes are crucially involved in obesity progression. Diosgenin (DG) was one of the phytosterols compounds with vital activity against lipid disorders. Therefore, this study was intended to evaluate the protective effect of DG on lipogenesis in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, via investigating the expression of two of the fatty acid synthesis-involved genes; sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes. Thirty adult male mice were divided into 3 groups. Control group, fed with normal diet; HFD group, mice fed with a high-fat diet and HFD + DG group, mice fed with a high-fat diet and supplemented in parallel with DG for 6 consecutive weeks. The effect of DG on Body weights, liver enzymes, lipid profile, were evaluated. Histopathological fatty changes as well as SREBP-1c and FASN gene expression were also investigated. DG significantly alleviated body weight gain, adjusted liver enzymes, and improved lipid profile. Additionally, DG ameliorated the histopathological changes by reducing the lipid vacuoles and hence the hepatosteatosis. Accordingly, DG significantly downregulated the two-fold increase in the SREBP-1c and FASN gene expression observed in the HFD group. In conclusion, DG possesses a beneficial impact against diet-induced obesity in mice, which makes it a good candidate for NAFLD and obesity prevention.

Protective Impacts of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract against Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis on Mouse Spleen.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was aimed to examine the possible ameliorative impacts of MO leaf extract (MOLE) against MTX-induced alterations on oxidative stress of mouse spleen and explore the possible molecular mechanism that controls such impacts. METHODS: Adult male mice were allocated into 4 groups: control, Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE), MTX, and MOLE plus MTX. Mice received MOLE orally for a week before MTX injection and continued for 12 days. Serum and spleen were sampled for biochemical and quantitative gene expressions. RESULTS: As compared with the MTX-injected group, MOLE effectively reduced the changes in total proteins, spleen MDA, SOD and catalase activities, and changes in serum antioxidants levels. Moreover, there is downregulation of antioxidant genes (SOD and catalase) and antiapoptotic genes (XIAP and Bcl-xl) along with upregulation in Bax and caspase-3 mRNA (apoptotic genes) in the MTX-injected group. MTX induced changes in IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression. MOLE restored and ameliorated the changes induced in biochemical, antioxidants, apoptosis, and apoptosis associated genes that were induced by MTX intoxication. CONCLUSION: Current findings indicated that pretreatment with MOLE to MTX-intoxicated mice showed the potential usage of MO for oxidative stress and apoptosis treatment.

The ameliorative impacts of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against oxidative stress and methotrexate-induced hepato-renal dysfunction.

Moringa Oleifera (MO) is a herbal plant native to South Asia known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the protective effects of MO leaf extract (MOLE) against oxidative stress and hepatic and renal injuries caused by methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg body weight MTX to induce hepatic and kidney injuries. They then received 300 mg/kg body weight of MOLE orally for seven days, followed by MTX on day 7 then five more days of MOLE (12 days total). Blood, liver and kidney samples were collected from all groups and the following biochemical parameters were tested: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total proteins. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine Nrf2, HO-1, BAX, TIMP, XIAP, and NFkB, which are associated with apoptosis, anti-apoptosis and oxidative stress. Capase-9 and Bcl2 genes underwent immunohistochemical analysis. Pretreatment with MOLE reduced the effect of MTX on ALT, AST and total proteins, and reversed its effect on serum and tissue antioxidants. Nrf2/HO-1, apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression was regulated, and Bax and TIMP were reduced; XIAP expression was increased in both the liver and kidney samples, and immunoreactivity of caspase-9 and Bcl2 was restored in the MOLE-administered experimental group. Overall, the study concluded that MOLE can inhibit the effects of hepato-renal injuries caused by MTX by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis and anti-apoptotic genes at biochemical, molecular and cellular levels.

Tobacco smoking causes secondary polycythemia and a mild leukocytosis among heavy smokers in Taif City in Saudi Arabia.

Tobacco smoking is a common risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, cancers and heart health problems. In Taif, the number of secondary polycythemia patients is increasing dramatically and most of those patients are heavy smokers. Therefore, this study is an attempt to understand the pathophysiological mechanism behind that problem. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from forty healthy people and forty tobacco smokers, voluntary for this study. Complete blood counts revealed a significant increase in the red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit and neutrophils with some elevations in total white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes. Moreover, serum analysis of both erythropoietin and interleukin-7 showed a significant reduction in their levels among smokers which were about 35% and 65% respectively. Gene expression study showed a significant upregulation of RAG-1, RAG-2 and EPOR-1 genes caused by tobacco smoking. In conclusion, data presented in the current study suggest that tobacco smoking might cause alveolar tissue inflammation and vascular injury causing an immune response that elevates the white blood cells count. Another suggestion is that tobacco smoking defects the pulmonary gaseous exchange mechanism leading to the secondary polycythemia indicated by the increase in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit and by the low serum erythropoietin levels.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Juniperus procera extract on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Juniperus procera, a coniferous tree in the cypress family, is one of the famous medicinal plants traditionally used in the southern area of the Arabian peninsula. This study examined the anti-hyperglycemic action of Juniperus procera extract (JPE) on diabetic rats. Sixty male rats were divided into 6 equal groups: control, control treated with JPE (200 mg/kg), diabetic, diabetic treated with insulin (1 U/kg), diabetic treated with JPE (200 mg/kg), and diabetic treated with both insulin and JPE. Blood and tissue samples were collected for serum chemistry, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry analyses, the results of which revealed hyperglycemia and inflammation following diabetes induction. Administration of JPE alone or with insulin reduced the hyperglycemia reported in diabetic rats by 25 %. The immunohistochemical examination of pancreatic tissues demonstrated a moderate restoration of insulin and NF-κB expression in pancreatic and hepatic tissues. Significant recovery was observed for glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA expression in the livers of rats treated with JPE. Administration of JPE led to similar amelioration of the mRNA expression of pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK) in the livers of diabetic rats. In addition, diabetic rats treated with insulin, JPE, or a combination of these agents demonstrated an improvement in the mRNA expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in hepatic and pancreatic tissues, reaching levels approaching normal. Our findings led us to conclude that JPE has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect accompanied by a moderate hypoglycemic effect that occurs via different mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Juniperus Procera Extract in Rats Exposed to Streptozotocin Toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is a critical health issue and implicated in several chronic health problems such as tumors, auto-immune disorder, hypertension or diabetes. However, Juniperus procera is one of the famous ancient plants that has been traditionally used to treat several diseases such as hyperglycemia, hepatitis, jaundice, bronchitis, and pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: Current study is an attempt to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Juniperus procera extract on rats exposed to cytotoxicity caused experimentally by streptozotocin injections. METHODS: Five groups of adult Wistar rats (10 rats each) were examined as (Normal control, Normal rats treated with Juniperus procera extract, rats administrated with streptozotocin, rats administrated with streptozotocin and treated with insulin and, rats administrated with streptozotocin and Juniperus procera extract). At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from experimented rats. Animals then were killed and small parts of both pancreas and liver were collected for gene expression and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Serum analysis showed a significant increase in glucose, IL-6, IL-2 and TNF-α levels in rats exposed to streptozotocin. That change was reduced in rats cotreated with insulin or Juniperus procera extract. Moreover, streptozotocin showed a significant upregulation of IL-6, TNF-α and A2M genes, while, either insulin or Juniperus procera treatment was restored to normal status. Streptozotocin induced inflammation within hepatic tissues which clearly reduced in hepatic tissues of both insulin and junipers cotreated groups. CONCLUSION: Streptozotocin toxicity induces acute inflammation and increases serum glucose, IL-6, IL-2 and TNF-α levels. However, Juniperus procera extract was found to significantly prevent that reaction within four weeks experimented frame time.

Preventive effect of Juniperus procera extract on liver injury induced by lithocholic acid.

Bile acids are strong cytotoxic endogenous compounds implicated in several diseases in various organs, such as the liver, gallbladder and small and large intestines. Lithocholic acid is one such acid, produced by flora, and causes liver injury, cholestasis, and colon cancer. The present study aimed to examine the preventive effects of Juniperus procera extract on lithocholic acid­induced liver injury in experimental mice. Forty adult male mice were divided equally into four groups. The negative control group gained free access to food and water. The second group was orally treated with 150 mg/kg of Juniperus procera extract alone, the third group was treated with 1% lithocholic acid alone and the fourth group was co-treated with 150 mg/kg of Juniperus procera extract and 1% lithocholic acid. Blood and hepatic tissues were collected and assayed for biochemical, molecular and histopathological changes. Lithocholic acid toxicity shows a significant increase in the serum levels of the liver function parameters, which were prevented via the Juniperus procera co-administration. Furthermore, lithocholic acid significantly downregulates the mRNA expression of ABCG8, OATP2, SULT2A, CAR, FXR, CYP2B10, MRP2 and UGT1A, and Juniperus procera prevented this effect. Histopathological investigations of the hepatic tissues showed that lithocholic acid exhibited severe hepatotoxicity, with areas of irregularly distributed necrosis with inflammatory infiltration. Juniperus procera co-treated group showed a slight change in the hepatic tissue, diminished necrotic areas, and inflammatory infiltration. In conclusion, this study clarified the preventive effect of Juniperus procera extract administration on hepatotoxicity induced by lithocholic acid exposure in experimental mice.

Preventive effect of artemisinin extract against cholestasis induced via lithocholic acid exposure.

Obstructive cholestasis characterized by biliary pressure increase leading to leakage of bile back that causes liver injury. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of artemisinin in obstructive cholestasis in mice. The present study was carried out on 40 adult healthy mice that were divided into 4 groups, 10 mice each; the negative control group didn't receive any medication. The normal group was fed normally with 100 mg/kg of artemisinin extract orally. The cholestatic group fed on 1% lithocholic acid (LCA) mixed into control diet and cholestatic group co-treated with 100 mg/kg of artemisinin extract orally. Mice were treated for 1 month then killed at end of the experiment. A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total and direct bilirubin was detected in mice exposed to LCA toxicity. That increase was significantly reduced to normal values in mice co-treated with artemisinin. LCA toxicity causes multiple areas of necrosis of irregular distribution. However, artemisinin co-treatment showed normal hepatic architecture. Moreover, LCA causes down-regulation of hepatic mRNA expressions of a set of genes that are responsible for ATP binding cassette and anions permeability as ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 8, organic anion-transporting polypeptide, and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 genes that were ameliorated by artemisinin administration. Similarly, LCA toxicity significantly down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of constitutive androstane receptor, OATP4, and farnesoid x receptor genes. However, artemisinin treatment showed a reasonable prevention. In conclusion, the current study strikingly revealed that artemisinin treatment can prevent severe hepatotoxicity and cholestasis that led via LCA exposure.

Association of Learning and Memory Calcineurin Binding Protein with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of learning and memory calcineurin binding (CABIN1) protein with autism spectrum disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2013 to May 2014. METHODOLOGY: Serum levels of CABIN1 protein in 62 (64%) autistic male children were analysed and 35 (36%) age healthy children measured by using ELISA. The diagnosis of autism was made, based on the criteria of autism as defined in the DSM-IV. CARS (childhood autism rating scale) was used for the assessment of autistic severity. Data was analysed on SPSS version 21. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparisons of CABIN1 protein levels between the autistic and control groups at a p-value of <0.05. Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the relationships between different variables. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the levels of CABIN1 between the 1.12 (0.01-8.8) pg/ml and healthy (1.51, 0.12-4.32) pg/ml in children. However, children with mild to moderate autism had higher CABIN1 protein level (1.27 pg/ml, 0.01-10.240) than children with severe autism (0.80 pg/ml, 0.01-4.25, p=0.145). In addition, there was no significant relationships among the serum level of CABIN1 protein, the CARS score, and age. CONCLUSION: CABIN1 protein level for children with autism was not significantly different from controls subjects as well as between children with mild to moderate and severe autism.