Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant potential of Mondia whitei and Guibourtia tessmannii against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC3 cells.

The management of oxidative stress-related disorders has garnered significant interest, particularly in the exploration of medicinal plants possessing potent antioxidant activities. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Mondia whitei (MW) and Guibourtia tessmannii (GT) against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC3 cells. The phytochemical composition of MW and GT was determined by GC-MS analysis. Total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents were quantified by Folin Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was determined using the DPPH and ABTS+ radicals scavenging method, as well as cupric and ferric reducing capacity assay. Moreover, all phytocompounds were docked against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) using ArgusLab, and results were analyzed using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer 2021 client. MW and GT comprised 20 and 22 compounds, respectively. GT exhibited higher TP and TF contents (210.70 ± 12.7; 12.61 ± 1.3 GAE/g DW) compared to MW (132.59 ± 12.59; 5.53 ± 1.3 mg of GAE/g DW). Both MW and GT demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity, with GT proving to be more effective in preventing H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. For instance, MW and GT significantly (p < .001) increased the DPPH, ABTS+, and cupric activity, compared with the H2O2 group. All compounds identified in MW and GT exhibited a strong binding affinity against AChE and GST. Drug likeness and toxicity of all phytocompounds were under the acceptable norms of Lipinski's rule. In conclusion, these plants could be effective candidates for the management/treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Genistein suppresses the inflammation and GSK-3 pathway in an animal model of spontaneous ovarian cancer

Background/aim: Numerous studies show that cancer risk is reduced by consumption of soy-based foods containing genistein, but its effects on the glycogen synthase kinase-3 pathway (GSK-3) in ovarian cancer is unknown. Therefore, we tested the properties of genistein on inflammatory biomarkers and GSK-3 signaling pathways in the ovaries of old laying hens with ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 300 laying hens were distributed into three groups as follows: group 1, animals fed a standard diet (comprising 22.39 mg of genistein/kg of diet); groups 2 and 3, animals fed a standard diet reconstituted with supplementation of 400 mg or 800 mg of genistein/kg of diet, respectively. Results: Genistein modulated the inflammatory biomarkers by decreasing serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL- 6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with control (p < 0.001). Moreover, it upregulated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS-1) and protein kinase B (p-AKT), but downregulated GSK-3α and ß after treatment. It acts in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Genistein exhibited an anticancer effect by reducing proinflammatory biomarkers levels and inhibiting GSK-3 expression in the ovaries of old laying hens. It is a potential candidate in the chemoprevention and/or treatment of ovarian cancer.

Status of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Animal Production.

In December 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused severe disease clusters was first reported in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province. This viral disease, which is reported to originate from a seafood market where wild animals are illegally sold, has been transmitted among humans worldwide through close contact. Given the growing number of infected people worldwide and the disastrous consequences in all aspects of life, COVID-19 is a serious public health issue that requires special attention. In some countries, the epidemic curve of infection which was in the plateau phase or decreasing phase during the lockdown period increases day by day since the reopening, indicating the second phase of contamination. Therefore, the preventive measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) must be respected to stop the spread of the disease. The international crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affects many sectors, including animal production and its related industries. Indeed, with the cessation of imports and exports between countries, it is not possible to provide feeds that are considered as basic raw materials in livestock raising. This situation impairs animal movements, decreases production inputs availability, and negatively affects the economy. The sustainability of animal production is also affected by a shortage of workers due to the lockdown/curfew, the strong decrease in the purchasing power of the consumer, and the intensification of health care tasks. To prevent contamination of animal products and the spread of the disease with food, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends frequent disinfection of food and human contact surfaces at production sites using an appropriate antiseptic. The purpose of this review article is to describe the current status of COVID-19 and investigate its effects on animal production. We propose potential approaches to keep animal products processing units and staff safe from SARS-CoV-2 infection and some strategies to improve animal production quantity and economy.

Salacia chinensis exerts its antidiabetic effect by modulating glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of Salacia chinensis (Celastraceae, SC) and its molecular mechanism in the type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7): control, SC (100 mg/kg, per os), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + SC (100 mg/kg), HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), and HFD + STZ+SC. SC decreased serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid, and malondialdehyde levels, but increased serum total antioxidant capacity (0.33 ± 0.02 versus. 0.79 ± 0.03), compared with the untreated group (p < .001). Additionally, SC elevated the expression of glucose-regulated proteins GLUT2, PPAR-É£, p-IRS, and Nrf2, but downregulated NF-κB in the liver and kidney (p < .001). In conclusion, SC could improve insulin resistance by modulation of glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in diabetic rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Present data has contributed to the current ethnomedicinal benefits of SC, through which the SC intake regulated the carbohydrate metabolism and increased the antioxidant capacity. The balance of transcription factors can mediate these efficacies partially and various key proteins involved in energy metabolism, along with oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity.

Sexual stimulant effects of the mixture of Mondia whitei, Dracaena arborea, and Bridelia ferruginea in normal and prediabetic male Wistar rats.

Background We investigated the effects of a polyherbal formulation prepared from the extracts of Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae), Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae), and Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) (MDB) on the sexual behavior of normal rats (NR) and prediabetic rats (PR). Methods Male Wistar rats were administered with drinking fructose solution (21%) or tap water for 16 weeks. After induction of prediabetic status, NR (n = 30) and PR (n = 30) were randomly distributed into 10 groups of six animals each and orally treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg), sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), or MDB (50, 100, or 500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Sexual behavior parameters per series (S) of ejaculation were evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Results Drinking fructose solution (21%) induced prediabetic status in rats, characterized by a significant (p < 0.01) increase in glycemia by 43.41% compared with the control group. MDB improved sexual performances of NR and PR by increasing the mount frequency (MF) and the intromission frequency (IF) as well as the number of rats capable of ejaculating. For instance, the MF and the IF were significantly increased in animals administered with MDB for 7 (50 mg/kg, S1 and S2), 14 (100 mg/kg, S3), or 21 days (100 or 500 mg/kg, S2). This increase was more pronounced on days 7 and 14 in NR and PR treated with sildenafil citrate or MDB extracts, respectively. Conclusions The mixture of MDB improved sexual activity in NR and PR. This result may further justify the traditional use of these plants as sexual performance enhancers.

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Euphorbiaceae) Restores Ovarian Functions in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common causes or female infertility. Phyllanthus muellerianus (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used to treat various ailments including frequent menstruation and anovulation. We investigated the effects of P. muellerianus extracts on estrus cyclicity, lipid profile, oxidative stress-related markers, sex hormones, and ovarian architecture in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. After induction of PCOS using letrozole (1 mg/kg/day), normal (n=6), and PCOS (n=108; distributed into 18 groups of 6 animals/group) rats were treated orally for 7 or 14 days with distilled water (10 ml/kg/day), clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg/day), metformin (500 mg/kg/day), and aqueous or methanolic extract of P. muellerianus (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg). Estrus cyclicity, body, and sexual organ (ovaries and uterus) weights, biochemical and histological parameters were measured. There were letrozole-induced PCOS characterized by irregular estrus cyclicity, elevated (p<0.05-0.01) glycaemia, ovarian weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, malondialdehyde, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations, but there were low (p<0.05-0.001) HDL cholesterol, estradiol, progesterone, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels, compared with control. PCOS rats had multiple cysts compared with control. These reproductive, biochemical, and structural alterations were alleviated by P. muellerianus extracts. For instance, P. muellerianus restored the estrus cyclicity with a remarkable effect after 14 days of treatment. Moreover, P. muellerianus significantly decreased (p<0.001) LH and testosterone (both extracts; 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) levels, but increased (p<0.01) estradiol (aqueous extract; 60 mg/kg) concentration. Cystic follicles were also decreased after plant application. P. muellerianus alleviated reproductive, hormonal, and structural alterations in PCOS rats. This plant could be useful in the management/treatment of reproductive and metabolic disorders related to PCOS.

The aqueous and methanol extracts of Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) improve calcium and phosphorus levels, and bone microstructure in ovariectomized model of osteoporosis.

Background Osteoporosis represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) is a plant with potential antiosteoporotic effects, due to its phytoestrogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of aqueous and methanol extracts of B. vulgaris on osteoporosis in rats. Methods Adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal (n = 6) and ovariectomized (n = 42) groups. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, animals were treated for 4 weeks as follows: distilled water (10 mL/kg, per os (p.o.)), 17ß-estradiol (10 µg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)), soya oil (1 mL/kg, i.p.), aqueous or methanol extract of B. vulgaris (55 or 110 mg/kg, p.o.). All rats were weighed daily and sacrificed on day 29. Plasma was collected, and the uterus and femur were dissected out, weighed, and used for biochemical and histological measurements. Results In the untreated ovariectomized females, a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in body weight and a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the uterine and bone weights were recorded. Ovariectomy also significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the bone calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and deteriorated the microarchitecture of the femur. Interestingly, B. vulgaris extracts significantly (p < 0.001) improved the bone calcium concentration and femur microarchitecture (increase in trabecular bone density, reorganization of the trabecular network, and increase in bone marrow) with estrogenic-like effects compared to 17ß-estradiol. Conclusion These results suggest that B. vulgaris is a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. The present findings further justify the ethno-medicinal claims of B. vulgaris.

The methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (caesalpiniaceae) and selenium modulate cytosolic calcium accumulation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in R2C tumour Leydig cells: Involvement of TRPV1 channels.

This study evaluated the effects of the methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (GT) and selenium (Se) on cell viability, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ), apoptosis and oxidative stress through transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel activity in CCL-97 (R2C) tumour Leydig cells. The cells were divided into nine groups and treated as follows: (a)-Control, (b)-Capsazepine (CPZ, 0.1 mM, a TRPV1 channel blocker), (c)-Capsaicin (CAP, 0.01 mM, a TRPV1 channel activator), (d)-GT (500 µg/ml), (e)-GT+CPZ, (f)-GT+CAP, (g)-Se (200 nM), (h)-Se+CPZ and (i)-Se+CAP. After treatments, cell viability, [Ca2+ ]i , apoptosis, caspase 3/9, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation (MMD) were evaluated. The [Ca2+ ]i , apoptosis, caspase 3/9, MMD and ROS levels were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in CAP group, but lowered in CPZ group. Interestingly, these parameters were significantly (p < 0.001) improved by GT and Se, compared to the CAP group. Moreover, the co-administration of GT+CAP or Se+CAP inhibited the cytotoxicity of CAP. Thus, the modulatory properties of GT and Se on Ca2+ influx, apoptosis and oxidative stress require the integrity of TRPV1 channel in CCL-97 Leydig cells. These results suggest that GT and Se might be used in the management of cytotoxicity in the testes, involving TRPV1 channel activity.