Lemongrass Essential Oil Attenuates Perfluorooctane Sulfonate-Induced Jejunal Mucosal Injury in Rat: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has harmful impacts on various organs, including the intestine. Lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects. This study investigated the impact of PFOS on the mucosa of the jejunum of rats and evaluated LGEO's protective impact. Four groups of rats were created: control, LGEO (100 mg/kg/day), PFOS (5 mg/kg/day), and LGEO-PFOS group. The agents were given orally for 28 days. Oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caspase-3 were measured in jejunal homogenates. Rat jejunal sections were evaluated histologically (light and electron microscopic examination) and immunohistochemically [for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and Bcl2]. PFOS significantly elevated oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, caspase-3, and gene expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS). The disturbed architecture of jejunal villi and crypts was demonstrated. Immunohistochemically, a significant rise in TNF-α, PCNA, and COX2 and a significant decrease in Bcl2 expression were revealed compared to control group. Further ultrastructural alterations included dilated RER, mitochondria with destroyed cristae, vacuolated cytoplasm, and shrunken condensed nuclei of enterocytes. LGEO treatment significantly reduced these harmful effects. LGEO protected against PFOS-induced jejunal damage by reducing the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic impacts.

Ameliorative effect of sesame oil on experimentally induced polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-link between XBP-1/PPAR-1, regulatory proteins for lipogenesis/steroids.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a mixed endocrine/metabolic/reproductive disorder in women of reproductive age. Sesame oil (SO) contains sesame lignans & vitamin E with broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the ameliorative effect of SO on experimentally induced PCOS and elucidates the possible molecular mechanisms with a deeper focus on the different signaling pathways involved. The study was carried out on 28 nonpregnant female Wister albino rats that were divided into four equal groups; Group I (control group) received oral 0.5% wt/vol carboxymethyl cellulose daily. Group II (SO group): orally administered SO (2 mL/kg body wt./day) for 21 days. Group III (PCOS group) received letrozole daily, 1 mg/kg, for 21 days. Group IV (PCOS + SO group): concomitantly administered letrozole and SO for 21 days. The serum hormonal and metabolic panel and the homogenate ATF-1, StAR, MAPK, PKA, and PI3K levels of the ovarian tissue were calorimetrically evaluated. However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was evaluated by ovarian XBP1 and PPAR-γ messenger RNA expression level using the qRT-PCR technique. Ovarian COX-2 was detected immunohistochemically. The results suggest that SO-treated PCOS rats showed a significantly improved hormonal, metabolic panel, inflammatory, and ER stress status with concomitant decreases in ATF-1, StAR, MAPK, PKA, and PI3K in ovarian rats compared to the correspondent values in PCOS without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effects of SO against PCOS are triggered by ameliorating regulatory proteins of ER stress, lipogenesis, and steroidogenesis through the PI3K/PKA and MAPK/ERK2 signaling cascades. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common mixed endocrine-metabolic dysfunction among women within the reproductive period, with an estimated prevalence of 5%-26% worldwide. Doctors traditionally recommend metformin for PCOS patients. However, metformin is known to be associated with significant adverse effects and contraindications. This work aimed at shedding light on the ameliorative effect of sesame oil (SO), natural polyunsaturated fatty acids-rich oil, on the induced PCOS model. SO proved to have a marvelous effect on the metabolic and endocrine derangements in the PCOS rat model. We hoped to provide a valuable alternative treatment for PCOS patients to avoid the side effects of metformin and to help PCOS patients for whom metformin is contraindicated.