Recent insights into the morphology, molecular characterization and tissue localization of the caprine Sarcocystis species infecting domestic goats (Capra hiricus): Sarcocystis moulei, Sarcocystis capracanis, and Sarcocystis hircicanis.

Ninety-seven (64.67%) out of 150 domestic goats (Capra hiricus) carcasses were found to be infected by Sarcocystis moulei, Sarcocystis capracanis, and Sarcocystis hircicanis sarcocysts. Sarcocystis moulei macrosarcocysts were detected in the cardiac, esophageal, skeletal, lingual, and diaphragmatic muscles of seven goats (4.67%) out of the 150 examined animals, whereas the microscopic Sarcocystis species were found in (90/150 = 60%). Two morphotypes of S. moulei were observed. Morphotype (I) macrosarcocysts were large-sized oval, ovoid, spherical, and measured 2-7 mm in length x 2-6 mm in width. Sarcocystis moulei morphotype (II) macrosarcocysts were spindle-shaped, spheroid, sometimes elongated, and measured 1.8-6 x 0.5-2 mm. By TEM, all S. moulei morphotypes were ultrastructurally the same and had a sarcocyst wall that was characterized by highly branched or cauliflower-like villar protrusions (VP) with dumbbell-like structures. The VP interior was packed with well-developed microtubules in longitudinal and cross arrangements. Sarcocystis moulei cyst wall was 3-6 µm thick. Sarcocystis capracanis microsarcocysts detected herein had a cyst wall that ranged from 4-8 µm in thickness. The VP was upright finger-like or cylindrical. The PVM had electron-dense corrugations in the region of the VP. Few amounts of microfilaments were detected inside the cores of VP. Sarcocystis hircicanis had a thinner cyst wall (~1-3 µm) with hairy long VP that ranged from 1 to 7.5 µm in length. Microtubules were missing inside the cores of the VP. The three caprine Sarcocystis species were molecularly characterized on the level of the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and Cox1 genes.

OMA1 and YME1L as a Diagnostic Panel in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Identifying new hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-driven signaling molecules and discovering their molecular mechanisms are crucial for efficient and better outcomes. Recently, OMA1 and YME1L, the inner mitochondrial proteases, were displayed to be associated with tumor progression in various cancers; however, their role in HCC has not yet been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the possible role of OMA1/YME1L in HCC staging and discussed their potential role in cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Our study was performed using four groups of male albino rats: a normal control and three diethyl nitrosamine-treated groups for 8, 16, and 24 weeks. The OMA1 and YME1L, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and cyclin D1 content were measured in liver tissues, while alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was assessed in serum. Additionally, Ki-67 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The relative hepatic expression of Bax, and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-3) was measured. Herein, we confirmed for the first time that OMA1 is down-regulated while YME1L is up-regulated in HCC in the three studied stages with subsequent inhibition of apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, these proteases have a possible role in metastasis. These newly recognized results suggested OMA1 and YME1L as possible diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for HCC management.

Investigating the physical and electrical properties of La2O3 via annealing of La(OH)3.

A simple technique was utilized to fabricate pure hexagonal La2O3 nanorods by utilizing lanthanum(III) nitrate hexahydrate (La(NO3)3·6H2O) and ammonia (NH4OH). The La2O3 nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, TGA, Raman, SEM, FTIR, TEM, PL spectroscopy, and Mott-Schottky techniques. The XRD analysis confirmed the production of La(OH)3 nanorods under appropriate conditions, which were then successfully converted into La2O2CO3 and finally into La2O3 nanorods through annealing. The TGA analysis showed that the total weight loss was due to water evaporation and the dissolution of minimal moisture present in the environment. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups. The SEM analysis revealed changes in morphology. The TEM analysis to determine the particle size. The PL findings showed three emission peaks at 390, 520, and 698 nm due to interband transitions and defects in the samples. The Mott-Schottky analysis demonstrated that the flatband potential and acceptor density varied with annealing temperature, ranging from 1 to 1.2 V and 2 × 1018 to 1.4 × 1019 cm-3, respectively. Annealing at 1000 °C resulted in the lowest resistance to charge transfer (Rct).

Effect of the long-term use of a NOAEL dose of acetaminophen (paracetamol) on hepatic, renal, and neural tissues of aged albino rats.

Background: Paracetamol is one of the most popular drugs; it is used daily by many people especially the elderly, without a limitation on the length of the period allowed for continuous use. Harms from long-term use are less clear, particularly in extrahepatic regions. Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether using paracetamol at a non-observable adverse effect level dose, known not to cause toxic effects, for a long period can induce toxicity in aged male albino rats. Methods: A daily dose of 500 mg per kg body weight of paracetamol was given to adult male albino rats for 12 weeks. During this period, rats were sacrificed at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks to evaluate the toxic changes at several time intervals. Results: Chemical analysis revealed elevated serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and declined level of total protein in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-treated group; it also caused oxidative stress, as shown by decreased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and elevated malondialdehyde in the liver, kidney, and brain. Histopathological examination demonstrated cytoplasmic vacuolation and sinusoidal congestion with the development of single-cell necrosis in the liver. Renal tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, and ischemic neuronal injury, especially in the hippocampus were observed. the deleterious effects of APAP were increased in severity with increasing the period of treatment. Conclusion: Our results suggest that acetaminophen in a subtoxic dose for a long period could result in mild toxic effects on the liver but more serious lesions in the kidney and brain.

Mitigating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Growth Impairment and Hepatic Stress in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Comparative Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Silicate-Based Detoxifiers.

The objective of this study was to detect the effects of acute aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the effectiveness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and silicate in reducing these effects. Two hundred and forty Nile tilapia fingerlings (16 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, each with 60 fish and three replicates. Control basal diet (Diet 1) and three test diets were formulated, where Diet 2 was supplemented with 200 ppb AFB1. Diets 3 and 4 were intoxicated with AFB1 (200 ppb) and supplemented with 0.5% S. cerevisiae or 0.5%, respectively. After 60 days, Diet 1 had considerably greater growth characteristics than the other groups (p < 0.05). Diet 2 revealed a reduced (p < 0.05) survival rate after 1 month of exposure. In addition, Diet 1 showed higher (p < 0.05) total protein and albumin levels than Diets 3 and 4. AFB1 residues were detected in the liver in fish-fed Diet 2, Diet 4, and Diet 3. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea levels increased (p < 0.05) in fish-fed Diet 2. The glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, and catalase activity were decreased (p < 0.05) in the fish-fed Diet 2. The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in fish given Diet 2 (p < 0.05) than in fish-fed Diets 3 and 4. Histopathological investigation of fish-fed Diet 2 revealed impaired liver and spleen; however, both treatments (Diets 3 and 4) successfully lowered inflammation and preserved liver and spleen integrities. In conclusion, AFB1 impaired growth performance and posed a severe health risk to Nile tilapia. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae alleviated the contamination of AFB1 effects more efficiently than silicate employed for toxin adsorption.

Ameliorative effect of Odontonema cuspidatum extract against testicular damage induced by sodium nitrite in rats.

Background: Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a chemical substance used to enhance taste, add color, and keep food products fit for consumption for a longer time. NaNO2 gives rise to a negative adverse effect on male reproductive function. Odontonema cuspidatum (OC) is a natural plant that possesses antioxidant capacity. Aim: Our research evaluates the potential beneficial effect of OC extract on the harmful effects caused by NaNO2 on the testicular tissue and sperm characteristics of male rats. Methods: Four groups with a total of forty rats: the control, the NaNO2-received group, the OC-administered group, and the fourth group received both NaNO2 and OC. All groups were administered daily for two months. Sperm characteristics, testicular antioxidant status, qRT-PCR, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: Coadministration of NaNO2 and OC, in comparison with NaNO2 alone, contributed to a notable enhancement in acrosomal integrity, decreasing sperm abnormalities and restoring serum testosterone levels. Moreover, such coadministration reduced the oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) in testicular tissue, lowering TNF-α gene expression, and increasing the expression of P450scc and StAR genes. In addition, the NaNO2 and OC combination decreased the testicular histopathological changes and the Caspase-3 and Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoexpression in seminiferous tubules compared with the NaNO2 group. Conclusion: The extract of OC exhibited the ability to decrease oxidative stress and ameliorate the detrimental effects caused by NaNO2.

Protective effect of Petroselinum crispum methanolic extract against acrylamide-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats through NF-ĸB, kinesin, steroidogenesis pathways.

This study examined the protective effects of a Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) methanolic extract on reproductive dysfunction induced by acrylamide in male rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups (n=10). The control group received distilled water, the acrylamide group received 10 mg/kg of acrylamide, the P. crispum group received 100 mg/kg of P. crispum extract, and the combined group was pretreated with P. crispum for two weeks before co-administration of P. crispum and acrylamide. All administrations were administered orally using a gastric tube for eight weeks. Acrylamide decreased testosterone levels but did not affect levels of FSH or LH. It also increased testicular levels of (MDA) malondialdehyde and reduced activity of (SOD) superoxide dismutase and impairment of sperm parameters. Furthermore, the administration of acrylamide resulted in an elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and a reduction in the levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and cytochrome P450scc (P450scc). Acrylamide negatively affected the histopathological outcomes, Johnsen's score, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the thickness of the germinal epithelium. It also upregulated the expression of NF-ĸB P65 and downregulated the expression of kinesin motor protein. In contrast, treatment with P. crispum extract restored the levels of antioxidant enzymes, improved sperm parameters, and normalized the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, iNOS, NF-ĸB, STAR, CYP17A1, 17ß-HSD and P450scc. It also recovered testicular histological parameters and immunoexpression of NF-ĸB P65 and kinesin altered by acrylamide. P. crispum showed protective effects against acrylamide-induced reproductive toxicity by suppressing oxidative damage and inflammatory pathways.

Coenzyme Q10 mitigates cadmium cardiotoxicity by downregulating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and attenuating oxidative stress in mice.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) occurs naturally in the body and possesses antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Cardiotoxicity has emerged as a serious effect of the exposure to cadmium (Cd). This study investigated the curative potential of CoQ10 on Cd cardiotoxicity in mice, emphasizing the involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Mice received a single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg) and a week after, CoQ10 (100 mg/kg) was supplemented daily for 14 days. Mice that received Cd exhibited cardiac injury manifested by the elevated circulating cardiac troponin T (cTnT), CK-MB, LDH and AST. The histopathological and ultrastructural investigations supported the biochemical findings of cardiotoxicity in Cd-exposed mice. Cd administration increased cardiac MDA, NO and 8-oxodG while suppressed GSH and antioxidant enzymes. CoQ10 decreased serum CK-MB, LDH, AST and cTnT, ameliorated histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the heart of mice, decreased cardiac MDA, NO, and 8-OHdG and improved antioxidants. CoQ10 downregulated NF-κB p65, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1ß, MCP-1, JNK1, and TGF-ß in the heart of Cd-administered mice. Moreover, in silico molecular docking revealed the binding potential between CoQ10 and NF-κB, ASC1 PYD domain, NLRP3 PYD domain, MCP-1, and JNK. In conclusion, CoQ10 ameliorated Cd cardiotoxicity by preventing OS and inflammation and modulating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in mice. Therefore, CoQ10 exhibits potent therapeutic benefits in safeguarding cardiac tissue from the harmful consequences of exposure to Cd.

Radioprotective potential of whey protein against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage.

Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is effectively used in the treatment of oral malignancies; however, it might also significantly harm the surrounding tissues. Whey protein isolate (WP) is a protein derived from milk that exhibits a wide range of bioactivities. Therefore, the present research aimed to delineate the mitigating impact of WP against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage. Methods: Rats were randomized into 5 groups: Control (saline, orally, 14 days), WP (WP; 0.5 g/kg b. w., orally, 14 days), IR (saline, orally, 14 days, exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), WP+IR (WP was given orally for 14 days before and after IR exposure; exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), and IR+WP (WP, orally, started 24 h after 1st IR exposure till the end of the experiment) groups. Samples were collected at two-time intervals (on the 7th and 14th days). Results and Discussion: Oxidative stress was stimulated upon IR exposure in tongue, indicated by boosted malondialdehyde (MDA) level, along with a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Additionally, IR exposure depicted an increase of serum IgE, inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, along with overexpression mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65), and down-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA levels in tongue tissue. Moreover, IR triggered alterations in lingual histological architecture. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of WP mitigated oxidative damage, inflammation, and desquamation that were brought on following IR exposure. The protective administration of WP markedly decreases IR-induced lingual harm compared to the mitigation protocol. Our findings recommend WP supplements to the diets of cancer patients undergoing IR that might aid radioprotective effects.

Histopathological findings of the kidney Trematoda Paratanaisia spp. (Digenea: Eucotylidae) in cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) / Achados histopatológicos do Trematoda renal Paratanaisia spp. (Digenea: Eucotylidae) em garça-vaqueira (Bubulcus ibis)

Paratanaisia spp. was recorded from the right kidney of a cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in Kafr Elsheikh governorate, Nile Delta, Egypt. The bird showed marked emaciation and dissipation. Necropsy findings revealed marked enlargement and brownish discoloration of the kidney. Microscopic examination demonstrated marked dilatation of renal tubules with hyperplasia of lining epithelium due to presence of a trematode consistent with Paratanaisia spp. Eggs of this parasite were also noticed deeply within the interstitial tissue, surrounded with mononuclear cell infiltration, thus indicating their pathogenic potential. This result is the first report of trematodes of this genus parasitizing the kidneys of cattle egrets.

Paratanaisia spp. foi registrada no rim direito de um garça-vaqueira (Bubulcus ibis) na região de Kafr Elsheikh, Delta do Nilo, Egito. O pássaro se mostrava bastante emaciado com características consumptivas. Achados de necropsia revelaram acentuado aumento do rim, que estava com descoloração amarronzada. O exame microscópico mostrou importante dilatação dos túbulos renais com hiperplasia epitelial devida á presença de um trematódeo consistente com Paratanaisia spp. Ovos deste parasita foram também encontrados na profundidade do tecido intersticial, com infiltração de células mononucleares, indicando assim potencial patogênico. Este resultado é o primeiro relato deste gênero de trematódeo parasitando rins de garça-vaqueiras.