Aetiological analysis and diagnosis of reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels.

The purpose of this paper was to analyse the aetiology and methods of diagnosing reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels. Male camel infertility manifests as one of three conditions: post-coital infertility (IG), inability to copulate (IC) and lack of sexual desire (LSD). IG is mainly a testicular disorder that is linked to a deteriorated seminogram, arrested spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell-only syndrome and testicular degeneration. For IG diagnosis, semen analysis, testicular biopsy and fine-needle aspiration are gold standards. Testicular ultrasonography was generally inefficient. High serum FSH was found in IG camels with oligo- and azoospermia, implying primary spermatogenesis defects. The testis-expressed protein (TEX101) and the epididymis-expressed protein (ECM1) are reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. IC manifests in two forms: phimosis (PHI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). PHI is frequently linked to preputial and penile pathologies, as well as leucocytosis, neutrophilia and elevated nitric oxide metabolites. The majority of camels with ED have normal genital organs, and the condition is associated with an increase in cardiac troponin I. LSD is a rare disorder brought on by hormonal imbalances, high temperatures, stress and debilitating diseases. In conclusion, IG diagnosis necessitates semen analysis, testicular biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, and FSH testing, whereas IC diagnosis requires preputial and penile examinations. Diagnostic aids include serum and seminal biomarkers.

Skeletal muscle thermogenesis induction by exposure to predator odor.

Non-shivering thermogenesis can promote negative energy balance and weight loss. In this study, we identified a contextual stimulus that induces rapid and robust thermogenesis in skeletal muscle. Rats exposed to the odor of a natural predator (ferret) showed elevated skeletal muscle temperatures detectable as quickly as 2 min after exposure, reaching maximum thermogenesis of >1.5°C at 10-15 min. Mice exhibited a similar thermogenic response to the same odor. Ferret odor induced a significantly larger and qualitatively different response from that of novel or aversive odors, fox odor or moderate restraint stress. Exposure to predator odor increased energy expenditure, and both the thermogenic and energetic effects persisted when physical activity levels were controlled. Predator odor-induced muscle thermogenesis is subject to associative learning as exposure to a conditioned stimulus provoked a rise in muscle temperature in the absence of the odor. The ability of predator odor to induce thermogenesis is predominantly controlled by sympathetic nervous system activation of ß-adrenergic receptors, as unilateral sympathetic lumbar denervation and a peripherally acting ß-adrenergic antagonist significantly inhibited predator odor-induced muscle thermogenesis. The potential survival value of predator odor-induced changes in muscle physiology is reflected in an enhanced resistance to running fatigue. Lastly, predator odor-induced muscle thermogenesis imparts a meaningful impact on energy expenditure as daily predator odor exposure significantly enhanced weight loss with mild calorie restriction. This evidence signifies contextually provoked, centrally mediated muscle thermogenesis that meaningfully impacts energy balance.

Anti-inflammatory drug approach: Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine compounds.

In this study, the acid chlorides of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine compounds were prepared and reacted with a number of nucleophiles. The novel compounds were experimentally tested via enzyme assay and they showed cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition activity in the middle micro molar range (4b had a COX-1 IC50 of 26 µM and a COX-2 IC50 of 34 µM, 3b had a COX-1 IC50 of 19 µM and a COX-2 IC50 of 31 µM, 3a had a COX-2 IC50 of 42 µM). These compounds were analyzed via docking and were predicted to interact with some of the COX-2 key residues. Our best hit, 4d (COX-1 IC50 of 28 µM, COX-2 IC50 of 23 µM), appears to adopt similar binding modes to the standard COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, proposing room for possible selectivity. Additionally, the resultant novel compounds were tested in several in vivo assays. Four compounds 3a (COX-2 IC50 of 42 µM), 3d, 4d and 4f were notable for their anti-inflammatory activity that was comparable to that of the clinically available COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Interestingly, they showed greater potency than the famous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac sodium. In summary, these novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogues showed interesting anti-inflammatory activity and could act as a starting point for future drugs.

Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: heavy metal and trace element profiles and their relations to clinical findings and semen quality.

The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in serum of dromedary camels with impotentia generandi and their associations with the clinical findings and semen analysis data. Sixteen male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi (IG group) and 5 fertile camels (FERT group) were used. The external and internal genital organs were examined using visual inspection, palpation, and ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and examined for volume, count, motility, viability, and abnormality. Blood was collected from all camels and serum was harvested. All serum samples were digested by concentrated acids and analyzed for heavy metals and trace elements by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that the mean heavy metal and trace element concentrations in serum were in the following descending order Fe > Zn > Cu > Cd > Mo > Se > Mn > Pb. Cd was higher in IG than in FERT males (P = 0.02). Se was greater in FERT than in IG groups (P = 0.003). Zn was higher in in FERT than in IG groups (P = 0.001). There were positive correlations between Zn and sperm count (r = 0.59, P = 0.005) and sperm motility (r = 0.57, P = 0.005) and a tendency for negative correlation between Zn and sperm abnormalities (r = - 0.44, P = 0.05). In conclusion, Cd might be implicated as a cause of infertility in male camels. Deficiencies of Se and Zn may also have adverse impacts on male camel reproduction.

Correction to: Factors affecting reproductive performance in dromedary camel herds in Saudi Arabia.

This article was originally published with incorrect affiliation 1. The correction affiliation is presented below.

Factors affecting reproductive performance in dromedary camel herds in Saudi Arabia.

A survey of 7122 dromedary camels in 115 herds in Saudi Arabia was used to estimate the effects of herd size (HZ; < 25 vs. 25-49 vs. 50-100 vs. > 100 camels), herder/camels ratio (H/C; 1:< 25 vs. 1:25-50 vs. 1:> 50), manager experience (ME; < 5 vs. 5-10 vs. > 10 years), male/females ratio (M/F), housing system (HS; free vs. closed vs. mixed), length of the breeding season (winter vs. winter and spring vs. fall, winter and spring), age at first mating (3 vs. > 3 years), and time of mating after parturition (≤ 3 vs. > 3 months) and their interactions on the overall pregnancy rate. Barren females of these herds (n = 886) were examined for the causes of infertility. Results showed that herds with H/C of 1:< 25 had higher overall pregnancy rate (95.29%) than herds with H/C of 1:25-50 (79.84%) and those with H/C of 1:> 50 (72.79%) (p = 0.003). Herds having ME of > 10 years revealed greater overall pregnancy rate (94.89%) than herds with ME of 5-10 years (80.54%) and those with ME of < 5 years (72.5%) (p = 0.001). There were significant interactions between H/C × HZ (p = 0.003), H/C × HS (p = 0.006), and ME × HS (p = 0.02). The overall pregnancy rate did not significantly differ between herds bred females by age of 3 years and those bred females by age > 3 years and in females bred within 3 months after parturition and in those bred after 3 months. The mean calving interval was shorter (p = 0.008) in camels mated within 3 months of parturition (15.25 ± 2.8 months) than in those mated after that time (24.33 ± 6.5 months). Clinical endometritis, ovarian hydrobursitis, and vaginal adhesions were the common clinical findings in barren females. Thus, efforts to reduce the age at first mating and the interval after calving, increase the number of herders/camels, and control reproductive disorders could improve the reproductive performance and quality of camel herds in Saudi Arabia.

Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings.

Background: Camels are subjected to a wide variety of nutritional deficiencies as they are largely dependent upon grazing desert plants. As a consequence, the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is occasionally seen in dromedary camels. The condition is manifested as chewing or eating abnormal things such as wood, dirt, bones, stones, clothes, plastics, mud, sand, or other inanimate objects. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in dromedary camels with pica or depraved appetite. Methods: Twenty-five camels of 5 days to 15 years were examined. Owner complaints included depraved appetite, loss of body condition, regurgitation of stomach content, and partial or complete absence of feces. Symptoms described were present for a period varying between 3 days, up to 12 months. The stomach compartments and small and large intestines were scanned using ultrasonography from the right and left sides of the abdomen. Necropsy was carried out on six female and three male camels where the thoracic and abdominal organs were examined with special attention to the digestive system. Results: The affected animals had a history of gradual loss of body conditions, eating foreign objects, decreased or total absence of feces, and regurgitation of stomach content. Using ultrasound, the foreign body was imaged occluding completely or partially the intestines. Foreign bodies within the rumen could not be visualized with ultrasound. In cases where the rumen is impacted by sand, small pin-points revealing acoustic enhancement were imaged. Foreign bodies were removed from the rumen at exploratory rumenotomy (n = 11), laparotomy (n = 3), or at necropsy (n = 8) in the form of plastics, cloths, sand, mud, wool balls, robes, glasses, or even metallic objects which may be blunt or sharp. Sixteen (64%) of the camels were recovered while the remaining 9 (36%) did not survive. Conclusion: The syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is an important condition in dromedary resulting in the ingestion of objects other than normal feed. Substantial economic losses are expected as a result of this syndrome. Ultrasonography of the digestive system may help the clinician in some cases to localize of occluding foreign bodies in the intestines, while in the transabdominal scanning of the stomach is valuable only in cases of sand impaction.

RETRACTED: Alminderej et al. Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of a New Chemotype from Piper cubeba L. Essential Oil and In Silico Study on S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase Protein. Plants 2021, 10, 205.

The journal retracts the article, 'Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of a New Chemotype from Piper cubeba L. Essential Oil and In Silico Study on S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase Protein' [...].

Is camel's urine friend or enemy? Review of its role in human health or diseases.

Camels play an important role in the pastoral mode of life by fulfilling basic demands of livelihood. Various pathologies, such as tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, ascites, increased size of the abdomen, gas colic, anemia, and abdominal tumors, were treated with animal urine, including camels, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, elephants, and buffalo. Thirty different compounds were analyzed in camel urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. For inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, 28 important elements were analyzed in the urine of both camel and bovine. It was found that the inorganic elements are almost similar, except sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are higher in levels in camel urine, while chromium is high in bovine urine. Camel urine also contains different nanoparticles, crystals, and nano-rods with varying shapes and sizes, which offer potent selective cytotoxic activity against several lines of cancer cells. It is believed that the camel's urine has a therapeutic effect for a wide range of diseases such as chill, fever, or even tumors; therefore, it has been consumed in the Arabian Peninsula for a long time. Usually, patients take it directly or by mixing a few drops with camel milk. Camel urine is also used for therapeutic purposes, most widely in Asia, Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. The religious aspect of using camel urine in treatment comes from the fact that there has been convincing evidence that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) suggested the use of camel urine to treat his companions who were suffering from abdominal pains at that time. The camel's urine has anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also has hepato-protective and cardiovascular effects.

Antioxidative, Antidiabetic, and Hypolipidemic Properties of Probiotic-Enriched Fermented Camel Milk Combined with Salvia officinalis Leaves Hydroalcoholic Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats.

Antioxidative, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic properties of probiotic-enriched fermented camel milk (FCM) combined with Salvia officinalis L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (SOHE) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were investigated. Phytochemicals analysis and antioxidant capacity indicated that S. officinalis contained high phenolics with super antioxidant activity. Subsequently, HPLC analysis demonstrated 13 phenolic acids and 14 flavonoids in considerable amounts with ferulic acid and resveratrol as predominant, respectively. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FCM and SOHE were examined in a designed animal model consisting of seven treated groups for four weeks. There was a negative group (G1); the positive group (G2) received a single dose (50 mg kg-1) of streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.); in G3, diabetic rats (DRs) orally received 5 mL FCM kg-1 daily; in G4, DRs orally received 50 mg GAE SOHE kg-1 daily; in G5, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 25 mg GAE SOHE kg-1 daily; in G6, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 50 mg GAE SOHE kg-1 daily; in G7, DRs orally received 50 mg metformin kg-1 daily. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg-1 exhibited a synergistic effect in significantly lowering random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and improved weight gain recovery %. The hypolipidemic effect of FCM + 50 mg GAE SOHE kg-1 was significantly higher than using FCM or SOHE individually, and attenuation in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), and high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) was remarked. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg-1 ameliorated liver and kidney functions better than individual uses of FCM, SOHE, or metformin. Interestingly, FCM with 50 mg SOHE kg-1 presented significant improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a substantial reduction in malonaldehyde (MDA) levels with 53.75%, 89.93%, 63.06%, and 58.69% when compared to the STZ group (G2), respectively. Histopathologically, administrating FCM + 25, 50 mg SOHE kg-1 or 50 mg kg-1 metformin showed a normal histological structure of both islets of Langerhans cells and acini. In conclusion, combining FCM with SOHE presented synergistic and therapeutical efficacy. It could be beneficial and profitable for controlling diabetes mellitus complications and protecting against oxidative stress.

First report on the isolation of Chlamydia abortus from female dromedary camels with ovarian hydrobursitis.

This study sought to isolate Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) from camels with ovarian hydrobursitis (OVHB). To accomplish this goal, bursal tissue (n = 5) and bursal fluid (n = 6) samples were collected from 11 female dromedary camels with unilateral OVHB. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for the preliminary detection of C. abortus in the infected samples. For the purpose of isolation, the prepared samples were inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs. Giemsa, Gimenez, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) staining were used to detect any chlamydial inclusions in the infected yolk sacs. A second qPCR was then performed on the infected yolk sacs. The C. abortus gene was detected in 83.8% of the infected bursal tissue and bursal fluid samples. All the yolk sac smears treated with Giemsa, Gimenez, and DIF staining revealed intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Moreover, hemorrhagic patches, massive congestion, macerated yolk sacs, and dwarfism were observed in the infected chicken embryos. The C. abortus gene was also found in 63.6% of the infected yolk sacs. In conclusion, this is the first report of C. abortus isolation from female dromedary camels with OVHB, which represents a key step toward developing a practical vaccine and avoiding fertility problems in female camels.

Effect of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E Administration on Semen Quality and Fertility of Male Dromedary Camels with Impotentia Generandi.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and vitamin E (Vit E) administration on semen quality and fertility in male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi (IG, post-coital infertility). Factors that may affect response to treatment were investigated. Thirty-three IG-affected and five fertile camels were included. Case history was obtained, and breeding sound examination was performed. Semen was collected using electroejaculation. IG-camels were classified according to initial sperm count, body condition score, age, duration of infertility, IG-type, and testicular size. IG-camels were treated with a combination of intramuscular injections of Vit E (α-tocopherol acetate, 1 mg/kg bw) and Se (sodium selenite, 0.088 mg/kg bw) once every week for three successive weeks and by daily oral administration of 360 mg of zinc gluconate for 5 successive weeks. Semen quality was estimated before and after treatment. IG-treated camels were allowed to mate females in estrus, and conception rates were calculated. The results showed that sperm cell concentration, sperm motility, and viability significantly increased, while sperm abnormality significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.01). Positive correlations were observed between initial sperm cell count and post-treated sperm count (P = 0.001), sperm motility (P = 0.01), and viability (P = 0.002). Other variables and their interactions did not affect response to treatment. Conception rates improved after treatment. In conclusion, Zn, Se, and Vit E administration improved semen quality and fertility in male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi. Initial sperm count can be used to predict the degree of camel response to treatment.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of a New Chemotype from Piper cubeba L. Essential Oil and In Silico Study on S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase Protein.

Piper cubeba is an important plant commonly known as cubeb or Java pepper, and it is cultivated for its fruit and essential oils, largely used to treat various diseases. Up to today, there was no scientific report on wound healing activity. Thus, this study was initiated to evaluate for the first time the antimicrobial activity and wound healing potential of a new chemotype from Piper cubeba essential oil (PCEO) from fruits. Thirteen microbial strains have been selected to investigate the antimicrobial potential of PCEO. For the evaluation of the wound healing potential, sixteen rats were excised on the dorsal back and divided into four groups. The effect of PCEO on the malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the healed wound area of rats and the biochemical parameters and skin histological analysis were also assessed. Results: Data showed that PCEO exhibited a powerful antimicrobial potential especially against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the topical application of PCEO cream appears to increase the SOD level, wound healing and contraction but reduced the MDA amount suggesting an impressive and a rapid cutaneous healing power. Additionally, histopathological analysis of the granulation tissue revealed that the derma is properly restored and arranged after treatment with PCEO. The docking analysis of PCEO constituents against S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme showed binding energies values in the range of -7.2 to -4.8 kcal/mol. In conclusion, the topic use of PCEO healing cream showed significant effect in accelerating the healing process, which may be attributed to the synergetic effect of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of PCEO volatile constituents, making it a relevant therapeutic agent for the management of wounds and therefore confirming the popular traditional uses of this plant.

Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Profile, and Nephroprotective Potential of Anastatica hierochuntica Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts against CCl4-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Kaff-e-Maryam (Anastatica hierochuntica L.) is extensively used to treat a range of health problems, most notably to ease childbirth and alleviate reproductive system-related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. hierochuntica ethanolic (KEE), and aqueous (KAE) extracts on CCl4-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats using the biochemical markers for renal functions and antioxidant status as well as histopathological examinations of kidney tissue. A. hierochuntica contained 67.49 mg GAE g-1 of total phenolic compounds (TPC), 3.51 µg g-1 of total carotenoids (TC), and 49.78 and 17.45 mg QE g-1 of total flavonoids (TF) and total flavonols (TFL), respectively. It resulted in 128.71 µmol of TE g-1 of DPPH-RSA and 141.92 µmol of TE g-1 of ABTS-RSA. A. hierochuntica presented superior antioxidant activity by inhibiting linoleic acid radicals and chelating oxidation metals. The HPLC analysis resulted in 9 and 21 phenolic acids and 6 and 2 flavonoids in KEE and KAE with a predominance of sinapic and syringic acids, respectively. Intramuscular injection of vit. E + Se and oral administration of KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE at 250 mg kg-1 body weight significantly restored serum creatinine, urea, K, total protein, and albumin levels. Additionally, they reduced malondialdehyde (MOD), restored reduced-glutathione (GSH), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE protected the kidneys from CCl4-nephrotoxicity as they mainly attenuated induced oxidative stress. Total nephroprotection was about 83.27%, 97.62%, and 78.85% for KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE, respectively. Both vit. E + Se and A. hierochuntica extracts attenuated the histopathological alteration in CCl4-treated rats. In conclusion, A. hierochuntica, especially KAE, has the potential capability to restore oxidative stability and improve kidney function after CCl4 acute kidney injury better than KEE. Therefore, A. hierochuntica has the potential to be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Comparative characterization and osteogenic / adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from male rat hair follicles and bone marrow.

Clinical applications of cell therapy and tissue regeneration under different conditions need a multiplicity of adult stem cell sources. Up to date, little is available on the comparative isolation, characterization, proliferation, rapid amplification, and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from living bulge cells of the hair follicle (HF) and bone marrow (BM) from the same animal. This work hopes to use HF-MSCs as an additional adult stem cell source for research and application. After reaching 80% confluence, the cell counting, viability %, and yields of HF-MSCs and BM-MSCs were nearly similar. The viability % was 91.41 ± 2.98 and 93.11 ± 3.06 while the cells yield of initial seeding was 33.15 ± 2.76 and 34.22 ± 3.99 and of second passage was 28.76 ± 1.01 and 29.56 ± 3.11 for HF-MSCs and BM-MSCs respectively. Clusters of differentiation (CDs) analysis revealed that HF-MSCs were positively expressed CD34, CD73 and CD200 and negatively expressed CD45. BM-MSCs were positively expressed CD73 and CD200 and negatively expressed of CD34 and CD45. The proliferation of HF-MSCs and BM-MSCs was determined by means of incorporation of Brd-U, population doubling time (PDT) assays and the quantity of formazan release. The percentage of Brd-U positive cells and PDT were relatively similar in both types of cells. The proliferation, as expressed by the quantity of formazan assay in confluent cells, revealed that the quantity of release by BM-MSCs was slightly higher than HF-MSCs. Adipogenic differentiated BM-MSCs showed moderate accumulation of oil red-O stained lipid droplets when compared to that of HF-MSCs which exhibited high stain. The total lipid concentration was significantly higher in adipogenic differentiated HF-MSCs than BM-MSCs (P < 0.05). It was found that activity of bone alkaline phosphatase and calcium concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively) in osteogenic differentiated BM-MSCs than that of HF-MSCs. The present findings demonstrate that the HF-MSCs are very similar in most tested characteristics to BM-MSCs with the exception of differentiation. Additionally; no issues have been reported during the collection of HF-MSCs. Therefore, the HF may represent a suitable and accessible source for adult stem cells and can be considered an ideal cell source for adipogenesis research.

Antioxidant Activities of a New Chemotype of Piper cubeba L. Fruit Essential Oil (Methyleugenol/Eugenol): In Silico Molecular Docking and ADMET Studies.

Piper cubeba L. fruit is an important species used in folk medicine for different types of pains such as rheumatism, chills, flu, colds, muscular aches, and fever. This study examines the chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and potential inhibitory effect against human peroxiredoxin 5, a key enzyme of P. cubeba essential oil from fruits. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the principal components were methyleugenol (41.31%) and eugenol (33.95%), followed by (E)-caryophyllene (5.65%), p-cymene-8-ol (3.50%), 1,8-cineole (2.94%), and α-terpinolene (1.41%). Results showed similar scavenging activity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 110.00 ± 0.08 µg/mL), as well as very potent antioxidant activity against both ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) (106.00 ± 0.11 µg/mL) and ß-carotene bleaching (IC50 = 315.00 ± 2.08 µg/mL) assays when compared to positive butylated hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid. The molecular docking approach has also been performed to screen the antioxidant activities of the major and potent compounds against human protein target peroxiredoxin 5. Results showed good binding profiles and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to ß-caryophyllene oxide (-5.8 kcal/mol), followed respectively by isocembrol and α-selinene (-5.4 kcal/mol), and viridiflorol (-5.1 kcal/mol). Furthermore, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion)-related physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties have been assessed and support our in vitro findings. This work demonstrates the powerful antioxidant potency of cubeba pepper and paves the way for the discovery and development of antioxidant agent with high potency.

Cadmium in Seminal Plasma of Fertile and Infertile Male Dromedary Camels.

The objective of this study was to investigate the cadmium (Cd) profile in seminal plasma of male dromedary camel with impotentia generandi (post-coital infertility, IG group, n = 14) in comparison with known fertile males (FERT group, n = 5). Andrological examination was carried out for all animals. Semen was collected with electroejaculation and examined for volume, concentration, motility, viability, and abnormality. Seminal fluid was harvested after centrifugation and analyzed for Cd using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that sperm concentration, motility, and viability were higher, while sperm abnormality was lower in IG group than in FERT group (P < 0.05). Cd was higher in seminal plasma of IG group than in FERT group (P = 0.04). Negative correlation was found between Cd concentration and sperm concentration (r = - 0.511, P = 0.04). There was also a tendency for negative correlation between Cd concentration and the testicular size (r = - 0.455, P = 0.05). In conclusion, Cd may be one of factors causing infertility in male dromedary camels.

Author Correction: Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure, and Defense of Body Weight in Melanocortin 4 Receptor-Deficient Male Rats.

A correction has been published and is appended to both the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.

Suppressed sympathetic outflow to skeletal muscle, muscle thermogenesis, and activity energy expenditure with calorie restriction.

During weight loss, adaptive thermogenesis occurs where energy expenditure (EE) is suppressed beyond that predicted for the smaller body size. Here, we investigated the contributions of resting and nonresting EE to the reduced total EE seen after 3 weeks of 50% calorie restriction (CR) in rats, focusing on activity-associated EE, muscle thermogenesis, and sympathetic outflow. Prolonged food restriction resulted in a 42% reduction in daily EE, through a 40% decrease in resting EE, and a 48% decline in nonresting EE These decreases in EE were significant even when the reductions in body weight and lean mass were taken into account. Along with a decreased caloric need for low-to-moderate-intensity treadmill activity with 50% CR, baseline and activity-related muscle thermogenesis were also suppressed, though the ability to increase muscle thermogenesis above baseline levels was not compromised. When sympathetic drive was measured by assessing norepinephrine turnover (NETO), 50% CR was found to decrease NETO in three of the four muscle groups examined, whereas elevated NETO was found in white adipose tissue of food-restricted rats. Central activation of melanocortin 4 receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamus stimulated this pathway, enhancing activity EE; this was not compromised by 50% CR These data suggest that suppressed activity EE contributes to adaptive thermogenesis during energy restriction. This may stem from decreased sympathetic drive to skeletal muscle, increasing locomotor efficiency and reducing skeletal muscle thermogenesis. The capacity to increase activity EE in response to central stimuli is retained, however, presenting a potential target for preventing weight regain.

Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure, and Defense of Body Weight in Melanocortin 4 Receptor-Deficient Male Rats.

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) variants contribute to human obesity, and rats lacking functional MC4R (Mc4rK314X/K314X) are obese. We investigated the hypothesis that low energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity contribute to this obese phenotype in male rats, and determined whether lack of functional MC4R conferred protection from weight loss during 50% calorie restriction. Though Mc4rK314X/K314X rats showed low brown adipose Ucp1 expression and were less physically active than rats heterozygous for the mutation (Mc4r+/K314X) or wild-type (Mc4r+/+) rats, we found no evidence of lowered EE in Mc4rK314X/K314X rats once body weight was taken into account using covariance. Mc4rK314X/K314X rats had a significantly higher respiratory exchange ratio. Compared to Mc4r+/+ rats, Mc4rK314X/K314X and Mc4r+/K314X rats lost less lean mass during calorie restriction, and less body mass when baseline weight was accounted for. Limited regional overexpression of Mc3r was found in the hypothalamus. Although lower physical activity levels in rats with nonfunctional MC4R did not result in lower total EE during free-fed conditions, rats lacking one or two functional copies of Mc4r showed conservation of mass, particularly lean mass, during energy restriction. This suggests that variants affecting MC4R function may contribute to individual differences in the metabolic response to food restriction.