Consequences of dietary cinnamon and ginger oils supplementation on blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status, and tissue histomorphology of growing Japanese quails.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of various concentrations of ginger and cinnamon oils as antibiotic substitutes on some blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and histopathological profile of the liver and gut of growing Japanese. A total of 900 Japanese quails were randomly allotted into 6 treatment groups. Each group had 5 replicates (30 chicks each). The first group received a basal diet and served as the control, while the second received a basal diet plus 0.5 g of colistin antibiotic/kg diet. The third and fourth groups were supplemented with 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL of ginger oil (GO)/kg diet, respectively. While the fifth and sixth groups received basal diet with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of cinnamon oil (CO)/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that adding herbal oils significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels compared to control and colistin groups. Various levels of GO and CO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol levels compared to control birds. Compared to the control and antibiotic groups, Japanese quails supplemented with various levels of herbal oils (GO and CO) had more extraordinarily significant (P < 0.05) values for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR). Regarding histopathologic examination, the jejunum displayed a nearly empty lumen, a few fusions, and mild goblet cell metaplasia. On the other hand, the duodenum looked tall and had a few fusions of villi and remnants of removal in its lumina. It could be concluded that cinnamon and GO improved birds' blood biochemical parameters, electorate oxidative stress, and enhanced intestinal and hepatic histology of the treated quails. Also, the levels of 0.5 mL CO and 0.5 mL GO may be an acceptable substitute for antibiotics (colistin) in the diets of growing Japanese quail.

Compounds from myrtle flowers as antibacterial agents and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors: In-vitro and molecular docking studies.

Plants and their related phytochemicals play a key role in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections, which inspire scientists to design and develop more efficient drugs starting from the phytochemical active scaffold. This work aims to characterize the chemical compounds of Myrtus communis essential oil (EO) from Algeria and to evaluate its in vitro antibacterial effect, as well as the in silico anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The chemical profile of hydrodistilled EO from myrtle flowers was determined using GC/MS analysis. The results showed qualitative and quantitative fluctuations and 54 compounds were identified including the main components: α-pinene (48.94%) and 1,8-cineole (28.3%) whereas other minor compounds were detected. The in vitro antibacterial activity of myrtle EO against Gram-negative bacteria was carried out by using the disc diffusion method. The best inhibition zone values ranged between 11 and 25 mm. The results revealed that Escherichia coli (25 mm), Klebsiella oxytoca (20 mm) and Serratia marcescens (20 mm) are the most susceptible strains to the EO which is endowed with a bactericidal effect. Furthermore, the antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities were investigated by the means of molecular docking (MD) study, in addition to ADME(Tox) analysis. The phytochemicals were docked against four targets: E. coli topoisomerase II DNA gyrase B (PDB: 1KZN), SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (PDB: 6LU7), Spike (PDB: 6ZLG) and angiotensin-converting enzyme II ACE2 (PDB: 1R42). The MD investigation revealed that 1,8-cineole could be the main phytochemical associated with the antibacterial activity of EO; s-cbz-cysteine, mayurone and methylxanthine were found the most promising phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2; The ADME(Tox) analysis has shown their good druggability with no Lipinski's rule violation.

Influence of tomato processing by-product extract as dietary supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under high ambient temperature.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of tomato processing by-product extract (TPBE) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under high ambient temperature. A total of eighty weaned New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits (6-weeks-old; initial body weight, 730.28 ± 36.05 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The first group was the control without supplementation; while the other groups were fed diets supplemented with 100, 200 and 250 mg TPBE/kg. The results showed that TPBE contained 211.85 mg/100g as total phenols and total flavones of 303.36 mg/100g. Rabbits fed a 250 mg TPBE-supplemented diet showed the heaviest body weight, the lowest feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio. TPBE diets reduced mortality percentage. Dietary supplementation of 250 mg TPBE had the highest dressing percentage. Plasma total protein, globulin, catalase and glutathione peroxidase of rabbits fed diets supplemented with 200 and 250 mg TPBE were high. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased with dietary levels of TPBE. Rabbits fed 250 mg TPBE had higher T-AOC than the other groups. TPBE supplemented diets improved net revenue and economic efficiency. Conclusively, TPBE is containing appreciable content of polyphenols and flavonoids and the dietary supplementation of TPBE (250 mg/kg diet) had a positive impact on growth performance, reducing mortality and enhancing the antioxidant status of rabbits reared under high ambient temperature.

Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Deficit in Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats and the Possible Effects of Butanolic Extract of Centaurea africana.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have used rotenone (ROT) to create an experimental animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) because of its ability to induce similar behavioral and motor deficits. PD is the most common age-related motoric neurodegenerative disorder. Neuroinflammation and apoptosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of butanolic (n-BuOH) extract of Centaurea africana (200 mg/kg, 16 days) on a ROT-induced neurotoxicity model in male Wistar albino rats. METHODS: Estimation of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels along with the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in brains was carried out in order to evaluate neuro-inflammation. Oxidative stress, Caspase 3 activity (apoptosis), and behavioral alterations were also evaluated. RESULTS: In behavior assessment, using Ludolph Movement Analysis Scale, all ROT treated animals showed a decreased locomotor activity. The mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ROT was expressed by a decreased activity of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and increased lipid peroxidation and caspase 3. Co-treatment with the n-BuOH extract significantly restored the activity of complex I (65.41 %) compared to treatment with ROT alone. The n-BuOH extract also reduced the neuroinflammation in rat brains by reducing MPO activity (75.12 %), NO levels (77.43 %), and TNF-α (71.48 %) compared to the group treated with ROT. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicated that C. africana n-BuOH extract exhibited a protective effect in rats.

Relation of asymmetric dimethylarginine with pulmonary morbidities in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is important in different diseases characterized by decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability. We aimed to assess the serum ADMA level in preterm infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and its relationship with pulmonary outcomes. METHODS: This prospective study included 50 preterm neonates suffering from RDS aging≤32 weeks and weighing≤1500  gm. Serum ADMA levels were estimated in the 1st and 28th day of life by ELISA, and its correlation with surfactant requirement, duration of ventilation, and development of BPD was assessed. RESULTS: Fifty preterm infants with RDS were included, 30 infants were treated with surfactant within 12 hours after birth, the 1stday ADMA level was higher significantly in infants who required surfactant treatment than infants without surfactant treatment, At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, 16 infants were diagnosed with BPD, the 28th day ADMA level was significantly higher in infants with BPD than others without BPD. 1st-day ADMA level was significantly correlated with days on mechanical ventilation but there were no significant correlations between 1st day ADMA and days on CPAP and days on supplemental O2. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum ADMA level in preterm neonates with RDS estimated in the 1st and 28th day of life is a good predictor for pulmonary morbidities such as surfactant requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, and development of BPD.

Effects of ecofriendly synthesized calcium nanoparticles with biocompatible Sargassum latifolium algae extract supplementation on egg quality and scanning electron microscopy images of the eggshell of aged laying hens.

In the present study, 200 Brown commercial egg-type layers (60 wk old) were used to study the effects of different levels of ecofriendly synthesis of calcium (Ca) nanoparticles (0.0, 0.50, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg diet) with biocompatible Sargassum latifolium algae extract (SL-CaNps) on exterior egg quality traits, electronic microscopic view of eggshells, Ca and phosphorus (P) retention, serum Ca and P concentrations, and the histology of the uterus. Hens fed with dietary SL-CaNps powder had higher egg weight and shell weight % values than those of the control group. All SL-CaNps treatment groups had the greatest values of shell weight per unit surface area and shell thickness. Dietary supplementation of SL-CaNps at graded levels up to 1.5 g/kg diet had higher serum Ca and inorganic P levels than that of the control. Laying hens fed with SL-CaNps-added diets had beneficial effects on shell ultrastructure in terms of well-developed palisade and mammillary layers. The numbers of apical cells along the branched tubular gland were greater in SL-CaNps-treated groups than those of control. Conclusively, supplementing SL-CaNps powder up to 1.5 g/kg to the diet of laying hens improved eggshell thickness, shell weight% and shell weight per unit surface and has no adverse effect on their eggshell quality or electronic microscopic view of their eggshell.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Properties of Centaurea africana Lamk var. [Bonnet] M].

BACKGROUND: In Algerian traditional medicine, Centaurea species are well known in traditherapy. Centaurea africana has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative potential of both n-Butanol (BECA) and ethyl acetate (EAECA) extracts of Centaurea africana. METHODS: The phytochemical analysis of both BECA and EAECA were explored and the antioxidant activities were investigated by measuring the DPPH° scavenging effect, the reducing power and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced by by Fe2+/ ascorbic acid system. The antiinflammatory properties were determined by measuring the NO° scavenging effect and by using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The antiproliferative activity was studied on HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), OV2008 (human ovarian cancer) and C6 (Rattus norvegicus brain glioma) cell lines using the Sulforhodamine B assay. RESULTS: The total polyphenol contents (TPC) of EAECA and BECA are recorded at 125.24±10.14 and 53.03±2.50 mgGAE/g extract, respectively. Both extracts revealed the antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner; this effect is more pronounced with EAECA. The BECA exhibited a higher anti-inflammatory activity. This anti-inflammatory activity was reflected in a reduction of swelling of carrageenan-evoked edemas (48.45 %), inhibition of nitric oxide (84.7 %), effective decrease in myeloperoxidase activity (58.82 %) and malondialdehyde level (65.58 %). The cytotoxic effect of BECA was found to be more pronounced against C6 cell lines (IC50 value: 131.93 µg/mL) while the cytotoxic activity of EAECA was more effective against HT29 and OV2008 cell lines. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicated that EAECA exhibited a high antioxidant activity, while BECA has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Both extracts showed cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines at certain concentrations in a cell-specific manner.

Serum biotin and zinc in male androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) is caused by the conversion of the terminal to vellus hair. Zinc is one of the most studied trace elements in hair disorders and biotin is one of the most prescribed supplement for its treatment. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate serum zinc and biotin levels in MAGA patients to answer the question if there is a value to add zinc or biotin as a supplements in the MAGA treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty MAGA patients and 60 age, sex, and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were included. We measured serum biotin and zinc in all participants. RESULTS: Zinc (µg/dL) was lower significantly in patients compared to controls (P = 0.01), suboptimal biotin (ng/L) levels were in patients, and within normal values in controls (P = 0.01). A positive significant correlation was found between serum zinc and serum biotin (r = 0.489, P = 0.001). Serum zinc and biotin showed a nonsignificant correlation with age and disease duration. A non-significant relation was obtained between the MAGA grades, and zinc (P = 0.485) and biotin levels (P = 0.367). CONCLUSIONS: Serum zinc showed subnormal value and adding zinc supplement in MAGA treatment is recommended. Serum biotin showed a suboptimal level in MAGA patients that is not correlated with patients' age or disease severity. Biotin supplement in MAGA treatment may add value to hair quality and texture. We recommend future biotin evaluation in serum combined with its metabolites in MAGA patients' urine.

Role of serum cystatin-C and beta-2 microglobulin as early markers of renal dysfunction in children with beta thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND: Although advancements have been made in the management of thalassemic patients, many unrecognized complications have emerged, such as renal abnormalities. AIM: To measure serum levels of cystatin-C and ß-2 microglobulin in children with beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM) and investigate their significance as early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 70 children with (ß-TM) and 20 apparently healthy children matched for age and sex as a control group. For all the enrolled children, a comprehensive medical history was obtained and complete physical examination was performed, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum ferritin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Schwartz formula and creatinine clearance, albumin/creatinine ratio in urine, serum cystatin-C levels and ß-2 microglobulin were measured. RESULTS: Thalassemic children had significantly higher cystatin-C and ß-2 microglobulin levels compared with control. In addition, serum cystatin-C and ß-2 microglobulin were positively correlated with urea, creatinine, serum ferritin, albumin/creatinine ratio, duration of chelation therapy and frequency of blood transfusion/year and negatively correlated with creatinine clearance, hemoglobin, and eGFR. Our data demonstrated that cystatin-C and ß-2 microglobulin had higher sensitivity and specificity (91.4%, 90.0%, and 85.7%, 100%, respectively) than serum creatinine and creatinine clearance (83.0%, 100% and 81.4%, 100%, respectively) for small changes in GFR. CONCLUSION: Cystatin-C and ß-2 microglobulin are specific and sensitive early biomarkers for monitoring glomerular and tubular dysfunction in children with ß-TM.

A new cineol derivative, polyphenols and norterpenoids from Saharan myrtle tea (Myrtus nivellei): Isolation, structure determination, quantitative determination and antioxidant activity.

The phytochemical profile of decoction and infusion, obtained from the dried leaves of M. nivellei, consumed as tea in Saharan region, was characterized by UHPLC-PDA-HRMS. Fourteen compounds were characterized and, to confirm the proposed structures a preparative procedure followed by NMR spectroscopy was applied. Compound 3 (2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole disaccharide) was a never reported whereas a bicyclic monoterpenoid glucoside (2), two ionol glucosides (1 and 12), a tri-galloylquinic acid (4), two flavonol glycosides (5 and 9), and a tetra-galloylglucose (7), were reported in Myrtus spp. for the first time. Five flavonol O-glycosides (6, 8, 10-11, and 14) togheter a flavonol (13) were also identified. Quantitative determination of phenolic constituents from decoction and infusion has been performed by HPLC-UV-PDA. The phenolic content was found to be 150.5 and 102.6mg/g in decoction and infusion corresponding to 73.8 and 23.6mg/100mL of a single tea cup, respectively. Myricetin 3-O-ß-d-(6″-galloyl)glucopyranoside (5), isomyricitrin (6) and myricitrin (8) were the compounds present in the highest concentration. The free-radical scavenging activities of teas and isolated compounds was measured by the DPPH assay and compared with the values of other commonly used herbal teas (green and black teas). Decoction displayed higher potency in scavenging free-radicals than the infusion and green and black teas.