Effect of potential microplastics in sewage effluent on Nile Tilapia and photocatalytic remediation with zinc oxide nanoparticles.

The aim of the present study was a qualitative assessment of potential microplastics (MPs) in the sewage effluent collected from a local sewage treatment plant located in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The composite samples of domestic sewage effluent were subjected to UV (ultraviolet) light-induced zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) mediated photocatalysis. The first phase of the study included the synthesis of the ZnONPs with an extensive characterization. The synthesized nanoparticles were 220 nm in size with a characteristic spherical/hexagonal shape. These NPs were then used at three different concentrations (10 mM, 20 mM, and 30 mM) for the UV light-induced photocatalysis. A shift in the Raman spectra on photodegradation mirrored the surface changes of the functional groups shown by the FTIR spectra; presence of functional groups containing oxygen and C-C bonds associated with oxidation and chain scission. SEM micrographs showed photodegraded particles. Complementary elemental maps from the EDS analysis showed the presence of C, O, and Cl suggesting the potential presence of MPs. The O/C ratio was used to assess potential oxidation degree. In addition, an evaluation of the toxicological effects of the potential MPs in the sewage effluent on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to the effluent at two concentrations (50% and 75%) elicited a marked response in the endpoints evaluated; EROD activity, MDA (malondialdehyde), 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity in the brain. Thus, the key results provide new insights into the use of clean technologies to combat global MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

In Silico Studies on Zinc Oxide Based Nanostructured Oil Carriers with Seed Extracts of Nigella sativa and Pimpinella anisum as Potential Inhibitors of 3CL Protease of SARS-CoV-2.

Coming into the second year of the pandemic, the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants continue to be a serious health hazard globally. A surge in the omicron wave, despite the discovery of the vaccines, has shifted the attention of research towards the discovery and use of bioactive compounds, being potential inhibitors of the viral structural proteins. The present study aimed at the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with seed extracts of Nigella sativa and Pimpinella anisum-loaded nanostructured oil carriers (NLC)-using a mixture of olive and black seed essential oils. The synthesized ZnO NLC were extensively characterized. In addition, the constituent compounds in ZnO NLC were investigated as a potential inhibitor for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) where 27 bioactive constituents, along with ZnO in the nanostructure, were subjected to molecular docking studies. The resultant high-score compounds were further validated by molecular dynamics simulation. The study optimized the compounds dithymoquinone, δ-hederin, oleuropein, and zinc oxide with high docking energy scores (ranging from -7.9 to -9.9 kcal/mol). The RMSD and RMSF data that ensued also mirrored these results for the stability of proteins and ligands. RMSD and RMSF data showed no conformational change in the protein during the MD simulation. Histograms of every simulation trajectory explained the ligand properties and ligand-protein contacts. Nevertheless, further experimental investigations and validation of the selected candidates are imperative to take forward the applicability of the nanostructure as a potent inhibitor of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) for clinical trials.

Ameliorative effects of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract and Vitamin C on cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

The present studywas undertaken to assess the bioaccumulation potential of cadmium in liver, kidney, gills and muscles of freshwater fish, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and the changes in oxidative stress indices in liver and kidney with or without simultaneous treatment with waterborne vitamin C and rosemary leaf extract. Adult tilapia were divided into seven groups. Six groups were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cd, three groups to 5 ppm, while other three to 10 ppm. Two groups from each of the Cd exposed groups were treated with Vitamin C (5ppm) and rosemary leaf extract (2.5 ppm) for a period of 21 days. Cadmium concentration in liver, kidneys and gills was significantly higher in the cadmium exposed groups being invariably high in the groups exposed to 10 ppm CdCl2.H2O.Treatment with Vitamin C and rosemary leaf extract significantly reduced cadmium concentration in comparison to non-treated Cd exposed groups. Treatment with Vitamin C and rosemary leaf extract significantly reduced oxidative stress in Cd exposed fish as evidenced from lower concentration of lipid peroxides and reduced activity of catalase and higher activity of superoxide dismutase in liver and kidney as compared to control fish. Reduction in Cd induced oxidative stress and bioaccumulation was comparable between the two antioxidant treatments, Vitamin C and rosemary leaf extract. The key findings suggest that both the antioxidants used showed ameliorative potential to reduce tissue accumulation of Cd and associated oxidative stress in fresh water fish, Nile tilapia.

Ameliorative potential of stem bromelain on lead-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.

The present study investigates the protective efficacy of stem bromelain against lead-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. There were six experimental groups; Group I was negative control, Group II was administered only 20 mg/kg of stem bromelain. Group III and V were orally exposed to 30 mg/kg/day and 60 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, respectively. Group IV and Group VI were exposed to both low and high dose of lead acetate, respectively, and treated with 20 mg/kg stem bromelain. The experimental period was 21 days. The end points evaluated were, lead accumulation in kidney, liver and spleen, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, serum malonaldehyde (MDA) cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Co-administration of stem bromelain with lead markedly reduced the lead accumulation in the kidney and spleen. The treatment of stem bromelain also reduced the serum MDA levels in the group exposed to lower dose of lead and serum triglyceride level in the group exposed to higher dose of lead. The lead-induced modulated levels of serum ALT and AST were also alleviated by bromelain treatment. Our key findings suggest a chelating potential of stem bromelain for combating lead toxicity and oxidative stress. Bromelain represents a novel approach to the treatment of metal toxicity and metabolic disorders with a limited therapeutic window.

Anti-diabetic effect of Murraya koenigii (L) and Olea europaea (L) leaf extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Phytotherapy has a promising future in the management of diabetes, considered to be less toxic and free from side effects as compared to the use of synthetic drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess the antidiabetic possible of orally administered aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii (ML) and Olea europaea (OL) leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg doses), in streptozotocin (70 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats. Metformin was used as a standard drug. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine levels and body weight were estimated. ML and OL administration showed significant decrease (p>0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum glucose levels (range 55.6%-64.6%) compared to the metformin (62.7%); however, there was no significant effect on body weight and serum creatinine. Our results suggest that both the ML and OL possess a potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effect, which may be due to the presence of antioxidants such as carbazole alkaloids and polyphenols.

Olive oil oleuropein has anti-breast cancer properties with higher efficiency on ER-negative cells.

Breast cancer constitutes a major health problem for women worldwide. However, its incidence varies between populations and geographical locations. These variations could be diet-related, since there are several carcinogenic compounds in the modern diet, while natural products contain various anti-cancer elements. Several lines of evidence indicate that, in addition to their clear preventive effect, these compounds could also be used as therapeutic agents. In the present report we have shown that oleuropein, a pharmacologically safe natural product of olive leaf, has potent anti-breast cancer properties. Indeed, oleuropein exhibits specific cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with higher effect on the basal-like MDA-MB-231 cells than on the luminal MCF-7 cells. This effect is mediated through the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, oleuropein inhibits cell proliferation by delaying the cell cycle at S phase and up-regulated the cyclin-dependent inhibitor p21. Furthermore, oleuropein inhibited the anti-apoptosis and pro-proliferation protein NF-κB and its main oncogenic target cyclin D1. This inhibition could explain the great effect of oleuropein on cell proliferation and cell death of breast cancer cells. Therefore, oleuropein warrants further investigations to prove its utility in preventing/treating breast cancer, especially the less-responsive basal-like type.

Bisphenol A induces hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress in rat model.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that lead to significant oxidative damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant with increasing exposure to it and exerts both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. Due to limited information concerning the effect of BPA on liver, this study investigates whether BPA causes hepatotoxicity by induction of oxidative stress in liver. Rats were divided into five groups: The first four groups, BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 50 mg/kg/day) were administrated orally to rats for four weeks. The fifth group was taken water with vehicle. The final body weights in the 0.1 mg group showed a significant decrease compared to control group. Significant decreased levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase activity were found in the 50 mg BPA group compared to control groups. High dose of BPA (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the biochemical levels of ALT, ALP and total bilirubin. BPA effect on the activity of antioxidant genes was confirmed by real time PCR in which the expression levels of these genes in liver tissue were significantly decrease compared to control. Data from this study demonstrate that BPA generate ROS and reduce the antioxidant gene expression that causes hepatotoxicity.