Ethanol extract of basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) leaves inhibits endometriosis growth in a mouse model by modulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of administering an ethanol extract obtained from basil leaves on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the severity of endometriosis lesions in a mouse model. A total of 28 female mice, aged 2-3 months and weighing 20-30 grams, were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (C), treatment group 1 (T1) receiving a dose of basil leaf ethanol extract (0.21 mg/g-BW), treatment group 2 (T2) receiving a higher dose (0.42 mg/g BW), and treatment group 3 (T3) receiving the highest dose (0.84 mg/g-BW). Each group underwent a 14-day treatment period, and tissue samples were collected on the 29th day. An immunohistochemical examination was conducted to assess the expression of VEGF and evaluate the severity of endometriosis lesions. The statistical analysis of VEGF expression revealed a significant difference (p=0.026; p<0.05), with the most pronounced effects observed when administering basil leaf ethanol extract at doses of 0.21 mg/g-BW and 0.42 mg/g-BW. Although not statistically significant (p=0.271; p<0.05), a reduction in the severity of endometriosis lesions was observed following the administration of basil leaf ethanol extract at doses of 0.21 mg/g-BW and 0.42 mg/g-BW. Administering basil leaf ethanol extract at doses of 0.21 mg/g-BW and 0.42 mg/g-BW effectively decreased VEGF expression and limited the severity of endometriosis lesions.

Curcuma longa supplementation reduces MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in a rat model exposed to soot particulates.

Background: Particulate matter (PM) is one of the important components in air pollution that can cause endothelial vascular dysfunction through exacerbation of atherosclerosis and inflammation of the respiratory system. Increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood plasma can be an indicator of oxidative stress. Then, macrophages can secrete proinflammatory cytokines that will stimulate immune cells and vascular endothelial cells to release inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α). Curcuma longa works by scavenging the active free radicals involved in the peroxidation process. Aims: This study aims to prove that the administration of C. longa can reduce MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in Rattus norvegicus exposed to soot particulates. Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 male rats which were divided into 5 treatment groups with the following: (C0): negative control; (C+): positive control; (T1): Treatment group 2, rats exposed to particulate soot at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 1 mg/kg bw; (T2): Treatment group 3 was rats exposed to soot particulates at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw; (T3): Treatment group 4 was rats exposed to soot particulates at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 3 mg/kg bw.Giving the C. longa extract orally with a probe every day for 30 days after treatment of exposure to soot. Examination of MDA, TNF-, and IL-6 levels with the ELISA method. Results: The administration of C. longa can reduce MDA while the lowest MDA levels were obtained in the T3 treatment with an average of 1.542 ± 0.231. The results of the description of the lowest levels of TNF-α were obtained in the C-treatment with an average of 55.981 ± 4.689. Then, the lowest levels of IL-6 were obtained in the C-treatment with an average of 2.292 ± 0.461. Conclusion: The results stated that the administration of C. longa could reduce MDA levels, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Curcuma longa as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant play an effective role in inhibiting inflammation by decreasing IL-6 cytokine and TNF-α. Curcuma longa can inhibit lipid peroxidation initiated by free radicals and then reduce MDA levels.

Vitamin D inhibited endometriosis development in mice model through interleukin-17 modulation.

Background: Endometriosis is a common, benign, estrogen-dependent, and chronic gynecological disease. Immune system disturbance and inflammatory abnormalities were involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Therefore, it is logical to use vitamin D, which has an immunomodulatory capacity, as supportive therapy for endometriosis. Aim: This research aimed to study the effect of different doses of vitamin D on Interleukin-17 (IL-17) expression in endometriosis mice models. Methods: Endometriosis was induced in 24 mice divided into 4 groups of 6. Group C received no treatment, while groups T1, T2, and T3 received graded doses of oral vitamin D, sequentially 8, 16, and 24 IU, for 3 weeks. IL-17 expression and the extent of endometriotic peritoneal lesions were then measured and analyzed. Statistical tests were performed to see the difference in the mean area of endometriosis lesions and IL-17 expression between the control and treatment groups, as well as the correlation between the extent of endometriosis lesions and IL-17. Results: Endometriosis lesions decreased after 16 and 24 IU of vitamin D administration (p 0.023 and 0.009). Endometriosis lesion also tends to be smaller after 8 IU of vitamin D supplementation, although insignificant (p > 0.05). IL-17 expression was significantly lower after 24 IU vitamin D administration compared to the untreated group (p = 0.004). Lower IL-17 expressions were also observed after 8 and 16 IU vitamin D administration, although insignificant (p = 0.452 and p = 0.645). IL-17 expression was moderately and positively correlated with the extent of endometriosis lesions (p = 0.012, rho = 0.505). Conclusion: By modulating the expression of IL-17 in endometriotic lesions, vitamin D inhibited the development of endometriotic lesions in the endometriosis mice model. The recommended vitamin D dose in this study was 24 IU.

Effect of kebar grass extract ( Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) on histopathological changes in liver of mice offspring from the parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period.

This study aims to determine the potential of Kebar grass extract in reducing the impact of liver damage in mice offspring ( Mus musculus) from parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period. 42 lactation mice ( Mus musculus) used in the study were divided into seven groups, each group consisting of six mice. Carbofuran, Kebar grass extract, and vitamin C are administered orally on days 1 to 14 after birth. This group consisted of K (aquadest), P1 (carbofuran 1/4 LD50 0.0125 mg/day), P2 (carbofuran 1/8 LD50 0.00625 mg/day), P3 (Kebar grass extract 3.375 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/4 LD50), P4 (Kebar grass extract 3.375 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/8 LD50), P5 (vitamin C 5 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/4 LD50), and P6 (vitamin C 5 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/8 LD50). On the 15th day after birth, mice were sacrified and their liver taken for microscopic examination with hematoxilin and eosin staining. The scoring data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. The result showed significant different (p⟨0.05) among the treatment groups. Mean of P4 in degeration is (1.13), necrosis (1.13) and inflamation (0.73), while the mean of P6 in degeneration is (2.20), necrosis (2.73) and inflamation (1.93). The conclusion of this research is giving Kebar grass extract is more effective in reducing degeneration, necrosis and inflammatory cell's infiltration than vitamin C in in mice offspring ( Mus musculus) from parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period.