Effects of Se nanoparticles supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and nutrient digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerling fed sunflower meal based diet

Abstract The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, hematology and nutrients digestibility of Labeorohita fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with seven isocaloric sunflower meal-based diet supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles naming T1 to T7 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/kg), with 5% wet body weight while chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. After experimentation for 90 days T3 treated group (1mg/kg -1Se-nano level) showed the best result in hematological parameters (WBCs 7.97 ×103mm-3, RBCs 2.98 ×106 mm-3 and Platelet count 67), nutrient digestibility (crude protein: 74%, ether extract: 76%, gross energy: 70%) and growth performance (weight gain 13.24 g, weight gain% 198, feed conversion ratio 1.5, survival rate 100%) as compared to the other treatment groups. Specific growth rates were found significantly higher in T5 than in other groups. The present study indicated positive effect of 1 mg/kg Se-nanoparticles on growth advancement, hematological parameters, and nutrients digestibility of L. rohita fingerlings.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar os efeitos das nanopartículas de selênio no crescimento, hematologia e digestibilidade dos nutrientes de alevinos de Labeo rohita. Os alevinos foram alimentados com sete dietas isocalóricas à base de farinha de girassol suplementada com diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas, nomeando T1 a T7 (0, 0,5, 1, 1,5, 2, 2,5 e 3 mg / kg), com 5% do peso corporal úmido enquanto o óxido crômico foi usado como um marcador indigesto. Após a experimentação por 90 dias, o grupo tratado com T3 (nível 1mg / kg -1Se-nano) mostrou o melhor resultado em parâmetros hematológicos (WBCs 7,97 × 103mm-3, RBCs 2,98 × 106mm-3 e contagem de plaquetas 67), digestibilidade dos nutrientes (proteína bruta: 74%, extrato de éter: 76%, energia bruta: 70%) e desempenho de crescimento (ganho de peso 13,24 g, ganho de peso % 198, taxa de conversão alimentar 1,5, taxa de sobrevivência 100%) em comparação com os outros grupos de tratamento. As taxas de crescimento específicas foram encontradas significativamente mais altas em T5 do que em outros grupos. O presente estudo indicou efeito positivo de 1 mg / kg de nanopartículas de Se no avanço do crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e digestibilidade de nutrientes de alevinos de L. rohita.

Effects of Se nanoparticles supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and nutrient digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerling fed sunflower meal based diet / Efeitos da suplementação de nanopartículas de Se no desempenho de crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e digestibilidade de nutrientes da dieta baseada em farinha de girassol alimentada com alevinos de Labeo rohita

Abstract The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, hematology and nutrients digestibility of Labeorohita fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with seven isocaloric sunflower meal-based diet supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles naming T1 to T7 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/kg), with 5% wet body weight while chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. After experimentation for 90 days T3 treated group (1mg/kg -1Se-nano level) showed the best result in hematological parameters (WBC's 7.97 ×103mm-3, RBC's 2.98 ×106 mm-3 and Platelet count 67), nutrient digestibility (crude protein: 74%, ether extract: 76%, gross energy: 70%) and growth performance (weight gain 13.24 g, weight gain% 198, feed conversion ratio 1.5, survival rate 100%) as compared to the other treatment groups. Specific growth rates were found significantly higher in T5 than in other groups. The present study indicated positive effect of 1 mg/kg Se-nanoparticles on growth advancement, hematological parameters, and nutrients digestibility of L. rohita fingerlings.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar os efeitos das nanopartículas de selênio no crescimento, hematologia e digestibilidade dos nutrientes de alevinos de Labeo rohita. Os alevinos foram alimentados com sete dietas isocalóricas à base de farinha de girassol suplementada com diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas, nomeando T1 a T7 (0, 0,5, 1, 1,5, 2, 2,5 e 3 mg / kg), com 5% do peso corporal úmido enquanto o óxido crômico foi usado como um marcador indigesto. Após a experimentação por 90 dias, o grupo tratado com T3 (nível 1mg / kg -1Se-nano) mostrou o melhor resultado em parâmetros hematológicos (WBC's 7,97 × 103mm-3, RBC's 2,98 × 106mm-3 e contagem de plaquetas 67), digestibilidade dos nutrientes (proteína bruta: 74%, extrato de éter: 76%, energia bruta: 70%) e desempenho de crescimento (ganho de peso 13,24 g, ganho de peso % 198, taxa de conversão alimentar 1,5, taxa de sobrevivência 100%) em comparação com os outros grupos de tratamento. As taxas de crescimento específicas foram encontradas significativamente mais altas em T5 do que em outros grupos. O presente estudo indicou efeito positivo de 1 mg / kg de nanopartículas de Se no avanço do crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e digestibilidade de nutrientes de alevinos de L. rohita.

Sesamol: A lignan in sesame seeds with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Inflammation is associated with the development and progression of a plethora of diseases including joint, metabolic, neurological, hepatic, and renal disorders. Sesamol, derived from the seeds of Sesamum indicum L., has received considerable attention due to its well-documented multipotent phytotherapeutic effects, including its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, to date, no comprehensive review has been established to highlight or summarize the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of sesamol. Herein, we aim to address this gap in the literature by presenting a thorough review encapsulating evidence surrounding the range of inflammatory mediators and cytokines shown to be targeted by sesamol in modulating its anti-inflammatory actions against a range of inflammatory disorders. Additionally, evidence highlighting the role that sesamol has in modulating components of adaptive immunity including cellular immune responses and Th1/Th2 balance is underscored. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms and the signaling pathways underlying such effects are also highlighted. Findings indicate that this seemingly potent lignan mediates its anti-inflammatory actions, at least in part, via suppression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ß and TNFα, and downregulation of a multitude of signaling pathways including NF-κB and MAPK. In conclusion, we anticipate that sesamol may be employed in future therapeutic regimens to aid in more effective drug development to alleviate immune-related and inflammatory conditions.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Berberine in Lung Tissue and its Potential Application in Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19.

Natural products with known safety profiles are a promising source for the discovery of new drug leads. Berberine presents an example of one such phytochemical that has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties against myriads of diseases, ranging from respiratory disorders to viral infections. A growing body of research supports the pluripotent therapeutic role berberine may play against the dreaded disease COVID-19. The exact pathophysiological features of COVID-19 are yet to be elucidated. However, compelling evidence suggests inflammation and immune dysregulations as major features of this disease. Being a potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent, berberine may prove to be useful for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This review aims to revisit the pharmacological anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits of berberine on a multitude of respiratory infections, which like COVID-19, are known to adversely affect the airways and lungs. We speculate that berberine may help alleviate COVID-19 via preventing cytokine storm, restoring Th1/Th2 balance, and enhancing cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, the role this promising phytochemical plays on other important inflammatory mediators involved in respiratory disorders will be underscored. We further highlight the role of berberine against COVID-19 by underscoring direct evidence from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies suggesting the inhibitory potential berberine may play against three critical SARS-CoV-2 targets, namely main protease, spike protein, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Further preclinical and clinical trials are certainly required to further substantiate the efficacy and potency of berberine against COVID-19 in humans.

Effects of Se nanoparticles supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and nutrient digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerling fed sunflower meal based diet.

The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, hematology and nutrients digestibility of Labeorohita fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with seven isocaloric sunflower meal-based diet supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles naming T1 to T7 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/kg), with 5% wet body weight while chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. After experimentation for 90 days T3 treated group (1mg/kg -1Se-nano level) showed the best result in hematological parameters (WBC's 7.97 ×103mm-3, RBC's 2.98 ×106 mm-3 and Platelet count 67), nutrient digestibility (crude protein: 74%, ether extract: 76%, gross energy: 70%) and growth performance (weight gain 13.24 g, weight gain% 198, feed conversion ratio 1.5, survival rate 100%) as compared to the other treatment groups. Specific growth rates were found significantly higher in T5 than in other groups. The present study indicated positive effect of 1 mg/kg Se-nanoparticles on growth advancement, hematological parameters, and nutrients digestibility of L. rohita fingerlings.

Thymoquinone, a major constituent in Nigella sativa seeds, is a potential preventative and treatment option for atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and progressive chronic arterial disease that remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is generally accepted that atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease characterized by dyslipidemia and inflammation in the vessel walls. Nonpharmacological interventions to treat chronic diseases like atherosclerosis have gained considerable attention in recent years. Thymoquinone (TQ), the major bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, presents one such example of a natural therapeutic agent that has captured the attention of many researchers due to its wide array of medicinal properties, including its potent anti-atherosclerotic effects. Various in vitro and in vivo studies support the potential of TQ in ameliorating hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which are key hallmarks of atherosclerosis. However, to date, no review has been conducted to substantiate the role of TQ in preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review aims to examine recent in vitro and in vivo experimental findings reported on the potential anti-atherosclerotic effects of TQ. The roles of TQ in combatting hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in atherosclerosis are highlighted. We also shed light on the role of TQ in preventing foam cell formation by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) availability and oxidation. Moreover, recent findings on the protective role of TQ on early markers of atherosclerosis, including homocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction, are also underscored. Experimental evidence suggests that TQ can potentially be employed as a natural therapeutic agent with minimal side effects against the development and/or progression of atherosclerosis and its associated complications.

Extreme ecchymoses in a migraine patient using concomitant treatment with calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antibodies and fish oil supplements: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Erenumab, a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, is registered for migraine prevention. Compared to other conventional migraine prevention medicines (i.e. topiramate, betablockers and amitriptyline) erenumab has better tolerability. Impaired hemostasis has not been reported previously. Here, we report the first case of an increased tendency to bruise in a migraine patient treated with erenumab. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year old female migraine patient was treated with erenumab for 12 months, which led to a significant reduction of headache and migraine days. Three months after treatment start, she experienced increased tendency to bruise leading to extreme ecchymosis after 4 months treatment. Platelet counts and aggregation, thromboelastography, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were all normal. Thorough interview revealed intake of fish oil supplements for many years prior to treatment. The increased tendency to bruise subsided after discontinuation of fish oil supplements. CONCLUSION: The combination of fish oil supplements and erenumab may cause increased tendency to bruise. Erenumab has no effect on the platelets per se but may cause impaired wound healing by suppression of CGRP. Thus, small and unnoticeable bruises may be aggravated instead in patients with tendency to bruise caused by for instance fish oil supplements.

Use of A Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves for the Green Synthesis of Bismuth Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Activities.

The employment of plant extracts in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles is a very attractive approach in the field of green synthesis. To benefit from the potential synergy between the biological activities of the Moringa oleifera and metallic bismuth, our study aimed to achieve a green synthesis of phytochemical encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract used was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The physical properties of the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectrometer, TEM, SEM, and XRD. The size of the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles is in the range of 40.4-57.8 nm with amorphous morphology. Using DPPH and phosphomolybdate assays, our findings revealed that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles possess antioxidant properties. Using resazurin microtiter assay, we also demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles exert potent anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (estimated MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; estimated MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles display relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (estimated MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; estimated MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 250, 250, 62.5, and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively). Thus, green synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles using M. oleifera leaves extract was successful, showing a positive antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Therefore, the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles can potentially be employed in the alleviation of symptoms associated with oxidative stress and in the topic treatment of Candida infections.

Green Synthesis of Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities.

: The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the antimicrobial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert considerable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their reported antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.

Recent advances on the anti-cancer properties of Nigella sativa, a widely used food additive.

The use of naturally-occurring agents to regulate tumorigenesis is on the rise. Several herbal extracts, pure plant-derived active constituents, and food additives have been reported to possess potent anti-cancer properties and cancer-ameliorating effects. The wide-range anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa, also known as black seed or black cumin, have been extensively studied using different in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we provide a comprehensive, analytical review of the reported anti-cancer properties of N. sativa seed extracts. This review focuses on analyzing experimental findings related to the ability of N. sativa to exert anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-mutagenic, anti-metastatic, and NK cytotoxic activity enhancing effects against various primary cancer cells and cancer cell lines. Moreover, we underline the molecular mechanisms of action and the signal transduction pathways implicated in the suppression of tumorigenesis by N. sativa. The major signaling pathway utilized by N. sativa to manifest its anti-cancer activity is the iNOS signaling pathway. This review underscores the recent developments that highlight an effective therapeutic potential of N. sativa to suppress tumor development, reduce tumor incidence, and ameliorate carcinogenesis. In sum, experimental findings reported in the last two decades strongly suggest that N. sativa fractions could serve, alone or in combination with known chemotherapeutic drugs, as effective agents to control tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis, and hence, treatment of a wide range of cancers.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone: A comprehensive review.

Many herbal products are now used as remedies to treat various infectious and non-infectious conditions. Even though the use of herbs and natural products is much more evident in the Eastern world, their use in Western cultures is continuously increasing. Although the immunomodulatory effects of some herbs have been extensively studied, research related to possible immunomodulatory effects of many herbs and various spices is relatively scarce. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Nigella sativa, also known as black seed or black cumin, and its major active ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ). This review article focuses on analyzing in vitro and in vivo experimental findings that were reported with regard to the ability of N. sativa and TQ to modulate inflammation, cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses, and Th1/Th2 paradigm. The reported capability of N. sativa to augment the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells against cancer cells is also emphasized. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying such immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of N. sativa and TQ are highlighted. Moreover, the signal transduction pathways implicated in the immunoregulatory functions of N. sativa and TQ are underscored. Experimental evidence suggests that N. sativa extracts and TQ can potentially be employed in the development of effective therapeutic agents towards the regulation of immune reactions implicated in various infectious and non-infectious conditions including different types of allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Clinical efficacy of the co-administration of Turmeric and Black seeds (Kalongi) in metabolic syndrome - a double blind randomized controlled trial - TAK-MetS trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of Black seeds and Turmeric alone and its co-administration in lower doses among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). DESIGN: Double-blind-randomized-controlled trial. SETTING: Hijrat colony, Karachi, Pakistan. INTERVENTION: Apparently healthy males (n=250), who screened positive for MetS, were randomized to either Black seeds (1.5g/day), Turmeric (2.4g/day), its combination (900mg Black seeds and 1.5g Turmeric/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: body-mass-index (BMI), body-fat-percent (BF%), waist-circumference (WC), hip-circumference (HC), blood pressure (BP), lipid-profile (cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and c-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: At 4 weeks, compared to baseline, Black seed and Turmeric alone showed improvement in BMI, WC and BF%. Combination improved all parameters except HDL-cholesterol with lower FBG and LDL-cholesterol as compared to placebo. At 8 weeks, compared to placebo, Black seeds reduced lipids and FBG, while Turmeric reduced LDL-cholesterol and CRP. Interestingly, combination group with 60% dose of the individual herbs showed an improvement in all parameters from baseline. When compared to placebo, it reduced BF%, FBG, cholesterol, TG, LDL-cholesterol, CRP and raised HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Turmeric and Black seeds showed improvement in all parameters of metabolic syndrome, when co-administered at 60% of doses of individual herbs with enhanced efficacy and negligible adverse-effects. The combination of Black seeds and Turmeric can therefore, be recommended with lifestyle modification as a starting point for patients with MetS to halt its future complications and progression.

Sesamol and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil enhance macrophage cholesterol efflux via up-regulation of PPARγ1 and LXRα transcriptional activity in a MAPK-dependent manner.

PURPOSE: Cholesterol clearance by macrophages is a vital process to eliminate excess cholesterol from the body. Internalization of modified cholesterol by macrophages triggers overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1 (PPARγ1) and liver X receptor α (LXRα), two transcription factors that are critically involved in macrophage cholesterol efflux. Recent studies demonstrate that oral administration of sesamol derivative (INV-403) and sesame oil leads to a significant attenuation of atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits and LDLR(-/-) mice, respectively. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such anti-atherogenic effects remain largely unrevealed. METHODS: Luciferase reporter assays were performed to assess the effects of sesamol and sesame oil on PPARγ1 and LXRα gene expression. The potential of sesamol and sesame oil to modulate cholesterol efflux was evaluated using (3)H-cholesterol efflux assays. RESULTS: Sesamol and sesame oil treatments lead to a significant up-regulation of PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity in a MAPK-dependent manner. Importantly, primary macrophages display a significantly enhanced cholesterol efflux potential upon treatment with sesamol and sesame oil, and this stimulatory effect is mediated by MAPK signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the previously reported anti-atherogenic effects of sesamol and sesame oil could be attributed, at least in part, to enhanced PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity leading to improved macrophage cholesterol efflux. Our study is novel in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of sesamol and sesame oil against atherosclerosis.

Androgen versus erythropoietin for the treatment of anaemia of pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Anemia is an important clinical manifestation to treat chronic kidney disease. Many subjects with poor socio-economic status having chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anaemia in a developing country can not afford the treatment with erythropoietin. This study has designed to see the efficacy of Nandrolone, a cheaper alternative; in comparison with recombinant human erythropoietin for management of anemia of pre-dialysis diabetic chronic kidney disease. Sixty adult diabetic patients with anaemia of chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment [Not on Hemodialysis (HD)] were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) of 30 patients each. Group 1 patients received nandrolone deaconate 50 mg deep intramuscular and Group 2 recombinant human erythropoietin 100 IU per kilogram of body weight subcutaneously once weekly. Patients of both group received oral supplements in order to maintain body iron stores. All the relevant haematological and renal parameters were evaluated at the end of 3rd & 6th months. There was a statistically significant rise in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, in both groups. The rise in haemoglobin concentration, in Group 2 was more marked followed by Group 1, at the end of 3rd, and 6th months. Nandrolone, though not equally effective, may be considered as a valid alternative therapy for the treatment of anemia of pre-dialysis diabetic chronic kidney disease to that of erythropoietin.

Nigella sativa modulates splenocyte proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, macrophage function and NK anti-tumor activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Nigella sativa, also known as blackseed, has long been used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems as well as different types of cancers. In this study, the potential immunomodulatory effects of Nigella sativa are investigated in light of splenocyte proliferation, macrophage function, and NK anti-tumor activity using BLAB/c and C57/BL6 primary cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Splenocyte proliferation was assessed by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. Griess assay was performed to evaluate NO production by macrophages. ELISA was performed to measure the level of cytokines secreted by splenocytes and macrophages. NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 tumor cells was examined by JAM assay. RESULTS: We demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa significantly enhances splenocyte proliferation in a dose-responsive manner. In addition, the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa favors the secretion of Th2, versus Th1, cytokines by splenocytes. The secretion of IL-6, TNFalpha, and NO; key pro-inflammatory mediators, by primary macrophages is significantly suppressed by the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa, indicating that Nigella sativa exerts anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Finally, experimental evidence indicates that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa significantly enhances NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 tumor cells, suggesting that the documented anti-tumor effects of Nigella sativa may be, at least in part, attributed to its ability to serve as a stimulant of NK anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data present Nigella sativa as a traditionally used herb with potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. We anticipate that Nigella sativa ingredients may be employed as effective therapeutic agents in the regulation of diverse immune reactions implicated in various conditions and diseases such as cancer.

In vitro investigation of the potential immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).

Although the immunomodulatory effects of many herbs have been extensively studied, research related to possible immunomodulatory effects of various spices is relatively scarce. Here, the potential immunomodulatory effects of black pepper and cardamom are investigated. Our data show that black pepper and cardamom aqueous extracts significantly enhance splenocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent, synergistic fashion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments reveal that black pepper and cardamom significantly enhance and suppress, respectively, T helper (Th)1 cytokine release by splenocytes. Conversely, Th2 cytokine release by splenocytes is significantly suppressed and enhanced by black pepper and cardamom, respectively. Experimental evidence suggests that black pepper and cardamom extracts exert pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively. Consistently, nitric oxide production by macrophages is significantly augmented and reduced by black pepper and cardamom, respectively. Remarkably, it is evident that black pepper and cardamom extracts significantly enhance the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, indicating their potential anti-cancer effects. Our findings strongly suggest that black pepper and cardamom exert immunomodulatory roles and antitumor activities, and hence they manifest themselves as natural agents that can promote the maintenance of a healthy immune system. We anticipate that black pepper and cardamom constituents can be used as potential therapeutic tools to regulate inflammatory responses and prevent/attenuate carcinogenesis.

Increased arterial distensibility induced by the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, lisinopril, in normotensive rats.

1. We investigated possible structural correlates of the beneficial effect of chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) with lisinopril on the aortic distensibility of normotensive rats. 2. Experiments were performed in young (4-month old), normotensive, Wistar rats which received lisinopril in their drinking water (0.9 or 9 mg kg-1 day-1) for 9 months. 3. Following ACEI treatment, rats were pithed and aortic pulse wave velocity was measured during the progressive rise in mean arterial blood pressure produced by i.v. infusion of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine. The slope of the regression line relating aortic pulse wave velocity to mean arterial blood pressure was taken as an index of aortic distensibility. Following this, the aorta was fixed in situ at a normotensive pressure level and histomorphometry was performed. We also measured the calcium content of the aortic wall by atomic absorption. 4. The lower dose of lisinopril failed to lower systolic arterial blood pressure (unanaesthetized rat) or mean arterial blood pressure (pithed rat). Chronic ACEI with the higher dose of lisinopril lowered both systolic arterial blood pressure (104 +/- 6 mmHg, controls 133 +/- 4 mmHg, unanaesthetized), and mean arterial blood pressure (27 +/- 1 mmHg, controls 34 +/- 2 mmHg, pithed). 5. Although the lower dose of lisinopril did not lower blood pressure, it did improve aortic distensibility as revealed by a fall in the slope relating aortic pulse wave velocity (Y) to mean arterial blood pressure (X). Values were 5.7 +/- 0.7, 3.8 +/- 0.6 and 2.7 +/- 0.3 in controls, and in low and high ACEI groups, respectively. 6. Lisinopril treatment did not modify the calcium content, the internal and external diameters or the medial thickness of the aorta. Chronic ACEI did, however, increase the thickness of the medial elastic fibres (controls 3.55 +/- 0.05 microm, low dose ACEI 4.05 +/- 0.15 gm (P<0.05), and high dose ACEI4.18 +/- 0.15 microm (P<0.05)).7. In conclusion, we would suggest that ACEI treatment with a low dose of lisinopril can decrease aortic stiffness via a pressure-independent mechanism which possibly involves an effect of ACEI on elastic fibres.