Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review.

Solanum rostratum Dunal, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has drawn attention for its intricate interplay of invasiveness, phytochemical composition, and potential bioactivities. Notably invasive, S. rostratum employs adaptive mechanisms during senescence, featuring thorn formation on leaves, fruits, and stems seed self-propulsion, and resistance to drought. This adaptability has led to its proliferation in countries such as China, Canada, and Australia, extending beyond its Mexican origin. Despite its invasive historical reputation, recent studies unveil a rich array of phytochemicals in S. rostratum, suggesting untapped economic potential due to under-exploration. This review delves into exploring the potential uses of S. rostratum while elucidating the bioactive compounds associated with diverse identified bioactivities. In terms of phytochemistry, S. rostratum reveals an abundance of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities, encompassing antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and pesticidal properties. This positions S. rostratum as a reservoir of valuable chemical constituents with potential applications, particularly in medicine and agriculture. The review provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. rostratum. In this review, we focus on the potential utilization of S. rostratum by emphasizing its phytochemical profile, which holds promise for diverse applications. This review is the first that advocates for further exploration and research to unlock the plant's full potential for both economic and environmental benefit.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of COVID-19-related parosmia: a case report.

Parosmia is a qualitative olfactory dysfunction characterized by distortion of odor perception. Traditional treatments for parosmia include olfactory training and steroids. Some patients infected with COVID-19 have developed chronic parosmia as a result of their infection. Here, we present the case of a patient who developed parosmia after a COVID-19 infection that was not improved by traditional treatments but found significant improvement after hyperbaric oxygen therapy[A1].

Crosstalk Between Aging, Circadian Rhythm, and Melatonin.

Circadian rhythms (CRs) are 24-hour periodic oscillations governed by an endogenous circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which organizes the physiology and behavior of organisms. Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is also indicative of the aging process. In mammals, melatonin is primarily synthesized in the pineal gland and participates in a variety of multifaceted intracellular signaling networks and has been shown to synchronize CRs. Endogenous melatonin synthesis and its release tend to decrease progressively with advancing age. Older individuals experience frequent CR disruption, which hastens the process of aging. A profound understanding of the relationship between CRs and aging has the potential to improve existing treatments and facilitate development of novel chronotherapies that target age-related disorders. This review article aims to examine the circadian regulatory mechanisms in which melatonin plays a key role in signaling. We describe the basic architecture of the molecular circadian clock and its functional decline with age in detail. Furthermore, we discuss the role of melatonin in regulation of the circadian pacemaker and redox homeostasis during aging. Moreover, we also discuss the protective effect of exogenous melatonin supplementation in age-dependent CR disruption, which sheds light on this pleiotropic molecule and how it can be used as an effective chronotherapeutic medicine.

Vitamin C Improves Inflammatory-related Redox Status in Hyperlipidemic Rats.

Excessive dietary fat is mainly responsible for metabolic diseases including atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We have evaluated the role of Vitamin C in an experimental hyperlipidemic model of rats (male Wistar rat 12-16 months). The hyperlipidemic model of the rat was created by treatment with an atherogenic suspension: cholesterol, cholic acid, and coconut oil, for 30 days once daily, and supplemented with Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) doses of 0.5 g/kg body weight (orally) for the 30 days once daily. Bodyweight, fasting glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, ROS (Reactive oxygen species), MDA (Malondialdehyde), FRAP (Ferric reducing the ability of plasma), GSH (Reduced glutathione), PCO (Protein carbonyl), PON-1(Paraoxonase-1), AGE (Advanced glycation end product), PMRS (Plasma membrane reduced system), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were estimated in blood and plasma. Our result shows that oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, were increased in the HFD-treated group of rats. Vitamin C supplementation protected against lipidemic and, oxidative stress. We conclude that Vitamin C may be useful in maintaining cellular redox balance and protecting against lipidemic stress.

Chemical Characterisation, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, and In Silico Studies for Different Extracts of Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth: A Promising Halophyte.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the chemical characterisation, and biological and in silico potential of Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth, an important halophyte commonly used in traditional medicine. The research focuses on the roots and aerial parts of the plant and extracts them using two solvents: methanol and dichloromethane. Chemical characterisation of the extracts was carried out using total phenolic contents quantification, GC-MS analysis, and LC-MS screening. The results exhibited that the aerial parts of the plant have significantly higher total phenolic content than the roots. The GC-MS and LC-MS analysis of the plant extracts revealed the identification of 18 bioactive compounds in each. The biological evaluation was performed using antioxidant, antibacterial, and in vitro antidiabetic assays. The results exhibited that the aerial parts of the plant have higher antioxidant and in vitro antidiabetic activity than the roots. Additionally, the aerial parts of the plant were most effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Molecular docking was done to evaluate the binding affinity (BA) of the bioactive compounds characterised by GC-MS with diabetic enzymes used in the in vitro assay. The results showed that the BA of γ-sitosterol was better than that of acarbose, which is used as a standard in the in vitro assay. Overall, this study suggests that the extract from aerial parts of H. stocksii using methanol as a solvent have better potential as a new medicinal plant and can provide a new aspect to develop more potent medications. The research findings contribute to the scientific data of the medicinal properties of Haloxylon stocksii and provide a basis for further evaluation of its potential as a natural remedy.

The pattern of RNA integrity and the expression of housekeeping genes are influenced by sodium hypochlorite and ascorbic acid.

BACKGROUND: Basic biological science research deals with nucleic acid isolation. Post-isolation nucleic acid integrity has a pivotal role in further elucidating gene expression and other molecular mechanisms. RNA (ribonucleic acid), cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid), and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) products' integrity and quality are affected by several factors in biochemical and biophysical degradation modes. Inadequate evidence was noted about the direct effects of sodium hypochlorite and L-ascorbic acid. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the effects of sodium hypochlorite (SHC) and L-ascorbic acid (LAA) in total RNA and PCR products, respectively, in an acellular condition. METHODS: The study was categorized into three steps total RNA, cDNA, and PCR product evaluations. mBM-MSCs were used to extract RNA and then treated with SHC. Crude total RNA and, after DNase 1 treatment, the bands of total RNA samples were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. cDNAs were synthesized from SHC-treated (0.25%) and untreated RNAs, which were also expressed on the gel. LAA (5 µM, 15 µM, 25 µM, and 50 µM) were added to cDNAs synthesized from SHC- and non-SHC-treated samples. Housekeeping genes, Gapdh (Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), and 18S rRNA (18S Ribosomal ribonucleic acid) were amplified in both groups. RESULTS: SHC-treated samples produced clearer bands on an agarose gel. Its treatment did not affect the integrated densities of agarose bands which revealed non-significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in SHC-treated, untreated RNA, and cDNA. However, significant variations were observed at the PCR level. SHC-treated samples expressed decreased housekeeping gene expression in amplified products (Gapdh and 18S rRNA) and slightly but non-significantly high band intensities appeared in the presence of LAA. Significant variable differences (*P ≤ 0.05) were observed between SHC-treated and non-treated groups after LAA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: SHC (0.25%) is favorable in removing RNases and maintaining the integrity of RNA. cDNA synthesis did not affect by SHC treatment, and it follows the same as untreated samples after DNase 1 treatment. LAA drew a positive impact to improve the quality of PCR products in terms of band intensities, which is insignificant in SHC-treated RNA. Interestingly, it was revealed from our study that 5-25 µM LAA has the most beneficial role in the acquisition of PCR products, i.e. gene expression. These concentrations can be safely used to improve the quality of gene expression. This phenomenon can be used to achieve other, rarer, desired gene expressions. Further research is needed to explore the effects of SHC on the acquisition of PCR products using other solutions.

Multifunctional Iron Oxide Nanocarriers Synthesis for Drug Delivery, Diagnostic Imaging, and Biodistribution Study.

The aim of the current study is to design the radiolabeled and drug-loaded nanocarrier with high loading capacity and pH-dependent drug release characteristics that could effectively transport loaded compounds to various organs for efficient diagnostic imaging and chemotherapeutic drug delivery. The aqueous extract of green tea leaves was used to synthesize the small-sized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Iron oxide nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 50 nm were successfully synthesized, making them suitable for in vivo studies. In drug loading trials, 94% of the drug was loaded onto the active surface of iron oxide nanoparticles from the solution. The in vitro drug release study revealed that an acidic environment (pH 4.5) effectively triggers the release of doxorubicin (DOX) from the nanoparticles as compared to a neutral environment (pH 7.4). The gamma-emitting radionuclide 99mTc was successfully labeled with IONPs for biodistribution and imaging studies. The efficiency of radiolabeling was observed to be ≥ 99%. Furthermore, the in vivo biodistribution study of radiolabeled IONPs in rabbit model showed rapid accumulation in various organs such as heart, liver, and kidneys. This work suggested that green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles are potential nanocarriers for diagnostic imaging and efficiently distributing DOX to specific organs. The aqueous extract of green tea leaves was used for the facile green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Furthermore, the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and gamma-emitting radionuclide 99mTc were loaded on these iron oxide nanoparticles to evaluate the in vivo biodistribution and drug delivery studies in the rabbit models.

Effect of Caffeine on Colonic Manometry in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Coffee and caffeinated products have been widely consumed for many centuries. Previous adult studies have suggested that both coffee and decaffeinated beverages induce colonic motility. However, no study has been conducted in pediatrics, and the role of caffeine alone in pediatric colonic motility needs to be explored. METHODS: A prospective study of pediatric patients undergoing standard colonic motility testing that were able to consume caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and caffeine tablet during colonic manometry. Patients who had a gastrocolonic reflex and high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) in response to intraluminal administration of bisacodyl in the colon were included in the final analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were recruited, 22 of which were excluded, 11 due to abnormal studies (no HAPC seen in response to intraluminal response to bisacodyl), and 11 due to inability to consume all study agents or complete the study. Sixteen patients met criteria for final analyses. Intracolonic bisacodyl produced a larger area under the curve (AUC) compared to all other agents. Caffeinated coffee resulted in a higher AUC, motility index (MI), and time to HAPC compared with decaffeinated coffee ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between caffeinated coffee and caffeine tablet, or caffeine tablet and decaffeinated coffee. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine is indeed a colonic stimulant; however, other components of caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages likely induce colonic response and require further evaluation for possible use as a colonic stimulant.

Modulatory effect of exogenous Coenzyme Q10 on redox and inflammatory biomarkers during aging in rats.

An impaired redox homeostasis is an important hallmark of biological aging. Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous lipophilic antioxidant that decreases with age and has been linked to oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on redox homeostasis and levels of inflammatory cytokines in young and old rats. Male Wistar rats (young and old) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6). Group I: young control, Group II: young rats treated with CoQ10, Group III: old control, Group IV: old rats treated with CoQ10. CoQ10 (20 mg/kg) was administered daily to Group II and IV via oral gavage. After 28 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Results demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl oxidation, advanced oxidation protein products, inflammatory cytokines: CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and a decline in levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, ferric reducing antioxidant potential in plasma and plasma membrane redox system in old rats when compared to young rats. After treatment with CoQ10 significant decrease in the level of MDA, PCO, AOPP, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed. Also, significant up-regulation of SOD, CAT, GSH, FRAP, and PMRS was observed. The results show that supplementing rats with CoQ10 aids in the maintenance of redox equilibrium with replenishment of antioxidant reserves and down-regulation of inflammatory biomarkers. Thus CoQ10 supplementation could be a potential anti-aging therapy.

Introduction to Traditional Medicine and Their Role in Prevention and Treatment of Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases.

Infectious diseases have been a threat to human health globally. The relentless efforts and research have enabled us to overcome most of the diseases through the use of antiviral and antibiotic agents discovered and employed. Unfortunately, the microorganisms have the capability to adapt and mutate over time and antibiotic and antiviral resistance ensues. There are many challenges in treating infections such as failure of the microorganisms to respond to the therapeutic agents, which has led to more chronic infections, complications, and preventable loss of life. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration is warranted to create more potent, effective, and versatile therapies to prevent and eradicate the old and newly emerging diseases. In the recent past, natural medicine has proven its effectiveness against various illnesses. Most of the pharmaceutical agents currently used can trace their origin to the natural products in one way, shape, or form. The full potential of natural products is yet to be realized, as numerous natural resources have not been explored and analyzed. This merits continuous support in research and analysis of ancient treatment systems to explore their full potential and employ them as an alternative or principal therapy.

Beneficial effects of oral vitamin D supplementation in diabetes mellitus type II patients - a clinical study in Karachi.

Vitamins are an essential component of the human body for growth and maintaining health. All vitamins have a significant role in metabolism, as a prophylactic in preventing various diseases, and maintaining health. Literature studies have predicted the positive impact of vitamin D on sugar level in blood of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D plays a significant role in treating diabetes mellitus because it helps produce insulin and helps in the growth of beta cells of the pancreas. The present study was conducted for evaluating the impact of oral vitamin D in reducing the hyperglycemic conditions in patients after treatment of 1-6 months duration. 52 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in the study. The results showed that Vitamin D supplementation of 16 weeks reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1C significantly in Vitamin D deficient Type 2 diabetes.

Oleuropein as a Potent Compound against Neurological Complications Linked with COVID-19: A Computational Biology Approach.

The association of COVID-19 with neurological complications is a well-known fact, and researchers are endeavoring to investigate the mechanistic perspectives behind it. SARS-CoV-2 can bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) that would eventually lead to α-synuclein aggregation in neurons and stimulation of neurodegeneration pathways. Olive leaves have been reported as a promising phytotherapy or co-therapy against COVID-19, and oleuropein is one of the major active components of olive leaves. In the current study, oleuropein was investigated against SARS-CoV-2 target (main protease 3CLpro), TLR-4 and Prolyl Oligopeptidases (POP), to explore oleuropein potency against the neurological complications associated with COVID-19. Docking experiments, docking validation, interaction analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation analysis were performed to provide insight into the binding pattern of oleuropein with the three target proteins. Interaction analysis revealed strong bonding between oleuropein and the active site amino acid residues of the target proteins. Results were further compared with positive control lopinavir (3CLpro), resatorvid (TLR-4), and berberine (POP). Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation was performed using YASARA structure tool, and AMBER14 force field was applied to examine an 100 ns trajectory run. For each target protein-oleuropein complex, RMSD, RoG, and total potential energy were estimated, and 400 snapshots were obtained after each 250 ps. Docking analyses showed binding energy as -7.8, -8.3, and -8.5 kcal/mol for oleuropein-3CLpro, oleuropein-TLR4, and oleuropein-POP interactions, respectively. Importantly, target protein-oleuropein complexes were stable during the 100 ns simulation run. However, an experimental in vitro study of the binding of oleuropein to the purified targets would be necessary to confirm the present study outcomes.

Emerging trends of edible vaccine therapy for combating human diseases especially COVID-19: Pros, cons, and future challenges.

The researchers are still doing efforts to develop an effective, reliable, and easily accessible vaccine candidate to protect against COVID-19. As of the August 2020, nearly 30 conventional vaccines have been emerged in clinical trials, and more than 200 vaccines are in various development stages. Nowadays, plants are also considered as a potential source for the production of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, drugs, immunomodulatory proteins, as well as used as bioreactors or factories for their bulk production. The scientific evidences enlighten that plants are the rich source of oral vaccines, which can be given either by eating the edible parts of plants and/or by oral administration of highly refined proteins. The use of plant-based edible vaccines is an emerging trend as it possesses minimum or no side effects compared with synthetic vaccines. This review article gives insights into different types of vaccines, the use of edible vaccines, advantages of edible vaccines over conventional vaccines, and mechanism of action of edible vaccines. This review article also focuses on the applications of edible vaccines in wide-range of human diseases especially against COVID-19 with emphasis on future perspectives of the use of edible vaccines.

Longitudinal Factorial Invariance of a Brief Measure of Affect and Calm Focus.

Mindfulness-based practices for school-aged children are increasingly common in the United States. Positive and negative affect are theoretically and empirically associated with school outcomes, and these constructs are likely to be impacted by school-based mindfulness practices. Furthermore, mindful states, such as being calm and focused, targeted by mindfulness-based practices are a potential causal mechanism to improve learning and behavior. This study describes a test of longitudinal factorial invariance for a brief measure of affect states plus a state of calm focus that is appropriate for use in mindfulness intervention studies with elementary school-aged children. Data were collected from 97 fourth-grade students in an urban elementary school that was about 46% Hispanic and 44% White. Students listened to one of six different conditions each day for 24 school days: There were four individual mindfulness modules (cross-connect, pause buttons, belly breathing, and mindful minute), one condition that included all four of the modules together, and one condition that was a control activity (a grade-appropriate story presented via audiorecording). Students provided self-report of positive and negative emotions plus calm focus immediately before and after the presentation of the audio. Results showed high levels of internal consistency for the scales, low correlations between scales, and factorial invariance in the pre- and post-test design for five of the six conditions. These findings support the use of this measure in studies with older elementary school students. Future studies should further document construct validity through external validation of the scales.

Melatonin stabilizes age-dependent alterations in erythrocyte membrane induced by 'Artificial Light at Night' in a chronodisrupted model of rat.

Growing evidence has shown that Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of the threatening risk factors which disrupt circadian homeodynamics of cellular processes. The chronobiological role of melatonin seems to represent an important aspect of its contribution to healthy aging. In the present study, we examined the age dependent effect of melatonin on erythrocyte membrane transporters and oxidative stress biomarkers against ALAN to understand the degree of photo-oxidative damage in chronodisrupted rat model. Young (3 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were subdivided in the following four young groups (n = 4) ; (i) control (ii) melatonin (10 mg/kg) (iii) ALAN (500 lx) (iv) ALAN (500 lx) + melatonin (10 mg/kg) and four old groups (n = 4); (v) control (vi) melatonin (10 mg/kg) (vii) ALAN (500 lx) (viii) ALAN (500 lx) + melatonin (10 mg/kg) to the experimental conditions for 10 days. Our findings demonstrated that ALAN significantly enhanced erythrocyte membrane lipid hydroperoxides (LHPs), protein carbonyl (PCO) while reduced total thiol (T-SH), and sialic acid (SA) level with higher amplitude in old ALAN group is restored by exogenous supplementation of melatonin. Activity of membrane transporters, sodium potassium ATPase (NKA) and plasma membrane calcium ion ATPase (PMCA) is significantly reduced meanwhile sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE) activity is enhanced under the influence of ALAN with higher extent in old groups is effectively ameliorated by melatonin treatment. Further melatonin reduced osmotic fragility of erythrocyte in both young and old rats. It has been concluded from results that ALAN provoked redox insult and disrupt transporters activity more prominently in erythrocyte membrane of aged groups. Exogenous supplementation of melatonin is one of the possible therapeutic approaches to reinforce circadian modulations against ALAN in aged populations.

A pH-targeted and NIR-responsive NaCl-nanocarrier for photothermal therapy and ion-interference therapy.

Transport ions into cells through nanocarrier to achieve ion-interference therapy provides new inspiration for cancer treatment. In this work, a pH-targeted and NIR-responsive NaCl-nanocarrier is prepared using surfactant Vitamin E-O(EG2-Glu) and modified with polydopamine (PDA) and pH-sensitive zwitterionic chitosan (ZWC). The NaCl-nanocarrier is decorated with NH4HCO3 and IR-780 to introduce near-infrared (NIR)-responsive performance and imaging. Once the NaCl-nanocarrier is exposed to NIR laser, the temperature rises rapidly because of the excellent photothermal conversion ability of PDA, then NH4HCO3 is decomposed into NH3 and CO2, which burst the nanocarrier, resulting in Cl- and Na+ "bomb-like" release. This pH-targeted nanocarrier accumulates more at tumor site and when irradiating the site with NIR light, the temperature rises and excessive Cl- and Na+ are released to destroy the ion homeostasis and inhibit tumor growth effectively. Through this strategy, the unique combination of ion interference therapy and photothermal therapy is achieved.

Fisetin, a potential caloric restriction mimetic, modulates ionic homeostasis in senescence induced and naturally aged rats.

CONTEXT: Fisetin as a caloric restriction mimetic (CRM) exerts numerous beneficial effects on different aging model systems. The effect of fisetin on erythrocyte membrane functions against induced aging is not very clear. OBJECTIVES: The potential role of fisetin in the modulation of erythrocytes membrane-bound transporters during natural and induced aging in rats was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were used for natural and D-galactose (D-gal) induced aging model. After supplementation with fisetin, the activities of different membrane transporters and biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated. RESULTS: Fisetin modulated membrane transporters such as calcium-ATPase, sodium potassium-ATPase and sodium hydrogen exchanger during senescence-induced as well as in natural aging. Fisetin also protected oxidative modifications in rat aging. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fisetin supplementation improves the ionic homeostasis, a factor that is involved in the aetiology of several age-associated diseases, in naturally old as well as D-gal induced aged rats.

Melatonin exerts neuroprotection in a chronodisrupted rat model through reduction in oxidative stress and modulation of autophagy.

Circadian disruption due to artificial light affects cellular redox homeostasis and may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of continuous light exposure (CLE) and continuous dark exposure (CDE) along with melatonin supplementation on neuronal redox status, mitochondrial complexes, membrane bound transporters, inflammation, autophagy and neurodegeneration in chronodisrupted model of rat. In the study artificial light of white LED bulb with 500 lux intensity was used. Melatonin (10 mg/kg b.w., orally) was supplemented to control and CLE groups for 10 days. Standard protocols were employed to measure pro-oxidants, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and mitochondrial complexes in brain tissues. Membrane-bound ion transporter activities were evaluated in the crude synaptosomes. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the expression of inflammatory, autophagy and neuronal marker genes. Histopathological changes in cerebral cortex and different hippocampus regions of the brain were studied. Melatonin exerted a significant normalization of redox status biomarkers in brain tissue. Further melatonin restored the activities of mitochondrial complexes and synaptosomal membrane bound ion transporters. RT-PCR data revealed that melatonin downregulated the expression of inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) autophagy (Atg-3, Beclin-1) and neurodegenerative genes (Ngb and NSE) in CLE group. Melatonin also preserved the histology architecture in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Our results indicate that melatonin exerts a potent neuroprotective effect through reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy. Melatonin supplementation might be a promising neurotherapeutic in the treatment neurodegenerative disorders caused by circadian disturbances.

The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The overuse of cisplatin (>50 mg/m2) is limited to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study involved male Wistar albino rats of 8 weeks weighing 220-270 g. A single injection of 5 mg/kg was injected into the rats for nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups based on dose conentrations. Blood and urine samples of rats were collected on the 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st days for nephrological analysis. The results showed that Cis + DC/Cis + EP (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the body weight and reduced the kidney weight of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats (p < 0.001) as compared to Cis group. The results showed that 600 mg/kg administration of Cis + DC/Cis +EP successfully (p < 0.005) improved the urine and plasmin creatinine, Na, and K level compared to the Cis group. Histopathological results confirmed that Cis + EP/Cis + DC effectively improved the renal abnormalities. It is concluded that the co-administration of Cis + EP extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose rate of 600 mg/kg.

Age-dependent effect of continuous 'artificial light at night' on circadian rhythm in male rats: neuroprotective role of melatonin.

Circadian disruption due to artificial light at night (ALAN) is an alarming threat to modern society. In the present study we evaluated the protective effect of melatonin on age dependent redox insults and neurochemical deficits induced by ALAN in the brain of chronodisrupted rat model. Young (3 months) and old (22 months) male Wistar rats were exposed to ALAN along with melatonin supplementation (10 mg Kg-1, oral) for 10 days. Results demonstrated significant increment in the pro-oxidant biomarkers: reactive oxygen species, lipid hydroperoxidation, protein carbonyl, nitric oxide while suppression in the total thiol, ferric reducing antioxidant potential level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the brain of ALAN exposed groups with higher amplitude in aged rats. Further these oxidative modifications were protected by subsequent administration of melatonin. Mitochondrial complexes (C-I to C-IV) activity was significantly altered in young and old ALAN exposed groups with melatonin showing protective effect. Histopathological analysis show dense cytosolic staining and neuronal degeneration in cerebral cortex and different hippocampus regions with greater extent in old ALAN rats effectively moderated by melatonin supplementation. RT-PCR data analysis revealed melatonin effectively downregulated neuroinflammatory (IL-6, TNF α) and neurodegenerative marker (Ngb) while upregulating the aging (Sirt 1) gene expression in both young and old melatonin supplemented ALAN exposed groups. Our results may help in understanding the degree of ALAN induced photo-oxidative damage in neuronal redox homeostasis during aging. We also show that melatonin supplementation might provide a basis for amelioration of oxidative disturbances to improve circadian entrainment in aged populations.