New Thiazolyl-Pyrazoline Derivatives as Potential Dual EGFR/HER2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Activity Evaluation and In Silico Study.

A new series of thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives (4a-d, 5a-d 6a, b, 7a-d, 8a, b, and 10a, b) have been designed and synthesized through the combination of thiazole and pyrazoline moieties, starting from the key building blocks pyrazoline carbothioamides (1a-b). These eighteen derivatives have been designed as anticipated EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitors. The efficacy of the developed compounds in inhibiting cell proliferation was assessed using the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. Among the new synthesized thiazolyl-pyrazolines, compounds 6a, 6b, 10a, and 10b displayed potent anticancer activity toward MCF-7 with IC50 = 4.08, 5.64, 3.37, and 3.54 µM, respectively, when compared with lapatinib (IC50 = 5.88 µM). In addition, enzymatic assays were also run for the most cytotoxic compounds (6a and 6b) toward EGFR and HER2 to demonstrate their dual inhibitory activity. They revealed promising inhibition potency against EGFR with IC50 = 0.024, and 0.005 µM, respectively, whereas their IC50 = 0.047 and 0.022 µM toward HER2, respectively, compared with lapatinib (IC50 = 0.007 and 0.018 µM). Both compounds 6a and 10a induced apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle of the MCF-7 cell line at the G1 and G1/S phases, respectively. Molecular modeling studies for the promising candidates 6a and 10a showed that they formed the essential binding with the crucial amino acids for EGFR and HER2 inhibition, supporting the in vitro assay results. Furthermore, ADMET study predictions were carried out for the compounds in the study.

Screening for PIK3CA mutations among Saudi women with ovarian cancer.

The study aimed to screen for PIK3CA gene mutations among Saudi women with Ovarian Cancer. The study included 298 Saudi women with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). DNA sequence analysis was employed to screen for the mutations. DNA sequence analysis of a coding region of exon 9 and 20 of PIK3CA gene revealed mutations in 37/298 (12.4%) EOC patients. About 21/37(56.8%) somatic mutations were identified in exons 9, and 16/37(43.2%) in exon 20. All analysed mutations were missense mutations, the frequencies of which varied from 2.7% to 43.2%. PIK3CA mutation was found to be significantly associated with age (p = .023), grade (p = .001) and histological types (p = .032). Only 6.6% of serous carcinomas and 3.8% of endometrioid had PIK3CA mutation. The Mutated PIK3CA gene was significantly involved in the pathogenesis of EOC among Saudi women. PIK3CA gene mutation and overexpression represent important clinical implications for diagnosis, and prognosis, which can be utilised for better EOC management.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The detailed molecular and genetic phenomenon underlying the progression of these tumours is still unclear. Recently, the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer has been attributed to mutations of PIK3CA.What do the results of this study add? Mutation in the PIK3CA gene leads to altered PI3K/AKT signalling pathways responsible for the progression of the epithelial ovarian cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The Mutated PIK3CA gene was significantly involved in the pathogenesis of EOC among Saudi women. PIK3CA gene mutation and overexpression represent important clinical implications for diagnosis, and prognosis, which can be utilised for better EOC management.

Tryptophan-tagged peptide from serine threonine-protein kinase of Channa striatus improves antioxidant defence in L6 myotubes and attenuates caspase 3-dependent apoptotic response in zebrafish larvae.

This study reports the antioxidant property and molecular mechanism of a tryptophan-tagged peptide derived from a teleost fish Channa striatus of serine threonine-protein kinase (STPK). The peptide was tagged with tryptophan to enhance the antioxidant property of STPK and named as IW13. The antioxidant activity of IW13 peptide was investigated using in vitro methods such as DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Furthermore, to investigate the toxicity and dose response of IW13 peptide on antioxidant defence in vitro, L6 myotubes were induced with generic oxidative stress due to exposure of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). IW13 peptide exposure was found to be non-cytotoxic to L6 cells in the tested concentration (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 µM). Also, the pre-treatment of IW13 peptide decreased the lipid peroxidation level and increased glutathione enzyme activity. IW13 peptide treatment upregulated the antioxidant enzyme genes: GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GST (glutathione S transferase) and GCS (glutamine cysteine synthase), in vitro in L6 myotubes and in vivo in zebrafish larvae against the H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The results demonstrated that IW13 renders protection against the H2O2-induced oxidative stress through a cellular antioxidant defence mechanism by upregulating the gene expression, thus enhancing the antioxidant activity in the cellular or organismal level. The findings exhibited that the tryptophan-tagged IW13 peptide from STPK of C. striatus could be a promising candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate Induced Toxicity Study and the Role of Tangeretin in Abrogating HIF-1α-NF-κB Crosstalk In Vitro and In Vivo.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is a potent tumor promoter and highly inflammatory in nature. Here, we investigated the toxic effects of PMA on different model system. PMA (10 µg) caused chromosomal aberrations on the Allium cepa root tip and induced mitotic dysfunction. Similarly, PMA caused embryonic and larval deformities and a plummeted survivability rate on zebrafish embryo in a dose-dependent manner. Persistently, PMA treatment on immortalized human keratinocyte human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells caused massive inflammatory rush at 4 h and a drop in cell survivability at 24 h. Concomitantly, we replicated a cutaneous inflammation similar to human psoriasis induced by PMA. Herein, we used tangeretin (TAN), as an antagonist to counteract the inflammatory response. Results from an in vivo experiment indicated that TAN (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited PMA stimulated epidermal hyperplasia and intra-epidermal neutrophilic abscesses. In addition, its treatment effectively neutralized PMA induced elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation on in vitro and in vivo systems, promoting antioxidant response. The association of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated b cells (NF-κB) crosstalk triggered by PMA enhanced PKCα-ERK1/2-NF-κB pathway; its activation was also significantly counteracted after TAN treatment. Conclusively, we demonstrated TAN inhibited the nuclear translocation of HIF-1α and NF-κB p65. Collectively, TAN treatment ameliorated PMA incited malignant inflammatory response by remodeling the cutaneous microenvironment.

Synergistic Anti-Breast-Cancer Effects of Combined Treatment With Oleuropein and Doxorubicin In Vivo.

CONTEXT: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer fatalities among women worldwide. Of the more than 80% of patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy, approximately 40% relapse. The majority of these patients die of disseminated metastatic disease, which emphasizes the need for new therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to investigate the anticancer effects of oleuropein (OL) and doxorubicin (DOX) individually and in combination on breast tumor xenografts and also to evaluate the molecular pathways involved. DESIGN: The research team designed in vivo (animal) and in vitro (cell culture) studies. SETTING: The study was performed in the College of Science of King Saud University in the University Center for Women Students (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). ANIMALS: The study involved 40 female, nude mice (BALB/c OlaHsd-foxn1). INTERVENTION: The mice were injected subcutaneously with MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. After the growth of tumors, the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups to receive intraperitoneal injections: (1) group 1 (control group)-dimethyl sulfoxide, (2) group 2 (intervention group)-50 mg/kg of OL, (3) group 3 (intervention group)-2.5 mg/kg of DOX, and (4) group 4 (intervention group)-1.5 mg/kg of DOX, immediately followed by 50 mg/kg of OL. The OL was extracted from Manzanillo olive trees (Olea europaea) grown in Tabouk, Saudi Arabia. OUTCOME MEASURES: The measures included the isolation and primary culture of the tumor xenografts, apoptosis analysis by annexin V, cellular lysate preparation, and immunoblotting. RESULTS: The volume of the tumor increased aggressively, reaching 173 mm3 in the control animals in a time-dependent manner. On the other hand, a sharp drop, to 48.7 mm3, in the volume of the tumor was observed with the 2 drugs combined, a more than 3-fold decrease. The effect was mediated through the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. The combined treatment downregulated the antiapoptosis and proproliferation protein, nuclear factor-kappa Β, and its main oncogenic target cyclin D1. Furthermore, it inhibited the expression of BCL-2 and survivin. This inhibition could explain the cooperative suppression of the proliferation of breast tumor xenografts and the induction of apoptosis by the combined effect of the compounds used. CONCLUSIONS: The key findings clearly indicate the synergistic efficacy of DOX with natural and nontoxic OL against breast tumor xenografts.

Probiotics and yogurt modulate oxidative stress and fibrosis in livers of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.

BACKGROUND: Considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic loss result from schistosomiasis infection. Deposition of Schistosoma eggs in the hepatic portal vein is considered as the main causative agent for the development of liver fibrosis and subsequent liver cirrhosis. Probiotics are exogenous and beneficial microorganisms to living hosts against the harmful effect of many parasites. Strong evidence suggests the importance of probiotics in the control strategy of helminth. The ultimate goal of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of probiotics and yogurt on Schistosoma mansoni-induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis in mice. METHODS: Mice were infected by tail immersion of schistosomal cercariae followed by an oral treatment with either probiotics or yogurt for one week before infection and immediately post-infection. Mice were scarified on day 56 following infection with S. mansoni and liver sample were obtained. RESULTS: We showed that oral administration of probiotics or yogurt revealed a significant reduction in worm number, egg load, and granuloma size in liver tissue, which is mainly assigned to the decreased expression level of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) in liver tissue. A significant reduction in the oxidative stress markers-induced by S. mansoni infection including lipid peroxidation and nitrite/nitrate was also detected. The level of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and reduced glutathione was greatly enhanced. Furthermore, treatment with probiotics or yogurt inhibited apoptosis in hepatic tissue, which is mainly assigned to the decreased expression level of caspases-3 in liver tissue. CONCLUSION: Our findings represent the promising anti-schistosomal activities of probiotics and yogurt.

Antischistosomal and anti-inflammatory activity of garlic and allicin compared with that of praziquantel in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by trematode worms. The host inflammatory response to schistosome eggs leads to perioval granulomata formation, mainly in the liver and intestine. This study investigated the potential antischistosomal and anti-inflammatory activity of both garlic extract and allicin on liver fibrotic markers in BALB/c mice with schistosomiasis (S. mansoni infection) compared with that of the commonly used drug, praziquantel (PZQ). METHODS: In this study, 140 female BALB/c mice (7-weeks old) were divided into seven groups with 20 mice each. Six groups were infected with S. mansoni cercariae and treated with garlic, allicin, or PZQ. The seventh group was the negative control. Twenty-four hours after the final treatment, the mice were euthanised and perfused for worm recovery. The liver and intestines were harvested for parasitological and histological assessment and to analyse the proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression. RESULTS: Prophylactic administration of garlic and allicin to the infected mice significantly reduced the worm burden. Serum concentrations of liver fibrosis markers and proinflammatory cytokines were also reduced. PZQ was the most efficacious for reduction in the number of worms. These results are similar to those normally obtained using PZQ. CONCLUSIONS: Crushed garlic homogenate and allicin are potential complementary treatments that may be used with PZQ.

Protective Effect of Fragaria ananassa Crude Extract on Cadmium-Induced Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzymes Suppression, and Apoptosis in Rat Testes.

Cadmium is a deleterious environmental pollutant that threats both animals and human health. Oxidative stress and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have recently been reported to be the main cause of cellular damage as a result of cadmium exposure. We investigate, here, the protective effect of strawberry crude extracts on cadmium-induced oxidative damage of testes in rats. Four groups (n = 8) of 32 adult male Wistar rats weighing 160-180 g were used. The control group received 0.9% saline solution all over the experimental period (5 days). Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg CdCl2. Group 3 was provided only with an oral administration of strawberry methanolic extract (SME) at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Group 4 was treated with SME before cadmium injection with the same mentioned doses. It was shown that cadmium exposure results in a significant decrease in both relative testicular weight and serum testosterone level. Analyzing the oxidative damaging effect of cadmium on the testicular tissue revealed the induction of oxidative stress markers represented in the elevated level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Considering cadmium toxicity, the level of the antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and glutathione reductase (GR) were markedly decreased. Moreover, gene expression analysis indicated significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins, bcl-2-associated-X-protein (BAX), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA) in response to cadmium intoxication, while significant downregulation of the anti-apoptotic, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) gene was detected. Immunohistochemistry of the testicular tissue possessed positive immunostaining for the increased level of TNF-α, but decreased number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stained cells. Administration of SME debilitated the deleterious effect of cadmium via reduction of both LPO and NO levels followed by a significant enhancement in the gene expression level of CAT, SOD2, GPX1, GR, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), Bcl-2, and PCNA. In addition, the SME treated group revealed a significant increase in the level of testosterone and GSH accompanied by a marked decrease in the gene expression level of Bax and TNF-α. In terms of the summarized results, the SME of Fragaria ananassa has a protective effect against cadmium-induced oxidative damage of testes.

Ceratonia siliqua pod extract ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease found predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the developing world, with the second highest socioeconomic and public health burden despite strenuous control efforts. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua pod extract (CPE) on liver fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. METHODS: The schistosomal hepatopathologic mouse model was established by tail immersion with schistosomal cercaria. The extract was given daily for 10 days beginning 42 days post-infection. Liver samples were obtained from mice sacrificed 9 weeks after infection. Liver histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS: Typical schistosomal hepatopathologic changes were induced in the untreated mice. However, the oral administration of CPE was effective in reducing worm number and the egg load in the liver. This treatment also decreased granuloma size and collagen deposition by inhibiting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) expression. Schistosomal infection induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitrite/nitrate (nitric oxide; NO) production along with concomitant decreases in glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. However, treatment of mice with CPE at 300 or 600 mg/kg inhibited LPO and NO production, increased GSH content, and restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes compared with untreated infected mice. Furthermore, treatment with CPE inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced Bax expression in hepatic tissue. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that extracts from Ceratonia siliqua pods may play an important role in combating schistosomal hepatopathology and may inhibit granuloma formation and liver fibrosis through down-regulation of TIMP-2 expression.

The protective properties of melatonin against aluminium-induced neuronal injury.

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This experimental study investigated the neuroprotective effect of melatonin (Mel; 10 mg/kg bwt) on aluminium chloride (AlCl3 ; 34 mg/kg bwt) induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were injected with AlCl3 for 7 days. The effect on brain structure, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) and an apoptotic enzyme (caspase-3) was investigated. No apparent changes occurred following the injection of melatonin. Melatonin pretreatment of the AlCl3 -administered rats reduced brain damage, and the tissues appeared like those of the control rats. Compared to treatment with AlCl3 , pretreatment with melatonin decreased LPO and NO levels and increased the GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, melatonin increased the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, decreased the levels of the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, and inhibited caspase-3 activity. Therefore, our results indicate that melatonin may provide therapeutic value against aluminium-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alternations in the rat brain and that these effects may be related to anti-apoptotic and antioxidant activities.

Protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on testes against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats.

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate fruit has been extensively used as a natural medicine in many cultures. The present study was aimed at evaluating the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress and testes injury in adult Wistar rats. METHODS: Twenty eight Wistar albino male rats were divided equally into 4 groups for the assessment of protective potential of pomegranate juice. Rats of group I (control) received only vehicles and had free access to food and water. Rats of groups II and IV were treated with CCl4 (2 ml/kg bwt) via the intraperitoneal route once a week for ten weeks. The pomegranate juice was supplemented via drinking water 2 weeks before and concurrent with CCl4 treatment to group IV. Group III was supplemented with pomegranate juice for twelve weeks. The protective effects of pomegranate on serum sex hormones, oxidative markers, activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathology of testes were determined in CCl4-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. RESULTS: Pomegranate juice showed significant elevation in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) those depleted by the injection of CCl4. Activity levels of endogenous testesticular antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione (GSH) contents were increased while lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) were decreased with pomegranate juice. Moreover, degeneration of germ and Leydig cells along with deformities in spermatogenesis induced after CCl4 injections were restored with the treatment of pomegranate juice. CONCLUSION: The results clearly demonstrated that pomegranate juice augments the antioxidant defense mechanism against carbon tetrachloride-induced reproductive toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.

ADAMTS-13 and HMGB1-induced oxidative stress in Taenia multiceps-infected animals.

This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress (OS), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), ADAMTS (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), and neuropathology associated with coenurus cerebralis (Taenia multiceps). ADAMTS-13, HMGB1, glutathione reductase (GR), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression levels were studied. The study found that ADAMTS-13 (P < 0.005), HMGB1 (P < 0.005), GR (P < 0.005), Cu/Zn SOD (P < 0.005), and 8-OHdG (P < 0.005) levels were significantly higher in T. multiceps (c. cerebralis)-infected animals compared to healthy control animals. This study's most important finding was that HMGB1 up-regulation in neurons, endothelial cells, and glial cells can directly cause brain parenchymal destruction and that HMGB1-mediated oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the neuropathogenesis of coenurosis. The results also showed that increased levels of ADAMTS-13 may play a pivotal role in regulating and protecting the blood-brain barrier integrity and neuroprotection. These findings also suggest that ADAMTS-13 and HMGB1 compete in the prevention or formation of microthrombi, which was regarded as a remarkable finding. ADAMTS-13 and HMGB1 are valuable biomarkers for disease risk assessment, estimating host neuropathy following T. multiceps (c. cerebralis) exposure, and providing a new therapeutic target. This is the first study to show that HMGB1 and ADAMTS-13 are expressed in reactive cells and are associated with neuroimmunopathology in coenurosis.

Boosting Mouse Defense against Lethal Toxoplasma gondii Infection with Full-Length and Soluble SAG1 Recombinant Protein.

Toxoplasmosis is a major worldwide protozoan zoonosis. The surface antigen 1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has always been recognized as an ideal vaccine candidate antigen. However, the intact and soluble SAG1 protein is usually difficult to acquire in vitro, which is unfavorable for employing the recombinant protein as a vaccine candidate antigen. In the present study, we obtained the full-length SAG1 recombinant protein in soluble form by Escherichia coli Transetta (DE3) cells under optimized expression conditions. The immunogenicity and protective ability of this recombinant protein against T. gondii acute infection were evaluated in a mouse model. Monitoring changes in serum antibody levels and types, the presence of cytokines, and the rate of lymphocyte proliferation in vaccinated mice were used to assess humoral and cellular immune responses. Additional assessments were performed to determine the protective potency of the recombinant protein in combating T. gondii RH tachyzoites. It was found that the titers of both IgG2a and IgG2b were considerably greater in the immunized mice compared to the titers of IgG1 and IgG3. The levels of Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-2, and TNF-α) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-10) significantly increased when splenocytes from immunological group mice were treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Compared to the control group, a recombinant protein substantially increased the longevity of infected mice, with an average death time prolonged by 14.50 ± 0.34 days (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that the full-length and soluble SAG1 recombinant protein produced potent immune responses in mice and could be a preferred subunit vaccine candidate for T. gondii, offering a feasible option for vaccination against acute toxoplasmosis.

Synthesis of hierarchically structured T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite and their catalytic removal of colour and colourless phenolic compounds.

Phenolic compounds bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) are the prime water contaminants. As reported, these compounds are some of the highly hazardous ones to the human and living species. In this study, T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite was synthesized employing hydrothermal method and the obtained composite samples were systematically characterized by FTIR, XPS, FE-SEM and HR-TEM studies. The FTIR, XPS analysis confirmed the successful surface modification of T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite. The FE-SEM morphology confirmed the formation of ZnO (arm length about 2.5 µm) tetrapod structured in synthesized T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite. The thickness of formed ZnO arm (0.44 µm) was increased after the polymer coating which confirmed the successful surface modification by PEI polymer. The HR-TEM images confirm the uniform coating of PEI polymer on T-ZnO-rGO surface. The catalytic activity and adsorption capacity of the synthesized T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite was successfully explored using 4-nitrophenol and bisphenol-A as model pollutants .T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite and found that 4-NP reduction reaction was completed within 10 min with the rate of 0.224 min-1. The BPA adsorption over T-ZnO-rGO-PEI exhibited high adsorption rate of 0.0210 min-1. In addition, the detailed 4-NP reduction and BPA adsorption mechanism was demonstrated. Hence the synthesized T-ZnO-rGO-PEI composite is a promising catalyst for the removal of micropollutants in aqueous medium.

2D Trimetal-organic framework derived metal carbon hybrid catalyst for urea electro-oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction.

Because of the abundance of transition metals, their enhanced electrochemical/chemical efficiency on par with the benchmark catalysts, long-term stability, etc., the expansion of transition metal/metal oxide-based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution, urea oxidation reactions and 4-nitrophenol reduction becomes indispensable. In particular, the abundant availability along with improved electrochemical performance is crucial for fuel cell applications when it comes to large scale commercialization. In this work, we report the synthesis of a trimetallic metal-organic framework based on Ni, Co and Zn using BTC as a linker and the preparation of its metal oxide - carbon composites at different temperatures, 600, 700 and 800 °C (TM-MOF-600, TM-MOF-700, and TM-MOF-800) by carbonization under an inert atmosphere. The PXRD pattern of TM-MOF complemented well with the simulated XRD patterns of Co-Ni-BTC MOF as well as Zn-BTC MOF, whereas the PXRD pattern of the carbonized samples indicated the presence of three types of metal oxides i.e., CoO, NiO, and ZnO. TEM indicated spherical morphology of TM-MOF, upon calcination, an irregular agglomeration occurred and the average particle size was found to be 60-110 nm. The as-prepared TM-MOF and its carbon composites were tested for their electrocatalytic as well as catalytic activities towards oxygen evolution, urea oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction reactions. Electrochemical results indicate the better performance of TM-MOF-800 in both OER and UOR reactions with an onset potential of 1.66 V (OER) and 1.37 V (UOR) at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. The long-term stability of these catalysts under alkaline conditions indicates excellent stability. Besides, the urea electrolyzed products were analyzed by gas chromatography to get clear insights on the formed products. Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of excess NaBH4 showed excellent conversion to 4-amino phenol in short duration.

The Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Fig and Olive Extracts on Cutaneous leishmaniasis Induced Inflammation in Female Balb/c Mice.

Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious and non-contagious severe parasitic diseases, caused by protozoans of the Leishmania genus. Natural products characterize a rich source of prospective chemical entities for the development of new effective drugs for neglected diseases. Scientific evaluation of medicinal plants has made it possible to use some metabolites from flavonoids and polyphenols compounds for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Therefore, we aimed in this study to evaluate the protective effect of Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts (NFO) against Cutaneous leishmaniasis in female Balb/c mice. A total of 70 mice were used and divided into seven groups. Treatment was initiated when local lesions were apparent, we found Fig and Olive extracts were found to be a good source for the synthesis of (Ag-NPs), their formation was confirmed by color change and stability in solution. Nanoparticles biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts induced a reduction in the average size of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions compared with the untreated mice. Moreover, nanoparticles treatment decreased oxidative stress (LPO, NO), down regulation gene expression levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß and BAX) and this antileishmanial activity of nanoparticles was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, histopathological evaluation proved the antileishmanial activity of nanoparticles compared to the positive control. Therefore, we aimed in this study to evaluate the protective effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Fig and Olive extracts against cutaneous lesions induced by Leishmania major infection through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and faster clinical efficacy than standard pentavalent antimonial treatment.

Genotyping of Clostridium perfringens Isolates from Domestic Livestock in Saudi Arabia.

The present study was undertaken to confirm the genetic identity of Clostridium perfringens isolates from domestic livestock in Saudi Arabia and to characterize the genes encoding to alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota (α-, ß-, ε-, and ι-) toxins. C. perfringens were confirmed in 104 out of 136 isolates on multiplex polymerase chain reaction using specific primers amplifying genes related to toxins produced by C. perfringens. Genes encoding α-toxins were detected in 104 samples. Of the isolates, 80.8% were diagnosed as type A, 15.4% as type D, 2.9% as type C, and 0.96% as type B. None of the isolates has genes encoding iota (ι-) toxin. All isolates investigated yielded enterotoxin (cpe) products and none yielded ß2 (cpb2-toxin) or NetB products. PLC gene sequences encoding α-toxin showed >96.7% similarity. Isolates which had α-toxins as well as enterotoxin (cpe) are regarded as type F. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood analysis yielded two clades, and the majority of the isolates were in one group while only two isolates clustered on the second clade. Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strains, 54 variable positions and 23 polymorphic amino acids were noticed. Isolates with ε- and ß-toxins were variable and were found to be close to those published for C. perfringens. ETX gene sequences encoding ε-toxins were found to be related to CPE sequences.

Protocatechuic acid mitigates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in rats: Role of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), is associated with extremely adverse impacts to living systems. Antioxidant agents are suggested to eliminate Cd intoxication. In this paper, we investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against Cd-induced neuronal damage in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, PCA (100 mg/kg)-treated, CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg)-treated, and PCA and Cd treatment groups. Pre-treatment with PCA significantly reduced Cd concentrations and increased cortical acetylcholinesterase activity and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Additionally, PCA also prevented CdCl2-induced oxidative stress in the cortical tissue by preventing lipid peroxidation and the formation of nitric oxide (NO), and significantly enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Molecularly, PCA significantly up-regulated the antioxidant gene expression (Sod2, Cat, Gpx1, and Gsr) that was down-regulated by Cd. It should be noted that this effect was achieved by targeting the nuclear-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2) mRNA expression. PCA also prevented the Cd-induced inflammation by reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß. Moreover, PCA supplementation relieved the Cd-induced neuronal death by increasing Bcl-2 and decreasing Bax and Cas-3 levels in the cortical tissue. The improvement of the cortical tissue histopathology by PCA confirmed the biochemical and molecular data. Collectively, our findings indicate that PCA can counteract Cd-induced cortical toxicity by enhancing the antioxidant defense system and suppressing inflammation and apoptosis.

Biomarkers as predictive tools to test the in vivo anti-sarcoptic mange activity of propolis in naturally infested rabbits.

The present study was designed to investigate the use of specific biomarkers, such as albumin, serum total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), globulin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum cortisol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as predictive tools for sarcoptic mange in rabbits. A total of 40 naturally infested rabbits were equally divided into four groups.Thirty infested rabbits were administered with three different treatments (propolis,ivermectin, and propolis with ivermectin) and were compared to10 infested un-treated rabbits. The impact of treatment was assessed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings, clinical signs, and blood measurements relating to the liver. The present study demonstrated that topical application of 10% propolis ointment resulted in complete recovery from clinical signs and complete absence of mites based on microscopic examination after 10-15 days of treatment. Moreover, AST, ALP, ALT, and cortisol were determined to be acceptable biomarkers to track the response of diseased rabbits to the therapeutic use of propolis.