Protective Effect of Thymus serrulatus Essential Oil on Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats, through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Downregulation of NF-κB, iNOS, and Smad2 mRNA Expression.

The purpose of the research was to examine the protective effect of essential oil from Thymus serrulatus Hochst. ex Benth. (TSA oil) against cadmium (Cd)-induced renal toxicity. The experimental protocol was designed using 30 healthy adult Wistar albino rats allocated into five groups containing six animals in each group. Group 1 was treated as normal control and groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 3 mg/kg, IP) for 7 days. Group 3 was also treated with silymarin (100 mg/kg, PO) as a standard group, while groups 4 and 5 were administered with TSA oil at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg PO, respectively. The nephrotoxicity was measured with various parameters such as kidney function markers, oxidative stress markers (glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of inflammatory factors. The histological studies were also evaluated in the experimental protocol. The CdCl2-treated groups showed a significant increase in the levels of serum kidney function markers along with MDA levels in kidney homogenate. However, renal GSH level was found to be reduced significantly. It was found that CdCl2 significantly upregulated the nuclear factor levels of kappaB (NF-κB p65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad2) as compared to the normal control group. On the other hand, TSA oil significantly improved the increased levels of serum kidney function markers, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation. In addition, TSA oil significantly downregulated the increased expression of NF-κB p65, iNOS, and Smad2 in Cd-intoxicated rats. Moreover, the histological changes in the tissue samples of the kidney of Cd-treated groups were significantly ameliorated in the silymarin- and TSA-oil-treated groups. The present study reveals that TSA oil ameliorates Cd-induced renal injury, and it is also proposed that the observed nephroprotective effect could be due to the antioxidant potential of TSA oil and healing due to its anti-inflammatory action.

Characterization and hepatoprotective evaluation of sesquiterpenes and diterpenes from the aerial parts of Juniperus sabina L.

Previously, we reported on the hepatoprotective activity of the total extract of Juniperus sabina L. against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in experimental animals. Biologically directed phytochemical study was conducted to identify the active compounds. Male Wistar rats and the standard drug silymarin were used in the study. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated via serum biochemical parameters such as aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Tissue parameters including non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and total protein (TP) were also determined. Histopathological study was conducted utilizing Mayer's hematoxylin stain, Periodic Acid Schiff - Hematoxylin (PAS-H) and Masson trichrome technique on light microscope. Electron microscope images were also generated for the study. The activity of the total extract was trapped to the petroleum ether fraction after liquid-liquid fractionation where 51% reduction in the levels of AST, bilirubin and 44% in the levels of ALT were observed. Chromatographic purification of the petroleum ether fraction resulted in the isolation of nine compounds namely: trans-calamenene (1), cadalene (cadalin) (2), epi-cubenol (3), manool (4), calamenene-10ß-ol (5), calamenene-10α-ol (6), 4-epi-abietic acid (7), sandaracopimaric acid (8) and isopimaric acid (9). Compounds 1-3, 5 and 6 are belonging to cadinane sesquiterepenes, while compounds 4, 7-9 were of diterpene skeleton. The major compounds were tested for their hepatoprotective effect. Compounds 3 showed marked improvement in the levels of AST and ALT, compound 4 was effective in improving the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and bilirubin, while compound 7 showed significant improvement in GGT, ALP and bilirubin levels.

Chemical composition and protective effect of Juniperus sabina L. essential oil against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity.

The hepatoprotective activity of the total extract of Juniperus sabina L. against CCl4 induced toxicity in experimental animals was previously reported and indicated promising results. Essential oil of J. Sabina was prepared by hydrodistillation method. Components of the oil were identified by comparison of GC-MS and retention indexes with reported data. The hepatoprotective effect of the essential oil against CCl4 induced toxicity was studied using male Wistar rats and silymarin at 10 mg/kg p.o as standard drug. The protective effect was evaluated via serum biochemical parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), and total bilirubin as well as tissue parameters including non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and total protein (TP). Histopathological study was applied on the liver tissues using Mayer's hematoxylin stain, Periodic Acid Schiff - Hematoxylin (PAS-H) and Masson trichrome technique on light microscope. Electron microscope images were also obtained for more detailed study.

Protective role of Roflumilast against cadmium-induced cardiotoxicity through inhibition of oxidative stress and NF-κB signaling in rats.

Cadmium (Cd), a potent cardiotoxic environmental heavy metal, induces oxidative stress and membrane disturbances in cardiac myocytes. Phosphodiesterase (PDEs) retards the positive inotropic effects of ß-adrenoceptor activation by decreasing levels of cAMP via degradation. Hence, PDE inhibitors sensitize the heart to catecholamine and are therefore, used as positive inotropic agents. The present study was designed to probe the potential attenuating effects of the selective PDE4 inhibitor (Roflumilast, ROF), on cardiac biomarkers, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation products, antioxidant status and histology of cardiac tissues against Cd-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats were randomly distributed into four different groups: group 1, served as the normal control group. Group 2, served as the toxic control group and were administered Cd (3 mg/kg, i.p.) for next 7 days. Groups 3 and 4, served as treatment groups that received Cd with concomitant oral administration of ROF doses (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg), respectively for 7 days. Serum samples of toxic control group rats resulted in significant (P < 0.001) increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels with concomitant decrease in high density lipoproteins (HDL) levels in serum which were found reversed with both of ROF treatment groups. Cd also causes significant increased (P < 0.001) in myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA) contents while cardiac glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities were found decreased whereas both doses of ROF, significantly reversed these oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes. Cardiotoxicity induced by Cd also resulted in enhanced expression of non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated form of NF-κB p65 and decreased expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and NQO1 which were found reversed with ROF treatments, comparable to normal control group. Histopathological changes were also improved by ROF administration as compared to Cd treated rats alone. In conclusion, Roflumilast exhibited attenuating effect against Cd-induced cardiac toxicity.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of combination between hinokiflavone and Glycyrrhizin against CCl4 induced toxicity in rats.

Liver diseases are one of the fatal syndromes due to the vital role of the liver. Most of the effective treatment of liver conditions are of natural origin. Silymarin (SI) is the standard drug used for treatment of impaired liver functions. Two natural compounds possessing promising liver protection and with different chemical structures namely; the bioflavonoid hinokiflavone (HF) isolated from Junipers phoenicea family Cupressaceae and the sweet saponin Glycyrrhizin (GL) present in Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) were selected for the current study. Since the two compounds are of different nature, they may act by different mechanisms and express synergistic effect. Combination of the two compounds using to dose levels were challenged with single doses of HF, GL and SI as well. The comparison was monitored via measuring serum biochemical parameters including, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin, tissue parameters such as MDA, NP-SH and TP, histopathological study using light and electron microscope. Protective effect on kidney was also monitored histopathologically and biochemically through observing the levels of LDH, creatinine, creatinine-kinase, urea and uric acid. The combinations of HF and GL showed protective effect more than the used single doses of HF and GL alone. However, SI was superior to the used combination in the two used doses in all the measured parameters. The liver and kidney cells appearance under normal and electron microscope showed that SI treated groups showed almost normal cells with slight toxic signs. Cells from group treated with the higher doses of the combination of HF and GL showed slight signs of intoxication under light and electron microscope indicating good level of protection. Although the combination of HF and GL expressed good protection in the higher dose, however, the combination did not exceed the protective effect of SI.

Rutin Gel with Bone Graft Accelerates Bone Formation in a Rabbit Model by Inhibiting MMPs and Enhancing Collagen Activities.

Bone graft techniques are used to compensate for bone loss in areas with deficient regeneration. However, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) can limit bone formation by degrading extracellular matrices, which are required for bone regrowth. Noteworthily, rutin is a natural flavonoid compound that inhibits the genetic expression of various MMPs. Therefore, rutin may serve as an inexpensive and stable alternative to the growth factors used to accelerate dental bone graft healing. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of mixing rutin gel with allograft bone to accelerate the healing of bone defects in an in vivo rabbit model. Bone defects were surgically induced in New Zealand rabbits (n = 3 per group) and subsequently treated with bone grafts along with rutin or control gel. Overall, treatment with rutin significantly prevented the expression of several MMPs and increased type III collagen in the gingiva around the surgical site. Additionally, rutin-treated animals showed enhanced bone formation with higher bone marrow content in the jawbone defect area compared with the control group. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that rutin gel, when added to bone grafts, quickly enhances bone formation and may serve as a suitable alternative to expensive growth factors for the same purpose.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), formerly called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/ARVC), is a myocardial structural abnormality disease with clinical presentation of cardiac arrhythmia. It is characterized by the replacement of the myocardium with fibrofatty tissue. We present a case of a young male who met two major criteria for definite diagnosis of ARVC: early transition inverted t waves in lead V1-V4 and MRI showed right ventricle (RV) dyskinesia with RV ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, both satisfying the two major criteria of EKG and MRI required for definitive diagnosis.

Cocaine and Opioid-Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Rare Case Report.

Drug overdose has been a public health burden in the United States. Repeated use of cocaine and heroin may increase the risk of severe acute liver failure. We present the case of a middle-aged man with no significant past medical condition except a chronic history of drug abuse who presented to our hospital after an overdose of cocaine and heroin. Patient received Narcan by paramedics and continued treatment in the emergency room (ER). Patient has exhibited multiple organ failures, such as acute liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and acute respiratory hypoxic hypercapnic respiratory failure likely due to respiratory center depression. The patient was placed on a non-rebreather mask then a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. Patient failed the BiPAP trial, was intubated and later extubated after five days, and discharged on room air. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to toxic encephalopathy. Liver enzymes were markedly elevated during admission and trended down after supportive management, Narcan, and N-acetylcysteine treatment.

Painless Subacute Thyroiditis in a Patient With Acute COVID-19 Infection: A Transient Event.

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although several articles have described the non-respiratory effects of COVID-19 in the past two years, there are few reports of COVID-19 associated with thyroiditis. We present a case of a middle-aged female patient with positive COVID-19 PCR associated with acute pulmonary embolism and thyroiditis. Three months ago, her baseline thyroid profile was normal. Thyroiditis induced elevated free thyroxine (FT4) and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels resolved with conservative management within six days.

Wound Healing Efficacy of Rosuvastatin Transethosomal Gel, I Optimal Optimization, Histological and In Vivo Evaluation.

This study aimed to make a formulation and statistical optimization of transethosomal formulations of rosuvastatin (ROS) to enhance its topical wound healing efficiency. Design-Expert® software was used to employ I optimal design. The formulation variables in the study were surfactant concentration (%w/v), ethanol concentration (%w/v) and surfactant type (span 60 or tween 80), while the dependent responses were entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), vesicle size (VS) and zeta potential (ZP). The numerical optimization process employed by the design expert software resulted in an optimum formula composed of 0.819439 (%w/v) span 60, 40 (%w/v) ethanol and 100 mg lecithin with a desirability of 0.745. It showed a predicted EE% value of 66.5517 vs. 277.703 nm and a ZP of -33. When it was prepared and validated, it showed less than a 5% deviation from the predicted values. The optimum formula was subjected to further characterizations, such as DSC, XRD, TEM, in vitro release, the effect of aging and wound healing efficiency. The DSC thermogram made a confirmation of the compatibility of ROS with the ingredients used in the formulation. XRD showed the encapsulation of ROS in the transethosomal vesicles. The TEM image pointed out the spherical nature of the nanovesicles with the absence of aggregation. Additionally, the optimum formula revealed an enhancement of drug release in comparison with the drug suspension. It also showed good stability for one month. Furthermore, it revealed good wound healing efficiency when compared with the standard silver sulphadiazine (1% w/w) ointment or the drug-loaded gel, which could be related to the enhanced penetration of the nanosized vesicles of TESMs into the skin, which enhances the wound healing process. So, it could be regarded as a promising carrier of ROS for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Acute COVID-19-Associated Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report two cases of COVID-19-associated atrial fibrillation (AF) in two elderly females and a case of atrial flutter (AFlutter) in a middle-aged male patient. We believe this case series will contribute to the literature on new-onset AF and AFlutter in patients with acute COVID-19 infection. This case series illustrates various case scenarios of patients developing cardiac arrhythmia with acute COVID-19 infection without any prior history or other explicable cause of AF/AFlutter. The exact mechanism behind COVID-19 infection leading to AF or AFlutter is still unknown. Of the three patients reported, two converted to sinus rhythm following medical management, and one did not convert to sinus rhythm despite medical treatment.

Epimedin A ameliorates DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis in mice: Role of NF-κB/NLRP3-driven pyroptosis, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and inflammation modulation.

AIMS: The present study aimed to investigate the potential of epimedin A to ameliorate DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis (CD) and reveal its potential underlying mechanisms of action, emphasizing its role in modulating NF-κB/NLRP3, Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and inflammation. MAIN METHODS: Seven-week-old BALB/c mice received epimedin A orally for 11 days at doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day, starting from the seventh day of DNFB-inducing CD. KEY FINDINGS: Epimedin A dose-dependently ameliorated DNFB-induced CD, as revealed by the repression of the mice's scratching behavior, dermatitis score, ear thickness and weight, and ear tissue's histopathological changes, and area percent of collagen fibers induced by DNFB. These potentials were due to the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway suppression and the Nrf2 pathway enhancement, as demonstrated by the reduction of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and 8 mRNA expression, and NF-κBp65, IL-1ß, MDA levels, and NF-κBp65 binding activity, along with the enhancement of the Nrf2, HO-1, IκB-α, GSH levels, SOD activity, and Nrf2 binding activity. Besides, it suppressed ear tissues' NLRP3 and caspase-8 induced pyroptosis by suppressing the ear tissues' caspase-1, 8, GSDMD upregulation, and LDH activity. Additionally, it repressed the local inflammatory reaction of ear tissue, as evidenced by the reduction of the elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, Il-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), the serum level of t-IgE, DNFB s-IgE, s-IgE/t-IgE ratio, and the abrogation of the ear tissues histopathological changes. SIGNIFICANCE: Epimedin A is a novel, hopeful, natural therapeutic agent for CD by modulating NF-κB/NLRP3, Nrf2 pathways, and inflammation.

Design and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded Topical Gels: Repurpose of Fluoxetine in Diabetic Wound Healing.

The current study aimed to prepare a topical gel containing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating fluoxetine for diabetic wound healing effects. Fluoxetine (FX) was loaded into SLNs by employing an emulsion solvent evaporation technique using stearic acid as a lipid, and soya lecithin as a surfactant. SLNs were then evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), percent entrapment efficiency (%EE), percent drug loading (%DL), and in vitro drug release. The optimized SLN (FS3) composed of FX (100 mg), SA (150 mg), and SA (100 mg) displayed mean particle size (467.3 ± 2.2nm), PDI (0.435 ± 0.02), ZP (-32.2 ± 4.47mV), EE (95.8 ± 3.38%), and DL (16.4 ± 2.4%). FTIR and DSC studies denote drug-polymer compatibility and the amorphous nature of FX in the SLNs. The drug release at 24 h was found to be (98.89 ± 2.57%) which followed the fickian diffusion mechanism. SLN (FS3) was further loaded into carbopol gel and tested for pH, spreadability, and extrudability of pharmaceutical parameters. In-vitro release of FX from the SLN gel and plain gel was compared, diabetic wound healing gel (DWH) showed sustained drug delivery. An in vivo study was also performed for DWH gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examination exhibited DWH gel-treated wounds have increased hydroxyproline, cellular proliferation, a rise in the number of blood vessels, and the level of collagen synthesis. Thus, DWH gel-loaded SLN encapsulated with FX could be a potential carrier for the effective treatment and management of diabetic wounds.

Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats: Ameliorated by Otostegia fruticosa.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes irritation, inflammation, and ulceration in the linings of the colon and rectum. Otostegia fruticosa is traditionally used to treat various disorders in different parts of the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. In the present study, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of crude leaves extract of O. fruticosa (OF.Cr) on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC model in Wistar albino rats. Wistar rats were administered orally with either vehicle (10 mL/kg), OF.Cr (200 and 400 mg/kg), or prednisolone (2 mg/kg) once a day for 6 days. On day 6, UC was induced in rats by intrarectal administration of a single dose of 5% AA (1.0 mL). Disease activity index (DAI) was recorded after one day of colitis induction by assessing the symptoms of colitis and then the rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation, and colon tissues were isolated for the histopathological examination and biochemical analysis of oxidative stress parameters and cytokines (Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α). OF.Cr pretreatment exhibits significant prevention against UC, as confirmed by a significant decrease of DAI, colonic ulceration, and reduced inflammatory score as compared to the AA-induced colitis rats. Depletion of total glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activities in the colitis group was significantly restored in the OF.Cr treated groups, while increased lipid peroxidation in the colon tissues was significantly reduced. OF.Cr prevented the activation of the IL-6 and TNF-α pathways in the colonic tissues, which were clearly observed by the decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the OF.Cr treated animals. Hence, OF.Cr could be developed in the future for the treatment of UC.

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Tridax Procumbens for Topical Application: Excision Wound Model and Histopathological Studies.

The objective of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles from the leaves of Tridax procumbens and develop its topical gels using chitosan to investigate the wound healing efficacy concomitant with the histopathological study. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reacting silver nitrate (0.3 M) with leaf extract and characterized by particle analysis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, and TGA. The results revealed formed AgNPs were nano-sized (138 ± 2.1 nm), monodispersed (PDI: 0.460 ± 0.3), inter-particle repulsion (zeta: -20.4 ± 5.20 mV), stabilized, crystalline and, spherical with size ranging from 80-100 nm as per SEM micro photos. The BET analysis of AgNPs presents the surface area (12.861 m2/g), pore volume (0.037 cc/g), and pore radius (24.50 nm).TGA results show a loss of 13.39% up to 300 °C. The topical formulation was developed by loading AgNPs in chitosan-based gels, evaluated by pH, thermal cycling, centrifugal, and spreadability tests. AgNPs chitosan gels results showed skin compatibility, higher stability, and spreading ability. The maximum antibacterial zone of inhibition was found to be 25 ± 0.98 mm for bacillus subtitles and 30 ± 1.99 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. Nanosilver-containing gel also showed excellent compatibility with erythrocytes. Excision wound model was used to assess the wound healing property of the developed AgNP gels, the results of which indicated a significantly progressive healing process in test-group of animals treated with chitosan-based gels containing AgNPs. A histopathological study further confirmed the almost normal skin structure of treated animal tissue compared to standard and negative control. Thus, green synthesized AgNPs loaded chitosan-based topical gel can potentially be used for wound healing application.

Antimicrobial and wound healing activities of certain Sudanese medicinal plants.

The emergence of drug-resistant organisms have been increasing globally; therefore, it is a burning need to find an alternative drug to get rid of the diseases caused by resistant strains. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial and wound healing activities of Loranthus acacia, Cassia obtusifolia and Cymbopogon proximus plants. All the plants were collected and extracted - by maceration method. Antimicrobial activities determined using standard ATCC strain for Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus crew, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella sonnnei, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) following agar well diffusion method. Plants extracts were prepared as gel and investigated for in vivo wound healing activities in rats. Histological studies were performed on animals' skin. The results showed that all tested plants have various antimicrobial and wound healing activities. Out of these plants, L. acacia exhibited the best result; it revealed a significant result for antimicrobial activities counter to all Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and wound healing activities in comparing with the reference drug. Thus, it is essential to consider L. acacia as a prospective source in progress in the synthesis of a new antimicrobial drug for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Pyrethroid-Induced Organ Toxicity and Anti-Oxidant-Supplemented Amelioration of Toxicity and Organ Damage: The Protective Roles of Ascorbic Acid and α-Tocopherol.

The pyrethroid toxicants, fatal at high doses, are found as remnants of crop pesticides and ingredients of commercially available insecticides. The toxic effects of high-content insecticidal pyrethroid formulations are available in 0.05 g, 1.17 g, and 0.04 g pyrethroid-instilled products, namely burning coils, pyrethroid-soaked mats, and liquid formulations of pyrethroids that release pyrethroid vapor/smoke upon heating. They provided 5.46 g/kg, 21.15 g/kg, and 4.24 g/kg of toxicants to the experimental animals over a total of 3 weeks/5 h per os (p.o.) administration, producing necrosis, hyperemia, and fatty changes in the liver; fiber separation in cardiac muscles; atrophy, lymphatic infiltration, blood vessel congestion, and hyperemia in the heart tissues of the experimental animals. The glomerular tuft necrosis, cytoplasmic degeneration of renal tubular cells, necrotic tubules, congestion, and dilatation of blood vessels were observed in the kidney tissue of intoxicated animals. Air-space enlargement, interstitial inflammation, lymphocyte infiltration aggregates, connective tissue infiltration by inflammatory cells, and hyperemia were found in the lung tissues. The pyrethroid toxicants also produced nervous tissue degeneration and decreased neurons in the brain, which were observed through histopathological examinations of the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. The protective effects of ascorbic acid (AA/vitamin C) and α-tocopherol (E307/vitamin E) at 100 mg/kg oral doses administered daily for the entire period of the toxicant exposure of three weeks to the experimental mice, aged between 3-4 months and weighing ≈30 g, ameliorated the tissue damage, as observed through the histopathological examinations. The ascorbic acid caused recovery of the liver, kidney, brain, and heart tissue damage, while α-tocopherol was effective at ameliorating the damage in the kidneys and lung tissue compared with the control groups. The high levels of tissue damage recovery suggested a prophylactic effect of the concurrent use of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol for the subjects under the exposure of pyrethroids.

Original Article: Investigation of Bcl-2 and PCNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Relation to Chronic HCV.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bcl-2 family members can be functionally divided into anti-apoptotic and proapoptotic groups. The balance between these two groups may determine the fate of tumor cells. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this balance is often tilted towards the anti-apoptotic members in tumor cells, leading to resistance to cell death and rapid proliferation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the current study, we investigated Bcl-2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemically, using specific monoclonal antibodies in liver tissues obtained from two patient groups. The first group included fifty patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) without hepatocellular carcinoma, the other group included twenty five HCVinfected patients but with confirmed HCC. Serum Bcl-2 was assayed using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Results showed serum Bcl-2 was elevated in 82% versus 100% in HCC-free and HCC patients, respectively. Moreover, cytoplasmic staining of Bcl-2 was found in only 16% of chronic HCV patients without HCC, versus 8% in HCC patients. On the other hand, nuclear staining of PCNA was detected in 100% of HCC patients, but in none of the HCV patients without HCC. CONCLUSION: The results collectively suggest that in HCV-infected patients with and without HCC, apoptosis is dysregulated and proliferation activity perturbed. There may be prognostic and/or diagnostic potential in estimating Bcl-2 and PCNA proteins in these patient groups. KEY WORDS: Bcl-2 - PCNA - Apoptosis - HCC - HCV.