Mitigative potential of kaempferide against polyethylene microplastics induced testicular damage by activating Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway.

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are one of the environmental contaminants that instigate oxidative stress (OS) in various organs of the body, including testes. Kaempferide (KFD) is a plant-derived natural flavonol with potential neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the alleviative effects of KFD against PE-MPs-prompted testicular toxicity in rats. Fourty eight adult male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups: control, PE-MPs-administered (1.5 mgkg-1), PE-MPs (1.5 mgkg-1) + KFD (20 mgkg-1) co-treated and KFD (20 mgkg-1) only treated group. PE-MPs intoxication significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the expression of Nrf-2 and anti-oxidant enzymes, while increasing the expression of Keap-1. The activities of anti-oxidants i.e., catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hemeoxygene-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were reduced, besides malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were increased significantly (P < 0.05) following the PE-MPs exposure. Moreover, PE-MPs exposure significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the sperm motility, viability and count, whereas considerably (P < 0.05) increased the dead sperm number and sperm structural anomalies. Furthermore, PE-MPs remarkably (P < 0.05) decreased steroidogenic enzymes and Bcl-2 expression, while increasing the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax. PE-MPs exposure significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, whereas inflammatory indices were increased. PE-MPs exposure also induced significant histopathological damages in the testes. Nevertheless, KFD supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) abrogated all the damages induced by PE-MPs. The findings of our study demonstrated that KFD could significantly attenuate PE-MPs-instigated OS and testicular toxicity, due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, androgenic and anti-apoptotic potential.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of sesamin against cisplatin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the nephron-testicular protective effects of sesamin against cisplatin (CP)-induced acute renal and testicular injuries. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated to receive carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%, as sesamin vehicle), CP (a single i.p. 5 mg/kg dose), CP plus sesamin at 10 or 20 mg/kg orally for 10 days. RESULTS: Data analysis showed significant increases in serum urea, creatinine, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as renal and testicular tissue malondialdehyde and nitric-oxide concentrations in CP-intoxicated rats in comparison to control animals. On the contrary, rats treated with CP only exhibited significantly lower (p < .05) serum testosterone, tissue glutathione, and activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes compared to control rats. Histopathologically examining CP-intoxicated rats' tissues using H&E and PAS stains showed atrophied glomeruli, interstitial inflammatory cells, atypic tubular epithelium with focal apoptosis, and reduced mucopolysaccharide content. Further, immunohistochemical staining of the same group revealed an increase in p53 and cyclooxygenase-II (Cox-II) expression in renal and testicular tissues. Treatment with sesamin alleviated almost all the changes mentioned above in a dose-dependent manner, with the 20 mg/kg dose restoring several parameters' concentrations to normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS: In brief, sesamin could protect the kidneys and testes against CP toxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach to formulate and optimize the bilayer combination tablet of Tamsulosin and Finasteride.

An orally administered bilayer tablet with Tamsulosin (TAM) as the sustained release (SR) and Finasteride (FIN) as immediate release (IR) was manufactured. A response surface methodology was employed to formulate bilayer tablets with individual release layers, i.e., sustained and immediate release (SR and IR). Independent variables selected in both cases comprise hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as SR polymer, and avicel PH102 in the inner layer while Triacetin and talc in the outer layer, respectively. Tablets were prepared by direct compression, a total of 11 formulations were prepared for inner layer TAM, and 9 formulations for outer layer FIN were designed; these formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, %drug content, and %drug release. A central composite design was employed in response surface methodology to design and optimize the formulation. The percentage of drug released was evaluated by in-vitro USP dissolution method of optimized formulation for 0.5, 2, and 6 hrs, and results were 24.63, 52.96, and 97.68 %, respectively. Drug release data was plotted in various kinetic models using a D.D solver, where drug release was first order that is concentration dependent and was best explained by Korsmeyer-Peppa kinetics, as the highest linearity was observed (R2 = 0.9693). However, a very close relationship was also noted with Higuchi kinetics (R2 = 0.9358). The mechanism of drug release was determined through the Korsmeyer model, and exponent "n" was found to be 0.4, indicative of an anomalous diffusion mechanism or diffusion coupled with erosion.

Chemometric Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn Essential Oils.

To ensure the better production and sustainable management of natural resources, a chemometric investigation was conducted to examine the effect of cooperative and harvesting periods on the crop yields and chemical compositions of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils in the Oriental region of Morocco. The samples were collected from three cooperatives over nine time periods from January 2018 to April 2019. The chemical composition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The data from this study were processed by multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The disc diffusion technique and a determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration were performed to study the antibacterial properties of the oils. Statistical analysis showed that the cooperative and harvest period have a significant effect on yields. The highest yield of essential oil was recorded in April 2019 at cooperative C1. The PCA and the HCA results were divided into two groups: Group A for the summer season and group B for the winter season. The samples collected during summer were characterized by a high amount of 1,8-cineole component and a high yield of essential oil, whereas the samples collected during winter were qualified by a high amount of α-pinene component and a low yield of essential oil. The antibacterial activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils showed that Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC23857 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 23857 are the most susceptible strains, stopping growth at 1/500 (v/v). The least susceptible strain is Escherichia coli ATCC25922, with an MIC value corresponding to 1/250 (v/v). The findings of this study could have a positive economic impact on the exploitation of rosemary in the Oriental region, especially during the best harvest periods, as they indicate how to obtain the best yields of oils richest in 1,8-cineole and α-pinene chemotypes.

Anti-Alzheimer's Molecules Derived from Marine Life: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. It has been confirmed that the pathological processes that intervene in AD development are linked with oxidative damage to neurons, neuroinflammation, tau phosphorylation, amyloid beta (Aß) aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and cholinergic deficit. Still, there is no available therapy that can cure AD. Available therapies only manage some of the AD symptoms at the early stages of AD. Various studies have revealed that bioactive compounds derived from marine organisms and plants can exert neuroprotective activities with fewer adverse events, as compared with synthetic drugs. Furthermore, marine organisms have been identified as a source of novel compounds with therapeutic potential. Thus, there is a growing interest regarding bioactive compounds derived from marine sources that have anti-AD potentials. Various marine drugs including bryostatin-1, homotaurine, anabaseine and its derivative, rifampicins, anhydroexfoliamycin, undecylprodigioisin, gracilins, 13-desmethyl spirolide-C, and dictyostatin displayed excellent bioavailability and efficacy against AD. Most of these marine drugs were found to be well-tolerated in AD patients, along with no significant drug-associated adverse events. In this review, we focus on the drugs derived from marine life that can be useful in AD treatment and also summarize the therapeutic agents that are currently used to treat AD.

Mesoporous Carbon: A Versatile Material for Scientific Applications.

Mesoporous carbon is a promising material having multiple applications. It can act as a catalytic support and can be used in energy storage devices. Moreover, mesoporous carbon controls body's oral drug delivery system and adsorb poisonous metal from water and various other molecules from an aqueous solution. The accuracy and improved activity of the carbon materials depend on some parameters. The recent breakthrough in the synthesis of mesoporous carbon, with high surface area, large pore-volume, and good thermostability, improves its activity manifold in performing functions. Considering the promising application of mesoporous carbon, it should be broadly illustrated in the literature. This review summarizes the potential application of mesoporous carbon in many scientific disciplines. Moreover, the outlook for further improvement of mesoporous carbon has been demonstrated in detail. Hopefully, it would act as a reference guidebook for researchers about the putative application of mesoporous carbon in multidimensional fields.

Antinephrolithiatic activity of Ananas comosus extract against experimentally induced renal calculi in rats.

The present study evaluates the prophylactic role of Ananas comosus ethanolic extract (ACEE) against sodium oxalate (NaOx) - induced nephrolithiasis. Forty two rats were allocated into the following set of groups (6 rats/set group). Normal rats divided to two groups, one of them received distilled water (Control group) and the other received ACEE (1000 mg/kg body weight, p.o) for 7 consecutive days. Urolithiatic rat groups which divided into five subgroups injected with sodium oxalate (70 mg NaOx /kg body weight, i.p) for 7 days; and concurrently received oral administration of distilled water (Urolithiatic group, Vehicle), ACEE and Cystone. Interestingly, ACEE showed a beneficial effect in preventing stone formation. Significant reductions were obtained in the urinary and serum calcium and phosphate excretion along with an increase in magnesium excretion in urolithiatic rats treated with ACEE. Urolithiatic rats treated with ACEE and cystone significantly increased the urinary volume. Administration of ACEE caused significant amelioration in renal function which suggests antilithiatic activity of ACEE. Moreover, urolithiatic rats treated with ACEE significantly attenuated oxidative damage induced by NaOx. In conclusion, ACEE has antilithiatic efficacy may be due to its diuretic activity, antioxidant activity, beside its bioactive constituents which affecting calcium oxalate crystallization.

In silico estrogen-like activity and in vivo osteoclastogenesis inhibitory effect of Cicer arietinum extract.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common disorder accompanied with estrogen deficiency in women. Plants containing phytoestrogens and amino acids have been used in the osteoporosis treatment. The present study aims to evaluate the estrogen-like activity of the Cicer arietinum extract (CAE) and its ability to inhibit osteoclastogenesis process. These achieved by investigating the binding of its active phytoestrogens (genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin A) to the estrogen receptors (ER) α and ß of rats and human in silico. In addition, in vivo study on ovariectomized (OVX) rats is performed. For in vivo study, twenty four rats were divided into four groups (n= 6). Group I is the sham control rats which administered distilled water. Groups II, III, and IV are OVX groups which administered distilled water, CAE (500 mg/kg), and alendronate; respectively. The docking study revealed that the phytoestrogens docked into the protein active site with binding energies comparable with that of estrogens (estriol and ß-estradiol) which means the similarity between the estrogenic contents of CAE and the ensogenous ones. Additionally, in vivo study revealed that CAE reverse TRAP5b and RANKL levels that drastically increased in the untreated OVX group. But, it trigger upregulation of OPG, enhance the OPG/RANKL ratio and modulate the bone and uterus alterations of OVX group. Phytoestrogens and the bone-protective amino acids contents of CAE could be responsible for their estrogen-like effect and antiosteoporotic activity. These results concluded that CAE is an attractive candidate for developing a potential therapeutic cheap agent used as an alternative to the synthetic estrogen replacement therapy. Further, in vivo validation is required for its clinical application.

Fertility enhancing efficacy of Cicer arietinum in male albino mice.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of incorporating Cicer arietinum in the diet on the testicular functions of the male mice. Seventy-two mice were divided equally into four groups that were daily fed a diet containing 0, 20, 30 and 50% of C. arietinum seeds, respectively. After 7, 14 and 21 days of starting the experiments, the mice were anesthetized and euthanized to collect the blood, testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles. The present results showed that the increased percentage of C. arietinum in the diet caused significant elevations in the serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm concentration, sperm motility as well as the testicular levels of antioxidants including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), in comparison to the controls. On the other hand, marked reductions in the sperm abnormality, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), the percentage of DNA damage in tail and tail moment (TM) were observed in the mice that received a diet containing C. arietinum as compared to the controls. Both the sperms and testes of the mice fed a diet containing C. arietinum in the diet showed a normal intact appearance of the electrophoresed genomic DNA on agarose, as those of the controls. In conclusion, C. arietinum is not only a safe ingredient in the fast-food but also an enhancer of the testicular functions.

Spirulina platensis ameliorates hepatic oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by aflatoxin B1 in rats.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a widely distributed mycotoxin, causing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. One of the most famous unicellular cyanobacteria is Spirulina platensis (SP) which is well known for its antioxidant characteristics against many toxicants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective ability of SP against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats intraperitoneally injected with AFB1. Rats were separated into five groups as follows: negative control administered with saline; SP (1000 mg/kg BW) for two weeks; AFB1 (2.5 mg/kg BW) twice on days 12 and 14; AFB1 (twice) + 500 mg SP/kg BW (for two weeks) and AFB1 (twice) + 1000 mg SP/kg BW (for two weeks). Liver and blood samples were assembled for histological and biochemical analyses. AFB1 intoxicated rats showed a marked elevation in serum biochemical parameters (ALP, ALT, and AST), hepatic lipid peroxidation (MDA and NO), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) indicating DNA damage. Moreover, AFB1 caused suppression of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GHS, GSH-Px, and CAT). However, the elevated serum levels of biochemical parameters and PCNA expression were reduced by SP. Moreover, SP lowered oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation markers in a dose-dependent manner. To sum up, SP supplementation is capable of decreasing AFB1 toxicity through its powerful antioxidant activity.

From nature to nanotechnology: The interplay of traditional medicine, green chemistry, and biogenic metallic phytonanoparticles in modern healthcare innovation and sustainability.

As we navigate the modern era, the intersection of time-honoured natural remedies and contemporary scientific approaches forms a burgeoning frontier in global healthcare. For generations, natural products have been foundational to health solutions, serving as the primary healthcare choice for 80% to 85% of the world's population. These herbal-based, nature-derived substances, significant across diverse geographies, necessitate a renewed emphasis on enhancing their quality, efficacy, and safety. In the current century, the advent of biogenic phytonanoparticles has emerged as an innovative therapeutic conduit, perfectly aligning with principles of environmental safety and scientific ingenuity. Utilizing green chemistry techniques, a spectrum of metallic nanoparticles including elements such as copper, silver, iron, zinc, and titanium oxide can be produced with attributes of non-toxicity, sustainability, and economic efficiency. Sophisticated herb-mediated processes yield an array of plant-originated nanomaterials, each demonstrating unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. These attributes herald new therapeutic potentials, encompassing antioxidants, anti-aging applications, and more. Modern technology further accelerates the synthesis of natural products within laboratory settings, providing an efficient alternative to conventional isolation methods. The collaboration between traditional wisdom and advanced methodologies now signals a new epoch in healthcare. Here, the augmentation of traditional medicine is realized through rigorous scientific examination. By intertwining ethical considerations, cutting-edge technology, and natural philosophy, the realms of biogenic phytonanoparticles and traditional medicine forge promising pathways for research, development, and healing. The narrative of this seamless integration marks an exciting evolution in healthcare, where the fusion of sustainability and innovation crafts a future filled with endless possibilities for human well-being. The research in the development of metallic nanoparticles is crucial for unlocking their potential in revolutionizing fields such as medicine, catalysis, and electronics, promising groundbreaking applications with enhanced efficiency and tailored functionalities in future technologies. This exploration is essential for harnessing the unique properties of metallic nanoparticles to address pressing challenges and advance innovations across diverse scientific and industrial domains.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-DNA damage effects of carnosic acid against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicities in rats.

Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) food contamination is a global health hazard that has detrimental effects on both human and animal health. The objective of the current study is to assess the protective impact of carnosic acid against AFB1-induced toxicities in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Methods: Forty male Wistar Albino rats (weighting 180 ~ 200 g) were allocated into 5 groups (8 rats each); the 1st group received saline as served as a control, the 2nd group received carnosic acid (CA100) at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw/day by gavage for 14 days, the 3rd group received AFB1 at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg bw, orally twice on days 12 and 14, the 4th group (AFB1-CA50) received AFB1 as in the 3rd group and CA at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day, and the 5th group (AFB1-CA100) received AFB1 as in the 3rd group and CA as in the 2nd group. Results: CA significantly decreased the liver enzymes (ALT, AST. ALP), renal function products (LDH, BUN, creatinine), and cardiac enzymes (CK and CK-MB) to control levels after the high increment by AFB1 exposure. Moreover, CA significantly decreased the oxidative stress (MDA, NO, 8-OHdG) and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD) after severe disruption of oxidant/antioxidant balance by AFB1 exposure. Interestingly, CA significantly decreased the proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) to the control levels after severe inflammation induced by AFB1 exposure. Conclusions: Conclusively, CA had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-DNA damage effects against hepatic, renal, and cardiac AFB1-induced toxicities.

Bromelain mitigates liver fibrosis via targeting hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo.

Various therapeutic approaches are conducted for regression of liver fibrosis and prevent possible further carcinogenic transformation. This study was aimed to assess the prospective therapeutic potential of bromelain against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis using in-vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro study, HSC-T6 cell line was used to evaluate the effect of bromelain on HSC-T6 cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo, Rats were treated by TAA for 6 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis followed by post treatment by different doses of bromelain and silymarin for further 4 weeks to assess the regression of hepatic fibrosis. The in-vitro findings indicated that bromelain hindered the proliferation of HSCs in concentration dependent manner compared with the untreated cells. The in vivo study revealed that treatment of TAA fibrotic rats with different doses of bromelain and silymarin induced a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers, attenuation of oxidative stress, upregulation of total antioxidant capacity and thereby decline of fibrotic biomarkers and improving histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. In conclusion, This study indicates that bromelain can regress TAA induced hepatic fibrosis in rats via inhibiting HSCs activation, α-SMA expression and the ECM deposition in hepatic tissue in addition to its antioxidants pathway, these findings prove the promising therapeutic potential of bromelain as a novel therapeutic approach for chronic hepatic fibrotic diseases.

Integrated approach to hydrogeochemical appraisal of groundwater quality concerning arsenic contamination and its suitability analysis for drinking purposes using water quality index.

Arsenic (As), contamination in drinking groundwater resources is commonly environmental problem in many developing countries including Pakistan, with significant human health risk reports. In order to examine the groundwater quality concerning As contamination, its geochemical behavior along with physicochemical parameters, 42 samples were collected from community tube wells from District Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The results showed the concentration of elevated As, its source of mobilization, and associated public health risk. The As concentration detected in groundwater samples varied from 0.12 to 104 µg/L with an average value of 34.7 µg/L. Among 42 groundwater samples, 27 samples were beyond the permitted limit of 10 µg/L recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), for drinking purposes. Statistical analysis result show that the groundwater cations values are in decreasing order such as: Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+, while anions were HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3-. Hydrochemical facies result depict that the groundwater samples of the study area, 14 samples belong to CaHCO3 type, 5 samples belong to NaCl type, 20 samples belong to Mixed CaMgCl type, and 3 samples belong to CaCl2 type. It can be accredited due to weathering and recharge mechanism, evaporation processes, and reverse ion exchange. Gibbs diagram shows that rock water interaction controls the hydrochemistry of groundwater resources of the study area. Saturation Index (SI) result indicated the saturation of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, geothite, and hematite mineral due their positive SI values. The principal component analysis (PCA) results possess a total variability of 80.69% signifying the anthropogenic and geogenic source of contamination. The results of the exposure-health-risk-assessment method for measuring As reveal significant potential non-carcinogenic risk (HQ), exceeding the threshold level of (> 1) for children in the study area. Water quality assessment results shows that 24 samples were not suitable for drinking purposes.

Chia seeds and coenzyme Q10 alleviate iron overload induced hepatorenal toxicity in mice via iron chelation and oxidative stress modulation.

Iron overload (IOL) can cause hepatorenal damage due to iron-mediated oxidative and mitochondrial damage. Remarkably, combining a natural iron chelator with an antioxidant can exert greater efficacy than monotherapy. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chia and CoQ10 to chelate excess iron and prevent hepatorenal oxidative damage in IOL mice. Male Swiss albino mice (n = 49) were randomly assigned to seven groups: control, dietary Chia, CoQ10, IOL, IOL + Chia, IOL + CoQ10, and IOL + Chia + CoQ10. Computational chemistry indicates that the phytic acid found in the Chia seeds is stable, reactive, and able to bind to up to three iron ions (both Fe2+ and Fe3+). IOL induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, TIBC, TSI, RBCs, Hb, MCV, MCH, WBCs, AST, ALT, creatinine, and MDA. IOL causes a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in UIBC, platelets, and antioxidant molecules (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GR). Also, IOL elicits mitochondrial membrane change depolarization, and DNA fragmentation and suppresses mitochondrial DNA copies. Furthermore, substantial changes in hepatic and renal tissue, including hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis, glomerular degeneration, glomerular basement membrane thickening, and tubular degeneration, were observed in the IOL group. Dietary Chia and CoQ10 induced significant (P < 0.05) amelioration in all the mentioned parameters. They can mostly repair the abnormal architecture of hepatic and renal tissues induced by IOL, as signified by normal sinusoids, normal central veins, and neither glomerular damage nor degenerated tubules. In conclusion, the combined treatment with Chia + CoQ10 exerts more pronounced efficacy than monotherapy in hepatorenal protection via chelating excess iron and improved cellular antioxidant status and hepatorenal mitochondrial function in IOL mice.

Unveiling a novel terpolymer-metal complex: A detailed exploration of synthesis, characterization, and its potential as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.

In an innovative approach to push the boundaries of antimicrobial and antioxidant strategies, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel terpolymer derived from N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminopyrimidine with formaldehyde in the presence of dimethylformamide as a reaction medium through polycondensation technique. Leveraging this terpolymer as a ligand, we introduce an intriguing terpolymer-metal complex, created with Ni (II) metal ion. In our pursuit to validate the structure and properties of these substances, we performed meticulous characterizations using important spectral studies such as FTIR, electronic, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. This provided us with a unique fingerprint for the (N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-2-aminopyrimidine-formaldehyde) terpolymeric ligand (PAF) and its metal complex. In addition, the molecular weights of PAF terpolymer were established using gel permeation chromatography. Upon investigation, PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex exhibited impressive antimicrobial activity, tested by the disc-diffusion technique. Both demonstrated potency against a range of harmful bacterial and fungal strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. In an extension to their biological applications, we evaluated the free radical scavenging activity of PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex using the DPPH assay. The complex PAF-Ni showcased an enhanced scavenging activity 73.94% (IC50 = 17.58) compared to the ligand PAF 63.06% (IC50 = 27.61) at 100 µg/ml indicating its potential role in oxidative stress management.

Theoretical design for covering Engeletin with functionalized nanostructure-lipid carriers as neuroprotective agents against Huntington's disease via the nasal-brain route.

Objective: To propose a theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers for improved delivery and increased bioavailability in treating Huntington's disease (HD). Methods: We conducted a literature review of the pathophysiology of HD and the limitations of currently available medications. We also reviewed the potential therapeutic benefits of engeletin, a flavanol glycoside, in treating HD through the Keap1/nrf2 pathway. We then proposed a theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers for improved delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and increased bioavailability. Results: HD is an autosomal dominant neurological illness caused by a repetition of the cytosine-adenine-guanine trinucleotide, producing a mutant protein called Huntingtin, which degenerates the brain's motor and cognitive functions. Excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, elevated concentration of ROS and RNS, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation significantly impact HD development. Current therapeutic medications can postpone HD symptoms but have long-term adverse effects when used regularly. Herbal medications such as engeletin have drawn attention due to their minimal side effects. Engeletin has been shown to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction and suppress inflammation through the Keap1/NRF2 pathway. However, its limited solubility and permeability hinder it from reaching the target site. A theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers may allow for free transit over the BBB due to offering a similar composition to the natural lipids present in the body a lipid solubility and increase bioavailability, potentially leading to a cure or prevention of HD. Conclusion: The theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers has the potential to improve delivery and increase the bioavailability of engeletin in the treatment of HD, which may lead to a cure or prevention of this fatal illness.

Effect of larval diets on the life table parameters of dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) using age-stage two sex life table theory.

The current study regarding the effects of larval diets on the life table parameters of dengue mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti was conducted under laboratory conditions at 27 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity at NIFA (Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture) Peshawar, Pakistan. The data on life table parameters of Ae. aegypti reared on Diet 1 (replacement diet), Diet 2 (Khan's diet for Anopheles), Diet 3 (Khan's modified diet) and Diet 4 (IAEA diet) were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table software. Diet 4 (IAEA) was used as a control for comparison. The results indicated that significantly maximum percentage of egg hatching of Ae. aegypti was observed when reared on Diet 4 (73.86%) and Diet 3 (72.90%), while less % of egg hatching was recorded in Diet 1 (40.67%) and Diet 2 (55.53%). The data further showed that the Diet 3 had a highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.097 ± 5.68 day-1), finite rate of increase (λ) (1.10 ± 6.26 day-1) and net reproductive rate (R0) (11.99 ± 1.52 eggs/female) followed by Diet 2 and Diet 4. The mean generation time (T) of Ae. aegypti reared on Diet 3 (23.67 ± 0.86 days) and Diet 1 (24.05 ± 0.61 days) was significantly shorter than Diet 2 (26.15 ± 0.71 days) and Diet 4 (26.41 ± 0.38 days). The overall results revealed that Diet 3 showed good results at different life table parameters of Ae. aegypti and can be used as the preferred diet in the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) where the mass culture of mosquitoes is required.

Development of a new drug candidate for the inhibition of Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein by modification of evodiamine as promising therapeutic agents.

The Lassa virus (LASV), an RNA virus prevalent in West and Central Africa, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. However, no FDA-approved treatments or vaccines exist. Two crucial proteins, LASV glycoprotein and nucleoprotein, play vital roles in pathogenesis and are potential therapeutic targets. As effective treatments for many emerging infections remain elusive, cutting-edge drug development approaches are essential, such as identifying molecular targets, screening lead molecules, and repurposing existing drugs. Bioinformatics and computational biology expedite drug discovery pipelines, using data science to identify targets, predict structures, and model interactions. These techniques also facilitate screening leads with optimal drug-like properties, reducing time, cost, and complexities associated with traditional drug development. Researchers have employed advanced computational drug design methods such as molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and molecular dynamics simulation to investigate evodiamine derivatives as potential LASV inhibitors. The results revealed remarkable binding affinities, with many outperforming standard compounds. Additionally, molecular active simulation data suggest stability when bound to target receptors. These promising findings indicate that evodiamine derivatives may offer superior pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties, serving as a valuable resource for professionals developing synthetic drugs to combat the Lassa virus.

Life table study of Sitotroga cerealella on different cereals and its implications on the performance of the egg parasitoid (Trichogramma chilonis) under laboratory conditions.

Sitotroga cerealella is one of the major pests of cereals in the field and storage conditions throughout the world. The main objective was to study the life tables of S. cerealella on wheat, maize and barley and its implications on percent parasitism of Trichogramma chilonis. S. cerealella is reared under lab conditions as its eggs are utilized for rearing T. chilonis. Fresh eggs of S. cerealella were collected and after hatching the neonate larvae of S. cerealella were transferred onto each host plant species for obtaining first (F1) generation (G). Seventy eggs were used for each host and each egg was used as a replicate. Daily observations were made for recording the life-table parameters of the S. cerealella. The data showed that the developmental time of S. cerealella eggs and pupae was maximum (5.68 and 7.75 days) when reared on wheat, while the maximum larval duration (19.77 days) of S. cerealella was recorded on barley. The maximum fecundity (290.30 ± 22.47 eggs/female) was recorded on maize, while minimum fecundity per female was recorded on barley (159.30 eggs/ female). The S. cerealella reared on maize had significantly higher values of finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and net reproductive rate (Ro) (0.14 ± 0.04 day- 1, 1.16 ± 0.05 day- 1, and 136.85 ± 20.25 eggs/ female) respectively. The mean generation time (T) (35.18 ± 0.61 days) was higher on wheat. Likewise, the gross reproductive rate (GRR) and the age-stage specific reproductive values (vxj) of newly oviposited eggs of S. cerealella were recorded higher (136.85 ± 20.25; 1.160 offspring) on maize. The data regarding the efficacy of T. chilonis for different parameters were recorded higher on maize i.e., percent parasitism (89.00 ± 2.30%), percent adult emergence (81.60 ± 1.20%), adult longevity (3.80 ± 0.10 days) and total adult longevity (9.90 ± 0.20 days) as compared to wheat and barley. Our findings revealed that S. cerealella can be best reared on maize under laboratory conditions as it prefers this host as compared to wheat and barley. Therefore, assigning the most susceptible and favorite host (maize) would help us to improve T. chilonis mass production under laboratory conditions.