Curative Effect of AD-MSCs against Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats is Potentiated by Azilsartan: Targeting Oxidative Stress, MAPK, and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways.

Despite its clinical value, cisplatin (CISP) is complicated by marked hepatotoxicity via inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. This study aims to explore the protective impact of azilsartan (AZIL), an antihypertensive drug, in addition to adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) on CISP-induced hepatotoxicity. After characterization and labeling of AD-MSCs by PKH26 dye, 54 Wistar male albino rats were randomly divided into nine groups: I (CONT), II (AZIL.H), III (CISP), IV (CISP + AZIL.L), V (CISP + AZIL.H), VI (CISP + AD-MSCs), VII (CISP + AZIL.L + AD-MSCs), VIII (CISP + AZIL.H + AD-MSCs), and IX (CISP + VITA C). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), and albumin levels were determined. Assessment of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione contents, and superoxide dismutase activity and histopathological evaluations were done on hepatic tissue. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to estimate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes. Cell homing of labeled AD-MSCs to the liver tissues was investigated. Hepatic expression of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38, Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins was investigated by western blot analysis. CISP elevated serum ALT and AST activities, reduced albumin level, and remarkably changed the hepatic architecture. It increased the expression TNF-α and IL-6 genes, raised the expression of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, and diminished the Bcl-2 protein. By contrast, treatment of animals with either AZIL or AD-MSCs dramatically reduced the effects of CISP injection. Moreover, treatment with combination therapy (AZIL.L or H + AD-MSCs) considerably mitigated all previously mentioned alterations superior to AZIL or AD-MSCs alone, which might be attributed to the AZIL-enhanced homing ability of AD-MSCs into the injured liver tissue. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrated that AZIL improves the hepatoprotective potential of AD-MSCs against CISP-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and apoptotic pathways.

Changes in Rat Adrenal Cortex and Pineal Gland in Inverted Light-Dark Cycle: A Biochemical, Histological, and Immunohistochemical Study.

Poor sleep standards are common in everyday life; it is frequently linked to a rise in stress levels. The adrenal gland interacts physiologically with the pineal gland in the stress response. Pineal gland is a small endocrine organ that modulates sleep patterns. This work aimed to evaluate the inverted light-dark cycle rhythm on the histological changes within the adrenal cortex and pineal gland in adult male albino rats. Twenty adult male albino rats were equally divided into two groups: For the first control group, animals were kept on daylight-darkness for 12-12 h. The second group was kept under an inverted 12- to 12-h light-darkness cycle for 4 weeks. Adrenal sections were subjected to biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study. Inverted light-dark cycle group recorded a significant elevation of plasma corticosterone, tissue malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) associated with a significant reduction of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Adrenal cortex showed biochemical and histological changes. Pineal glands also showed loss of lobular architecture. A significant upregulation in activated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and B-cell lymphoma-associated X (Bax) immunohistochemical expression was recorded in adrenal cortex associating with downregulation in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). It could be concluded that subchronic inverted light-dark cycle exerted direct effects on adrenal cortex and the pineal glands.

Trimetazidine alleviates paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy through modulation of TLR4/p38/NF-κB and klotho protein expression.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse effect associated with a number of chemotherapeutic agents including paclitaxel (PTX) which is used in a wide range of solid tumors. Development of PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) during cancer treatment requires dose reduction which limits its clinical benefits. This study is conducted to investigate the role of toll like receptor-4 (TLR4) /p38 signaling and Klotho protein expression in PIPN and the role of trimetazidine (TMZ) in this pathway. Sixty-four male Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 16); Group (1) injected intraperitoneally (IP) with ethanol/tween 80/saline for 8 successive days. Group (2) received TMZ (5 mg/kg, IP, day) for 8 successive days. Group (3) treated with 4 doses of PTX (4.5 mg/kg, IP) every other day over a period of 7 days. Group (4) received a combination of TMZ as group 2 and PTX as group 3. The Effect of TMZ on the antitumor activity of PTX was studied in another set of solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice that was similarly divided as the above-mentioned set. TMZ mitigated tactile allodynia, thermal hypoalgesia, numbness and fine motor discoordination associated with PTX in Swiss mice. The results of the current study show that the neuroprotective effect of TMZ can be attributed to inhibition of TLR4/p38 signaling which also includes a reduction in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) protein levels as well as the proinflammatory interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and preserving the levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, the current study is the first to demonstrate that PTX reduces the neuronal levels of klotho protein and showed its modulation via cotreatment with TMZ. In addition, this study showed that TMZ neither alter the growth of SEC nor the antitumor activity of PTX. In conclusion, we suggest that (1) Inhibition of Klotho protein and upregulation of TLR4/p38 signals in nerve tissues may contribute to PIPN. (2) TMZ attenuates PIPN by modulating TLR4/p38 and Klotho protein expression without interfering with its antitumor activity.

Nephroprotective effect of AT-MSCs against cisplatin-induced EMT is improved by azilsartan via attenuating oxidative stress and TGF-ß/Smad signaling.

The nephrotoxicity of cisplatin (CIS) is a significant complication that challenges its clinical applicability. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be included in the pathogenesis of CIS-evoked nephrotoxicity. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the possible protective effect of AZL and/or AT-MSCs against CIS-induced EMT in rats on molecular bases. Fifty-four healthy Wistar male albino rats were used in this study. Different biochemical markers of kidney function as well as oxidative stress parameters were investigated. Additionally, renal histopathological study was performed. The expression of EMT-related proteins and genes was evaluated by western blotting and qRT-PCR. CIS markedly increased SCr, BUN, uric acid and renal MDA levels, with concomitant decrease in serum total protein, renal GSH level and SOD activity. Furthermore, it suppressed the expression of Cdh1 gene, increased the α-SMA, Acta2, Cdh2 and Vim genes expression, down regulated the expression of E-cad protein and up-regulated the α-SMA, TGF-ß1, p-Smad2/3 and Snail proteins expression. Kidney tissues showed severe histopathological alterations and extensive collagen accumulation. Conversely, the treatment with either AZL or AT-MSCs significantly attenuated these alterations caused by CIS. Interestingly, the combined therapy of AZL and AT-MSCs has a superior ameliorative effect than AT-MSCs alone. In conclusion, this study, for the first time, revealed that AZL and/ or AT-MSCs successfully ameliorated the CIS-induced EMT via the inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. Intriguingly, AZL enhanced the effect of AT-MSCs making them promising agents for kidney protection against CIS-induced EMT.

Corrigendum: The severity of acute kidney and lung injuries induced by cecal ligation and puncture is attenuated by menthol: Role of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and apoptotic markers.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.904286.].

Paeonol Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (HIR) is the most common type of liver injury following several clinical situations. Modulating oxidative stress and inflammation by Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways, respectively, is involved in alleviating HIR injury. Paeonol is a natural phenolic compound that demonstrates significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study explored the possible protective effect of paeonol against HIR injury and investigated its possible molecular mechanisms in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated control, paeonol-treated sham-operated control, HIR untreated, and HIR paeonol-treated groups. The results confirmed that hepatic injury was significantly aggravated biochemically by elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, as well as by histopathological alterations, while paeonol reduced the increase in transaminases and alleviated pathological changes induced by HIR. Additionally, paeonol inhibited the HIR-induced oxidative stress in hepatic tissues by decreasing the upraised levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and enhancing the suppressed levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, paeonol activated the protective antioxidative Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The protective effect of paeonol was associated with inhibiting the expression of the inflammatory key mediators TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Finally, paeonol inhibited the increased mRNA levels of the pro-apoptotic marker Bax and enhanced the reduced mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Taken together, our results proved for the first time that paeonol could protect against HIR injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis Leaf Extract Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Hepatorenal Injury in Rats-Possible Modulation of IL-1ß and NF-κB Activity Assisted with Computational Approach.

BACKGROUND: Recently, crop byproducts are considered a hot topic and can be converted into beneficial products. Cauliflower is well-known for its protective effects against oxidative stress-induced damage. The current study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and the ameliorative effects of cauliflower leaf extract (CL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injuries in rats. METHODS: Cauliflower leaf was extracted with methanol to give the total methanol extract (TME) followed by the determination of total phenolic contents (TPC). Rats were divided into five groups; Group I was assigned as the control group, while the other groups were injected with gentamicin for ten days. Group II was given distilled water. Rats in groups III and IV were treated with oral CL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Group V received L-cysteine (as a positive control). The functions of the kidneys and liver; oxidative stress and morphological and apoptotic changes of renal and hepatic tissues were assessed. RESULTS: The TME was subjected to chromatographic techniques to yield ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin. TPC was 72.31 mg GAE/g of dried extract. CL treatment dose-dependently ameliorated gentamicin-induced impaired kidney and liver functions and improved the histopathological appearance of both organs. It also reduced gentamicin-induced oxidative stress. CL demonstrated downregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1ß and NF-κB compared to nontreated rats. In silico interaction of the isolated compounds with amino acid residues of IL-1ß and NF-κB might explain the current findings. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study raises the waste-to-wealth potential of cauliflower to mitigate gentamicin-induced hepatorenal injury and convert the waste agromaterials into valuable products.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist, Montelukast Ameliorates L-NAME-Induced Pre-eclampsia in Rats through Suppressing the IL-6/Jak2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

AIMS: To investigate the potential protective role of montelukast (Mont) in the pre-eclampsia rat model induced by L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-two pregnant female albino Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: the control group: pregnant rats received vehicles; the Mont group: pregnant rats received Mont (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) from the 6th to the 18th day of gestation; the L-NAME group: pregnant rats received L-NAME (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) from the 9th to the 18th day of gestation; the Mont/L-NAME group: pregnant rats received Mont (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) from the 6th to the 18th day of gestation and L-NAME (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) from the 9th to the 18th day of gestation. Placental, hepatic, and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, urea, 24-h urinary protein, and the placental growth factor (PGF) were measured. Histopathological examinations of the placental, hepatic, and renal tissues were also performed. In addition, placental, hepatic, and renal Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) immunoblotting were performed. KEY FINDINGS: Mont improves oxidative stress, IL-6, TNF-α, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, 24-h urinary protein, PGF, Jak2, and STAT3 which were all affected by L-NAME. Moreover, the histopathological assessment indicated that Mont restored the normal architecture that was markedly disturbed by L-NAME. SIGNIFICANCE: Mont exerted the biochemical and histopathological amelioration of L-NAME-caused pre-eclampsia through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant function and suppression of the IL-6/Jak2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

The Severity of Acute Kidney and Lung Injuries Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture Is Attenuated by Menthol: Role of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Apoptotic Markers.

Objective: Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are major causes of mortality. Menthol is a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions. Since exaggerated inflammatory and oxidative stress are characteristics of sepsis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of menthol against sepsis-induced mortality, ALI, and AKI. Methods: The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure was employed as a model of sepsis. Rats were grouped into sham, sham-Menthol, CLP, and CLP-Menthol (100 mg/kg, p.o). Key Findings: A survival study showed that menthol enhanced the survival after sepsis from 0% in septic group to 30%. Septic rats developed histological evidence of ALI and AKI. Menthol markedly suppressed sepsis induced elevation of tissue TNF-a, ameliorated sepsis-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and restored the antiapoptotic marker Bcl2. Significance: We introduced a role of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in these tissues with a possible link to the damage induced by sepsis. PCNA level was markedly reduced in septic animals and menthol ameliorated this effect. Our data provide novel evidence that menthol protects against organ damage and decreases mortality in experimental sepsis.

Angiotensin 1-7 mitigates rhabdomyolysis induced renal injury in rats via modulation of TLR-4/NF-kB/iNOS and Nrf-2/heme­oxygenase-1 signaling pathways.

AIMS: Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a critical condition with a high mortality rate, but effective management is still deficient. Till date, there are no studies that have addressed the effect of angiotensin 1-7 in this condition, hence, the rationale of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7), on rhabdomyolysis (RM) induced kidney injury in rats and detecting the underlying mechanistic insights. MAIN METHODS: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into groups; the control group, RM group, RM+Ang1-7 group, and RM+Ang1-7+ A779 group. Sera and urine samples were collected for analysis of renal and muscle injury markers. Kidney tissues were taken for estimation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers as well as angiotensin-II (Ang II) and Ang1-7. Renal histology and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase-1 (iNOS), real-time PCR for angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), nuclear erythroid factor-2 (Nrf-2), Toll like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and NF-kB in kidney tissues were also measured. KEY FINDINGS: Induction of RM caused renal oxidative stress injury, inflammation, apoptosis and marked deterioration in kidney functions as well as reduction of Ang1-7 and raised Angiotensin-II level in kidney tissues. Administration of Ang1-7 to the RM group reversed all the affected parameters which were blocked by A779 administration (Mas receptor blocker). SIGNIFICANCE: We concluded that Ang1-7 could be a potential therapeutic agent that could mitigate RM-induced renal injury. The underlying mechanisms may involve Stimulation of the ACE-2/Ang1-7/MasR axis and modulation of TLR-4/NF-kB/iNOS and Nrf-2/heme­oxygenase -1 pathways.

Paeonol Protects Against Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Upregulation of P-gp Expression and Inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB Pathway.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a well-known anticancer drug that causes nephrotoxicity as a side effect. To investigate the mechanisms by which paeonol, a natural phenolic compound, can protect against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity, paeonol (100 mg/kg/day orally) was given to rats for 10 days, with or without MTX (20 mg/kg once i.p. at day 5). Compared to control, MTX caused nephrotoxic effects manifested by increased serum urea and creatinine and distortion in renal histological architecture, with a significant increase in the mean glomerular diameter and upregulation of kidney injury molecule-1. MTX caused oxidative stress manifested by decreasing reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase while increasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. MTX also induced renal inflammation by upregulating TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-1ß and caused apoptosis by induction of caspase 3. Administering paeonol with MTX improved kidney functional and structural parameters, as well as all oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers tested. Interestingly, both MTX and paeonol increased the expression of the renal efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that helps in MTX elimination, and their drug combination further upregulated renal P-gp. In silico, paeonol was neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of P-gp, suggesting that its effect on P-gp is not on functional but on the expression level. In vitro, paeonol and MTX were administered to colon cancer cells and their combination caused a progressive cellular cytotoxic effect, which was dose-dependent with the increase of paeonol concentration. In conclusion, paeonol protects against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms and might potentiate MTX chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Rupatadine ameliorated ulcerative colitis in rats via modulation of platelet-activatiweng factor/interleukin-6/vascular endothelial growth factor signalling pathway.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the potential effect of rupatadine (RUP) on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by acetic acid (AA). METHODS: Forty male adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control group: received vehicles for 14 days; AA model group: received AA at the 13th day; Sulfasalazine (SLZ) + AA group: received SLZ (250 mg/kg) for 14 days and AA at the 13th day; RUP-3 + AA group: received RUP (3 mg/kg/day) for 14 days and AA at the 13th day; and RUP-6 + AA group: received RUP (6 mg/kg/day) for 14 days and AA at the 13th day. Evidence of UC was assessed both macroscopically and microscopically. Oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde), antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase), histamine and platelet-activating factor (PAF) were determined. Immunohistochemical estimations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were done. KEY FINDINGS: The AA group showed evidence of UC that was associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress, histamine and PAF levels with significant elevation in colonic VEGF and IL-6 immuno-expressions. RUP, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly ameliorated UC. CONCLUSION: RUP protects against UC by reducing oxidative stress and by regulating the PAF/IL-6/VEGF pathway.

Can Covid-19 attack our nervous system?

Nowadays, Covid-19 is considered a serious health problem worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel human coronavirus that has sparked a global pandemic of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). It is well known that the Corona Virus attacks mainly the respiratory system. Meanwhile, it has been established that coronavirus infection can extend beyond the respiratory system and unfortunately, can also affect our nervous system. Multiple neurological symptoms and signs had been documented during and post covid conditions. This virus gets access to the central nervous system (CNS) via the bloodstream leading to infect the endothelial lining cells. Also, it was reported that the virus can enter the peripheral nervous system via retrograde neuronal routes. The virus could be internalized in nerve synapses through endocytosis, transported retrogradely, and spread trans-synoptically to other brain regions. This minireview highlights the possible routes by which SARS-CoV-2 can invade the central nervous system (CNS) and its pathophysiology and manifestation.

Effects of platelet rich plasma on experimentally induced diabetic heart injury.

Diabetic heart is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product rich in growth factors that can enhance tissue regeneration. This work was conducted to study the PRP ability to improve diabetes-inducing cardiac changes. Also, it sheds more light on the possible mechanisms through which PRP induces its effects. Rats were divided into; control, PRP, diabetic, and PRP-diabetic groups. Cardiac specimens were obtained and processed for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study. The diabetic group exhibited a significant increase in cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac injury markers if compared with the control group. Additionally, the cardiac tissue showed variable morphological changes in the form of focal distortion and loss of cardiac myocytes. Distorted mitochondria and heterochromatic nuclei were observed in the cardiac muscle fibers. The mean number of charcoal-stained macrophages, and mean area fraction for collagen fibers, mean number of PCNA-immune positive cardiac muscle were significantly decrease in PRP- diabetic group. Collectively, the results showed that PRP treatment ameliorated most of all these previous changes. CONCLUSION: PRP ameliorated the diabetic cardiac injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. It was confirmed by biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study. It could be concluded that PRP could be used as a potential therapy for diabetic heart.

Comparative study between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and their conditioned medium in the treatment of rat model of Parkinsonism.

Parkinsonism is one of the most common aging neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effect of stem cell versus its conditioned medium in the Parkinsonism model. Parkinsonism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/kg of rotenone dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for 28 days. Fifty rats were divided randomly into five groups: control, dimethyl sulfoxide, Parkinsonism, stem cell-treated, and conditioned medium-treated groups. Midbrain specimens were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. Lewy bodies were observed in the Parkinsonism group in the dopaminergic neuron and neuropil as well. Almost all of the pathological changes were clearly ameliorated in both stem cell- and conditioned medium-treated groups as confirmed by biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical (anti-nestin, anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein, and anti-α synuclein) studies. However, the conditioned medium showed more superior therapeutic effect establishing nearly the normal histological architecture of substantia nigra. These results may pave the future for using stem cell-conditioned medium as a more convenient and effective adjuvant therapy in Parkinsonism and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Cerebral and cerebellar histological changes in the rat animal model of rotenone induced parkinsonism can be ameliorated by bone marrow derived stem cell conditioned media.

Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting elderly patients. It occurs due to the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). We continue our work in this model focusing on other brain areas affected with this disorder; cerebral cortex and cerebellum (areas other than substantia nigra) for better understanding the motor and behavior effect of the Parkinson disease as a forward steep for its treatment and medical control. This work aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of stem cell-conditioned medium in the Parkinsonism model. In this study, Parkinsonism model was induced in rats by daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/Kg of rotenone for 28 days. Thirty rats were divided randomly into 3 groups; control, Parkinson, and conditioned medium (CM) treated groups. Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies. In the Parkinsonism group, marked histological changes were observed. These findings were nearly ameliorated in CM treated group as confirmed by the biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical (anti-alpha synculein, anti GFAP and anti nestin) studies. It could be concluded that CM had a good therapeutic effect on Parkinsonism induced damage in both the cerebral cortex and cerebellum.

Sex differences impact the pancreatic response to chronic immobilization stress in rats.

Chronic stress has been related to multiple diseases. Inflammation is proposed strongly to link stress to stress-related diseases in different organs, such as small intestine, colon, and brain. However, stress cellular effect on the pancreatic tissue, especially the exocrine one, had received relatively little attention. This work aimed to evaluate the cellular effect of chronic immobilization stress on the pancreatic tissue function and structure along with evaluating the sex role in this type of pancreatic injury. Thirty rats were equally divided into 5 groups: control male, control female, stressed male, stressed female, and stressed female with bilateral ovariectomy. Stressed rats were exposed to immobilization for 1 h/day, 6 days/week, for 3 weeks. Rats were then decapitated for further biochemical, histological, histo-morphometric, and immunohistochemical study. The results showed that, in male and female rats, chronic immobilization stress produced hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, with increasing exocrine pancreatic injury markers by increasing oxidative and inflammatory status of the pancreatic tissue, and exhibited a degenerative effect on the pancreatic tissue. However, the stress-induced pancreatic effects were more obvious in male rats and female rats with bilateral ovariectomy than that in female rats. It could be concluded that male animals were more susceptible to stress-induced pancreatic damage than females. The ovarian hormones are responsible, at least partly, for pancreatic tissue protection since the stress-induced pancreatic injury in females was exacerbated by ovariectomy. In this study, inflammatory and oxidative stress differences in both sexes could provide a plausible explanation for sex differences.

Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, Antiapoptotic and Caspase-3 Inhibition of New 1,2,3-Triazole/Bis-2(1H)-Quinolinone Hybrids.

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazoles hybridized with two quinolin-2-ones, was designed and synthesized through click reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by NMR, IR, and mass spectra in addition to elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were assessed for their antiapoptotic activity in testis, as testicular torsion is the main cause of male infertility. This effect was studied in light of decreasing tissue damage induced by I/R in the testis of rats using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antiapoptotic reference. Compounds 6a-c were the most active antiapoptotic hybrids with significant measurements for malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the apoptotic biomarkers (testicular testosterone, TNFα, and caspase-3) in comparison to the reference. A preliminary mechanistic study was performed to improve the antiapoptotic activity through caspase-3 inhibition. A compound assigned as 6-methoxy-4-(4-(((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-4-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinolin-2(1H)-one (6c) was selected as a representative of the most active hybrids in comparison to NAC. Assay of cytochrome C for 6c revealed an attenuation of cytochrome C level about 3.54 fold, comparable to NAC (4.13 fold). In caspases-3,8,9 assays, 6c was found to exhibit more potency and selectivity toward caspase-3 than other caspases. The testicular histopathological investigation was carried out on all targeted compounds 6a-g, indicating a significant improvement in the spermatogenesis process for compounds 6a-c if compared to the reference relative to the control. Finally, molecular docking studies were done at the caspase-3 active site to suggest possible binding modes. Hence, it could conceivably be hypothesized that compounds 6a-c could be considered good lead candidate compounds as antiapoptotic agents.

The possible protective effect of Nano-Selenium on the endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions in a rat model of acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition with multi-factorial etiology. The negative impact of acute pancreatitis on the exocrine pancreatic function is well documented; however, its impact on the endocrine function needs more elucidation. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of Nano-Selenium (Nano-Se) on both pancreatic functions in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: l-arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats was used as a model. Fifty adult male albino rats were separated into groups: 1- control group (C), 2- C+ Nano-Se, 3-acute pancreatitis group (AP) and 4- AP+ Nano-Se. Nano-Se was administered before induction of acute pancreatitis. Serum levels of amylase, lipase, selenium, glucose, insulin and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were measured. Homeostatic model assessment of beta cell function (HOMA-ß) was also calculated. Oxidative stress markers, selenium content and the anti-apoptotic factor, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were assayed in pancreatic tissue along with immuno-expression of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB). RESULTS: Acute pancreatitis negatively affected both pancreatic functions. Nano-Se administration lessened the developed pancreatic injury and improved both pancreatic functions. CONCLUSION: Nano-Se could improve the deteriorated pancreatic functions in acute pancreatitis via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pro-apoptotic actions. Thus, it may be used in prevention of acute pancreatitis and the associated hyperglycemia in vulnerable individuals such as patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography.

Age related changes in the dermal mast cells and the associated changes in the dermal collagen and cells: A histological and electron microscopy study.

Mast cells are widely distributed bone marrow cells. They have a crucial role in the dermal aging process. The aim of the present study was to describe the biochemical and the histological changes that occur in the aged dermal mast cells and to demonstrate the associated changes in the dermal cells and fibers as well. Sixteen male albino rats were used and divided into two groups; the control group (8-10 weeks) and the aged group (20-22 weeks). The rats were decapitated then processed for further biochemical and histological studies. The mean area fraction for collagen fibers was measured. In the aged group, there was a significant increase in the skin histamine and heparin levels if compared with the control one. Furthermore, there was an apparent increase in intact and degranulated dermal mast cells if compared with the control one. The dermal collagen bundles were apparently decreased and appeared distorted with wide spacing. Additionally, there were apparently large sized eosinophils with more cytoplasmic granules. Direct contact between mast, fibroblast, and macrophage cells was noticed. The average area fraction of collagen fibers was significantly increased in the aged group if compared with the control one. It could be concluded that the secretory activity of dermal mast cells was significantly increased in the aged skin group. Also, this study demonstrated the implicated role of mast cell in aged skin changes. Further long-term studies are needed to validate the prophylactic or therapeutic potential by intentional hindering of mast cell degranulation in aged skin.