Apilarnil ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats via improving antioxidant potency and PCNA expression.

Apilarnil, a bee-derived product originating from drone larvae, offers a range of advantageous properties for both humans and animals. It functions as an antioxidant, provides neuroprotection, boosts fertility, and has antiviral capabilities. Additionally, it is a provider of androgenic hormones. These beneficial functions are supported by its chemical composition, which comprises mineral salts, vitamins, carbs, lipids, hormones, and amino acids. The current study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of apilarnil against Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in male adult rats. Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were randomly classified into six groups. The first, second, and third received olive oil, BPA at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (bwt), and apilarnil at a dose of 0.6 g/kg bwt, respectively. The fourth, fifth, and sixth groups received apilarnil with, before, or after BPA administration, respectively. Phytochemical analysis using included linear ion trap-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LTQ-UPLC-MS/MS) and global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) revealed the presence of lysine, 10-hydroxy-(E)-2-dodecenoic acid, apigenin7-glucoside, testosterone, progesterone, and campesterol. BPA administration decreased serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, glutathione (GSH) concentration, total sperm count, motility, and vitality. Additionally, BPA increased sperm abnormalities, malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. The treatment with apilarnil ameliorated BPA reproductive toxicity in rats which was indicated by increased serum testosterone levels, normalized serum levels of FSH and LH, and concentration of MDA and GSH activity. Moreover, apilarnil improved sperm count, motility, morphology, and PCNA expression. Apilarnil was found to enhance reproductive hormones, MDA levels, antioxidant activity, and PCNA expression.

Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L) extract ameliorates high fat diet-induced obesity and dyslipidemia via reducing expression of lipogenic and thermogenic proteins.

Globally, obesity has become one of the major health problems. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of Cymbopogon schoenanthus methanolic extract (CS) in rats. Fifty male Wistar rats of six to eight weeks old, 100-120 g body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 10): The control group was fed a basal diet. CS-group was supplied with basal diet and orally given CS (200 mg/kg BW) for 12 weeks. HFD-group was fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks. HFD + CS-group was fed on HFD and CS HFD then CS-group was fed HFD for 12 weeks then shifted to basal diet and CS for another 6 weeks. Phytochemical analysis of CS indicated the presence of various terpenes and flavonoid compounds. Among the compounds characterized are quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, orientin, eudesmene, cymbopogonol, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, and linolenic acid. Supplementation of HFD significantly increased the body weight, levels of serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipo-protein (HDL), glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. In addition, HFD up-regulated the protein expression of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1 in both brown and white adipose tissue; and the expression of hepatic mRNA of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c and SREBP-2. However, it decreased the serum level of HDL, and protein expression level of UCP-1 in both brown and white adipose tissue. Treatment of HFD-fed animals with CS extract either concurrently (HFD + CS-group), or after obesity induction (HFD then CS-group) significantly reversed all HFD-induced alterations in body weight; food intake; serum biochemical profile (including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia); and tissue gene expressions. These results indicate that CS methanolic extract ameliorated HFD-induced obesity, serum biochemical, hepatic, and adipose tissue gene expression alterations. CS extract accomplished these effects mostly through its various identified bioactive compounds which have been proven to have anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities.

Exploring the Chemical Constituents and Nutritive Potential of Bee Drone (Apilarnil): Emphasis on Antioxidant Properties.

A lesser-known bee product called drone brood homogenate (DBH, apilarnil) has recently attracted scientific interest for its chemical and biological properties. It contains pharmacologically active compounds that may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, fertility-enhancing, and antiviral effects. Unlike other bee products, the chemical composition of bee drone larva is poorly studied. This study analyzed the chemical compostion of apilarnil using several methods. These included liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with solid phase micro-extraction (SPME/GC-MS). Additionally, antioxidant activity of the apilarnil was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. A chemical assessment of apilarnil showed that it has 6.3±0.00, 74.67±0.10 %, 3.65±0.32 %, 8.80±1.01 %, 13.16±0.94 %, and 8.79±0.49 % of pH, moisture, total lipids, proteins, flavonoids, and carbohydrates, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis and molecular networking (GNPS) of apilarnil exhibited 44 compounds, including fatty acids, flavonoids, glycerophospholipids, alcohols, sugars, amino acids, and steroids. GC-MS detected 30 volatile compounds in apilarnil, mainly esters (24 %), ketones (23.84 %), ethers (15.05 %), alcohols (11.41 %), fatty acids (10.06), aldehydes (6.73 %), amines (5.46), and alkene (5.53 %). The antioxidant activity of apilarnil was measured using DPPH with an IC50 of 179.93±2.46 µg/ml.

Forensic analysis of mosquito blood meal digestion process and the impact of heroin opiate: determination of the post-feeding interval as a PMI estimation.

Females of some mosquito species are anthropophilic, as they feed on human blood to support egg production and, hence, are forensically valuable if found at a crime scene. The present study investigated the blood meal digestion process in Culex pipiens L. both with and without heroin and proposed a method for estimating the post-feeding interval (PFI). Mosquitoes were fed on a control mouse, a heroin-injected mouse, or in vitro heroin-treated mouse blood. The blood meal digestion was then investigated at different hours post-feeding. Data showed that the blood meal size ingested by control mosquitoes was 0.681 ±â€…0.04 mg/mosquito and was completely digested within 45 h post-feeding. An estimation of the PFI was proposed in terms of the rate of hemoglobin (Hb) digestion. The blood meal size of the mosquitoes fed on the in vitro heroin-treated blood and the heroin-injected mouse was 0.96 ±â€…0.06 and 0.79 ±â€…0.01 mg/mosquito and was completely digested within 50 and 55 h post-feeding, respectively. The digestion of Hb started similarly in all experimental mosquitoes until 10 h post-feeding, after which it significantly decreased in heroin-treated blood meals compared with the control ones. This may suggest that heroin impacted the digestion process, as it took an extra 5-10 h to complete. These findings could be valuable in the forensic context since an estimation of PFI is proposed as a potential estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). However, care should be taken as heroin in the host blood has significantly impacted the overall digestion process and, hence, may bias the PFI/PMI estimation.

Efficacy of ivermectin against colon cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in male wistar rats.

Colon cancer (CC) is a common form of cancer worldwide. According to growing incidence of cancer and little information about the possible protective role of Ivermectin (IVM) on colon cancer, this study aimed to investigate the chemoprotective role of IVM against colon cancer induced by Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in Male Wistar Rats. Based on LD50, three doses of IVM (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) were applied before assayingthe antioxidant status, apoptotic markers, and microscopic analysis. Our result showed that glutathione (GSH) level was significantly increased in low dose of IVM-treated rats. Hight levels of oxidative stress and tissue damage consumed GSH and catalase (CAT), and dismutase (SOD) as indicated by significant drop in the treated groups. mRNA levels of Bax and caspase-3 were upregulated in rats treated with the high dose. Contrastingly, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated with high dose. Changes in genes expression proved that IVM triggered apoptosis in treated groups compared to untreated control group. Microscopic analysis showed that rats treated with DMH exhibited high development of colorectal tumor. After induction of colorectal tumor, medium and high dose of DMH induced reduction in medullary carcinoma with great incidence of lymphoid nodules and desmoplastic reaction. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of IVM as an anticancer drug against colon cancer in male Wistar rats.

Modulation of antioxidant defence system in response to berberine in Candida albicans.

Emergence of multidrug resistant species of Candida is evolving, which advocates an urgent need for the development of new therapeutic strategies and antifungal drugs. Activation of antioxidant defence system in Candida albicans is known as forefront mechanism to escape drug toxicity. This study evaluated the role of antioxidant defence genes in the susceptibility to fluconazole in C. albicans and also determined the effect of berberine on growth, antioxidant enzymes and the expression of their genes in C. albicans isolates. Expression of major antioxidant genes was significantly increased in fluconazole-resistant isolates in comparison with the susceptible group. Antifungal susceptibility against berberine showed MIC values ranging from 125 to 500 µg/ml. Berberine treatment caused upregulation of mRNA expression and enzymatic activities of the targeted major antioxidants. Interestingly, C. albicans exhibited efficient antioxidant response at lower concentrations but could not sufficiently alleviate berberine-induced oxidative stress occurring at concentrations greater than 250 µg/ml. Therefore, berberine could serve as a potent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-inducing agent, disrupting the antioxidant system especially in fluconazole-resistant C. albicans to overcome antifungal drug resistance. TAKE AWAYS: Evaluated the role of antioxidant enzymes in FLC resistance in C. albicans Studied the effect of berberine on growth of different C. albicans isolates Investigated the modulation of antioxidant enzymes by berberine in C. albicans Studied the effect of berberine on antioxidant gene expression in C. albicans.

Synergistic antimicrobial activity of N-methyl substituted pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids and melittin against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

In pharmaceutical industry, the prodrug approaches and drug-drug conjugates are being now vastly used to optimize the efficacy of the drugs for multipurpose. The combination or conjugation of antimicrobials agents with natural antimicrobials may lead to better synergistic antimicrobial activity. Currently, many publications show the potential of ionic liquids (ILs) as novel antimicrobials and even as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The current study showed the synthesis of novel pyrrolidinium-based ILs (Cx, x = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) and their antibacterial activity alone and in combination with antimicrobial peptide, melittin (MEL), against clinically relevant microorganism, E. coli and S. aureus. The cytotoxicity of synthesized ILs was administered on HEK 293 cell line using MTT assay. The obtained results showed the dependency of antibacterial activity of ILs on alkyl chain length (C4 < C6 < C8 < C10 < C12). The remarkable improvement in the antibacterial efficiency of MEL was seen with ILs; however, antibacterial effect is more pronounced with IL having large alkyl chain length (C8, C10, and C12) at their minimal concentration with MEL to disrupt the cell membrane. In addition, the binding study and haemocompatibility results showed favourable biocompatibility and stability which could potentially improve its utility for the biomedical field. KEY POINTS: • The combination of melittin and pyrrolidinium-based ILs showed improved antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus which may be used for developing new antibacterial agents. • Moreover, the cytotoxicity and haemocompatibility results showed excellent biocompatibility of the combinations on human cell line and human serum albumin, respectively, which could potentially improve its utility for the biomedical field.

Distinct epigenetic regulation in patients with multidrug-resistant TB-HIV co-infection and uninfected individuals.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an airborne pathogenic microorganism that causes tuberculosis (TB). This pathogen invades lung tissues causing pulmonary infections and disseminates into other host organs. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is employed to provide immune protection against TB; however, its efficacy is dependent on the age, immune status and geographic location of vaccinated individuals. Advanced diagnostic approaches such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF® and line probe assays (LPAs) have allowed rapid detection of drug-resistant, multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb strains. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, public and private health institutions are further burdened by the high prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and TB co-infections across different age groups. Epigenetic mechanisms have been widely exploited by Mtb and HIV to bypass the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to microbial proliferation and disease manifestation. In the current study, we investigated the impact of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating target gene expression in healthy and patients co-infected with MDR TB-HIV.

Crystal Growth and Kinetic Behaviour of Pseudoalteromonas espejiana Assisted Biosynthesized Gold Nanoparticles.

Pseudoalteromonas espejiana (P. espejiana) is a marine bacterium known for its high resistance to alkalinity. The ability of P. espejiana to reduce Au (III) and biosynthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is found positive and was confirmed using UV-VIS, EDS, SEM, and TEM studies. Previously, many studies have been reported regarding the crystalline nature of AuNPs; therefore, this research aims at studying the crystal growth behaviour of AuNPs through DLS and TEM studies. Spherically shaped and monodispersed, AuNPs ranging between 5 to 160 nm were obtained with an average particle size of 62 nm. Also, to achieve maximum production of AuNPs, the reaction kinetic study was performed using an ICP-OES method and the effect of various parameters including pH, temperature, rpm, and concentration of substrate was analyzed. During the biosynthesis process, an appropriate phase of nucleation, crystal growth, and saturation was observed and this helped to determine the rate constants and order of reaction. The parameters such as pH profile (pH 9), temperature (30°C), agitation speed (150 rpm), and enzyme substrate ratio (2 : 3) were found to be the best fits for maximum production of low size AuNPs. This demonstrates that in initial few hours, a quick conversion of the ionic gold precursor takes place into metallic gold nuclei, trailed by crystal growth via coalescence of small nuclei. Subsequently, it can be concluded that coalescence processes drive the crystal growth process of AuNPs over a time interval and finally leads to saturation and no newer particle formation in the solution.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Damage Induced by Ovalbumin in Mice.

The liver is the most vital organ that could be influenced by inducers of hypersensitivity such as ovalbumin. The current study was carried out to explore the effects of butterbur (Petasites hybridus) extract on the ovalbumin-induced liver hypersensitivity in Swiss albino male mice. Animals were divided into 4 groups, 1st group served as a control group, 2nd group treated with daily oral administration of 75 mg/kg of butterbur extract, 3rd group received single oral dose 100 mg/kg of ovalbumin to induce hypersensitivity, and 4th group treated with oral administration of butterbur extract one-day post to the hypersensitivity induction. Ovalbumin induces a significant increase in the activity of liver enzymes and MDA and decreased the activity of CAT after the ovalbumin treatment. Histopathological investigations revealed marked pathological alterations in liver tissues in the form of hyaline degeneration and fibrosis. Additionally, heavy immune response indicated by immunostaining of MDA and TNF-α could be observed. In contrast, posttreatment with butterbur extract after hypersensitivity induction resulted in a significant decrease of liver enzymes and oxidative stress and reduced the inflammation and fibrosis of liver tissues. These results suggest that butterbur extract is considered as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapeutic herb for hypersensitivity treatment of liver.

Photoperiod- and temperature-mediated control of phenology in trees - a molecular perspective.

Contents 511 I. 511 II. 512 III. 513 IV. 513 V. 517 VI. 517 VII. 521 VIII. 521 Acknowledgements 521 References 521 SUMMARY: Trees growing in boreal and temperate regions synchronize their growth with seasonal climatic changes in adaptive responses that are essential for their survival. These trees cease growth before the winter and establish a dormant state during which growth cessation is maintained by repression of responses to growth-promotive signals. Reactivation of growth in the spring follows the release from dormancy promoted by prolonged exposure to low temperature during the winter. The timing of the key events and regulation of the molecular programs associated with the key stages of the annual growth cycle are controlled by two main environmental cues: photoperiod and temperature. Recently, key components mediating photoperiodic control of growth cessation and bud set have been identified, and striking similarities have been observed in signaling pathways controlling growth cessation in trees and floral transition in Arabidopsis. Although less well understood, the regulation of bud dormancy and bud burst may involve cell-cell communication and chromatin remodeling. Here, we discuss current knowledge of the molecular-level regulation of the annual growth cycle of woody trees in temperate and boreal regions, and identify key questions that need to be addressed in the future.

Reno-protective effects of propolis on gentamicin-induced acute renal toxicity in swiss albino mice / Efectos renoprotectores del propóleo sobre la toxicidad renal aguda inducida por gentamicina en ratones albinos suizos

Antecedentes: El riñón es un órgano vital que desempeña una función importante e insustituible en la desintoxicación y la eliminación de los xenobióticos y, por lo tanto, es vulnerable a desarrollar diversas formas de lesión. Esto hace muy importante la búsqueda de compuestos renoprotectores naturales. Objetivos: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las propiedades renoprotectoras del propóleo contra la toxicidad renal inducida por gentamicina en ratones. Métodos: Para este estudio se utilizaron 3 grupos de 10 ratones macho en cada uno. El primer grupo sirvió como control, el segundo grupo (grupo Gm) recibió 80mg/kg de peso corporal de gentamicina por vía oral durante 7 días y el tercer grupo (grupo GmP) recibió la misma dosis de gentamicina con propóleo (500mg/kg de peso corporal) durante 7 días. Se utilizaron varios parámetros para estudiar la toxicidad renal. Resultados: La gentamicina causó daño renal significativo, como demostró el aumento de los niveles de nitrógeno ureico en sangre, la disminución de la hipocelularidad glomerular, los túbulos moderadamente dilatados y la pérdida leve del borde en cepillo, la infiltración grave, la degeneración tubular extensa y la presencia de cilindros tubulares. Los resultados de la histoquímica muestran presencia de colágeno y fibras reticulares. Las reacciones inmunohistoquímicas muestran lesión renal (expresión del gen Kim-1), estrés oxidativo (expresión del gen MDA) y un aumento de la apoptosis (expresión del gen caspasa-3). La administración concomitante de propóleo con gentamicina mostró disminución significativa de los niveles de nitrógeno ureico en la sangre, aspecto de glomérulos sanos con celularidad normal, reducción de la lesión tubular, disminución de colágeno y deposición de fibras reticulares, reducción de la apoptosis, daño renal y estrés oxidativo. Conclusión: Los resultados presentados en este estudio muestran claramente la función renoprotectora del propóleo contra la toxicidad inducida por gentamicina en el riñón de los ratones (AU)

Background: Kidney is a vital organ which plays an important and irreplaceable role in detoxification and removal of xenobiotics. And therefore is vulnerable to develop various forms of injuries. Hence, making it immensely important to search for natural reno-protective compounds. Objectives: This study therefore, aims to evaluate the reno-protective properties of propolis against gentamicin induced renal toxicity in mice. Methods: Three groups of 10 male mice each were used for this study. First group served as control, the second group (Gm group) was administered orally 80mg/kg body weight gentamicin for 7 days, and the third group (GmP group) was administered same dose of gentamicin with propolis (500mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Various parameters were used to study the renal toxicity. Results: Gentamicin caused significant renal damage as evident by the rise in BUN levels, diminished glomeruli hypocellularity, moderately dilated tubules, and mild loss of brush border, severe infiltration, extensive tubular degeneration and presence of tubular cast. Histochemistry results show presence of collagen and reticular fibres. Immunohistochemical reactions show kidney injury (Kim-1 gene-expression), oxidative stress (MDA gene-expression), and an increase in apoptosis (caspase-3 gene-expression). Co-administration of propolis with gentamicin showed significant decrease in BUN levels, appearance of healthy glomeruli with normal cellularity, reduction of tubular injury, decrease of collagen and reticular fibres deposition, reduction of apoptosis, kidney injury and oxidative stress. Conclusion: Results presented in this study clearly show the reno-protective role of propolis against gentamicin-induced toxicity on mice kidney (AU)

Antioxidant effects of captopril against lead acetate-induced hepatic and splenic tissue toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Considering that lead caused a lot of health problems in the world, the present study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of captopril as antioxidants to reduce liver and spleen toxicity induced by lead. Animals were divided into 3 groups, the 1st group served as control group, the 2nd group received 20 mg/kg of lead acetate and the 3rd group received 50 mg/kg of captopril one hour prior to lead administration for 5 days. Results showed that lead intake caused severe alterations in the liver and spleen manifested by hepatocytes degeneration, leukocytic infiltration, fibrosis in liver and moderate to severe liver pathological score. Spleen showed ill-defined architecture, presence of large macrophages and lymphoid necrosis. Administration of captopril reduced hepatotoxicity, liver fibrosis and decrease in pathological scoring system. Moreover, reduced toxicity in spleen is represented by reduction in necrotic areas, more or less healthy lymphoid follicles and decreasing in pathological scoring system.

Reno-protective effects of propolis on gentamicin-induced acute renal toxicity in swiss albino mice.

BACKGROUND: Kidney is a vital organ which plays an important and irreplaceable role in detoxification and removal of xenobiotics. And therefore is vulnerable to develop various forms of injuries. Hence, making it immensely important to search for natural reno-protective compounds. OBJECTIVES: This study therefore, aims to evaluate the reno-protective properties of propolis against gentamicin induced renal toxicity in mice. METHODS: Three groups of 10 male mice each were used for this study. First group served as control, the second group (Gm group) was administered orally 80mg/kg body weight gentamicin for 7 days, and the third group (GmP group) was administered same dose of gentamicin with propolis (500mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Various parameters were used to study the renal toxicity. RESULTS: Gentamicin caused significant renal damage as evident by the rise in BUN levels, diminished glomeruli hypocellularity, moderately dilated tubules, and mild loss of brush border, severe infiltration, extensive tubular degeneration and presence of tubular cast. Histochemistry results show presence of collagen and reticular fibres. Immunohistochemical reactions show kidney injury (Kim-1 gene-expression), oxidative stress (MDA gene-expression), and an increase in apoptosis (caspase-3 gene-expression). Co-administration of propolis with gentamicin showed significant decrease in BUN levels, appearance of healthy glomeruli with normal cellularity, reduction of tubular injury, decrease of collagen and reticular fibres deposition, reduction of apoptosis, kidney injury and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Results presented in this study clearly show the reno-protective role of propolis against gentamicin-induced toxicity on mice kidney.

Attenuation of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in diabetes STZ-induced type 1 by biotin in Swiss albino mice.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems. This study was designed to investigate the effect of biotin to regulate blood glucose level, reduced toxicity and oxidative stress in liver of diabetic mice STZ-induced type 1. Male mice were divided into three groups, the first one served as the control group, the second and the third groups received single ip dose of 150 mg/kg of STZ, the second group served as the untreated diabetic group, the third group received daily oral dose of 15 mg/kg of biotin, livers and liver index showed insignificant difference among groups. Blood glucose level showed a significant decrease in treated diabetic mice compared to untreated diabetic mice. Biochemical analysis showed a significant decrease in liver enzymes AST and ALT compared to the control group. Histopathological examination showed severe changes in untreated diabetic liver tissue manifested by dilated portal vein, leukocytic infiltration, fatty degeneration and moderate to severe histopathological score, whereas, treated diabetic mice with biotin showed reduction in hepatotoxicity represented by appearance of relative healthy hepatocytes and normal histopathological score. Immunohistochemistry of acrolein showed intense immunoreactions in liver section of untreated diabetic mice and faint immunoreactions in treated diabetic mice with biotin as evidence to oxidative stress reduction.

Investigation of Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Juniperus phoenicea L. (1753) Essential Oil in an Experimental Rat Model.

Juniperus phoenicea is a tree of the Cupressaceae family that is popularly known in the south of Tunisia because of its wide application in herbal medicine, including the use of its leaves to treat many diseases such as diarrhea, rheumatism, and intestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ulceroprotective and antioxidant activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of J. phoenicea (EOJp) against hydrogen chloride (HCl)/ethanol-induced ulcers in rats. The antiulcer activities of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) EOJp were investigated on 0.3 M HCl/ethanol-induced ulcers in rats. The essential oil yield was 0.69% with 48 compounds; α-pinene was the principal component (20.24%). In vivo pretreatment with EOJp given orally provided dose-dependent protection against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Furthermore, pretreatment with EOJp significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The activity of the antiulcerogenic EOJp could be from synergistic antioxidant and anti-secretory effects. Oral use of EOJp has excellent preventive effects on induced gastric ulcers comparable to those of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole.

Biotin amelioration of nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

The current study was carried out to investigate the protective role of biotin in kidney injury and oxidative stress in diabetic mice type 1. Male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. Control group received saline. Diabetes type 1 was induced in second and third groups by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin as a single dose (150 mg/kg). Second group remained as the untreated diabetic group and the third group received 15 mg/kg daily oral dose of biotin for 12 successive days. Biochemical results showed significant elevation in blood glucose and urea levels in both diabetic groups. Also, there is an increase in glomerular areas and decrease in glomerular cellularity in both diabetic groups. Histopathological results showed severe alterations in the untreated diabetic group represented by distorted glomeruli, inflammatory cells, and giant macrophages. In addition, there was an intense immune-reaction response toward acrolein indicator of oxidative damage. Upon biotin administration of diabetic mice, the above mentioned histopathological changes were reduced and also acroline reaction of oxidative damage was diminished. Our findings prove that biotin has a protective role against streptozotocin-induced oxidative damage in kidneys of laboratory mice.

Antioxidant effect of Arabic gum against mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity.

The effects of Arabic gum (AG) against nephrotoxicity of mercury (Hg), an oxidative-stress inducing substance, in rats were investigated. A single dose of mercuric chloride (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) induced renal toxicity, manifested biochemically by a significant increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total nitrate/nitrite production in kidney tissues. In addition, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase enzymes in renal tissues were significantly decreased. Pretreatment of rats with AG (7.5 g/kg/day per oral administration), starting 5 days before mercuric chloride injection and continuing through the experimental period, resulted in a complete reversal of Hg-induced increase in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total nitrate/nitrite to control values. Histopathologic examination of kidney tissues confirmed the biochemical data; pretreatment of AG prevented Hg-induced degenerative changes of kidney tissues. These results indicate that AG is an efficient cytoprotective agent against Hg-induced nephrotoxicity by a mechanism related at least in part to its ability to decrease oxidative and nitrosative stress and preserve the activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney tissues.