Betaine alleviates cerebellar endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative imbalance in a cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in rat.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, especially the cerebellum, with numerous physical and mental symptoms. Oxidative stress caused by inflammation can play a role in the occurrence of this disease. Betaine, a natural methyl donor compound, has potent neuroprotective effects. Here, we investigated the effects of betaine on motor behavior, cerebellar histological changes, oxidative stress response, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in a cuprizone (CPZ)-induced multiple sclerosis model in male rats. Twenty Wistar adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups including control, MS, betaine-treated MS, and betaine groups. MS was induced by feeding animals with rodent chow containing 0.5% CPZ for 12 weeks. Betaine was daily administrated as 1% in drinking water for the last 6 weeks. The motor behavioral performance was evaluated by open field, rotarod, and reverse basket tests. Histological analysis of the cerebellum was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Cresyl violet (Nissl) staining. Oxidative stress factors (GSH, GSSG, GPX, GR, and GT) were assessed in the experimental groups and finally, the expression of ERS-associated proteins was measured using western blot analysis. Data showed that treatment with betaine could effectively prevent and reverse the adverse behavioral manifestation compared with the MS group. Betaine treatment protected cerebellar demyelination and neuron and Purkinje cell degeneration against CPZ-induced demyelination. Betaine attenuated the protein levels of ESR-related proteins in the cerebellum of MS rats and similarly increased the level of enzymes related to antioxidants in the cerebellum. Therefore, our results suggest that oral administration of betaine may be used as a novel adjunct therapy against cerebellar dysfunctions in an animal model of MS.

Codon optimization of voraxin α sequence enhances the immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccine against Hyalomma anatolicum infestation in rabbits.

Research has shown that voraxin α derived from male ticks stimulates blood feeding to engorge in female ticks. Whereas, the oviposition rate, egg weight, and body weight of female ticks were reduced in animals vaccinated with recombinant (r-) voraxin α. These data suggest a potential role of r-voraxin α as a functional anti-tick antigen in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyomma hebraeum tick infestation. This study investigated the immunogenicity of r-voraxin α protein from Hyalomma anatolicum (H. anatolicum) tick as an anti-tick vaccine in rabbits. The H. anatolicum voraxin α sequence was optimized according to the codon usage in E. coli before being sub-cloned into pQE30. The gene sequence of the voraxin α was synthesized, verified by DNA sequencing, cloned in a pQE30 vector, and transformed into E. coli. Then, the expression of the r-voraxin α protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Subsequently, three rabbits were immunized with the r-voraxin α as the vaccinated group, whereas three rabbits without injection were considered the control group. The result indicated the success of cloning of codon-optimized H. anatolicum voraxin α gene. Moreover, the expression of the r-voraxin α protein (approximately 18 kDa) in the bacterial expression system was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. The results of this study showed that the mortality rate in vaccine recipients increased compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Also, the egg weight, oviposition rate, and engorgement weight of female ticks fed from vaccinated animals were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The results confirmed that the codon-optimized H. anatolicum voraxin α gene expressed in the bacterial expression system could be a suitable anti-tick vaccine against H. anatolicum tick infestation.

Effect of fish oil supplementation on histological changes, apoptosis and oxidative stress of rat placenta against formaldehyde-induced toxicity.

Formaldehyde (FA) as a common organic compound has been shown to cause placental dysfunction and fetal defects. The potential benefits of fish oil (FOil) in protecting placental structures are attributed to its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore the preventive role of FOil in mitigating the adverse effects of FA in pregnant rats. Thirty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly categorized into five groups of control, sham (Normal saline; Orally and intraperitoneally), FOil (0.5 ml/day; Orally), FA (5 mg/kg/bw; intraperitoneally), FA+FOil. The treatment period was from day 0-20 of pregnancy. On the 20th day of pregnancy, placental morphometric parameters were measured. The histological and histochemical analyses were performed using H&E and PAS staining, respectively. Also, the placenta tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, p-53 protein levels, and the expression of caspase-3 gene. The administration of FA led to a significant decrease in the weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta, as well as a decrease in the thickness of the decidua layer, junctional and labyrinth zone, and the number of trophoblast giant cells in rat placentas. FA led to a significant increase in placental p-53 protein levels, caspase-3 expression, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Administration of FOil to pregnant rats treated with FA led to a significant decrease in morphometric and histological changes, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with apoptosis. The findings suggest that the administration of FOil to FA-treated pregnant rats can protect placental histopathological changes by enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes.

Tear cytokines as potential markers of inflammation in feline conjunctivitis.

INTRODUCTION: Conjunctivitis is a prevalent feline ocular surface disorder, often accompanied by inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis and compare them with healthy controls, thereby enhancing our understanding of the inflammatory processes in feline conjunctivitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Tear samples were collected from cats of various breeds diagnosed with conjunctivitis (n = 15) and healthy control cats (n = 5) using Schirmer strips. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Protein concentration were measured using Bradford assay and data were expressed as pg/mg protein of tear sample. RESULTS: Our results revealed a statistically significant increase in the levels of both TNF-α and IL-6 in cats with conjunctivitis compared to the control group (p < .0001). Positive correlation were observed between tear IL-6 (p < .001, r = 0.902) and TNF-α (p < .001, r = 0.919) with clinical grades of conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a significant elevation in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis, suggesting that these cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response of feline conjunctivitis. These findings could pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, focusing on cytokine modulation, to manage feline conjunctivitis more effectively.

Protective effect of Chlorella vulgaris on testicular damage, sperm parameters, androgen production, apoptosis and oxidative stress index in male rats following doxorubicin administration.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy agent associated with adverse effects on male reproductive health. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) is a potent natural antioxidant with promising applications in maintaining health and preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ChV on DOX-induced testicular toxicity. Twenty-five Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5), including the control group, sham group (received normal saline by oral gavage daily and intraperitoneally (IP) once a week), DOX group (3 mg/kg; once a week; IP), ChV group (300 mg/kg/day; by oral gavage), and DOX (3 mg/kg; once a week; IP) + ChV (300 mg/kg/day; by oral gavage) group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the rats were euthanized and serum testosterone level, testes histomorphometry, gonadosomatic index (GSI), apoptotic gene expression, oxidative stress index, and sperm parameters were assessed. The results showed that DOX led to a significant decrease in histological indexes, testosterone level, GSI, sperm parameters, and Bcl-2 gene expression and increased expression of P-53 and Bax genes, and oxidative stress markers (P<0.05). The administration of ChV in the DOX+ChV group significantly improved testosterone levels, sperm parameters, testicular tissue apoptosis, antioxidant enzymes, and structural integrity of the testes (P<0.05). The findings suggest that the co-administration of ChV can be a promising therapeutic agent to reduce the adverse effects of DOX on male reproductive performance.

Application of a new designed high resolution melting analysis for mycobacterial species identification.

The Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) isolates should be distinguished from tuberculosis and identified at the species level for choosing an appropriate treatment plan. In this study, two molecular methods were used to differentiate NTM species, including a new designed High Resolution Melting (HRM) and Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA). Seventy-five mycobacterial isolates were evaluated by sequencing four genes ( MLSA) and a HRM assay specifically targeting atpE was designed to rapidly and accurately identify and differentiate mycobacterium species. Out of 70 NTM isolates, 66 (94.3%), 65 (92.9%), 65 (92.9%) and 64 (91.4%) isolates were identified to the species level by PCR of atpE, tuf, rpoB and dnaK genes. We could identify 100% of the isolates to the species level (14 different species) by MLSA. By using HRM assay, all NTM isolates were identified and classified into eight groups, in addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Nocardia were also detected simultaneously. The MLSA technique was able to differentiate all 14 species of NTM isolates. According to the results, the HRM assay is a rapid and beneficial method for identifying NTM, M. tuberculosis (MTB), and Nocardia isolates without sequencing.

The effects of MEPaL on oxidative stress and motor function in the rats affected by prenatal hypoxia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maternal hypoxia disrupts neural development and subsequently leads to cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns. Hypoxia plays a role in neurodegeneration by increasing oxidative stress. Pistacia atlantica is known as an important antioxidant, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been shown in various studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of P. atlantica leaves (MEPaLs) on the oxidative parameters in the serum of rats affected by maternal hypoxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, eight pregnant rats were used. The newborns were divided into four groups, including the control and the hypoxia groups, which are affected by maternal hypoxia, hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg, and hypoxia + MEPaL 150 mg/kg. MEPaL was injected (i.p) for 21 days into the neonatal rats after the lactation period. Hypoxia was induced by keeping pregnant rats in a hypoxic chamber with 7% oxygen and 93% nitrogen intensity for 3 h on the 20th day of pregnancy. Behavioral changes were measured using open-field and rotarod tests. Finally, biomarkers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), GSSG, TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in the experimental groups. RESULTS: Behavioral results showed that the anxiety behavior in the hypoxia group increased, but the motor activity (moved distance and movement speed) decreased. Moreover, the amount of time spent maintaining balance on the rotarod rod was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group. The concentration of NO in the group of hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg showed a significant decrease, and MEPaL 100, and 150 mg/kg + hypoxia also increased the concentration of GSH and decreased GSSG. In addition, MEPaL100 and 150 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the ratio of GSH to GSSG and decreased OSI and total oxidant capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress increased in the rats affected by maternal hypoxia and may be the main mechanism for motor activity impairment and balance disturbance, whereas MELaL improved motor performance by decreasing oxidative stress.

Betaine Attenuates The Expression of Vasoactive Mediators and Histological Alterations Associated with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one female reproductive disorder that can occur after administration of injectable hormonal drugs to stimulate ovulation. Betaine (BET) is an intracellular biomolecule with anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effects. There is no information about its effects in an experimental model of OHSS. The current study aims to investigate the possible effects of BET on abnormal expressions of vasoconstrictor proteins and ovarian histological changes in an experimental OHSS rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 30 adult female rats (two months old) were randomly divided into six groups (n=5 per group): i. Control, ii. OHSS [10 IU sc equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for 4 days followed by 30 IU sc human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the fifth day], iii. OHSS+BET (200 mg/kg/day, orally for seven days), iv. OHSS+Cabergoline (CAB, 100 mg/kg/day, orally for six days), v. BET, and vi. CAB. Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and blood levels of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured at the end of the experiment. The ovaries were studied for histomorphological changes. RESULTS: Induction of OHSS altered tissue histology, including an increase in the number of corpora lutea and atretic follicles, and decreased the number of follicular reserves. In this group, we observed increased expressions of the VEGF and COX-2 proteins, and increased serum E2 and P4 levels. Administration of CAB and BET significantly attenuated all molecular and histological alterations observed in the OHSS animals. CONCLUSION: Our findings, for first time, indicate the beneficial effects of BET to reduce OHSS complications in patients by reducing the expressions of vasoactive proteins and improving changes to the ovarian tissues. The findings are similar to CAB and can be a new avenue for future research on BET.

Ketotifen counteracts cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice via targeting NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and Bax/Bcl2/Caspase-3 signaling pathways.

Cisplatin (CIS) stands as one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs currently available. Despite its anticancer properties, the clinical application of CIS is restricted due to nephrotoxicity. Our research aimed to specify the impact of ketotifen fumarate (KET) against nephrotoxicity induced by CIS in mice. Male NMRI mice were treated with KET (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg, ip) for seven days. On the fourth day of the study, a single dose of CIS (13 mg/kg, ip) was administered, and the mice were sacrificed on the eighth day. The results indicated that administration of KET attenuated CIS-induced elevation of BUN and Cr in the serum, as well as renal KIM-1 levels. This improvement was accompanied by a significant reduction in kidney tissue damage, which was supported by histopathological examinations. Likewise, the decrease in the ratio of GSH to GSSG and antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx), and the increase in lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) were reversed in KET-treated mice. The ELISA results revealed that KET-treated mice ameliorated CIS-induced elevation in the renal levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18. Western blot analysis exhibited that KET suppressed the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome in the kidney of CIS-treated mice. Moreover, KET treatment reversed the changes in the protein expression of markers related to apoptosis (Bax, Bcl2, Caspase-3, and p53). Interestingly, KET significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of CIS in HeLa cells. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the promising effects of KET in mitigating CIS-induced nephrotoxicity.

Dimethyl itaconate mitigates histological distortions, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulation and infertility in women. Inflammation and oxidative stress are considered to be the causes of ovarian dysfunction in PCOS. Dimethyl itaconate, as a macrophage-derived immunometabolite, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, but limited data are available about its effect on female reproductive dysfunctions. The present study aimed to determine the effects of dimethyl itaconate, a cell-permeable derivative of itaconate, on the histological changes, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the ovaries of PCOS rats. In this experimental study, 48 mature female Wistar rats (160-180 g) were randomly divided into the six groups including control, PCOS, PCOS+DMI, PCOS+ metformin, control DMI and control metformin. Following PCOS induction by using testosterone enanthate (1 mg/100 g/day for 35 days), the animals were treated with DMI (50 mg/kg) or metformin (300 mg/kg) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the insulin resistance markers (serum insulin and glucose concentrations, and the homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress index (OSI), and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The process of Folliculogenesis was evaluated by histological examination of the ovary. The results showed that DMI improved insulin resistance and decreased TNF- and IL-1ß levels and OSI in the ovarian tissue of rats following androgen-induced PCOS. It also improved steroidogenesis and Folliculogenesis by reducing cystic follicles and ovarian tissue structure. Results indicated that DMI may be a potential candidate to ameliorate PCOS adverse effects by reducing insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress and restoring ovarian Folliculogenesis.

Effects of Multi-species Synbiotic Supplementation on Circulating miR-27a, miR-33a Levels, and Lipid Parameters in Adult Men with Dyslipidemia; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested synbiotics may modulate miRNA expression and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on circulating miR-27a, miR-33a, and lipid parameters in patients with dyslipidemia. Fifty-six eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 3×1010 CFU six species of probiotic microorganisms and 5 grams of inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Serum miR-27a and miR-33a expression levels, serum lipids, and apolipoproteins, the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were assessed before and after the study. Real-time PCR was used to determine the relative expression levels of miRNAs. The results showed synbiotic supplementation significantly downregulated the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-33a compared to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), apoA-I, and apoB-100 (p = 0.008, p = 0.006, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). The results showed a significant negative correlation between miR-33a expression levels with HDL-C, butyrate, propionate, and a significant positive correlation with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and sdLDL-C in the intervention group. Fecal bacteria and SCFAs were significantly increased in the intervention group. This study provides evidence that synbiotic supplementation can modulate miR-27a and miR-33a expression and improve lipid metabolism in patients with dyslipidemia.

The impact of Dimethyl itaconate on c-Fos expression in the spinal cord in experimental pain models.

Itaconate has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory effects and is being explored as a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases. However, its ability to relieve nociception and the mechanisms behind it are not yet understood. Our research aims to investigate the nociception-relieving properties of dimethyl itaconate (DMI) in the formalin test and writhing test. In male Wistar rats, Itaconic acid was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). The formalin test and writhing test were conducted to determine the nociceptive behaviors. The spinal cords were removed from the rats and analyzed for c-fos protein expression. The study found that administering DMI 10 and 20 mg/kg reduced nociception in formalin and writhing tests. Injection of formalin into the periphery of the body led to an increase in the expression of c-fos in the spinal cord, which was alleviated by DMI 20 mg/kg. Similarly, acetic acid injection into the peritoneal cavity caused an increase in c-fos expression in the spinal cord, which was then reduced by 20 mg/kg. According to our findings, DMI reduced nociception in rats during the formalin and writhing tests. One possible explanation for this outcome is that the decrease in c-fos protein expression may be attributed to the presence of DMI.

Alpha-pinene ameliorate behavioral deficit induced by early postnatal hypoxia in the rat: study the inflammatory mechanism.

Neonatal hypoxia has a negative impact on the developing brain during the sensitive period. Inflammation plays a key role in the physiological response to hypoxic stress. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of alpha-pinene, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, in this research we focused on the impact of alpha-pinene on the behavioral responses and proinflammatory factors in rats subjected to the neonatal hypoxia. This study involved Wistar rats (7-day-old) that were divided into six experimental groups, including a control group, groups receiving different doses of alpha-pinene (5 and 10 mg/kg), a hypoxia group receiving 7% O2 and 93% N2, 90 min duration for 7 days, and groups receiving alpha-pinene 30 min before hypoxia. All injections were done intraperitoneally. The rats were evaluated for proinflammatory factors 24 h after exposure to hypoxia (PND14) and at the end of the behavioral test (PND54). The results showed that hypoxia led to decreased motor activity, coordination, and memory, as well as increased inflammation. However, the rats that received alpha-pinene showed improved behavioral responses and reduced inflammation compared to the hypoxia group (all cases p < 0.05). This suggests that alpha-pinene may have a protective effect via anti-inflammatory properties against the negative impacts of hypoxia on the developing brain.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of synbiotic supplementation on serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide levels in patients with dyslipidaemia.

Introduction: Elevated serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are associated with metabolic disorders including dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week treatment with a synbiotic supplement on serum endotoxin and TMAO levels in patients diagnosed with dyslipidaemia. Material and methods: A total of 56 patients who met the study inclusion criteria were recruited in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. The sociodemographic data, food intake, physical activity, and anthropometric indices of participants were assessed before and after intervention. Serum endotoxin, TMAO, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at the baseline and end of the study. Results: No significant difference in the baseline characteristics of participants in the 2 groups was observed. After the 12 weeks of intervention, the mean of serum endotoxin (p < 0.0001), TMAO (p < 0.0001), and FBG (p < 0.0001) was decreased in patients who received synbiotic supplements while no significant change was observed in the control group. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between changes in endotoxin (r = 0.41, p = 0.041) and TMAO (r = 0.40, p = 0.047) with FBG changes was observed. Conclusions: A significant reduction in serum endotoxin and TMAO levels, as well as improvements in FBG, following 12 weeks of supplementation with synbiotics, may offer a potential approach for improving metabolic status in patients with dyslipidaemia.

Fish oil ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat by modulating gene related to apoptosis.

Gastric ulcers are a type of digestive disease that can severely affect a person's quality of life. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of fish oil on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, with the purpose of providing more comprehensive information on the topic. The study looked at various factors such as gastric ulcer index, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in stomach tissue. To investigate apoptosis, the mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 were analyzed. The results showed that fish oil can reduce gastric acidity and the gastric ulcer index in cases of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. It was found that fish oil can increase NO levels and improve the anti-apoptotic system by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing the expression of Bax and Caspase 3. In general, the study demonstrates that fish oil can protect the stomach from ethanol-induced damage by reducing the apoptosis pathway via nitric oxide.

The influence of indole propionic acid on molecular markers of steroidogenesis, ER stress, and apoptosis in rat granulosa cells exposed to high glucose conditions.

Hyperglycemia is known as one of the main causes of infertility in human societies. Indole propionic acid (IPA) is produced by intestinal microbiota and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of IPA on molecular indices of steroidogenesis, ER stress, and apoptosis induced by high glucose (HG) in granulosa cells. Primary GCs, isolated from ovarian follicles of Rats were cultured in 5 mM (control) and 30 mM (HG) of glucose and in the presence of 10 and 20 µM of IPA for 24 h. The cell viability was assessed by MTT. The gene expression of P450SCC, 3ßHSD, CYP19A, BAX, BCL2, and STAR was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. Protein expression of ATF6, PERK, GRP78, and CHOP determined by western blot. Progesterone, estradiol, IL-1ß, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. HG decreased the viability, and expression of P450SCC, 3ßHSD, CYP19A, BCL2, STAR, and increased BAX. 10 and 20 µM of IPA increased cell viability, expression of P450SCC, 3ßHSD, CYP19A, BCL2 and STAR and decreased BAX compared to the HG group. The expression of ATF6, PERK, GRP78, and CHOP proteins increased by HG and IPA decreased the expression of these proteins compared to the HG group. Also, HG decreased progesterone and estradiol levels and increased IL-1ß and TNF-α. IPA significantly increased progesterone and estradiol and decreased IL-1ß and TNF-α compared to the HG group. IPA can improve the side effects of HG in GCs of rats, as responsible cells for fertility, by improving steroidogenesis, regulation of ER-stress pathway, suppression of inflammation, and apoptosis.

Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley-based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi-enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets. METHODS: Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley-based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30 g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2 g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH + ENZ). RESULTS: The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH + ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p < 0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley-based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.

Modulatory effects of quercetin on histological changes, biochemical and oxidative stress of rat placenta induced by inhalation exposure to crude oil vapor.

The inhalation exposure to crude oil vapor (COV) has been shown to have adverse effects on the placenta and fetal development. The modulatory effects of quercetin (QUE) as a natural phenolic compound with antioxidant properties are promising for the protection of placental structure. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory role of QUE in mitigating histopathological damage, oxidative stress, and biochemical alteration in the placenta of COV-exposed pregnant rats. Forty-eight pregnant rats were divided into eight groups (days 15 and 20) as follows: 1-2) Control groups, 3-4) COV groups, 5-6) COV+QUE groups, and 7-8) QUE-treated groups (50 mg/kg). The inhalation method was used to expose pregnant rats to COV, and QUE was administered orally. On the 15th and 20th days of gestation, placental tissue was analyzed using PAS and H&E staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of the caspase-3 gene and oxidative stress biomarkers including TAC, CAT, MDA, GPx, and SOD were investigated in the placental tissue. The COV significantly decreased the weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta as well as the thickness of the junctional zone and labyrinth and the number of trophoblast giant cells in 15- and 20-day-old placentas (P<0.05). Also, COV significantly increased placental expression of caspase-3 and the oxidative stress biomarkers (P<0.05). The administration of QUE along with exposure to COV reduced morphometric and histological alteration, oxidative stress, and caspase-3 expression (P<0.05). Our findings indicated that QUE in COV-exposed pregnant rats can prevent placental histopathological alternations by increasing the activity of the antioxidant system.

Effective Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes Biofilm Formation by Satureja rechingeri Essential Oil: Mechanisms and Implications.

Biofilm formation by foodborne pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, poses a significant challenge in food industry facilities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory potential of Satureja rechingeri essential oil (Sr-EO) against L. monocytogenes growth and biofilm formation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed a high carvacrol content in Sr-EO, a compound with known antimicrobial properties. We examined the effects of Sr-EO on initial attachment and preformed biofilms, using crystal violet and MTT assays to quantify attached biomass and metabolic activity, respectively. Our results demonstrated that Sr-EO not only prevented initial attachment but also effectively disrupted preformed biofilms, indicating its potential as a biofilm-control agent. Microscopy analysis revealed alterations in bacterial cell membranes upon Sr-EO treatment, leading to increased permeability and cell death. Additionally, Sr-EO significantly suppressed bacterial motility, with concentrations exceeding 0.25 µL/mL completely inhibiting motility. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed the down regulation of genes associated with biofilm formation, attachment, and quorum sensing, suggesting that Sr-EO modulates bacterial gene transcription. These findings suggest that Sr-EO can be a promising candidate for controlling biofilm formation and bacterial contamination in food processing environments.

Betaine regulates steroidogenesis, endoplasmic reticulum stress response and Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathways in mouse Leydig cells under hyperglycaemia condition.

We studied the effects of betaine on steroidogenesis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and Nrf2 antioxidant pathways of mice Leydig cells under hyperglycaemia conditions. Leydig cells were grown in low and high glucose concentrations (5 mM and 30 mM) in the presence of 5 mM of betaine for 24 h. Gene expression was determined using a real-time PCR method. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. The testosterone production was evaluated by the ELISA method. Cellular contents of reduced and oxidised glutathione were measured by colorimetric method. Hyperglycaemia caused impaired steroidogenesis and ERS in Leydig cells associated with the down-regulation of 3ß-HSD, StAR, P450scc, LH receptor and increased expression of GRP78, CHOP, ATF6 and IRE1. Betaine could improve cell viability, attenuate the ERS, and restore testosterone production in Leydig cells under hyperglycaemia conditions. Betaine can protect Leydig cells against the adverse effects of hyperglycaemia by regulating steroidogenesis, antioxidants, and ERS.