A biochemical, theoretical and immunohistochemical study comparing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin and taurine on T-2 toxin induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Introduction: Foodborne trichothecene T-2 Toxin, is a highly toxic metabolite produced by Fusarium species contaminating animal and human food, causing multiple organ failure and health hazards. T-2 toxins induce hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress causing hepatocytes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. In this study, curcumin and taurine were investigated and compared as antioxidants against T-2-provoked hepatotoxicity. Methods: Wistar rats were administrated T-2 toxin sublethal oral dose (0.1 mg/kg) for 2 months, followed by curcumin (80 mg/kg) and taurine (50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Biochemical assessment of liver enzymes, lipid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), AFU, TNF-α, total glutathione, molecular docking, histological and immunohistochemical markers for anti-transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGFß1), double-strand DNA damage (H2AX), regeneration (KI67) and apoptosis (Active caspase3) were done. Results and Discussion: Compared to T-2 toxin, curcumin and taurine treatment significantly ameliorated hepatoxicity as; hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione, hepatic glycogen, and KI-67 immune-reactive hepatocytes were significantly increased. Although, liver enzymes, inflammation, fibrosis, TGFß1 immunoexpressing and H2AX and active caspase 3 positive hepatocytes were significantly decreased. Noteworthy, curcumin's therapeutic effect was superior to taurine by histomorphometry parameters. Furthermore, molecular docking of the structural influence of curcumin and taurine on the DNA sequence showed curcumin's higher binding affinity than taurine. Conclusion: Both curcumin and taurine ameliorated T-2 induced hepatotoxicity as strong antioxidative agents with more effectiveness for curcumin.

Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) Seeds Ameliorated Aluminum-Induced Alzheimer Disease in Rats Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Effects.

Background: Bioaccumulation of aluminum in the brain is associated with adverse neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes, such as those seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the administration of Lepidium sativum (LS) extract on behavioral, biochemical, and cerebral histopathological changes in rats with AlCl3-induced AD and explore the mechanism behind this effect. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 male albino rats divided into four groups (n=10): LS (control, 20 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks), AD (AlCl3, 10 mg/kg body weight), and an LS-treated AD group. Behavioral assessment included radial armed maze and active avoidance training tests. Proinflammatory cytokines, oxidant/antioxidant markers, Aß, AchE, tau protein, TGFß1, homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were biochemically assessed in the serum. The cerebral cortex was histopathologically examined. Results: AlCl3 administration significantly impaired rats' memory, indicating AD-like behavioral changes, significantly increased (P<0.001) oxidative stress markers, enhanced proinflammatory cytokines, and significantly increased AChE (P<0.001) adding to cytotoxic effects and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex. LS administration significantly improved the antioxidant parameters, reduced proinflammatory cytokines, and alleviated AD-associated histopathological changes. Conclusion: LS ameliorated AlCl3-induced changes through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, suggesting that it has a neuroprotective effect.

T Cells Immunophenotyping and CD38 Overexpression as Hallmarks of the Severity of COVID-19 and Predictors of Patients' Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: By the end of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic spread all around the world with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild to moderate to severe or critical cases. T cell subtype dysregulation is mostly involved in the immunopathogenic mechanism. The present study aimed to highlight the role of monitoring T cell subtypes and their activation (expression of CD38) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects and their role in predicting severity and patients' outcomes. MATERIALS: The study involved 70 adult COVID-19 confirmed cases stratified into three groups: a mild/asymptomatic group, a clinically moderate group, and a clinically severe/critical group. Flow cytometry analysis was used for the assessment of CD3+ cells for total T cell count, CD4+ cells for helper T cells (Th), CD8+ cells for cytotoxic T cells (Tc), CD4+CD25+ cells for regulatory T cells (T reg), and CD38 expression in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells for T cell activation. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between COVID-19 cases and healthy controls as regards low counts of all the targeted T cell subtypes, with the lowest counts detected among patients of the severe/critical group. Furthermore, CD38 overexpression was observed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION: Decreased T cell count, specifically CD8+ T cell (Tc), with T cell overactivation which was indicated by CD38 overexpression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had a substantial prognostic role in predicting severity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. These findings can provide a preliminary tool for clinicians to identify high-risk patients requiring vigilant monitoring, customized supportive therapy, or ICU admission. Studies on larger patient groups are needed.

Biochemical and Histological Study of the Impact of Combined Lepidium sativum and Citric Acid on Liver and Kidney Functions in Rats.

The study aimed to determine the interaction of using LS and CA in combination on liver, kidney, and heart functions in rats and to evaluate the role of antioxidant effects of LS against CA-induced hepato-renal toxicity. This study was conducted on 36 male rats divided into four groups (n = 9). The groups were; the control, LS-treated (10 g/100 g of food), CA-treated (5 g/100 g of food), and combined LS plus CA-treated groups for 6 weeks. Kidney, liver and heart functions as well as oxidant/antioxidant profile were biochemically assessed in the serum using ELISA. The impact of LS and CA on kidney and liver was histopathologically assessed. Rats fed on diet supplemented with LS for 6 weeks showed no significant change in serum levels of the biochemical markers of liver, kidney and heart functions, while supplementation with CA significant increased (p < 0.001) the serum levels of these markers compared to the control group. Combined administration of LS and CA significantly reduced the serum levels of these parameters compared to CA-treated group. Oxidative markers significantly increased while the antioxidants one decreased in CA-treated group compared to the control. Combined LS and CA significantly improve the oxidant/antioxidant profile as well as histopathological impact compared to CA-treated group.

Corrigendum: Ocimum basilicum (Basil) Modulates Apoptosis and Neurogenesis in Olfactory Pulp of Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.569711.].

Prevalence of ApoB100 rs693 gene polymorphism in metabolic syndrome among female students at King Abdulaziz University.

Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) is a glycoprotein and a member of the adipokine family. It plays a central role in lipoprotein metabolism. Many research studies have revealed a strong relation between ApoB100 and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance. In our research, we examined the relationship between ApoB100 rs693 gene polymorphism, body mass index (BMI) and the probability of MetS in young female students studying at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Saudi Arabia. The study group comprised 141 females whose ages ranged from 18 to 25 years. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were measured alongside a genetic analysis of ApoB100 rs693. The BMI, glucose concentration and total cholesterol level were found to be significantly associated with the ApoB100 rs693 gene. The differences noted between control and MetS groups regarding glucose concentrations were statistically significant (P = 0.001). A growing number of young females are being diagnosed with MetS in KAU because of unhealthy eating habits, in combination with the absence of physical exercise, causing increased body weight and the potential progression of chronic diseases. Our study showed that the allele associated with hypertensive individuals at ApoB100 rs693 and MetS may have a direct genetic influence. Further research on expanded sample sizes, however, is required in order to draw rigid conclusions.

Green coffee methanolic extract and silymarin protect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in albino male rats.

BACKGROUND: During the last few decades, patients worldwide have been interested in using alternative medicine in treating diseases to avoid the increased side effects of chemical medications. Green coffee is unroasted coffee seeds that have higher amounts of chlorogenic acid compared to roasted coffee. Green coffee was successfully used to protect against obesity, Alzheimer disease, high blood pressure and bacterial infection. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the probable protective activity of the green coffee methanolic extract, silymarin and their combination on CCl4-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Thirty Sprague - Dawley male albino rats were divided into 5 groups; control negative (G1) just got the vehicle (olive oil) and the other four groups received CCl4 dissolved in olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection and were divided into untreated control positive group (G2), the third group (G3) was treated with green coffee methanolic extract, the fourth group (G4) was treated with silymarin, and the fifth group (G5) was treated with a combination of green coffee methanolic extract and silymarin. RESULTS: In the positive control group treated with CCl4 (G2), the CCl4-induced toxicity increased lipid peroxidation, IL-6, kidney function parameters, liver function enzymes, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, and decreased irisin, antioxidants, CYP450 and high-density lipoprotein levels. Hepatic tissues were also injured. However, treating the injured rats in G3, G4 and G5 significantly improved the altered parameters and hepatic tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Green coffee methanolic extract, silymarin, and their combination succeeded in protecting the male rats against CCl4 hepatotoxicity due to their antioxidant activity. Effect of green coffee methanolic extract mixed with silymarin in G5 was more efficient than that of green coffee methanolic extract in G3 or silymarin in G4.

Effects of aluminum chloride and coenzyme Q10 on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the brain hippocampus cells.

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is a neurotoxic substance, while coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is considered a lipid antioxidant. Herein, their effects on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the hippocampus brain tissue were investigated. Three groups of Wistar albino male rats were used in this study. For four weeks, one group was kept as a control group; the second group was given AlCl3; the third group was given AlCl3/CoQ10. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and histopathological examinations were utilized to estimate alterations in the molecular structure of the lipids and the cell morphology, respectively. The FTIR spectra revealed considerable decreases in the CH contents and alterations in the molecular ratios of olefinic[double bond, length as m-dash]CH/νas(CH3), νas(CH2)/νas(CH3), and νas(CH2)/[νas(CH2) + νs(CH2)] in the group given AlCl3. However, no significant changes were detected in those rats given AlCl3/CoQ10. Histopathology images uncovered shrinking and dark centers in the pyramidal cells of brain tissue hippocampal cells. The diameters of the pyramidal cells were estimated to be 4.81 ± 0.55 µm, 4.04 ± 0.71 µm, and 4.63 ± 0.71 µm for the control, AlCl3, and AlCl3/CoQ10 groups, respectively. The study showed that the AlCl3 could cause a shrinking of around 16% in the hippocampus pyramidal cells; besides, CoQ10 is a powerful therapeutic antioxidant to help restore the hippocampal neurons to a regular state.

Correction: Effects of aluminum chloride and coenzyme Q10 on the molecular structure of lipids and the morphology of the brain hippocampus cells.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D1RA03786B.].

Ocimum basilicum (Basil) Modulates Apoptosis and Neurogenesis in Olfactory Pulp of Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.

BACKGROUND: Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) was described to have antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. Although the relationship between the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and depression was recently reported, the chronic stress-induced dysfunction of the MOB is not clearly described. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of inhalation of O. basilicum essential oils in improving chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced changes in MOB of mice and understand the mechanism underlying such effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male mice (n=40) were assigned into four groups included the control, CUMS-exposed, CUMS + fluoxetine (FLU), CUMS + O. basilicum. Behavioral changes, serum corticosterone level, and gene expression of GFAP, Ki 67, and caspase-3 were assessed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Histopathological and immunochemical examination of the MOB was performed. RESULTS: FLU and O. basilicum significantly down-regulated (p = 0.002, p<0.001) caspase-3 gene expression indicating reduced apoptosis and up-regulated (p = 0.002, p < 0.001) Ki67 gene expression indicating enhanced neurogenesis in MOB, respectively. FLU and O. basilicum-treated mice markedly improved MOB mitral cell layer distortion and shrinkage induced by CUMS. CONCLUSION: O. basilicum relieved both biochemically and histopathological chronic stress-induced changes in the main olfactory bulb possibly through up-regulation of gene expression of GFAP and Ki67 and down-regulation of caspase-3 in the MOB.

Hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations.

BACKGROUND: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. MATERIALS: The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19th century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus. CONCLUSION: In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.

The correlation between obesity and metabolic syndrome in young female university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between increased body mass index (BMI) values and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in young female science students. METHODOLOGY: The study population was 174 female students aged 18-25 years attending King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Anthropometric measurements obtained included weight, height, waist, and hips circumferences. Blood pressure was also measured, and blood samples were collected for measurements of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and other biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Around 17.7% of the students were at risk of developing MetS, with three or more risk factors detected, and 45% of the students had one or two risk factors. Increased BMI values were associated with an elevated risk of developing MetS, as 41.4% of the overweight students and 44.8% of the obese students had three or more risk factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS is increasing in Young female university in the KSA as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, including a lack of physical activity, leading to increased weight and the possible development of chronic diseases.