Neuroprotective Assessment of Betaine against Copper Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Brains of Albino Rats: A Histopathological, Neurochemical, and Molecular Investigation.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) are commonly used metal oxides. Betaine possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The current study aimed to investigate the neurotoxic effect of CuO-NPs on rats and the capability of betaine to mitigate neurotoxicity. Forty rats; 4 groups: group I a control, group II intraperitoneally CuO-NPs (0.5 mg/kg/day), group III orally betaine (250 mg/kg/day) and CuO-NPs, group IV orally betaine for 28 days. Rats were subjected to neurobehavioral assessments. Brain samples were processed for biochemical, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Behavioral performance of betaine demonstrated increasing locomotion and cognitive abilities. Group II exhibited significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), overexpression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Significant decrease in glutathione (GSH), and downregulation of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), nuclear factor erythroid 2-like protein 2 (Nrf-2), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Histopathological alterations; neuronal degeneration, pericellular spaces, and neuropillar vacuolation. Immunohistochemically, an intense immunoreactivity is observed against IL-1ß and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Betaine partially neuroprotected against CuO-NPs associated alterations. A significant decrease at MDA, downregulation of IL-1ß, and TNF-α, a significant increase at GSH, and upregulation of AChE, Nrf-2, and SOD. Histopathological alterations partially ameliorated. Immunohistochemical intensity of IL-1ß and GFAP reduced. It is concluded that betaine neuroprotected against most of CuO-NP neurotoxic effects through antioxidant and cell redox system stimulating efficacy.

Protective effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine against penconazole-triggered hepatorenal toxicity in adult rats.

Introduction: Penconazole (PEN) is a widely applied triazole fungicide. This study sought to define the efficacy of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) in mitigating PEN-triggered hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight adult male albino Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: a normal control (NC), a PEN group, a NAC group and a PEN+NAC group. Administration of PEN (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) every 2 days) and NAC (150 mg/kg b.w., daily) took place via oral gavage for 10 days. Results: Effective amelioration by NAC of PEN-induced liver and kidney dysfunction was indicated by a significant reduction in the circulating liver and kidney markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea and creatinine). Attenuation of PEN-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues was evident in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde and enhanced total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, NAC significantly reduced the histopathological alterations and the expression of tumour necrosis factor α in liver and kidney tissue. Furthermore, NAC maintained the messenger RNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), haem oxygenase 1, and Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein 1 and prevented nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) protein upregulation caused by PEN. Conclusion: N-acetyl-1-cysteine protected against PEN-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage and inflammatory response via activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB pathways.

A comparative study for hybrid UASB reactor performance using polyethylene media and luffa sponge as biofilm support.

This paper study the performance of a lab-scale hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating low-strength synthetic wastewater using different biofilm supporting materials. Two identical reactors are constructed and operated at constant up-flow velocity of 0.1 m/hr., inflow rate of 9.76 L/d, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8.26 hours. The Start-up phase, using seed sludge for existing wastewater treatment plant, lasted until the efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of both reactors reached 80%. Polyethylene (PE) media are added to one of the reactors and luffa sponge is used in the second reactor. Results show increased COD removal efficiency up to about 90% at 20 °C and biogas production rates from 3.8*10-3 till 7.5*10-3 m3 CH4/kg CODr using PE media. The COD removal efficiency reaches about 95% at 20 °C using luffa sponge and biogas production rates up to 6.5*10 -3 m3 CH4/kg CODr are achieved before clogging problem is observed. Effect of HRT reduction, from 8.26 to 4.13 hours, on removing clogging is investigated. Reduction in COD removal efficiencies is observed at low ambient temperatures during seasonal variations of 15-25 °C. AFM and SEM analysis are used to examine sludge granulation and biofilm formation.

Exposure to Polystyrene nanoparticles induces liver damage in rat via induction of oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis.

Plastic products are widely used in different applications. Thus, exposure of human and other organisms to these products may affect their biological system. The current study was conducted to investigate the potential deleterious effect of Polysterene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on the liver and to state the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with exposure to PS-NPs.30 male rats were divided randomly and equally into 3 groups; control (distilled water), low dose (3 mg/kg/day) and high dose (10 mg/kg/day) exposed group via oral gavage for 5 successive weeks. PS-NPs caused elevation in ALT, AST and MDA, upregulation of apoptosis-related genes and significant decrease in GSH and mRNA expression for antioxidant-related genes (Nrf-2 and GPx). Moreover, alterations in hepatic tissue architecture and positive caspase-3 expression was noticed in a dose- dependent manner. Collectively, PS-NPs can induce hepatoxicity in rats in a dose dependent manner, so the health risk of PS-NPs should not be ignored.

Modified fractional-order model for biomass degradation in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor at Zenein Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This paper presents a modified fractional-order model (FOM) for microorganism stimulation in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating low-strength wastewater. This study aimed to examine the famine period of methanogens due to biomass accumulation in the UASB reactor over long time periods at a constant organic loading rate (OLR). This modified model can investigate the substrate biodegradation in a UASB reactor while considering substrate diffusion into biological granules during the feast and famine periods of methanogens. The Grünwald-Letnikov numerical technique was used to indicate the effect of biomass degradation on the biogas production rate and substrate biodegradation in a UASB reactor installed at Zenein Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Giza, Egypt. Several fractional orders were applied in the dynamic model at biomass concentrations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the reactor bed and blanket zones, respectively. An OLR of [Formula: see text] using the calibrated kinetic parameters at [Formula: see text] was applied to comply with the experimental outcomes. The simulation results indicate that the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was maintained at approximately [Formula: see text], whereas the biogas production rate declined from [Formula: see text] in the reactor bed zone due to a decline in food to microorganism (F/M) ratio from [Formula: see text] during the sludge retention time (SRT) in the UASB reactor.

Screening for polystyrene nanoparticle toxicity on kidneys of adult male albino rats using histopathological, biochemical, and molecular examination results.

Polystyrene Nanoparticles (PS-NPs) used for packaging foam, disposable cups, and food containers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate PS- NPs toxic effects on kidney of adult male albino rats. A total of 30 rats divided into three groups (n = 10): group I negative control group; group II orally administered 3% PS-NPs (3 mg/kg body weight/day) and group III orally administered 3% PS-NPs (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 35 days. Blood and kidney samples collected and processed for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations. Results showed that low and high doses PS-NPs had significantly increased serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, malondialdehyde, significantly further reduced glutathione, downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase, upregulation of caspase-3 and Cytochrome-c. Histopathological examination revealed several alterations. Low dose of PS-NPs exhibited dilated glomerular capillaries, hypotrophy of some renal corpuscles significantly decreases their diameter to 62 µm. Some proximal convoluted tubules and distal convoluted tubules showed loss of cellular architecture with pyknotic nuclei. Hyalinization and vacuolation in renal medulla. In high dose PS-NPs, alterations increased in severity. A significant increase in percentage area of cyclooxygenase-2 in low and high-doses. In conclusion, PS-NPs are a nephrotoxic causing renal dysfunction.

Assessment and simulation of a solid waste dumpsite impact on the surrounding water resources: A case study in Abu Zaabal, Egypt.

Indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes and the resulting groundwater contamination is a major issue, especially for developing countries. The main objective of this paper is to develop a groundwater mass transport model in order to study the effect of an open solid waste dumpsite on the water quality of water resources within the region around it. The harmful effects of indiscriminate solid wastes disposal by open dumping, which is still followed in many developing countries around the world, is highlighted. Abu Zaabal dumpsite; which is located in Qalyubiyah Governorate, Egypt; receives huge amounts of wastes daily causing leachate generation that percolates deep into the soil and polluting the shallow aquifer. The Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) software was used to model the groundwater flow and mass transport, using data collected from the site investigation and literature historical data available. Of the several contaminants measured in the site, six critical contaminants; namely Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Lead, Boron, Nitrate, Manganese and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD); were chosen to be modeled. The developed model was used to simulate the six contaminants using a transient-state model and concentration values for two different scenarios. Scenario-1 assumes that the dumpsite will be active until 2080, whereas Scenario-2 represents imminent closure of the dumpsite. The model results of each contaminant were calculated over 100-year interval, from 1980 until 2080, and the results of 2080 were presented. The results showed that the dumpsite had a major impact on the nearby water bodies, Abu Zaabal ponds and Belbais Drain. Moreover, the closure of the dumpsite showed that the maximum concentration of the majority of the considered contaminants was decreased by approximately 60-65%.

Protective effect of starch-stabilized selenium nanoparticles against melamine-induced hepato-renal toxicity in male albino rats.

Melamine and its analogues are illegally added to raise the apparent protein content in foods. The elevated concentrations of these compounds cause adverse effects in humans and animals. In this contribution, the protective effects of the synthesized starch-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs@starch) on melamine-induced hepato-renal toxicity have been systematically investigated. The Se-NPs@starch were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping analysis, TEM, and FT-IR. Starch plays a crucial role in the stabilization and dispersion of Se NPs, as noticed from the TEM and EDS investigations. Furthermore, the atomic ratio of Se distribution over the starch surface is approximately 1.67%. The current study was conducted on four groups of adult male rats, and the oral daily treatments for 28 days were as follows: group I served as control, group II received Se-NPs@starch, group III was exposed to melamine, while group IV was treated with melamine and Se-NPs@starch. The results reveal a significant alteration in the histoarchitecture of both hepatic and renal tissues induced by melamine. Furthermore, elevated liver and kidney function markers, high malondialdehyde, and increased expression levels of apoptosis-related genes besides a reduction in GSH and expression levels of antioxidant genes were observed in the melamine-exposed group. Interestingly, the administration of the Se-NPs@starch resulted in remarkable protection of rats against melamine-induced toxicity through increasing the antioxidant capacity and inhibiting oxidative damage. Collectively, this study provides affordable starch-stabilized Se-NPs with potent biological activity, making them auspicious candidates for prospective biomedical applications.

The ameliorative effect of N-acetylcysteine against penconazole induced neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders in rats.

Penconazole (PEN) is a widely used systemic fungicide to treat various fungal diseases in plants but it leaves residues in crops and food products causing serious environmental and health problems. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione in the body and exerts prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to explore the mechanistic way of NAC to ameliorate the PEN neurotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) and given the treated material via oral gavage for 10 days as the following: Group I (distilled water), Group II (50 mg/kg body weight [bwt] PEN), Group III (200 mg/kg bwt NAC), and Group IV (NAC + PEN). After 10 days all rats were subjected to behavioral assessment and then euthanized to collect brain tissues to perform oxidative stress, molecular studies, and pathological examination. Our results revealed that PEN exhibits neurobehavioral toxicity manifested by alteration in the forced swim test, elevated plus maze test, and Y-maze test. There were marked elevations in malondialdehyde levels with reduction in total antioxidant capacity levels, upregulation of messenger RNA levels of bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 genes with downregulation of bcl2 genes. In addition, brain sections showed marked histopathological alteration in the cerebrum and cerebellum with strong bax and inducible nitric oxide synthetase protein expression. On the contrary, cotreatment of rats with NAC had the ability to improve all the abovementioned neurotoxic parameters. The present study can conclude that NAC has a neuroprotective effect against PEN-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effect. We recommend using NAC as a preventive and therapeutic agent for a wide variety of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders.

Novel promising reproductive and metabolic effects of Cicer arietinum L. extract on letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chickpea was used in both greek and indian traditional medicine for hormonal related conditions as menstrual induction, acceleration of parturation, treatment of retained placenta and stimulation of lactation. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) sprout isoflavone isolates exhibited reasonable estrogenic activities. Isoflavones, a subtype of phytoestrogens, are plant derivatives with moderate estrogenic activity that tend to have protective effects on hormonal and metabolic abnormalities of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we investigated the effect of UPLC/ESI-MS characterized Cicer arietinum L. seeds ethanol extract (CSE) on ovarian hormones, oxidative response and ovarian histological changes on induced PCOS rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups including negative control, PCOS, and treatment groups. PCOS was induced using letrozole (1 mg/kg) daily orally for 21 days. Each treatment group was treated with one of the following for 28 days after induction of PCOS: clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg), and CSE at 250 and 500 mg/kg. Ovaries and uteri were excised, weighed and their sections were used for quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, antioxidant assays and histomorphometric study of the ovaries. The antioxidant assays, histopathological examination, hormonal and metabolic profiles, and Cyp11a1(steroidogenic enzyme) mRNA expression were measured. RESULTS: In all treatment groups, ovarian weight was significantly decreased despite having no significant effect on uterine weight. Histomorphometric study in the treatment groups revealed a significant decrease in the number and diameter of cystic follicles, a significant increase in granulosa cell thickness while, thickness of theca cells was significantly decreased when compared to PCOS. Hormone levels, metabolic profile and antioxidant status were improved in the treatment groups. Moreover, Cyp11a1 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in the treatment groups compared to PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, CSE enhanced the reproductive and metabolic disorders which were associated with PCOS induction. For the first time, we have highlighted the effect of CSE in treating PCOS and its associated manifestations.

Modulation of steroidogenesis by Actaea racemosa and vitamin C combination, in letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model: promising activity without the risk of hepatic adverse effect.

BACKGROUND: Complementary remedies such as the Chinese herb 'Sheng Ma' (Black cohosh; Actaea racemosa 'AR') are being sought to overcome the shortcomings of conventional hormonal and surgical therapies developed for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, AR-induced hepatotoxicity necessitates a cautionary warning to be labeled on its products as recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia, where four out of seven hepatotoxic cases in Sweden were possibly associated with black cohosh products. METHODS: We investigated the effects, safety, and molecular targets of black cohosh ethanolic extract and/or vitamin C on ovarian functionality and oxidative response in hyperandrogenism-induced PCOS rats. A well-established rat model using oral letrozole, daily, for 21 days was employed. The rats then received the AR extract with and without vitamin C for 28 days. The hormonal evaluation, antioxidant status, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, cell proliferation, and the expression ratio of the aromatase (Cyp19α1) gene were evaluated. Additionally, holistic profiling of the AR arsenal of secondary metabolites was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole high-resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS). RESULTS: Beneficial effects were exerted by AR in PCOS rats as antioxidant status, hormonal profile, lipid profile, glucose level, liver functions, and the induced Ki-67 expression in the granulosa, theca cell layers and interstitial stromal cells were all improved. Notably, the combination of AR with vitamin C was not only more effective in reversing the dysregulated levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and mRNA level of Cyp19α1 gene in the PCOS rat, but also safer. The combination regulated both ovarian and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels with histological improvement observed in the liver and ovaries. In addition, the untargeted metabolomic profiling enabled the identification of 61 metabolites allocated in five major chemical classes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the benefit of the combinatorial effects of AR and vitamin C in mitigating the reproductive and metabolic disorders associated with PCOS with the elimination of AR hepatotoxic risk.

Ameliorative effect of N-acetylcysteine against glyphosate-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats: histopathological, biochemical, and molecular studies.

Glyphosate (GLP) is the most commonly used herbicide that presents many hazards to the environment and living organisms. The present study aimed to explore hepatotoxic properties of GLP on adult albino rats, and the ability of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to ameliorate these toxic effects. Thirty mature male albino rats were distributed into 3 groups (10 rats/group): Group I (C) a negative control, Group II (GLP) orally administered Roundup 0.8503 ml/kg/day which contain GLP (375 mg/kg) (1/10 of LD50) by gavage needle, and Group III (NAC+ GLP) received NAC (160 mg/kg, 1h before Roundup) by gavage needle and Roundup (0.8503 ml/kg) orally for 6 weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected and processed for biochemical, histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations. Group II displayed a significant elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as overexpression of apoptotic markers. The total antioxidant capacity "TAC" and mRNA expression of NRF2 were significantly decreased. Concerning the histopathological findings, there were various degenerative changes as the hepatocytes showed hydropic swelling with nuclear pyknosis. These alterations were confirmed ultrastructurally as most of the cytoplasmic organelles were lost and the mitochondria appeared to deteriorate. Immunohistochemical results showed intense immunoreactivity against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3. NAC administration before GLP partially ameliorates these alterations. ALT, AST, and MDA levels as well as expression of apoptotic markers were significantly reduced. TAC and mRNA expression of NRF2 were significantly increased. Histopathological alterations were partially improved as the hepatocytes returned normal and ultrastructurally they showed nearly normal cytoplasmic organelles. Additionally, the intense expression of PCNA and caspase-3 was significantly reduced. We concluded that NAC can ameliorate most of the adverse effects of GLP exposure through its antioxidant property and free radicals scavenging capacity.

Ameliorative effect of ZnO-NPs against bioaggregation and systemic toxicity of lead oxide in some organs of albino rats.

Lead is one of the major environmental pollutions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Though, various occupational and public health measures have been undertaken to control lead exposure. The present study is designed to investigate the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to reduce the bioaggregation of lead in the brain, liver, and kidneys and prevent these organ oxidative damage and apoptosis. Twenty male Wistar rats were grouped into 4 gatherings and exposed to the following materials daily on the skin for 2 weeks: 1-normal saline, 2-ZnO-NPs, 3-PbO, and 4-ZnO-NPs+ PbO. Topical application of PbO to rats increased lead contents in blood and different organs causing remarkable oxidative stress damage, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations in these organs. Moreover, PbO-receiving group showed strong positive caspase-3 protein expression with up-regulation of mRNA levels of BAX and COX-2. Co-treatment of ZnO-NPs with PbO could diminish the toxicologic parameters and the above-mentioned immune marker and gene expression levels. Our data suggest the role of ZnO-NPs cream to reduce the risk of lead dermal exposure via preventing absorption and accumulation of it in the internal organs so that it protects these organs from further damage.

Atrazine-induced cell-mediated immunotoxicity in rabbits and the ameliorating role of glycyrrhizic acid.

The present study aimed to explain the mechanisms involved in cell-mediated immunotoxicity of atrazine (ATR) in rabbits and to evaluate the ameliorative role of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against such toxic effects. Forty rabbits were assigned into 4 equal groups: control, ATR, GA, and ATR + GA groups. ATR (2475 ppm) and GA (60 µg of GA/ml of water) were administrated via food and drinking water, respectively, for 60 consecutive days. The cell-mediated immunotoxicity of ATR was clarified by the induced thymus immunotoxicity through downregulation of interleukin (IL)-9 gene and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene expression, upregulation in caspase-3, and significant decrease in the total leukocytic and lymphocyte counts. Histopathological investigations demonstrated severe depletion of lymphoid follicles in the medulla of the thymus gland. On the other hand, co-administration of GA for group 4 improved most of the undesirable impacts of ATR. In conclusion, the alteration in IL-9/IFN-γ expression may involve ATR-induced thymocyte apoptosis which may explain the mechanisms of ATR-induced cell-mediated immunotoxicity with a possible amelioration influence of GA administration.

The protective effects of Terminalia laxiflora extract on hepato-nephrotoxicity induced by fipronil in male rats.

The present study was led to investigate the defensive role of Terminalia laxiflora extract (TLE) on fipronil (FPN) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats. Rats were administered with TLE (100 mg/kg) against the renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by administration of FPN (10.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the serum, liver, and kidneys were harvested and assessed for subsequent analysis. FPN administration to rats resulted in a significant elevation of serum transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Also, FPN-treated groups exhibited a marked reduction in total protein and albumin levels. Compared with the control group, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated in groups treated with FPN, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione levels were distinctly reduced in this group. Significant increases in genomic DNA fragmentation and the expression level of the caspase-3 gene were also recorded. The biochemical result was supported by histopathological findings. Co-administration of TLE along with FPN significantly diminished the liver and kidney function tests decreased the level of lipid peroxidation, and enhanced all the antioxidant enzymes, while also diminishing the expression of caspase-3 and DNA laddering, indicating amelioration of DNA damage. These results indicate that TLE plays a vital role in diminishing FPN-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Innovative application of helium-neon laser: enhancing the germination of Adansonia digitata and evaluating the hepatoprotective activities in mice.

The laser pretreatment of seed is drawing pronounced attention from the scientific community for its positive impact in boosting germination, seedling , and growth of plants. In this study, the laser pretreatment of Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) seeds was evaluated. Eight laser treatments were conducted at different powers, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mW, with the two-time interval for each power at 2 and 4 min. The outcomes indicated that the most efficient irradiation was 10 mW/2 min which induces the highest germination rate and polyphenolic contents for seeds. Based on these results, the animal experimental design was processed to assess the hepatoprotective activity of A. digitata extracts obtained through the optimum laser preillumination to enhance the resistance of liver damage in mice. The total phenol and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant properties of the methanolic extracts were estimated in vitro. The CCl4 was used to induce hepatotoxicity in mice. The animals were divided into five groups. The sera of the treated animals were used for the determination of transaminases, and the liver homogenates were used for the determination of antioxidant status, and further liver tissues were subjected to verify the anti-apoptotic effect of A. digitata methanolic extract. The in vivo results showed that the methanolic extract exposed to laser treatment at 10 mW/2 min provided better hepatoprotective capacity than the other treatments. Administration of A. digitata extract not only offered a significant decrease in liver enzyme activity but also markedly improved the antioxidant status and reduced the apoptotic progression induced by CCl4 toxicity in liver tissue.

Ameliorative Effect Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Dermal Toxicity Induced By Lead Oxide In Rats.

BACKGROUND: Recently, several studies demonstrate the possible role of zinc oxide (ZnO) in the protection of several skin diseases, but less is known about the role of ZnO nanoparticles in the inflammatory skin disease. So, this study was designed to confirm the pivotal role of the nano zinc oxide cream in the alleviation of lead oxide (PbO) induced-allergic dermatitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two concentrations (1% and 6%) of ZnONPs creams were prepared and characterized prior to being used in the study. A total number of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 (negative control), groups 2&3 (either 1% or 6% ZnONPs control groups), group 4 (PbO), groups 5&6 (co-treatment of each ZnONPs concentration+PbO). All rats in different groups were observed daily to determine the severity of dermal gross lesions. Histopathological studies, mRNA analysis, and oxidative stress evaluations were performed on the affected skin tissue. Immunohistochemical studies were performed to evaluate the expression of cluster of differentiation CD4, CD8 and intercellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1 in different groups. RESULTS: PbO caused extensive skin oxidative damage manifested by a significant increase in MDA level with a decrease in GSH content and CAT activity. The results of histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed that topical application of PbO for 14 days led to severe allergic dermatitis with remarkable elevations in the number of CD4+ T-helper, CD8+ T-cytotoxic lymphocytes, and ICAM-1 expression. On the other hand, noticeable improvements were recorded in all the previous toxicopathological parameters among the groups treated by either 1% or 6% ZnO-NPs cream. However, the best results were observed in the group treated with 1% ZnO-NPs cream. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that 1% of ZnO-NPs cream is safe when applied topically on the inflamed skin. Moreover, it had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects so that, it is recommended to use the 1% ZnO-NPs cream to avert the dermal toxicity-induced by PbO.

Histopathological, biochemical and molecular studies on the toxic effect of used engine oil on the health status of Oreochromis niloticus.

The accidental spilling of petroleum oils into natural water resources expose fishes in the effluent area to serious problems.. Oreochromis niloticus were used in the current study as a model to investigate the toxicity of used engine oil and to evaluate the protective role of vitamin C against this toxicity. The oil concentration used in this study was previously determined to be 0.25 ml/l by 96 h-LC50. After 21 days of engine oil exposure, haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant reduction in RBCs counts, haemoglobin concentrations and total proteins. However, ALT, AST and glucose levels were significantly increased by the end of the experiment indicating the damaging effects of the oil on fish tissues. Oxidative stress biomarkers were also measured; liver CAT activity was significantly decreased in the oil exposed group compared to control group, while MDA levels were significantly elevated. Histopathological examination showed the presence of several alterations in hepatic and branchial tissues in exposed group compared to the control group. Significant elevations in CYP1 A1 mRNA expression levels in hepatic tissue were also detected in the group exposed to used engine oil compared to the control group. However, supplementation of fishexposed to used engine oil with vitamin Csignificantly enhance the biochemical, oxidative and histological parameters.