RES-CMCNPs Enhance Antioxidant, Proinflammatory, and Sensitivity of Tumor Solids to γ-Irradiation in EAC-Bearing Mice.

OBJECTIVES: Resveratrol (Res) is a bifunctional compound found in numerous plants, including grapes and mulberries. Nanotechnology has promising applications in medicine. The ability of various nanomaterials to serve as radiosensitizers against tumor cells were reported in several manuscripts. The present investigation aimed to assess the antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of Res-CMCNPs on EAC-bearing mice.

Exploring Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Diverse Wheat Genotypes Using Physiological, Anatomical, Agronomic and Gene Expression Analyses.

Salinity is a widespread abiotic stress that devastatingly impacts wheat growth and restricts its productivity worldwide. The present study is aimed at elucidating biochemical, physiological, anatomical, gene expression analysis, and agronomic responses of three diverse wheat genotypes to different salinity levels. A salinity treatment of 5000 and 7000 ppm gradually reduced photosynthetic pigments, anatomical root and leaf measurements and agronomic traits of all evaluated wheat genotypes (Ismailia line, Misr 1, and Misr 3). In addition, increasing salinity levels substantially decreased all anatomical root and leaf measurements except sclerenchyma tissue upper and lower vascular bundle thickness compared with unstressed plants. However, proline content in stressed plants was stimulated by increasing salinity levels in all evaluated wheat genotypes. Moreover, Na+ ions content and antioxidant enzyme activities in stressed leaves increased the high level of salinity in all genotypes. The evaluated wheat genotypes demonstrated substantial variations in all studied characters. The Ismailia line exhibited the uppermost performance in photosynthetic pigments under both salinity levels. Additionally, the Ismailia line was superior in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes followed by Misr 1. Moreover, the Ismailia line recorded the maximum anatomical root and leaf measurements under salinity stress, which enhanced its tolerance to salinity stress. The Ismailia line and Misr 3 presented high up-regulation of H+ATPase, NHX2 HAK, and HKT genes in the root and leaf under both salinity levels. The positive physiological, anatomical, and molecular responses of the Ismailia line under salinity stress were reflected on agronomic performance and exhibited superior values of all evaluated agronomic traits.

Salvia officinalis Improves Glycemia and Suppresses Pro-inflammatory Features in Obese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is regarded as the main cause of metabolic diseases and a core factor for all-cause mortality in the general population, notably from cardiovascular disease. The majority of people with type 2 diabetes have obesity and insulin resistance. Some evidence indicates that an individual with obesity is approximately 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone with moderate body weight. One of the most significant therapeutic herbs, Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) (SAGE), possesses potent medicinal importance. The aim of this article was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and antiobesity activity of SAGEAE against HFD-induced obesity in rats. METHODS: : Thirty adult albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: control, High-fat Diet (HFD) administrated rats, HFD + Salvia officinalis Aqueous Extract (SAGEAE) (150 mg/kg.bw.), HFD + SAGEAE (300 mg/kg.bw.) and HFD + metformin (500 mg/kg.bw.). Body weight, plasma biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory indicators, hepatic Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), Glucokinase (GK), brain Leptin Receptor (LepRb), Glucose Transporter-4 (GLUT4), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and mRNA33-5P gene signalling mRNA levels were all assessed after 8 weeks. A histological examination of the liver was also performed to check for lipid accumulation RESULTS: The administration of HFD resulted in increased body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Thiobarbaturic Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP1), Interleukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) as well as hepatic PCK1, brain LepRb and adipose tissue mRNA33-5P gene expression. However, our findings revealed a significant reduction in adiponectin, High-density Lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels as well as the expression of hepatic GK and adipose tissue SIRT1 and GLUT4 genes. Also, administration of SAGEAE significantly normalized body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TC, TG, HDL-C, TBARs, SOD, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α in plasma and liver tissue of HFD-treated rats. On the other hand, PCK1, GK, LepRb, SIRT1, GLUT4 and mRNA33-5P gene expression was enhanced in obese rats when administrated with SAGEAE. Histological and US studies support the biochemical, PCR and electrophoretic results. CONCLUSION: The findings imply that SAGEAE could be used as a new pharmaceutical formula in the treatment of obesity.

Superficial and Inkjet Scalable Printed Sensors Integrated with Iron Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide for Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Lurasidone.

The present work demonstrated the fabrication and the electrochemical characterization of novel printed electrochemical sensors integrated with an innovative nanosensing platform based on the synergic electrocatalytic effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for precise voltammetric determination of the antipsychotic drug lurasidone hydrochloride (LUH). The features of the electrode surface fabricated using the ordinary inkjet printer were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Among different ink formulations, integration of the printing ink with the ratio 15 mg FeONPs and 20 mg rGO was found to be the most appropriate for sensitive quantification of LUH in biological fluids and pharmaceutical formulations in the presence of LUH degradation products. Under the optimized experimental and electroanalytical parameters, the recorded square-wave voltammograms were correlated to LUH within the linear concentration ranging from 50 to 2150 ng mL-1 with detection limit and limit of quantification values of 15.64 and 47.39 ng mL-1, respectively. Based on the cyclic voltammograms recorded for LUH at different scan rates, the electrode reaction was assumed to be a diffusion reaction mechanism accompanied by the transfer of two electrons/protons through the oxidation of the five-membered ring nitrogen atom as assumed by the molecular orbital calculations carried out on the LUH molecule. The C max of LUH and the efficiency of the fabricated sensors enabled their clinical application for monitoring LUH in human biological fluids and pharmaceutical formulations in the presence of degradants for diverse quality control applications and green chemistry analysis.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Banana Cultivars (Musa sp.) in Saudi Arabia Based on AFLP Marker.

Banana plantation has been introduced recently to a temperate zone in the southeastern parts of Saudi Arabia (Fifa, Dhamadh, and Beesh, located in Jazan province). The introduced banana cultivars were of a clear origin without a recorded genetic background. In the current study, the genetic variability and structure of five common banana cultivars (i.e., Red, America, Indian, French, and Baladi) were analyzed using the fluorescently labeled AFLP technique. Nine different primer pairs combinations yielded 1468 loci with 88.96% polymorphism. Among all locations, high expected heterozygosity under the Hardy-Weinberg assumption was found (0.249 ± 0.003), where Dhamadh was the highest, followed by Fifa and Beesh, respectively. Based on the PCoA and Structure analysis, the samples were not clustered by location but in pairs in accordance with the cultivar's names. However, the Red banana cultivar was found to be a hybrid between the American and Indian cultivars. Based on ΦST, 162 molecular markers (i.e., loci under selection) were detected among cultivars. Identifying those loci using NGS techniques can reveal the genetic bases and molecular mechanisms involved in the domestication and selection indicators among banana cultivars.

Plasma lipid profile: a predictive marker of disease severity among COVID-19 patients-an opportunity for low-income countries.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and plasma lipid profile levels in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Method: This was a prospective, observational, cohort study, conducted in a medical referral center specializing in management of COVID-19 cases. Patients were divided into two groups according to infection severity (mild and severe). Blood samples were obtained from all patients who tested positive to a PCR test for measuring biochemical and inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and d-dimer, as well as lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the correlation between BMI and plasma lipid profile among mild and severe cases. Results: The levels of plasma triacylglycerols, d-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, and C-reactive protein with severe infection were significantly different between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 symptoms (p = 0.036, 0.03, 0.001, 0.014, and 0.006, respectively). A positive correlation between BMI and triglyceride levels was observed only in the severe infection group. However, HDL-C was negatively correlated with BMI. Conclusion: A routine lipid profile test might help as a marker of inflammation and risk stratification in patients with COVID-19. Especially in middle- or low-income countries, the test can rapidly help clinicians to delineate prognostic measures and hence management and treatment plans for this disease as the levels of the lipid profile were correlated with the patients' BMI and infection severity.

GANE can Improve Lung Fibrosis by Reducing Inflammation via Promoting p38MAPK/TGF-ß1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Downregulation.

There is a trend to use nanoparticles as distinct treatments for cancer treatment because they have overcome many of the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems. Gallic acid (GA) is an effective polyphenol in the treatment of tissue injuries. In this study, GA was loaded onto niosomes to produce gallic acid nanoemulsion (GANE) using a green synthesis technique. GANE's efficiency, morphology, UV absorption, release, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were evaluated. An in vitro study was conducted on the A549 lung carcinoma cell line to determine the GANE cytotoxicity. Also, our study was extended to evaluate the protective effect of GANE against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. GANE showed higher encapsulation efficiency and strong absorption at 280 nm. Transmission electron microscopy presented a spherical shape of the prepared nanoparticles, and FTIR demonstrated different spectra for the free gallic acid sample compared to GANE. GANE showed cytotoxicity for the A549 carcinoma lung cell line with a low IC50 value. It was found that oral administration of GANE at 32.8 and 82 mg/kg.b.w. and dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) provided significant protection against LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis. GANE enhanced production of superoxide dismutase, GPx, and GSH. It simultaneously reduced the MDA level. The GANE and dexamethasone, induced the production of IL-4, but suppressed TNF-α and IL-6. On the other hand, the lung p38MAPK, TGF-ß1, and NF-κB gene expression was downregulated in rats administrated with GANE when compared with the LPS-treated rats. Histological studies confirmed the effective effect of GANE as it had a lung-protective effect against LPS-induced lung fibrosis. It was noticed that GANE can inhibit oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cytokines and downregulate p38MAPK, TGF-ß1, and NF-κB gene expression to suppress the proliferation and migration of lung fibrotic cells.

Screening Practices, Knowledge and Adherence Among Health Care Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Screening, a routine procedure done on individuals with or without disease, results in the early detection of disease. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals' (HCPs) level of knowledge related to and the adherence to screening. METHODS: A survey was conducted in HCPs, using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was defined based on the correct or incorrect responses to the questions. Adherence to screening was considered if a test was done at least once in the past one year. RESULTS: Of the 379 participants, 61% were nurses, 34% physicians, and 5% pharmacists. The majority 68.78% were female. The average age of pharmacists was 29.17±7.09, physicians 35.57±10.08, and nurses 35.46±8.63 years. The knowledge related to breast cancer screening ranged between 50% and 57% and of a Pap smear, 41-54%. 94% nurses and 90% pharmacists had recorded an incorrect response to the required age of colon cancer screening. The overall screening adherence to diabetes was 46%, hypertension 68%, liver profile 43%, lipid profile 50%, breast cancer 10.38%, Pap smear 26%, prostate cancer 33%, and colon cancer 2.37%. HCPs aged ≥45 years had good adherence to diabetes screening. Pharmacists (88%) had the highest level of adherence to hypertension screening. Female HCPs poorly adhered to breast 38% and cervical cancer 26% screening. Only a third 33% of males, aged > 50 years, were screened for prostate cancer. Among HCPs aged ≥50 years (n=32), only three were screened for colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Despite the increased incidence of diabetes, breast and colon cancer in Saudi Arabia, HCPs displayed poor knowledge related to screening. The adherence to diabetes screening was good. However, HCPs in a high-risk group displayed poor adherence to screening, specifically for breast, cervical and colon cancer. The medical and cancer screening guidelines should be made available to all HCPs regardless of their specialty.

Phenolic Profiling and Therapeutic Potential of Certain Isolated Compounds from Parkia roxburghii against AChE Activity as well as GABAA α5, GSK-3ß, and p38α MAP-Kinase Genes.

Parkia roxburghii belongs to the family Mimosaceae; it has been used since ancient times as a cure for different health complications; such as inflammatory and gynecological diseases and hemiplegia. In this investigation, a reversed-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) profile was carried out for P. roxburghii; also, the isolated bioactive compounds including quercetin, catechin, and biochaninA were individually and/or in combination investigated for their inhibitory effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice, implying that they have the ability to reduce the neurodegenerative effects of scopolamine and thus could be employed as a more effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in humans. The possible interactions of Parkia flavonoids with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor, alpha5 (GABAA α5), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAP-kinase), signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and protein-serine/threonine kinase (Akt) were then determined using molecular docking.

Resveratrol: Isolation, and Its Nanostructured Lipid Carriers, Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Induces Cell Apoptosis in Certain Human Cell Lines Carcinoma and Exerts Protective Effect Against Paraquat-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Resveratrol (RES) (trans-3, 5,-4'-trihydroxystilebene) is a multi-biofunctional compound found in a variety of plants such as grapes and mulberries. Studies of nanoencapsulated resveratrol have indicated that this compound can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and free radicals. The aim of this study was to isolate resveratrol from Vitis vinifera, develop and evaluate resveratrol nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and/or resveratrol encapsulated chitosan-coated nanostructured lipid carriers (CSNLCs) using low-viscous chitosan for anticancer therapy. In addition, our study was carried out to examine the prophylactic potential of RES, NLC, and CSNLC on paraquat-induced injury in rat hepatocytes. In this study we isolated resveratrol and encapsulated NLCs in phosphate-buffered saline solution using a phase inversion method. In addition, CSNLCs were prepared by ionic gelation method of NLCs using chitosan. NLCs and CSNLCs were then characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, NLCs and CSNLCs were evaluated for their cytotoxic effect on Hep-G2, human HCT-116 (colorectal cancer cell line), lymphoblastic leukemia (1301), and human MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) cells as well as their effect on caspase-3 and death receptor (DR-4). In addition, incubation of hepatocytes with paraquat resulted in increased formation of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) with a parallel increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage at 1 h after incubation. Time-dependent depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH) was observed starting 2 h after incubation with paraquat. The mean particle size of NLC and CSNLC were 67.0 and 98.41 nm, zeta potential were (-) 24.8 and (+) 31.6 mV, entrapment efficiency were 74.15% and 85.46%, respectively, with the observed shapes of nanoparticle being spherical. The treatment of Hep-G2, human HCT-116, lymphoblastic leukemia (1301), and human MCF-7 cells with NLC led to high inhibition in the cell proliferation as concluded by the low IC50 values 27.7, 17.43, 35.39, and 47.66 µg/mL, respectively, whereas CSNLC had high cytotoxic effect on Hep-G2, human HCT-116, lymphoblastic leukemia (1301), and human MCF-7 cells with low IC50 values 13.29, 10.56, 16.79 and 22.60 µg/mL, respectively. Both NLC and CSNLC possess apoptotic properties through activation of the caspase-3 and death receptor (DR-4). In addition, incubation of hepatocytes with RES, NLC, and CSNLC markedly protected against paraquat-induced formation of TBARS, increase in LDH leakage, and prevented GSH depletion. The most effective doses for ethyl acetate, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts were 7.5, 10, and 12.5 µg, respectively. The results presented here may suggest that nanoencapsulated resveratrol isolated from the stems of V. vinifera to obtain NLC and CSNLC possess anticancer and apoptotic effects on cell proliferation, and therefore, can be used as new approach of pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, the results clearly suggest that the RES, NLC, and CSNLC exerted protective effect against cytotoxicity induced by paraquat. On the contrary, the effect decreased in order of CSNLC, NLC, and RES.

Vision-Threatening Behcet's Disease: Severity of Ocular Involvement Predictors.

PURPOSE: To examine and spot systemic findings commonly associated with a serious form of ocular Behcet's disease. This could potentially help ophthalmologists categorize their patients based on future risk and plan treatment accordingly. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data of 249 patients with Behcet's disease were examined thoroughly. Correlations between systemic and ocular findings were recorded. Patients were further subgrouped by the authors as having a vision-threatening form of the disease or not. Regression analysis was done to spot predictors for a vision-threatening form of the disease. RESULTS: The presence of systemic vasculitis and oral and genital ulcers in a patient with Behcet's disease was found to be associated with a milder form of ocular affection or none at all and vice versa. Certain correlations between findings were also found. CONCLUSION: Certain findings in Behcet's disease may act as predictors for the severity of ocular affection. Directing our attention to these factors by the internist and ophthalmologist can help plan the frequency of follow-up as well as the aggressiveness of treatment in patients with Behcet's disease.

Synthesis of Cinnamyl and Caffeoyl Derivatives of Cucurbitacin-Eglycoside Isolated from Citrullus colocynthis Fruits and their Structures Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities Relationship.

BACKGROUND: Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. Cucurbitacin E glucoside (1) was isolated from Citrullus colocynthis fruits. A novel mono-ester of cucurbitacin-E and cinnamyl and caffeoyl-ß-D-glucoside (2 and 3) was synthesized by reaction of cucurbitacin E glucoside with cinnamic and/or caffeic acid in the presence of CHCl2 and K2CO3 with constant stirring with an ice-cooling state for 24h. Mass analyses of the isolated and purified compounds were determined. METHODS: The elemental analysis (C, H, N) suggesting the molecular formulae of the compounds (1-3) to be C38H54O13, C47H60O14, and C47H60O16; respectively. I.R., 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR analyses were recorded. The median lethal doses (LD50s) of compounds (1-3) in rats were 1262.5, 2500 and 2350 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The anti-inflammatory, total antioxidant, reducing power, anti-reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were more pronounced in compound 3 compared to compounds (1-2). This study provides the scientific basis for the anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated cucurbitacin E glucoside (1) and its derivatives (2 and 3) in a t-BHP (tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide)-induced liver damage model. RESULTS: Injection of rats with t-BHP (1.8 mmol/kg) showed a significant increase in plasma alanine transaminases (ALT), aspartate transaminases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as hepatic tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) when compared with control group. Also, injection of rats with t-BHP showed a significant increase in a liver level of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as compared with control group. Oral administration of cucurbitacin E glucoside (1) and its derivatives (2 and 3) at a concentration of 25 and 50 mg/kg b.wt daily for 5 days showed a significant protection against-induced alteration in liver GSH, SOD, CAT and GST as well as plasma ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and MDA levels. Furthermore, Cucurbitacin E glucoside (1) and its derivatives (2 and 3) inhibited the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-23) in the livers of t-BHP-treated rat models. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that mechanistic-based evidence substantiating the traditional claims of cucurbitacin E glucoside (1) and its derivatives (2 and 3) to be applied for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders, such as oxidative liver damage and inflammation diseases.

Astaxanthin; a Promising Protector Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used against infections caused by Gram-negative microorganisms. Nephrotoxicity is the main limitation to its therapeutic use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of astaxanthin on the renal damage generated by gentamicin in rats, in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. The daily oral administration of the astaxanthin at a concentration of 50 mg/kg for 15 days to gentamicin (80 mg/kg.b.w) treated rats showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in plasma creatinine, urea, TNF-α as well as plasma and renal MDA and HP. The treatment also resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin, plasma sodium, potassium and TAS as well as renal total protein, GSH, Pr-SHs, G6PD, SOD, GPx, CAT and GR levels. The histological examinations of renal tissues in this study revealed damage and glomerular infiltration in gentamicin treated rats. The presented data suggest that astaxanthin has a significant prophylactic action against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The effect was more pronounced in case of astaxanthin pre-treatment compared with administration of astaxanthin post-treatment. Taken together, astaxanthin has a potential as a protective and therapeutic agent for nephrotoxicity and deserves clinical trial in the near future as an adjuvant therapy in patients treated with gentamicin.

Assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among Egyptian mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivers grown in Suez Canal and Sinai region using RAPD markers.

DNA-based RAPD (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA) markers have been used extensively to study genetic diversity and relationships in a number of fruit crops. In this study, 10 (7 commercial mango cultivars and 3 accessions) mango genotypes traditionally grown in Suez Canal and Sinai region of Egypt, were selected to assess genetic diversity and relatedness. Total genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to RAPD analysis using 30 arbitrary 10-mer primers. Of these, eleven primers were selected which gave 92 clear and bright fragments. A total of 72 polymorphic RAPD bands were detected out of 92 bands, generating 78% polymorphisms. The mean PIC values scores for all loci were of 0.85. This reflects a high level of discriminatory power of a marker and most of these primers produced unique band pattern for each cultivar. A dendrogram based on Nei's Genetic distance co-efficient implied a moderate degree of genetic diversity among the cultivars used for experimentation, with some differences. The hybrid which had derived from cultivar as female parent was placed together. In the cluster, the cultivars and accessions formed separate groups according to bearing habit and type of embryo and the members in each group were very closely linked. Cluster analysis clearly showed two main groups, the first consisting of indigenous to the Delta of Egypt cultivars and the second consisting of indigenous to the Suez Canal and Sinai region. From the analysis of results, it appears the majority of mango cultivars originated from a local mango genepool and were domesticated later. The results indicated the potential of RAPD markers for the identification and management of mango germplasm for breeding purposes.

The response of rice grain quality to ozone exposure during growth depends on ozone level and genotype.

The effects of ozone exposure during the cropping season on rice grain quality were investigated in chamber experiments employing four ozone treatments (charcoal filtered air, ambient, 2× ambient, and 2.5× ambient concentration) and six genotypes. The concentrations of protein and lipids in brown rice increased significantly in response to ozone, while starch concentration and thousand kernel mass decreased. Other parameters, including the concentrations of iron, zinc, phenolics, stickiness and geometrical traits did not exhibit significant treatment effects. Total brown rice yield, protein yield, and iron yield were negatively affected by ozone. Numerous genotypic differences occurred in the response to ozone, indicating the possibility of optimizing the grain quality in high ozone environments by breeding. It is concluded that although the concentrations of two important macronutrients, proteins and lipids, increased in ozone treated grains, the implications for human nutrition are negative due to losses in total grain, protein and iron yield.

Protective effect of Jasonia montana against ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats.

Estrogens, and particularly glucuronides such as ethinylestradiol (EE), have been shown to cause cholestasis in animal studies, by reducing bile acid uptake by hepatocytes. The aim of the present article is to investigate anticholestatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Jasonia montana against liver cholestasis induced by EE in adult female rats in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Subcutaneous administration of 100 µg/kg b.w. ethinylestradiol to rats induced hepatocellular cholestasis with a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels as well as in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) activities and hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. Also, treatment with EE produced significant increase in serum Pi-glutathione-s-transferase (Pi-GST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and alpha-glutathione-s-transferase (α-GST) activities as well as serum nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compare to control group. Oral administration of the aerial parts of ethanolic extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg b.w. daily to rats treated with EE for 15 days showed a significant protection against-induced decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels. The treatment also resulted in a significant increase in hepatic SOD, GPx and GR activities as well as hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In addition, the extract could inhibit serum Pi-GST, γ-GT and α-GST activities as well as reduce serum TNF-α, NO and hepatic MDA as compare to ethinylestradiol treated rats. High content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds was found in ethanolic extract, which may be responsible for free radical activity. The results clearly suggest that the aerial parts of J. montana extract may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in ethinylestradiol (EE)-cholestatic model. Thus the extract may have a therapeutic value in drug-induced biliary cholestasis as well as in hormonal therapy.