The therapeutic role of Azadirachta indica leaves ethanolic extract against detrimental effects of Aeromonas veronii infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Bacterial pathogens cause high fish mortalities and in turn economic losses in fish farms. Innovative strategies should be applied to control bacterial infections instead of antibiotics to avoid the resistance problem. Consequently, the present investigation studied the curative potential of Azadirachta indica leave ethanolic extract (AILEE) on Aeromonas veronii infection in Oreochromis niloticus. A preliminary trial was assessed to evaluate the curative dose of AILEE which was found to be 2.5 mg/L. One hundred and sixty fish were divided into equal four groups in four replications, where group 1 and group 2 were non-challenged and treated with 0- and 2.5-mg/L AILEE, respectively. Group 3 and group 4 were challenged with A. veronii and treated with 0- and 2.5-mg/L AILEE, respectively for 10 days. A. veronii infection produced severe clinical manifestations and a high mortality rate in the infected fish. Furthermore, the infected fish exhibited a significant rise in the hepatorenal indices (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine), the oxidant biomarker (malondialdehyde), and the stress indicators (glucose and cortisol). A significant reduction in the protein profile and antioxidant/immune parameters (catalase, immunoglobulin M, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and phagocytic activity) was observed in the infected fish. Water application of the infected group to 2.5-mg/L AILEE notably ameliorated the hepatorenal indices, the oxidant biomarker, and the stress indicators. Furthermore, AILEE improved the antioxidant/immune indices. Water application of 2.5-mg/L AILEE could be useful against A. veronii infection in O. niloticus culture.

Experimental trials to assess the immune modulatory influence of thyme and ginseng oil on NDV-vaccinated broiler chickens.

Background: The use of traditional medicine against viral diseases in animal production has been practiced worldwide. Herbal extracts possess organic substances that would improve chicken body performance. Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of either thyme or ginseng oil in regard to their immune-modulatory, antiviral, and growth promoter properties. Methods: Two hundred and forty-one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into eight equal groups as the following: group 1; nonvaccinated and nontreated and group 2; Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccinated and nontreated. Birds of groups 3 and 4 were treated with thyme oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 5 and 6 were treated with ginseng oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 7 and 8 were treated with a combination of ginseng oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) and thyme oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) for 12 hours/day. On the 35th day of life, birds in all the experimental groups were given 0.1 ml of a virulent genotype VIId NDV strain suspension containing 106.3 EID50/ml intramuscularly. Results: Administration of ginseng and thyme oils each alone or simultaneously to birds either vaccinated or nonvaccinated elicited a significant improvement in body performance parameters. Administration of thyme and ginseng each alone or concurrently to vaccinated birds (Gp 4, 6, and 8) induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer of 6, 7.3, and 6.3 log2 at 21 days of age, 6.7, 7.6, and 7 log2, at 28 days of age and 7, 8, and 6.8 log2 at 35 days of age, respectively. Challenge with vNDV genotype VII led to an increase in the NDV-specific HI-Ab titers 10 days post challenge in all the experimental groups. In addition, thyme, ginseng oils, or a combination of them improved the protection from mortality in vaccinated birds; by 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, compared with 80% protection from mortality in vaccinated-only birds post-NDV challenge. Moreover, NDV-vaccinated birds treated either with thyme; ginseng or their combination showed negative detection of the virus in both tracheal and cloacal swabs and nonvaccinated groups that received oils showed improvement in vNDV shedding in tracheal and cloacal swabs. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the administration of thyme and ginseng essential oils to broilers can improve productive performance parameters, stimulate humoral immunity against, and protect from vNDV infection.

Cardioprotective role of royal jelly in the prevention of celecoxib-mediated cardiotoxicity in adult male albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is used for the management of short- and long-term pain as well as in other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, its chronic use is highly associated with serious abnormal cardiovascular events. The current study was designed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on the cardiac tissues of male albino rats. The study also examined the alleged cardioprotective effect of royal jelly. METHODS: Thirty, male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups; 10 each: (1) rats served as the control group and received no drug; (2) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally), for 30 consecutive days; (3) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) plus royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 consecutive days. Sera were collected to assay cardiac enzymes and oxidant/antioxidant status. Rats were euthanatized and cardiac tissues were dissected for quantitative estimation of apoptotic genes (Bax) and anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2). RESULTS: Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats as manifested by significant elevation of serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with ameliorative effects of royal jelly against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity as manifested by significantly decrease in serum CPK, CK-MB, and LDH levels. It also showed a significant decrease in the oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the bax gene. Additionally, it demonstrated significant increases in the bcl-2 gene and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which contribute to its therapeutic effects against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats with protective effect of royal jelly being given together. It could be concluded that royal jelly may prove a useful adjunct in patients being prescribed celecoxib. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Royal Jelly, A Super Food, Protects Against Celecoxib-Induced Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats.

Background: Celecoxib is a COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on kidney of male albino rats, and to study the potential effect of treatment discontinuation on such tissues. The study also examined the alleged ameliorative effect of royal jelly (RJ). Methods: Fifty, male albino rats were divided into 5 equal groups; 10 each. Group 1: rats received no drug (control group). Group 2: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally for 30 successive days). Group 3: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 successive days. Group 4: rats received celecoxib for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days. Group 5: rats received celecoxib and RJ for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days. Results: Long-term celecoxib administration caused significant elevation in kidney function tests, with ameliorative effects of RJ against celecoxib-induced renal toxicity. Conclusion: Long-term celecoxib administration caused renal toxicity in male albino rats, with ameliorative effects of RJ.

Contexte: Le célécoxib est un anti-inflammatoire non stéroïdien (AINS) inhibiteur de COX-2. Ce médicament est largement utilisé pour le traitement symptomatique de l'arthrose, de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde et de la spondylarthrite ankylosante. Objectifs: Cet essai visait à examiner l'effet d'une administration à long terme de célécoxib sur les reins de rats albinos mâles, à étudier les possibles effets de l'arrêt du traitement sur ces tissus et à vérifier l'effet d'amélioration allégué de la gelée royale. Méthodologie: Cinquante rats albinos mâles ont été répartis en cinq groupes égaux (10 rats par groupe). Groupe 1 (groupe témoin): rats n'ayant reçu aucun médicament. Groupe 2: rats ayant reçu du célécoxib (50 mg/kg/jour, par voie orale pendant 30 jours consécutifs). Groupe 3: rats ayant reçu du célécoxib (50 mg/kg/jour, par voie orale) et de la gelée royale (300 mg/kg/jour, par voie orale) pendant 30 jours consécutifs. Groupe 4: rats ayant reçu du célécoxib pendant 30 jours consécutifs, puis laissés sans traitement pendant 30 jours supplémentaires. Groupe 5: rats ayant reçu du célécoxib et de la gelée royale pendant 30 jours consécutifs, puis laissés sans traitement pendant 30 jours supplémentaires. Résultats: L'administration à long terme de célécoxib a entraîné une augmentation significative des tests de la fonction rénale; la gelée royale a montré des effets d'amélioration contre la toxicité rénale induite par le célécoxib. Conclusion: L'administration à long terme de célécoxib a provoqué une toxicité rénale chez les rats albinos mâles contre laquelle la gelée royale a montré des effets protecteurs.

The role of hesperidin as a cardioprotective strategy against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and cytoprotective potentials.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent effective against multiple types of cancer, particularly lung, breast, bladder and hematologic neoplasia (lymphomas and leukemia). However, its therapeutic usage is restricted by its known cardiotoxicity, which is associated with the production of oxidative stress. Enhancing antioxidant capacity represents a promising approach to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Hesperidin (HES), a citrus bioflavonoid, possesses several pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of DOX and assess the possible cardioprotective role of HES. Methods: Groups of Wistar rats were either treated with DOX (4 mg/kg. bw., once a week for five consecutive weeks, intraperitoneally) or received co-treatment with HES (100 mg/kg. bw./day in distilled water, 5 days in a week for five consecutive weeks, administered orally). Heart and blood samples were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical assessments. Results: DOX administration resulted in severe cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by significant elevations in cardiac biomarkers, including Troponin I (CTnI), Creatine kinase (CK-Total), Creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). DOX also elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interferon γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Furthermore, DOX-induced oxidative stress and substantially reduced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT). Histopathologically, DOX caused severe Zenker's necrosis, cardiomyocyte disarray, sarcoplasmic vacuolizations, cardiomyocyte congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemically, DOX exhibited extensive apoptosis, as indicated by strong positive immuno-localization against anti-caspase-3 antibody. In contrast, co-treatment with HES protected cardiac tissues against cardiotoxicity of DOX, as indicated by the amelioration of histological abnormalities and the normalization of biochemical values. Conclusion: We can conclude that DOX induces severe cardiotoxicity characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological alterations, and apoptosis. Co-treatment with HES demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects by virtue of its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antiapoptotic characteristics.

Spirulina platensis attenuates the associated neurobehavioral and inflammatory response impairments in rats exposed to lead acetate.

Heavy metals are well known as environmental pollutants with hazardous impacts on human and animal health because of their wide industrial usage. In the present study, the role of Spirulina platensis in reversing the oxidative stress-mediated brain injury elicited by lead acetate exposure was evaluated. In order to accomplish this aim, rats were orally administered with 300 mg/kg bw Spirulina for 15 d, before and simultaneously with an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bw lead acetate [6 injections through the two weeks]. As a result, the co-administration of Spirulina with lead acetate reversed the most impaired open field behavioral indices; however, this did not happen for swimming performance, inclined plane, and grip strength tests. In addition, it was observed that Spirulina diminished the lead content that accumulated in both the blood and the brain tissue of the exposed rats, and reduced the elevated levels of oxidative damage indices, and brain proinflammatory markers. Also, because of the Spirulina administration, the levels of the depleted biomarkers of antioxidant status and interleukin-10 in the lead-exposed rats were improved. Moreover, Spirulina protected the brain tissue (cerebrum and cerebellum) against the changes elicited by lead exposure, and also decreased the reactivity of HSP70 and Caspase-3 in both cerebrum and cerebellum tissues. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Spirulina has a potential use as a food supplement in the regions highly polluted with heavy metals.

Diosmin Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic, Renal, and Cardiac Injury: A Biochemical and Histopathological Study in Mice.

The current study was designed to investigate the beneficial role of diosmin, a biologically active flavonoid, against methotrexate- (MTX-) induced hepatic, renal, and cardiac injuries in mice. Male Swiss albino mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX (at 20 mg/kg, body weight) either alone or in combination with oral diosmin (at 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight, for 10 days). Serum was used to evaluate tissue injury markers, while hepatic, renal, and cardiac tissue samples were obtained for determination of antioxidant activity as well as histopathological examination. Diosmin treatment ameliorated the MTX-induced elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinases as well as plasma proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1-beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Additionally, both diosmin doses significantly reduced tissue levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and increased those of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, compared to the MTX-intoxicated group. Histopathological examination showed that diosmin significantly minimized the MTX-induced histological alterations and nearly restored the normal architecture of hepatic, renal, and cardiac tissues. Based on these findings, diosmin may be a promising agent for protection against MTX-induced cytotoxicity in patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Allicin ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

PURPOSE: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly active antineoplastic agent; however, its clinical use is limited due to associated cardiotoxicity. This study was performed to evaluate the beneficial effects of allicin, a dietary garlic active constituent against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, which received normal saline, oral allicin (20 mg kg-1 once daily), intraperitoneal DOX (on the 7, 9 and 11th day of the experiment), or DOX plus once daily allicin at 10 or 20 mg kg-1. Sera were collected for evaluation of cardiac injury markers and proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, heart tissue spacemen were harvested for determination of oxidative stress markers, as well as for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: DOX administration induced significant (p < 0.05) reductions in cardiac tissue level of reduced glutathione and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase). Moreover, it induced significant (p < 0.05) elevations in cardiac tissue concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde as well as serum levels of cardiac injury biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The histopathological examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in the cardiac tissue, while immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked myocardial expression of activated caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2, following DOX adminstration. Allicin pretreatment significantly improved (p < 0.05) all examined parameters, and restored the cardiac architecture. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that allicin effectively mitigates cardiac oxidative damage, apoptosis and inflammation, induced by acute DOX intoxication. Therefore, allicin could be a promising cytoprotective agent against DOX cardiotoxicity.