Inflammation and oxidative stress in epileptic children: from molecular mechanisms to clinical application of ketogenic diet.

Childhood epilepsy affects up to 1 % of children. It has been shown that 30 % of patients are resistant to drug treatments, making further investigation of other potential treatment strategies necessary. One such approach is the ketogenic diet (KD) showing promising results and potential benefits beyond the use of current antiepileptic drugs. This study aims to investigate the effects of KD on inflammation and oxidative stress, as one of the main suggested mechanisms of neuroprotection, in children with epilepsy. This narrative review was conducted using the Medline and Google Scholar databases, and by searching epilepsy, drug-resistant epilepsy, child, children, ketogenic, ketogenic diet, diet, ketogenic, keto, ketone bodies (BHB), PUFA, gut microbiota, inflammation, inflammation mediators, neurogenic inflammation, neuroinflammation, inflammatory marker, adenosine modulation, mitochondrial function, MTOR pathway, Nrf2 pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, PPARÉ£, oxidative stress, ROS/RNS, and stress oxidative as keywords. Compelling evidence underscores inflammation and oxidative stress as pivotal factors in epilepsy, even in cases with genetic origins. The ketogenic diet effectively addresses these factors by reducing ROS and RNS, enhancing antioxidant defenses, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating inflammatory genes. Additionally, KD curbs pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production by dampening NF-κB activation, inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, increasing brain adenosine levels, mTOR pathway inhibition, upregulating PPARÉ£ expression, and promoting a healthy gut microbiota while emphasizing the consumption of healthy fats. KD could be considered a promising therapeutic intervention in patients with epilepsy particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy cases, due to its targeted approach addressing oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms.

The association of ideal cardiovascular health metrics and incident hypertension among an urban population of Iran: a decade follow-up in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

We aimed to determine the association between ideal cardiovascular health metrics (ICVHM) and the incidence of hypertension among Iranian adults. The study population included 5409 Iranian adults aged ≥20 years (2088 men) without hypertension (applying the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline) at baseline. The ICVHM was defined according to the AHA's 2020 impact goals, excluding total cholesterol was replaced by non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was done to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for ICVHM both as continuous and categorical variables. During a median 8.5-year follow-up, 2972 new cases of hypertension were identified (men: 1,287). Non-HDL-C < 130 mg/dL in men [HR (95% CI): 0.75(0.65-0.86)] and fasting plasma glucose(FPG) < 100 mg/dL in women[HR (95% CI): 0.79(0.64-0.97)], and among both genders, being normal/overweigth status (compared to obese) and blood pressure <120/80 mmHg were associated with a lower risk for hypertension. Additionally, in both gender, a 1-point increase in the number of global ICVHM decreased the risk of hypertension by more than 10%, and having ≥5 vs. <2 ICVHM, were associated with a lower risk of hypertension by 30% (all p values < 0.05). Applying the JNC 7 guideline, the association between ICVHM, with incident hypertension, were generally similar. Having a higher number of ICVHM was associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension, using both 2017 ACC/AHA and JNC 7 guidelines, mostly attributable to keeping the ideal status of body mass index, non-HDL-C, and FPG.

24-Epibrassinolide alleviates diazinon oxidative damage by escalating activities of antioxidant defense systems in maize plants.

Excessive use of pesticides against pests has contaminated agricultural crops and raised global concerns about food safety. This research investigates the alleviation effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) seed priming on diazinon (DZ) pesticide toxicity. The experiment was conducted with eight groups including control, DZ, EBL (10 µM), EBL (0.1 µM), EBL (0.01 µM), EBL (10 µM) + DZ, EBL (0.1 µM) + DZ, and EBL (0.01 µM) + DZ. Plants grown with the lowest concentration of EBL (0.01 µM) exhibited an upward increase in the activity of SOD, CAT, POD, APX, GR, and GST enzymes under DZ toxicity stress. In contrast, higher concentrations of EBL showed some inhibitory effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, low concentrations of EBL elevated the free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH), iron-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and proline, and protein contents. EBL also reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA levels) in the DZ-exposed plants, leading to membrane integrity. The favorable effects of EBL were more evident when plants were exposed to pesticides than normal growth conditions. The results indicated that EBL seed priming intensifies the antioxidant enzymes system activity, and helps maize plants against toxic effects of DZ under proper concentration.

Expression patterns of T cells-specific long noncoding RNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus patients carrying HLA risk/nonrisk alleles.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play key roles in the regulation of gene expression and subsequently in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the peripheral expression levels of T-cells-specific LncRNAs and transcription factors in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients carrying either human leukocyte antigens (HLA) risk or non-risk alleles. METHODS: Genotypes of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci for 106 SLE patients were determined by PCR-SSP. In the next step, patients were stratified based on the presence of HLA-DRB1*03 and/or DRB1*16 allele groups (HLA risk alleles positive or HLA-RPos) or carrying other DRB1 allele groups (HLA-RNeg). Then, transcript levels of LncRNAs (IFNG-AS1, RMRP, Th2LCR, and DQ786243) and mRNAs for transcription factors (Foxp3, Gata3, and Tbx21) were measured using qRT-PCR and compared between two subgroups of patients. RESULTS: Totally, 47 cases were classified as HLA-RPos and 59 cases as HLA-RNeg patients. The HLA-RPos patients showed decreased transcript levels of DQ786243 (p = .001) and elevated expression of IFNG-AS1 (p = .06) and T-bet mRNA (p = .03) compared to the HLA-RNeg group. We observed significantly lower expression of Th2LCR (p < .0001) and DQ786243 (p = .001) and higher expression of Tbx21 (p = .009) and Foxp3 (p = .02) in DR3-positive versus DR3-negative patients. Likewise, decreased transcript levels of DQ786243 (p = .02) and RMRP (p = .003) were observed in DR16-positive versus DR16-negative patients. ROC curve analysis revealed the potential of DQ786243 and RMRP as biomarkers in SLE disease based on the carriage of HLA risk alleles. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the contribution of multiple T cell subsets in SLE disease progression as judged by expression analysis of LncRNAs and transcription factors can be inspired by the inheritance of HLA risk/nonrisk alleles is SLE patients.

Diagnostic dilemma in a patient with history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and abnormal serum liver enzymes; a case report with six years follow up.

BACKGROUND: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that originates from parafollicular C-cells. Calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are useful biomarkers for monitoring MTC cases. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe a 48-year-old woman, who presented in 2014 with bilateral thyroid nodules. Report of fine needle aspiration was suspicious for MTC; initial laboratory evaluation showed serum Ctn level of 1567 pg/mL. After excluding type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome clinically, total thyroidectomy and neck lymph node dissection were performed. The final histopathological diagnosis was right lobe MTC with neither vascular invasion nor lymph node involvement. On regular follow-up visits, Ctn and CEA levels have been undetectable, and repeated cervical ultrasonographic exams were unremarkable from 2014 to 2021. As liver enzymes became elevated in 2016, the patient was further evaluated by a gastroenterologist. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography revealed a coarse echo pattern of the liver parenchyma with normal bile ducts. A liver fibroscan showed a low fibrosis score (7kPa). The patient was recommended to use ursodeoxycholic acid. According to the progressive rise of liver enzymes with a cholestatic pattern in October 2020, a liver biopsy was performed that showed tiny nests of neuroendocrine-like cells with a background of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Immunohistochemical stainings were positive for chromogranin A (CgA), and synaptophysin and negative for Ctn, CEA, and thyroglobulin. Further imaging investigations did not reveal any site of a neuroendocrine tumor in the body. Considering normal physical exam, imaging findings, as well as normal serum levels of Ctn, CEA, CgA, and procalcitonin, the patient was managed as a PBC. CONCLUSION: In follow-up of a patient with MTC, we reported progressively increased liver enzymes with a cholestatic pattern. Liver biopsy revealed nests of neuroendocrine-like cells with a background of PBC, the findings that might suggest acquiring neuroendocrine phenotype by proliferating cholangiocytes.

Effect of samarium oxide nanoparticles on virulence factors and motility of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) dependent virulence factors are considered the major causes of the emergence of drug resistance, therapeutic failure and development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of samarium oxide nanoparticles (Sm2O3NPs) on biofilm, virulence factors, and motility of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Sm2O3NPs were synthesized using curcumin and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution method. The antibiofilm potential of Sm2O3NPs was also evaluated by crystal violet staining and light microscopy examination. Then, the effect of sub-MICs concentrations of Sm2O3NPs on the proteolytic and hemolytic activities of P. aeruginosa was investigated. Finally, the effect of Sm2O3NPs on various types of motility including swarming, swimming, and twitching was studied. Our results showed that Sm2O3NPs significantly inhibited biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa by 49-61%. Additionally, sub-MICs concentrations of Sm2O3NPs effectively decreased virulence factors including pyocyanin (33-55%), protease (24-45%), and hemolytic activity (22-41%). Moreover, swarming, swimming, and twitching motility remarkably was reduced after exposure to the NPs. The findings of this work showed that Sm2O3NPs have a high potential in inhibiting QS-dependent virulence of P. aeruginosa, which could be considered for antibacterial chemotherapy after further characterization.

In Situ Formation of Copper Phosphate on Hydroxyapatite for Wastewater Treatment.

Here, we control the surface activity of hydroxyapatite (HAp) in wastewater treatment which undergoes peroxodisulfate (PDS) activation. Loading the catalytically active Cu species on HAp forms a copper phosphate in the outer layer of HAp. This modification turns a low active HAp into a high catalytically active catalyst in the dye degradation process. The optimal operational conditions were established to be [Cu-THAp]0 = 1 g/L, [RhB]0 = 20 mg/L, [PDS]0 = 7.5 mmol/L, and pH = 3. The experiments indicate that the simultaneous presence of Cu-THAp and PDS synergistically affect the degradation process. Additionally, chemical and structural characterizations proved the stability and effectiveness of Cu-THAp. Therefore, this work introduces a simple approach to water purification through green and sustainable HAp-based materials.

Diagnostic accuracy of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling using desmopressin or corticotropic- releasing hormone in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current gold standard diagnostic method for Cushing disease (CD) is bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) after corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation. Due to shortages of CRH, BIPSS has been performed with desmopressin (DDAVP) instead. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of BIPSS using DDAVP or CRH for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS). A literature review was done in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and google scholar databases to derive summary estimates of the overall diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of BIPSS using DDAVP or CRH in Cushing's syndrome. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) for differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in the random-effects models, were computed. Overall, 11 different studies with a total of 612 participants, were eligible for the analysis. Five articles with data on BIPSS using DDAVP, 5 papers on BIPSS using CRH, and another one evaluated the results of stimulation using DDAVP, with or without CRH, for differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. The pooled (95% CI) sensitivity and specificity of BIPSS using DDAVP, were 96% (91-98%) and 1.00 (0.00-1.00), respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.95. The pooled (95% CI) sensitivity and specificity of BIPSS using CRH, were 98% (92-99%) and 1.00 (0.00-1.00), respectively, and the area under the SROC curve was 0.98. The I2 index (95% CI) was 0% (0-100%) for both BIPSS using DDAVP and using CRH. As a result, DDAVP stimulation is a safe, effective, less expensive, valuable and available alternative to CRH in the setting of BIPSS for all age groups of patients with CS. Registration code in PROSPERO: CRD42021292531.

Game theory and evolutionary optimization approaches applied to resource allocation problems in computing environments: A survey.

Today's intelligent computing environments, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing (CC), Fog Computing (FC), and Edge Computing (EC), allow many organizations worldwide to optimize their resource allocation regarding the quality of service and energy consumption. Due to the acute conditions of utilizing resources by users and the real-time nature of the data, a comprehensive and integrated computing environment has not yet provided a robust and reliable capability for proper resource allocation. Although traditional resource allocation approaches in a low-capacity hardware resource system are efficient for small-scale resource providers, for a complex system in the conditions of dynamic computing resources and fierce competition in obtaining resources, they cannot develop and adaptively manage the conditions optimally. To optimize the resource allocation with minimal delay, low energy consumption, minimum computational complexity, high scalability, and better resource utilization efficiency, CC/FC/EC/IoT-based computing architectures should be designed intelligently. Therefore, the objective of this research is a comprehensive survey on resource allocation problems using computational intelligence-based evolutionary optimization and mathematical game theory approaches in different computing environments according to the latest scientific research achievements.

Microbial, physiochemical and functional properties of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum enriched by green tea aqueous extract.

In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of green tea on the viability of probiotic bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and the sensory and physicochemical and functional properties of synbiotic yogurt was investigated during 4 weeks of storage. L. acidophilus and B. bifidum counts did not significantly change in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% of the extract during storage. Also, the addition of the extract to yogurt highly increased the phenolic compounds, since the amount of phenolic compounds in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract was 660 and 1,123 mg gallic acid/kg, respectively. In addition, a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of yogurt containing green tea extract was observed in comparison with the control. The amount of antioxidant activity increased during 4 weeks of storage, which reached to 4,193 and 7,337 mg BHT eq./kg in probiotic yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract, respectively. The acidity increased during 4 weeks of storage, while the pH decreased. Addition of the extract significantly increased the acidity of probiotic yogurt compared with the control (p < .05). In addition, in all studied groups, an increase in syneresis was observed during the study, and the syneresis was greater in yogurt containing aqueous extract of green tea, compared with the control group. Although adding the green tea extract to probiotic yogurt impaired taste, texture, and appearance compared with the plain yogurt, the overall acceptability of these samples was yet above the acceptable level. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that the addition of aqueous extract of green tea increased the antioxidant properties and the amount of phenolic compounds in yogurt, while the viability of probiotic bacteria was not changed. Therefore, the simultaneous use of green tea extract and probiotics in yogurt is recommended as an effective functional food formulation.

Adaptogenic potential of royal jelly in reproductive system of heat stress-exposed male rats.

Testicular heat stress (HS) can lead to testicular tissue destruction and spermatogenesis disturbances. Royal Jelly (RJ) has been introduced as a potent antioxidant. We investigated the effects of RJ on testicular tissue, oxidative stress and sperm apoptosis in HS-exposed rats. Compared to HS-exposed groups, RJ co-treatment could improve testosterone reduction and histopathological damages. The RJ co-administration decreased MDA level in testicular tissue, while TAC and CAT levels were remarkably increased compared to HS-exposed groups. Moreover, significant higher expression level of Bcl-2 and lower expression levels of P53 and Caspase-3 were seen following RJ co-administration compared to HS-exposed groups. Our data suggest that RJ can effectively ameliorate experimental HS-induced testiculopathies in rats through testicular antioxidant defense system restoration and germ cells apoptosis regulation.

Recurrence of a neuroendocrine tumor of adrenal origin: a case report with more than a decade follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion are very rare. To our knowledge, no follow-up study is published for ACTH-secreting NET, regardless of the primary site, to show second occurrence of tumor after a long follow-up, following resection of primary tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe a 49-year-old-man with cushingoid feature, drowsiness and quadriparesis came to emergency department at December 2005. Laboratory tests revealed hyperglycemia, metabolic alkalosis, severe hypokalemia, and chemical evidence of an ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism as morning serum cortisol of 57 µg /dL without suppression after 8 mg dexamethasone suppression test, serum ACTH level of 256 pg/mL, and urine free cortisol of > 1000 µg /24 h. Imaging showed only bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, without evidence of pituitary adenoma or ectopic ACTH producing tumors. Importantly, other diagnostic tests for differentiating Cushing disease (CD) from ectopic ACTH producing tumor, such as inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test, octreotide scan or fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scan were not available in our country at that time. Therefore, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed that led to clinical and biochemical remission of hypercortisolism and decreased ACTH level to < 50 pg/mL, findings suggestive of a primary focus of NET in adrenal glands. After 11 years uncomplicated follow up, the ACTH level elevated up to 341 pg/mL and re-evaluation showed a 2 cm nodule in the middle lobe of the right lung. Surgical excision of the pulmonary nodule yielded a carcinoid tumor with positive immunostaining for ACTH; leading to decrease in serum ACTH level to 98 pg/mL. Subsequently after 7 months, serum ACHT levels rose again. More investigation showed multiple lung nodules with metastatic bone lesions accompanied by high serum chromogranin level (2062 ng/mL), and the patient managed as a metastatic NET, with bisphosphonate and somatostatin receptor analogues. CONCLUSION: This case of surgically-treated NET showing a secondary focus of carcinoid tumor after one decade of disease-free follow-up emphasizes on the importance of long-term follow-up of ACTH-secreting adrenal NET.

National trends in cardiovascular health metrics among Iranian adults using results of three cross-sectional STEPwise approaches to surveillance surveys.

To examine the trends of 7 cardiovascular health metrics (CVH metrics) incorporate of smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), and blood pressure (BP) level during three cross-sectional STEPwise approaches to surveillance (STEPS), 2007-2016, among Iranian adults. The study population consisted of 19,841 women and 17,243 men, aged 20-65 years. The CVH metrics were categorized as 'ideal', 'intermediate', and 'poor'. The sex-stratified weighted prevalence rate of each CVH metrics was reported. The conditional probability of each poor versus combined intermediate and ideal metric was analyzed using logistic regression. In 2016 compared to 2007, the prevalence of poor BP level (20.4% vs. 23.7%), smoking (13.7% vs. 23.8%), TC ≥ 240 mg/dl (2.4% vs. 11.2%) and FPG < 100 mg/dl (75.6% vs. 82.3%) declined, whereas poor physical activity level (49.7% vs. 30%), poor healthy diet score (38.1% vs. 4.1%), BMI levels ≥ 25 kg/m2 (62.8% vs. 57.8%) increased. Despite a high prevalence of obesity among women, it remained constant in women but showed an increasing trend in men; moreover, the trends of low physical activity and current smoking were better for women. Despite some improvement in CVH metrics, < 4% of Iranian adults meet ≥ 6 CVH metrics in 2016; this issue needs intervention at the public health level using a multi-component strategy.

A case series of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling with desmopressin in evaluation of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating the etiology of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) has remained challenging due to the limited accuracy of noninvasive assays. Nowadays, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the gold standard method in the diagnostic work-up of complex CS. However, this method is as yet far from being widespread. The limited utility of this method could be due to many factors such as limited availability of an experienced interventionist, limited availability of CRH, and cost of the procedure. So far, very few studies have been conducted using desmopressin instead of CRH. In this study, we report the use of BIPSS with desmopressin as a diagnostic tool in a series of patients with suspected Cushing's disease (CD) and equivocal imaging in a tertiary referral center in Iran. METHODS: A total of 13 patients with ACTH-dependent CS and no significant lesions in their pituitary MRI participated in this retrospective case series. All patients underwent BIPSS with desmopressin, and, following centralization of CS, transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was carried out and diagnosis of CD was confirmed using standard methods. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients with confirmed CD (by pathology or biochemical response after surgery), eight (61.5%) were female, with a median age of 32 years (IQR: 26-41). The median duration of disease was 24 months (IQR: 11-48). During BIPSS, all patients had a central-to-peripheral gradient greater than 2 under basal conditions. This central-to-peripheral gradient did not increase to > 3 after desmopressin administration in two of these patients. Based on the gradient after BIPSS, the sensitivity of this modality in the diagnosis of CD was 100%. Eight of the 13 patients had right lateralization in both BIPSS and TSS; therefore, the accuracy rate of lateralization by BIPSS was 61.5%. No complications occurred after BIPSS, the exception being the development of groin hematoma in one patient. CONCLUSION: No significant benefits of adding desmopressin to BIPSS were observed. The sensitivity of BIPSS in the diagnosis of CD was high, whereas it has moderate accuracy in tumor lateralization.

Pre- sowing seed treatment with salicylic acid and sodium hydrosulfide confers Pb toxicity tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.).

In the present study, impact of salicylic acid (SA), sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and concomitant application of SA and NaHs seed priming was investigated in alleviation of the lead stress adverse effects on growth parameters, total chlorophyll content, dicarbonyl stress, and lead-induced iron deficiency in maize. Maize seeds were soaked in 0.5 mM SA and 0.5 mM NaHS individually and in 0.25 mM SA and 0.25 mM NaHS concomitantly for 12 h. The 6 day old plants were subjected to 2.5 mM Pb(NO3)2 for 9 days. Lead stress caused a significant decrease in growth parameters and total chlorophyll and shoot iron contents, whereas increased lead and methylglyoxal accumulation significantly. The cysteine and methionine contents elevated in shoots of lead stressed plants; probably due to redirection of sulfur assimilation requirement for lead detoxification. The SA, NaHS and SA+NaHS applications modulated glyoxalase I activity and resulted in remarkable reduction in methylglyoxal accumulation during lead stress. Lead induced iron deficiency was reverted under SA, NaHS and SA+NaHS seed priming in shoots, probably through reduction in lead uptake and increase in nitric oxide content. Lead imposition activated iron starvation pathway via elevation in methionine content and expression of iron uptake and hemostasis-related genes including Yellow Stripe1 (ZmYS 1), S-adenosylmethionine synthase (ZmSAMS) and 2'-deoxymugineic acid synthase (ZmDMAS1) in roots. However, the ZmSAMS and ZmDMAS1 transcript levels did not change under lead exposure in shoots. The SA, NaHS and SA+NaHS seed primed plants displayed downregulation of ZmSAMS and ZmDMAS1 in shoots and roots under lead stress. In conclusion, seed priming with SA and NaHS could improve lead tolerance in maize via reduction in the Pb uptake, consequently lowering lead toxicity in the food chain.

Exogenous application of 24-epibrassinosteroid mitigates NaCl toxicity in flax by modifying free amino acids profile and antioxidant defence system.

In the present study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of 24-epibrassinosteroid (24-epiBL) on antioxidant response and ion homeostasis in two NaCl-stressed Linum usitatissimum L. (flax) cultivars differing in salt tolerance. The content and profile of amino acids were also studied in the tolerant cultivar. Salt stress differently altered the activity of antioxidant enzymes, phenol and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant capacity and ion homeostasis in both cultivars, whereas H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were induced only in the TN-97-95 cultivar. Free amino acid concentrations showed variable patterns under salinity conditions compared with the control plants. 24-epiBL decreased the soluble protein content in NaCl-treated plants and also decreased stimulatory effects of salinity on the production and accumulation of phenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity with altered ion (Na+, K+, and Cl-) contents. The 24-epiBL reduced the chlorophylls (a, b) and carotenoid contents in salt-treated TN-97-95 cultivar while enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and declined the H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation in both NaCl-stressed cultivars. The profile and content of amino acids were significantly changed by 24-epiBL application under salinity treatment. In summary, our findings demonstrate that 24-epiBL seed priming mitigates the deleterious effects of salt stress in flax plants.

Current Status of M1 and M2 Macrophages Pathway as Drug Targets for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system is mediated by both the immune system activity and homeostasis, mainly through releasing of various cytokines and chemokines, as well as the transmigration of the inflammatory cells to the affected site. In between, macrophages are key mediators of the immune system, nearly located all over the gastrointestinal tract. Macrophages have vital influence on the inflammatory condition with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. Their polarization status has been linked to numerous metabolic disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The equilibrium between the phenotypes and functions of inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 cells is regulated by both extracellular and intracellular stimuli, determining how the disease progresses. Thereby, factors that interchange such balance in the direction of increasing M2 macrophages offer unique approaches for future management of IBD. This study reflects the novel IBD treatment targets via the immune system's pathway, reporting the latest treatments that regulate the M1/M2 macrophages distribution in a way to favor IBD.

Protective Effects of Anethum graveolens Seed's Oil Nanoemulsion Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice.

The cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that induces oxidative stress in both humans and animals. The plant phenolic compounds are capable of alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals. The encapsulation of plant bioactive compounds using nanoemulsion technology could enhance their bioefficacy. In this study, the protective effects of Anethum graveolens seed's oil nanoemulsion (AGN) against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in mice were studied. The results showed that the major bioactive compounds of essential oil were carvone and limonene. The result of particle size analysis revealed the pseudo-spherical droplets with nanometer size (148.8 ± 9.48 nm), homogenous dispersion, and physical colloidal stability. The Cd intoxication in mice (5 mg/kg BW for 30 days) reduced the body weight gain; however, treatment of the mice with different concentration of AGN (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/L, 30 days) through drinking water improved the body weight loss, liver Cd deposition, lipid peroxidation, cellular antioxidant redox potential, and inflammation in the liver, kidney, and brain of the mice challenged by cadmium-induced oxidative stress. The results of the present study revealed that drinking the essential oil of Anethum graveolens nanoemulsion containing carvone and limonene could be a promising strategy to protect the tissues against cadmium-induced oxidative damage.

Effect of Auricularia auricula aqueous extract on survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-12 and on sensorial and functional properties of synbiotic yogurt.

The effect of Auricularia auricula aqueous extract (AAE) on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-12, and on chemical and sensory properties of yogurt was investigated during 28 days of storage at 4°C. The use of 0.05% of AAE improved the survival of L. acidophilus La-5 and B. bifidum Bb-12 about 0.35 and 0.58 log CFU/g, respectively. However, AAE in 0.1% concentration enhanced the survival of L. acidophilus La-5 and B. bifidum Bb-12 about 0.43 and 0.51 log CFU/g, respectively. Moreover, 0.1% concentration of AAE drastically increased antioxidant activity and total phenolic content to 115.30 mg BHT eq./kg and 1,057.6 mg Gallic acid/kg after 28 days, respectively. Addition of AAE to the yogurt significantly decreased sensorial acceptance while increased syneresis compared to the control group (p < .05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that addition of AAE improved probiotic protection and functional properties of the yogurt recommending its application in symbiotic yogurt.

Synthesis and characterisation of chitosan-encapsulated genistein: its anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities.

Aims: The study was carried out to synthesise and characterise the chitosan-encapsulated genistein (CHI-En/Gen) and determine its anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic properties.Methods: The cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activity of CHI-En/Gen was performed using MTT and chorioallantoic membrane assay. The molecular action was determined using flow cytometry and gene expression.Results: The synthesised CHI-En/Gen was in submicron size, spherical in shape and with entrapment efficiency and loading efficiency of 76.8% (w/w) and 32.6% (w/w), respectively. The CHI-En/Gen notably inhibited the growth and proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29) while did not affect the viability of human dermal fibroblast as normal cell. The flow cytometry and the caspase-3 gene expression analyses revealed the apoptotic cells death in the HT-29 cells. Moreover, the encapsulated genistein showed anti-angiogenic activity.Conclusion: The CHI-En/Gen appeared as a promising carrier for the colon delivery of genistein to be used in complementary health approaches for the cancer prevention.