Chemical Composition of Tagetes patula Flowers Essential Oil and Hepato-Therapeutic Effect against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity (In-Vivo).

The liver is a crucial organ among body organs due to its wide functions, in particular, detoxification and metabolism. Exposure to detrimental chemicals or viral infections may provoke liver dysfunction and ultimately induce liver tissue damage. Finding natural substances for liver disease treatment to overcome the conventional treatments' side effects has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Our current work was conducted to investigate the hepato-therapeutic activities of essential oil (EO) isolated from Tagetes patula flowers. EO was extracted using the hydro-distillation (HD) technique and its chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. Then, the hepatic treatment potential of extracted EO was evaluated in vivo against CCL4 in rats. HD of T. patula flowers yielded highly chemical constituents of EO along with significant antioxidant potential. A coherent molecular network was fashioned via the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) to visualize the essential components and revealed that the sesquiterpene (E)-ß-caryophyllene was the most predominant volatile constituent which accounted for 24.1%. The treatment of CCL4 led to significant induced oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde, total protein, and non-protein sulfhydryl, as well as elevated serum aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. In addition, it disrupted the level of lipid profile. The post-treatment using T. patula EO succeeded in relieving all toxic effects of CCl4 and recuperating the histopathological signs induced by CCL4. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. The obtained results demonstrated that the extracted EO exerted high protective activities against the toxicity of CCL4. Moreover, the T. patula flowers EO can be used as a natural remedy to relieve many contemporary liver diseases related to oxidative stress.

Genotoxicity and Trace Elements Contents Analysis in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Indicated the Levels of Aquatic Contamination at Three Egyptian Areas.

The toxic waste and pollutants of heavy metals continuously pollute freshwater aquatic reservoirs, which have severe implications on aquatic life and human health. The present work aims to evaluate trace elements (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) along with three sites, Mariout Lake, Abbassa, and River Nile Aswan in Egypt, using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as bioindicator. The quality assurance, health-risk assessment, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and micronucleus test were performed to investigate the effect of different trace elements on Hsp70 gene level and micronuclei formation. We observed the highest expression of Hsp70 protein band of 70 KD and stress-responsive Hsp70 gene in the liver followed by gills of Nile tilapia caught from Mariout and Abbassa, but the lowest expression was in Nile tilapia caught from Aswan. Obvious micronuclei were observed under the microscope in erythrocytes, and their number was gradually decreased in the following manner: Mariout > Abbassa > Aswan. Noticeably, Cu, Zn, and Mn contents were low. Still, Pb and Cd contents were higher than the toxicity level recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Commission (EC). These results showed that Hsp70's appearance at the two levels of mRNA and protein is an effective indicator for aquatic pollution besides the aberration at the chromosome level represented in the micronucleus test. Furthermore, these results showed that Nile tilapia of the Aswan region had comparatively low trace elements contamination and were suitable for consumption.

Immunohistochemical, histopathological, and biochemical studies of the NF-Ò¡B P65 marker in rat ovaries experimentally intoxicated by cadmium and the protective effect of the purslane plant extract.

The aim of this study is to describe the existence of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa light chain B lymphocyte protein (NF-Ò¡B P65) in the tissue as a response to cadmium (CdCl2) toxicity. Next is to describe the disappearance of the NF-Ò¡B P65 in response to the purslane plant treatment to explore its anti-inflammatory effect, also describing the histopathological and biochemical changes that occurred from CdCl2 toxicity and the purslane plant tissue protections. There are four experimental groups, 32 rats (n = 8) intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 and orally administered with purslane plant extract (according to groups) for 30 days: group one (control), group two (purslane extract 2 g/kg bw), group three (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw), group four (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw + purslane plant extract 2 g/kg bw). The biochemical findings showed that ovaries and brain tissue homogenates in group three showed malondialdehyde increase and reduction in catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and acetylcholine esterase. A reduction in serum LH, FSH, and estradiol were also recorded. These parameters became normal in group four. The histopathological findings exhibited that group three showed ovarian and cerebral hemorrhage and lung pneumonia. Tissues of group four were protected and no pathological lesions were detected. The immunohistochemical results showed that the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B P65 in group three was strongly detected in the spleen and moderately detected in the ovaries, brain, and lung but negatively detected in the tissues of group four. In conclusion, CdCl2 induced ovarian toxicity and the NF-Ò¡B P65 existence was increased. Purslane plant protected rats from CdCl2 toxicity and decrease NF-Ò¡B P65.

Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn protects female reproductive system against carbendazim toxicity in rats: immunohistochemical, histopathological, and pathophysiological studies.

This experimental study is done to clarify the protective role of the Adiantum capillus-veneris linn plant extracts (ACVL) in Sprague-Dawley female rat reproductive organs that are intoxicated by carbendazim pesticide (CBZ). This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B-P65. This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B-P65 and also, description of the histopathological and pathophysiological changes. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n = 8) and were daily treated orally for 4 weeks. The first group as a control, the second group was treated with ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w., the third group was treated with CBZ 25 mg/kg b.w., and the fourth group was treated with CBZ 25 mg + ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w. The pathophysiological results showed that in the third group, the ovarian tissue malondialdehyde content was elevated, but the fourth group exhibited it at a normal level. Reductions in the ovarian tissue content of glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and also serum FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones were observed in the third group, while, in the fourth group, all these items recorded normal level. The histopathological findings in the third group exhibited severe congestion and hemorrhage in the ovaries, oviducts, myometrium, gastric submucosa, splenic white pulps, and brain subarachnoid spaces. The fourth group showed protection from the congestion and hemorrhage, and no histopathological changes occurred. The immunohistochemical results in the third group revealed strong positive immunoreaction against the NF-Ò¡B-P65 antigen in the uterus and stomach. Ovaries, spleen, and brain showed moderate positive immunoreaction. The fourth group disclosed negative immunoreaction for the NF-Ò¡B-P65 antigen. In conclusion, CBZ toxicity induced histopathological changes in female rat reproductive organs. CBZ induced changes in the enzymatic activities measured in ovarian and brain tissue homogenates. CBZ causes an elevation in NF-Ò¡B P65 as an inflammatory marker, especially in the uterus and stomach. The ACVL plant extract acts as a protective factor to prevent the CBZ toxicity and also has an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing the synthesis of NF-Ò¡B-P65.

Bisphenol A-associated alterations in DNA and histone methylation affects semen quality in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known estrogenic endocrine disruptor, is ubiquitously present in the environment, possessing the potential to interfere with the reproductive endocrine system in male mammals. However, there are limited studies on the reproductive toxicity in male aquatic animals associated with epigenetic modifications. In order to evaluate the potential effects of BPA on reproduction and better understand the underlying mechanism, adult male rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) were exposed to 15 µg L-1 BPA over a period of 63 d. Results showed that BPA induced congestion of blood vessels and infiltration of inflammatory cells after 21 d exposure, and decreased sperm fertilization after 63 d exposure. The genome DNA methylation levels were significantly increased throughout the treatment, and a strong positive stain were found in the spermatocyte, spermatid and sperm. The H3K4me3 level in all types of germ cell were increased by 21 d exposure while decreased following 63 d exposure. The positive stain of H3K9me3 was decreased in sperms while increased in spermatids by 21 d exposure. In addition, the H3K9me3 level was significantly increased after 63 d exposure, and a strong positive stain were found in spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperms. Our result also revealed that the transcripts of DNA methyltransferase genes (dnmt1 and dnmt3-8) and histone methyltransferase genes (mll2-5, setdb1-2 and ezh2) were also markedly changed under BPA exposure for 21-63 d. These findings indicated that BPA had toxicity in male reproductive, and DNA/histone methylation might play a vital role in the regulation of BPA-triggered the decreased of sperm quality.

Hepato-Renal protective Effects of Egyptian Purslane Extract against Experimental Cadmium Toxicity in Rats with Special Emphasis on the Functional and Histopathological Changes.

The study was designed to clarify the hapato-nephroprotective effects of purslane ethanolic extract (PEE) against cadmium toxicity. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal. Cd occurs as environmental and food/ feed contamination causing public and animals health hazards. Liver and kidney are the main target organs for acute and chronic cadmium toxicity. Portulaca oleracea is rich in several vitamins, minerals, antioxidant components, and omega-3 fatty acids mainly α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Results showed significant elevation of the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile and lipid peroxidation. In contrast to the antioxidants enzymatic were greatly decreased. The hepatic and renal tissues showed severe degeneration and necrosis accompanied by severe congestion and multifocal hemorrhages in Cd intoxicated rats. All parameters and tissues showed no changes in rates-treated with both Cd and purslane extract as compared with the control rats. The administration of PEE provided a significantly protection against Cd-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity.

Bio and phyto-chemical effect of Amphora coffeaeformis extract against hepatic injury induced by paracetamol in rats.

Paracetamol is the most commonly used analgesic-antipyretic drugs. Its excess use causes an acute hepatotoxicity. It is well known that the Bacillariophyta alga Amphora coffeaeformis is rich in many photosynthetic pigments with antioxidant activities as well as a series of biologically active substances. The current work has been designed to study the phytochemical composition of different A. coffeaeformis algal extracts to select the most effective one. It was verified that acetone A. coffeaeformis algal extract is rich in various pigments and polyphenolic compounds (ß-carotene (9.31 ± 0.06 mg·g-1), gallic acid (28.31 µg·g-1), catechin (38.08 µg·g-1) and p-coumaric acid (38.69 µg·g-1)). The pigments and phenolic profiles in acetone extract were determined in addition to isolation of ß-carotene and fucoxanthin which exhibited free radical scavenging activity by 74.80% and 69.40%, respectively. Therefore, the highest total antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity were noticed with this extract. Consequently, efficiency of this algal extract was evaluated against hepatic intoxication induced by paracetamol in rats. The biochemical measurements (liver functions and markers of oxidative stress) were  assayed. Moreover, the native protein, lipid and calcium moieties of native protein patterns in addition to catalase (CAT); peroxidases (POX); α- and ß-esterase (EST) isoenzymes and genomic DNA patterns were electrophoretically detected in liver tissues. It was found that paracetamol caused significant (P < 0.05) elevation in serum liver functions associated with decline in activities of the antioxidant enzymes in that tissues. Also, it caused alterations represented electrophoretically at qualitative level from variations in the bands number and arrangement. So that, the paracetamol treated group was noticed with the lowest similarity index (SI). In addition, it caused abnormalities at the quantitative level through variations in quantity of normal bands. Algal extract restored all the biochemical functions to normal levels in the algal extract simult-treated and pre-treated groups. Furthermore, it exhibited ameliorative effect against the electrophoretic alterations through restoring the absent normal bands and hiding the abnormal ones and hence increasing the SI values especially in the extract simult-treated group. Algal extract exhibited antagonistic effect against the hepatic injury and the deleterious effects induced by paracetamol in the extract simult-treated group.

Bio-evaluation of crustacean and fungal nano-chitosan for applying as food ingredient.

Chitosan, bio-polyaminosacharide, is derived from chitin. Two sources (shrimp wastes and fungus biomass) were used to produce chitosan. And then the chitosan was produced in the nano-form followed by characterization by transmission electron microscopy. The images obtained clearly showed that the size of nano-chitosan ranged between 7 and 13 and 3-6 nm with spherical shape for shrimp and fungal sources, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the tested concentrations of chitosan and nano-chitosan were examined and found to have high activity against the tested pathogens. The evaluation of the toxicity of the tested concentrations of the produced chitosan and its nano-size were performed using brine shrimp and rat bioassay. Toxicity examination of chitosan and their nano derivatives is an essential procedure to assess the possibility of using these concentrations as food ingredient. Nine groups of rats were treated with either chitosan or nano-chitosan of both sources at 100 and 200 mg kg-1 bw. Adding chitosan in the diet of all groups showed no significant changes in both the blood biochemical and oxidative stress parameters when compared with control group. The histopathology of liver, kidney and stomach confirmed the results of the previous parameters. No signs of inflammation, fibrosis or cirrhosis were found in examined organs. It is concluded that chitosan and nano-chitosan of shrimp and Rhizopus stolonifer had high antimicrobial activity and are not toxic in the same time and it can be used as food ingredients.