Protective effect of eriodictyol against hyperglycemia-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats entails antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activating Nrf2.

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves cellular activation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Eriodictyol is a citrus-derived flavonoid with multiple pharmacological and protective effects in various conditions. The protective role of Eriodictyol against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy is less investigated. The current research aimed to explore the role of eriodictyol in protecting against DN prompted by streptozotocin in male rats and investigate some possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes was brought about in rats by an i.p injection of a lone dose (65 mg/kg). Five groups of rats were included (n = 8 each) as control (non-diabetic), eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), STZ-diabetic, STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally) + ML385 (30 µg/kg, i.p.). Kidney histology and the levels of some markers of kidney function, renal oxidative stress, and renal inflammation were analyzed in all groups of rats. Treatment with eriodictyol prevented the damage in the renal glomeruli and tubules and reduced renal immune cell infiltration in STZ-treated animals. It also spiked urinary creatinine excretion and reduced urine volume and urinary levels of albumin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and nephrin in these diabetic rats. In addition, eriodictyol stimulated the nuclear protein accumulation of Nrf2 and boosted the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and catalase (CAT) in the diabetic rat kidneys. In concomitance, it reduced the nuclear levels of NF-κB and levels of interleukine-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and attenuated the reduction in renal ATP levels and the increase in the mitochondria transition pore opening (mtTPT). However, the administration of eriodictyol did not affect rats' body weights and fasting glucose and insulin levels but significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and oxidized LDL-c (ox-LDL-c). In conclusion, eriodictyol prevents STZ-induced nephropathy by a hypolipidemic effect and concomitant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activating Nrf2/NF-κB/antioxidant axis.

Esculeoside A Decreases Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Treated Rats by Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Apoptosis: Impressive Role of Nrf2.

Background and Objectives: This experiment evaluated the preventative influence of the tomato-derived Esculeoside A (ESA) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). It also examined whether the activation of Nrf2 signaling affords this protection. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar control nondiabetic rats and rats with T1DM (STZ-T1DM) were given either carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle or ESA (100 mg/kg) (eight rats/group) orally daily for 12 weeks. A group of STZ-T1DM rats was also treated with 100 mg/kg ESA and co-treated i.p. with 2 mg/kg (twice/week), brusatol, and Nrf2 inhibitors for 12 weeks. Results and Conclusions: Treatment with ESA prevented the gain in heart weight and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and improved the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function (LV) in the STZ-T1DM rat group. Likewise, it reduced their serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), as well as their LV mRNA, cytoplasmic total, and nuclear total levels of NF-κB. ESA also reduced the total levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukine-6 (IL-6), Bax, cytochrome-c, and caspase-3 in the LV of the STZ-T1DM rats. In parallel, ESA enhanced the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2 and the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and heme oxygenase-1, but decreased the mRNA and cytoplasmic levels of keap-1 in the LVs of the STZ-T1DM rats. Interestingly, ESA did not affect the fasting insulin and glucose levels of the diabetic rats. All of these beneficially protective effects of ESA were not seen in the ESA-treated rats that received brusatol. In conclusion, ESA represses diabetic cardiomyopathy in STZ-diabetic hearts by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant/NF-κB axis.

Esculeoside A alleviates reproductive toxicity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats' s model by activating Nrf2 signaling.

This examination studied if Esculeoside A (ESA) alleviates reproductive toxicity in a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rat model and if activating Nrf2 underlies this protection. T1DM was established by a single injection of STZ. Aged-matched adult control and STZ-DM rats were administered either the vehicle (5% carboxymethyl cellulose) or ESA (100 mg/kg). An additional group [STZ-DM + ESA (100 mg) + brusatol (2 m/kg] was added. All treatments were conducted for 16 weeks. ESA failed to attenuate weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia but significantly attenuated the associated dyslipidemia in STZ-DM rats. In parallel, ESA also enhanced total sperm count, motility, survival, reduced head and tail sperm abnormalities, increased circulatory concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and Luteinizing hormone (LH), and stimulated the testicular expression of several steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3ß-HSD1) in STZ-DM rats. These observations were associated with a higher testicular increase in the transcription, protein levels, and nuclear activities of Nrf2 that coincided with a reduction in the total levels of MDA and keap1 and a significant increase in the total levels of some antioxidants such as HO-1, SOD, and GSH. In concomitance, ESA reduced the testicular mRNA and nuclear concentrations of NF-κB and depressed the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Brusatol prevented all these protective effects of ESA. In conclusion, activation of Nrf2 triggers the protective potential of ESA against reproductive toxicity in STZ-DM rats.

The Protective Effect of 11-Keto-ß-Boswellic Acid against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats Entails Activation of AMPK.

This study examined the protective effect of 11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) in rats and examined the possible mechanisms of action. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each): (1) control, AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.), STZ + AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + AKBA + compound C (CC/an AMPK inhibitor, 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.). AKBA improved the structure and the systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricles (LVs) of STZ rats. It also attenuated the increase in plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), and free fatty acids (FFAs) in these diabetic rats. AKBA stimulated the ventricular activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC); increased levels of malonyl CoA; and reduced levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), indicating improvement in glucose and FA oxidation. It also reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); increased mitochondria efficiency and ATP production; stimulated mRNA, total, and nuclear levels of Nrf2; increased levels of glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT); but reduced the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and levels of tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These effects were concomitant with increased activities of AMPK in the LVs of the control and STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with CC abolished all these protective effects of AKBA. In conclusion, AKBA protects against DC in rats, mainly by activating the AMPK-dependent control of insulin release, cardiac metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Prevalence of fast-food intake among a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and connection with sociodemographic factors and obesity.

Adults are increasingly eating fast-food, which is connected to adverse health outcomes such as obesity and chronic diseases. This work was carried out to study the prevalence of fast-food intake among a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and its connection with sociodemographic factors and obesity. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1800 middle-aged men from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess participants fast-food intake frequency. Fast-food was consumed weekly by 87.8% of participants and daily by 45.6% of participants. The nationality of participants was determined as a predictor of fast-food intake. The highest and lowest prevalence of weekly fast-food intake was reported among Turkish (99.6%) and Sudanese (48.3%) participants. The highest and lowest daily intake rates were reported among participants from the Philippines (85.9%) and Bangladesh (10.0%). Another factor predicting fast-food intake was obesity. Obese participants had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of weekly (OR = 5.83, P <.001) and daily (OR = 1.93, P <.001) fast-food intake than non-overweight/nonobese participants. Fast-food intake was prevalent among middle-aged men who reside in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results connect fast-food intake with nationality and obesity.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Young Men and Association with Sociodemographic Characteristics and Obesity.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are frequently consumed among adults and are linked with the incidence of obesity. We aimed to determine rates of weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverage intake in a multi-ethnic population of young men and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and obesity. This cross-sectional study included 3600 young men who lived in Riyadh, KSA. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption were gathered through personal interviews. The outcome variables in this study are based on the weekly and daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Weight and height were measured following standard protocols. The rates of weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverage intake by participants were 93.6% and 40.8%, respectively. Nationality was a predictor of weekly and daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The highest rates of weekly (99.5%) and daily (63.9%) consumption were observed in subjects from the Philippines and Yemen, respectively, while Bangladeshi subjects had the lowest rates of weekly (76.9%) and daily (6.9%) consumption. Obesity was another predictor of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Obese participants had a significantly higher odds ratio of weekly sugar-sweetened beverage consumption than non-obese subjects (OR = 4.53, p = 0.037). In conclusion, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was relatively high and our results support an association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and certain sociodemographic variables and obesity.

The protection afforded by Berberine against chemotherapy-mediated nephropathy in rats involves regulation of the antioxidant axis.

Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment in cancer patients leads to nephrotoxicity. The nephroprotective effect of Berberine (BBR), a herbal ingredient, is well documented as antioxidant and activation of the Nrf2 signalling. This study aimed to investigate if Nrf2 is a major protective mechanism of BBR in DOX animal models. Rats were divided as (n = 6 each): Control, BBR (100 mg/kg, orally), DOX (15 mg/kg, orally), BBR + DOX, and BBR + DOX + brusatol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p./twice per week) (an Nrf2 inhibitor). DOX was given as a single dose (day 10), whereas BBR was administered for 3 weeks on a daily basis. BBR reduced tubular degeneration and improved renal markers in DOX-treated rats. It also reduced renal nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as mRNA levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. However, BBR stimulated glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, the transcription of Bcl2, and the mRNA, total cytoplasmic, and nuclear levels of Nrf2 with no effect on the cytoplasmic keap1 levels. All these effects disappeared by brusatol. In conclusion, BBR prevents DOX-induced renal damage by activating Nrf2.

Prevalence of Fast Food Intake among a Multi-Ethnic Population of Young Men and Its Connection with Sociodemographic Determinants and Obesity.

Fast food is commonly consumed by young adults. Eating fast food is connected with the risk of obesity and other related diseases. The present study examines the prevalence of fast food intake in a diverse sample of young men. This cross-sectional study included 3600 young men (20-35 years) who resided in Riyadh, KSA. The frequency of fast food intake was assessed using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Weekly and daily intake of fast food were the two outcome variables adopted to assess the intake frequency. Weight and height were measured. Fast food was eaten by 88.8% and 50.1% of participants weekly and daily, respectively. Fast food intake was predicted by the nationality of participants. The highest prevalence of weekly fast food intake (99.7%) was observed among Saudi, Egyptian, and Indian participants, while the lowest rate was observed among Sudanese participants (48.6%). The highest and lowest rates of daily intake were seen among Filipino (83.4%) and Bangladeshi (6.3%) participants. Obesity was another predictor of fast food intake. Obese participants had a significantly higher odds ratio of weekly (OR = 2.89, p = 0.006) and daily (OR = 1.39, p = 0.021) fast food intake than non-overweight/non-obese participants. In conclusion, fast food is frequently consumed by young men in KSA. Our findings link the likelihood of fast food intake to sociodemographic determinants and obesity.

Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and association with sociodemographic variables and obesity.

Background: Adults frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages. These products are linked to negative health effects such as obesity. Our study was carried out to assess rates of weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and association with sociodemographic variables and obesity. Methods: A sum of 1,800 middle-aged men (36-59 years) living in Riyadh, KSA, participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic variables and the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were gathered from participants using face to face interviews. Weekly and daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were the two binary outcome variables applied in this research. Weight and height were measured following standard procedures. Results: In this study, 93.8 and 32.6% of participants consumed sugar-sweetened beverages weekly and daily, respectively. The weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was predicted by nationality. Subjects from Pakistan (99.3%) and Yemen (60.0%) reported the greatest rates of weekly and daily consumption, respectively, while Bangladeshi and Sudanese subjects reported the lowest rates of weekly (87%) and daily (2.9%) consumption, respectively. Another factor that predicted weekly sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was obesity. Obese subjects had a significantly greater odds ratio of weekly sugar-sweetened beverages intake than non-obese individuals (OR = 3.80, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is common among middle-aged men who live in KSA. Results show connecting sugar-sweetened beverages intake with specific sociodemographic variables and obesity.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of two extracts from Capparis spinosa L. and Rumex nervosus and molecular docking investigation of selected major compounds.

The present study examined the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and molecular docking of different solvents extracts (methanol and water) of two medicinal plants, namely, Capparis spinosa L (CS) and Rumex nervosus (RN). Phytochemical analysis showed that total phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the methanolic extract of both plants than in other solvents. However, tannin content was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) high in the water extract for both plants. Chloroform and acetone extracts were significantly lower in phytochemicals than other solvents, therefore excluded in this study. GC-MS analysis showed one dominant compound in CS (isopropyl isothiocyanate) and two in RN (pyrogallol and palmitic acid). The antioxidant methods applied (DPPH, ABTS, ß-Carotene/linoleic acid assay, and reducing the power) showed that the methanolic extract of CS exerted higher activity in methanolic extract but lower than that of BHA standard. The methanolic extract of both plants inhibited the bacterial pathogens when a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was applied, compared to water extract with RN-methanolic extract had a lower inhibition concentration than CS-methanolic extract. The molecular interactions study revealed that the palmitic acid and pyrogallol interacted with the receptors' active site. This work concluded that CS and RN showed a remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial effect with the high antimicrobial activity of RN extract.

Rumex nervosus could alleviate streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by activating Nrf2 signaling.

This study tested the protective effect of Rumex nervous (R. nervosus) methanol extract against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-induced nephropathy in rats and examined if this protection involves activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2). Rats were divided into control, R. nervous (300 mg), STZ (T1DM), STZ + R. nervosus (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg), and STZ + R. nervosus (300 mg/kg) + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor). With no effect on fasting glucose and insulin levels, R. nervosus methanol extract preserved kidney histological structure and alterations kidney function markers (e.g. albumin, creatinine, and urine volume) in the STZ-diabetic rats. R. nervosus also reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-6 (IL-6), nuclear levels of the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and mRNA of caspase-3 and Bax in the kidneys of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, it stimulated renal mRNA levels of Bcl2 and Nrf2, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). All these effects were dose-dependent, with the maximum effect seen with the 300 mg/kg dose, all prevented by brusatol. Also, these effects occurred without any alteration in the transcription of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap-1). Similar effects on levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, and NF-κB, as well as expression of Nrf2, were also observed in the kidney of control + R. nervous-treated rats. In conclusion, R. nervosus prevents diabetic nephropathy in rats by upregulating and activating Nrf2.

Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among Young Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries who live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The body weight and height of 3600 young men (aged 20 to 35 years) were measured using standardized methods. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were collected using face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity was reported in 48.3% of the study sample; 42.2% were overweight, and 6.2% were obese. The overweight and obesity rate was associated with the nationality of the participants. The lowest rate of overweight and obesity was observed among participants from Bangladesh (19.4%), while the highest rate was reported among participants from Egypt (67.5%). Older age and longer residency duration were associated with overweight and obesity risk among the subjects. CONCLUSION: The outcomes revealed a fairly high prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants. The notable disparity in overweight and obesity rates among participants of different nationalities is confirmed. The risk of overweight and obesity among young men in Saudi Arabia is associated with nationality, age, and residency duration.

Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence in Middle-Aged Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine differences in overweight and obesity prevalence and the associated sociodemographic variables among middle-aged men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study sample was chosen randomly using a stratified clustered sampling technique. The weight and height of 1800 middle-aged men (36 to 59 years) from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were measured using standardized methods. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather sociodemographic information from participants. Results: Overweight and obesity were reported among 51.9% and 14.7% of participants, respectively. Nationality was a predictor of overweight and obesity. Subjects from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia had the lowest (41.0%) and highest (85.1%) rates of overweight and obesity, respectively. Increasing age, staying in Saudi Arabia for a longer period, being single, and earning a high monthly income were associated with a significantly higher risk of overweight and obesity among the participants. Conclusion: The findings revealed significant differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants from different countries living in Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic variables associated with overweight and obesity among participants were identified.

Breakfast Skipping among a Multi-Ethnic Population of Young Men and Relationship with Sociodemographic Determinants and Weight Status.

Breakfast skipping is linked with obesity incidence. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of breakfast skipping among a multi-ethnic population of young men residing in Saudi Arabia and its relationship with sociodemographic determinants and weight status. A total of 3600 young men aged 20 to 35 years and living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were involved in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic determinants and breakfast-consumption frequency were collected from subjects by personal interviews. This study defines breakfast skipping as skipping breakfast at least one day per week. Weight and height were measured following standardized methods. The prevalence of breakfast skipping was observed among 52.8% of the study subjects. Nationality was a predictor of breakfast skipping, with the lowest and highest rates of breakfast skipping reported among young men from Bangladesh (14.0%) and Saudi Arabia (86.5%), respectively. Weight status was another predictor of breakfast skipping, as the mean body mass index for breakfast skippers (25.4 kg/m2) was significantly (p-value < 0.001) higher than that for breakfast consumers (24.8 kg/m2). Overweight/obese subjects have a significantly higher rate of breakfast skipping (56.9%) than underweight/normal weight subjects (48.9%). In conclusion, breakfast skipping prevalence is relatively high among young men residing in Saudi Arabia. The findings confirm a relationship between breakfast skipping and sociodemographic determinants and weight status.

Evaluating the effects of different processing methods on the nutritional composition of shrimp and the antioxidant activity of shrimp powder.

Shrimp is a prevalent food in the Arabian Gulf that is known for its good sensory properties and high nutritional value. The aim of the present work was to assess the effects of diverse processing methods on the nutritional composition of shrimp and the antioxidant activity of shrimp powder. Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) flesh was treated using four processes (salting, frying, grilling, and boiling), following which its macronutrient content, fatty acid profile, vitamins and mineral contents were measured. Also, the antioxidant activity of all shrimp powder extracts was assessed using the 2, 2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), linoleic acid oxidation inhibition, and reducing power methods. The results revealed that the fresh and processed shrimp flesh had significant nutritional value and the fresh and treated shrimp powders have high antioxidant activity, but the cooking processes have significant effects on the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh. These effects were greater significantly in grilled shrimp followed by boiled shrimp and then fried shrimp. It is concluded that the high nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh make it an important food for nutritional health promotion for the community.

Ellagic acid protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by activating AMPK.

CONTEXT: Ellagic acid (EA) is used in traditional medicine to treated hyperlipidaemia. OBJECTIVE: This study examined if AMPK mediates the anti-steatotic effect of ellagic acid (EA) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (130 ± 10 g) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 rats/group) as control, control + EA, control + EA + CC an AMPK inhibitor), T1DM, T1DM + EA, and T1DM + EA + CC. The treatments with EA (50 mg/kg/orally) and CC (200 ng/rat/i.p.) were given the desired groups for 12 weeks, daily. RESULTS: In T1DM-rats, EA reduced fasting glucose levels (44.8%), increased fasting insulin levels (92.8%), prevented hepatic lipid accumulation, and decreased hepatic and serum levels of total triglycerides (54% & 61%), cholesterol (57% & 48%), and free fatty acids (40% & 37%). It also reduced hepatic levels of ROS (62%), MDA (52%), TNF-α (62%), and IL-6 (57.2%) and the nuclear activity of NF-κB p65 (54%) but increased the nuclear activity of Nrf-2 (4-fold) and levels of GSH (107%) and SOD (87%). Besides, EA reduced downregulated SREBP1 (35%), SREBP2 (34%), ACC-1 (36%), FAS (38%), and HMG-CoAR (49%) but stimulated mRNA levels of PPARα (1.7-fold) and CPT1a (1.8-fold), CPT1b (2.9-fold), and p-AMPK (4-fold). All these events were prevented by the co-administration of CC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings encourage the use of EA to treat hepatic disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to validate its potential in clinical medicine.

Ellagic acid improved diabetes mellitus-induced testicular damage and sperm abnormalities by activation of Nrf2.

Diabetes mellitus induces testicular damage, increases sperm abnormalities, and impairs reproductive dysfunction due to induction of endocrine disturbance and testicular oxidative stress. This study evaluated the reproductive protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) against testicular damage and abnormalities in sperm parameters in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (T1DM) and examined some possible mechanisms of protection. Adult male rats were segregated into 5 groups (n = 12 rat/each) as control, control + EA (50 mg/kg/day), T1DM, T1DM + EA, and T1DM + EA + brusatol (an Nrf-2 inhibitor) (2 mg/twice/week). All treatments were conducted for 12 weeks, daily. EA preserved the structure of the seminiferous tubules, prevented the reduction in sperm count, motility, and viability, reduced sperm abnormalities, and downregulated testicular levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in diabetic rats. In the control and diabetic rats, EA significantly increased the circulatory levels of testosterone, reduced serum levels of FSH and LH, and upregulated Bcl-2 and all steroidogenic genes (StAr, 3ß-HSD1, and 11ß-HSD1). Besides, it reduced levels of ROS and MDA but increased levels of GSH and MnSOD and the transactivation of Nrf2. All these biochemical alterations induced by EA were associated with increased activity and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. However, all these effects afforded by EA were weakened in the presence of brusatol. In conclusion, EA could be an effective therapy to alleviated DM-induced reproductive toxicity and dysfunction in rats by a potent antioxidant potential mediated by the upregulation of Nrf2.

Fisetin protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats by suppressing fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting protein kinase R.

This study examined if the Fisetin against streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) in rats involves regulating cardiac metabolism and suppressing protein kinase R (PKR). Male rats were divided (12/groups) as control (non-diabetic), control + Fisetin, T1DM, and T1DM + Fisetin. Fisetin was administered orally at a final dose of 2.5 mg/kg for 12 weeks. In T1DM1-induced rats, Fisetin prevented heart and final body weights loss, lowered circulatory levels troponin I and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB), increased fasting insulin levels, and improved ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. It also preserved the structure of the cardiomyocytes and reduced oxidative stress, fibrosis, protein levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), collagenase 1A, caspase-3, and the activation of JNK, p53, and p38 MAPK. In the control and diabetic rats, Fisetin attenuated fasting hyperglycaemia, the increases in glucose levels after the oral and insulin tolerance tests, and HOMA-IR. It also increased cardiac glucose oxidation by increasing the activity of private dehydrogenase (PDH), phosphofructokinase (PFK), protein levels of PPAR-α and suppressed cardiac inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB. These effects were associated with a reduction in the activity of PKR and subsequent increase in the activity of eeukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) with a parallel increase in protein levels of p67, a cellular inhibitor of PKR. In cultured cardiomyocytes, Fisetin, prevented high glucose (HG)-induced activation of PKR and reduction in p67, in a dose-dependent manner. However, the effect of Fisetin on PKR was diminished in LG and HG-treated cardiomyocytes with p67-siRNA. In conclusion, Fisetin protects against DC in rats by improving cardiac glucose metabolism and suppressing PKR.

The protective effect of shrimp cooked in different methods on high-cholesterol- induced fatty liver in rats.

This study examined the impact of different cooking methods on fatty acid (FAs) composition of shrimp meat and the ability of these foods to protect against high cholesterol (HC) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Shrimp were cooked for 10 min boiled, grilled, or fried in sunflower oil. Rats (n = 6/group) were fed a normal diet (ND)or high-cholesterol diet (HC) each containing boiled, grilled or fried shrimp powder (15% w/w) (NDBS, NDFS, NDGS for ND or HCBS, HCFS, HCDGS for HC diet). Frying alone significantly reduced total levels of saturated FAs (SFA) and increased total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs (MSFA, and PUFAs, respectively) in shrimp meat. It also increased levels of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (LA) and decreased levels of n-3 PUFAs including eicosapentaenoic FAs (EPA) and docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). When fed to HC rats, only diets containing the grilled and boiled shrimp powders significantly prevented the weight loss, lowered fasting and glucose levels, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and prevented the increase in serum liver markers, ALT and AST. They also reduced hepatic fat accumulation, reduced serum levels and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), reduced hepatic levels of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6, and increased those of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). No alterations in all these parameters were observed in HC-fed rats which fed fried shrimp. In conclusion, boiling and grilling but not frying are the best method to cook shrimp to preserve their fatty acid content and its nutritional value in ameliorating NAFLD.

Physical Activity Levels of a Multi-Ethnic Population of Middle-Aged Men Living in Saudi Arabia and Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity.

Objectives: This study investigated physical activity levels and factors related to physical inactivity in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men living in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 1,800 men aged 36-59 years old from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia participated. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity levels. The weight and height were measured and used to calculate the body mass index. Results: Among all participants, 35.3% are physically inactive. The participants with the lowest and highest rates of physical inactivity were from the Philippines (15.5%) and Saudi Arabia (57.8%), respectively. This study suggests that the risk of physical inactivity among participants is positively or negatively affected by various factors, including nationality, residency period in Saudi Arabia, living with/without family, education level, monthly income, and body mass index. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity is relatively high among middle-aged men in Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed significant differences in physical activity levels based on nationality, other sociodemographic variables and body weight status.