Perinatal Outcomes of Late Preterm Rupture of Membranes with or without Latency Antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether the addition of latency antibiotics in late preterm rupture of membranes (ROM) decreases neonatal infection and increases latency. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective two-center study was conducted at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in Nazareth and Emek Medical Center (EMC) in Afula, on data collected between January 2017 and April 2023. HFH is the smaller institution. EMC and HFH implement similar policies regarding ROM at 340/7 to 366/7 weeks' gestation; the only difference is that a 10-day course of latency antibiotics is implemented at EMC. All women with ROM between 340/7 and 366/7 weeks' gestation who were admitted to one of the centers during the study period, and had a live fetus without major malformations, were included. The primary outcome was neonatal sepsis rate. Secondary outcomes included a composite of neonatal sepsis, mechanical ventilation ≥24 hours, and perinatal death. Additionally, gestational age at delivery and delivery mode were examined. RESULTS: Overall, 721 neonates were delivered during the study period: 534 at EMC (where latency antibiotics were administered) and 187 at HFH. The gestational age at ROM was similar (35.8 and 35.9 weeks, respectively, p = 0.14). Neonatal sepsis occurred in six (1.1%) neonates at EMC and one (0.5%) neonate at HFH (adjusted p = 0.71; OR: 1.69; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.11-27.14). The composite secondary outcome occurred in nine (1.7%) and three (1.6%) neonates at EMC and HFH, respectively (adjusted p = 0.71; OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.14-3.83). The gestational age at delivery was 36.1 and 36.2 weeks at EMC and HFH, respectively (mean difference: 5 h; adjusted p = 0.02). The cesarean delivery rate was 24.7% and 19.3% at EMC and HFH, respectively (adjusted p = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Latency antibiotics administered to women admitted with ROM between 340/7 and 366/7 weeks' gestation did not decrease the rate of neonatal sepsis. KEY POINTS: · Latency antibiotics in late preterm ROM does not decrease neonatal sepsis.. · Latency antibiotics in late preterm ROM does not prolong gestational age at delivery.. · Latency antibiotics in late preterm ROM does not affect the mode of delivery..

Ameliorative effect of hesperidin against high dose sildenafil-induced liver and testicular oxidative stress and altered gene expression in male rats.

BACKGROUND: The clinical use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra), a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, is limited because of its many side effects on tissues. In this context, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, on hepatic and testicular damage induced by a high dose of sildenafil citrate in male rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was used as the control group. The second group was orally administered sildenafil citrate at a high dose of 75 mg/kg thrice a week. In the third group, hesperidin was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. The fourth group was administered 75 mg/kg sildenafil citrate three times a week with 50 mg/kg hesperidin daily. The experiment lasted for 28 days. RESULTS: In the sildenafil-treated groups, blood indices were altered, liver function tests were deranged, and serum testosterone levels were reduced. In the liver and testicular tissue, sildenafil citrate treatment resulted in significant reductions in catalase and total antioxidant capacity; as well as increased malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and nitrous oxide levels. In addition, sildenafil citrate treatment caused abnormal histopathological patterns in both the liver and the testes. Liver vascular endothelial growth factor and testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression were upregulated. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperidin attenuated the harmful effects of intensive sildenafil citrate treatment on liver and testicular functions, alleviated oxidative stress and normalized blood indices. Therefore, hesperidin could be protective against sildenafil citrate-induced oxidative damage that may develop over the long term.

Aspirin in COVID-19: Pros and Cons.

Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has been ravaging the medical and economic sectors even with the significant vaccination advances. In severe presentations, the disease of SARS-CoV-2 can manifest with life-threatening thromboembolic and multi-organ repercussions provoking notable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of such burdensome forms has been under extensive investigation and is attributed to a state of immune dysfunction and hyperinflammation. In light of these extraordinary circumstances, research efforts have focused on investigating and repurposing previously available agents that target the inflammatory and hematological cascades. Aspirin, due to its well-known properties and multiple molecular targets, and ought to its extensive clinical use, has been perceived as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Aspirin acts at multiple cellular targets to achieve its anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. Although initial promising clinical data describing aspirin role in COVID-19 has appeared, evidence supporting its use remains fragile and premature. This review explores the notion of repurposing aspirin in COVID-19 infection. It delves into aspirin as a molecule, along with its pharmacology and clinical applications. It also reviews the current high-quality clinical evidence highlighting the role of aspirin in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Pre-operative assessment of pediatric congenital heart disease patients in the COVID-19 era: lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Equal to COVID-19 patients, non-COVID-19 patients are affected by the medical and social drawbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant reduction in elective life-changing surgeries has been witnessed in almost all affected countries. This study discusses an applicable and effective pre-operative assessment protocol that can be applied during the COVID-19 era. METHODS: Our study is a descriptive retrospective observational study that involves children with CHD requiring open-heart surgeries at our tertiary care centre between March and November, 2020. We reviewed the charts of eligible patients aged 18 years and below. We identified the total numbers of scheduled, performed, and postponed surgeries, respectively. A thorough description of the clinical and physical presentation of the postponed cases, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, is provided. RESULTS: Sixty-eight open-heart surgeries were scheduled at our centre between March and November, 2020. Three surgeries (4%) were postponed due to COVID-19. The three patients were asymptomatic COVID-19 cases detected on routine SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing. No symptoms of cough, chest pain, dyspnea, rhinorrhea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anosmia, and ageusia were reported by our patients. All patients were afebrile and hemodynamically stable. Owing to the pre-operative assessment protocol that was implemented after the first case was detected, only three healthcare workers were at risk of COVID-19 transmission and were imposed to infectious evaluation and home quarantine. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting our discussed preoperative COVID-19 assessment protocol for CHD patients is an effective method to detect COVID-19 infections, optimise patient care, and ensure healthcare workers' safety.

Road traffic injury in Lebanon: A prospective study to assess injury characteristics and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injury (RTI) is a significant yet poorly characterized cause of morbidity and mortality in the Middle East. This hospital-based-study examined RTI in Lebanon and provided an understanding of their characteristics. METHODS: We collected prospective RTI data from three participating hospitals over 3 months using a designed tool based on Canadian CHIRPP and WHO tools. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between contributing risk factors (age, sex) and injury types as well as the association of safety measures used (seatbelts or helmets) and body parts injured. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were collected. Male preponderance with 72%, with mean age 32.6 (SD = 14.9) years. RTI was highest among passengers aged 15 to 29 (48%). Motorcyclists comprised the greatest injury proportion (38%), followed by vehicle-occupants (35%), and pedestrians (25%) (P = .04). Hip injuries represented the most affected body part (48.7%), followed by head/neck (38.2%). Only 31% (n = 47) of victims applied safety measures (seatbelts or helmets). Six drivers (7%) reported cell phone use at collision. The use of safety measures was associated with a substantial reduction in head/neck injuries (P = .03), spine injuries (P = .049), and lower risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: RTI is a major health problem in Lebanon. Safety measures, though poorly adhered to, were associated with less severe injuries, and should be further promoted via awareness campaigns and enforcement. Trauma registries are needed to assess the RTI burden and inform safety interventions and quality-of-care improvement programs.

Nanochitosan Effect on Biomolecular, Hypolipidemic in Rats and Incorporation in Functional Yogurt.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Chitosan has many functional properties and biological activities. This work aimed to prepare and characterize Chitosan Nanoparticles (CN). Then, evaluate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect of CN in rats. Incorporate CN in camel yogurt and evaluation of yogurt properties. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Chitosan Nanoparticles (CN) were prepared and analyzed for the size, zeta potential and poly Polydispersity Index (PDI). Total 24 rats were divided into 4 groups, the negative control group was fed on the basal diet and the positive control group was fed on a High-Fat Diet (HFD), the group I and II were fed on the HFD+(CC) or (CN). The feeding period was 6 weeks. Prepared and Characterization stirred camel yogurt fortified by CN. <b>Results:</b> CN the size was 27.20 nm, ζ-potential+38.78. After the feeding period for CN and CC groups were a decrease in body weight, serum lipid profile and liver function in both tested groups and an increase in HDL-cholesterol and an increase in antioxidants in the CN group more than that in the CC group was observed. mRNA expression with qPCR for hepatic PPARγ, HL, GSS and CYP2E1 genes was performed to investigate the alterations in their levels after CN treatment on the liver of rats fed with HFD. <b>Conclusion:</b> CN possesses the ability to improve the impairment of lipid metabolism as strongly associated with gene expressions related to lipogenesis and oxidative stress. Also, the addition of 2% CN to camel yogurt gave sensory acceptable and microbiological quality.

Production of Terretonin N and Butyrolactone I by Thermophilic Aspergillus terreus TM8 Promoted Apoptosis and Cell Death in Human Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Cells.

The anticancer activity of terretonin N (1) and butyrolactone I (2), obtained from the thermophilic fungus Aspergillus terreus TM8, was intensively studied against prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human cell lines. According to this study, both compounds showed potent cytotoxicity towards ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (SKOV3) with IC50 1.2 and 0.6 µg/mL, respectively. With respect to metastatic prostate cells (PC-3), the two compounds 1 and 2 showed a significantly promising cytotoxicity effect with IC50 of 7.4 and 4.5 µg/mL, respectively. The tested fungal metabolites showed higher rates of early and late apoptosis with little or no necrotic apoptotic pathway in all treated prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human cell lines, respectively. The results reported in this study confirmed the promising biological properties of terretonin N (1) and butyrolactone I (2) as anticancer agents via the induction of cellular apoptosis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which cellular apoptosis is induced in cancer cells.

Neuro-biochemical changes induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles are now widely used in various aspects of life, especially zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) that used in mouth washing, cosmetics, sunscreens, toothpaste and root canal flings. This research aims to determine the impact of ZnNPs on healthy mice's brain tissue. ZnNPs have caused major changes in the brain monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin) and ions such as Ca2+, Na+, K+ and Zn2+. Concerning the histological picture, administration of ZnNPs caused some histopathological impairment in brain tissue. In addition, ZnNPs reduced the level of glutathione and catalase in brain tissue, although an increase in the level of nitrite / nitrate and ROS was observed, while the level of malondialdhyde was not significantly altered. Moreover, ZnNPs induced DNA fragmentation in brain of mice. Collectively, the obtained results revealed that ZnNPs affected the brain levels of investigated monamines, ions, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants thus they may have potential influence on central nervous system.

Nephroprotective effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract against cadmium chloride toxicity in rats.

Cadmium, present in the environment, accumulates in different organs of animals and humans, and has deleterious effects on the kidney. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the methanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus in comparison with silymarin on renal function in cadmium-intoxicated rats for five days. Rats intraperitoneally injected with cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg). These rats were treated with either P. ostreatus extract (200 mg/kg) or silymarin to investigate the protective effects of the extract. Cadmium treatment induced significant histopathological impairments and increased cadmium levels, DNA fragmentation, and renal oxidative stress. However, treatment with P. ostreatus extract or silymarin improved the pathology, reduced the level of cadmium in renal tissue, and restored DNA fragmentation. In addition, a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels, and a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and catalase activity were observed. Thus, protective effects of P. ostreatus extract to its components. Chromatographic analysis of the P. ostreatus confirmed the presence of five phenolics (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, propyl gallate, and cinnamic acid) that exhibit strong antioxidant properties as free radical scavengers. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that treatment with P. ostreatus extract protects against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

Exposure to arsenite and cadmium induces organotoxicity and miRNAs deregulation in male rats.

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) are two prime examples of un-biodegradable compounds that accumulate in the ecosystems causing great threats to human health and produce severe adverse effects. However, their joint toxicities are poorly understood in mammals. This study aimed to identify the effect of exposure to NaAsO2 (5 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and CdCl2 (1 mg/kg injected interperitoneal, i.p.) either alone or in combinations after 14 and 28 days on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes. The results revealed a downregulation of miR-146a also, in miR-let7a after 14 days and a notable upregulation after 28 days. However, administrations of their combinations for 14 days caused downregulated miR-146a and miR-let7a. However, upregulation miR-let7a was observed only after 28 days. Organotoxicity of liver results in a remarkable increase in oxidative stress biomarkers by the two metals either alone or in combinations. A remarkable decrease was noted in an antioxidant enzyme activity indicating a defect in the antioxidant defense system. Also, CdCl2 alone showed remarkable liver histopathological changes. This study concluded that there was a close relationship of high epigenetic changes as deregulation of both miR-146a and miR-let7a as a result of the joint toxicity of both compounds, and ultimately major changes in hepatic tissues that may lead to cell transformations. However, further studies are needed to investigate the target genes for those miRNAs.

Enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni using silica nanocarrier.

The main objective of this work is preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with praziquantel (PZQ-Si) in order to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel (PZQ). Mice were experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni and treated 6 weeks post-infection with PZQ in different doses via either oral or intraperitoneal (IP) routes. PZQ in the same doses orally administered to S. mansoni-infected mice was used as a drug control, and infected and non-infected non-treated mice served as positive and negative controls, respectively. PZQ-Si exhibited good physicochemical attributes in terms of small uniform size (105 nm), spherical shape, and PZQ entrapment efficiency (83%). A maximum antischistosomal effect was achieved using orally administered PZQ-Si as reflected by total worm burden, tissue egg count, oogram pattern, and hepatic granuloma count and diameter. The biomarkers related to liver oxidative stress status and immunomodulatory effect (serum TNF-α and IL-10) were significantly improved. Data obtained implied that IP route was less efficacious for the delivery of PZQ-Si. Encapsulation of PZQ permits the reduction of the used therapeutic dose of PZQ. Hepatic DNA fragmentation, measured by comet assay, was significantly improved in infected mice treated with maximum dose of PZQ-Si as compared to positive or PZQ control groups. The results indicate that mesoporous silica NP is a promising safe nanocarrier for PZQ potentiating its antischistosomal, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory action in animal model infected with S. mansoni. From a practical standpoint, PZQ-Si using a lower dose of PZQ could be suggested for effective PZQ antischistosomal mass chemotherapy.

Evaluation of nanoselenium and nanogold activities against murine intestinal schistosomiasis.

Nanomedicine is one of the most important methods used to treat human diseases including parasitic diseases. Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease that affects human health in tropical regions. Whilst Praziquantel is the main classic antischistosomal drug, new drugs are required due to the poor effect of the drug on the parasite juveniles and immature worms, and the emergence of drug resistant strains of Schistosoma. The present study aimed to examine the curative roles of both gold and selenium nanoparticles on jejunal tissues of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Transmission electron microscopy was used for characterization of nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles of 1 mg/kg mice body weight and selenium nanoparticles 0.5 mg/kg body weight were inoculated separately into mice infected with S. mansoni. The parasite induced a significant decrease in glutathione levels; however, the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased. Additionally, the parasite introduced deteriorations in histological architecture of the jejunal tissue. Treatment of mice with metal nanoparticles reduced the levels of body weight changes, oxidative stress and histological impairment in the jejunal tissue significantly. Therefore, our results revealed the protective role of both selenium and gold nanoparticles against jejunal injury in mice infected with S. mansoni.

Ameliorative role of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extracts against hepatic injury induced by Plasmodium chabaudi infected erythrocytes.

One of the most common deadliest parasitic diseases is Malaria. The biology and the pathogenesis of this fascinating parasite are not yet fully understood which make discovering effective alternative drugs a challenging task. Moreover, the emergence of resistant strains added an additional burden in the journey of malaria elimination. Traditional medicine used to be an alternative therapy choice owing to the presence of potent natural products. Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) considered being one of the common potent natural plant in gulf region and other nations. Therefore, this study designed to evaluate the ameliorative role of Z. spina-christi leaf extracts (ZSCLE) against Plasmodium chabaudi-induced hepatic injury. The study involved three groups were as follows; a vehicle control group, infected with 106 P. chabaudi-parasitized erythrocytes group and ZSCLE treated-infected mice with 106 P. chabaudi-parasitized erythrocytes group. The results showed a remarkable reduction of parasitemia level and notable reverse of the anemic picture among ZSCLE treated-infected mice. The effects of ZSCLE on the liver functions enzymes and on the histopathological pictures of liver were significant. It could be concluded that Z. spina-christi leaf extracts have a protective role against Plasmodium infection that also marked through significant restoration of hepatic oxidative markers.

Effect of gold nanoparticles on mice splenomegaly induced by schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is still one of the main parasitic diseases that affect human health in tropical regions. Whilst praziquantel (PZQ) is the main classic antischistosomal drug, the need for new drugs is still a must due to the low effectiveness of the drug on the schistosome young worms, and the evolving of PZQ resistant strains. Nanotechnology is one of the most important recent and current methods used to treat human diseases including parasitic ones. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the curative role of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on splenic tissue of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used for characterization of nanoparticles (NP). GNPs of 1 mg/kg mice body weight were inoculated into mice infected with S. mansoni. The parasite caused deteriorations in histological architecture of the spleen tissue, and splenomegaly. Additionally, the parasite induced a significant reduction in splenic tissue glutathione levels; however, the concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased. Treatment of mice with GNPs reduced the extent of histological impairment and oxidative stress in spleen tissue. Therefore, our results demonstrate the protective role of GNPs against splenic damage in mice infected with S. mansoni.

Efficacy of Gold Nanoparticles against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the ameliorative effects of gold nanoparticles (gold NP) on the renal tissue damage in Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni)-infected mice was investigated. METHODS: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used for the characterization of NP. The gold NP at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 µg/kg body weight were inoculated into S. mansoni-infected mice. RESULTS: The parasite caused alterations in the histological architecture. Furthermore, it induced a significant reduction in the renal glutathione levels; however, the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were significantly elevated. The parasite also managed to downregulate KIM-1, NGAL, MCP-1, and TGF-ß mRNA expression in infected animals. Notably, gold NP treatment in mice reduced the extent of histological impairment and renal oxidative damage. Gold NP were able to regulate gene expression impaired by S. Mansoni infection. CONCLUSION: The curative effect of gold NP against renal toxicity in S. mansoni-infected mice is associated with their role as free radical scavengers.

Impact of gold nanoparticles on brain of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a condition characterized by high rates of morbidity and cognitive impairment. It afflicts many people in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Our study aimed to investigate the protective role of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on the brain of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Characterizations of GNPs were determined by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Three doses of GNPs (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg body weight) were used to treat animals after S. mansoni infection. The infection induced impairments in histological picture as a result of schistosome infection resulting in a disturbance in the content of the brain neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA). Also, the infection induced significant reduction in glutathione level; oppositely, the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were increased significantly. In addition, S. mansoni was able to disregulate the infected mice brain Cacnb4, Cabp4, Vdac3, Glrb, and Adam23 messenger RNA (mRNA). On the other hand, treatment of mice with GNPs could alleviate the histological impairments, the changes in the content of NE and DA, and the brain oxidative damage. Also, GNPs could regulate the gene expression due to S. mansoni infection. Generally, GNPs could decrease the neurooxidative stress and regulated the gene expression in the brain of infected mice. Consequently, our results revealed an anti-neuroschistosomal effect of GNPs in mice infected with S. mansoni.

Histological, molecular and biochemical detection of renal injury after Echis pyramidum snake envenomation in rats.

Nephrotoxicity is a common sign of snake envenomation. The present work aimed to clarify the effect of intraperitoneal injection of 1/8 LD50 and 1/4 LD50 doses of Echis pyramidum snake venom on the renal tissue of rats after 2, 4 and 6 h from envenomation. Histopathological examination showed intense dose and time dependent abnormalities, including swelling glomerulus and tubular necrosis and damage as well as signs of intertubular medullary hemorrhage at early stages of envenomation. However, at late stages of envenomation by any of the doses under investigation, no intact renal corpuscles were recorded and complete lysis in renal corpuscles with ruptured Bowman's capsules was observed. Immunohistochemistry by immunohistochemical staining was used to test the protein expression of Bax in renal tissue of rats. The result showed that the expression of Bax in renal tissue sections of envenomated rats was increased according to dose and time-dependant manner. The isolation of DNA from the renal cells of envenomed rats pointed out to the occurrence of DNA fragmentation, which is another indicator for renal tissue injury especially after 6 h of 1/4 LD50 of E. pyramidum envenomation. Oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate levels, antioxidant parameters; glutathione, total antioxidant capacity and catalase were assayed in renal tissue homogenates. The venom induced significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate while the levels of glutathione, total antioxidant capacity and catalase were significantly decreased, especially after 6 h of envenomation. The results revealed that the E. pyramidum induced dose and time-dependant significant disturbances in the physiological parameters in the kidney. We conclude that the use of the immunohistochemical techniques, the detection of DNA integrity and oxidative stress marker estimations are more specific tools that can clarify cellular injury and could point out to the defense activity of the renal tissue at envenomation.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective role of gold nanoparticles against murine hepatic schistosomiasis.

In recent years, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have become the focus of much attention in biomedical research, especially in the context of nanomedicine, due to their distinctive physicochemical properties. The current study was planned to assess the effect of three dose levels of AuNPs on the gene expression, histology, and oxidative stress status of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice liver. Inoculation of mice with 100 µL AuNPs at different doses (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg mice body weight) twice on day 46 and day 49 postinfection reduced the total worm burden, the egg load in the liver, and the granuloma size. AuNPs also appeared to decrease the activities of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide significantly, and increase the level of glutathione compared to the infected untreated group. Concomitantly, AuNPs ameliorated the inflammatory response by decreasing the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These consistent molecular, histopathological, and biochemical data suggest that AuNPs could ameliorate infection-induced damage in the livers of mice. Our results indicated that AuNPs are effective anti-schistosomal and antioxidant agents. Further confirmation of the role of nanogold as an anti-schistosomal agent, as well as its mechanism of action, requires further studies to be undertaken in the future.

The potential protective role of Physalis peruviana L. fruit in cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

This study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced hepatorenal toxicity in Wistar rats. Herein, cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (6.5 mg/kg bwt/day) was intraperitoneally injected for 5 days, and methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh) was pre-administered to a group of Cd-treated rats by an oral administration at a daily dose of 200 mg/kg bwt for 5 days. The findings revealed that CdCl2 injection induced significant decreases in kidney weight and kidney index. Cadmium intoxication increased the activities of liver enzymes and the bilirubin level, in addition to the levels of uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased in the serum. The pre-administration of MEPh alleviated hepatorenal toxicity in Cd-treated rats. Physalis was noted to play a good hepatorenal protective role, reducing lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and enhancing enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule, glutathione, in hepatic and renal tissues of Cd-treated rats. Moreover, physalis treatment was able to reverse the histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues and also increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein in liver and kidney of rats. Overall, the results showed that MEPh can induce antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and also exerts beneficial effects for the treatment of Cd-induced hepatorenal toxicity.

The protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg bwt of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of Physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh 1 h before cadmium for 5 days. Cadmium treatment induced marked disturbances in neurochemical parameters as indicating by significant (p < 0.05) reduction in dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex and enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in the brain. Cadmium treatment also decreased the amount of nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants significantly (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with MEPh resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decreases in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and restored the amount of glutathione successfully. Although, preadministration of MEPh also brought the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase significantly (p < 0.05) to the control levels, as well as the levels of Ca(2+), Cl(-), DA, 5-HT, and serotonin metabolite, 5-HIAA. These data indicated that Physalis has a beneficial effect in ameliorating the cadmium-induced oxidative neurotoxicity in the brain of rats.