Unraveling the potential of vitamins C and D as adjuvants in depression treatment with escitalopram in an LPS animal model.

Depression is linked with oxidative stress and inflammation, where key players include nitric oxide (NO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Heme Oxidase-1 (HO-1). Augmenting the efficacy of antidepressants represents a compelling avenue of exploration. We explored the potential of vitamins C and D as adjuncts to escitalopram (Esc) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression model focusing on the aforementioned biomarkers. Male Swiss albino mice were stratified into distinct groups: control, LPS, LPS + Esc, LPS + Esc + Vit C, LPS + Esc + Vit D, and LPS + Esc + Vit C + Vit D. After a 7-day treatment period, a single LPS dose (2 mg/kg), was administered, followed by comprehensive assessments of behavior and biochemical parameters. Notably, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) alleviation of depressive symptoms was discerned in the Esc + Vit C + Vit D group versus the LPS group, albeit with concomitant pronounced sedation evident in all LPS-treated groups (p < 0.05). Within the cortex, LPS reduced (p < 0.05) the expression levels of NOx, Nrf2, BDNF, and HO-1, with only HO-1 being reinstated to baseline in the LPS + Esc + Vit D and the LPS + Esc + Vit C + Vit D groups. Conversely, the hippocampal NOx, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels remained unaltered following LPS administration. Notably, the combination of Esc, Vit C, and Vit D effectively restored hippocampal BDNF levels, which had been diminished by Esc alone. In conclusion, vitamins C and D enhance the therapeutic effects of escitalopram through a mechanism independent of Nrf2. These findings underscore the imperative need for in-depth investigations.

A review of pomegranate supplementation: A promising remedial avenue for Alzheimer's disease.

Neurodegenerative complications, like Alzheimer's disease (AD) exert adverse effects i.e. psychological and physiological in the central nervous system. The synthetic drugs used for these complications have negative effects on body health and therefore natural remedies are a good and targeted approach to counter such complications. Alternatively, fruits and a variety of biochemicals which are an important source of diet, can be used for remedial purposes. Due to the antioxidant properties of polyphenolic compounds, several companies utilize this property to advertise polyphenol-rich beverages. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), is one such fruit that is well known for its medical usage due to its antioxidant properties. In the cuurent study a literature search survey was performed on traditional uses, phytochemicals on pomegranate and their medical applications especaily in neurodegenerative deasese using electronic data bases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct Wikipedia and Springer Nature. Based on previous preclinical and clinical studies, pomegranate juice, extracts, and its bioactive constituents have shown many mitigating properties, including suppression of inflammatory cell signaling, reduction in expression of genes associated with oxidative stress as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines in neurons, decreased production of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. It also decreases the expression of soluble amyloid protein procurer ß (sAPPß), ß-secretase and carboxyl terminal fragment ß (CTFß). Similarly, during an in-vivo study on APP/PS1 mice, pomegranate supplementation has been shown to impart cognitive aid by the protection of neurons and triggering neurogenesis through anti-inflammatory signaling pathway. In conclusion, pomegranate supplementation can be a promising source of protection against Alzheimer's disease.

A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry, Nutritional Composition, and Pharmacologic Application of Species of the Genus Viola in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

Viola L. is the largest genus of the Violaceae family with more than 500 species across the globe. The present extensive literature survey revealed Viola species to be a group of important nutritional and medicinal plants used for the ethnomedicinal treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, asthma, lung diseases, and fatigue. Many plant species of this genus have also received scientific validation of their pharmacological activities including neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, analgesic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and antioxidant. Viola is highly rich in different natural products some of which have been isolated and identified in the past few decades; these include flavonoids terpenoids and phenylpropanoids of different pharmacological activities. The pharmacokinetics and clinical studies on this genus are lacking, and the present review is aimed at summarizing the current understanding of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and pharmacological profile of medicinal plants from the Viola genus to reveal its therapeutic potentials, gaps, and subsequently open a new window for future pharmacological research.

The neuroprotective effect of vitamin D in Parkinson's disease: association or causation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease (NDD) due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) in the substantia nigra (SN). PD is characterized by diverse motor symptoms such as rigidity, resting tremors, and bradykinesia, and non-motor symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances. Vitamin D (VD), VD receptor (VDR), and VD metabolites are present in the brain and play a role in maintaining the development, differentiation, and functions of the DNs. VDRs exert protective effects against PD neuropathology by modulating functional capacity and DNs neurotransmission in the SN. In virtue of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, VD could be effective in the prevention and treatment of PD. VD exerts a neuroprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, and by increasing autophagy and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Low VD serum level is connected with cognitive dysfunction and the development of dementia in PD. The VD-mediated cognitive augmenting effect is interrelated to the safeguarding of synaptic plasticity and modulation of neurotransmitter release. VD deficiency is linked with the severity of olfactory dysfunction which precedes the progression of symptomatic PD. However, the precise role of VD in PD remains unidentified, and there is a conflict about whether treatment with VD can ameliorate PD or not.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as an early predictor of acute hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) poisoning.

Hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) is a plant growth regulator that is classified as a highly toxic poison. There are no definite investigations to help in its diagnosis and follow-up. This study aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the diagnosis, prediction, and follow-up of Dormex-intoxicated patients. Sixty subjects were equally divided into two groups: group A, the control group, and group B, the Dormex group. Clinical and laboratory evaluations, including arterial blood gases (ABG), prothrombin concentration (PC), the international normalized ratio (INR), a complete blood count (CBC), and HIF-1α, were done on admission. CBC and HIF-1α were repeated for group B 24 and 48 h after admission to track abnormalities. Group B also had brain computed tomography (CT). Patients with abnormal CT scans were referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Significant differences in levels of HB, WBCs, and platelets were also detected in group B up to 48 h after admission, as white blood cells (WBCs) rose with time and hemoglobin (HB) and platelets diminished. The results described a highly significant difference in HIF-1α between the groups, and it depended on the clinical condition; therefore, it can be used in the prediction and follow-up of patients up to 24 h after admission.

Assessment of Bioactive Phytochemicals and Utilization of Rosa canina Fruit Extract as a Novel Natural Antioxidant for Mayonnaise.

The oxidation of food emulsions causes rancidity, which reduces their shelf life. To prevent rancidity, synthetic antioxidants are widely used in the food industry. However, due to their potential health risks, researchers are exploring natural alternatives. This study aimed to investigate whether Rosa canina fruit extract (RCFE) could be used as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf life of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise containing varying concentrations of RCFE [0.125% (T1), 0.25% (T2), 0.50% (T3), 0.75% (T4)] was compared to a mayonnaise control sample (C1) and a mayonnaise sample containing 0.02% BHT (C2) for 60 days of storage at 4 °C. RCFE was found to have high levels of total phenols content (52.06 ± 1.14 mg GAE g-1), total flavonoids content (26.31 ± 1.03 mg QE g-1), and free radical scavenging activity. The GC-MS analysis of RCFE revealed 39 different peaks, whereas the HPLC analysis showed the presence of 13 polyphenolic compounds in RCFE. The pH values of T2, T3, and T4 mayonnaise samples substantially declined as storage progressed; however, the reduction was less than that of C1 and C2. After 60 days, mayonnaise samples T2, T3, and T4 had greatly reduced peroxide and free fatty acid levels compared to C1 and C2. The mayonnaise enriched with RCFE (T3 and T4) had the most potent antioxidative ability and the lowest value of lipid hydroperoxides (peroxide value, POV) and the lowest value of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The sensory evaluation revealed that the T3 sample exhibited the highest overall acceptability. In conclusion, this study recommends that RCFE could be used as a natural preservative to enhance the shelf life of functional foods.

Bedbug infestation in Lahore hospitals

Background: Bedbug infestation has been reported globally, but there are few reports about this parasite of public health importance in Pakistan. This is the first study on bedbug infestation in a healthcare setting in Lahore, Pakistan. Aims: To study bedbug infestation in public sector hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 86 wards of 2 tertiary care hospitals in Lahore during October and November 2019, using nonprobability sampling technique. Ward supervisors were interviewed using a self-developed structured questionnaire and wards were examined for bedbugs or their markers. Results: Evidence of bedbug infestation was found in 72.1% of the wards. There was no significant difference in infestation rate between the 2 hospitals but there was a significantly lower incidence of infestation in wards that implemented control measures (25.8% vs 74.2%). No control measures were implemented in 53.4% of the wards sampled. Conclusion: Bedbug infestation was rife in the 2 hospitals studied and knowledge about identification and eradication of the pest among ward supervisors was inadequate. Control measures, where applied, were substandard and not evidencebased.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Metformin Alone and in Combination with Sitagliptin in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with COVID-19.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a potential risk factor for the development of COVID-19 and is associated with higher severity and mortality rates. T2DM patients are commonly treated with metformin monotherapy or metformin plus sitagliptin. In the present case-control, single-center cohort study, a total number of 112 T2DM patients suffering from COVID-19 and aged 44−62 years old were compared with 78 T2DM patients without COVID-19 and aged 42−56 years old. Both the patient group and the control group were allocated into four groups. Group A: T2DM patients with COVID-19 on metformin treatments plus standard therapy (n = 60); group B: T2DM patients with COVID-19 on metformin plus sitagliptin plus standard therapy (n = 52); group C: T2DM patients without COVID-19 on metformin treatments (n = 40); and group D: T2DM patients without COVID-19 on metformin plus sitagliptin (n = 38). The investigation duration was 2−3 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, serological and biochemical investigations, pulmonary radiological findings, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Only 101 T2DM patients with COVID-19 continued the study, 71 (70.29%) with mild-moderate COVID-19 and 30 (29.7%) with severe COVID-19 were compared with 78 T2DM patients as a control. Inflammatory biomarkers (C reactive protein, ferritin, and procalcitonin), a lung injury biomarker (lactate dehydrogenase), and a coagulopathy biomarker (D-dimer) were elevated in severe COVID-19 patients compared with mild-moderate COVID-19 (p < 0.05) and T2DM patients (p < 0.05). However, metformin plus sitagliptin was more effective than metformin monotherapy in T2DM patients with COVID-19, as evidenced by the mitigation of oxidative stress, CT scan score, and clinical outcomes. The present study confirmed the protective effects of this combination against the development of COVID-19 severity, as most T2DM COVID-19 patients develop mild-moderate forms. Herein, the combination of metformin and sitagliptin may lead to more beneficial effects than metformin monotherapy.

Impact of Dietary Egg Yolk IgY Powder on Behavior, Meat Quality, Physiology, and Intestinal Escherichia coli Colonization of Broiler Chicks.

The current study investigated the impact of different concentrations of purified egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) supplemental food on the growth performance, behaviors, cecal contents of Escherichia coli, and the meat quality of broiler chicks. Four dietary groups were given to 180 female Ross broiler chicks at random (n = 45 for each). The control group was fed a standard diet only, whereas the other three experimental groups were fed the same basic diet supplemented with 1,500, 3,000, and 4,000 µg/ml IgY for a duration of 42 days. Significant greater behavioral activities, including, feeding, drinking, and dust bathing (p < 0.05), in the birds fed 4,000 µg/ml of IgY compared to the control group were observed. Greater weight gains of the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, and intestine (p < 0.05) were observed for broiler chicks fed 4,000 µg/ml of IgY when compared to the control group. After 3 weeks of feeding, the groups fed 3,000 and 4,000 µg/ml IgY had significant lower E. coli counts in the muscle and cecal contents (p < 0.05) when compared to the control group. Moreover, dietary supplementation with 4,000 µg/ml IgY in the third week and 3,000 µg/ml IgY in the sixth week resulted in greater weight gain (p < 0.01) when compared to the control group. Also, at week 3, chicks fed 4,000 µg/ml of IgY had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At week 6, chicks fed 3,000 µg/ml of IgY had lower FCR than the control (p < 0.05). The circulating heterophile/lymphocyte ratio was simply altered in birds fed variable IgY concentrations (1,500, 3,000, and 4,000 µg/ml), with no significant differences compared to the control group due to the individual resistance of each bird to physiological stress. The addition of 4,000 µg/ml IgY to the diet enhanced the nutritive value of meat, including protein, fat, and ash content (p < 0.05). Our study concluded that dietary supplementation of 3,000 and/or 4,000 µg/ml IgY improved the growth rates, behavioral activities, intestinal health indices, and meat quality of broiler chicks.

Dietary Crocin is Protective in Pancreatic Cancer while Reducing Radiation-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the fatal causes of global cancer-related deaths. Although surgery and chemotherapy are standard treatment options, post-treatment outcomes often end in a poor prognosis. In the present study, we investigated anti-pancreatic cancer and amelioration of radiation-induced oxidative damage by crocin. Crocin is a carotenoid isolated from the dietary herb saffron, a prospect for novel leads as an anti-cancer agent. Crocin significantly reduced cell viability of BXPC3 and Capan-2 by triggering caspase signaling via the downregulation of Bcl-2. It modulated the expression of cell cycle signaling proteins P53, P21, P27, CDK2, c-MYC, Cyt-c and P38. Concomitantly, crocin treatment-induced apoptosis by inducing the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Microarray analysis of the expression signature of genes induced by crocin showed a substantial number of genes involved in cell signaling pathways and checkpoints (723) are significantly affected by crocin. In mice bearing pancreatic tumors, crocin significantly reduced tumor burden without a change in body weight. Additionally, it showed significant protection against radiation-induced hepatic oxidative damage, reduced the levels of hepatic toxicity and preserved liver morphology. These findings indicate that crocin has a potential role in the treatment, prevention and management of pancreatic cancer.

Design, Formulation and in vivo Evaluation of Novel Honokiol-Loaded PEGylated PLGA Nanocapsules for Treatment of Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Honokiol (HK) is a common herbal medicine extracted from magnolia plants. Low aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability of HK have hindered its clinical application, especially for cancer treatment. Nano-drug delivery system has the potential to enhance HK delivery and therefore, enhance its anti-cancer activity. PURPOSE: The study's aim is to design novel PEGylated-PLGA polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) for HK delivery to breast tumor-bearing mice after systemic administration. METHODS: Formulation of different HK-loaded NCs and their physio-chemical characterization were optimized through the use of different formulation variables. The antitumor activity of the HK-loaded NCs was investigated both in vitro using MCF-7 and EAC breast cancer cell lines and in vivo using solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) breast cancer model. RESULTS: The optimum HK-loaded NCs were prepared from 15% PEG-PLGA diblock copolymer and exhibited the lowest nano size of 125 nm, smooth spherical morphology, highest drug loading of 94% and highest cellular uptake into breast cancer cells. HK-loaded PEGylated NCs can effectively inhibit the in vitro cell growth of breast cancer cells by 80.2% and 58.1% compared to 35% and 31% with free HK in the case of MCF-7 and EAC, respectively. HK-loaded NCs inhibited SEC tumor growth by 2.3 fold significantly higher than free HK, in vivo. CONCLUSION: The designed drug delivery system encapsulating HK exhibited a pronounced decrease in tumor growth biomarkers meanwhile proved its safety in animals. Therefore, 15% PEGylated HK-loaded NCs may act as a promising new approach for breast cancer treatment.