Post COVID-19 Symptoms Among Infected Vaccinated Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies investigated the endurance and occurrence of symptoms three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study examines the possible effects of COVID-19 vaccination on the persistence of post-recovery symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate 14 prevalent long COVID-19 symptoms among vaccinated individuals. Patients self-reported their acute COVID-19 experience, demographic information, chronic conditions, vaccine history, and persistent symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 484 patients, four respondents were excluded from the study as they had not received the vaccine, and 111 (23.1%) were vaccinated but did not get infected and were also excluded. The remaining 369 (76.9%) reported COVID-19 and a vaccination and thus they were included in the study. The occurrence of post-COVID-19 symptoms was reported in 59 (16.1%) for ≤ 3 months, 202 (54.8%) experienced persistent symptoms 3-6 months, and 108 (29.1%) reported symptoms lasting > 6 months. In relation to age group, persistent symptoms 3-6 months after recovery was more common in those > 50 years and symptoms lasting > 6 months were more common in 30-50 years of age (p < 0.001). Persistence of symptoms for 3-6 months was more common in those who were infected prior to vaccination compared to those who were infected after vaccination (P < 0.001). Of the included patients, 323 (87.5%) rated their health as good, 41 (11.1%) considered it fair, and 5 (1.4%) described their well-being as poor or terrible. CONCLUSION: The study provides information of persistent symptoms in vaccinated individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and highlights the need for targeted interventions to alleviate post-COVID-19 symptoms. The study is limited by its reliance on self-reported data and potential selection bias. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying persistent symptoms in vaccinated individuals and to identify effective interventions for long COVID.

Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance among Pilgrims with Infectious Diseases during Hajj: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hajj pilgrimage is a large mass gathering global event that may facilitate the spread and emergence of various infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a local and global scenario. Planning and preparing for these public health issues is a challenging and complex process for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health authorities. Despite multiple efforts for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through longtime funding in education and medical care, the prevalence of infectious disease is still high among Hajj pilgrims. The commonly observed infectious diseases during Hajj include respiratory tract infections (influenza and pneumonia), urinary tract infections and skin infections that may necessitate the use of antimicrobials. Beta-lactams are used as a first-line treatment for hospital acquired infections as well as community acquired infections due to their broad-spectrum activity. However, most of the bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli are resistant to beta-lactams. Irrational use of antimicrobials, lack of infection prevention practices and suboptimal healthcare access further exacerbate the risk of spreading AMR among Hajj pilgrims. Enhanced collaboration between countries, sharing of best practices and international cooperation are crucial in addressing AMR threats among pilgrims. Consequently, robust surveillance systems for early detection and monitoring of AMR, collaboration with national as well as international healthcare agencies, effective infection prevention and control measures, public awareness and rational use of antimicrobials via antimicrobial stewardship programs are required to mitigate the risk of AMR and ensure the health and well-being of pilgrims during Hajj.

Assessing the Correlation between Blood Trace Element Concentrations, Picky Eating Habits, and Intelligence Quotient in School-Aged Children.

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate levels of iron, zinc, and copper have been linked to growth impairment and cognitive and motor development deficits. The objective of this study is to examine the deficiencies of trace elements and their correlation with selective eating patterns and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The cross-sectional analysis involved 430 children aged between 7 and 10 years. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the trace elements levels. Children's IQs were assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. RESULTS: Among the sample group, 20.3% exhibited iron deficiency, 42.5% had zinc deficiency, and 14% had insufficient copper levels. Single trace element deficiency was observed in 56.9% of the children, while 66.7% showed coexisting deficiencies of iron and zinc. Children with lower development levels exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those with higher development levels (76.78 ± 10.67 vs. 81.14 ± 10.19 µg/dL). The analysis reveals that picky eaters had lower serum iron levels (76.59 ± 10.42 µg/dL) and higher serum copper levels (123.74 ± 13.45 µg/dL). CONCLUSION: A strong association was observed between zinc deficiency, picky eating habits, and lower developmental stages. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring nutritional status in children, given the significant implications for their cognitive development.

Phytochemical analysis of Origanum majorana L. extract and investigation of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects against experimentally induced colitis downregulating Th17 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Origanum majorana L. is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is commonly used in Egyptian cuisine as a seasoning and flavor enhancer. It is also recognized as a well-known traditional medicine in Egypt and is widely used for treating abdominal colic due to its antispasmodic properties. However, the protective effects of Origanum majorana L. against ulcerative colitis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to identify the biologically active components present in methanol extracts of Origanum majorana L. using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Additionally, it aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of these extracts on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract obtained from Origanum majorana L. Thirty-two male rats were included in the study and divided into four experimental groups, with eight rats in each group: sham, UC, UC + O. majorana, and UC sulfasalazine. After euthanizing the rats, colon tissue samples were collected for gross and microscopic examinations, assessment of oxidative stress, and molecular evaluation. GC-MS analysis identified 15 components in the extracts. Pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract and sulfasalazine significantly improved the disease activity index (DAI) and resulted in notable improvements in macroscopic and microscopic colon findings. Additionally, both treatments demonstrated preventive effects against colonic oxidative damage by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the levels of the antioxidant systems superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), which operate through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, these treatments downregulated the colonic inflammatory cascade by inhibiting NFκB, TNFα, IL-1ß, IL6, IL23, IL17, COX-2, and iNOS, subsequently leading to downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and a decrease in the Th17 cell response. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of apoptotic epithelial cells that expressed caspase-3 was observed. CONCLUSION: pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract significantly ameliorated acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. This effect could be attributed to the protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of the extract.

Evaluation of School-Age Children's Intelligence Quotient and Their Chronic Exposure to Trace Elements in Ambient Air.

Background Children's exposure to different trace elements in their air, water, and food or even present in paints or toys can affect their intelligence quotient (IQ) score. However, this correlation needs to be analyzed and evaluated in different contexts. This study aimed to investigate the associations between airborne concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) and intellectual function in school-age children in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology Our cohort study aimed to explore the link between exposure to various trace elements in the surrounding air and the IQ scores of children residing in the vicinity of Makkah. We included 430 children in the study and collected information about demographic and lifestyle factors using a structured questionnaire. We employed a mini volume sampler (MiniVol, AirMetrics, Springfield, OR, USA) to collect 24-hour PM10 samples from five locations in Makkah, representing various residential areas with small-to-medium industrial activities and traffic load. We analyzed the samples for Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and As concentrations using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with Perkin Elmer 7300 (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA). The combined impact of heavy metals on continuous outcomes was assessed using the Bayesian kernel machine regression model. Results The mean atmospheric concentrations of Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and As in summer were 0.093, 0.006, 0.36, 0.15, and 0.017 µg/m3, respectively, while in winter, they were 0.004, 0.003, 0.12, 0.006, and 0.01 µg/m3, respectively. The findings of our study revealed that children's IQ scores were independently associated with co-exposure to the five metals, namely, Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and As. Conclusions This study demonstrates a link between combined exposure to five heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, and As) and children's IQ scores. Regularly evaluating trace elements in children's biological samples is crucial to comprehend their effects on cognitive growth. To explore the possible future health risks of multimetal exposures and their interaction effects, it is imperative to conduct additional studies that involve repeated biological measurements of metal concentrations.

Diacerein mitigates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibition of renal inflammation, dendritic cells maturation and apoptosis: the role of TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3/IL-1beta signaling pathway / La diacereína mitiga la lesión por isquemia/reperfusión renal a través de la inhibición de la inflamación renal, la maduración de las células dendríticas y la apoptosis: el papel de la vía de señalización TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3/IL-1beta

SUMMARY: One of the reasons for acute kidney damage is renal ischemia. Nevertheless, there are limited protective and therapeutic approaches for this problem. Diacerein is an anti-inflammatory drug characterized by numerous biological activities. We aimed to determine the ameliorative impact of diacerein on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) condition, exploring the underlying mechanisms. Twenty-four male rats were allotted into four groups (n= 6): sham group; Diacerein (DIA) group; I/R group, in which a non-crushing clamp occluded the left renal pedicle for 45 min, and the right kidney was nephrectomized for 5 min before the reperfusion process; I/R + diacerein group, injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg diacerein/kg i.m 30 minutes prior to I/R operation. Ischemia/ reperfusion was found to affect renal function and induce histopathological alterations. The flow cytometry analysis demonstrated an elevated expression of innate and mature dendritic cells in I/R renal tissues. Moreover, upregulation in the expression of the inflammatory genes (TLR4, Myd88, and NLRP3), and overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β), apoptotic (caspase-3) and pyroptotic (caspase-1) markers were observed in I/R-experienced animals. The aforementioned deteriorations were mitigated by pre-I/R diacerein treatment. Diacerein alleviated I/R-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Thus, it could be a promising protective agent against I/R.

La isquemia renal es una de los motivos del daño renal agudo. Sin embargo, los enfoques protectores y terapéuticos para este problema son limitados. La diacereína es un fármaco antiinflamatorio caracterizado por numerosas actividades biológicas. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto de mejora de la diacereína en la condición de lesión por isquemia/ reperfusión renal (I/R), explorando los mecanismos subyacentes. Veinticuatro ratas macho se distribuyeron en cuatro grupos (n= 6): grupo simulado; grupo de diacereína (DIA); grupo I/R, en el que una pinza no aplastante ocluyó el pedículo renal izquierdo durante 45 min, y el riñón derecho fue nefrectomizado durante 5 min antes del proceso de reperfusión; Grupo I/R + diacereína, inyectado por vía intraperitoneal con 50 mg de diacereína/kg i.m. 30 min antes de la operación I/R. Se encontró que la isquemia/ reperfusión afecta la función renal e induce alteraciones histopatológicas. El análisis de citometría de flujo demostró una expresión elevada de células dendríticas innatas y maduras en tejidos renales I/R. Además, se observó una regulación positiva en la expresión de los genes inflamatorios (TLR4, Myd88 y NLRP3) y una sobreexpresión de las citoquinas proinflamatorias (IL-1β), marcadores apoptóticos (caspasa-3) y piroptóticos (caspasa-1) en animales con experiencia en I/R. Los deterioros antes mencionados fueron mitigados por el tratamiento previo a la diacereína I/R. La diacereína alivió la inflamación y la apoptosis inducidas por I/R. Por lo tanto, podría ser un agente protector prometedor contra I/R.

Promotion of knowledge, attitude, and practice among medical undergraduates regarding infection control measures during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Medical students are exposed to many serious healthcare-associated infections throughout their learning and training time particularly during a pandemic like COVID-19. Therefore, promotion of their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding infection control measures is a mandatory action. Objective: This study was executed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical undergraduates toward infection control measures before and after the implementation of practical infection control training for them. Methods: A quasi-experimental prospective study was conducted on a simple random sample of medical undergraduates at Al-Qunfudah College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, KSA. A total of 177 medical undergraduates were recruited for this study and completed a predesigned survey on their knowledge regarding infection control measures. Moreover, their practice of infection control measures was evaluated through a checklist before and 6 months after receiving practical infection control training during their academic year 2020-2021. Results: A total of 177 and 176 responses were obtained at the pre-test and post-test, respectively. The mean ages of students who participated in pre-training and post-training assessments were (22.50 ± 1.02 and 22.03 ± 1.34), respectively with female sex predominance (62.1 and 61.9%). Mean knowledge and practice scores among them were enhanced from (7.79 ± 2.10 and 4.56 ± 2.58) at their pre-test to (11.06 ± 1.27 and 15.68 ± 1.90) at post-test (P-value 0.001 and <0.001), respectively. After training, almost all of them recommended infection control training for all medical students due to its great value. Conclusion: The training course has shown its capability in the promotion of medical undergraduates' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward infection control measures.

Activation of SIRT-1 Pathway by Nanoceria Sheds Light on Its Ameliorative Effect on Doxorubicin-Induced Cognitive Impairment (Chemobrain): Restraining Its Neuroinflammation, Synaptic Dysplasticity and Apoptosis.

Chemo fog is one of the most serious health concerns encountered by cancer survivors receiving doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and impairment of synaptic plasticity are regarded as the key factors implicated in DOX-induced cognitive impairment. This research aimed to assess the possible neuroprotective effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) against DOX-induced neurotoxicity. Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups (12 rats/group): control group, CeNPs group (received oral CeNPs solution (35 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks), and DOX group (were administered DOX intraperitoneally (2 mg/kg, once/week for 4 weeks)) and DOX+ CeNPs group. The findings revealed that CeNPs mitigated behavioral alterations in DOX-induced cognitive deficit. Additionally, CeNPs alleviated the histopathological abnormalities in hippocampus and ameliorated DOX-induced neuroinflammation by downregulating the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL6. In addition, CeNPs antagonized the apoptosis through reducing the protein expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3. In addition, it stimulated the antioxidant defense, as indicated by upregulating the expression of the Nrf2, HO-1 and PGC-1α genes. CeNPs improved synaptic plasticity via acting on the BDNF. These actions were related through the modification of SIRT-1 expression. Based on the aforementioned results, CeNPs antagonized the doxorubicin-induced neurodegeneration by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, alongside its SIRT-1 mediated mechanisms.

Zamzam Water Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in a Rat Model via Targeting Sperm Parameters, Testicular Tissue Oxidative Insult, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Pituitary-Gonadal Axis.

Gentamicin is considered one of the most typical causes of testicular damage. Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to testicular tissue damage. Zamzam water (alkaline in nature) has an antioxidant effect. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential palliative effect of Zamzam water against gentamicin-induced testicular damage. Thirty Rats were separated into three groups, each with ten rats, as follows: The Control received only normal saline. The gentamicin group received 100 mg/kg/day of gentamicin intraperitoneally for six days from day 15 to the end of the experiment. The gentamicin +Zamzam Water group received a dose of gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally with Zamzam water as their sole source of drinking from day one to day 21. Hormonal assay in serum, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural examination of testicular tissue with a molecular study were obtained. Pretreatment with Zamzam water significantly p < 0.001 increased serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH, as well as the percentage of sperm motility and progressive motility. It also upregulated SOD, CAT, GPx enzymatic activity, gene expression of Nrf2/HO-1, and immunoexpression of PCNA. While the percentage of dead sperm and abnormal sperm, immunoexpression of NFκB, Caspase 3, inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6, and MDA levels significantly (p < 0.001) declined with histological improvement. It was concluded that Zamzam water as alkaline water possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects against gentamicin-induced testicular toxicity in vivo.

A Saudi Arabian Public Health Perspective of Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a global health challenge due to its spreading potential. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces a challenge in the spread of tuberculosis from migrant workers, but the foremost threat is the huge number of pilgrims who travel to visit sacred sites of the Islamic world located in the holy cities of Makkah and Al Madina. Pilgrims visit throughout the year but especially in the months of Ramadan and Zul-Hijah. The rise of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an established global phenomenon that makes such large congregations likely hotspots in the dissemination and spread of disease at a global level. Although very stringent and effective measures exist, the threat remains due to the ever-changing dynamics of this highly pathogenic disease. This overview primarily highlights the current public health challenges posed by this disease to the Saudi health system, which needs to be highlighted not only to the concerned authorities of KSA, but also to the concerned global quarters since the pilgrims and migrants come from all parts of the world with a majority coming from high tuberculosis-burdened countries.

Mental Stress, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms and Interleuken-6 Level among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and its relationship to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to controls during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 80 HCWs in Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt, and 80 controls were analyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) questionnaire was used, and serum IL-6 level was determined in both groups. RESULTS: IL-6 levels were high in 81.2% (65) of HCWs compared to 36% (45) of controls (P < .05). The DASS score was higher in participants with high IL-6 levels (>3 ng/mL) than in those with mild to moderate levels (P < .05). The regression model revealed that the type of work as a healthcare staff, irregular or night shift, and stress were predictors of increased IL-6 levels among the studied sample (P < .05) (odds ratio = 20.30, 2.44, and 2.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: The IL-6 level and DASS score were higher in HCWs compared to those in controls during the COVID-19 pandemic. The type of work as a healthcare staff, stress, and irregular or night shift were predictors of increased IL-6 levels.

Ameliorative Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Fipronil Impact on Brain Function, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptotic Cascades in Albino Rats.

Fipronil (FIP) is an N-phenylpyrazole insecticide that is used extensively in public health and agriculture against a wide range of pests. Exposure to FIP is linked to negative health outcomes in humans and animals including promoting neuronal cell injury, which results in apoptosis through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) on neuronal dysfunction induced by FIP in albino rats. Male rats were randomly classified into four groups: control, FIP (5 mg/kg bwt), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg bwt), which were treated orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Brain antioxidant parameters, histopathology, and mRNA expression of genes related to brain function were evaluated. The results revealed oxidative damage to brain tissues in FIP-treated rats indicated by the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, the FIP's group that was treated with CeNPs showed decrease in MDA and NO levels and increase in SOD and GPx enzymes activity. Besides, FIP-treated rats showed decreased butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in comparison to the FIP + CeNPs group. Moreover, FIP caused up-regulation of the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), caspase-3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression. But the FIP + CeNPs group significantly down-regulated the GFAP, NSE, and caspase-3 and up-regulated the gene expression of BCL-2. Additionally, the FIP-treated group of rats had clear degenerative lesions in brain tissue that was reversed to nearly normal cerebral architecture by the FIP + CeNPs treatment. Immunohistochemical examination of brain tissues of rats-treated with FIP showed abundant ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) microglia and caspase-3 and apoptotic cells with nearly negative calbindin and synaptophysin reaction, which were countered by FIP + CeNPs treatment that revealed a critical decrease in caspase-3, Iba-1 reaction with a strong calbindin positive reaction in most of the Purkinje cells and strong synaptophysin reaction in the cerebrum and cerebellum tissues. Based on reported results herein, CeNPs treatment might counteract the neurotoxic effect of FIP pesticide via an antioxidant-mediated mechanism.

The potential ameliorative impacts of cerium oxide nanoparticles against fipronil-induced hepatic steatosis.

Fipronil (FIP) is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that is commonly used in agricultural and veterinary fields for controlling a wide range of insects, but it is a strong environmentally toxic substance. Exposure to FIP has been reported to increase the hepatic fat accumulation through altered lipid metabolism, which ultimately can contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. The present study aimed to examine the function of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) in protecting against hepatotoxicity and lipogenesis induced by FIP. Twenty-eight male albino rats were classified into four groups: FIP (5 mg/kg/day per os), CTR, CeNPs (35 mg/kg/day p.o.), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg/day p.o.) for 28 consecutive days. Serum lipid profiles, hepatic antioxidant parameters and pathology, and mRNA expression of adipocytokines were assessed. The results revealed that FIP increased cholesterol, height-density lipoprotein, triacylglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c) concentrations. It also increased nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) hepatic levels and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities. Additionally, FIP up-regulated the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), acetyl Co-A carboxylase (ACC1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). Immunohistochemically, a strong proliferation of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) reactions in the endothelial cells of the hepatic sinusoids, and increased expression of caspase3 were observed following FIP intoxication. FIP also caused histological changes in hepatic tissue. The CeNPs counteracted the hepatotoxic effect of FIP exposure. So, this study recorded an ameliorative effect of CeNPs against FIP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Factors Associated with Increased Morbidity and Mortality of Obese and Overweight COVID-19 Patients.

Overweight and obesity are defined as an unnecessary accumulation of fat, which poses a risk to health. It is a well-identified risk factor for increased mortality due to heightened rates of heart disease, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, and bacterial, protozoan and viral infections. The increasing prevalence of obesity is of concern, as conventional pathogenesis may indeed be increased in obese hosts rather than healthy hosts, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is a new disease and we do not have the luxury of cumulative data. Obesity activates the development of gene induced hypoxia and adipogenesis in obese animals. Several factors can influence obesity, for example, stress can increase the body weight by allowing people to consume high amounts of food with a higher propensity to consume palatable food. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of immune-mediated and some inflammatory-mediated diseases, including atherosclerosis and psoriasis, leading to a dampened immune response to infectious agents, leading to weaker post-infection impacts. Moreover, the obese host creates a special microenvironment for disease pathogenesis, marked by persistent low-grade inflammation. Therefore, it is advisable to sustain healthy eating habits by increasing the consumption of various plant-based and low-fat foods to protect our bodies and decrease the risk of infectious diseases, especially COVID-19.

Chemo-Protective Potential of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles against Fipronil-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Inflammation and Reproductive Dysfunction in Male White Albino Rats.

Fipronil (FIP) is an insecticide commonly used in many fields, such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health, and recently it has been proposed as a potential endocrine disrupter. The purpose of this study was to inspect the reproductive impacts of FIP and the possible protective effects of cerium nanoparticles (CeNPs) on male albino rats. Rats received FIP (5 mg/kg bwt; 1/20 LD50), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt) and FIP+CeNPs per os daily for 28 days. Serum testosterone levels, testicular oxidative damage, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were evaluated. FIP provoked testicular oxidative damage as indicated by decreased serum testosterone (≈60%) and superoxide dismutase (≈50%), glutathione peroxidase activity (≈46.67%) and increased malondialdehyde (≈116.67%) and nitric oxide (≈87.5%) levels in testicular tissues. Furthermore, FIP induced edematous changes and degeneration within the seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia, vacuolations, and apoptosis in the epididymides. In addition, FIP exposure upregulated interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS), caspase-3 (Casp3) and downregulated the Burkitt-cell lymphomas (BCL-2), inhibin B proteins (IBP), and androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA expressions Casp3, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), and IL-1ß immunoreactions were increased. Also, reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), mouse vasa homologue (MVH), and SOX9 protein reactions were reported. Interestingly, CeNPs diminished the harmful impacts of FIP on testicular tissue by decreasing lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and inflammation and increasing the antioxidant activities. The findings reported herein showed that the CeNPs might serve as a supposedly new and efficient protective agent toward reproductive toxicity caused by the FIP insecticide in white male rats.

Avermectin Derivatives, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic and Toxic Dosages, Mechanism of Action, and Their Biological Effects.

Avermectins are a group of drugs that occurs naturally as a product of fermenting Streptomyces avermitilis, an actinomycetes, isolated from the soil. Eight different structures, including ivermectin, abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin, and selamectin, were isolated and divided into four major components (A1a, A2a, B1a and B2a) and four minor components (A1b, A2b, B1b, and B2b). Avermectins are generally used as a pesticide for the treatment of pests and parasitic worms as a result of their anthelmintic and insecticidal properties. Additionally, they possess anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiviral, antifungal, and are used for treatment of several metabolic disorders. Avermectin generally works by preventing the transmission of electrical impulse in the muscle and nerves of invertebrates, by amplifying the glutamate effects on the invertebrates-specific gated chloride channel. Avermectin has unwanted effects or reactions, especially when administered indiscriminately, which include respiratory failure, hypotension, and coma. The current review examines the mechanism of actions, biosynthesis, safety, pharmacokinetics, biological toxicity and activities of avermectins.

Ameliorative Effects of Honey, Propolis, Pollen, and Royal Jelly Mixture against Chronic Toxicity of Sumithion Insecticide in White Albino Rats.

Sumithion (Fenitrothion) (SUM) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests. Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain, liver, kidney, and reproductive organs through, for example, binding to DNA, and it induces DNA damage, which ends with oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products: a mixture of honey, propolis, palm pollen, and royal jelly (HPPJ) against SUM-induced toxicity. Twenty-four male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were classified into four groups, each containing six rats: control (corn oil), SUM (85 mg/kg; 1/20 LD50), HPPJ, and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation. Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver, kidney, and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Additionally, SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and glucose, uric acid, and creatinine contents, while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and total lipids and total protein content. Furthermore, because of the inclusion of phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sugars, the HPPJ mixture counteracted the hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure.