The pyrethroid insecticide permethrin confers hepatotoxicity through DNA damage and mitochondria-associated apoptosis induction in rat: Palliative benefits of Fumaria officinalis.

Permethrin (PER) is a pyrethroid pesticide that is extensively used as an insecticide in world because of its high activity and its low mammalian toxicity. The current study was conducted to investigate the protective action of Fumaria officinalis against PER-induced liver injury in male rats. However, HPLC-DAD showed the richness of 6 components in F. officinalis (F) including quercetin, ferulic acid, and naringenin which were the most abundant. Total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were studied by phytochemical screening. In vitro, antioxidant properties showed that F. officinalis exhibited the highest DPPH radical, FRAP, and H2 O2 tests and total antioxidant capacity. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control group (C), positive control group (F) (200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW), PER group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW), and PER + F group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW and 200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW). Oral administration of PER led to promote a decrease of body weight and Ca2+ -ATPases and Mg2+ -ATPases activities and an increase of plasma C-reactive protein level, transaminases, and hepatic ϒ-GT activities as well as hepatic and mitochondrial oxidative stress. An increase in plasma lactate-to pyruvate ratio and a reduction in complexes enzymes I, III, and IV activities were also observed. In addition, histoarchitecture of liver in PER-treated rats showed apoptosis and necrosis as confirmed by DNA fragmentation. F. officinalis significantly exerted hepatoprotective effect by modulating hepatic alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genotoxicity. This effect could be attributed to phenolics compounds such as polyphenols, condensed tannins, and flavonoids.

Beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil on vanadium-induced testicular injury, DNA damage and histological alterations in Wistar rats.

Vanadium has been shown to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since free radical production and lipid peroxidation are potentially important mediators in testicular physiology and pathophysiology, the present study was conducted to elucidate vanadium-induced oxidative damage in rat testis and the ameliorative role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) against the adverse effects of this heavy metal. Adult male Wistar rats were treated daily during 10 days either with ammonium metavanadate (5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), SEO (15 mg/kg bw, orally) or their combination. A group of rats receiving daily a saline solution served as a negative control. Vanadium treatment induced a significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level and sperm number and motility. An increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as a marked inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testes and seminal vesicles indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress after vanadium toxicity. Histopathological changes in testis and seminal vesicles were also observed following vanadium administration. However, co-administration of SEO to vanadium-treated rats resulted in an appreciable improvement of these parameters, emphasizing the therapeutic effects of SEO. It can be suggested that SEO mitigates vanadium-induced reproductive damage due to its antioxidant capacity. Thus, we can hypothesize that SEO supplementation could protect against vanadium poisoning.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, in an allergic asthma model, of Olea europaea L. leaf extracts from Collo (Skikda, Algeria).

This study is an attempt to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of olive leaves variety (namely Bouricha variety) that is very widespread in the East of Algeria. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was initially analyzed for its phenolic profile. Using the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was possible to identify the predominant components in the AE of the leaves. This extract was hydrolyzed with acid and gave hydroxytyrosol (HT). AE and HT were evaluated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum method. The antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities of these extracts were examined in a model of experimental asthma in Wistar rats. For measuring the intensity of the airway inflammation, oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in lungs and a histological study of this tissue was performed. The obtained results showed that the sensitization of the ovalbumin (OVA) group induced lung inflammation and severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems. However, the administration of AE and HT extracts significantly improved the antioxidant state in asthma disease and provided evidence for the relation between phenolic compounds and the high antioxidant activity of olive leaves extracts, especially HT more than AE.

Correction: Saoudi et al. The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats. Molecules 2021, 26, 4875.

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper [...].

The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats.

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug "Cytolcentella® cream". Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.

Zygophyllum album saponins prevent atherogenic effect induced by deltamethrin via attenuating arterial accumulation of native and oxidized LDL in rats.

The current study aimed to examine, for the first time, the relationship between exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) and atherogenic lipid profile disorders in adult Wistar rats, as well as, to verify the mechanism of the beneficial role of Zygophyllum album leaves extracts (ZALE). The experimental study was assessed using DLM (4 mg/kg b.w) either alone or co administered with ZALE (400 mg/kg b.w) orally for 90 days in rats. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS was used to identify the bioactive metabolites present in ZALE. Plasmatic and aortic total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), native LDL (LDL-apo B-100) and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) were evaluated using auto-analyzer and a sandwich ELISA, respectively. The protein expressions of LDLR (native LDL receptor) and CD36 (Scavenger receptor class B) were evaluated in aorta or liver with a Western blot. The pathology has been confirmed with lipid stain (Oil Red O). Phytochemicals analysis revealed the presence of fifteen saponins in ZALE. Rats intoxicated with DLM revealed a significant increase in plasmatic and aortic lipid profile (TC, LDL-C, LDL-apo B-100 and ox-LDL), as well as, the concentration of the plasmatic cytokines include TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6, compared to control. Hepatic native LDL and aortic CD36 receptor expression were increased in DLM treated group, however aortic LDL-R does not present any modification, when compared to control. The detected disturbances in lipid parameters were supported by Oil Red O applied. Due to their antioxidant activity, the bioactive compounds in ZALE as powerful agents able to prevent the pro-atherogenic effect observed in DLM-treated animals. These metabolites modulated most of inflammatory markers, prevented accumulation of lipid and lipoprotein biomarkers, regulated the major receptor regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, as well as normalize lipid distribution in liver and aorta tissue.

Zygophyllum album leaves extract prevented hepatic fibrosis in rats, by reducing liver injury and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathways. Exploring of bioactive compounds using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.

Zygophyllum album is traditionally used against many illnesses, such as liver disease. The present study investigated the bioactive compounds in methanol extract of Z. album (MEZA) using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and explored its possible antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and hepatoprotective effect. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified; isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside being the main one was the main composite (144.6 mg/100 g dm). Results showed that MEZA reduced significantly the biochemical markers (AST, ALT, LDH and ALP), and the hepatic oxidative stress indicators (MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, and GPx) in deltamethrin (DLM)-treated rats. Moreover, MEZA limited the inflammatory responses through downregulation of NF-κB gene, which suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6). Furthermore, Z. album reduced DLM-induced apoptosis by attenuating caspase 3 and p53 mRNA activation. MEZA treatment also alleviated upregulation of α-SMA, type I collagen, and TGF-ß1 mRNA in the liver. The possible antifibrotic effect of MEZA was clearly demonstrated by the histopathology examination, using Masson's Trichrome and Sirius Red stainings. Therefore, the current study suggested that the bioactive compounds of Z. album possessed antifibrotic effect against DLM-induced hepatic fibrosis, by protecting liver tissue, and inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathways.

Hepatotoxic effects of Euphol-rich fractions from Euphorbia bivonae-Relevance to cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities.

These studies were designed to evaluate the preliminary oral toxicity profile of the crude ethanolic aerial part extract of E. bivonae in the Male albino Wistar rats and its active chemical constituents. The 24-h LD50 was determined using probit analysis method. The single dose LD50was found to be 2568.64 mg/kg bw when administrated orally in mice. Additionally, the Wistar rats were used to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of E. bivonae ethanolic extract. The serum biomarkers, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in liver and histopathological analysis were investigated in normal and treated groups. Subchronic toxicity studies in rats with oral doses of 50, 150, 350 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. In addition, the administration of this extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and an increment in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls. Finally, we suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol and lupeol) are the mainly responsible of this toxicity.

Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride and the protective effects of Teucrium polium and vitamin C.

This work investigated the protective effects of Teucrium polium (T. polium) and vitamin C (Vit C) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. T. polium reduced the Fer reduced antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50 = 0.89 mg/ml) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 0.049 µg/ml) than Vit C, FRAP (IC50 = 0.71 mg/ml) and DPPH (IC50 = 0.029 µg/ml). Male albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group I was used as controls, Group II received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 ml/kg) by gavage, Group III received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 ml/kg) by gavage after 3 d of receiving T. polium (5 g/l), orally, Group IV received T. polium (5 g/l) alone, by gavage, for 7 d, Group V received CCl4 in olive oil (0.5 ml/kg) by gavage after 3 d of receiving Vit C (250 mg/kg) by gavage and Group VI received Vit C (250 mg/kg) alone by gavage. CCl4 showed an increase of serum hepatic and renal markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine. Moreover, we noted an increase of lipid peroxidations and a decrease in antioxidants enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) of CCl4 rats compared to controls. The pretreatment with (200 mg/kg) of T. polium and with Vit C (250 mg/kg) by gavage, for 7 d, displayed their ability to protect against oxidative damage and biochemical changes induced by CCl4. Our results were in accordance with histopathological observations.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of combination between fermented camel milk and Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in mice.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of fermented camel milk with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris (FCM-LLC) alone, Rosmarinus officinalis extract (R) alone and their combination and to investigate their hepatopreventive effects against CCl4 liver damage in mice. The antioxidant activity in vitro of FMC-LLC supplemented with R exhibited the highest free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power activities. The results showed that the pretreatment with a combination of FMC-LLC and R significantly alleviated the increased levels of hepatic markers and the elevated lipid levels induced by CCl4 in mice. Meanwhile, the enzymatic antioxidants activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) and GSH level in liver significantly were increased while the malondialdehyde level was significantly improved by pretreatment with FMLLC plus R. These data suggest that FCM-LLC in combination with R. officinalis extract possesses better antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity than FMC-LLC alone.

Hepatocellular uptake of cyclodextrin-complexed curcumin during liver preservation: A feasibility study.

The increasing demand for donor organs and the decreasing organ quality is prompting research toward new methods to reduce ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Several strategies have been proposed to protect preserved organs from this injury. Before curcumin/dextrin complex (CDC), a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, can be used clinically we need to better understand the intracellular uptake under hypothermic conditions on a rat model of liver donation after circulatory death (DCD) and brain death (DBD). To be able to use the fluorescence of CDC for quantification the stability of CDC in different preservation solutions at 4°C or 37°C was investigated. Livers from Wistar rats were procured after being flushed-out through the portal vein using CDC-enriched preservation solutions and stored at 4°C for variable periods. The CDC signal was stable in different preservation solutions over a period of 4 h and allowed the rapid and lasting uptake of curcumin into cells. After 4 h of preservation, CDC was no longer visible microscopically, and HPLC analysis showed very low to non-detectable tissue levels of CDC, proving metabolization during preservation. However, the distribution of CDC was not affected by warm ischemia damage (p = 0.278) nor by flushing the livers before or after 4 h of cold storage and without a warm preflush. Finally, curcumin reduced oxidative stress, lowered histological injury and did not change gene expression after WI/cold storage. Therefore, the use of CDC flush solution for the initial organ flush can offer a promising approach to the enhancement of liver preservation and the maintenance of its quality.

Potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of walnut Juglans regia vegetable oil against lead-mediated hepatic damage and their interaction with lipase activity in rats.

Environmental pollutants, particularly lead, pose a serious threat to human and animal health that causes disturbances of several functions, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the search for a new treatment that could safely and effectively block or reverse liver injuries remains a challenge. This study was carried out to investigate the protective efficacy of Juglans regia vegetable oil (JRVO) against the hepatotoxicity induced by lead. To achieve this aim, adults male rats were treated for 10 days with Pb (0.344 g/kg bw) associated or not with JRVO (0.9 g/kg bw). The rats intoxicated by lead exhibited oxidative stress determined by TBARS, protein carbonyls, liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, and antioxidant status: SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH. Administration of lead increased the levels of plasma hepatic markers (AST, ALT, LDH) and bilirubin, the lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-Ch, LDL-Ch levels, TBARS, NOx, and PCO), the plasmatic lipase activity and the inflammatory markers, while the plasmatic ALP decreased. Coadministration of JRVO restored all the hepatic markers, the lipid profiles and the antioxidants to near-normal values and lowered the plasmatic lipase activity as well as the elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Hepatic histological studies confirmed the beneficial role of JRVO through the amelioration of all biochemical parameters. Our results suggest that Juglans regia vegetable oil contains promising substances to counteract the lead intoxication and may be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Effects of co-exposure to lead and zinc on redox status, kidney variables, and histopathology in adult albino rats.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that induces a wide range of biochemical and physiological effects in humans. Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in Pb toxicity. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of zinc (Zn) supplement against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in rats. In this study, adults male rats were treated for 15 days with Pb (0.344 g/kg body weight (bw)) associated or not with Zn (10 mg/kg bw). Our study showed that supplementation with Zn prevented renal dysfunction as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels) and oxidative stress-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein product, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamins (A, E)) in kidney tissue. The corrective effect of Zn on Pb-induced kidney nephrotoxicity recovered normal kidney histology. Overall, this study indicates that Zn alleviated the toxic effects of this heavy metal on renal tissue, suggesting its role as a potential antioxidant and nephroprotective agent.

Chemical components, antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective effects of Artemisia campestris essential oil against deltamethrin-induced genotoxicity and oxidative damage in rats.

In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant potential of Artemisia campestris essential oil (ACEO) and the possible protective effects against deltamethrin induced hepatic toxic effects. The ACEO showed radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 47.66 ± 2.51 µg/ml, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) potential (EC50 = 5.36 ± 0.77 µg/ml), superoxide scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.175 ± 0.007 µg/ml) and ˙OH scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.034 ± 0.007 µg/ml). The obtained results of phenolic profile demonstrated that phenolic compounds are the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of ACEO. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 61 components in which monoterpene hydrocarbons constitute the major fraction (38.85%). In in vivo study, deltamethrin exposure caused an increase of serum AST, ALT and ALP activities, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) (measured as TBARS) and conjugated dienes markers of lipid peroxidation (LPO), while antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and GPx) decreased significantly. Furthermore, it induces DNA damage as indicated by DNA fragmentation accompanied with severe histological changes in the liver tissues. The treatment with vitamin E or ACEO significantly improved the hepatic toxicity induced by deltamethrin. It can be concluded that vitamin E and ACEO are able to improve the hepatic oxidative damage induced by deltamethrin. Therefore, ACEO is an important product in reducing the toxic effects of deltamethrin.

UHPLC/HR-ESI-MS/MS Profiling of Phenolics from Tunisian Lycium arabicum Boiss. Antioxidant and Anti-lipase Activities' Evaluation.

This study was performed in the aim to evaluate nine different extracts from Tunisian Lycium arabicum for their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, phytochemical analyses as well as their antioxidant and anti-lipase activities. The in vitro antioxidant property was investigated using three complementary methods (DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays) while anti-lipase activity was evaluated using 4-methylumbelliferyl oleate method. From all of the tested extracts the most potent found to be the polar MeOH extracts especially those of stems and leaves. In order to investigate the chemical composition of these extracts and possible correlation of their constituents with the observed activities, an UHPLC/HR-ESI-MS/MS analysis was performed. Several compounds belonging to different chemical classes were tentatively identified such as rutin and kampferol rutinoside, the major constituents of the leaves, and N-caffeoyltyramine, lyciumide A, N-dihydrocaffeoyltyramine as well as fatty acids: trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid isomers were detected abundantly in the stems. These results showed that the MeOH extracts of stems and leaves of L. arabicum can be considered as a potential source of biological active compounds.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant protective effect of Sarcocornia perennis L. (swampfire) in lead intoxicated rat.

Lead (Pb) is a very toxic metal present in the environment, causing disturbances of several functions. Preventive or curative effects of halophytic plants against these disorders may be a promising and safe therapeutic strategy. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate in vivo immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Sarcocornia perennis extract (Sp) against lead toxicity in rats. Groups of six animals each were treated with plant extract (via food), 6 g/L lead acetate (via drinking water) or a combination of both. At the end of the three-week period, rat exposure to lead caused reduction of liver weight but an increase of that of kidney. Moreover, lead intoxication-induced oxidative stress manifested by significant increases of inflammatory cytokines (except IL-10) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS), compared with the control group. Meanwhile, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and glutathione levels (GSH), as well as antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were decreased. Considering liver and renal markers, lead treatment induced a significant increase in the activities of aminotransferases (AST, ALT), and in the levels of urea, creatinine and phosphorous, whereas total plasma protein, albumin and calcium levels were significantly decreased. S. perennis extract alone did not induce any significant changes in hepatic or renal markers, whereas the antioxidant markers were significantly increased. S. perennis supplementation significantly reduced the lead-induced elevation of serum IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TBARS but increased the IL-10 and antioxidant enzyme activities. Overall, plant components ameliorated hepatorenal damages caused by lead.

LC-MS-MS and GC-MS analyses of biologically active extracts and fractions from Tunisian Juniperus phoenice leaves.

CONTEXT: Despite some studies related to Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae), phytochemical and biological investigations of this plant remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This work is the first report dealing with the identification and characterization of volatile components and flavonoids in hexane and methanol extracts from J. phoenicea leaves Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity of hexane, and methanol extracts from J. phoenicea leaves were determined by DPPH-radical scavenging assay. α-Amylase inhibitory activity was evaluated by enzyme inhibition using in vitro assay (each extract was dissolved in DMSO to give concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/mL). The chemical composition of fractions (Fr1-Fr3) from methanol extract was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The hexane extract was analyzed by GC-MS technique which allowed the identification of 32 compounds. The main constituents were α-humulene (16.9%), pentadecane (10.2%) and α-cubebene (9.7%). Fraction Fr 2 exhibited a strong DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 20.1 µg/mL) compared to that of BHT as well as the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 28.4 µg/mL). Three flavonoids were identified in these fractions using HPLC-MS analysis: Quercetin 3-O-glucoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-pentoside and quercetin 3-O-pentoside. In addition, the more active fraction (Fr 2) was purified with semi-preparative HPLC affording one pure compound (amentoflavone) using 1H NMR analysis. This compound exhibited powerful DPPH radical-scavenging (IC50 = 14.1 µg/mL) and α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 20.4 µg/mL) effects. CONCLUSION: This study provides scientific support to some medicinal uses of J. phoenicea found in North Africa.

Urtica dioica attenuates ovalbumin-induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation of lung tissues in rat asthma model.

CONTEXT: To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-asthmatic activity, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) leaves (UD), the closest extract to the Algerian traditional use. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I: negative control; group II: Ovalbumin sensitized/challenged rats (positive control); group III: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol; group IV: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol and sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin. After 25 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. The oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the lungs, liver and erythrocytes. Then, correlations between markers of airway inflammation and markers of oxidative stress were explored. RESULTS: UD extract significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited eosinophilia increases in BALF (-60%) and the levels of leucocytes (-32.75%) and lymphocytes (-29.22%) in serum, and effectively suppressed inflammatory cells recruitment in the asthmatic rat model. Besides, the lipid peroxidation generated by allergen administration was significantly (p < 0.05) diminished by UD treatment in lung tissue (-48.58%). The nettle extract was also investigated for the total phenolic content (30.79 ± 0.96 mg gallic acid/g dry extract) and shows DPPH radical scavenging activity with 152.34 ± 0.37 µg/mL IC50 value. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that UD administration might be responsible for the protective effects of this extract against airway inflammation.

Prophylactic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on sodium fluoride induced oxidative damage in liver and erythrocytes of rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice (PGJ) on oxidative damages in liver tissue and erythrocytes of rats intoxicated by sodium fluoride (NaF). Rats were randomly divided into two groups: group I received standard diet and group II received orally 1 mL of PGJ. After 5 weeks of pretreatment, each group was divided again into two subgroups and treated for another 3 weeks as follows: group I was subdivided into a control group and a group that was treated with 100 ppm of NaF (in drinking water); group II was subdivided into one group that was treated daily with both 100 ppm NaF and PGJ (1 mL orally) and one that received daily 1 mL of pomegranate juice. Exposure to NaF decreased hematological parameters, changed the total protein, albumin, bilirubin levels, and increased the activities of hepatic marker enzymes. We also noted an increase in lipid peroxidation contents, accompanied by a decrease of reduced glutathione levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities in both tissues were modified in the NaF group compared with the control group. However, the administration of PGJ juice caused an amelioration of the previous parameters. Our results indicated the potential effects of NaF to induce oxidative damage in tissues and the ability of PGJ to attenuate NaF-induced oxidative injury.

Protective effects of Zygophyllum album extract against deltamethrin-induced hyperglycemia and hepato-pancreatic disorders in rats.

The current study was designed to investigate the possible mechanism involved in hyperglycemia induced by chronic exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) in rat and to assess whether this damage is amenable to modulation by Zygophyllum album. DLM, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, was administrated at a dose of 4 mg/kg body mass, during 60 days. Compared with control, DLM showed a significant increase of blood glucose (p ≤ 0.01) and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (p ≤ 0.01) and a clear decrease (p ≤ 0.01) of insulin and total hemoglobin levels. In addition, hepatic glycogen content and the activity of hexokinase decreased (p ≤ 0.01), whereas the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, pancreatic lipid peroxidation (TBARS level) was higher (p ≤ 0.01) and oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) were altered owing to DLM toxicity. However, Z. album, when combined with DLM, significantly ameliorated almost all the hepato-pancreatic disorders induced by DLM alone. Furthermore, Z. album supplement was found to be effective in preserving the normal histological appearance of hepatic and pancreatic tissue. In conclusion, this study suggested that, owing to its antioxidant effects, methanolic extract of Z. album (MEZAL) can potentially prevent the hyperglycemia observed in DLM-treated group.