The composition of essential oils of Chrysanthemum indicum and C. morifolium were comparatively studied using both Gas Chromatography/Flame ionization Detector (GC/FID) and Gas Chromatography/Mass ...spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. The antiviral activity was determined using a plaque reduction assay against three common viruses namely, herpes simplex type-1 (HSV-1), hepatitis A (HAV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and microdilution methods and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. In addition, the anti-mycobacterial evaluation was carried out using the Alamar blue assay and the effect against Helicobacter pylori was investigated. The anti-trypanosomal activity was evaluated using the resazurin method. GC investigations revealed that camphor is the major constituent of both oils accounting for 36.69 and 14.56% in the essential oils from C. indicum and C. morifolium, respectively. C. indicum was biologically more active in all experiments; it exhibited a notable antitrypanosomal activity with an IC50 value equals 45.89 μg/mL and a notable antimicrobial activity versus Streptococcus agalactiae with a MIC value of 62.5 μg/mL. It also inhibited the replication of VSV with an IC50 value of 3.14 μg/mL. Both oils revealed antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 2.21 and 2.59 mg/mL for C. indicum and C. morifolium, respectively. This study provides evidence beyond the traditional use of both Chrysanthemum indicum and C. morifolium as anti-infective agents. Thus they could be used as spices in food and can be incorporated in different food products and pharmaceutical preparations as natural preservatives possessing antioxidant potential.
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the variations of the chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils of Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Altingiaceae) collected in different seasons.
...Methods
The oils were analysed by GLC/FID and GLC/MS. The antioxidant activity was investigated by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays and the deoxyribose degradation assay. Inhibition of both 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in hepatic cancer (HepG‐2) cells were used to assess the anti‐inflammatory activity. The cytotoxic activity was investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.
Key findings
Altogether, 64 volatile secondary metabolites were identified. The major components of the leaf oil were d‐limonene, α‐pinene and β‐pinene, and of the stem oil were germacrine D, α‐cadinol, d‐limonene, α‐pinene, and β‐pinene. Leaf and stem oils collected in spring could reduce DPPH● (IC50 = 3.17 and 2.19 mg/ml) and prevent the degradation of the deoxyribose sugar (IC50 = 17.55 and 14.29 μg/ml). The stem oil exhibited a higher inhibition of both 5‐LOX and PGE2 than the leaf oil. The cytotoxic activity of leaf and stem oils was low in cancer cell lines (IC50 = 136.27 and 119.78 μg/ml in cervical cancer (HeLa) cells).
Conclusions
Essential oils of L. styraciflua exhibited an interesting anti‐inflammatory activity with low cytotoxicity, supporting its traditional use to treat inflammation.
Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant and chronic toxicity could induce nephropathy by increasing renal oxidative stress and inflammation. Although vitamin D (VD) and calcium (Ca) ...prophylactic treatments attenuated Cd-induced cell injury, none of the prior studies measure their renoprotective effects against pre-established Cd-nephropathy.
To measure the alleviating effects of VD and/or Ca single and dual therapies against pre-established nephrotoxicity induced by chronic Cd toxicity prior to treatment initiation.
Forty male adult rats were allocated into: negative controls (NC), positive controls (PC), Ca, VD and VC groups. The study lasted for eight weeks and all animals, except the NC, received CdCl2 in drinking water (44 mg/L) throughout the study. Ca (100 mg/kg) and/or VD (350 IU/kg) were given (five times/week) during the last four weeks to the designated groups. Subsequently, the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), VD synthesising (Cyp27b1) and catabolizing (Cyp24a1) enzymes with VD receptor (VDR) and binding protein (VDBP) was measured in renal tissues. Similarly, renal expression of Ca voltage-dependent channels (CaV1.1/CaV3.1), store-operated channels (RyR1/ITPR1), and binding proteins (CAM/CAMKIIA/S100A1/S100B) were measured. Serum markers of renal function alongside several markers of oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2/GSH/GPx/CAT) and inflammation (IL-6/TNF-α/IL-10) together with renal cell apoptosis and expression of caspase-3 were also measured.
The PC group exhibited hypovitaminosis D, hypocalcaemia, hypercalciuria, proteinuria, reduced creatinine clearance, and increased renal apoptosis/necrosis with higher caspase-3 expression. Markers of renal tissue damage (TGF-β1/iNOS/NGAL/KIM-1), oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2), and inflammation (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6) increased, whilst the antioxidants (GSH/GPx/CAT) and IL-10 decreased, in the PC group. The PC renal tissues also showed abnormal expression of Cyp27b1, Cyp24a1, VDR, and VDBP, alongside Ca-membranous (CaV1.1/CaV3.1) and store-operated channels (RyR1/ITPR1) and cytosolic Ca-binding proteins (CAM/CAMKIIA/S100A1/S100B). Although VD was superior to Ca monotherapy, their combination revealed the best mitigation effects by attenuating serum and renal tissue Cd concentrations, inflammation and oxidative stress, alongside modulating the expression of VD/Ca-molecules.
This study is the first to show improved alleviations against Cd-nephropathy by co-supplementing VD and Ca, possibly by better regulation of Ca-dependent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions.
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•Cd induced abnormal expression of renal VD/Ca2+-regulatory molecules.•The dysregulation of VD/Ca2+-pathways could contribute to nephropathy.•VD and Ca2+ co-supplementation showed enhanced protection than monotherapies.•Co-therapy had better anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and calcaemic actions.
Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC (Apiaceae) is a perennial herb widely used in traditional Chinese and Kampo medicine for the treatment of various infectious diseases. The biological activities of B. ...marginatum have not been fully investigated. This study aims to investigate the antitrypanosomal, antimicrobial and antiviral activities of methanol (ME) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of B. marginatum aerial parts and the ability of both extracts to inhibit the growth of different cancer cell lines.
Phytochemical characterization of the extracts was performed by LC-MS profiling. The antitrypanosomal activity was evaluated using the resazurin method. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and microdilution methods, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. The antiviral activity was determined for 6.25, 12.5, and 50 μg/mL doses using a plaque reduction assay. Cytotoxicity was investigated in eight cancer cell lines (Caco-2, CCL-81, CCRF-CEM, COS-7, HL-60, MIA PaCa-2, MCF-7, and PANC-1) using the MTT assay and the caspase 3/7 activity was determined over the range of 62.5-1000 μg/mL.
Phytochemical analyses resulted in the characterization of 15 components, mainly flavonoids and lignans. The DCM extract showed significant antitrypanosomal activity (IC50: 36.21 μg/mL) and moderate activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC value: 0.25 mg/mL). At a dose of 12.5 μg/mL, the DCM extract inhibited 73.6% of the plaque production by hepatitis A virus. CCRF-CEM cells were the most sensitive to both extracts (IC50: 12.5-22.7 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity was mediated by induction of apoptosis (19-fold increase in the cellular caspase 3/7 level after treatment with the DCM extract at 1 mg/mL).
ME and DCM extract of B. marginatum showed anti-infective and antiproliferative effects.
The phytochemical study of the aerial parts of Bupleurum marginatum revealed a novel aryltetraline lactone lignan (9) along with 14 known compounds. Their structures have been determined by 1D- and ...2D-NMR and MS analyses. The isolated lignans possessed cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and HeLa cells. Display omitted
► A detailed phytochemical study of the aerial parts extract led to isolation and characterization of 15 compounds. ► A new aryltetraline lactone lignan was identified as marginatoxin. ► The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds in both HepG2 and HeLa cancer cell lines are reported.
A detailed phytochemical study of the aerial parts of Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC revealed a novel aryltetraline lactone lignan identified as 9-(benzod1,3dioxol-5-yl)-6,7,8-trimethoxy-3a,4,9,9a-tetrahydronaphtho2,3-cfuran-1(3H)-one (marginatoxin) along with nine known compounds and characterization of five other compounds either by GLC/MS or LC/MS techniques. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were unambiguously elucidated by both 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectrometry techniques.
The in vitro cytotoxic activity of both methanol and dichloromethane extracts as well as the isolated compounds was assessed in two human cancer cell lines HepG2 and HeLa using the MTT assay. The new aryltetraline lactone lignan exhibited a potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 12.14 and 16.90μM after 24h treatment for HepG2 and HeLa cells, respectively.
In modern aquaculture, enriching Nile tilapia’s diet with omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) not only plays an important role in its general health but also fortifies its fillet with ...omega-3-PUFAs. However, the major challenge affecting their delivery is their high instability due to oxidative deterioration. Thus, the prospective incorporation of omega-3-PUFAs into nanocarriers can enhance their stability and bioactivity. In this regard, the effect of reformulated omega-3-NPs was investigated on Nile tilapia’s performance, flesh antioxidant stability, immunity, and disease resistance. Four fish groups supplemented with omega-3-PUFAs-loaded nanoparticles (omega-3 NPs) at levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg diet and at the end of feeding trial fish challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish performance (weight gain and feed conversion) was improved in groups supplemented with omega-3-NPs (2 and 3 g/kg diet). The deposition of omega-3-PUFAs in fish flesh elevated with increasing dietary omega-3-NPs. Simultaneously the oxidative markers (H2O2, MDA, and reactive oxygen species) in fish flesh were reduced, especially with higher omega-3-NPs. Post-challenge, downregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and caspase-1 were noticed after dietary supplementation of omega-3-NPs. Moreover, mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes was upregulated while the mTOR gene was downregulated with higher omega-3 NPs levels. Lower expression of A. hydrophila ahyI and ahyR genes were detected with omega-3 NPs supplementation. In conclusion, omega-3-NPs application can fortify tilapia flesh with omega-3-PUFAs and augment its performance, immunity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila.
A gradual loss of neuronal function or structure causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Neurological damage might cause cell death. Acrolein is a high-risk air and ...water contaminant that causes neurodegenerative disorders. Quercetin has several strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders but has limited bioavailability inside the body. One of the hypotheses offered to improve quercetin's bioavailability is to convert it into quercetin nanoparticles. This study aims to comprehend the immunohistochemical devastation that might arise in the cerebellum because of acrolein treatment. Furthermore, the protective and ameliorative roles of quercetin nanoparticles against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced in mice by acrolein were assessed. Ninety male albino rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used in the present investigation. The animals were split up into the following six groups: the control group, the acrolein-treated group: animals were given acrolein (3 mg/kg) for 30 days, quercetin nanoparticles treated group: animals were given quercetin nanoparticles (30 mg/kg) for 30 days. The administration of acrolein was found to be connected to immunohistochemical abnormalities in the cerebellum. Marked differences were observed in Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and GFAP expressions in the cerebellum. Treatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles either before or after treatment with acrolein has been found to preserve the cerebellum tissues from the toxic impacts and oxidative stress induced by acrolein. This may open the door to more nanomedicine studies and a new avenue for employing nanoparticles as a therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative illnesses.A gradual loss of neuronal function or structure causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Neurological damage might cause cell death. Acrolein is a high-risk air and water contaminant that causes neurodegenerative disorders. Quercetin has several strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders but has limited bioavailability inside the body. One of the hypotheses offered to improve quercetin's bioavailability is to convert it into quercetin nanoparticles. This study aims to comprehend the immunohistochemical devastation that might arise in the cerebellum because of acrolein treatment. Furthermore, the protective and ameliorative roles of quercetin nanoparticles against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced in mice by acrolein were assessed. Ninety male albino rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used in the present investigation. The animals were split up into the following six groups: the control group, the acrolein-treated group: animals were given acrolein (3 mg/kg) for 30 days, quercetin nanoparticles treated group: animals were given quercetin nanoparticles (30 mg/kg) for 30 days. The administration of acrolein was found to be connected to immunohistochemical abnormalities in the cerebellum. Marked differences were observed in Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and GFAP expressions in the cerebellum. Treatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles either before or after treatment with acrolein has been found to preserve the cerebellum tissues from the toxic impacts and oxidative stress induced by acrolein. This may open the door to more nanomedicine studies and a new avenue for employing nanoparticles as a therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative illnesses.
A gradual loss of neuronal function or structure causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Neurological damage might cause cell death. Acrolein is a high-risk air and ...water contaminant that causes neurodegenerative disorders. Quercetin has several strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders but has limited bioavailability inside the body. One of the hypotheses offered to improve quercetin's bioavailability is to convert it into quercetin nanoparticles. This study aims to comprehend the immunohistochemical devastation that might arise in the cerebellum because of acrolein treatment. Furthermore, the protective and ameliorative roles of quercetin nanoparticles against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced in mice by acrolein were assessed. Ninety male albino rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used in the present investigation. The animals were split up into the following six groups: the control group, the acrolein-treated group: animals were given acrolein (3 mg/kg) for 30 days, quercetin nanoparticles treated group: animals were given quercetin nanoparticles (30 mg/kg) for 30 days. The administration of acrolein was found to be connected to immunohistochemical abnormalities in the cerebellum. Marked differences were observed in Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and GFAP expressions in the cerebellum. Treatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles either before or after treatment with acrolein has been found to preserve the cerebellum tissues from the toxic impacts and oxidative stress induced by acrolein. This may open the door to more nanomedicine studies and a new avenue for employing nanoparticles as a therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative illnesses.
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), globally and nationally, is considered as a serious problem. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians towards antimicrobial ...resistance.
Aim of the work
To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians towards antimicrobial resistance in Egypt.
Study design
A cross-sectional study.
Methods
The study was conducted on a group of physicians from various specialties prescribing antibiotics in different hospitals in Fayoum Governorate from January to December 2017. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires covering four main areas (demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices). Knowledge score was calculated for 11 knowledge questions by giving one point for each correct answer with maximum score 11. Attitude score was calculated for 21 attitude questions by giving 2 for agree, 1 for neutral and 0 for disagree, with maximum score 42.
Results
Mean knowledge score of 302 participants was 8.65 ± 1.69 out of 11. The main knowledge score was significantly higher among physicians working at Fayoum University Hospital (FUH) than at other hospital types, among pediatricians and physicians of internal medicine specialists than surgeons & obstetricians, and among participants reporting internet as a source of knowledge (
P
< 0.05). Mean total attitude score was 36.4 ± 4.47. Attitude score was significantly higher among physicians working at insurance hospital, followed by those working at FUH, and physicians reporting internet as a source of knowledge (
P
< 0.05). Positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores was reported (
r
= 0.313,
P
= 0.001). About 33.8% declared that they prescribe antibiotics for viral infections. With regard to factors affecting antibiotic prescribing, the most commonly reported were previous experience (85.4%), antibiotic availability (68.2), guidelines (70.2%), and microbiological advice (55.6%).
Conclusion
Despite good knowledge and appropriate attitudes of our participants, the practices of participants need to be improved.
Background: One of the major issues affecting global health is Diabetes mellitus (DM), not only in terms of the disease itself but also its complications. Macrovascular complications are both common ...and serious, affecting many patients. This study aimed to assess fasting C-peptide levels and correlate them with the severity of the peripheral arterial disease complicating type 2 DM (T2DM). Patients and Methods: This study included 200 participants who were categorized into two groups: Group I (n=100, patients with T2DM complicated by femoropopliteal arterial atherosclerosis) and Group II (n=100, healthy age- and sex-matched individuals serving as controls). Fasting C-peptide levels were estimated using an immunochemiluminometric assay. Results: Fasting C-peptide levels were significantly higher in Group I than in the control group. Fasting C-peptide levels were positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerosis. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that fasting C-peptide levels served as a specific and sensitive marker for detecting the severity of this disease. Conclusion: Fasting C-peptide levels can be used as a sensitive and specific indicator of the severity of femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis that complicates T2DM. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis, fasting C-peptide
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