Medicinal plants have been used from ancient times for human healthcare as in the form of traditional medicines, spices, and other food components. Garlic (
L.) is an aromatic herbaceous plant that ...is consumed worldwide as food and traditional remedy for various diseases. It has been reported to possess several biological properties including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, renoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihypertensive activities in traditional medicines.
is rich in several sulfur-containing phytoconstituents such as alliin, allicin, ajoenes, vinyldithiins, and flavonoids such as quercetin. Extracts and isolated compounds of
have been evaluated for various biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities among others. This review examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activities of
extracts as well as its main active constituent, allicin.
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•The 96-h LC50 of oxyfluorfen for C. gariepinus was 11.698 mg/L.•Oxyfluorfen exposure induced hepatorenal and testicular damage in C. gariepinus.•Oxyfluorfen markedly up-regulated ...hepatic catalase gene expression.•Reduced acetylcholinesterase content was apparent in oxyfluorfen-exposed fish.•A ten days recovery period was insufficient to reverse oxyfluorfen induced- damages.
Little is known about the effects of oxyfluorfen, a diphenyl ether herbicide, exposure on the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) health. Consequently, the existing investigation was designed to highlight the impacts of oxyfluorfen exposure on C. gariepinus hematological indices, liver and kidney functions, reproductive hormones, and oxidative status. Furthermore, a consequent 10-day depuration period was adopted to evaluate the recovery of the disturbed indicators to normal values. In the first experiment, the 96-h lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of oxyfluorfen for C. gariepinus was determined using probit analysis. Next, in a second experiment, 180 healthy fish (average initial body weight: 164.23 ± 0.24) were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups exposed to 0, 1/10, 1/8, or 1/5 96-h LC50 of oxyfluorfen. The hematological profile, hepatic enzymes, kidney damage byproducts, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation indicators together with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) content were assessed. A histopathological examination of the hepatic, renal, brain, and testicular tissues was accomplished. Moreover, the expression of the oxidative stress-related gene was carried out. The results showed that 96-h LC50 of oxyfluorfen for C. gariepinus was 11.698 mg/L. Exposure to sublethal levels of oxyfluorfen induced macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, and eosinopenia. Also, a concentration-dependent increase in alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, urea, creatinine, catalase, and malondialdehyde was detected following oxyfluorfen exposure together with upregulation of catalase gene. But, significant concentration-dependent reductions in AChE, glutathione transferase, reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio, estradiol, and testosterone activities were recorded. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by pathological perturbations in hepatic, renal, brain, and testicular tissues. Following 10 days of recovery, only the hematological impairments were abolished. Conclusively, the herbicides oxyfluorfen could induce multiple negative impacts on C. gariepinus with oxidative stress as a probable underlying mechanism. Additionally, a recovery period of 10 days was not enough to restore these impairments.
The present study was designed to evaluate the probable ameliorative role of quercetin (QCN) against oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al
2
O
3
NPs) with a diameter < ...30 nm and lead acetate (Pb) co-exposure in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were weighed and allocated to seven groups (
n
= 10 each) and were treated orally via orogastric gavage for 60 successive days: rats of the 1st group were kept as control given distilled water (1 ml/kg), rats of the 2nd group received 2 ml/kg BW/day corn oil; rats of the 3rd group were administered 20 mg/kg BW QCN/day; rats of the 4th group received 100 mg/kg BW Al
2
O
3
NPs; rats of the 5th group received 50 mg/kg BW Pb; rats of the 6th group co-received Al
2
O
3
NPs and Pb at the same previous doses; and rats of the 7th group were co-administered Al
2
O
3
NPs, Pb, and QCN at the same previous doses. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total, direct, indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were estimated. The hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated. Finally, the histopathological and histomorphometric evaluations and the residues of Al and Pb in hepatic tissues were assessed. Al
2
O
3
NPs and/or Pb exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and considerably altered the hepatic biochemical parameters; nevertheless, QCN significantly reduced hepatic enzymes compared to toxicant exposed groups. Additionally, QCN significantly improved Al
2
O
3
NPs-afforded liver tissue damage, as established in microscopic findings on the liver in the group treated with Al
2
O
3
NPs + Pb. Conclusively, QCN could be a candidate natural agent to safeguard the liver versus the co-harmful impacts of Al
2
O
3
NPs and Pb toxicity.
The fungicide iprodione (IPR) and the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) are concurrently applied for early disease control in fruits and other crops. However, there are no available data about the ...impacts of their co‐exposure. Additionally, IPR and CPF are known as endocrine disruptors that can cause reproductive toxicity. The outcomes of their co‐exposure on the development of male reproductive organs are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risk of exposure to these pesticides, particularly on the postnatal development of the male albino rat reproductive system from postnatal days 23–60. The results revealed that a single IPR or CPF exposure has harmful consequences on the reproductive development and function manifested by reduced testicular weight, serious changes in sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone level imbalance, testicular enzymes, oxidative stress and apoptosis‐related enzymes, which correlated with transcription levels of steroidogenic‐ and spermatogenic‐related genes. Histopathologically, both compounds caused severe damage in the testis and accessory glands architecture. Notably, co‐exposure to IPR and CPF in rats caused more serious damage, indicative of an additive effect than individual exposure, so concurrent exposure should be avoided as it is more hazardous, especially on male fertility.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a widely used plasticizer and prevalent environmental contaminant. In this study, DEHA concentrations in the milk, cheese, and butter samples wrapped with ...food-grade commercial polyethylene films and stored at 4 °C for 30 days were detected using gas chromatographic analysis. Also, the effects of exposure to a high dose of DEHA for a long duration on the liver, brain, and heart of Wistar rats were assessed. Besides, the possible beneficial effect of Peganum harmala oil (PGO), in relieving DEHA induced adverse effects was explored. For this purpose, four groups (8 rats/group) were orally given physiological saline, PGO (320 mg/kg bwt), DEHA (2000 mg/kg bwt), or PGO + DEHA for 60 days. The results revealed that the DEHA concentrations in the tested dairy products were ordered as follows: (butter > cheese > milk). Notably, the detected levels in butter were higher than the specific migration limit in foods. DEHA induced a significant increase in the serum levels of glucose, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, acetylcholine esterase, creatine kinase–myocardium bound, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β. But, significant hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, and hypocholesterolemia were evident following DEHA exposure. A significant reduction in the serum level of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor was recorded. Besides, a significant downregulation in hepatic CYP2E1, brain glial fibrillary acidic protein, and cardiac troponin I gene expression was noticed. Moreover, DEHA exposure induced a significant decrease in Bcl-2 immunolabeling, but Caspase-3 immunoexpression was increased. On the contrary, PGO significantly recused DEHA injurious impacts. Therefore, PGO could represent a promising agent for preventing DEHA-induced hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity.
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•Peganum harmala oil (PGO) corrected Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) induced anemia.•PGO suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines due to DEHA exposure.•PGO reduced DEHA induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat liver, brain, and heart.•PGO reversed DEHA induced downregulation of CYP2E1, GFAP, and cTnI genes.•DEHA presents at high levels in the stored milk, cheese, and butter at 4 °C for 30 days.
Aims: This study assessed the prophylactic or therapeutic effects of taurine (TR) and/or hesperidin (HES) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute kidney and testicular injury in rats.
Main ...methods: Rats were randomly divided into nine experimental groups including control; corn oil; CCl4; HES/CCl4; TR/CCl4; HES + TR/CCl4; CCl4/HES; CCl4/TR; and CCl4/HES + TR groups. CCl4 was intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 2 ml /kg b.w. HES and TR were orally gavaged twice weekly 100 mg/kg b.w. for four weeks. Kidney function, inflammatory response, sexual hormones, and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Histomorphological and immune-histochemical studies of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) in renal and testicular tissues were performed.
Key findings: The results showed that the TR and/or HES treatment significantly suppressed CCl4 induced rise of urea, uric acid, potassium, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. However, significant restoration of sodium, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone was apparent in CCl4 exposed rats received HES and/or TR. Also, the HES and/or TR treatment significantly rescues CCl4 induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, the HES and/or TR dosing significantly repaired the CCl4 evoked altered renal and testicular architecture and suppressed NF-κB immunoexpression. Notably, alleviating CCl4 induced renal and testicular damage was more effective in the prophylactic groups than the therapeutic groups. Also, most of the estimated parameters of the HES + TR group did not significantly vary from those of single TR or HES.
Significance: In conclusion, HES or TR could efficiently guard against CCl4 nephro-and reprotoxic effects, but both bioactive combinations afford only a limited synergistic outcome.
•Bee venom (BV) reduced acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines release.•BV adjusted caspase-3, BAX, and Hsp70 ASA-induced expression in gastric tissue.•BV reduced ASA- induced ...oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.•BV corrected ASA- induced hematological and hemostatic alterations.•BV could be a candidate therapy for ASA-induced gastric ulceration.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the most highly consumed pharmaceutical product worldwide. Importantly, gastrointestinal ulceration due to ASA is a major complication. Hence, the present work aimed to examine, for the first time, the healing properties of bee venom (BV) in acute gastric ulceration induced by ASA. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups that received distilled water only, ASA (500 mg/kg BW) twice daily for 3 days, ASA for 3 days followed by BV (2 mg/kg BW) for 7 days, or ASA for 3 days followed by ranitidine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg BW) for 7 days. Haematological analysis, haemostatic evaluation, and inflammatory marker estimation were performed. Rat stomachs were collected for ulcer scoring, gene expression analysis, oxidative stress assays, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, and tissue eosinophil scoring. The results revealed that BV markedly decreased the ulcer index, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, malondialdehyde levels, BAX distribution, caspase-3 expression, and tissue eosinophil levels. Additionally, significant increases in antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein 70 localization in gastric tissue were evident following BV treatment after ASA exposure. Also, BV has been found to attenuate the haematological, haemostatic, and histopathological alterations induced by ASA. Our findings collectively indicate that the gastroprotective effect of BV against ASA-induced ulceration in rats is mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-secretory properties.
Chemical food preservatives are extensively found in various processed food products in the human environment. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of long-term exposure to five food ...preservatives (potassium sorbate (PS), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium benzoate (SB), calcium propionate (CP), and boric acid (BA)) on the liver and kidney in rats and the probable underlying mechanisms. For 90 days, sixty male albino rats were orally given either water (control), 0.09 mg/kg b.wt BHA, 4.5 mg/kg b.wt PS, 0.9 mg/kg b.wt SB, 0.16 mg/kg b.wt BA, or 0.18 mg/kg b.wt CP. Liver and kidney function tests were assessed. Hepatic and renal oxidative stress biomarkers were estimated. Histologic examination analysis of liver and kidney tissues was achieved. Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR-2 and TLR-4), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) mRNA expression levels were measured. The results revealed that long-term oral dosing of the five food preservatives resulted in significant increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There were significant reductions in hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes, an increase in MDA concentrations, and pathological alterations in renal and hepatic tissues. The mRNA levels of TLR-4, TLR-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α were elevated in the food preservatives-exposed groups. Conclusively, the current findings revealed that long-term exposure to PS, BHA, SB, CP, and BA has a negative impact on liver and kidney function. Furthermore, these negative effects could be mediated via oxidative stress induction, inflammatory reactions, and cytokine production.
In this era, worldwide interest has been directed towards using natural antioxidants to guard against drug side effects.
is a famous medicinal plant with many biologically active compounds. ...Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is an extensively used glucocorticoid. Hence, this study explored, for the first time, the possible beneficial effects of
ethanolic extract on TA-induced oxidative damage in the lung and spleen of rats.
: Five experimental groups were used: control group,
-treated group (600 mg/kg/day, orally), TA-treated group (40 mg/kg/twice/week I/P),
+ TA co-treated group, and
/TA prophylactic group.
TA exposure significantly induced leukocytosis and neutrophilia. In addition, TA significantly reduced the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor α, and immunoglobulins. Lung Caspase-3 overexpression and splenic CD8
downregulation were also noted in the TA group. TA treatment significantly increased malondialdehyde concentration but reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities.
counteracted the TA oxidative and apoptotic effects. The best results were recorded in the prophylactic group.
has a remarkable protective effect via its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant capacity. Thus, it could be a candidate as a natural antioxidant to face glucocorticoid's harmful side effects.
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•Melamine (ML) significantly upregulated renal KIM-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-α genes.•ML significantly altered hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis-related genes.•ML increased leakage of ...hepatic enzymes and renal damaged products.•ML altered the glycogen and DNA content in hepatic and renal tissues.•Moringa oleifera rescued MEL induced hepatorenal damage especially at co-exposure.
Melamine (ML) is a common food adulterant and contaminant. Moringa oleifera is a well-known medicinal plant with many beneficial biological properties. This study investigated the possible prophylactic and therapeutic activity of an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (MEE) against ML-induced hepatorenal damage.
Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were orally administered distilled water, MEE (800 mg/kg bw), ML (700 mg/kg bw), MEE/ML (prophylactically) or MEE+ML (therapeutically). Hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphate (ALP) in serum were measured. Serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, protein, albumin, and globulin contents were also assayed, and urea and creatinine levels were determined. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in serum levels were quantified. Complementary histological and histochemical evaluation of renal and hepatic tissues was conducted, and expression of oxidative stress (GPx and CAT) and apoptosis-related genes, p53 and Bcl-2, in hepatic tissue were assessed. In parallel, transcriptional expression of inflammation and renal injury-related genes, including kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the kidney tissue were determined.
ML caused significant increases in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Further, ML treated rats showed significant reductions in serum levels of protein, albumin, globulin, GPx, and CAT. Distinct histopathological damage and disturbances in glycogen and DNA content in hepatic and renal tissues of ML treated rats were observed. KIM-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-α gene expression was significantly upregulated in kidney tissue. Also, GPx, CAT, and Bcl-2 genes were significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in liver tissue after ML treatment. MEE significantly counteracted the ML-induced hepatorenal damage primarily for co-exposed rats.
MEE could be an effective therapeutic supplement for treatment of ML-induced hepato-renal damage, probably via modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
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