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Background and Objectives: Compared to other subjects, obese people have inferior trunk muscle endurance and balance. A modern method of neuro-muscular training called whole body vibration (WBV) may improve trunk muscle endurance and balance. This study evaluates the impact of a 4-week WBV program on trunk endurance and balance in obese female students. Materials and Methods: Sixty participants from 18 to 25 years of age and with BMI values ≥ 30 were randomly distributed into two equal groups: Group A (WBV group), who received 4 min of WBV, and Group B (sham WBV group), who received WBV with a turn-off device. The training was conducted two days/week for six weeks. Trunk endurance was evaluated using the Sorensen Test (ST) and Trunk Flexor Endurance Test (TFET). The Single-Leg Test (SLT) was used to assess static balance, while the Biodex Stability System measured dynamic balance. Results: The current study demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in pre-treatment variables between Groups A and B. Post-treatment, Group A showed a significantly higher duration of the Sorensen test, TFET and SLS than Group B (p < 0.001). Moreover, Group A showed significantly lower dynamic balance (p < 0.001) than Group B. Conclusions: WBV has a short-term effect on trunk endurance and balance in obese female students. WBV can be added to the rehabilitation program for obese subjects with deficits in trunk endurance and balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven derivatives of chalcones (PZ1–PZ11) were synthesized by incorporating N‐methyl piperazine on the para position of the aromatic B ring of chalcones. The A ring is substituted with different electron‐donating and withdrawing groups. All the final derivatives were evaluated for their monoamine oxidase A and B inhibition studies. From the series of compounds PZ‐7 was found to possess good MAO‐B inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 2.60±0.22 μM, followed by PZ‐9 with an IC50 value of 3.44±0.20 μM, when compared with reference compound pargyline 2.69±0.48 μM. PZ‐7 also considerably reduced the cell mortality triggered by rotenone in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The docking study found that PZ‐7 showed a docking score of −10.809 kCal/mol, with a polar interaction with Gln206, and π‐π stacking interaction between the B ring of chalcone. A molecular dynamics simulation study showed higher stability of the protein–ligand complex. Overall, compound PZ‐7 could serve as a promising MAO‐B inhibitor with neuroprotective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used to treat a variety of malignancies in both adults and children, including those of the bladder, breast, stomach, and ovaries. Despite this, it has been reported to cause hepatotoxicity. The recent discovery of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells' (BMSCs) therapeutic effects in the context of liver diseases suggests that their administration plays a part in the mitigation and rehabilitation of drug-induced toxicities. Objectives: This study investigated whether bone BMSCs could reduce DOX-induced liver damage by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway that causes fibrotic liver. Materials and methods: BMSCs were isolated and treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for 14 days before injection. Thirty-five mature male SD rats were categorized into four groups; group one (control) rats were supplemented with saline 0.9% for 28 days, group two (DOX) rats were injected with DOX (20 mg/kg), group three (DOX + BMSCs) rats were injected with 2 × 106 BMSCs after 4 days of DOX injection, group four (DOX + BMSCs + HA) rats were injected with 0.1 mL BMSCs pretreated with HA after 4 days of DOX. After 28 days the rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver tissue samples were subjected to biochemical and molecular analysis. Morphological and immunohistochemical observations were also carried out. Results: In terms of liver function and antioxidant findings, cells treated with HA showed considerable improvement compared to the DOX group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of inflammatory markers (TGFβ1, iNos), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2), cell tracking markers (SDF1α), fibrotic markers (β-catenin, Wnt7b, FN1, VEGF, and Col-1), and ROS markers (Nrf2, HO-1) was improved in BMSCs conditioned with HA in contrast to BMSCs alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings proved that BMSCs treated with HA exert their paracrine therapeutic effects via their secretome, suggesting that cell-based regenerative therapies conditioned with HA may be a viable alternative to reduce hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the highest degenerative disorder. Because cartilage erosion is a common pathological alteration in OA, targeting some key metalloproteinases such as MMP-3, ADAMTS-5 besides their inhibitor TIMP-3 by natural products, could be an effective strategy to protect against osteoarthritis. Forty female Wister rats were categorized into five equal groups. Control, osteoarthritic (OA) (monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) 2 mg/50 µL saline, single intra-articular injection), OA+ indomethacin (2 mg/kg/daily/orally), OA+ nano-naringenin (25 mg/kg/daily/orally), and OA+ Amphora coffeaeformis (772 mg/kg/daily/orally). Treatments were initiated on the 8th day after osteoarthritis induction and continued for 28 days thereafter. Finally, blood and knee joint samples were collected from all rats for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. The current study showed that MIA induced oxidative stress, which resulted in changes in the inflammatory joint markers associated with increased right knee diameter and higher clinical scores for lameness. Amphora coffeaeformis followed by nano-naringenin exhibited a potential anti-arthritic activity by reducing the concentrations of serum MMP-3, ADAMTS-5, and joint MDA and increasing the levels of serum TIMP-3 and joint GSH, similar to indomethacin. The histopathological results confirmed these outcomes. In conclusion, Amphora coffeaeformis and nano-naringenin can be considered as natural therapeutic agents for osteoarthritis owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of barley bran and flour-enriched yogurt against hypercholesterolemia in rats. Purposely, barley-enriched yogurts were prepared, and their quality characteristics including physicochemical, viscosity, textural and sensory analysis of functional yogurts were performed. The enrichment of 6% barley flour and barley bran in yogurt improved the viscosity, textural, physicochemical and sensory attributes. The barley bran and flour-enriched yogurt improved the growth of probiotics in T3 and T6. A hypercholesterolemic rats study was conducted and observed that lipid profile improved and glucose significantly decreased in response to functional yogurts. The improvement in functions of ALT (71.83 ± 1.61, 67.03 ± 1.67 and 62.33 ± 2.08 U/L), AST (245.17 ± 1.04, 231.33 ± 3.06 and 223.60 ± 2.79 U/L) and ALP (271.33 ± 1.53, 208.83 ± 1.26 and 189.37 ± 0.78 U/L) was observed G1, G4, and G5 groups, accordingly. It was concluded that barley bran exhibited greater potential than barley flour in the improvement of yogurt quality and hypercholesterolemia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a naturally occurring physiological process with a deleterious impact on various body organs and humans’ well-being. The aging population is increasing worldwide, which imposes the need for the exploration of nutritional options that can intercept the impact of the aging processed on various body organs. Vitamin K2 (VK2) is a fat-soluble vitamin with emerging evidence on its therapeutic merits. In the current study, natural aging induced a significant liver deterioration with a disrupted Keap-1/Nrf-2/HO-1 axis and increased COX-2, iNOS and TNF-α expression and apoptotic and fibrotic changes. VK2 administration, on the other hand, improved the biochemical indices of liver function (total protein, albumin, ALT and AST); the suppressed hepatic expression of Keap-1 and increased the hepatic expression of Nrf-2 with a parallel increase in the hepatic activity of HO-1. Subsequently, the liver content and hepatic expression of TNF-α, COX-2 and iNOS were significantly retracted. In context, the liver content and hepatic expression of the fibrotic biomarkers TGFβ and TIMP significantly retracted as well. Moreover, the TUNEL assay confirmed the retraction of liver apoptotic changes. Of notice, electron transmission microscope examination confirmed the preservation of mitochondrial functions and preservation of the ultra-microscopical structures. In conclusion, the VK2-mediated interception of aging-induced Keap-1/Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling suppressed the hepatic contents of inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers, as well as apoptotic changes with preservation of the hepatic architectural and functional status. VK2 can be presumed to be an effective nutritional supplement to the aging population to spare the liver, amongst other body organs, against aging-induced deleterious injury [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a simple solution evaporation approach to make a bioinorganic titanium dioxide (Bi-TiO2) photocatalyst for dye contaminant degradation. A variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and differential reflectance spectroscopy, had been employed to classify the structural and optical properties of the prepared bioinorganic photocatalyst (UV-DRS). Using simulated solar irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of the produced Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles was examined by detecting the degradation of a solution of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye molecule. The developed Bi-TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrates superior photocatalytic action than commercially available powder TiO2, according to photo-degradation experiments. E.coli and S.aureus bacterial strains were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles. The most active molecules that gain antibacterial activity were examined in isolated or extracted components from the tulsi plant. The chosen compounds were docked with thymidylate kinase (TMPK), a potential therapeutic goal for the preparation of novel antibacterial drugs with the PDB ID of 4QGG. Five compounds, namely rosmarinic acid, vicenin-2, orientin, vitexin, and isoorientin, out of the 27 chosen compounds, showed a higher docking score and may aid in boosting antibacterial activity. The synthesized Bi-TiO2 nanoparticles produced antibacterial activity that was effective against Gram-positive bacteria. The nanomaterials that have been synthesized have a lot of potential in wastewater treatment and biomedical management technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors that have a vital role in the production of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Tumors' upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors are key features of cancer progression. Regulation of the BMP kinase system is a new promising strategy for the development of anti-cancer drugs. In this work, based on a careful literature study, a library of benzothiophene and benzofuran derivatives was subjected to different computational techniques to study the effect of chemical structure changes on the ability of these two scaffolds to target BMP-2 inducible kinase, and to reach promising candidates with proposed activity against BMP-2 inducible kinase. The results of screening against Lipinski's and Veber's Rules produced twenty-one outside eighty-four compounds having drug-like molecular nature. Computational ADMET studies favored ten compounds (11, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 65, and 72) with good pharmacokinetic profile. Computational toxicity studies excluded compound 34 to elect nine compounds for molecular docking studies which displayed eight compounds (26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 35, 65, and 72) as promising BMP-2 inducible kinase inhibitors. The nine fascinating compounds will be subjected to extensive screening against serine/threonine kinases to explore their potential against these critical proteins. These promising candidates based on benzothiophene and benzofuran scaffolds deserve further clinical investigation as BMP-2 kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological disarray manifested as a sequel to chronic and acute liver failure (ALF). A potentially fatal consequence of ALF is brain edema with concomitant astrocyte enlargement. This study aims to outline the role of astrocytes in acute HE and shed light on the most critical mechanisms driving this role. Rats were allocated into two groups. Group 1, the control group, received the vehicle. Group 2, the TAA group, received TAA (300 mg/kg) for 3 days. Serum AST, ALT, and ammonia were determined. Liver and cerebral cortical sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, mRNA expression and immunohistochemical staining of cortical GFAP, TNFα, Kir4.1, and AQP4 were performed. Cortical sections from the TAA group demonstrated neuropil vacuolation and astrocytes enlargement with focal gliosis. GFAP, TNFa, and AQP4 revealed increased mRNA expression, positive immunoreactivity, and a positive correlation to brain water content. In contrast, Kir 4.1 showed decreased mRNA expression and immunoreactivity and a negative correlation to brain water content. In conclusion, our findings revealed altered levels of TNFa, Kir 4.1, GFAP, and AQP4 in HE-associated brain edema. A more significant dysregulation of Kir 4.1 and TNFα was observed compared to AQP4 and GFAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical application of cyclosporine A (CsA) as an immunosuppressive agent is limited by its organ toxicity. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of α-lipoic acid against CsA-induced hepatotoxicity and to delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Wistar rats (n = 24, 8 per each group) received the vehicle, CsA (25 mg/kg) and/or ALA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 3 weeks. Biochemical markers of liver function (serum ALT, AST, ALP < GGT), oxidative stress (MDA, TAC, SOD, GSH, Nrf2/HO-1), inflammation (NF-κB, CD68, iNOS, NO, COX-2), and apoptosis (caspase-3) were assessed in serum and tissue. Liver histological analysis using H&E and Sirius red was performed. The development of liver injury in CsA-treated animals was indicated by elevated levels of liver enzymes, oxidants/antioxidants imbalance, inflammatory cells infiltration, up-regulated expression of inflammatory mediators, and apoptosis. These changes were associated with altered architecture of hepatic cells and fibrous connective tissue. ALA co-administration protected against CsA-induced liver damage and ameliorated biochemical changes and cellular injury. In conclusion, ALA demonstrated hepatoprotective potential against CsA-induced liver injury through combating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, highlighting ALA as a valuable adjunct to CsA therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to use polymeric konjac glucomannan (KGM), Kollidon VA 64 (KVA64), and glutaraldehyde to ameliorate stomach specific floating microspheres (SSFM) using domperidone (DoN) to increase in vivo bioavailability and emerging health pathologies. The SSFM were made using the emulsion cross-linking process, and the polymer was chosen based on its ability to get cross-linked. The thermodynamic parameters were used to determine the AL classes of phase solubility curves using ideal complexes produced with KVA64. The optimal interaction constants at 25 and 37°C were found to be 116.14 and 128.05 M-1, respectively. The prepared SSFM had an average particle size (PS) of 163.71 ± 2.26 mm and a drug content of 96.66 ± 0.32 %. It can be determined from in vitro drug release experiments that drug release is good in terms of regulated drug release after 12 h (92.62 ± 2.43 %). The SSFMs were approximately sphere-shaped and had smooth surfaces, according to the morphological data. SSFMs were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and no chemical structural changes were identified. The SSFMs produces a considerable gastric residence time with optimal DoN release and absorption in stomach fluid, and the mean residence time (17.36 ± 1.4 h) and t 1 / 2 (10.47 ± 0.6 h) were considerably longer (p < 0.05) than those obtained following i.v. treatment (MRT = 8.42 ± 1.2 h; t 1 / 2 = 9.07 ± 0.7 h). The SSFMs maintained good physical stability for three months when stored at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent cardiovascular problems linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is associated with myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, suppressed autophagy, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibrosis. The current study aims to investigate the protective effect of sodium-glucose transport 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin and/or exercise on DCM. Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats are used. T2DM is induced by a 6-week high-fat diet (HFD) followed by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Rats are divided into five groups, control, diabetic (DM), DM + swimming, DM + dapagliflozin, and DM + dapagliflozin and swimming. Serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are measured. Heart specimens are used for evaluation of cellular oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), as well as mRNA expression of TGF-β, MMP9, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Stained sections with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson trichrome are used for histopathological evaluation and detection of fibrosis, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for apoptosis (caspase-3), and autophagy (LC3) are also carried out. The combinations of SGLT2i and exercise exhibited the most significant cardioprotective effect. It improved diabetic-induced histopathological alterations in the myocardium and attenuated the elevation of serum blood glucose, CK-MB, LDH, myocardial MDA, and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β, MMP9, and the immune expression of caspase-3. Moreover, this combination increased the serum insulin, myocardial antioxidants GSH and CAT, and increase the immune expression of the LC-3. In conclusion, a combination of SGLT2i and exercise exerted a better antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effect in DCM. Moreover, the combination enhances the autophagic capacity of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) are widely utilized and consumed mainly as food additives. Oxidative stress is considered to be the basic effect of TiO 2 NPs through biological interactions. Hesperidin (HSP) is a bioflavonoid (flavanone glycoside) with lipid-lowering, inflammation, oxidative stress suppression, antihypertensive, cancer-fighting, and antiedema effects. Objective : This study was to investigate the possible protective influences of HSP of subchronic oral TiO 2 NP exposure on the brains of rats, including neurotransmitters, oxidative stress/antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and histological changes in the brains of adult male albino rats. Methodology: The experiment was executed on 80 albino rats. The animals were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The first group served as a control; the second group was treated with oral doses of HSP (100 mg/kg Bw daily); the third group received TiO 2 NPs (200 mg/kg Bw orally daily); and the fourth group was treated with TiO 2 NPs and an oral dose of HSP daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis. Neurotransmitters, oxidative stress biomarker levels, and inflammatory markers were measured in brain homogenates. Histological examination of the brain was performed through H&E staining. Results : Coadministration of hesperidin with TiO 2 NPs orally for 8 weeks decreased the levels of MDA, TNF-α, AChE, and dopamine in brain homogenates, which were increased in the TiO 2 NP group. It increased the other oxidative biomarkers (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and Nrf-2 expression levels. Brain histological sections of the TiO 2 NP-treated group show degeneration, necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration that decreased markedly in the coadministration of hesperidin with the TiO 2 NP group. Conclusion: Hesperidin cotreatment offers significant protection against TiO 2 NP-induced oxidative stress and biochemical and histological alteration in the brain., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

This study used a simple solution evaporation approach to make a bioinorganic titanium dioxide (Bi-TiO 2 ) photocatalyst for dye contaminant degradation. A variety of techniques, including X -ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X -ray analysis (EDAX), and differential reflectance spectroscopy, had been employed to classify the structural and optical properties of the prepared bioinorganic photocatalyst (UV-DRS). Using simulated solar irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of the produced Bi-TiO 2 nanoparticles was examined by detecting the degradation of a solution of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye molecule. The developed Bi-TiO 2 photocatalyst demonstrates superior photocatalytic action than commercially available powder TiO 2 , according to photo-degradation experiments. E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of Bi-TiO 2 nanoparticles. The most active molecules that gain antibacterial activity were examined in isolated or extracted components from the tulsi plant. The chosen compounds were docked with thymidylate kinase (TMPK), a potential therapeutic goal for the preparation of novel antibacterial drugs with the PDB ID of 4QGG. Five compounds, namely rosmarinic acid, vicenin-2, orientin, vitexin, and isoorientin, out of the 27 chosen compounds, showed a higher docking score and may aid in boosting antibacterial activity. The synthesized Bi-TiO 2 nanoparticles produced antibacterial activity that was effective against Gram-positive bacteria. The nanomaterials that have been synthesized have a lot of potential in wastewater treatment and biomedical management technologies., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Rasha Hamed Al-Serwi et al.)

In the search for a new anti-MRSA lead compound, emodin was identified as a good lead against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Emodin serves as a new scaffold to design novel and effective anti-MRSA agents. Because rational drug discovery is limited by the knowledge of the drug target, α-hemolysin of Staphylococcus aureus was used in this study because it has an essential role in Staphylococcus infections and because emodin shares structural features with compounds that target this enzyme. In order to explore emodin's interactions with α-hemolysin, all possible ligand binding pockets were identified and investigated. Two ligand pockets were detected based on bound ligands and other reports. The third pocket was identified as a cryptic site after molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations were conducted for emodin in each pocket to identify the most plausible ligand site and to aid in the design of potent anti-MRSA agents. Binding of emodin to site 1 was most stable (RMSD changes within 1 Å), while in site 2, the binding pose of emodin fluctuated, and it left after 20 ns. In site 3, it was stable during the first 50 ns, and then it started to move out of the binding site. Site 1 is a possible ligand binding pocket, and this study sheds more light on interaction types, binding mode, and key amino acids involved in ligand binding essential for better lead design. Emodin showed an IC 50 value of 6.3 μg/mL, while 1, 6, and 8 triacetyl emodin showed no activity against MRSA. A molecular modeling study was pursued to better understand effective binding requirements for a lead.