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Bisphenol S (BPS) is one of the monomers preferred in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. Unfortunately, its estrogenic and genotoxic effects are similar to those of bisphenol A. The protective effects of Sphaeranthus indicusfloral extract (SFE) against reprotoxic effects of BPS (50 µg/kg per body weight) in rats exposed to it via drinking water was investigated. Different SFE doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were administered via oral gavage for 10 weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated that SFE was rich in polyphenols, with rutin and quercetin being important bioactive molecules modulating BPS-induced necroptosis and apoptosis. Biochemical analyses unveiled that rats administered BPS only exhibited considerable elevation of biomarkers of nitro-oxidative stress, necroptotic (RIPK1/RIPK3 and MLKL), and apoptotic mediators (Fas/FasL and caspase 3/caspase-8). These events caused changes in sperm characteristics (sperm motility, sperm head, and sperm viability), sperm count, and hormonal profile (thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) of the rats. Histological analysis suggested that there was pronounced sloughing of Sertoli cells, reduced spermatogenic cell density, increased levels of seminiferous tubules, and disorganized morphometric parameters related to seminiferous tubules. The SFE supplementation in rats with BPS-containing water restored nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers, which led to the reduction of necroptosis and apoptosis. Reinstatement of all the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, necroptosis, and apoptosis after SFE supplementations restored the hormonal profile and normal histoarchitecture of the testes. Virtual screening elucidated that the key regulators of the necroptosis are RIPK3-rutin and RIPK1-quercetin complexes. Further studies are needed to assess its pharmacodynamics, kinetics, and effective concentration for daily use in humans.

Carbamazepine is a first-choice anticonvulsant, and its medication is typically well tolerated when compared to lithium and valproic acid. Patients of Alzheimer’s Disease who are administered carbamazepine tend to develop acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. In this study, we established an Alzheimer’s model using scopolamine in Sprague Dawley rats to find out the nephroprotective effect of matricin (a bioactive sesquiterpene isolated from chamomile flowers) against carbamazepine-induced acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and its underlying mechanism of action. Scopolamine (16 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected for induction of Alzheimer’s disease on the 28th day whereas carbamazepine (25 mg/kg) was given daily to induce acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Treatment with matricin inhibited carbamazepine-induced mRNA expressions of RAS-ERK-MEK-JAK2-STAT3, cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6), and restored the optimal levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD and CAT). Further, matricin treatments reinstated biomarkers of kidney function (creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen), and refurbished the levels of MDA, SOD, and CAT. Histopathological analyses indicated that there was systemic dilation, tubular necrosis, interstitial edema, and glomerulus nephritis in the medulla region of the kidneys in rats with Alzheimer’s disease that received carbamazepine only. Treatment with matricin reconsolidated histopathology, and only mild glomerulus nephritis were observed in rats with Alzheimer’s disease. These results suggest that matricin could be utilized as a co-supplement with carbamazepine for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease to minimize the risk of kidney damage.

Hepatitis C is a dangerous liver disease transmitted by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV constitutes an important health issue in Pakistan. In Pakistani setting HCV is found frequently and is recognized as an alarming health problem. In this cross sectional study we reviewed published data regarding the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in general community, blood donors and pregnant females and risk factors linked with its occurrence in Pakistan. Data retrieved from163 studies published from 2001 to 2022 was utilized and weighted mean was calculated. Data of 1,875,232 individuals was collected and arranged into three groups, depending upon the population type such as (1) general population, (2) pregnant women, (3) blood donors. General population (765,426) and blood donors (973,260) formed the most of population. Mean Hepatitis C virus prevalence in general public and blood donors was 16.47% and 8.2% respectively. In pregnant females (136,546) the mean frequency was 9.3%. This study exhibits that the frequency of Hepatitis C in general population, pregnant females and blood donors groups was 11.32%. The data suggested that risks factors for transmitting HCV infection in Pakistan include unsterilized needle use, blood transfusions, shaving by barbers, lack of trained staff, needle stick injuries, injection drug users, household contacts/spousal transmission, unsterilized dental and surgical Instruments, improper disposal of hospital waste, poor infra-structure and others. The frequency of HCV infection is distressing in Pakistan. Health education and awareness programs are needed for decreasing Hepatitis C infection in Pakistan. The data necessitate the implementation of preventive and remedial approaches to decrease the disease load and mortality in Pakistan.