Search

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is common CHD caused by accumulation of oxidized LDL-c forming foam cell with macrophage that narrowing blood vessels. It increased risk of CVD. Green vegetables rich with PUFA is important to maintain healthy status. This study investigated the mechanistic pathway mediate combination of Decosapentanoic acid (DPA) and linoleic acid (LA) as anti-atherothengic effect in rats fed high fat diet. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five male albino rats were divided into five groups (15 rats each) were fed high fat diet (40% Saturated fat) for 3 months: Group (I): Rats given 10 % DPA. Group (II): Rats given 10 % LA. Group (III): Rats given 10 % DPA+10% LA. Group (IV): Rats treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg BW) and Group (v) Untreated. In addition, Group (VI): 15 rats fed normal diet. Results: Data obtained showed that, plasma cholesterol and LDL-c levels were highly significant reduced in group III (p < 0.001) versus other groups compared with untreated. Level of triglycerides was reduced but still high than normal (p=0.05) and atherogenic index. The activity of HMG-CoA reductase was reduced while apo-A, apo-c elevated, JAK was upregulated in combination therapy (p< 0.001). The elevated Apo-A, apo-c activate clearing factor and decreased triglycerides. Conclusion: It was concluded that, upregulated of JAK by combination therapy mediate inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase that decreased endogenous synthesis of cholesterol and reduced its level in circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence showed that herbal medicine could be beneficial for protection against diseases that may be exist in consequence of exposure to environmental toxicants. Propylparaben (PrP) is used as preservative in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is classified as one of endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs). This study evaluated the protective effect of Rhus tripartita methanolic extract (RTME) against reproductive toxicity induced by PrP in male rats. A total of 60 Wister albino rats were divided into four groups (15 rats for each group). Group I (control): rats received the vehicle (DMSO), group II: normal rats received RTME (10 mg/kg/day), group III: rats received PrP (10 mg/kg/day), and group IV: rats received PrP (10 mg/kg/day) and RTME (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment, levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α-reductase were analyzed in sera. Data obtained showed a significant reduction in the levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α- reductase in rats given PrP versus control (p < 0.001) and RTME treatment improved these parameters but not returned to normal. Data obtained showed a significant elevation in levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the testis of rats given PrP versus control (p < 0.001), these inflammatory mediators were significant reduced in rats treated with RTME compared with untreated rats (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between level of DHT and antioxidant enzymes activities (r = 0.56). A significant elevation in the levels of MDA with reduction in the activities of GST, GSPx, SOD, and catalase (p < 0.001) in rat testicular tissues of PrP group versus control (p < 0.001) was found. Treatment with RTME significantly reduced the levels of MDA and enhanced activities of GST, GSPx, SOD, and catalase (p < 0.001) compared to untreated group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the active ingredient components of RTME abrogate the toxicity of PrP by exhibiting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing 5-α reductase with improved hormonal status against PrP- induced testicular damage. Toxicity of propylparaben, and effect of Rhus tripartita methanolic extract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for major cancer-related deaths despite current advanced therapies. Treatment and prognosis of HCC is better in patients with preserved liver function. Many natural products including ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.), are claimed to have hepatoprotective and HCC inhibitory effects, but most lack scientific validation. To prove our hypothesis, we attempted to evaluate the HCC inhibitory effects, and other beneficial properties of the aqueous extract of ajwa dates (ADE) in a rat model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver cancer. Methods: Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups of eight each as follows, Group A: untreated control; Group B: DEN control (180 mg/kg bw), Group C: DEN + ADE 0.5 g/kg bw; and Group D: DEN +1.0 g/kg bw. Rats from all groups were assessed for liver cancer progression or inhibition by evaluating histological, biochemical, antioxidant enzyme status, cytokines and gene expression profiles. Results: DEN treatment Groups (B, C, D) showed histological features of HCC and in rats treated with ADE (Groups C, D) partial to complete reversal of normal liver architecture was observed. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutatione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were increased, while the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and lipid peroxidation were significantly decreased in Group C and Group D compared to Group B. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, GM-CSF) were increased in the serum of rats in Group B while the antitumor cytokines (IL-2, IL-12) were increased in ADE treated Groups (C, D). In addition, Alpha-Feto Protein (AFP) and IL-6 gene expression levels were upregulated in Group B, while they were significantly downregulated in ADE treated Groups (C, D). Conclusions: ADE helped in the reversal of DEN damaged liver towards normal. Restoration of anti-oxidant enzymes, liver enzymes, cytokines balance and gene expression to normal levels following ADE treatment indicates that ADE improves liver function and inhibits HCC. ADE can, therefore, be used together with conventional therapeutics for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA)-approved category B antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat infections during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate antibiotic-induced changes in gut microbiota (GM) that occur during pregnancy. The 16S rRNA amplicon deep-sequencing method was used to analyze the effect of category B antibiotics (azithromycin, amoxicillin and cefaclor) on GM during pregnancy using a rat model. The GM composition was substantially modulated by pregnancy and antibiotics administration. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Chlamydiae, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the dominant phyla. Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and reduced Firmicutes. The genera Shigella, Streptococcus, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Helicobacter were significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant during pregnancy. Antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus but increased that of Enterobacter. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Lactobacillus sp., Lactobacillus gallinarum and Lactobacillus crispatus during pregnancy. Antibiotic treatment reduced bacterial diversity; the lowest number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected in the cefaclor-treated groups. Antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) promoted weight gain during pregnancy, and increased relative abundance of Shigella sonnei, Enterococcus hormaechei, and Acinetobacter sp. GM perturbations were accompanied by increases in Proteobacteria abundance and weight gain in pregnancy following antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Convolvulus hystrix Vahl” is a plant that has been known to Ancient Egyptians and to Arabs and its root was used traditionally as a purgative. Our attention was directed to the root bark as we observed that the largest part of the plant is deeply impeded underground. The work plan involved testing experimental animals for the influence of aqueous root bark extract on carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolisms as reflected on the growth and relevant laboratory metabolic assessment parameters. Proximate analysis showed high percentages of moisture (85%) and total lipids (7.2%) and surprising amounts of elements such as barium, strontium, rhodium and tellurium (1.7 mg, 3.1 mg, 8 mg and 9.1 mg/g ash, respectively). Random serum glucose value showed a significant decrease in the treated female group (p < 0.05). Serum total proteins of treated female group were found to be increased significantly (p < 0.001), while it was found to be decreased in the relevant treated male group (p < 0.01), together with a significant decrease in blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05), with a significant increase in the serum creatinine (p < 0.05). Concerning serum fat metabolic parameters, a significant decrease in the serum triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) were found. We concluded that the presence of huge amount of polyphenolics such as tannins is responsible for the overall results documented as growth retarding and antinutritional factors. The results were motivating and pointed out to the possible opening of vast areas of research in the field of natural products. We recommend a series of biochemical and pharmacological studies concerning different parts of the plant as well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: The increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is one of the intractable, economic veterinary and public health obstacle of the 21st century. As a component of the gut microbiota (GM), it is aimed in this study to establish a rat model to examine the role of E. coli in contributing to the increasing antimicrobial resistance of GM. Methods and Results: Ten rats were divided into two equal groups (RG-1 and RG-2), and their GM was characterized before and after an amoxicillin treatment. The first treatment was applied on all rats, administering to each an equal count of Multiple Drug Resistant E. coli (MDR E. coli). The second treatment was restricted to rats of the RG-2 group, treating them with amoxicillin, effective 48 hrs following the MDR E. coli administration, to examine the persistence of MDR E. coli and the posttreatment profile of the GM resistome. Stool samples, collected at different times, were aerobically cultured at 37°C, and the bacterial cultures were tested against ten antibiotics from different classes. The bacterial isolates were analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and some by 16S RNA sequencing. In four phyla, 12 genera and 16 species were identified by culturing 8020 fecal colonies. The rat GM was dominantly inhabited by the genus Enterococcus, encoding resistance to amoxicillin, D-cycloserin, gentamicin, carbenicillin and kanamycin. The GM of rats in the two groups had significantly greater antimicrobial resistant colony count (p<0.01) after administration of exogenous MDR E. coli compared to that before treatment. The amoxicillin treatment in the second group was efficient in reduction of the bacterial density, associated with enhanced resistance diversity. The Bacteriodetes emerged as a new resistant phylum after the amoxicillin treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, the administration of MDR E. coli caused a change in the resistome of the GM, and the additional treatment with amoxicillin increased the drug resistantcolony forming units, and led to the isolation of new antimicrobial resistant species. Significance and Impact of Study: This study proves the significance of a rat model in studying the role of ingestion of MDR microorganism, in absence and presence of antimicrobial treatment, on the drug resistome of the GM. The impact of this pioneer study on future control of the problem of drug resistance in GM, due to ingestion of MDR microorganisms by animals and humans, in absence and presence of antimicrobial treatment, is in accord with recent influx of documentations in this research scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]