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The aim of this work is to numerically and theoretically model thermosolute natural convection in porous, isotropic and saturated media filled with Casson nanofluids (aluminum nanoparticles) under the influence of a magnetic field. Calculations were performed for various parameters relevant to our model, namely Casson fluid parameters (between 0.1 and 1), thermal Rayleigh number (between 10 and 100000), Geometric aspect ratio number (between 1 and 3),Buoyancy ratio number (between 1 and 10), Soret and Dufour numbers (between 0.2 and 1.2), conductivity ratios (between 1 and 3) and Hartmann numbers (between 0 and 100). The horizontal walls of the enclosure maintain uniform temperature and concentration, while the side walls are rigid, watertight, and insulated. Casson nanofluid flow occurs in porous layers and is described by the extended Darcy law of Brinkman-Forchheimer. The finite volume method was used to spatially discretize the obtained system of equations. Therefore, we investigated the effect of different parameters on the heat transfer rate and concentration. we observe that heat and mass transfer increases with increasing Casson fluid parameter; this increase is significant for the case of β between 0.1 and 0.4. And it also increases with the increase in the number of thermal conductivity ratios, the number of thrust ratios and with the increase in the thermal Rayleigh number. The latter remain unchanged when the thermal Rayleigh number is below the threshold . In the Opposite, we notice an uneven decrease in the thermosolutal transfer with the increase in the Hartmann Soret and Dufour numbers.

Abstract The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF‐AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF‐AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF‐AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO‐caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF‐AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF‐AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants. SF‐AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C‐reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2O2, free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF‐AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, SF‐AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna are widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin and commonly used in folk medicine against a wide range of diseases. Therefore, the present study has been designed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of two aqueous extracts of the fruits of A. unedo (AUAE) and C. monogyna (CMAE). Male Wistar rats were supplied with a standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with the two separated extracts at the same dose (300 mg/kg, BW, p. o.), or HFD with atorvastatin-(ATOR) (2.1 mg/kg, BW, p. o.) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and the liver and kidney linked-markers were assessed. Besides, obesity-related disorders' biomarkers were measured. AUAE, CMAE, and ATOR were observed to reduce significantly total body and organ weights following HFD-induced obese rat models. Likewise, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue weights were noticeably decreased in HFD rats treated with both extracts and ATOR. Added to that, biochemical and metabolic changes were normalized by significant attenuation of lipid peroxidation accompanied with an increase of thiol-group concentrations and antioxidant status. More importantly, a modulation in trace element levels was revealed when compared with HFD group. Altogether, current study concluded that AUAE and CMAE could be potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disturbs induced by HFD.

Background: The prompt development of obesity/constipation is the most serious problem for both children and adults. Limited studies suggested an association between them but lacked preclinical studies. This study allows to evaluate their crosslink and to compare the aqueous extracts laxative actions of two edible wild fruits of Arbutus unedo (AUAE) and Crataegus monogyna (CMAE) in constipated high‐fat diet (HFD) rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups for 13 weeks: standard (SD) and HFD groups. SD‐rats were randomly redivided into 2 groups: SD and SD + Loperamide (LOP, 3 mg/kg, b.w.). HFD‐rats were randomly reseparated into HFD‐group, (HFD + LOP)‐group, [HFD + Yohimbine (YOH, 2 mg/kg, b.w.)]‐group, [HFD+ LOP]‐groups+ various doses of AUAE or CMAE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, b.w.). Diversified indicators were investigated to achieve the expected objectives, including; fecal parameters, gastrointestinal transit (GIT), gastric emptying (GE), oxidative stress‐(OxS), blood biochemical analysis, and accompanied small/large bowel histological modification. Key Results: The liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS) analysis of AUAE and CMAE allowed the identification of 11 and 6 phenolic compounds, respectively. In HFD‐rats, the subsequent dysregulation of GI motility was markedly aggravated. More importantly, with the same way (CMAE and AUAE)‐treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, GIT, and GE were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, OxS, and blood biochemical indicators. Conclusions & Inferences: Our results experimentally confirmed the crosslink between overweight and constipation and both fruits have potential as functional foods to reduce metabolic risk of the obesity associated with bowel dysmotility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Urtica dioica, a source of bioactive functional compounds, provides nutritional and gastrointestinal therapeutic benefits. This study attempted to investigate the prophylactic coloprotective action of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica (AEUD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds, total sugar, and mineral levels were determined in AEUD. Then, AEUD at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) and mesalazine (MESA) as a standard treatment (100 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) were given orally for 21 days. Acute colitis was induced by administering drinking water with 5% (w/v) DSS for 7 days. Body weight variation, fecal occult blood, and stool consistency were determined daily. The severity of colitis was graded according to colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histological evaluations, and biochemical alterations. Rats orally administered DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis. Results: Due to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds (247.65 ± 2.69 mg EAG/g MS and 34.08 ± 0.53 mg EQt/g MS, respectively), AEUD markedly ameliorated DAI, ulcer scores, colon length shortening, colonic histopathological changes, and hematological and biochemical modifications. Taken together, AEUD treatment notably (p < 0.01) suppressed DSS-induced UC by reducing oxidative stress via lowering MDA/H2O2 production and stimulating the effect of enzyme antioxidants as well as attenuating inflammation by decreasing CRP levels by 79.5% between the DSS and DSS + AEUD-50 groups compared to the MESA group (75.6%). Conclusions: AEUD was sufficient to exert a coloprotective effect that might be influenced by its bioactive compounds’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) rhizomes are commonly used in foods and employed for many ailments including gastrointestinal disorders. Our main objective was to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on gastrointestinal (GI) physiological motility and colonic dysmotility. Thereby, Wistar rats were given loperamide (LP, 3 mg/kg, b.w.) and ZOAE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, b.w.) or yohimbine (YOH, 2 mg/kg, b.w.). ZOAE-action on intestinal secretion was assessed using Ussing chamber technique and intestinal motility with isometric transducer. GI-transit (GIT) and gastric emptying (GE) were evaluated with the charcoal meal test and the red phenol methods. ZOAE-bioactive components were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS). Constipation was induced with LP and the different indicators such as stool composition, GIT, oxidative stress biological parameters, and colonic mucosa histological alteration were performed. Anti-constipation effect of ZOAE was confirmed on stool composition, GIT (53.42% to 85.57%), GE (55.47% to 98.88%), and re-established oxidative balance. ZOAE induces an amplitude increase of spontaneous intestinal contraction with EC50 of 10.52 μg/mL. No effect of ZOAE was observed on electrogenic transport of intestinal fluid. These findings suggest that ZOAE-bioactive candidates might exert an anti-constipation action and spontaneous intestinal contraction modulation.

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective action of Salvia officinalis flowers aqueous extract (SOFAE) against combined gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders-induced by ethanol and castor oil administration in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of ten each and various doses of SOFAE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg −1 , b.w ., p.o .) and sulfasalazine (100 mg kg −1 , b.w. , p.o .) were daily administrated during 15 days. After, animals were intoxicated with a single oral administration of ethanol (4 g kg −1 , b.w. , p . o. ) and castor oil (5 mL kg −1 , b.w. , p.o .). We found that SOFAE contains several phytoactive compounds with a strong ABTS scavenging ability. In vivo , we showed that SOFAE protected against EtOH/CO-induced macroscopic and histological alterations in GI tract accompanied by intestinal fluid accumulation and gastric juice decrease. SOFAE significantly counteracted lipoperoxydation increase and reversed the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. More importantly, SOFAE significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and ALP) in plasma and mucosal GI tract. In conclusion, our data clearly indicate that the SOFAE exerted a potential protective effect against EtOH-induced peptic ulcer combined with CO-induced diarrhea in rats. These effects could be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bisphenols, and in particular bisphenol A (BPA), have been widely used for the production of plastic manufacts in the last 50 years. Currently, BPA is present in a variety of daily use polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and dietary ingestion is considered the main route of human exposure. Accordingly, BPA is the chemical pollutant with the widest exposure in humans, involving nearly 90% of general population, according to recent studies. Concerns about BPA effects on human health date back to 1930s, when severe impact on male sexual development was suggested. Now, the acknowledged biological effects of BPA are various. In regard to human fertility, BPA has been shown to disrupt hormone signaling even at low concentrations. Results from human epidemiological studies have reported BPA interference with follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin B, estradiol, testosterone levels, and sexual function in male subjects. Moreover, recent studies have reported an association between BPA levels and reduced sperm concentration, motility, normal morphology, sperm DNA damage, and altered epigenetic pattern, resulting in trans-generational legacy of BPA effects. In this review, the recognized effects of BPA on male reproductive health are described, from the most recent issues on experimental models to epidemiological data. In addition, the very recent interest about the use of nutraceutical remedies to counteract BPA effects are discussed.

Abstract Background The current study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of Lavandula stoechas essential oils (LSEO) against malathion (M) exposure-caused reprotoxicity in male mice as well as the possible mechanisms implicated in such protection. Methods Six–eight-week-old male mice weighting 25–30 g were used and divided into four groups: normal-control, LSEO (50 mg/kg, b.w.), malathion (200 mg/kg, b.w.) and malathion + LSEO treated mice. Malathion was emulsioned in corn oil and per orally administered for 30 days. LSEO was daily administrated during the same period. LSEO chemical identification was done by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Reproduction-damages and LSEO-benefits were assessed using histopathological, biochemical and steroidogenesis gene expression disruptions and improvements. Results The GC-MS analysis, allowed to the identification of 25 bioactive compounds in MCEO. In vivo, we firstly found that malathion exposure induced a clear reprotoxicity as assessed by a significant-decrease (P

Abstract Background Massive alcohol drinking can lead to gastric ulcer. In the present study we investigated the gastroprotective effect of Citrus sinensis peel aqueous extract (CSPE) and Hesperidin (H) in ethanol (EtOH) induced oxidative stress and peptic ulcer in rats. Methods Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of 10 each: control, EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.), EtOH + various doses of CSPE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.), EtOH + Hesperidin (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and EtOH + Omeprazole (OM, 20 mg/kg, p.o.). Animals were perorally (p.o.) pre-treated with CSPE during 15 days and intoxicated with a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) during 2 h. Gastric ulcer was induced in rats with a single dose of ethanol (EtOH). Ulcer index, gene expression of gastric cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), malondialdhyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and Thiol groups (−SH) content in stomach and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gluthation peroxidise (GPx) were measured. Furthermore, histopathological examinations were performed. Results The results showed that ethanol induced gastric damage, improving oxidative stress markers level such as MDA (121 ± 4.45 nmol/mg proteins) and H2O2 (24.62 ± 1.04 μmol/mg proteins), increased pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α level), as well as the expression of COX-2 in the ethanol group. However, a significant depletion of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed, such as, GPx (72%), SOD (57.5%), CAT (41.6%) and -SH (50%). The lesions were associated with severe histopathological damage. The both Citrus sinensis peel aqueous extract (CSPE) and hesperidin significantly protect against all gastric damages caused by ethanol administration in rats. Conclusions We propose that CSPE and hesperidin exhibit protective effects in EtOH-induced peptic ulcer in rat. This protection might be related in to part its antioxidant properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

The aim of this work is to numerically and theoretically model thermosolute natural convection in porous, isotropic and saturated media filled with Casson nanofluids (aluminum nanoparticles) under the influence of a magnetic field. Calculations were performed for various parameters relevant to our model, namely Casson fluid parameters (between 0.1 and 1), thermal Rayleigh number (between 10 and 100000), Geometric aspect ratio number (between 1 and 3),Buoyancy ratio number (between 1 and 10), Soret and Dufour numbers (between 0.2 and 1.2), conductivity ratios (between 1 and 3) and Hartmann numbers (between 0 and 100). The horizontal walls of the enclosure maintain uniform temperature and concentration, while the side walls are rigid, watertight, and insulated. Casson nanofluid flow occurs in porous layers and is described by the extended Darcy law of Brinkman-Forchheimer. The finite volume method was used to spatially discretize the obtained system of equations. Therefore, we investigated the effect of different parameters on the heat transfer rate and concentration. we observe that heat and mass transfer increases with increasing Casson fluid parameter; this increase is significant for the case of β between 0.1 and 0.4. And it also increases with the increase in the number of thermal conductivity ratios, the number of thrust ratios and with the increase in the thermal Rayleigh number. The latter remain unchanged when the thermal Rayleigh number is below the threshold RT,nf = 5 x 10². In the Opposite, we notice an uneven decrease in the thermosolutal transfer with the increase in the Hartmann Soret and Dufour numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the antiulcer and antioxidant activities of myrtle berry seed aqueous extract (MBSAE) in a peptic ulcer model induced by ethanol in male Wistar rats. MBSAE is rich in total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic (18:2) and oleic (18:1) acids. MBSAE also exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (I[C.sub.50] = 172.1 [micro]g/mL) and superoxide anion (I[C.sub.50] = 200.24 [micro]g/mL) scavenging activities. In vivo, MBSAE provided dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced gastric and duodenal macroscopic and histological alterations. Also, it inhibited secretory profile disturbances and lipid peroxidation, and preserved normal antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels. More importantly, we showed that acute alcohol intoxication increased gastric and duodenal calcium, hydrogen peroxide, and free iron levels, whereas MBSAE treatment protected against intracellular mediator deregulation. In conclusion, we suggest that MBSAE has potent protective effects against alcohol-induced peptic ulcer in rat. This protection might be related in part to its antioxidant properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators. Key words: myrtle berries, peptic ulcer, antioxidant, unsaturated fatty acids, free acidity. Ces travaux visaient etudier l'activite antiulcereuse et antioxydante de l'extrait aqueux de graines de baies de myrte (EAGBM) dans un modele d'ulcere peptique provoque par l'ethanol chez le rat Wistar male. L'EAGBM est riche en polyphenols, en flavonoides totaux et en acides gras insatures, particulierement en acides linoleique (18 : 2) et oleique (18 : 1). Par son activite de piegeage du DPPH (2,2-diphenyle-1-picrylhydrazyle; I[C.sub.50] = 172,1 [micro]g/mL) et de l'anion superoxyde (I[C.sub.50] = 200,24 [micro]g/mL), l'EAGBM est dote d'une activite antioxydante in vitro. In vivo, l'EAGBM permettait d'obtenir une protection proportionnelle; a la dose contre les modifications macroscopiques et histologiques provoquees par l'ethanol au niveau de l'estomac et du duodenum. De plus, il permettait d'attenuer les perturbations du profil de secretion et la peroxydation lipidique, et il de preserver l'activite des enzymes antioxydantes et le maintien des taux d'antioxydants non enzymatiques; a des valeurs normales. Fait plus important, nous avons montre que l'intoxication ethylique aigue entrainait une augmentation des taux de calcium, de peroxyde d'hydrogene et de fer libre au niveau de l'estomac et du duodenum, tandis que l'exposition l'EAGBM assurait une protection contre le dereglement des mediateurs intracellulaires. En conclusion, nous postulons que l'EAGBM exerce de puissants effets protecteurs contre l'ulcere peptique provoque par l'alcool chez le rat. Cette protection pourrait etre en partie liee ses proprietes antioxydantes ainsi qu'; i ses effets contraires sur certains mediateurs intracellulaires etudies. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : baies de myrte, ulcere peptique, antioxydant, acides gras insatures, acidite libre., Introduction Peptic ulcer disease is an illness that affects a considerable number of people worldwide. It develops when there is an imbalance between the aggressive and protective factors in the [...]

The aim of this study was to develop a novel kefir beverage using date syrup, whey permeate, and whey. The levels of the kefir grain inoculum (2–5% w/v), fruit syrup (10–50% w/v), and whey permeate (0–5% w/v) on pH, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, and overall acceptability were investigated using central composite design. The use of response surface methodology allowed us to obtain a formulation with acceptable organoleptic properties and high antioxidant activities. The obtained beverages had total phenolic content, % DPPH scavenging activity, and overall acceptability ranging from 24 to 74 mg GAE/mL, from 74.80 to 91.37 mg GAE/mL, and from 3.50 to 6 mg GAE/mL (based on a 1 to 9 preference scale), respectively. Date syrup of 36.76% (w/v), whey permeates of 2.99%, and kefir grains inoculum size of 2.08% were the optimized process conditions achieved.