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Thorium harms humans and the environment. Mining can release thorium‐containing waste. This study aims to simplify the production of a novel poly‐adsorbent by mixing pyridine dicarboxylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyamide and first removing thorium from the solution. Various analytical methods were used to characterize the produced dicarboxylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol/polyamide poly‐adsorbent. The practical conditions on adsorption effectiveness evaluated to pH 3.5, 60 mg poly‐adsorbent, 60 min. Th(IV) uptake for poly‐adsorbent is 107.3 mg/g. The linear and nonlinear uptake for the pseudo‐second‐order is closer to the practical uptake (107.71 mg/g). Hence, the kinetic analysis verified the sorption mechanism. Also, the uptake of linear (107.64 mg/g) and nonlinear (108.63 mg/g) types for the Langmuir isotherm is closer to the practical uptake (107.71 mg/g); thus, the sorption isotherm was suitably utilizing Langmuir modeling. Thermodynamic studies proved that the sorption is spontaneous, exothermic, and random due to the negative ΔG°, negative ΔH°, and positive ΔS° during the thorium adsorption process on poly‐adsorbent. In addition, the regeneration ability of poly‐adsorbent was tested utilizing 1.5 M H2SO4. After six cycles, the poly‐adsorbent showed about 83 % regeneration efficacy. The results confirmed that the dicarboxylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol/polyamide poly‐adsorbent might be effective in removing Th(IV) from the watery solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of β-amyloid plaques, either due to their over-production or insufficient clearance, is an important pathological process in cognitive impairment and dementia. Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid compound extracted from Epimedium, has recently gained attention for numerous age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to explore the possible neuro-protective effect of ICA supplementation in colchicine-induced cognitive deficit rat model and exploring its effect on the β-amyloid proteolytic enzymes. The study included four groups (10 rats each): normal control, untreated colchicine, colchicine + 10 mg/kg ICA, and colchicine + 30 mg/ kg ICA. Results revealed that intra-cerebro-ventricular colchicine injection produced neuronal morphological damage, β amyloid deposition, and evident cognitive impairment in the behavioral assessment. Icariin supplementation in the two doses for 21 days attenuated neuronal death, reduced the β amyloid levels, and improved memory consolidation. This was associated with modulation of the proteolytic enzymes (Neprilysin, Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, and insulin-degrading enzyme) concluding that β-amyloid enzymatic degradation may be the possible therapeutic target for ICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Itch control is important in improving the atopic dermatitis patients' quality of life, reducing the damage to the skin barrier, and, thereby, adding to the downregulation of skin inflammation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of calcineurin inhibition by cyclosporine versus phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition by apremilast in controlling pruritus and reversing skin pathology in an experimental model of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced by oxazolone in mice. Materials and Methods: Forty BALB/c female mice were randomly assigned to four groups. AD-like lesions were induced in groups 2, 3, and 4 by repetitive application of oxazolone to the mouse skin. Group 2 mice were left untreated receiving vehicle placebo, whereas those in groups 3 and 4 received cyclosporine (2 mg/kg PO daily) and apremilast (2.5 mg/kg PO twice daily), respectively. Studied mice were subjected to weekly assessment of skin inflammation and scratching behavior for 6 weeks. The oxazolone-treated right ear thickness and skin hydration were measured at the end of the study. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin (IL)-31 were measured, and biopsies of lesional back skin were obtained for histopathologic evaluation. Results: Both cyclosporine and apremilast significantly reduced scratching behavior in treated mice, accompanied by a significant decrease in the elevated levels of IL-31 and IgE by both drugs. IL-31 and IgE suppressions were significantly greater with apremilast. A significant reduction of mean itching started earlier at week 3 with apremilast versus week 4 with cyclosporine. Conclusion: We propose that the earlier control of itch observed with apremilast is clinically significant as this will lead to less epidermal damage and that will interrupt the itch-scratch cycle and progression of dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a strong hepatotoxin that is commonly used to induce experimental liver injury to investigate a substance's potential hepatoprotective effects. Plantago ovata husk (PSH) contains a variety of primary and secondary metabolites, as well as a number of bioactive compounds that have strong antioxidant properties. The goal of this study was to determine whether PSH powder could protect and treat adult male albino rats' livers from CCl4-induced damage. Five groups were created: A: (Control group) received nothing. Oil was administered in B (Oil treated group). C: (CCl4 treated) group. D: (PS+CCl4) treated group, which received daily PSH for six weeks and CCl4 for four weeks. E: (CCl4+PS) treated group, after giving them CCl4, they received daily PSH. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out. Homogenized liver samples were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes; statistical analysis was performed. The intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 resulted in a significant rise in SOD, GPx, and MDA, as well as various lesions in hepatocytes, including cytoplasmic vacuolations, leukocyte infiltration, necrosis, collagen deposition, and a high level of caspase-3. Treatment by PSH in both groups ameliorated the effect of CCl4 on decreasing antioxidant enzymes. PSH in the PS+CCl4 group showed nearly normal histological structure of the liver, collagen deposition, and Caspase-3 levels. It could be concluded that PSH powder acts as a strong antioxidant that can be used in daily life for protection and curation from liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. There is epidemiological evidence that heart failure (HF) patients are at higher risk of developing AD, and the impact of sacubitril/valsartan, the first angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) approved for HF, on cognitive functions is still controversial. To investigate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cognitive functions in colchicine‐induced AD rat model. Forty adult male Wistar rats were equally allocated into four groups (each of 10 rats): Group I: normal control, Group II: intracerebroventricular injection of colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally), Group III: colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally, icv) + oral sacubitril/valsartan (100 mg/kg/day) for 25 days, and Group IV: colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally, icv) + oral valsartan (50 mg/kg/day) for 25 days. Behavioral assessment was done using Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks. Biochemically, β‐amyloid (1–40 and 1–42) peptides, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha) parameters were measured in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Sacubitril/valsartan exaggerated colchicine‐induced cognitive impairment in both Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks and was associated with significant increase in β‐amyloid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation versus valsartan. Sacubitril/valsartan caused deleterious effect on cognitive impairment and biochemical alterations in colchicine‐induced AD rat model. Hence, special caution should be taken following long‐term intake of ARNI on cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the possible protective effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) on rat model of high‐fat diet (HFD) induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into three groups: control, HFD, HFD + Co Q10 (75 mg/kg/day) groups. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months and epididymal sperm suspension, blood, and testes were collected for further analysis. In comparison to the untreated HFD group, the Co Q10 treated group revealed significantly increased serum testosterone, adiponectin levels, and decreased LH, FSH, and leptin levels. In addition, HFD resulted in significant increase in testicular oxidative stress (increased MDA, iNOS, NO, XO & decreased catalase, SOD, GSH) and inflammation (increased pJNK/JNK, pERK/ERK, and p‐p38MAPK/MAPK), while Co Q10 was effective to ameliorate these changes. In addition, Co Q10 significantly increased sperm count, motility and viability that were markedly deteriorated by HFD. Regarding testicular ultrastructure, seminiferous tubular diameter and epithelium height were reduced in HFD group and Co Q10 significantly improved these testicular changes. Finally, a significant reduction in spermatogenic cell proliferation was detected by PCNA fluorescent expression and Co Q10 significantly reversed this change. In summary, our results indicated that Co Q10 could suppress testicular dysfunction produced by HFD. This protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory properties and to its effect on adipokines and spermatogenic cell proliferation. So, Co Q10 may be a promising food supplement to protect against testicular dysfunction induced by HFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a xenobiotic chemical that eventually is used as an experimental model for investigating the ameliorative activity of medicinal plants. Plantago ovata husk is rich in bioactive antioxidant compounds and different metabolites such as polyphenols, fatty acids, amino acids, and flavonoids therefore, Plantago ovata husk can be used for the treatment of liver diseases. A total of thirty white Albino rats were used, at a weight of about (144-176 g). Rats were divided into five groups (6 rats/group): (Control group) received nothing. (Oil-treated group) was given olive oil. (CCl4-treated group) was given CCl4. (PS-CCl4 treated group) was given daily PSH for six weeks and CCl4 for 4 weeks. (CCl4-PS treated group) was given CCl4 and then given daily PSH. All Groups were anaesthetized and sacrificed. White blood cells (WBCs), Red blood cell count (RBCs), Hematocrit (HCT) and Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were determined. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (ALT) level, bilirubin and total protein were estimated as well as glycogen content in the liver. The CCl4 induced a significant reduction in red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration than control and a significant increase in white blood cells. Moreover, liver enzymes, bilirubin and total protein were significantly increased in the CCl4-treated group than in the control. In general, the Treatment of rats with Psyllium husk powder induced a marked degree of improvement in hematological parameters and a marked increase in glycogen content. Moreover, serum levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin, and total protein were decreased. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effect of Psyllium husk (PSH) on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) induced toxicity in albino male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]