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Metabolic syndrome is a crucial health challenge, and the available therapeutic agents are still not effective. Carnosine, a cytoplasmic dipeptide, is a potent anti-glycation, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and chelating agent. However, whether carnosine would be assumed as a potential hypoglycemic agent or not, no decisive report with detailed mechanisms is found yet. As such, we suggest the carnosine-loaded in niosomes as a prospective solution to bypass its unwanted fast degradation by carnosinase which is considered as a major obstacle with the clinical application of carnosine as an oral drug therapy. Toward this, the purpose of our study is to assess the profits of oral administration of carnosine, and carnosine-loaded niosome in HFD-induced metabolic syndrome rats and to inspect some of the involved mechanisms. Initially, carnosine-loaded niosomes were prepared and characterized. Then, metabolic syndrome was provoked by 60% fructose diet in male Sprague Dawley rats where carnosine and carnosine-loaded niosomes were orally administered at doses 50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, biochemical and molecular studies were performed to clarify the possible mechanisms of action. Data showed that the consumption of 60% fructose diet displayed a tremendous increment in body weight, body mass index as well as a significant elevation in levels of serum glucose, insulin, TAG, TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c and FFA. Also, it showed a significant reduction in levels of serum HDL-c. Furthermore, HFD provoked up-regulation of SREBP-1c and FAS mRNA levels in adipose tissue. Also, it induced down-regulation of SIRT1, GLUT-4 mRNA levels in adipose tissue. We found that oral administration of either carnosine or carnosine-loaded niosome effectively reversed HFD-mediated alterations via SIRT1 activation. Overall, oral delivery of carnosine-loaded niosome had a better efficacy than oral carnosine, attenuating HFD-mediated alterations. Carnosine nano-formulation is a new excellent candidates for metabolic syndrome management and needs further exploration of its mechanisms.

Several studies have looked into the use of basil, Ocimum basilicum (L.) in aquaculture as a dietary additive; however, more research is needed to see the possibility of it's including in nanocarriers in aquafeeds. An experiment was undertaken to highlight the efficacy chitosan-Ocimum basilicum nanocomposite (COBN), for the first time, on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth, stress and antioxidant status, immune-related parameters, and gene expression. For 60 days, fish (average weight: 23.55 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets provided with different concentrations of COBN (g/kg): 0 g [COBN0], 1 g [COBN1], 2 g [COBN2], and 3 g [COBN3], where COBN0 was kept as control diet. Following the trial, the fish were challenged with pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas sobria) and yeast (Candida albicans) infection. In comparison to the control (COBN0), a notable increase in growth parameters (weight gain, feed intake, and specific growth rate) and intestinal morphometric indices (average intestinal goblet cells count, villous width, and length) in all COBN groups was observed, where COBN2 and COBN3 groups had the highest values. The COBN diets significantly (p 0.05) declined levels of serum triglycerides, glucose, cholesterol, and hepatic malondialdehyde. Moreover, the higher levels of serum biochemical biomarkers (growth hormone, total protein, globulin, and albumin), immunological parameters (phagocytic activity%, nitric oxide, and lysozyme), and hepatic antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase) were obvious in the COBN2 and COBN3 groups followed by COBN1. The immune-antioxidant genes (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, TGF-β, GPx, and SOD) were found to be considerably up-regulated in all COBN groups (COBN2 and COBN3 followed by COBN1). Fifteen days post-challenge with A. sobria and C. albicans, the highest survival rate was recorded in the COBN2 group (83.33 and 91.67%) followed by the COBN3 group (75 and 83.33%), respectively. The findings showed that a dietary intervention with COBN can promote growth, intestinal architecture, immunity, and antioxidant markers as well as protect O. niloticus against A. sobria and C. albicans infection. As a result, the COBN at a dose of 2 g/kg could be used as a food additive for the sustainable aquaculture industry.

Publicity of pumpkins in traditional medicine for relieving diverse disturbances such as hypertension, arthritis, hyperglycemia, inflammation, dyslipidemia, fungal or bacterial infections, tumors, and intestinal parasites made a highlight for more research on pumpkin fruits as well as seeds. Multiple studies have been fulfilled on animal models, clinical trials or cell cultures to assess these medicinal activities. Pumpkin is admitted for its ingested seeds, fruits, and greens. Pumpkin seeds are enhanced by micro- and macro-constituent compositions include proteins, antioxidative phenolic compounds, tocopherols, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, lignans, and carotenoids; among these compounds: D-chiro-inositol, trigonelline, and nicotinic acid, those are reflected as insulin action mediators. Pumpkin seeds are also fortified with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fibers, vitamins, and minerals including zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and copper, thus pumpkin seeds have become commonly used as health booster or herbal therapy for human as well as animals, and the food technologists have conquered the commercial food and alternative medicine sectors with pumpkin products. Furthermore, Food companies intend to exploit pumpkin seeds in the starters and snacks industry. This review article provides an update on the therapeutic impacts of pumpkin seeds and mechanisms by which they may limit the risk of diseases.

The skin wound age determination in living subjects is an imperative task for forensic experts. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent expression of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and 4) in rat skin wounds using real-time PCR and seek their forensic potentials during the skin wound repair process. In addition, the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), as well as nitric oxide (NO) production, were measured. The wound tissue and serum samples were collected after 30 min, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days after incision. As a control (zero time), skin specimens and blood samples were collected without incision. The results reveal that the HMGB1, TLR2, and TLR4 expression levels were increased in a time-dependent manner until the first day where the peak level was achieved for the three tested genes compared with the zero time. On the 7th day, the statistical significance was lost for TLR2 and TLR4 but persisted for HMGB1. The serum TNF-α, IL6, and NO levels peaked within 30 min and 1st and 3rd day after injury, respectively. On the 7th day after incision, no significant differences exist in the TNF-α serum level compared to the control group, but the statistical significance persisted for IL6 and NO. It was apparent that the analyzed genes in the wound tissues showed higher R2 values rather than the serum biochemical indicators. Of note, a strong positive correlation was evident between the HMGB1 and that of TLR2 and TLR4 relative expression as well as IL-6 serum level. Conclusively, based on the observed changes in the analyzed markers in wound tissues and serum and R2 values obtained from mathematical models established to determine the wound age, the relative expression of HMGB1, TLR2, and TLR4 could be a reliable indicator for wound age determination in living subjects. Further investigation of these markers and mathematical models in human tissues is necessary.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are extensively used metal in cosmetics, sunscreens, food products, paints and drugs, producing oxidative stress and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. This study aimed to improve the overall (TiO2NP) use and decrease its related health hazards through the following objective among albino rates: To assess the TiO2NPs oral administration pulmonary induced toxic effect and to study the beneficial role of Idebenone as a novel agent protecting the human body against this toxic effect. An experimental trial conducted on 75 adult albino rats of both sex, rats were classified into; Group I, II: Negative, positive controls. Group III: Rats gavaged orally with 200 mg/kg b.w. Idebenone. Group IV: Rats received 250 mg/kg b.w. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Group V: Rats gavaged orally with Idebenone then Titanium dioxide nanoparticles with previous doses. The blood samples were withdrawn for estimating nitric oxide, reduced glutathione levels. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid was collected for estimating oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Then histological examination and Comet assay from the lung tissues were done. The collected data were coded and analyzed using the suitable tests by the SPSS program. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly decreased and increased in values of blood reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, respectively. In addition, it caused significant increase broncho-alveolar lavage fluid oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines with marked histo-pathological changes in the lung cells were observed with DNA damage. Upon supplementation of Idebenone with titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced normalization of the oxidative stress markers and partial protection of pulmonary histological changes with moderate protective effects against DNA damage. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure causes toxic effects on the lung and administration of Idebenone offers protection against its damaging effects. Key words: Idebenon, nanotoxicity, titanium dioxide.

Tilmicosin (Til) is a popular macrolide antibiotic, widely used in veterinary practice. The present study was designed to address the efficacy of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MOE) in protecting against Tilmicosin (Til) - induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were treated once with Til (75 mg/kg bw, subcutaneously), and/or MOE for 7 days (400 or 800 mg/kg bw, by oral gavage). Til-treatment was associated with significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium and GGT activity, as well as decreased total protein and albumin concentrations. Renal tissue hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were diminished. The levels of renal tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and the mRNA expression of intermediate filament protein encoding genes (desmin, nestin and vimentin) in the kidney were up- regulated with histopathological alterations in renal glomeruli, tubules and interstitial tissue. These toxic effects were markedly ameliorated by co-treatment of MOE with Til, in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, these results indicate that MO at 800 mg/kg protects against Til-induced renal injury, likely by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it suitable to be used as a protective supplement with Til therapy.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary incorporation of vitamin C ( l -ascorbic acid phosphate) on the growth rate, antioxidant activity, certain immunological indices, and tissue histomorphology in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fingerlings. One hundred and eighty fingerlings (14.74 ± 0.016 g each) were randomly distributed into four groups based on basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg–1 diet of vitamin C, respectively, for ten weeks. The dietary incorporation of vitamin C significantly increased the final body weight, total weight gain (TWG), specific growth rate, and daily weight gain (DWG) in all groups. The serum levels of vitamin C and growth hormone increased in the highest supplementation level group (400 mg kg–1). In a concentration-dependent manner, vitamin C markedly enhanced the serum and hepatic antioxidant activities, the levels of lysozyme, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10, the phagocytic percentage, and the relative percentage survival (RPS%) of the fish against Aeromonas sobria. The liver histoarchitecture was also improved in a level-dependent manner with vitamin C supplementation. In addition, intestinal histomorphology improved, as evidenced by the increase in villus height and width. Therefore, vitamin C could serve as a suitable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth, hepatic and intestinal structures, immune status, and resistance against A. sobria in Nile tilapia.

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (EbM) is a well-known Chinese herb that has been widely used for the treatment of several diseases. The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of Epimedium brevicornum extract in certain andrological parameters in rats as a natural modulator for adverse viewpoints associated with chronic administration of tramadol (TAM). Fifty rats were categorized into five groups. Untreated rats were known as Group I, whereas rats in Groups II and III were administered 2.43 g/kg/day of E. brevicornum extract and 50 mg/kg/day of TAM for 130 consecutive days, respectively. Both of Groups IV and V were administered TAM for 65 successive days, followed by concomitant use of both drugs for another 65 days, with the E. brevicornum extract at doses of 0.81 and 2.43 g/kg/day, respectively. TAM showed an injurious effect on sperm attributes, serum hormones, tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide. Elevation of the apoptotic marker Bax and a reduction of Bcl2 were recorded. Histopathological abnormalities have been reported in rat testicles. Rats treated with E. brevicornum extract with TAM showed an improvement in all the parameters tested. It could be presumed that E. brevicornum extract plus TAM exhibits a promising effect on the enhancement of male anti-infertility effects.

Introduction: Organ phosphorus (OP) toxicity has been studied extensively because of its world wide use. Toxicity of organophosphates is the result of inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase resulting in cholinergic signs. Aim of the Work: To evaluate initial indicators that can indicate prognosis of patients in OP poisoning. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study conducted in Zagazig university hospital over a year. OP poisoning was clinically diagnosed with history of OP compound exposure and confirmed by low pseudo cholinesterase levels. Results: In the present study, 76 patients were enrolled. Major cases were male. High mortality rates were in the youth and in prolonged ventilated patients. The mortality rate was proportionally related to lag time after exposure and plasma pseudo cholinesterase levels. Electrolyte disturbance did not affect clinical outcome. Conclusion: From this study, it could be concluded that mortality is directly proportionate to the lag time, amount of OP consumed, clinical severity, pseudo cholinesterase levels and duration of ventilator support. This study helps in rapid diagnosis, and rapid early and effective treatment, which may result in decreasing the morbidity and mortality rates. Recommendation: It is recommended to increase awareness regarding the rapid diagnosis, and rapid effective treatment of organ phosphorous.

The present study evaluated the adverse effects of the hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) at sub-lethal concentrations and the ameliorative potential of curcumin (CUR) over a sub-chronic exposure period on Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to Cr (VI) (4.57 mg/L) and CUR (0.02% in diet or 200 mg/kg diet), individually or in combination for 60-days. The growth rate during the period of experiment, condition factor, body composition, hepatosomatic index (HSI), hematological parameters, oxidative stress, apoptotic and DNA damage, branchial, hepato- and nephrotoxicity were estimated in this study. Moreover, the changes in mRNA expression of Cytochromes (CYP450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in kidney and liver tissues were assessed by qRT-PCR. Additionally, the concentration of metallothionine in the liver, histological investigation, and lesion scoring to the branchial, hepatic, renal and gill tissues were applied. The results revealed that Cr (VI) exposure caused a significant decline in most hematological variables and growth rate with down-regulation of CYP450 and GST expression. Histologically, Cr (VI) induced diverse forms of cell injury, vascular, and inflammatory alterations with upregulation of caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl2 expression in the examined tissues. Additionally, it elevated the levels of serum MDA and 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine than control. CUR-supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in most indices, amelioration of histological alterations and up-regulation of CYP450 and GST expression. These results may conclude that dietary supplements with CUR could be useful for modulation of the growth with protective effects to the branchial, hepatic, and renal tissues in response to Cr (VI) exposure, thereby presenting a promising feed additive for Nile tilapia in aquaculture.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the dietary supplementation of chitosan-vitamin C nanocomposite (CVCN) at four different concentrations (0, 200, 300, 400 mgkg−1 diet) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings, for ten weeks feeding period, on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune status, histopathology of some organs, and disease resistance against Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria). A total of 180 fingerlings (average initial weight = 14.74 ± 0.016 g) were randomly allotted to four groups. Different concentrations of CVCN significantly increased the final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, the protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate%, and daily weight gain in a dose-dependent manner (P

MicroRNA-146a is one of the inflammation related microRNAs that constitutes an imperative part in the immune system. The present study was designed to evaluate whether microRNA-146a and its effect on the expression of target proteins (TRAF6 and IRAK1) are involved in metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes. In the current study, we investigated the expression levels of microRNA-146a in kidneys of twenty diabetic rats. The results showed a four-fold increase in microRNA-146a level in the kidneys of diabetic rats which was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of IRAK1with no changes in TRAF6 expression levels. On the contrary, significant increase in NF-ᴋB, TNFα, and IL6 and IL1β concentrations in kidney tissues of diabetic rats was observed. In conclusion, MicroRNA-146a can be used as a marker in case of diabetes.

The objective of this study was to characterize the factors that influence the outcome of exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (HCV-G4) and the course of recent infection.In this longitudinal study, we prospectively assessed the clinical, genetic, virological, and immunological parameters and retrospectively determined single-nucleotide polymorphisms at interleukin-28B (IL-28B) rs12979860 in a well-characterized large cohort recently exposed to HCV-G4.A total of 136 subjects with acute HCV (new viremia, seroconversion, and HCV-specific T-cell responses) were identified. Forty-eight subjects (35%) had spontaneous viral clearance and 88 subjects developed chronic HCV of which 42 subjects were treated with pegylated interferon monotherapy, with a sustained virologic response (SVR) rate of 88%. Twenty-six subjects developed HCV-specific T-cell immune responses without detectable viremia or seroconversion. IL-28B-CC (odds ratio (OR) 14.22; P0.0001), multispecific T-cell responses (OR=11.66; P0.0001),300 IU/l alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decline within 4 weeks (OR=6.83; P0.0001), jaundice (OR=3.54; P=0.001), female gender (OR=2.39; P=0.007), and2.5 log10 HCV-RNA drop within 8 weeks (OR=2.48; P=0.016) were independently associated with spontaneous clearance. ALT normalization and undetectable HCV-RNA predicted SVR. Exposed apparently uninfected participants had a higher frequency of IL-28B-CC than patients with unresolved acute HCV (P0.001). IL-28B-CC was associated with multispecific T-cell response (r(2)=0.0.835; P0.001).IL-28B-CC genotype, multispecific HCV T-cell responses, rapid decline in ALT, and viral load predict spontaneous clearance and response to acute HCV-G 4 therapy. IL-28B-CC genotype correlates with developing early multispecific T-cell responses. These findings have important implications for predicting the outcome of HCV exposure and acute infection and identifying patients likely to benefit from therapy.

The oviposition deterrent effect of water extract of Spodoptera littoralis and Agrotis ipsilon larval frass on Phthorimaea operculella adult females was studied using two types of larval food “Natural host and Semi-artificial diet” under laboratory and storage simulation (semi-field) conditions. Extracted frass of fed larvae on semi-artificial diet showed complete oviposition deterrent effect at treatments with 4th, 5th and 6th instars of S. littoralis, also at treatments with 1st–3rd and 6th instars of A. ipsilon, while the same effect was observed when the larvae fed on castor oil leaves as a natural host only at treatment with frass extract of A. ipsilon 6th instar larvae. Presence of low amounts of phenols and flavonoids in water extract of A. ipsilon larval frass resulted in relatively more effect as oviposition deterrent to fertile adult females on treated oviposition sites, while the opposite effect was obtained in S. littoralis larval frass experiments. At semi-field experiments, the percentage re...

Water extract of fresh frass of Spodoptera littoralis larval instars (L1–3, L4, L5 and L6) fed on Castor oil leaves was prepared by soaking at concentration (20 g frass/50 ml distiled water) followed by steering before filtration. Oviposition deterrent activity of the extract to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon adult females was evaluated as the mean number of laid eggs in treatments in comparison with control under laboratory conditions. Total amount of phenols and flavonoids in larval frass was determined. Extraction of L6 frass obtained complete oviposition deterrent to S. littoralis adult moths and the minimum number of laid eggs by A. ipsilon adult females (11.8 eggs/female) in comparison with control (1026.0 and 848.2 eggs/female respectively). Maximum number of laid eggs by S. littoralis females was 361.0/f at treatment with L1–3 frass extract and 748.0/adult female of A. ipsilon at treatment with L4 frass extract. Low amount of phenols and/or flavonoids in frass extract of L6 increased the oviposition...

Ethanolic extracts of larval frass of the cotton leaf worm and the black cutworm were prepared and tested to deter the eggs lay of the adults of the same insects. Two different types of food were used for larval feeding. Extracts fractions were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. High concentrations were more deterrent to oviposition than low. Extracted frass of fed larvae on semi-artificial diet was more effective than others fed on natural host. Sensitivity of the black cutworm adult females to the cotton leaf worm frass extract was clearly observed at high tested concentration of L1–3 and L4 frass extracts which resulted completely oviposition deterrent. Several fatty acids were identified qualitatively and quantitatively in frass extracts of different larval instars of both target insects. Type and quantity of fatty acid depends mainly on larval food source and larval instar, except palmitic acid which recorded at all larval instars and food sources. Oleic acid and ethyl 9-...

Aim: The therapy of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 (HCV-4) has not been optimized yet. This randomized, prospective, parallel-group clinical trial compared the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon α-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a) plus ribavirin and PEG-IFN α-2b plus ribavirin and assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic HCV-4. Methods: Eligible patients with proven chronic HCV-4 were randomized to receive either a weekly dose of PEG-IFN α-2a (180 μg) or PEG-IFN α-2b (1.5 μg/kg) and a daily dose of ribavirin (1000–1200 mg) for 48 weeks with 24 weeks post-treatment follow-up. The primary end point was sustained virological response (SVR) defined by undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after treatment. The Short form-36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Chronic Liver Disease questionnaires (CLDQ) were assessed before, during and after therapy. Results: The overall SVR rate of the entire cohort was 59.9%. The SVR rates were significantly higher in patients treated with PEG-IFN α-2a and ribavirin (Group A; n=109) compared with those treated with PEG-IFN α-2b and ribavirin (Group B; n=108, 70.6 vs. 54.6%, respectively; P=0.017). The relapse rates were 5.1% for PEG-IFN α-2a and 15.7% for PEG-IFN α-2b (P=0.0019). The SF-36v2 and CLDQ were low during therapy and improved significantly after therapy successful therapy. Conclusion: Pegylated interferon α-2a plus ribavirin was significantly more effective than PEG-IFN α-2b and ribavirin therapy in the treatment of chronic HCV-4 patients. The tolerability and adverse events were comparable between the two regimens. The HRQOL improved significantly after successful PEG-IFN α-2a plus ribavirin therapy.