Search

Few researches have explored the production of pharmaceuticals from aquatic plants. Therefore, this study explored, for the first time, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ten aquatic plants. Aquatic plant shoots from various Nile River canals were collected, dried, and ground for aqueous extract preparation. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH assays. Extracts were tested for antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities through standard in vitro assays, measuring IC50 values, and evaluating mechanisms of action, including cell viability and high-content screening assays. The results showed that the aquatic plants were rich in pharmaceutical compounds. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts exceeded that of vitamin C. The extracts showed promising antiparasitic activity against pathogens like Opisthorchis viverrini and Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values between 0.7 and 2.5 µg/mL. They also demonstrated low MICs against various pathogenic bacteria, causing DNA damage, increased plasma membrane permeability, and 90% biofilm inhibition. In terms of anticancer activity, extracts were effective against a panel of cancer cell lines, with Ludwigia stolonifera exhibiting the highest efficacy. Its IC50 ranged from 0.5 µg/mL for pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancer cells to 1.5 µg/mL for gastric cancer cells. Overall, IC50 values for all extracts were below 6 µg/mL, showing significant apoptotic activity, increased nuclear intensity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release, and outperforming doxorubicin. This study highlights the potential of aquatic plants as sources for new, safe, and effective drugs with strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect epithelial cells of human beings, and their replication cycle is associated with epithelial differentiation. More than 200 genotypes of HPVs were identified, and each of these HPVs shows distinct specificity for tissues and infection. HPV infection was involved in the development of lesions on the feet, genital warts and hands. The evidence of HPV infection revealed the role of HPVs in neck and head squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, brain and lung tumours. The independent traditional risk factors, various clinical outcomes, and increased prevalence among certain populations and geographical regions have led increasing interest in HPV infection. The mode of HPVs transmission remains unclear. Moreover, in recent years, vertical transmission of HPVs was reported. This review concludes present knowledge about HPV infection, virulence strains, clinical significance of HPVs, and mode of transmission, and vaccination strategies.

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable malignancy of B-cells. In this study, bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify possible pathogenic roles of CK2α, which is a protein encoded by CSNK2A1, in the progression and aggressiveness of CLL. Furthermore, various computational tools were used to search for a competent inhibitor of CK2α from fungal metabolites that could be proposed for CLL therapy. In CLL patients, high-expression of CSNK2A1 was associated with early need for therapy (n = 130, p

Ex vivo expanded decidua-basalis(DB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from single donors have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies. In this report, the intravenous and subcutaneous administration of DB-MSCs obtained from five healthy donors was assessed considering clinical grade proliferation, accessibility, and toxic effects in Wistar albino rats. The ability of the obtained DB-MSCs for differentiating, as well as their expression of several cell surface markers and immunomodulatory activities, were all assessed. Clinical standard proliferated cells were administered to animals intravenously and subcutaneously in a series of preclinical models in order to assess their in vivo toxicity, general safety, and tumorigenic possibilities. We established that DB cells exhibit structural and functional traits with MSCs. At various doses supplied intravenously or subcutaneously, the research showed no fatality, abnormal response to therapy, or substantial pathological modifications in the rats. Furthermore, there was no indication of prenatal damage in the same animal species when the rats were repeatedly treated with DBMSCs. Thus, DBMSCs were demonstrated to be non-toxic, non-teratogenic, and non-tumorigenic. To determine whether they can be administrated to human patients without risk, more investigation is recommended.

Abstract Cancer is a major health concern and accounts for one of the main causes of death worldwide. Innovative strategies are needed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers. Recently, there has been an evolving interest in utilizing nanobodies of camel origin as therapeutic tools against cancer. Nanotechnology uses nanobodies an emerging attractive field that provides promises to researchers in advancing different scientific sectors including medicine and oncology. Nanobodies are characteristically small-sized biologics featured with the ability for deep tissue penetration and dissemination and harbour high stability at high pH and temperatures. The current review highlights the potential use of nanobodies that are naturally secreted in camels’ biological fluids, both milk and urine, in the development of nanotechnology-based therapy for treating different typesQuery of cancers and other diseases. Moreover, the role of nano proteomics in the invention of novel therapeutic agents specifically used for cancer intervention is also illustrated.

Abstract The full-length BRCA1-associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) gene encodes a 777-aa protein. BARD1 displays a dual role in cancer development and progression as it acts as a tumor suppressor and an oncogene. Structurally, BARD1 has homologous domains to BRCA1 that aid their heterodimer interaction to inhibit the progression of different cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers following the BRCA1-dependant pathway. In addition, BARD1 was shown to be involved in other pathways that are involved in tumor suppression (BRCA1-independent pathway) such as the TP53-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway. However, there are abundant BARD1 isoforms exist that are different from the full-length BARD1 due to nonsense and frameshift mutations, or deletions were found to be associated with susceptibility to various cancers including neuroblastoma, lung, breast, and cervical cancers. This article reviews the spectrum of BARD1 full-length genes and its different isoforms and their anticipated associated risk. Additionally, the study also highlights the role of BARD1 as an oncogene in breast cancer patients and its potential uses as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker and as a therapeutic target for cancer susceptibility testing and treatment.

Objectives: The main objectives of the studies are to analyze melanoma markers from the tumour and blood samples. Methods: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was assayed from the serum sample to determine metastatic melanoma. The prevalence of circulating tumour cells was explored in tumour subjects and compared with non-tumour cases. Expression analysis of TGF-β and cathepsin-K was determined from the non-melanoma and melanoma cases using western blotting analysis. Results: The amount of LDH was elevated in most metastatic patients (p

Melatonin possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic properties. Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces several physiopathological changes in body organs, which could be observed lately after systemic failure. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the serobiochemical changes and the histopathological picture in the diabetic heart and the kidney early before chronic complications and highlight the association between hyperglycemia, glomerular alterations, and cardiovascular changes. In addition, the role of melatonin in the treatment of cardio-nephro diabetic vascular and cellular adverse changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was also studied. A total of 40 mature Wistar albino rats were distributed into five groups; (1) control untreated rats, (2) diabetic mellitus untreated (DM) rats, in which DM was induced by the injection of streptozotocin (STZ), (3) control melatonin-treated (MLT), (4) melatonin-treated diabetic (DM + MLT) rats, in which melatonin was injected (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 4 weeks, and (5) insulin-treated diabetic (DM + INS) rats. The serum biochemical analysis of diabetic STZ rats showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the concentrations of blood glucose, total oxidative capacity (TOC), CK-MB, endothelin-1, myoglobin, H-FABP, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine as compared to control rats. In contrast, there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum concentration of insulin, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total nitric oxide (TNO), and total protein level in DM rats vs. the control rats. Significant improvement in the serobiochemical parameters was noticed in both (DM + MLT) and (DM + INS) groups as compared with (DM) rats. The histological examination of the DM group revealed a disorder of myofibers, cardiomyocyte nuclei, and an increase in connective tissue deposits in between cardiac tissues. Severe congestion and dilation of blood capillaries between cardiac muscle fibers were also observed. The nephropathic changes in DM rats revealed various deteriorations in glomeruli and renal tubular cells of the same group. In addition, vascular alterations in the arcuate artery at the corticomedullary junction and interstitial congestion take place. Melatonin administration repaired all these histopathological alterations to near-control levels. The study concluded that melatonin could be an effective therapeutic molecule for restoring serobiochemical and tissue histopathological alterations during diabetes mellitus.

Over the last 20 years, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) have become the major therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with neutropenia. Most of the current G-CSFs require daily injections, which are inconvenient and expensive for patients. Increased understanding of G-CSFs’ structure, expression, and mechanism of clearance has been very instrumental in the development of new generations of long-acting G-CSFs with improved efficacy. Several approaches to reducing G-CSF clearance via conjugation techniques have been investigated. PEGylation, glycosylation, polysialylation, or conjugation with immunoglobulins or albumins have successfully increased G-CSFs’ half-lives. Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) has been successfully approved and marketed for the treatment of patients with neutropenia. The rapidly expanding market for G-CSFs has increased demand for G-CSF biosimilars. Therefore, the importance of this review is to highlight the principle, elimination’s route, half-life, clearance, safety, benefits, and limitations of different strategies and techniques used to increase the half-life of biotherapeutic G-CSFs. Understanding these strategies will allow for a new treatment with more competitive manufacturing and lower unit costs compared with that of Neulasta.

Background: Esophageal cancer has been reported in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, India and United States. Many biomarkers have been used to detect cancers at an early stage to improve the survival rate of esophageal cancer. Methods: The present study investigated the biomarkers, biglycan, myeloperoxidase, cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-12) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) and carbohydrate antigen L1 cell adhesion molecule from the tumour and non-tumour samples. Results: The increased amount of circulatory biglycan level was detected using the ELISA method in tumour cases compared to control samples (p

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common types of cancers, representing about 2.3% of all malignancies throughout the world. In RCC, Cathepsin B (CtsB) plays a major role in signalling pathways, processing, and intracellular protein degradation. CtsB is involved in tumour cell invasion, matrix remodelling and metastasis and this mechanism was controlled by natural inhibitors. In this study targeted methylation changes were analyzed in primary renal cancer and metastatic tissues and the expression of CtsB was analyzed in RCC and compared with normal cells. The levels of CpG methylation of Runt-trelated transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) were analyzed. The decreased level of RUNX3 was observed in metastatic tissues due to CpG methylation. The increased methylation in CpG islands increased metastasis and was associated with RUNX3. The amount of CtsB mRNA was high in the RCC tissues than in surrounding normal tissues. Increased expression of CtsB was observed in RCC. Overexpression of CtsB was confirmed by Western blotting analysis and expression of CtsB increased the proliferation of RCC. The present finding revealed that CtsB has a major role in the development and proliferation of RCC.

Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of melatonin in diabetic rats. However, limited studies have been conducted on the potential effects of melatonin on the descriptive histopathological and morphometric findings in different compartments of the adrenal glands in diabetic animal models. In this study, using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, we sought to examine histological alterations in the pancreas and adrenal glands and observe the effect of the administration of melatonin on the histopathology and morphology of the pancreas and the adrenal gland cortex and medulla that are altered by STZ-induced hyperglycemia. Rats were randomly assigned to four different groups: Group I, normal control; Group II, melatonin group (MT) (10 mg/kg/day); Group III, (diabetic STZ group), and Group IV, diabetic (STZ) + melatonin group (MT). Throughout the experiment, the animals' fasting blood sugar levels were measured. Blood was obtained to determine the animals' cumulative blood sugar levels after sacrification. For histological and morphometrical evaluations, the pancreatic and adrenal gland tissues were dissected and processed. Our results showed that diabetic rats receiving melatonin significantly (P < 0.05) improved their fasting blood sugar and cumulative blood sugar levels compared to the diabetic group not receiving melatonin. Furthermore, histopathological examinations of the pancreatic and adrenal tissues of the diabetic rats indicated the occurrence of severe histopathological and morphometric changes. Morphometric analysis of the adrenals indicated a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the thickness of the cortex zones [zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata (ZF), and zona reticularis (ZR)] for the diabetic STZ group compared with other groups, and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the diameter of the in adrenal gland medullas in the diabetic STZ rats compared to the other groups. Furthermore, treatment with melatonin restored these changes in both the pancreatic and adrenal gland tissues and produced a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in the cortex and medulla thickness compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Overall, melatonin significantly reduced the hyperglycemic levels of glucose in diabetic rats and reversed the majority of histopathological alterations in the tissues of the pancreas and adrenals, demonstrating its anti-diabetic activity.

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome that alters the composition of carbohydrates, proteins and fat content in the body due to decreased insulin secretion. This disrupts the insulin-signaling cascade, resulting in failure in the targeted tissues, such as insulin-stimulated glucose absorption muscle and fat. Natural products such as plants, which are rich in nutrient, offer a wide range of treatments for a number of diseases and infections including diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study investigates the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy of the methanolic leaves extract of Jatropha gossypifolia in experimental diabetic rats. Methods: Phytochemical constitution of J. gossypifolia showed tannin content to be significantly increased in methanolic extract and HPLC analysis also revealed phenolic derivative tannic acid to be main constitution. An intraperitoneal administration of 110 mg/kg body weight (b.w) nicotinamide and 45 mg/kg b.w. streptozotocin was provided to male Wistar albino rats, thus inducing diabetic. Diabetic induced rats treated with methanolic leaves extract of J. gossypifolia at the concentration between 100 and 50 mg/kg for 35 days. Periodic blood glucose level and body weight were measured. Methanolic extract influence was evaluated with q-PCR and western blot analysis on the cellular targets of insulin signaling cascades. Results: The results showed the decrease in blood glucose levels and increased serum insulin level in treated groups was significant (P

Drug addiction is a serious issue. A lot of psychopathic drugs are in use, but mainly methamphetamine. Addiction is a problem not only for the addicted person but also affected family and the entire society. Addicted persons lose control of their actions and so commit different crimes such as stealing, raping and killing. They may end up committing suicide. In this review article, we analyze the causes of addiction, absorption of methamphetamine into the body, its effects on cells and the analytical tool to detect the chemicals.

Herein, we represent the bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) employing Oak gum as the green template, an efficient natural and non-toxic reductant and stabilizer based on its phytochemicals by using ultrasonic irradiation. The characterization of as-synthesized Ag NPs was performed through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, UV–Vis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). After the characterization, the synthesized Ag NPs/O. Gum was engaged in biological assays like study of anti-oxidant properties by DPPH mediated free radical scavenging test using MeOH and BHT as reference molecules. Thereafter, on having a significant IC50 value in radical scavenging assay, we extended the bio-application of the desired nanocomposite in anticancer study of A549, Calu6 and H358 human lung cell lines in-vitro through MTT assay. They had very low cell viability and high anti-human lung cancer activities dose-dependently against the cell lines without any cytotoxicity on the normal cell line (MRC-5). The IC50 of Ag NPs/O. Gum was found 161.25, 289.26 and 235.29 µg/mL against A549, Calu6 and H358 cell lines, respectively. Maybe significant anti-human lung cancer potentials of Ag NPs/O. Gum against common lung cancer cell lines are related to their antioxidant activities. So, these results suggest that synthesized Ag NPs/O. Gum as a chemotherapeutic nanomaterial have a suitable anticancer activity against lung cell lines.

The antigens of the ABO blood group systems are expressed on the membrane of the red blood cells and on the surface of several pathological and normal cells and tissues. Following this earlier investigations, the pathological state of genetic diseases and disorders were determined from the blood fluids and blood cells. Biology of most of the genetic diseases was associated with the development of marks and the ABO antigens were associated with the development of various tumours, namely gastric and pancreatic cancers. ABO antigens are used as the prognostic biomarkers in various types of cancers in human. Moreover, the association of these antigenic effects is uncertain. In human, several epigenetic marks required for the normal development. These include DNA methylation at GpG dinucleotides, noncoding RNAs and covalent modifications of histone. These functions are regulated in organized manner, regulating mitotically heritable changes in the expression of genes without changing the primary sequences of DNA. Any changes in the expression of these proteins due to genetic or environmental factors affect normal function and leads to aberrant epigenetic pattern. These aberrant epigenetic patterns lead to various human disorders, including imprinting and sub-fertility. The present review discusses the biology and genetics of various diseases and highlights the important theoretical and technical problems. Human genome sequences and other technical implications in the line of genetic diseases are discussed in this review.

In this work, we have described the biogenic synthesized copper nanoparticles being supported over plant phytochemicals modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract was used as a green reducing agent and an excellent stabilizer of the synthesized NPs. The biomolecules are adorned as a protective shell over the core ferrite NPs. Physicochemical characterization of the as-synthesized Cu-Hibiscus@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was carried out through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping (WDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The as-synthesized bio-nanomaterial was used as an excellent heterogeneous and magnetically retrievable catalyst in the three-component condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin, malononitrile and various aldehydes in refluxing aqueous media. A broad range of aromatic aldehydes underwent the reaction to produce diverse pyrano[3,2-c]chromene derivatives in very good yields irrespective of the nature of bearing functional groups or their respective geometrical positions. Due to superparamagentic character, the material was easily magnetically decanted out and recycled for 8 successive times with preservation of its catalytic activity. After the chemical applications we also explored the material biologically in the resistance of human colon cancer and thereby studied the cytotoxicity over two standard cell lines, HT-29 and Caco-2. The conventional MTT assay was carried out over them which revealed an increase in % cell viability dose dependantly. In addition, DPPH radical scavenging test was performed for studying anti-oxidant activity, using BHT as the positive control. The IC50 values observed in the two cell lines were 490.12 μg/ml and 412.23 μg/ml respectively. The results validate the administration of Cu-Hibiscus@Fe3O4 as a competent colon protective drug in the clinical trial studies over human.

Abstract Prostate cancer (PC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in men worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the rate of PC is increasing annually. The sex steroid hormones androgens and their receptors have critical roles in PC development and progression. Additionally, apoptosis-related proteins such as heat-shock proteins are vital molecules in PC development. Steroid hormone-deprivation therapies remain the essential treatment for patients with metastatic PCs; however, acquired resistance to hormone deprivation and the transition to PC androgen independence is a major health obstacle. In this review, we aim to detail the roles of androgens, androgen receptors and sex steroid hormones in inducing apoptosis in PC.

Background: The role of genetics in pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is least explored. Objective of the study is to find the association of leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphism with GDM and its role in altered leptin levels, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in GDM. Methods: Hundred GDM patients and an equal number of BMI and gestational age matched normal glucose tolerant pregnant women were recruited as cases and controls. Five milliliters of venous blood was drawn for biochemical and genetic analysis. Genotyping of LEPR (Gln223Arg) was performed by PCR-RFLP. Fasting blood sugar, leptin, insulin, C-peptide, and lipid profile estimations were done. Various insulin resistance models were constructed using suitable formulae. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: There was no significant association found between LEPR gene polymorphism with leptin levels and insulin resistance in GDM. However, Odd’s ratio showed that individuals with the “A” allele were at 1.25 times higher risk of developing GDM. HOMA B-cell significantly varied among LEPR genotypes (p

Arthrospira platensis (Ap) has several advantageous adaptive mechanisms including its efficient response to elevated oxidative stress (OS). This study intends to identify the antioxidant effect, in vitro and in vivo, of a novel peptide (GP13), Ap-derived cysteine-desulfurase (CDS) peptide, for antioxidant role and the associated mechanism(s) by which the GP13 elicits cytoprotection under elevated OS.Using bioinformatics tools, a short sequence of amino acids GP13 with a predicted antioxidant effect has been identified from the cysteine sulfurase domain of ApCDS between 243 and 616 amino acids. The synthesized GP13 peptide expressed significant antioxidant activity against free-radicals at various concentrations (10–80 µM), as established through the DPPH, ABTS, SARS, and HRS assays.Besides, GP13 demonstrated no cytotoxicity on Vero cells and human leucocytes. In H2O2-induced human leucocytes, the peptide exhibited maximum ROS scavenging activity at a concentration of 80 µM. Reduced apoptotic body formation was identified using Hoechst 33,342 staining in GP13-exposed Vero cells. In vivo results revealed that pre-treated zebrafish larvae with GP13 (10–80 µM) ameliorated the H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Further, GP13 inhibited the H2O2-induced caspase-3-dependent apoptotic response at 96 h post fertilized (hpf) zebrafish larvae.Together, results demonstrated that in GP13 treated (80 µM) zebrafish there was a reduction in the expression of lipid peroxidation level; and an increase in antioxidant-enzymes. Therefore, it is possible that GP13 peptide derived from ApCDS has in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and that GP13 should be further investigated for potential therapeutic utility in OS-mediated complications.

Previous studies reported disrupted hepatic function and structure following the administration of cyclosporine A (CsA) in humans and animals. Recently, we found that avocado seeds (AvS) ameliorated CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. As a continuation, herein we checked whether AvS could also attenuate CsA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Subcutaneous injection of CsA (5 mg/kg) for 7 days triggered hepatotoxicity in rats, as indicated by liver dysfunction, redox imbalance, and histopathological changes. Oral administration of 5% AvS powder for 4 weeks ameliorated CsA-induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by (1) decreased levels of liver damage parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin), (2) resumed redox balance in the liver (reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), (3) downregulated hepatic expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes (X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)), and apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Casp3), (4) upregulated expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, (5) reduced DNA damage, and (6) improved liver histology. These results highlight the ability of AvS to ameliorate CsA-induced hepatotoxicity via the inhibition of oxidative stress and proapoptotic ER stress.

Contradictory results were obtained regarding the effects of extracellular vesicles such as exosomes (EXOs) on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Some studies showed that EXOs, including milk EXOs, were involved in the pathogenesis of DN, whereas other studies revealed ameliorative effects. Compared to other animals, camel milk had unique components that lower blood glucose levels. However, little is known regarding the effect of camel milk and its EXOs on DN. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate this effect on a rat model of DN induced by streptozotocin. Treatment with camel milk and/or its EXOs ameliorated DN as evidenced by (1) reduced levels of kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, retinol-binding protein (RBP), and urinary proteins), (2) restored redox balance (decreased lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activity of antioxidants enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), (3) downregulated expression of DN-related genes (transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM1), and transformation specific 1 (ETS1), integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGβ2), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM1)), and (4) decreased renal damage histological score. These results concluded that the treatment with camel milk and/or its EXOs could ameliorate DN with a better effect for the combined therapy.

Background Globally, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major health obstacle. This health condition has been identified in 47% of pre-school students (aged 0 to 5 years), 42% of pregnant females, and 30% of non-pregnant females (aged 15 to 50 years) worldwide according to the WHO. Environmental and genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of IDA; genetic testing has revealed the association of a number of polymorphisms with iron status and serum ferritin. Aim The current study aims to reveal the association of TMPRSS6 rs141312 and BMP2 rs235756 with the iron status of females in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cohort of 108 female university students aged 18–25 years was randomly selected to participate: 50 healthy and 58 classified as iron deficient. A 3–5 mL sample of blood was collected from each one and analyzed based on hematological and biochemical iron status followed by genotyping by PCR. Results The genotype distribution of TMPRSS6 rs141312 was 8% (TT), 88% (TC) and 4% (CC) in the healthy group compared with 3.45% (TT), 89.66% (TC) and 6.89% (CC) in the iron-deficient group (P = 0.492), an insignificant difference in the allelic distribution. The genotype distribution of BMP2 rs235756 was 8% (TT), 90% (TC) and 2% (CC) in the healthy group compared with 3.45% (TT), 82.76% (TC) and 13.79% (CC) in iron-deficient group (P = 0.050) and was significantly associated with decreased ferritin status (P = 0.050). In addition, TMPRSS6 rs141312 is significantly (PConclusion Our finding potentially helps in the early prediction of iron deficiency in females through the genetic testing.

Tacrolimus (TAC) is used sporadically as an immunosuppressive agent for organ transplantation, but its clinical used is limited due to its marked nephrotoxicity. Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) (OB) had been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective activity, and effective at improving renal inflammation and glomerular. In our study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of the OB against TAC-induced mitochondrial nephrotoxicity in CD1 mice. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (control group); administered orally with normal saline (1 mL/kg) for two weeks; Group 2 (OB extract treated-group) (500 mg/kg b.wt) gavaged once/day for two weeks; Group 3 (TAC-treated group) (3 mg/kg b.wt, administered ip once a day for two weeks); and Group 4; (TAC plus OB extract treated-group). Tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity was assessed biochemically and histopathologically. The OB extract was high in phenolic content (50.3 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent), total flavonoids (14.5 mg/g CE equivalent). The potential antioxidant efficacy of the extract (IC50) was 24.5 μg/mL. OB pretreatment significantly improved the TAC-induced changes in biochemical markers of nephrotoxicity for instance blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, and albumin (P