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Pyridine derivatives are the most common and significant heterocyclic compounds, which play an important role in various fields ranging from medicinal to chemosensing applications. Pyridine derivatives possess different biological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiglycation, analgesic, antiparkinsonian, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, ulcerogenic, antiviral, and anticancer activity. Furthermore, these derivatives have a high affinity for various ions and neutral species and can be used as a highly effective chemosensor for the determination of different species. In this review article, generally used synthetic routes of pyridine, structural characterization, medicinal applications, and potential of pyridine derivatives in analytical chemistry as chemosensors have been discussed. We hope this study will support the new thoughts to design biological active compounds and highly selective and effective chemosensors for the detection of various species (anions, cations, and neutral species) in various samples (environmental, agricultural, and biological).

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2) epidemic is professed as world disaster producing a worrying increasing mortality, particularly amongst vulnerable humans worldwide. Whether COVID-19 has a strong ability for acceptable genetic flexibility that amended for breaking immune responses quickly, it is critical to understand the adaptation mechanism between viruses and hosts that allows individuals to follow viral development. This can contribute to finding the appropriate treatment to combat the epidemic. However, the present information about viral adaptation mechanisms in hosts is still insufficient, and future investigations may reveal the unknown. Mutations and genetic variations are naturally occurring; however, the current knowledge about their mechanism and pathways still has many secrets. The present review also provides insights into the immune system, immunological memory, and the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Other fighting methods against COVID-19 are also highlighted. The potential of antibodies, natural metabolites, and current suggest vaccines were applied to the face of this new threat.

Cannabis is an annual herbaceous plant sometimes grown for decoration and used as bird food that looks like flax. The study wanted to determine if a Cannabis extract may have an effect on how anxious and depressed the female mice behaved. forty healthy female mice were divided into four groups. Tap water was administered to the first group (control). Ethanol was administered to second group (positive control). The third and four groups were given 1 and 2 mg/kg cannabis extract respectively. Treatment continued for 14 days. After therapy, the light–dark chamber, forced swimming, tail suspension, plus lamb and open field tests were done to assess anxiety and depressive behavior. The results indicated that the anxiety and depression were increased in treated females significantly compared to control. Biochemical results showed that DA,5-HT, AChE, GSH, GST, CAT and SOD were decreased while TBARS, corticosterone and cortisol were increased. In conclusion, cannabis effects this kind of females’ behavior but the mechanisms are not clear yet. We need more researches on this trend.

Natural clinoptilolite was decorated by green MgO nanoparticles (G. MgO/Clino) and characterized as a potential drug delivery system for 5-Fluorouracil drug. The synthetic G. MgO/Clino as carrier exhibits an enhanced loading capacity of 244.5 mg/g which is higher than clinoptilolite (163 mg/g). The loading reaction of 5-FC follows the equilibrium and kinetic properties of Langmuir and Pseudo-first order models, respectively. Therefore, the loaded 5-FC molecules are of homogenous and monolayer forms with Gaussian energy (8.51 kJ/mol) related to physisorption and zeolitic ion exchange processes. Also, the thermodynamic study declared feasible, endothermic, and spontaneous loading reactions of the 5-FC drug. The release study emphasizes a long and continuous profile for 150 h either in gastric buffer (pH 1.2) or intestinal buffer (pH 7.4). The release kinetics follow Higuchi and Hixson-Crowell model in addition to Korsmeyer–Peppas model with diffusion exponent (0.50 at pH 1.2 and 0.47 at pH 7.4). This suggests non-Fickian transport behavior for the released 5-FC molecules by both erosion and diffusion mechanism. The cytotoxicity study on the colorectal normal cell (CCD-18Co) demonstrates significant safety and biocompatibility properties of G. MgO/Clino as a drug carrier. Moreover, the G. MgO/Clino carrier induced the cytotoxic effect on the colon cancer cells (HCT-116) by controlling the diffusion rate and the oxidative effect of the green MgO nanoparticles.

Two types of NiO-based composites (NiO@diatomite and Ni/NiO@diatomite) were synthesized as modified products of enhanced catalytic performances during the transesterification reactions of waste cooking oil. The influence of the diatomite substrate and the integration of metallic Ni0 in inducing the catalytic activity were evaluated in a series of transesterification reactions. The experimental conditions were adjusted according to the response surface methodology and the central composite statistical design. Experimentally, the diatomite substrate and the Ni0 metal induced the efficiency of the reaction to achieve a yield of 73.4% (NiO@diatomite) and 91% (Ni/NiO@diatomite), respectively, as compared to 66% for the pure phase (NiO). This was obtained under experimental conditions of 80 °C temperature, 100 min time, 12:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, and 3.75 wt % loading. The theoretical optimization functions of the designs suggested enhancement to the experimental conditions to achieve a yield of 76.3% by NiO@diatomite and 93.2% by Ni/NiO@diatomite. This reflected the role of the diatomite substrate in enhancing the surface area, the adsorption of fatty acids, and the exposure of the catalytic sites in addition to the effect of the Ni0 metal in enhancing the catalytic reactivity of the final product. Finally, the biodiesel produced over Ni/NiO@diatomite as the best product was of acceptable properties according to the international standards.

Graphical abstract Alleviation of silver nanoparticle-induced sexual behavior and testicular parameters dysfunction in male mice by yttrium oxide nanoparticles. Gasem Mohammad Abu-Taweel, Hani Manssor Albetran, Mohsen Ghaleb Al-Mutary, Mohammad Ahmad, It Meng Low., Highlights • Exposure to silver nanoparticles decreased the weight of the reproductive organs, sexual behavior, oxidative defense parameters, sperm count and their motility in male mice. • In addition, serum testosterone, apoptotic germ cells and testicular histology were also disrupted due to silver nanoparticles. • Yttrium oxide nanoparticles have protective effects on sexual behavior and spermatotoxicity induced by silver nanoparticles in male mice. • The toxicity of silver nanoparticles altered testicular functions that were effectively ameliorated by yttrium oxide nanoparticles., Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) can easily cross through the blood-testis barrier and encourage reproductive dysfunction. This study investigated the protective effects of yttrium oxide nanoparticles (YO-NPs) on sexual behavior and spermatotoxicity induced by Ag-NPs in male mice. Twenty-four male mice were separated into four groups and injected intraperitoneally once a week as the following: group I (Ag-NPs at the dose of 40 mg/kg), group II (YO-NPs at the dose of 40 mg/kg), group III (Ag + YO NPs at the doses of 40 mg/kg, each) and group IV (control; distilled water). After 35 days of the injections, the sexual behavior, oxidative parameters in testis, sperm parameters, serum testosterone, apoptotic germ cells and testicular histology were evaluated. Our findings showed that Ag-NPs decreased the weight of the reproductive organs, sexual behavior, oxidative defense parameters, sperm count and motility of male mice. In addition, the apoptotic cells in testicular cross-sections and TBARS level increased after Ag-NPs exposure when compared to other groups. However, the YO-NPs had protective effects in the studied parameters of testicles and minimized the Ag-NPs toxicity in male mice. In conclusion, the results revealed that the toxicity of Ag-NPS altered testicular functions in male mice that were effectively ameliorated by YO-NPs.

The main objective of this work is to analyze the perinatal protective effects of curcumin (Cur) on the toxicity of inorganic mercury (mercuric chloride – HgCl2) in the developing mice offspring on their behavioral and biochemical changes. Six groups of pregnant mice (consisting of ten animals in each) were allocated in a way that Group I consuming tap water was used as control. Groups II to VI were the experimentally treated groups in which Group II and III received 150 and 300 ppm of curcumin, respectively; Group IV was given 10 ppm of HgCl2; and Group V and VI were also exposed to 10 ppm of HgCl2 but concurrently they were also treated with 150 and 300 ppm of curcumin, respectively. Appearance of vaginal plug was considered as the first day of pregnancy and all treatment started from day one of pregnancy until post-natal day 15 (PD 15) and the mothers were switched to plain tap water thereafter. At the age of PD 40, the male pups were subjected to measuring the depression in the light-dark chambers, forced swimming and tail suspension tests and to measuring their anxiety in plus-maze and open-field tests. Subsequently, after behavioral tests, the levels of corticosterone and cortisol hormones were estimated in the plasma of the experimental offspring. Behavioral tests were measured in the HgCl2 treated offspring for the light-dark chambers; forced swimming test; tail suspension test; plus-maze test; and open –field test showed significant alterations in their depression, anxiety and locomotory activities. Biochemical estimation of corticosterone and cortisol hormones in the plasma of these offspring showed significant depletion in their levels. Treatment of these offspring with curcumin significantly and dose dependently ameliorated all the behavioral and biochemical disruptive effects in the offspring due to HgCl2 toxicity. In conclusion, curcumin ameliorates the toxic effects of HgCl2 in the offspring during gestation and lactation periods. Thus, exposure to HgCl2 to mothers during pregnancy needs careful monitoring for minimizing its toxicity. Curcumin appears to be a promising ameliorating agent for such HgCl2 toxicity; however, further studies are needed for establishing these preliminary findings.

This experiment aimed to determine how pomegranate juice (PJ) responds to oxidative stress induced by aluminum in male mice. A total of thirty-six male mice were separated into six groups. The first group (control group) received tap water. Groups two and three were given 20% and 40% PJ, respectively. Group four received 400 mg Al/kg, while groups five and six were given Al + 20% PJ and Al + 40% PJ, respectively. After the oral administration period, the sexual behavior of the mice was recorded. Blood was collected from the heart to measure testosterone concentration. After the animals were sacrificed, the reproductive organs were weighed, and the epididymis and testis were used for further evaluations. Our findings showed that Al decreased the body and organs weights, sexual behavior, sperm count, normal sperm, total and progressive sperm motility, testosterone level, and epithelial diameters of the seminiferous tubes. In addition, the PJ reduced these effects and minimized the aluminum toxicity in male mice. In conclusion, PJ protects against aluminum exposure in male mice by ameliorating sexual behavior and fertility.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been used in medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Furthermore, NPs can cross the blood-brain barrier and encourage some effects on spatial learning and memory in organism. Here, we investigate the possible neurotoxicity of Ag-NPs with special emphasis on the neuroprotective impacts of yttrium-oxide nanoparticles (YO-NPs) in male mice. Male mice ( n = 24 ) were weekly intraperitoneally injected for 35 days as the following; groups I, II, III, and IV received tap water (control), Ag-NPs (40 mg/kg), YO-NPs (40 mg/kg), and Ag-NPs/YO-NPs (40 mg/kg each), respectively. After that, animals were tested in shuttle box, Morris water-maze, and T-maze devices to evaluate the spatial learning and memory competence. Neurotransmitters and oxidative indices in the forebrain were estimated. According to behavioral studies, the male animals from the Ag-NP group presented worse memory than those in the control group. The biochemical changes after Ag-NP exposure were observed through increasing TBARS levels and decline in oxidative biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH) and neurotransmitters (DOP, SER, and AChE) in the forebrain of male mice compared to untreated animals. Interestingly, the animals treated with mixed doses of Ag-NPs and YO-NPs displayed improvements in behavioral tests, oxidative parameters, and neurotransmitters compared to males treated with Ag-NPs alone. In conclusion, the abnormal behavior related to learning and memory in male mice induced by Ag-NPs was significantly alleviated by YO-NPs. Specifically, the coinjection of YO-NPs with Ag-NPs moderates the disruption in neurotransmitters, oxidative indices of mice brains, which reflects on their cognitive behaviors.

In the present investigation, the effect of mercuric chloride on gestation and lactation periods in mice was studied. The animals were treated with 10 ppm of HgCl2 and its complications were evaluated by supplementing 150 and 300 ppm of curcumin, respectively. Results indicated that HgCl2 increased depression-like behavior in treated animals compared to control and effects of depression in offspring significantly (p˂0.001) enhanced. Interestingly, the Tail suspension test clearly confirmed that the administration of curcumin enhanced the immobility (p˂0.001). The results confirmed that the curcumin administered mice spent less time in the closed arm (P The anxiety and depression behaviors disorder due to mercuric chloride exposure indicated its availability via placenta or/and milk during lactation. The treatment with curcumin improved anxiety and depression behaviors compared to Hg experimental group.

Background: Investigation for a naturally occurring anti-obesity drug has become the need of society all over the world. Betulinic acid (BA) is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene and is sourced from various organisms. This high potential biologically active molecule is reported to have anti-obesity effect. In this study, we report the molecular mechanism of action of BA that underlies anti-obesity activity and also an improved method of its isolation common teak tree. Methods: Mouse pre-adipocyte cells were used to develop hyperlipidemic conditions in vitro. Change in expression of genes associated to adipogenesis was checked using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Co-factor specificity of PPAR gamma was analyzed through immune precipitation and immunoblot. Results: Betulinic acid was found to be effective in reducing the lipid content in 3T3L1 cells. Level of PPAR gamma and LXR alpha was reduced in connection to reduced adipogenesis. Change in steroid responsive co-activators (SRCs) during BA treatment proved that the compound can impart profound change in co-factor selectivity, which is crucial in determining the activity profile of PPAR gamma. BA treatment enhanced the SRC-1 interaction with PPAR gamma while reducing the levels of SRC-3. Conclusion: Present study has proved that betulinic acid, a promising candidate in anti-obesity drug development, has potential in regulating the activity of PPAR gamma through co-factor modulation. Keywords: Adipogenesis, Betulinic acid, NMR, PPAR gamma, Tectona grandis

Aluminum trichloride (AlClSix groups of male mice were administrated orally for 35 days by PJ and AlCl3. The control group (G-I) received tap water, while the PJ groups (G-II and G-III) were treated with 20 % and 40 % PJ, respectively. The AlClBehavioral analyses showed that PJ inhibited AlClOur results proposed that the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by AlCl

Diabetes is associated with an increase in the production of free radicals, reduction of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4, THB) levels and reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular walls. In this contribution, we probed the effective role of curcumin nanoparticles (CUR-NPs) that prepared via solvent evaporation nanoprecipitation technique as potential system to attenuate endothelial dysfunction. In this technique, Tween 60 (polysorbate) was used as stabilizing agent for the prepared CUR-NPs and protect such nanoparticles from further agglomeration. BH4 levels and other parameters were estimated in diabetic rats. To this end, we dedicated 48 male albino rats, categorized into six groups; control (healthy rats), diabetic rats, along with four treated groups via oral administration of 0.2 mL/kg body weight/day of solutions of Tween 60 (60 mg/mL), free CUR (60 mg/mL), CUR-NPs1 (30 mg/mL), and CUR-NPs2 (60 mg/mL) for 30 days. Results showed that the mean level of malondialdehyde (MDA) has been significantly increased in diabetic group associated with a reduction of total antioxidant capacity, NO, and BH4 compared to control. These parameters were restored by the delivery of CUR-NPs - both doses in rats, compared with the two control groups that treated with Tween 60 and free CUR.

In recent years, antibiotics have been considered emerging pollutants due to their continuous input and their persistence in the aquatic ecosystem, even at low concentrations. The present work focuses on the successful hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of CeO2 nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of nitrofurantoin (NFT) antibiotic. Their physicochemical properties were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The average particle size and the energy bandgap of CeO2 nanoparticles were found to be 9.59 nm and 3.3 eV, respectively. Furthermore, electrochemical analysis showed that the developed CeO2 -based electrode showed improved electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of nitrofurantoin (NFT) compared to the bare electrode. The limit of detection (LOD) was obtained as 7.81 μM from the calibration curve. Hence, these results corroborate that the CeO2 nanoparticles modified electrode can serve as a novel NFT electrocatalyst.

Purpose Aluminum (Al) is a harmful metal to organisms and is capable of entering the human body in multiple ways, such as through drinking, breathing, deodorant use, and vaccination. This study examined the prospective toxicity of Al and the protective attributes of pomegranate juice (PJ) on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters of male mice. Methods Six groups of male mice were treated for 35 days with 20 % PJ (group II), 40 % PJ (group III), 400 mg/kg Al (group IV), Al + 20 % PJ (group V), Al + 40 % PJ (group VI) or tap water (control, group I). Behavioral assessments were conducted for learning and memory evaluations at the end of experiment. In addition, the forebrain was isolated for biochemical analysis. Results The exposure of male mice to Al decreased learning and memory retention in the shuttle box, Morris water-maze and T-Maze tests. Biochemical analysis revealed significant depletions in neurotransmitters including DA, 5-HT and AChE and oxidative proteins including GSH, GST, CAT and SOD and increased TBARES levels in Al-treated mice compared to untreated mice. Pomegranate juice provided protection against these effects after Al exposure by ameliorating learning and memory retention and oxidative state in a dose-independent manner. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that Al exposure caused behavioral and biochemical disorders. Pomegranate juice in lower dose has beneficial properties for health and can be used as a source of antioxidants to reduce the toxicity of Al and other substances.

Cardamom is a strong antioxidant plant, so it is called the queen of spices. In the present study, we explored the potentials of cardamom on developmental, learning ability and biochemical parameters of mice offspring. Thirty pregnant mice were allocated to three groups of ten animals in each. Groups Π and Ш received pilsbury's Diet containing 10 and 20% of cardamom (w/w) respectively, whereas Group I used as control. Cardomom was administered from the first day of pregnancy and was continued until post-natal day 15 (PD 15) and thereafter the mothers were switched to plain pilsbury's Diet. During the weaning period, three pups in each litter were color marked from the others, and were subjected to various tests (Physical assessment such body weight and eye opening and hair appearance; the neuromaturation of reflexes like righting, rotating, and cliff avoidance reflexes; learning ability and memory retention; estimation of monoamines neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, non-enzymatic oxidative stress such as TBARS and GSH in forebrain at different ages of pups). The results indicated that the body weight gain was declining significantly. Hair appearance and eyes opening were delayed significantly. Righting, rotating, and cliff avoidance reflexes were delayed in treated animals. Exposure to cardamom led to enhance learning and memory retention as compared to control. Monoamines (DA, 5-HT) and GSH were elevated, whereas TBARS was inhibited significantly. In conclusion, perinatal cardamom exposure enhanced learning and memory as compared to control. Cardamom and its benefit compounds were transported via placenta or/and milk during lactation. Cardamom needs more researches to investigate its benefits on other kinds of behavior.

Hybrid structure from mesoporous silica (MCM-48) and β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CD/MCM) was prepared for enhanced remediation of As (V) and Hg (II) ions. The β-CD/MCM showed promising uptake affinities for As (V) and Hg (II) ions even in the existence of coexisting anions or metal ions. The maximum capacities are 265.6 mg/g and 207.9 mg/g for the As (V) and Hg (II) ions, respectively. The data followed Pseudo-First order kinetic behavior and Langmuir equilibrium properties declaring homogenous and monolayer adsorption. The values of Gaussian energy (6.45 KJ/mol for As (V) and 3.95 KJ/mol for Hg (II) ions) emphasize the physical nature of their uptake by β-CD/MCM. The thermodynamic studies reflected their adsorption by spontaneous, favorable, and exothermic reactions. Using the β-CD/MCM as a fixed bed in column system achieved total removal percentages of 72.8 % (As (V)) and 60.4 % (Hg (II)) in addition to total adsorbed metals of 879.8 mg (As (V)) and 717.2 mg (Hg (II)) for 8.1 L of polluted water. Therefore, the synthetic β-CD/MCM composite is of promising adsorption properties to be applied in the decontamination of As (V) and Hg (II) ions either in batch studies or fixed bed column studies.

Background: Cardamom is the flavouring spices mainly cultivated all over the world. Apart from being used as the spice, it has many medicinal values. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential use of cardamom and its effects on the ability of learning, developmental, and various biochemical factors of Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages. Methods: In this method, Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages were used for the analysis of biochemical factors. After the administration of cardamom orally, the pups were subjected to various tests for determining social and defense behaviors of males and females, anxiety behavior; locomotor and neuromuscular activities, haemotological parameters, and hormonal factors of males and females. Results: The present findings indicate that the cardamom induced reduction in the social and defense behaviors of males and females, respectively, and also anxiety behavior. Interestingly, locomotor and neuromuscular activities decreased significantly. Discussion: In addition, the packed cell volume, red blood count, hemoglobin content, AChE in forebrain, the testosterone in males and progesterone in females were observed to increase significantly, whereas the blood platelets and total white blood count decreased non-significantly. Through perinatal exposure, cardamom can pass through the placenta or/and lactation and reaches the fetus. Care must be taken when using cardamom and especially during pregnancy and lactation. Conclusion: The administration of cardamom enhances the ability of social, developmental, and various biochemical factors of Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages.

The present study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effect of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (ASM) on biochemical, blood parameters and neuro-behavioral aspects of mice. The results indicated that exposure induced many changes in fear and anxiety behavior. The non-social and social behavior of the exposed mice was significantly affected, showing an increase in the former and a decrease in the later stages, respectively. The elements of social behavior including attack, numbers of fights and bites, naso-nasal and naso-genital contacts were decreased significantly. The latencies to threat and attack and first bite were increased significantly. Locomotor activity and neuromuscular coordination (grip strength) were decreased in treated animals as compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count platelets count and testosterone hormone in the treated males. The activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme decreased as compared to the control. In conclusion, the current study indicated that exposure to food additives MSA and ASM was dangerous to mice in relation to behavior and biochemical analysis. In addition, these food additives need more scientific researches to investigate their effect on other parameters. Key words: Mono-sodium glutamate, mono-sodium aspartame, fear and anxiety, locomotory behavior, grip strength, acetylcholinesterase.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats in humans since it has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organism tissues and cause toxicological effects. Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several studies have suggested its potential therapeutic or protective effects against several ailments and infections. To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, Swiss–Webster strain male and female mice (sixty each) were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the naive control and received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd (100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively, was administered one hour before Cd administration to both groups. After treatment period, the male animals were subjected to social standard opponent test and females were subjected to the tube restraint tests and thereafter, their blood was collected to measure the blood composition indices and level of reproductive hormones. The animals were sacrificed to collect their brain for the estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results indicated that Cd significantly increased nonsocial activities in males and latency to first bite in females, whereas the social activities in males and the number of bites in females were significantly decreased. All measured indices of blood composition and levels of progesterone (female) and testosterone (male) in blood and AChE in their brain tissues were significantly decreased due to Cd treatment. However, administration of Cur along with Cd had an ameliorating effect on all the behavioral and biochemical parameters studied herein and reduced the toxicity of Cd significantly and dose-dependently. Thus, Cur may be beneficial for general health and for protection from Cd intoxication.

In the present investigation, the effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on the neurobehavioural and neurochemical disruption in mice offspring was studied. A total of thirty pregnant mice were divided into six groups. Group II and III were received 150 and 300 ppm of curcumin respectively. Group IV was given 10 ppm of HgCl2. Group V and VI were given 10 ppm of HgCl2 with 150 and 300 ppm of curcumin respectively. In this study, treatment started from day one of pregnancy and continued until post-natal day 15 (PD 15). During weaning period, three pups in each experimental group were marked and were subjected to behavioral, physical and biochemical tests. The results revealed decreased body weight, delayed hair growth and eye opening. HgCl2 treated pups taken more time in righting, rotating reflexes to return to normal placement, cliff avoidance compared to that of control group. HgCl2 exposed pups showed memory and learning deficits. Anxiety behavior in treating pups was increased. Biochemical investigations showed decreased level of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in forebrain of treated pups compared to the control and curcumin groups. The protective effect of curcumin doses were significant compared to HgCl2 group. The results indicated that the administration of curcumin showed effective activity towards biochemical and behavioral disorders obtained with the HgCl2 treated animals. Overall, the curcumin administration revealed increased cognetion and anxiety behaviors in the treated animals. Conclusively, curcumin has a good benefits for health which can use to avoid toxicants such as Hg and other heavy metals. Keywords: Curcumin, Mercury chloride, Mice offspring, Learning, Anxiety, Dopamine, Serotonin, Neurodegeneration

Cordyceps militaris is a type of fungus consumed by people all over the world and renowned for their nutritional benefits and herbal formulas to promote health and longevity. In the present study investigation was carried out to explore the therapeutic properties and neuroprotective effect of the C. militaris on ischemic brain neuronal injury, impairment of memory and learning in experimental rats induced by a global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in WISTAR rats. Vascular Dementia with transient global brain injuries induced by a four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) in WISTAR rats. Further, donepezil (5 mg/kg) and C. militaris was (100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) were orally administered for 7 days in 4-VO WISTAR rats. C. militaris has the ability to improve memory impairments due to global cerebral ischemia and scopolamine-induced memory deterioration. Our present findings suggest that C. militaris may be a potential candidate for the neuroprotection of hippocampus and the recovery of various vascular dementia or neuroinflammatory disorders. Keywords: Cordyceps militaris, Global cerebral ischemia, learning, Memory

The present study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (ASM) individually and in combination on the cognitive behavior and biochemical parameters like neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices in the brain tissue of mice. Forty male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups of ten each and were exposed to MSG and ASM through drinking water for one month. Group I was the control and was given normal tap water. Groups II and III received MSG (8 mg/kg) and ASM (32 mg/kg) respectively dissolved in tap water. Group IV received MSG and ASM together in the same doses. After the exposure period, the animals were subjected to cognitive behavioral tests in a shuttle box and a water maze. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and the neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices were estimated in their forebrain tissue. Both MSG and ASM individually as well as in combination had significant disruptive effects on the cognitive responses, memory retention and learning capabilities of the mice in the order (MSG+ASM)>ASM>MSG. Furthermore, while MSG and ASM individually were unable to alter the brain neurotransmitters and the oxidative stress indices, their combination dose (MSG+ASM) decreased significantly the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) and it also caused oxidative stress by increasing the lipid peroxides measured in the form of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and decreasing the level of total glutathione (GSH). Further studies are required to evaluate the synergistic effects of MSG and ASM on the neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices and their involvement in cognitive dysfunctions.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats to humans since it has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organisms and cause toxicological effects. Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several animal studies have suggested for a potential therapeutic or preventive effects against several ailments and infections. To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, sixty Swiss-Webster strain male mice were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the na?ve control and received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd (100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively, was administered one hour before Cd (100 mg/kg) administration to both groups. After treatment period, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests and thereafter, the animals were sacrificed for the estimation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and it’s metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) as well as oxidative stress enzymes like lipid peroxides in the form of thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS) and total glutathione (GSH) in the forebrain tissue. Cd reduced significantly the body weight gain, the locomotor activity, anxiety behavior in the plus maze and the learning capability (cognitive effect) in the shuttle-box test. Biochemical analysis further revealed that Cd exposure significantly altered the brain neurotransmitters and the oxidative stress enzymes. However, administration of Cur along with Cd had an ameliorating effect on all the behavioral and biochemical parameters studied herein and reduced the toxicity of Cd significantly and dose-dependently. Thus, Cur may be beneficial for anxiety, neuromuscular, and cognitive problems and protect from Cd intoxication.

Lead is one of the common chemical elements that is assigned the symbol Pb which came from the Latin Plumbum. Pb is widely used in the field of coating, refine and glaze ceramics and pottery. It is still used in the production of products like water pipes, cooking utensils and cooking utensils. In addition it is also used in insulation of building ceilings, cable coverage and military industries. Lead enter the environment from those uses and from the environment it enter into the living organisms. Lead accumulates in many humanorgans, but the brain is the target organ of lead accumulation. Neurotoxicity of lead is, one of lead toxicity, caused many symptoms. There are many behavioral and biochemical modifications induced by lead toxicity like learning and memory deficits, anxiety disorders, social and sexual behavior modifications and neurotransmitter system deficits. Curcumin is a bioactive natural phytochemical phenolic compound (diferuloylmethane) extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Most studies indicated the role of curcumin in reducing the damage of lead toxicity. In the current review, emphasis was based on the toxicity of lead and its effect on behavior and some neurotransmitters related to behavior. The effect of curcumin is improving the neurotoxicity and behavioral toxicity of lead.

The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and cerebral oxidative stress (OS). This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc) model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.

Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxicant and circumstantial evidence has linked this metal with several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, but no causal relationship has yet been proved. Al-induced behavioral alterations as well as cognitive deficits and rodent brain neurotransmitter level, are well known in adults but the exact mechanism in the offspring of perinatally Al exposed dams is not yet understood properly and needs more attention. In the present study, the perinatal oral exposure of the dams to 300 and 600 mg/kg/day Al (aluminum chloride) resulted in significant and deleterious effects in the offspring inflicting a dose-dependent reduction in postnatal body weight gain, delays in opening of the eyes and appearance of body hair fuzz, and deficits in the sensory motor reflexes of the mice pups during weaning period (from the day of birth to postnatal day 21). During adolescent ages of the male offspring, a significant and dose-dependent deficit was also observed in their locomotor activity at postnatal day 22 (PD 22), learning capability (at PD 25), and cognitive behavior (at PD 30–36). Furthermore, a significant and dose-dependent disturbance in the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) was also observed in the forebrain region of the offspring at PD 7, PD 14, PD 21, PD 30, and PD 36. Thus, perinatal Al exposure, particularly during pregnancy and lactation period, can affect the in utero developing fetus and postnatal developing sucklings, raising the concerns that during a critical perinatal period of brain development, Al exposure has potential and long lasting neurotoxic hazards and might modify the properties of the dopaminergic system and thus can change the threshold of that system or other related systems at later ages. A reduced use of Al during pregnancy is of crucial importance in preventing Al-induced delayed neurotoxicity in the offspring.

Selenium is an essential element with a narrow margin between beneficial and toxic effects. The learning and sensory motor reflexes-changes were studied after the perinatal exposure of mice to acute toxic doses of sodium selenite. Atomic absorption as well as the behavioral observations were employed. Adult pregnant mice was assigned into three groups: the first group was remained as a control group; the second and the third groups were orally administrated sodium selenite at doses of 1 mg/Kg (1 ppm) and 4 mg/kg (4 ppm) of the diet, respectively started from the 7th day of gestation to the 15th day of birth. Results revealed that body weight gain came significantly lower in pups born to treated mothers than those of the control pups. The appearance of body hair and opening of eyes of the pups from treated mothers were delayed in a dose-dependent manner. Selenite also inhibited the sensory motor reflexes in all elements in a dose dependent manner. The active avoidance test indicated that selenite exposure was associated with learning impairment. Acetylcholine recorded a significant decrease in treated pups. Significant high concentrations of selenium in the brain, liver and kidney was detected, indicating active transfer of selenium from mothers during pregnancy and lactation periods. Key words: Perinatal, sodium selenite, atomic absorption, acetylcholine, active avoidance test, sensory motor reflexes, mice.