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Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by aberrant lung epithelial phenotypes, fibroblast activation, and increased extracellular matrix deposition. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)1-induced Smad signaling and downregulation of peroxisomal genes are involved in the pathogenesis and can be inhibited by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α activation. However, the three PPARs, that is PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ, are known to interact in a complex crosstalk. Methods To mimic the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis, primary lung fibroblasts from control and IPF patients with comparable levels of all three PPARs were treated with TGF-β1 for 24 h, followed by the addition of PPAR ligands either alone or in combination for another 24 h. Fibrosis markers (intra- and extracellular collagen levels, expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases) and peroxisomal biogenesis and metabolism (gene expression of peroxisomal biogenesis and matrix proteins, protein levels of PEX13 and catalase, targeted and untargeted lipidomic profiles) were analyzed after TGF-β1 treatment and the effects of the PPAR ligands were investigated. Results TGF-β1 induced the expected phenotype; e.g. it increased the intra- and extracellular collagen levels and decreased peroxisomal biogenesis and metabolism. Agonists of different PPARs reversed TGF-β1-induced fibrosis even when given 24 h after TGF-β1. The effects included the reversals of (1) the increase in collagen production by repressing COL1A2 promoter activity (through PPAR-β/δ activation); (2) the reduced activity of matrix metalloproteinases (through PPAR-β/δ activation); (3) the decrease in peroxisomal biogenesis and lipid metabolism (through PPAR-γ activation); and (4) the decrease in catalase protein levels in control (through PPAR-γ activation) and IPF (through a combined activation of PPAR-β/δ and PPAR-γ) fibroblasts. Further experiments to explore the role of catalase showed that an overexpression of catalase protein reduced collagen production. Additionally, the beneficial effect of PPAR-γ but not of PPAR-β/δ activation on collagen synthesis depended on catalase activity and was thus redox-sensitive. Conclusion Our data provide evidence that IPF patients may benefit from a combined activation of PPAR-β/δ and PPAR-γ.

Abstract Background The use of chemical pesticides in developing countries like Bangladesh and their impacts on human health and food security is a global concern. Bangladesh is an agricultural dependent country for the growing population demand for food security and food safety. We conduct this study to assess public health threats of commonly utilised pesticides including malathion and nitrobenzene in female rabbit model. Methods Thirty New Zealand White healthy rabbit was divided randomly into three groups; and subjected to distilled water as control, malathion@ 5 mg/kg body weight and nitrobenzene@ 5 mg/kg body i.p daily for the next 15 days. Hematology, serum biochemistry and hormonal assay were performed. Results Red blood cell (RBC) concentrations (TEC, Hb, PCV%) were reduced in rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene. The neutrophil and eosinophil percentage were increased in the malathion and nitrobenzene exposed juvenile rabbit group. We found that serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine were increased in the nitrobenzene exposed group in infants, whereas malathion exposure increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In contrast, the juvenile group exposed to malathion increased the ALT level. There was no change in AST or creatinine levels in juvenile rabbits exposed to malathion or nitrobenzene. Serum estradiol levels were significantly lower in rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene. Serum testosterone concentration was increased in juvenile rabbits exposed to malathion and nitrobenzene, but progesterone was decreased in malathion exposed juvenile rabbits. Conclusion However, this study highlights the importance of rigorous monitoring and testing of agricultural products. In addition, strengthen research and extension in the fields of agro economy, organic farming, local universities and farmer associations.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate nutritional status of high yielding dairy cattle around parturition. Materials and methods: Nutritional status of cows around the peri-parturient period was investigated for six months in dairy farm. Seven to eight months' pregnant cows were selected for this study. Blood samples from 24 randomly selected cows were collected at stage-1, -2 and -3. The serum was stored at -20C until analyzing glucose, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), triglycerides (Tg), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P). Results: An increasing trend of glucose level was evidenced (P=0.07) during stage-1. Instead, higher levels of TP were found during stage-3 as compared to the stage-1 and -2. The Alb levels differed significantly (P