Search

This study was conducted to assess the possible antidiabetic potential of Conyza bonariensis by employing in vitro as well as in vivo assessments. The dried plant material was extracted in methanol, ethanol, and water. The in vitro results showed that the ethanolic extract (EthCb) was found to have higher antioxidant and antidiabetic potential as compared with the aqueous (AqCb) and methanolic extracts (MthCb) so it was further evaluated in the in vivo trial using a diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administering 5% sucrose in drinking water and a cafeteria diet for 8 weeks, followed by nicotinamide and streptozotocin administration. Subsequently, the diabetic rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): Positive control (no treatment), standard control (Metformin @ 10 mg/kg bw), treatment 1 ( C. bonariensis ethanolic extract @ 200 mg/kg bw), and treatment 2 ( C. bonariensis ethanolic extract @ 400 mg/kg bw). In addition, there was a negative control group of 8 rats without diabetes induction or treatment. After 21 days of treatment, blood samples were collected from all rats. The serum was evaluated through different means for glucose level, lipid profile, oxidative stress, carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and thyroid hormones. ANOVA was used to evaluate the data statistically. Total oxidant status (TOS) and the serum glucose levels of the streptozotocin-treated rats were reduced significantly ( P ⩽ .05) in Conyza bonariensis treated group. Whereas total antioxidant capacity (TAC) along with enzymes like paraoxonase and arylesterase were increased in Conyza bonariensis treated group. The antihyperlipidemic activity was also observed in Conyza bonariensis treated group Interestingly the subnormal levels of T3 and T4 which were observed in the PC group were also normalized in both treatment groups. This study demonstrated the antidiabetic as well as antioxidant activity of different extracts of Conyza bonariensis .

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are raising global concerns as they have tendency to induce adverse effects on organisms. Herbacetin (HBN) is a natural flavone that shows diverse biological activities. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the curative role of HBN against PS-MPs provoked hepatic damage. Forty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups, control, PS-MPs-intoxicated (0.01 mg/kg), PS-MPs + HBN co-treated (0.01 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg) and HBN only treated (40 mg/kg) group. The experiment was conducted for 30 days. PS-MPs administration reduced the expressions of Nrf-2 as well as anti-oxidants genes and increased Keap-1 expression. It also lessened the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutathione (GSH) level, while elevating the levels of MDA and ROS. Additionally, PS-MPs exposure augmented the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Furthermore, there was an upsurge in the levels of inflammatory indices in PS-MPs treated group. PS-MPs also upregulated Caspase-3 and Bax expression whereas, decreased Bcl-2 expression. Nevertheless, HBN treatment recovered all the impairments due to its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective nature. Therefore, it is deduced that HBN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent to counter PS-MPs induced hepatic toxicity.

Abstract Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective, commonly prescribed, potent anti-neoplastic drug that damages the testicular tissues and leads to infertility. Apigetrin (APG) is an important flavonoid that shows diverse biological activities. The present research was designed to evaluate the alleviative role of APG against DOX-induced testicular damages in rats. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups, control, DOX administered (3 mgkg−1), DOX + APG co-administered (3 mgkg−1 of DOX; 15 mgkg−1 of APG), and APG administered group (15 mgkg−1). Results of the current study indicated that DOX treatment significantly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). DOX treatment also reduced the sperm count, viability, and motility. Moreover, DOX significantly increased the sperm morphological anomalies and reduced the levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The administration of DOX significantly increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, as well as the levels of inflammatory markers. Additionally, DOX treatment significantly downregulated the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD) and Bcl-2. Furthermore, DOX administration provoked significant histopathological abnormalities in the testicular tissues. However, APG supplementation significantly reversed all the testicular damages due to its androgenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. Therefore, it is concluded that APG may prove a promising therapeutic agent to treat DOX-induced testicular damages.

Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) have emerged as potentially hazardous materials, which significantly affect various body organs including kidneys. Narirutin (NRT) is a flavanone that exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. Therefore, this study was planned to appraise the nephro-protective effects of NRT on PSMPs-instigated kidney damages in male albino rats. In this study, 24 male albino rats were randomly distributed in 4 groups (n = 6/group); control group, PSMPs (0.01 mgkg−1) treated group, PSMPs + NRT (0.01 mgkg−1 + 50 mgkg−1) co-treated group, and NRT (50 mgkg−1) only treated group. PSMPs exposure reduced the expressions of Nrf-2 and anti-oxidant enzymes coupled with increased expressions of Keap-1. PSMPs treatment reduced the activities of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas escalated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PSMPs administration substantially elevated the levels of kidney function markers such as creatinine, urea, kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Conversely, it reduced the level of creatinine clearance. Besides, PSMPs significantly escalated the levels of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. In contrast, NRT restored all these damages and abnormalities to their normal level. According to these findings, NRT may act as a potential flavanone with the ability to mitigate the kidney toxicity induced by PSMPs in male albino rats.

Justicia adhatoda (family Acanthaceae) is an indigenous plant of Soan Skesar Valley with copious biological perspectives. In the present study, four methanolic, acetonic, chloroform & n-hexane extracts of J. adhatoda were checked for in vitro biological potentials by phytochemical profiling, bioactive contents, HPLC analysis, and antioxidant assays. Results showed that the plant exhibited a maximum TPC of 41.6 ± 0.4 mg. GA.E/g and TFC as 52.3 ± 0.3 m.g QE/g by methanolic extract, which may show the elevated antioxidant potential of that extract. Through DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), Hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging, and Nitric oxide (NO) radical tests for scavenging, the J. adhatoda studies showed that all extracts contain antioxidant capacity. It also demonstrated the stronger antiradical property in the outline of methanolic > acetonic > chloroform > n-hexane. The plant’s efficacy against Newcastle viral disease was tested by in ovo in SPF- SPF-embryonated chicken eggs. This indicates that 400 µg/mL of methanolic extract showed a high survival rate with 0 % mortality. Further, in silico studies showed the binding interactions between receptor protein and phytoactive components of plants which provide the way for pharmacological and drug-likeness activities for future studies. The present studies highlighted that all extracts especially methanolic extract of J. adhatoda exhibited the best phytochemical profile, active phyto-contents, antioxidant, and antiviral properties that can be supplementary explored for new drug advancement.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among biofilm forming pathogens aimed to search for the efficient and novel alternative strategies. Metallic nanoparticles have drawn a considerable attention because of their significant applications in various fields. Numerous methods are developed for the generation of these nanoparticles however, mycogenic (fungal-mediated) synthesis is attractive due to high yields, easier handling, eco-friendly and being energy efficient when compared with conventional physico-chemical methods. Moreover, mycogenic synthesis provides fungal derived biomolecules that coat the nanoparticles thus improving their stability. The process of mycogenic synthesis can be extracellular or intracellular depending on the fungal genera used and various factors such as temperature, pH, biomass concentration and cultivation time may influence the synthesis process. This review focuses on the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by using fungal mycelium, mechanism of synthesis, factors affecting the mycosynthesis and also describes their potential applications as antioxidants and antibiofilm agents. Moreover, the utilization of mycogenic nanoparticles as quorum quenching agent in hampering the bacterial cell-cell communication (quorum sensing) has also been discussed.

Abstract Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide that has ability to induce testicular toxicity by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sciadopitysin (SPS) is a promising flavonoid that displays multiple pharmacological properties i.e., anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the mitigative role of SPS against PQ induced testicular toxicity in male rats. The experiment was performed on male albino rats (n = 48) that were divided into 4 groups. The group-1 was control group. Group-2 was administrated orally with PQ (5 mg/kg). Group-3 was administrated orally with PQ (5 mg/kg) and SPS (2 mg/kg). Group-4 was supplemented with SPS (2 mg/kg) through oral gavage. The experiment was conducted for 56 days. The exposure to PQ significantly lowered the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Whereas, a substantial increase was observed in dead sperms number, abnormalities in the tail, head as well as midpiece of sperms in PQ intoxicated rats. Moreover, a significant increase in the level of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) was noticed in PQ administrated group. Furthermore, steroidogenic enzymes expression was significantly decreased in PQ-intoxicated group, whereas the level of inflammatory markers was increased in PQ administrated rats. Besides, the expression of apoptotic markers was significantly escalated in PQ exposed rats, whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic markers was considerably reduced. A significant reduction in hormonal level was also noticed in the rats that were administrated with PQ. Moreover, the histopathological examination revealed that PQ significantly damaged the testicles. However, the supplementation of SPS with PQ significantly reduced the adverse effects of PQ in the testes of albino rats. Therefore, the current investigation demonstrated that SPS possesses a significant potential to avert PQ-induced testicular dysfunction due to its anti-apoptotic, androgenic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nature.

Background: Paraquat (PQ) is an extremely lethal, water-soluble and non-selective herbicide that is used globally due to its low cost and high efficacy. It exerts strong toxic effects on humans as its exposure leads to free radicals’ production. Sinensetin (SNS) is a natural flavonoid with strong anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potentials. Objective: The present study was planned to ascertain the attenuative effect of SNS against PQ induced renal damage in rats. Methods: Forty eight rats were distributed into four groups: control group, PQ-administered group (5 mg/kg), PQ + SNS co-administered group (5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) and SNS administered group (20 mg/kg). Results: PQ administration considerably decreased the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxide (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) contents, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were upsurged. PQ treatment markedly augmented the levels of creatinine, urobilinogen, urea, KIM-1 and NGAL, while significantly decreased albumin protein as well as creatinine clearance. Moreover, the findings of our experiment revealed that PQ notably escalated inflammatory indices i.e., interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Furthermore, PQ intoxication significantly increased Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 level and lowered Bcl-2 level as well as induced histopathological anomalies in kidneys. However, SNS + PQ co-treatment efficiently averted all the PQ-induced renal damages in the rats. Conclusion: The current study indicates that SNS can be used to treat PQ-instigated renal toxicity due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

Background: Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide that is used globally in the agriculture sector to eradicate unwanted weeds, however it also induces significant damages in various organs of the body such as testes. Tectochrysin (TEC) is an important flavonoid that shows versatile therapeutic potentials. Currently, there is no established antidote to cure PQ-induced testicular toxicity. Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effects of TEC against PQ prompted testicular damage. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were used to conduct the trial. Rats were allocated in to 4 groups i.e., Control, PQ administrated group (5 mgkg−1), PQ + TEC co-administrated group (5 mgkg−1 + 2.5 mgkg−1) and TEC only administrated group (2.5 mgkg−1). The trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The activity of anti-oxidants and the levels of MDA and ROS were determined by spectrophotometric method. Steroidogenic enzymes as well as apoptotic markers expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The level of hormones and inflammatory indices was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PQ exposure markedly (P

Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are environmental pollutants that induce oxidative stress (OS) in multiple organs particularly, liver. Sinensetin (SNS) is a naturally present flavones that shows diverse pharmaceutical properties i.e., anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic role of SNS against PS-NPs induced hepatotoxicity. 48 rats were distributed into 4 groups i.e., control, PS-NPs (50 µgkg−1) treated, PS-NPs + SNS (50 µgkg−1 + 20 mgkg−1) co-treated and only SNS (20 mgkg−1) treated group. PS-NPs intoxication reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione (GSH) level, whereas increased the levels of ROS and MDA. Additionally, PS-NPs increased the levels of liver serum marker enzymes i.e., alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Moreover, the level of inflammatory makers such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were increased following the PS-NPS exposure. The intoxication of PS-NPs elevated Caspase-3, Bax and Caspase-9 levels, while reducing the Bcl-2 level. Furthermore, the exposure of PS-NPs induced significant histopathological damages in hepatic tissue of rats. However, the supplementation of SNS considerably improved the PS-NPs induced damages as well as histological changes due to its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant nature.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent metabolic and endocrine disorder that affects women globally. This research was planned to evaluate the curative effects of nobiletin (NOB) on biochemical, metabolic, androgenic as well as histological parameters of PCOS induced rats. 24 female albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups: Group-I served as control. Group-II was treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg) (dissolved in 0.5 % CMC) for 21 days, for the induction of PCOs. Group III received letrozole (1 mg/kg) and metformin (2 mg/100 g) for 21 days. Group-IV received letrozole 1 mg/kg and NOB 10 mg/kg for 21 days. Testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, triglycerides, antioxidants (CAT, SOD, GSR, GPx, GST, GSH,), reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glucose, cholesterol level (HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, Non-HDL-C) as well as histopathological analysis of ovaries were performed. However, nobiletin treatment demonstrated beneficial effects by lowering testosterone levels, glucose levels, cysts, and improving estradiol and progesterone level as well as number of follicles and corpus luteum in PCOS rats. Furthermore, dysregulated lipid as well as anti-oxidant profiles in PCOS rats were reverted to the normal level. The current investigation demonstrated that NOB shows the ability to mitigate the irregularities associated with PCOS.

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are one of the environmental contaminants that instigate oxidative stress (OS) in various organs of the body, including testes. Kaempferide (KFD) is a plant-derived natural flavonol with potential neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the alleviative effects of KFD against PE-MPs-prompted testicular toxicity in rats. Fourty eight adult male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups: control, PE-MPs-administered (1.5 mgkg-1), PE-MPs (1.5 mgkg-1) + KFD (20 mgkg-1) co-treated and KFD (20 mgkg-1) only treated group. PE-MPs intoxication significantly (P

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental and industrial toxicant that possess the ability to cause severe health issues to humans and animals. The flavonol, kaempferide (KF), exhibits multiple pharmacological potentials. Therefore, this investigation was designed to estimate the mitigative effect of KF against Cd instigated hepatic damage in rats. 24 albino rats (male) were kept in 4 different groups. The group-1 was designed as untreated/control group, group-2 was orally provided with Cd (5 mg/kg), group-3 was orally co-administrated with Cd (5 mg/kg) along with KF (20 mg/kg) and group-4 was supplemented with KF (20 mg/kg) during 30 days of trial. Cd administration significantly escalated ALT, ALP as well as AST levels. A substantial decline in SOD, GST, POD, CAT, GSR activities and GSH content was observed due to Cd exposure along with an elevation in TBARS and H2O2 levels. Moreover, Cd administration elevated NF-kB, IL-6, TNF-α as well as IL-1β levels in addition to the activity of COX-2. Furthermore, the levels of Bax, Caspase-9 as well as Caspase-3 were escalated, besides the level of Bcl-2 was decreased after Cd exposure. A significant increase in histopathological damages after Cd administration is a clear indication of liver damage. However, co-treatment of KF with Cd potential recovered all the damages and significantly reduced the biochemical and histological variations in rat liver. Overall results indicated that KF has efficient anti-oxidant properties, which mitigated Cd instigated hepatic damage in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer agent that is generally used to treat wide range of malignancies. Gossypetin (GTIN) is a well-known bioflavonoid that shows multiple therapeutical potentials. The experiment aimed to elucidate the nephroprotective impact of GTIN against renal damage caused by DOX. 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were separated into 4 groups: Control, DOX (3 mg/kg i.p.), DOX + GTIN (3 mg/kg i.p. + 30 mg/kg by oral gavage), and GTIN (30 mg/kg. orally) for the evaluation of renal markers, apoptotic markers, antioxidant and inflammatory profile. The outcomes of the experiment apprised that DOX exposure induced a pronounced decrease in enzymatic activities of antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as glutathione (GSH) accompanied by an increment in reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Likewise, DOX intoxication promoted escalation in the urea, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), creatinine, as well as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level, on the other hand instigating a remarkable decline in creatinine clearance level. DOX induction brought a considerable escalation in interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, DOX administration depicted a considerable raised in Caspase-9, Bax as well as Caspase-3 levels, while lowered Bcl-2 level. DOX treatment also prompted histomorphological impairment. GTIN + DOX co-treatment ameliorated all the above-stated damages in the kidneys. In conclusion, GTIN can effectively mitigate the renal impairments induced by DOX-prompted nephrotoxicity.

Gentamicin (GEN) is an extensively used aminoglycoside. Contrary to its antibacterial potential, it can induce oxidative stress in several organs, including kidney. Amentoflavone (AMN) is a biflavonoid with conspicuous pharmacological activities. The current study was held to estimate the curative efficacy of AMN to antagonize the nephrotoxic effects instigated by GEN. 48 albino rats were separated into four groups: control group, GEN administrated group (80 mgkg−1 intraperitoneally), GEN + AMN treated group (80 mgkg−1 + 40 mgkg−1) and only AMN administrated group (40 mgkg−1). Following 30 days of administration, results showed that GEN disturbed antioxidant enzymes i.e., glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, besides elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Besides this, level of inflammatory cytokines involving interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) & cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) were escalated. Furthermore, treatment with GEN enhanced the level of apoptotic proteins comprising of Bax, caspase-9 along with caspase-3 besides lessened the level of Bcl-2. In addition to this, GEN reduced the level of albumin, creatinine clearance & augmented the level of creatinine, urea, urobilinogen, urinary protein, kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as well as instigated various histopathological damages. However, co-treated group (AMN + GEN) revoked abovementioned renal dysregulations instigated by GEN. Taken together, AMN could significantly counteract GEN-instigated nephrotoxic effects due to its antioxidant capabilities.

Abstract Arsenic is one of the most hazardous environmental contaminants, which adversely affects the dynamics of male reproductive system. Fisetin (FIS) is a bioactive flavonoid, which is known to exert strong antioxidative effects. Therefore, the current research was planned to evaluate the alleviative efficacy of FIS against arsenic-induced reproductive damages. Forty-eight male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12), which were treated as follows: (1) Control, (2) Arsenic-intoxicated group (8 mg kg−1), (3) Arsenic + FIS-treated group (8 mg kg−1 + 10 mg kg−1), and (4) FIS-treated group (10 mgkg−1). After 56 days of treatment, the biochemical, lipidemic, steroidogenic, hormonal, spermatological, apoptotic and histoarchitectural profiles of rats were analyzed. Arsenic intoxication reduced the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GSR), in addition to glutathione (GSH) level. Conversely, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased. Moreover, it escalated the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol, while declining the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, steroidogenic enzymes expressions, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) and 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (CYP17A1), were found to be reduced, which brought down the level of testosterone. Besides, the levels of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were decreased. Additionally, a decline in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), motility, epididymal sperm count and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) coil-tailed sperms was observed, whereas the dead sperms and structural damages (head, midpiece and tail) of sperms were escalated. Moreover, arsenic exposure up-regulated the mRNA expressions of apoptotic markers, namely Bax and caspase-3, whereas lowered the expression of anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. In addition, it induced histoarchitectural changes in testes of rats. However, FIS treatment resulted in remarkable improvements in testicular and sperm parameters. Therefore, it was inferred that FIS could serve as a therapeutic candidate against arsenic-generated male reproductive toxicity attributing to its anti-oxidant, anti-lipoperoxidative, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic efficacy.

The current study was designed to determine the curative potential of astragalin (AST) against polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) induced hepatic toxicity in rats. PS-MPs exposure decreased the expression of Nrf-2 and anti-oxidant enzymes, while increasing Keap-1 expression. The activities of glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and heme oxygenase-1 were decreased, besides the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were also increased following the exposure of PS-MPs. The intoxication of PS-MPs elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 activity, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, nuclear factor-kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were also escalated. Furthermore, Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated, while Bax and Caspase-3 expressions were upregulated following PS-MPs exposure. Histopathological assessment revealed substantial liver damages in PS-MPs treated rats. However, AST supplementation substantially recovered PS-MPs-induced damages and histological anomalies. Therefore, AST can be used as a curative agent to treat PS-MPs-prompted hepatotoxicity due to its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potentials.

Cisplatin (CP) is a top-notch anti-cancerous agent that is used during the treatments of various types of tumors. Tamarixetin (TM) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound with versatile therapeutic and pharmacological abilities. The current investigation was purposed to elucidate the antagonistic effects of TM against CP-prompted renal intoxication. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48) were separated into 4 equal groups i.e., Group 1st was designated as control group while the 2nd group was treated with CP (10 mg/kg) only, group 3rd received CP (10 mg/kg) + TM (50 mg/kg) and designated as a co-treated group while group 4th was administered with TM (50 mg/kg) only. Our results revealed that treatment of CP reduced the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as glutathione (GSH) while elevate ROS and MDA levels. CP administration raised the level of urea, creatinine, KIM1 along with NGAL while significant reduction in creatinine clearance. Whereas, CP treatment substantially elevated the level of caspase-3, caspase- 9 and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) while reducing the level of B cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2). CP administration significantly elevated the concentration of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) as well as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and instigated histopathological damages in renal tissues. However, Co-treatment of CP + TM showed palliative effects against CP-induced impairments. The current study manifested that TM is a potential flavonoid that could be used as a therapeutic drug to ameliorate renal damages instigated by CP.

Furan (C4H4O) is a naturally occurring organic compound. It develops as a result of the thermal processing of food and stimulates critical impairments in male reproductive tract. Eriodictyol (Etyol) is a natural dietary flavonoid possessing diverse pharmacological potentials. The recent investigation was proposed to ascertain the ameliorative potential of eriodictyol against furan-instigated reproductive dysfunctions. Male rats (n = 48) were classified into 4 groups: untreated/control, furan (10 mg/kg), furan+ eriodictyol (10 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) and eriodictyol (20 mg/kg). At the 56th day of the trial, the protective effects of eriodictyol were evaluated by assessing various parameters. Results of the study revealed that eriodictyol attenuated furan-induced testicular toxicity in the biochemical profile by increasing catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) along with glutathione reductase (GSR) activities, whereas reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. It also restored the normal state of sperm motility, viability, the count of hypo-osmotic tail swelled sperm as well as epididymal sperm number along with reduced sperm anomalies (morphological) tail, mid-piece and head. Furthermore, it elevated the decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as well steroidogenic enzymes (17β-HSD, StAR protein & 3β-HSD) and testicular anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) expression, whereas, down-regulating apoptotic markers (Bax & Caspase-3) expression. Eriodictyol treatment also effectively mitigated the histopathological damages. The outcomes of the current study provide fundamental insights into the ameliorative potential of eriodictyol against furan-instigated testicular toxicity.

Glabridin (GB) is a natural dietary flavonoid of plant origin with excellent antioxidant properties. Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can potentially cause renal toxicity. This investigation was intended to elucidate the attenuative effects of GB against GM-instigated nephrotoxicity. The entire experiment was carried out for a week on adult male albino rats (n = 24), which were randomly separated into 4 comparable groups that included Group I (0.9% physiological saline), group II (80 mg/kg of GM i.p.), group III (80 mg/kg; 50 mg/kg of GM + GB respectively), and group IV (50 mg/kg of GB orally). Biochemical analysis of antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GSR), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level, renal serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as well as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) along with urinary profile (Albumin, creatinine, urea, urinary protein, urobilinogen, and creatinine clearance), inflammatory markers (nuclear factor (NF)-κB, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 as well as cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2), apoptotic markers (Bax, Caspase-3 as well as Caspase-9), anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2) as well as histopathology of renal tissues, were analyzed. GM significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes activity, on the other hand, GM treatment substantially elevated the concentration of ROS, H2O2, TBARS, as well as induced abnormality in renal serum markers and urine profile, inflammatory markers, pro-apoptotic markers whereas, declined the level of anti-apoptotic markers and induced substantial histopathological damages. However, GB treatment potentially alleviated damages caused by GM. Conclusively, the intriguing outcomes of the investigation propose that GB effectively protects against GM-prompted nephrotoxicity, which may indicate its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic as well as anti-inflammatory potential.

Abstract Aucubin (AU) is one of the widespread compounds belonging to the group of iridoid glycosides, which possesses numerous beneficial properties. Nonylphenol (NP), is a synthetic environmental toxicant that has the potential to cause male infertility through excessive production of reactive oxygen species. In the current study, the remedial potential of Aucubin was assessed against NP-generated testicular damage in male rats. Animals were distributed into four groups and treated for 56 days in this study. Control-group (0.1% DMSO + food), NP group (100 µg/kg), NP + AU group (100 µg/kg + 5 mg/kg) and AU group (5 mg/kg). NP exposure significantly (p

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto). The parasite affects a wide range of livestock and wild animals. In this study, the population diversity of the Echinococcus species was investigated based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) genes. In addition to this, β-tubulin gene isoforms of Echinococcus granulosus were amplified to determine the resistance against benzimidazoles. For this purpose, 40 cyst samples from cattle (n = 20) and buffaloes (n = 20) were collected from the main abattoir of Sialkot. DNA extraction was performed using Qiagen Blood and Tissue Kits. Amplification was performed through PCR. Each amplicon was confirmed by GelRed™ stained agarose gel (2%). Samples were sequenced in a DNA analyzer and viewed for any misread nucleotide by using MEGA (v.11). Corrections in nucleotide sequence and multiple sequence alignment were made through the same software. NCBI-BLAST was used for sample specific sequences to identify them as belonging to a particular species. Diversity indices were estimated using DnaSP (v.6) while phylogenetic analysis was inferred using the Bayesian method using MrBayes (v.1.1). β-tubulin gene isoforms sequence analysis was performed to find out the candidate gene causing benzimidazole resistance. All 40 isolates were found positive for E. granulosus. BLAST-based searches of sequences of each isolate for each gene (nad5 and cytb) confirmed their maximum similarity with the G1 genotype. Overall, high haplotype diversity (Hd nad5 = 1.00; Hd cytb = 0.833) and low nucleotide diversity (π nad5 = 0.00560; π = cytb = 0.00763) was identified based on diversity indices. For both the genes, non-significant values of Tajima’s D (nad5 = −0.81734; cytb = −0.80861) and Fu’s Fs (nad5 = −1.012; cytb = 0.731) indicate recent population expansion. Bayesian phylogeny-based results of nad5 and cytb sequences confirmed their genotypic status as distinct from other Echinococcus species. This study shed light on the status of benzimidazole resistance in Echinococcus granulosus for the very first time from Pakistan. The findings of this study will significantly add in the information available on genetic diversity of Echinoccous granulosus based on cytb and nad5 genes sequences.

IntroductionCadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be found everywhere in the environment and can have harmful effects on both human and animal health. Pinostrobin (PSB) is a bioactive natural flavonoid isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda with several pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral. This investigation was intended to assess the therapeutic potential of PSB against Cd-induced kidney damage in rats.MethodsIn total, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control, a Cd (5 mg/kg), a Cd + PSB group (5 mg/kg Cd and 10 mg/kg PSB), and a PSB group (10 mg/kg) that received supplementation for 30 days.ResultsExposure to Cd led to a decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), whereas levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Cd exposure also caused a substantial increase in urea, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and creatinine levels. Moreover, a noticeable decline was noticed in creatinine clearance. Moreover, Cd exposure considerably increased the levels of inflammatory indices, including interleukin-1b (IL-1b), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Cd treatment decreased the expression of the antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2) while increasing the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Furthermore, Cd treatment substantially reduced the TCA cycle enzyme activity, such as alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Moreover, mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes, succinatedehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c-oxidase, and coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase activities were also decreased following Cd exposure. PSB administration substantially reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential while inducing significant histological damage. However, PSB treatment significantly reduced Cd-mediated renal damage in rats.ConclusionThus, the present investigation discovered that PSB has ameliorative potential against Cd-induced renal dysfunction in rats.

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most widely used antineoplastic drugs, which possesses the potential to treat a variety of malignancies. However, it displays numerous side effects as well. Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the most adverse side effects of CP. Vitexin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, which exhibits remarkable antioxidant properties. Present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of vitexin on CP-induced damages on testes. 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into 4 groups: control, cisplatin (CP), cisplatin + vitexin (CP + VIT) and vitexin (VIT). After 14 days of treatment, evaluation of biochemical, spermatogenic, steroidogenical, hormonal, apoptotic and histopathological parameters was carried out. CP damaged the biochemical profile by reducing activity of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSR, while level of MDA and ROS was increased. It also decreased sperm motility, viability, number of hypo-osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa and epididymal sperm count, besides increasing the sperm morphological anomalies. Moreover, levels of LH, FSH and plasma testosterone were reduced. CP reduced the gene expression of testicular anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) and steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD and StAR), but upregulated the gene expressions of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Besides, CP led to histopathological damages in testicular tissues. However, vitexin reversed all aforementioned damages in testes. Therefore, it is concluded that vitexin could play an effective role as a therapeutic agent against CP-prompted testicular toxicity due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and androgenic potential.

Abstract Background Traditional plant-based remedies prescribed to treat diabetes have shown promise in research-based setting. Current research was conducted to examine the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of methanolic extract of a folk herbal plant Euphorbia helioscopia in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Methods Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administering 5% sucrose in drinking water and cafeteria diet for 8 weeks with subsequent nicotinamide and streptozotocin administration. Diabetic rats were then distributed into four individual groups (n = 8); Positive control (PC; no treatment), standard control (SC; Metformin @ 10 mg/kg bw), treatment 1 (EH1, E. helioscopia methanolic extract @200 mg/kg bw) and treatment 2 (EH2, E. helioscopia methanolic extract @400 mg/kg bw). After 21 days of treatments, the rats were decapitated for blood collection. Serum was evaluated for antidiabetic potential, antioxidant and lipid profile, thyroid hormone, amylin, leptin, and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Serum levels of glucagon, glucose and C-peptide were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in EH1 (1915.33 ± 98.26a pg/ml, 122.59 ± 2.99a mg/dl, 277.59 ± 28.41a pg/ml respectively) and EH2 (1575.28 ± 56.46a pg/ml, 106.04 ± 5.21a mg/dl, 395.06 ± 42.55a pg/ml respectively) as compared to the PC (3135.78 ± 189.46bpg/ml, 191.24 ± 17.75bmg/dl, 671.70 ± 109.75b pg/ml respectively) group. A similar trend was observed in serum insulin levels in EH1 and EH2 groups. The plant’s methanolic extract effectively reduced the total oxidant status (TOS) and MDA levels in the diabetic rats and increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) along with an increased level of SOD, Catalase, Paraoxonase, and arylesterase. The plant extract also induced antihyperlipidemic activity and recovered the thyroid hormones, amylin, and leptin levels to normal. The activity of different carbohydrate metabolic enzymes like Pyruvate Kinase, Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, and glucokinase has also been restored by the extract treatment. Conclusion Current study indicates the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of E. helioscopia methanolic extract in normalizing the lipid profile, thyroid hormones, amylin, leptin, and carbohydrate metabolism in type 2 diabetic rat model.

Nonylphenol (NP) is an environmental pollutant that is recognized for its hazardous effects on humans and animals. NP has potential to induce oxidative stress that leads to hepatic toxicity. Diosmetin (DIOS) is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that possesses several biological properties. The current study was designed to ascertain the curative effects of DIOS against NP prompted hepatotoxicity in rats. 32 male albino rats were randomly categorized in 4 groups i.e., control (0.1 % DMSO), NP (50 mg/kg), NP + DIOS (50 mg/kg + 100 mg/kg) and DIOS (100 mg/kg) group. Our results revealed that NP instigated substantial reduction in the antioxidant enzymes activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione (GSH). NP administration raised the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with DIOS significantly (p

Abstract Climate affects living ecosystems and defines species physiology. Climate change causes certain stress on animals, recorded as Enamel Hypoplasia (EH). Proboscideans, the mega herbivores, were extensively represented in the Siwaliks of Pakistan between the Middle Miocene to Pleistocene (~15.99–~0.6 Ma). This study was carried out on 15 species from 9 genera and 4 families using 319 teeth from 266 individual quarries. Our results revealed that 20.06% (64/319) of teeth were infected by EH. Family Deinotheriidae faced higher stress during the terminal of the Middle Miocene (EH 25%). Dental characters of deinotheres indicated that this family preferred soft vegetation like C3 plants and failed to survive in grassland ecology at the onset of the Late Miocene (~10–9 Ma). Gomphotheriidae (EH 21.05%) and Stegodontidae (EH 23.40%) survived through warm and dry climatic conditions of the Late Miocene, but could not survive the cool and dry climate of Plio‐Pleistocene where grasslands were abundant with less browsing activity. Family Elephantidae (EH 8.47%) was successful in drier conditions and utilized the exclusive C4 diet in open grasslands as efficient grazers, indicated by their tooth morphology. Elephantids were dominant of the proboscideans in open grassland and drier climate during Plio‐Pleistocene in the Indian subcontinent. We assume that change in the Siwalik palaeoenvironment was governed by a microclimate.

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic drug against cancer but its efficacy is limited due to its side effects. Baicalin is a flavonoid that has potent antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate baicalin’s protective effect on MTX-induced mitochondrial damage in testicular tissues of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: control, MTX, MTX + baicalin, and baicalin alone. The activities of enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase was significantly lowered in the MTX treated group, compared to the other groups. Concomitantly, MTX group also showed elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the testicular mitochondria. Furthermore, MTX group also showed reduced the activities of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, i.e., succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. The actions of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (I-IV), as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were also reduced the MTX group. However, baicalin treatment reversed the damaging effect of MTX in the mitochondria of testicular tissues. The baicalin treatment potentially reduced the damaging impact of MTX in isolated mitochondria from testicular tissues. Thus, the current study revealed that the baicalin has conspicuous potential to attenuate the MTX induced mitochondrial damage in rat’s testicular tissues.

Magnesium oxide (MgO) and manganese oxide (MnO) have been reported to be effective against Diabetes Mellitus (DM). However, their nanoparticulate form has not been evaluated for antidiabetic effect. MgO and MnO nanoparticles (15–35 nm) were synthesized and subsequently characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), zeta sizer, and scanning electron microscopy. 6–7 weeks old rats weighing 200–220 mg were divided into 07 equal groups (n = 8), namely, negative control (NC), positive control (PC), standard control (Std-C), MgO high dose group (MgO-300) and low dose group (MgO-150), and MnO nanoparticle high dose (MnO-30) and low dose group (MnO-15). Diabetes was chemically induced (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg B.W) in all groups except the NC. Animals were given CMD and water was ad libitum . Nanoparticles were supplemented for 30 days after the successful induction of diabetes. Blood and tissue samples were collected after the 30 th day of the trial. The mean serum glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels were improved maximally in the MgO-300 group followed by MgO-150 and MnO-30 groups. Whereas the MnO-15 group fails to show any substantial improvement in the levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon as compared to the positive control group. Interesting the serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were markedly improved in all the nanoparticle treatment groups and were found to be similar to the standard control group. These results highlight the modulatory properties of MgO and MnO nanoparticles and merit further studies delineating the molecular mechanisms through which these nanoparticles induce antidiabetic effects.

As is well known, plant products have been increasingly utilized in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. By combining conventional techniques and modern methodology, the future of phytomedicines appears promising. Pogostemon Cablin (patchouli) is an important herb used frequently in the fragrance industries and has various therapeutic benefits. Traditional medicine has long used the essential oil of patchouli (P. cablin) as a flavoring agent recognized by the FDA. This is a gold mine for battling pathogens in China and India. In recent years, this plant has seen a significant surge in use, and approximately 90% of the world’s patchouli oil is produced by Indonesia. In traditional therapies, it is used for the treatment of colds, fever, vomiting, headaches, and stomachaches. Patchouli oil is used in curing many diseases and in aromatherapy to treat depression and stress, soothe nerves, regulate appetite, and enhance sexual attraction. More than 140 substances, including alcohols, terpenoids, flavonoids, organic acids, phytosterols, lignins, aldehydes, alkaloids, and glycosides, have been identified in P. cablin. Pachypodol (C18H16O7) is an important bioactive compound found in P. cablin. Pachypodol (C18H16O7) and many other biologically essential chemicals have been separated from the leaves of P. cablin and many other medicinally significant plants using repeated column chromatography on silica gel. Pachypodol’s bioactive potential has been shown by a variety of assays and methodologies. It has been found to have a number of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anticancer, antiemetic, antiviral, and cytotoxic ones. The current study, which is based on the currently available scientific literature, intends to close the knowledge gap regarding the pharmacological effects of patchouli essential oil and pachypodol, a key bioactive molecule found in this plant.

Abstract Background Euphorbia helioscopia, conventionally known as sun spurge, has been used as a traditional medicine to treat different diseases owing to its reported antitumor, antiviral and antioxidant activities. Methods The current research was formulated to assess the in-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic ability of Euphorbia helioscopia subsequent to the phytochemical analysis of its various extracts. For this purpose, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared using the whole dried plant. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was done to evaluate the total flavonoid components (TFC) and total phenolic components (TPC) in the extracts. A total of seven phenolic and three flavonoid contents were documented and quantified using HPLC. Antioxidant values were found by DPPH● assay, FRAP and ABTS assays. The antidiabetic potential of the extracts was evaluated by measuring the inhibition ability of the activity of enzymes α amylase and α glucosidase. Results After analyzing statistically, the results showed that methanolic extract possesses the highest TFC and TPC values while aqueous extract encompassed the lowest level of these contents. Invitro results showed that methanolic extract of the Euphorbia helioscopia has the maximum antioxidant capability since it showed the highest scavenging ability towards the DPPH● (IC50 value = 0.06 ± 0.02 mg/ml), FRAP (758.9 ± 25.1 μMFe+ 2/g), and ABTS (689 ± 25.94 μMTEq/g) due to the presence of high TPC (24.77 ± 0.35 mgGAEq/g) and TFC (17.95 ± 0.32 mgQEq/g) values. Antidiabetic activity in terms of inhibition potential of α amylase and α glucosidase activity was also observed maximum in methanolic extract having lowest IC50 value (0.4 ± 0.01 mg/ml and 0.45 ± 0.01 mg/ml respectively) and minimum in the aqueous extract (IC50 value = 0.57 ± 0.02 mg/ml and 0.76 ± 0.1 mg/ml respectively). Conclusion The experiment outcomes have shown that Euphorbia helioscopia extracts used in the current study contain antioxidant and antidiabetic activities; however, it is highest in its methanolic extract. The presence of the same trend towards the highest antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract in terms of maximum inhibiting activity of α amylase and α glucosidase enzymes suggests a close association of TFC and TPC in minimizing diabetes.

Abstract Objective The current study aimed to investigate the ABO and rhesus (Rh) blood group frequency in the people of District Faisalabad and Sheikhupura, Punjab Province, Pakistan. The retrospective study was conducted on more than thirty thousand people including both male and female patients admitted to the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, Safdarabad and The Best Hospital, Faisalabad. Blood samples were taken from each subject and subsequently ABO and Rh blood groups were evaluated separately. The antigen antibody agglutination slide test for blood grouping (ABO) and Rh were used to assess the blood group frequencies. Results The frequencies of ABO blood group distribution indicated that blood group B was predominant in the people of Safdarabad followed by O, A and AB respectively. While, among people of Faisalabad, blood group O was predominant followed B, A and AB respectively. Rh negative phenotype was found lesser distributed as compared to the positive Rh phenotype.

Nonylphenol (NP) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that is known to cause hepatotoxicity via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Aucubin (AUC), an iridoid glucoside, is a potential phytochemical possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. The current study was intended to ascertain the hepatoprotective role of AUC against NP-generated liver toxicity in rats. 48 male rats were distributed into four groups. viz. Control, NP-intoxicated group (50 mg/kg), NP + AUC-treated group (50 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg) and AUC-treated group (40 mg/kg). All the doses were administered orally. Our findings indicated that the NP intoxication upregulated the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level. Moreover, it brought down the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as the glutathione (GSH) content. Conversely, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS were escalated. Besides, the levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 as well as the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were elevated due to the NP administration. In addition to it, histopathological assessment displayed the prominent morphological alterations in hepatic tissues of rats. Nevertheless, treating the rats with AUC significantly (p

Polyethylene microplastic (PE-MP) is amongst the most manufactured plastics globally. However, emerging studies report its adverse effects on wildlife and humans. Luteolin (LUT) is a flavonoid compound known for its potent antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to estimate the toxic effect of PE-MP on testicles of adult male rats. The therapeutic potential of LUT was also determined in alleviating PE-MP instigated testicular dysfunctions. An experiment was carried on 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly classified into four groups: control, PE-MP (1.5 mg/kg), PE-MP + LUT (1.5 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg respectively), and LUT (50 mg/kg). The biochemical, spermatogenic, hormonal, and histopathological parameters were studied after 56 days of treatment. PE-MP exposure disrupted the biochemical profile by reducing catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activities. In comparison, the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased. PE-MP-intoxication also reduced the sperm motility, viability, the number of hypo-osmotic tails swelled spermatozoa, and epididymal sperm count; additionally, it increased the sperm morphological (head–tail and mid-piece) abnormalities. Furthermore, it lowered luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and plasma testosterone. PE-MP exposure led to histopathological damages in testicular tissues. However, LUT inverted all the illustrated impairments in testes. Our results demonstrate that PE-MP could cause testicular damage in male rats, effectively mitigated by LUT treatment.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a Potential nephrotoxin that causes severe and prolonged chemical toxicity. Investigations have been accomplished on numerous species of genus Artemisia, but the plant Artemisia brevifolia has hardly been used in this respect. The present study was considered to ascertain the effects of “Artemisia brevifolia plant extract” against CCl4 prompted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were allocated into eight groups containing 6 rats in each. Group I was the control group. Group II was given dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (1 ml/kg) orally. Group III was treated with dissolved CCl4 in olive oil (1 ml/kg). Group IV was given CCl4 + Silymarine. Group V and VI were administered with Artemisia brevifolia extract (150 and 300 mg/kg respectively) + CCl4. Group VII and VIII were provided with only 150 and 300 mg/kg extract of Artemisia brevifolia respectively. Results displayed that CCl4 administration significantly (p

The present study was conducted to prepare cost effective and environment friendly zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) by using ZnSO4·7H2O and extract of sesame seeds. Zn NPs were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction and antibacterial potential was checked by using disc diffusion method. Solution colour turned yellow which ultimately confirmed the formation of Zn NPs and seed extract was used as a reducing agent. Crystalline size of the NPs was revealed by XRD spectra i.e. 9.07 nm. Functional groups were identified by the FTIR. SEM analysis given idea about the spherical shape of NPs. Antibacterial activity of the Zn NPs against different bacteria (S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus) was measured by inhibition zone which ranged from 3.3 to 12.6 mm. Keywords: Zinc nanoparticles, Characterization, Antibacterial activity, FTIR, XRD

The issue of male sexual dysfunction arises due to numerous complications linked with sperm motility, imbalance of antioxidant enzymes and hormonal levels. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used as a standard toxin to induce chemical injury and toxicity. A lot of research has been performed on many species of the genus Nepeta in vitro and in vivo but the plant Nepeta paulsenii have been rarely used in this aspect. The current research was designed to explore the impacts of methanolic extract of the Nepeta paulsenii plant on CCl4 induced testicular impairment in male albino rats. Forty-eight rats were distributed equally into 8 groups; Control, Vehicle control, CCl4 treated (1 ml/kg), CCl4 + Silymarine treated, CCl4 + Nepeta paulsenii (200 mg/kg) treated, CCl4 + Nepeta paulsenii (400 mg/kg), Nepeta paulsenii (200 mg/kg) and Nepeta paulsenii (400 mg/kg) treated. Blood and testicles were obtained and analyzed. To check antioxidant enzymes, hormonal concentrations, daily sperm production (DSP), protein content and histopathology various analyses were performed. CCl4 exposure resulted in adverse morphological changes and significant (p

Cisplatin (CP) is an active cytotoxic agent, which has been verified to be effective in multiple cancer regimen. In this study, potential antioxidant effects of casticin (CAS) were assessed against CP generated oxidative stress in rat liver. “Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups. Group-1 (control group) received only normal saline”. Group-2 was intraperitoneally injected with CP (10 mg/kg). Group-3 was orally provided by CAS (50 mg/kg) along with CP (10 mg/kg) injection at first day. Group-4 group was orally administered with CAS (50 mg/kg) throughout the experiment. The rats of group-1 indicated “increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), while a significant decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD)” was noticed, which revealed that CP generated oxidative stress in rat liver. Moreover, administration of CP increased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and level of “thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)”, while reducing the % DNA head and head length in liver cell nuclei. CP disturbs the lobular structure of the liver and increased the sinusoidal dilation in rat liver. However, co-treatment with CAS successfully mitigated the CP generated DNA disruption, biochemical and pathological changes in rat liver. These findings revealed that an effective antioxidant, CAS, alleviated the CP generated hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Keywords: Cisplatin, Oxidative stress, DNA damage, Liver damage, Antioxidant, Casticin

The current study was aimed to investigate the alleviative effect of Artemisia brevifolia (A. brevifolia) plant extract against CCl4-induced testicular damage in male albino rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were categorized into eight equal experimental groups i.e., control, vehicle control, CCl4 (1 ml/kg), CCl4 + silymarin, CCl4 + A. brevifolia (150 mg/kg), CCl4 + A. brevifolia (300 mg/kg), A. brevifolia (150 mg/kg) and A. brevifolia (300 mg/kg). After 56 days, blood and testicular samples were collected, and antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, hormonal concentration, daily sperm production (DSP), and histomorphometry were analyzed. The animals treated with the A. brevifolia extract exhibited a significant (p

This research aimed to evaluate the curative impact of nobiletin (NOB) on paraquat (PQ) induced mitochondrial impairment in rats' hepatic tissues. Twenty-four male rats were divided into control, PQ, PQ + NOB, and NOB treated groups. The alanine aminotransferase levels, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were increased in the experimental animals after exposure with PQ. A significant decrease in the level of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and reactive oxygen species were recorded in rats exposed to PQ. The mitochondrial TCA cycle enzyme activities, including isocitrate-dehydrogenase, succinate-dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate-dehydrogenase, were reduced in PQ exposed rats. The activities of mitochondrial enzymes including NADH dehydrogenase, coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase, succinic-coenzyme Q and cytochrome c-oxidase were significantly decreased after the PQ-exposure. PQ administration also reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. However, the administration of mitochondria with NOB can decrease the toxic effect of the PQ in isolated mitochondria. NOB treatment potentially reduced the damaging effects of the PQ in the mitochondria isolated from hepatic tissues. Thus, the current study revealed that the NOB could attenuate PQ-induced mitochondrial damage in rats' hepatic tissues.

Liver fibrosis is a major pathological feature of chronic liver disease and effective therapies are limited at present. The present study focuses on the hepatoprotective potential of L. corymbulosum against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. Analysis of Linum corymbulosum methanol extract (LCM) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of rutin, apigenin, catechin, caffeic acid and myricetin. CCl4 administration lowered (p < 0.01) the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione (GSH) content as well as soluble proteins, whereas the concentration of H2O2, nitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was higher in hepatic samples. In serum, the level of hepatic markers and total bilirubin was elevated followed by CCl4 administration. The expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), x-box binding protein-1 total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein-1 spliced (XBP-1 s), x-box binding protein-1 unspliced (XBP-1 u) and glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) was enhanced in CCl4-administered rats. Similarly, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was strongly increased with CCl4 administration to rats. Co-administration of LCM along with CCl4 to rats lowered (p < 0.05) the expression of the above genes. Histopathology of the liver showed hepatocyte injury, leukocyte infiltration and damaged central lobules in CCl4-treated rats. However, LCM administration to CCl4-intoxicated rats restored the altered parameters towards the levels of control rats. These outcomes indicate the existence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents in the methanol extract of L. corymbulosum.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic contaminant present in organic and inorganic forms in the environment. Nobiletin (NOB) is a polymethoxy flavone that has recently gained substantial consideration due to its curative impacts. The present experiment was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective efficiency of NOB on As-generated hepatotoxicity. Twenty-four adult rats were equally distributed into four groups and designated as control, As (50 mg/kg)-treated, As + NOB (50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively), and NOB (25 mg/kg)-treated groups. After 30 days, experimental animals were decapitated, then blood and tissue samples were collected for further analysis. The group treated with As showed a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSR), and total antioxidant status (TAS), and a substantial increase in the accumulation of As in liver tissues, levels of total oxidant status (TOS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Significant increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed in As-treated rats. Moreover, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, interleukin (IL)-6, and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 activity, as well as the levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9) were increased on exposure to As. In contrast, the anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) level was significantly decreased. As administration showed a significant disturbance in hepatic tissue histology. However, cotreatment of NOB with As considerably increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, with a noteworthy reduction in the deposition of As in hepatic tissues, TBARS, and H2O2 levels. NOB-administrated rats showed considerable recovery in terms of inflammation, apoptosis, and histological damage. Hence, NOB can be considered a useful curative compound due to its medicinal properties against As-prompted hepatotoxicity.

The delayed healing of wounds among people with diabetes is a severe problem worldwide. Hyperglycemia and increased levels of free radicals are the major inhibiting factors of wound healing in diabetic patients. Plant extracts are a rich source of polyphenols, allowing them to be an effective agent for wound healing. Drying temperature and extraction solvent highly affect the stability of polyphenols in plant materials. However, there is a need to optimize the extraction protocol to ensure the efficacy of the final product. For this purpose, the effects of drying temperature and solvents on the polyphenolic composition and diabetic wound healing activity of Moringa oleifera leaves were examined in the present research. Fresh leaves were oven dried at different temperatures (10 °C, 30 °C, 50 °C, and 100 °C) and extracted in three solvents (acetone, ethanol, and methanol) to obtain twelve extracts in total. The extracts were assessed for free radical scavenging and antihyperglycemic effects using DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) and α- glucosidase inhibition assays. Alongside this, a scratch assay was performed to evaluate the cell migration activity of M. oleifera on the human retinal pigment epithelial cell line. The cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was assessed on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell lines. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolic compounds in extracts of M. oleifera were identified. We found that an ethanol-based extract prepared by drying the leaves at 10 °C contained the highest amounts of identified polyphenols. Moringa oleifera extracts showed remarkable antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cell migration properties. The best results were obtained with leaves dried at 10 °C and 30 °C. Decreased activities were observed with drying temperatures of 50 °C and above. Moreover, M. oleifera extracts exhibited no toxicity on RPE cells, and the same extracts were cytotoxic for Huh-7 cells. This study revealed that M. oleifera leaves extracts can enhance wound healing in diabetic conditions due to their antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and cell migration effects. The leaves of this plant can be an excellent therapeutic option when extracted at optimum conditions.

Cisplatin (CP) is the most effective chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various types of solid tumors. Morin is a natural flavonoid having a wide range of pharmacological properties. This investigation was aimed to explore the curative effect of morin against CP persuaded mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tissues of rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were randomly distributed into four groups for this experiment; control group, CP administered group, CP + morin administered group, and morin administered group. The results showed adverse effects of CP on renal biomarkers by elevating and reducing the level of urea, creatinine, and creatinine clearance sequentially. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly decreased in renal mitochondria of CP-exposed rats. CP administration significantly elevated the ROS and TBARS levels. CP administration remarkably reduced TCA cycle enzymes activity, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH). Moreover, mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) enzymes, such as succinic-coenzyme Q, NADH dehydrogenase, Cytochrome c-oxidase, and coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase activities, were also reduced after CP treatment. CP-induction significantly reduced the mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm). Nonetheless, morin supplementation significantly ameliorated the damaging impacts of CP in isolated mitochondria from renal tissues of rats. Thus, the present study revealed that the morin has conspicuous potential to attenuate the CP-instigated mitochondrial injuries in the renal tissues of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat different tumors. Vitexin (VIT) is a natural flavonoid having various pharmacological activities along with its curative effects. The present research was planned to evaluate the therapeutic potential of VIT on cisplatin-induced renal damage in male albino rats. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into four equal groups. These groups were treated with CP (10 mg/kg injection on the first day of trial) administered group, cotreated (CP; 10 mg/kg + VIT; 10 mg/kg) and only VIT (10 mg/kg orally till the end of the trial) treated group and a control. CP administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione reductase (GSR). The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were increased. CP-treatment significantly increased the levels of urea, creatinine, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) while considerably reducing the creatinine clearance. The results demonstrated that CP significantly increased the inflammation markers, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities and histopathological damages. However, co-treatment with VIT efficiently minimized the CP-induced biochemical, inflammatory, and histopathological impairments in rat kidneys. The study's outcomes indicated the significant curative efficacy of VIT to overcome CP-induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.

Abstract The present research was planned to analyze the toxic effects of thimerosal on rat liver. Mercury and mercury compounds are universally known toxicants for animals and humans. Thimerosal is widely used in the vaccines as a preservative which contains 49.6% mercury. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were distributed into four groups (n=6). The first group was considered as a control group. While, second, third and fourth groups were intoxicated with 0.5, 10 and 50 µg/kg thimerosal (i.m.) respectively. After 30 days, rats were slaughtered to analyze the liver tissues. The results of the experiment exposed that thimerosal instigated significant (p

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) is a widely used antineoplastic agent with numerous associated side effects. We investigated the mechanisms of action of the indole derivative N’-(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-2-1-(4-(methylsulfinyl) benzylidene)-5-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-inden-3-yl) acetohydrazide (MMINA) to protect against CDDP-induced testicular damage. Five groups of rats (n = 7) were treated with saline, DMSO, CDDP, CDDP + MMINA, or MMINA. Reproductive hormones, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathology, daily sperm production, and oxidative stress markers were examined. Western blot analysis was performed to access the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and inflammatory biomarker expression in testis, while expression of calcium-dependent cation channel of sperm (CatSper) in epididymis was examined. The structural and dynamic molecular docking behavior of MMINA was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. The construction of molecular interactions was performed through KEGG, DAVID, and STRING databases. MMINA treatment reversed CDDP-induced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) augmentation, while boosting the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the epididymis and testicular tissues. CDDP treatment significantly lowered sperm count, sperm motility, and epididymis sperm count. Furthermore, CDDP reduced epithelial height and tubular diameter and increased luminal diameter with impaired spermatogenesis. MMINA rescued testicular damage caused by CDDP. MMINA rescued CDDP-induced reproductive dysfunctions by upregulating the expression of the CatSper protein, which plays an essential role in sperm motility, MMINA increased testosterone secretion and StAR protein expression. MMINA downregulated the expression of NF-κB, STAT-3, COX-2, and TNF-α. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were predicted between MMINA and 3β-HSD, CatSper, NF-κβ, and TNFα. Molecular interactome outcomes depicted the formation of one hydrogen bond and one hydrophobic interaction between 3β-HSD that contributed to its strong binding with MMINA. CatSper also made one hydrophobic interaction and one hydrogen bond with MMINA but with a lower binding affinity of -7.7 relative to 3β-HSD, whereas MMINA made one hydrogen bond with NF-κβ residue Lys37 and TNF-α reside His91 and two hydrogen bonds with Lys244 and Thr456 of STAT3. Our experimental and in silico results revealed that MMINA boosted the antioxidant defense mechanism, restored the levels of fertility hormones, and suppressed histomorphological alterations.

In the literature archive, the intestinal microbiome is now considered as a discrete organ system. Despite living symbiotically with the human body, the gut microbiome is represented as potential drug targets because of its ability to modify the pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs. Structural biology analysis indicates the existence of homology between transport proteins of microbial cells and membranes of enterocytes. It is speculated that structural similarity in the protein transporters may provoke an unwanted phenomenon of drug uptake by the gut microbiome present in the small intestine of the host. Considering this hypothesis, we analyzed the absorbance of orally administered caffeine by the gut microbiota in in vivo albino rat model through the RP-HPLC-UV approach. Microbiome absorbed the caffeine maximally at 2 hours and minimally at 5 hours post-drug administration following first-order absorption kinetics in a nonlinear way. Drug absorbance of microbial pellet and percent dose recovery was found significantly higher ( P ≤ .05) at 2 hours post-administration as compared to all other groups. As speculated, our findings advocated the phenomenon that the gut microbiome influences the absorption of caffeine molecules. Members of the gut microbiome exhibited grouped behavior following first-order absorption kinetics in a nonlinear pattern.

In the current study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Alnus nitida (leaves and fruits) was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Traditionally, A. nitida was used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments. However, A. nitida leaves and fruits have not been yet reported regarding any potential medicinal effects. Leaves/fruits of A. nitida were extracted with methanol and fractionated to attain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These extracts were then evaluated for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. For in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, Freunds’ complete adjuvant-induced edema, xylene-induced ear edema and histamine-induced paw edema models were used in rats, which showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction (70–80%) in edema in comparison of inflammatory controls. On other hand, for the analgesic assessment, hot plate assay and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) rise in latency time (40–60%) as compared with pain-induced controls. These results were comparable with standard drugs in a concentration-dependent manner and no mortality or toxicity was observed during all experiments. Then, for the identification of chemical constituents gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed, which indicated the presence of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol and vitamin E, justifying the use of A. nitida to treat inflammatory disorders.