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Abstract Background Several WRKY transcription factors (TFs), including CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40 are known to govern the resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants to Ralstonia solanacearum infestation (RSI) and other abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. Methods This study functionally described CaWRKY3 for its role in pepper immunity against RSI. The roles of phytohormones in mediating the expression levels of CaWRKY3 were investigated by subjecting pepper plants to 1 mM salicylic acid (SA), 100 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and 100 µM ethylene (ETH) at 4-leaf stage. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach based on the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) was used to silence CaWRKY3 in pepper, and transiently over-expressed to infer its role against RSI. Results Phytohormones and RSI increased CaWRKY3 transcription. The transcriptions of defense-associated marker genes, including CaNPR1, CaPR1, CaDEF1, and CaHIR1 were decreased in VIGS experiment, which made pepper less resistant to RSI. Significant hypersensitive (HR)-like cell death, H2O2 buildup, and transcriptional up-regulation of immunological marker genes were noticed in pepper when CaWRKY3 was transiently overexpressed. Transcriptional activity of CaWRKY3 was increased with overexpression of CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40, and vice versa. In contrast, Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) was easily repelled by the innate immune system of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that overexpressed CaWRKY3. The transcriptions of defense-related marker genes like AtPR1, AtPR2, and AtNPR1 were increased in CaWRKY3-overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana plants. Conclusion It is concluded that CaWRKY3 favorably regulates phytohormone-mediated synergistic signaling, which controls cell death in plant and immunity of pepper plant against bacterial infections.

AbstractThe Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

Objective: The objective of this study is to find out the role of terpenoid compounds as potential inhibitors against certain protein targets of dengue virus. Methods: The 2-dimensional structures of terpenoid compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database. They were analysed for their interactions with target proteins of dengue virus such as envelope (1OKE), NS5 (1R6A-RPV & SHA) and NS2B/NS3 (4M9K) by docking studies followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using Schrödinger software, version 10.7. Results: Out of 513 terpenoid compounds studied, malacitanolide showed the highest interaction energy values of −7.072 kcal/mol (hydrogen bond (HB) interactions with Thr280, Gln200, Gln271, Gln49 and Ala50), −5.295 kcal/mol (HB interactions with Ser150, Lys29, Ser214) and −4.030 kcal/mol (HB interactions with Glu1169 and Asn1119) against 1OKE, 1R6A-RPV and 4M9K targets, respectively. Paclitaxel had shown the interaction energy value of −9.334 kcal/mol (HB with Lys61, Asp146, Trp87, Gly148, and Arg84) with 1R6A-SAH. MD simulation studies revealed that the best interacting compound malacitanolide maintained a stable complex with 1OKE of dengue virus. Malacitanolide, reissantin E, and paclitaxel exhibited very good interactions with all three-protein targets of dengue virus and had also shown significant stability. Conclusions: In the present study, it is concluded that the terpenoid compounds malacitanolide, reissantin E, and paclitaxel could act as potential inhibitors against all three target proteins of dengue virus.

Abstract Background Chromosomal abnormalities represent an important cause of human infertility. Little is known about the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities among Egyptian couples with infertility. We estimated the cytogenetic profiles and semen analysis patterns among infertile couples. We analyzed data from medical archives of 2150 patients with infertility in Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt from 2015 to 2019. The data included karyotypes and semen analysis reports. Results Chromosomal abnormalities were reported in 13.5% of infertile patients (290/2150); 150 out of 1290 (11.62%) males and 140 out of 860 (16.28%) females. Within the infertile males, the numerical chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 134/1290 (10.38%) males, and structural abnormalities were found in 16/1290 (1.24%) males. Within the infertile females, numerical sex chromosome abnormalities were detected in 75/860 (8.72%) females, structural sex chromosome abnormalities were found in 31/860 (3.6%) females, mosaicism of the sex chromosome was found in 22/860 (2.56%) females, and male pseudohermaphrodites were detected in 12/860 (1.39%) females. Conclusions Numerical chromosomal aberrations are the most frequent patterns among infertile couples. Attention should be paid to the traditional chromosomal analysis as an important diagnostic step in the infertility work-up.

One of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting older men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), causing severe annoyance and embarrassment to patients. The pathogenesis of BPH has been connected to epithelial proliferation, inflammation, deranged redox balance, and apoptosis. Diacerein (DIA), the anthraquinone derivative, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This study intended to investigate the ameliorative effect of DIA on the prostatic histology in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. BPH was experimentally induced by daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate for four weeks. The treated group received DIA daily for a further two weeks after induction of BPH. Rats' body and prostate weights, serum-free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were evaluated. Prostatic tissue was processed for measuring redox balance and histopathological examination. The BPH group had increased body and prostate weights, serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, PSA, and oxidative stress. Histologically, there were marked acinar epithelial and stromal hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrates, and increased collagen deposition. An immunohistochemical study showed an increase in the inflammatory TNF-α and the proliferative PCNA markers. Treatment with DIA markedly decreased the prostate weight and plasma hormones, improved tissue redox balance, repaired the histological changes, and increased the proapoptotic caspase 3 expression besides the substantial reduction in TNF-α and PCNA expression. In conclusion, our study underscored DIA's potential to alleviate the prostatic hyperplastic and inflammatory changes in BPH through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing effects, rendering it an effective, innovative treatment for BPH.

Diabetes Mellitus and the associated hyperglycemia trigger oxidative damage to tissues and organs. DM is obviously related to the salivary glands’ dysfunction. Ascorbic acid is a powerful dietary antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the ascorbic acid’s putative potential to conserve the structure and function of the major salivary glands in diabetic patients. Adult male albino rats (n = 24) were equally divided into four groups: Group I (control, only distilled water), Group II (ascorbic acid 200 mg/Kg/day), Group III (experimentally-induced diabetes by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg), and Group IV (ascorbic acid after one week of diabetes induction). Blood glucose level was assessed. After eight weeks, samples from the salivary glands were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Group III showed degenerative changes in the salivary glands and increased collagen deposition, whereas the glycoprotein content and antiapoptotic activity decreased. Group IV showed marked histologic and functional improvement. Although further research is required to fully understand its mode of action, ascorbic acid is advised as an adjuvant medication for diabetes to keep the integrity of major salivary glands.

Cortex Mori Radicis (CMR) is enriched in various phenolics, this study aimed to estimate the antioxidant effect, enzyme (lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetyl-cholinesterase) inhibition and the anti-proliferative effect of the phenolic compounds in CMR. However, the amount of these compounds obtained from CMR is highly dependent on the processing conditions. In this study, the processing parameters of extracting the phenolics from CMR using ultrasonic technique pooled with high-speed shearing extraction (UTPHSE) were optimized. Subsequently, the phenolics from Cortex Mori Radicis (PCMR) were purified using AB-8 macroporous resin, and their chemical analysis, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities were studied. Based on our findings, the optimal parameters of UTPHSE were: L/S ratio 25.8:1 (mL/g), voltage 81.0 V, ultrasonic temperature 51.8 ℃ and ultrasonic time 289 s. And under the optimal extraction conditions, the extraction rate of the PCMR was 0.531 ± 0.004%. Compared with PCMR, the contents of “total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols and phenolic acids” increased 2.30, 2.67, 2.59, 3.63 and 2.72 times in the purified phenolics from Cortex Mori Radicis (PPCMR), respectively. In addition, PPCMR depicted significant DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radicals’ scavenging capability, reducing power, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and remarkable inhibitory activities on “lipase, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and the proliferation of HeLa, HepG2 and NCI-H460”. At the same time, the morphological changes of HeLa, HepG2 and NCI-H460 cells suggested that PPCMR could effectively inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro. Therefore, PPCMR have good potential as natural antioxidants, antilipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antineoplastic agents in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Objectives: Obesity as a consequence of high fat diet (HFD) has become an uprising major global health problem with multiorgan affection. Quercetin proved a unique ameliorative potential against hazards of HFD. Methods: Forty rats were divided into four groups. Group I: Control group (10% of energy from fat). Group II: (10% of energy from fat +50 mg/kg quercetin). Group III: (60% of energy from fat). Group IV: (60% of energy from fat +50 mg/kg quercetin). After12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, kidney and pancreas were taken and processed for H&E, Mallory’s trichrome stains and immunohistochemical examination. Results: Both pancreatic and renal tissues showed histopathological degenerative and inflammatory changes in group III that was markedly improved in group IV treated with quercetin. Concerning the mean area percent of collagen fibers and Bcl-2 expression in both renal and pancreatic tissues that showed a highly significant difference in group III (p

Rising soil salinity is a major concern for agricultural production worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. To improve salt tolerance and the productivity of economic crop plants in the face of future climatic changes, plant-based solutions are required to feed the continuously increasing world population. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain the impact of Glutamic-acid-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Glu-FeNPs) on two varieties (NM-92 and AZRI-2006) of mung beans with different concentrations (0, 40 mM, 60 mM, and 80 mM) of osmotic stress. The result of the study showed that vegetative growth parameters such as root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, moisture contents, leaf area, and the number of pods per plant were significantly decreased with osmotic stress. Similarly, biochemicals such as protein, chlorophylls, and carotenes contents also significantly declined under induced osmotic stress. The application of Glu-FeNPs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) restored both the vegetative growth parameters and biochemical contents of plants under osmotic stress. The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with Glu-FeNPs significantly ameliorated the tolerance level of Vigna radiata to osmotic stress by optimizing the level of antioxidant enzymes and osmolytes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and proline contents. Our finding indicates that Glu-FeNPs significantly restore the growth of plants under osmotic stress via enhancing photosynthetic activity and triggering the antioxidation system of both varieties.

This study aimed to examine the effect of canning and storage on physicochemical, mineral, and antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of apricot wholes, halves, and pulp. The findings for physicochemical properties revealed that the total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugars, and ascorbic acid were found higher in apricot pulp (37.15, 1.39, and 20.74% and 7.21 mg/100 g FW, respectively) followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The remarkable contents of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were found in the apricot pulp which revealed that canning and storage slightly affected the mineral composition. Bioactive substances were identified and quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which indicated a higher presence of chlorogenic acid (34.45 mg/kg FW), quercitin-3-glucoside (16.78 mg/kg FW), neochlorogenic acid (26.52 mg/kg FW), gallic acid (5.37 mg/kg FW), kaempferol (14.22 mg/kg FW), ellagic acid (6.02 mg/kg FW), procyanidin B2 (8.80 mg/kg FW), and epicatechin (9.87 mg/kg FW) in apricot pulp followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content was found highest in apricot pulp (13.76 GAE mg/100 g FW) followed by wholes (8.09 GAE mg/100 g FW) and halves (6.48 GAE mg/100 g FW) which decreased significantly throughout the storage period. Antioxidant properties were assessed by DPPH, ABTS+, MCA, and BCBA, which were found higher in the apricot pulp (92.23 TEAC μg/g DW, 92.33 TEAC μg/g DW, 33.80 TEAC μg/g DW, and 68.40 TEAC μg/g DW, respectively) that is correlated with the higher presence of bioactive compounds. Thus, apricot pulp containing excellent sources of nutrients, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidant components could be used for consumption purposes that provide nutraceuticals and antioxidants globally.

Objectives: The objective of this work was to predict anti-colon and anti-hepatoma cancer activity of newly designed substituted 4-anilino coumarin derivatives using quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR). Methods: The optimization of the derivatives including molecular and electronic properties data to generate the QSAR were resulted from H-GGA DFT/BPV86 method calculation combined with Hartree-Fock 6-31G basis set. The QSAR models were delivered in multiple linear regression (MLR) and the drug design was accomplished by considering the descriptors constructing the best QSAR models for each biological activity. Results: This research accomplished two best validated QSAR models for predicting anti-colon cancer and anti-hepatoma activities of substituted 4-anilino coumarin derivatives. There were 17 of newly designed substituted 4-anilino coumarin derivatives which their anticancer activity (Log IC50) were predicted using our both QSAR models. The QSAR predictions inform that the compound 25 and compound 19 have the best predicted anti-colon cancer and anti-hepatoma activities, respectively. Conclusion: The results revealed that this approach can be used to assist in the action of anticancer drug discovery. Moreover, the retrosynthesis analysis of both compounds are also explained in a logic reverse of organic synthetic steps through Knoevenagel and Perkin reactions.

Background: With the rise of antibiotic resistance, there is an increasing interest in discovering novel antimicrobial agents. Antibiotics could be replaced with metal-based nanoparticles that have long-lasting antibacterial properties. This study aimed to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and test their antibacterial effectiveness against a variety of human pathogens. Methods: The AuNPs were characterized using UV, FT-IR, XRD, and TEM with EDX. By using the well diffusion and microdilution techniques, the impact of synthesized AuNPs was tested against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Results: The AuNPs were synthesized from Jatropha integerrima Jacq. flower extract. UV–vis spectrum showed a high peak at 547 nm; FT-IR revealed phenolic compounds in the plant extract were responsible for AuNP formation. XRD and SAED confirmed the crystalline nature while TEM revealed the shape to be spherical and DLS revealed the size to be 38.8 nm with the stability of −0.3 mV. The AuNPs exhibit maximal and minimal antibacterial activity towards E. coli and B. subtilis. The MIC of AuNPs against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae were found to be 5.0, 10, 2.5, and 2.5 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Thus, synthesized nanoparticles might be a good alternative to develop an antibacterial agent against the selected human pathogens.

Background: In this study, a synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was performed using Wattakaka volubilis leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent. The plant leaf extract contains various secondary metabolites, other nutritional and medicinal products. Methods: The prepared ZnONPs were characterized using Ultra Violet-visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The anti-bacterial study was done by the well diffusion method. Results: The synthesized ZnONPs were spherical in shape, ranging from 100 to 200 nm. The FTIR bands were sharp with strong absorption peaks at 414.70 cm−1, showing the Zn group's presence. The zinc oxide nanoparticles anti-bacterial effects were tested in gram-positive Staphyllococcus epidermidis (MTTC 9040) and gram-negative Enterobacter aeurogens (MTCC 8100). ZnONPs showed excellent anti hyperglycemic potential in zebrafish adults in the present work. Conclusion: The zinc oxide nanoparticles have been effectively developed for antimicrobial in diabetic-based wound healing applications in biomedical fields. The findings of the current study have provided several interesting new avenues for future research exploration.

The consumption of foods contaminated with various foodborne organisms such as, viruses, fungi and bacteria are recognized as the important sources of foodborne illness in animals and humans. Multidrug resistant foodborne bacteria increased morbidity, mortality rates, and severe economic loss and associated with prolong hospitalization. The development of natural and novel antibacterial agent is much needed as there is an increasing concern on multidrug resistant bacteria. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles using aqeous Pisum sativum L. (pea) pod extract and to characterize the nanoparticles. It was further used on various drug resistant foodborne bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial activity was determined. The synergistic antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and biocompatibility were also assessed. Green synthesized nanoparticles applied in this study were synthesized using aqueous P. sativum L. (pea) pod extract with particle size 30 nm. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 700802, Streptococcus gordonii ATCC 49818, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 4330 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Among the pathogenic bacterial strains, silver nanoparticles were highly active against S. aureus ATCC 25923 than other bacterial strains (22 ± 2 mm). The antibacterial activity varied between 15 ± 2 mm and 22 ± 2 mm diameter zone of inhibition. The MIC value of the nanoparticles ranged from 6.25 µg/mL to 75 µg/mL and MBC value ranged from 50 µg/mL to 150 µg/mL. The green synthesized nanoparticles showed antioxidant potential. Normal fibroblast cell lines (L-929) was used to test the cytotoxic activity and the increased IC50 value (750.5 ± 5.5 μg/mL) indicated good biological compatibility. The present findings revealed that green synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited potent activity against various food borne pathogenic bacteria. These nanoparticles might be well developed as novel antibacterial substances for the treatment of food borne multidrug resistant bacterial infection.

Objectives: Advancement in the biological process of nanoparticles synthesis is an important area of nanotechnology. The aim of this research is to utilize the root extract of Furcraea foetida as reduction and stabilization agents to biosynthesize. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from AgNO3 via a simple green method. Methods: By utilizing UV–VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential, and HR-TEM techniques, the nanoparticles have been characterized. The anti-Candida properties of AgNPs were tested using the well-diffusion method in agar plates against five Candida species. Results: With an average diameter of 15 nm, the produced AgNPs are spherical. They were found to be stable and non-aggregated. The synthesized nanoparticles were active against all the tested organisms and showed better efficacy compared to Amphotericin B in most cases. The highest level of inhibition was found against C. albicans at 100 µg concentration. Conclusion: The results prove that F. foetida is a very good bioreductant and can be used for one-pot synthesis of stable AgNPs with good anti-Candida activity.

The present study assessed nutritional status, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content in fruits, i.e., mango (Mangifera indica), apple (Malus domestica), and vegetable, i.e., bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) peels. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were evaluated by using methanol extracts along with 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) assay, respectively having Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Gallic acid (GA) as standard. The TPC and antioxidant activity in the peels ranged from 20 mg GAE/g to 525 mg GAE/g and 15.02% to 75.95%, respectively, which revealed that investigated fruit and vegetable peels are rich source of phytochemical constituents. Bottle gourd peels exhibited the highest value of DPPH compared to the rest of the peels included in the study. Likewise, mango peels had the highest TPC as compared to the rest of the fruit peels. This research showed that the utilization of agricultural wastes should be promoted at commercial level to achieve the nutritional benefit at zero cost and minimize the generation of biological waste.

Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase receptor inhibitor that targets various signaling pathways. It is used as the first line of treatment in advanced hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas. Sorafenib was reported to induce cardiotoxicity due to myocyte necrosis. Hesperetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study investigated the putative protective effect of hesperetin against sorafenib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice through downregulation of NLRP3/TLR4 signaling and inhibition of apoptosis. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were distributed into four groups: untreated control, hesperetin (50 mg/kg/day, orally), sorafenib (100 mg/kg/day, orally), and combination (Hesperetin+Sorafenib). After a three-week treatment period, various biochemical parameters in cardiac tissues were assessed. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured. Moreover, TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptotic activity were done. Compared with the sorafenib group, the combination group exhibited reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and lower NLRP3/TLR4 expressions. Histologically, the combination group showed improved myocardial histology and a marked decrease in collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical examination showed decreased caspase-3 and increased Bcl-2 expression. Before recommending hesperetin as an adjuvant, clinical studies are warranted for mitigating sorafenib cardiotoxicity.

The Moroccan flora abounds and is an important reserve of medicinal plants. Nigella sativa and Lepidium sativum are plants that are widely used in traditional medicine for their multiple therapeutic properties. The current study aims to highlight the biological activities that can justify and valorize the use of these plants. Flavonoids, total phenols, condensed tannins, and sugars were determined. The biological activities tested were antioxidant by determining the IC50 (defined as the concentration of an antioxidant required to decrease the initial concentration by 50%; inversely related to the antioxidant capacity), hemagglutination, and hemolytic activities. Phytochemical quantification of the seed extracts indicated that the total phenol content was largely similar for both plants and in the order of 10 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/g. On the other hand, L. sativum seeds registered a higher content of flavonoids (3.09 ± 0.04 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g) as compared to Nigella saliva (0.258 ± 0.058). Concerning condensed tannins, N. saliva seeds present a higher amount with a value of 7.2 ± 0.025 mg/g as compared to L. sativum (1.4 ± 0.22 mg/g). Concerning the total sugar content, L. sativum shows a higher content (67.86 ± 0.87 mg/g) as compared to N. sativa (58.17 ± 0.42 mg/g); it is also richer in mucilage with a content of 240 mg as compared to 8.2 mg for N. saliva. Examination of the antioxidant activity using a DPPH (2.2-diphenyl 1-pycrilhydrazyl) test revealed that the EButOH (n-butanol extract) and EAE (ethyl acetate extract) extracts were the most active, with IC50 values of 48.7 and 50.65 μg/mL for the N. sativa extracts and 15.7 and 52.64 μg/mL for the L. sativum extracts, respectively. The results of the hemagglutination activity of the different extracts of the two plants prepared in the PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) medium showed significant agglutination for the L. sativum extract (1/50) compared to the N. sativa extract (1/20). An evaluation of the hemolytic effect of the crude extract of the studied seeds on erythrocytes isolated from rat blood incubated in PBS buffer compared to the total hemolysis induced by distilled water showed a hemolysis rate of 54% for Nigella sativa and 34% for L. sativum. In conclusion, the two plants studied in the current work exhibited high antioxidant potential, which could explain their beneficial properties.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of liver cancer and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in HCC progression, migration, and suppression of apoptosis. This study investigates the apoptotic effect of the dietary antioxidant (n-3 PUFAs) on HepG2 cells and analyzes the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo study: Seventy-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 25): Group I (control): 0.9% normal saline, intraperitoneal. Group II: N-Nitrosodiethylamine (200 mg/kg b.wt) intraperitoneal, followed by phenobarbital 0.05% in drinking water. Group III: as group II followed by n-3 PUFAs intubation (400 mg/kg/day). In vivo study: liver specimens for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. In vitro study: MTT assay, cell morphology, PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. n-3 PUFAs significantly improved the histopathologic features of HCC and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Further, HepG2 cells proliferation was suppressed through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 activity. Here we report that n-3 PUFAs may be an ideal cancer chemo-preventive candidate by targeting STAT3 signaling, which is involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Wetlands are vital and dynamic components of the global ecosystem, providing a wide range of ecosystem services such as water control and biodiversity. During 2015–2019, plant diversity and distribution of wetlands were studied in forty areas of the Mardan division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 282 vascular wetland plant species were identified, divided into 192 genera and 73 families. Poaceae, with 41 species, is the most diverse family of wetland plants, followed by Asteraceae, with 26 species. In the present study, wetland plants are classified based on the Cook classification system. It is interesting to note that all the life forms were present in the study area except Plankton. Helophyte life form was represented by the highest number of plants with 177 plants and 62.5 percent of total wetland plants, followed by Tenagophyte with 42 plant species (14.8%) and Hyperhydate with 27 plant species (9.5%). Based on the distribution pattern of 282 species in 40 wetland sites, the most common plant species found was Euphorbia helioscopia, recorded from 36 locations, followed by Cynodon dactylon which was found in 32 locations. In Mardan division, the Gulshan Abad Khuwar had the highest number of species occurrences (83 species) accounting for 32% of all species, followed by Alo Khwar (59 species, 23%) and Hathian Khwar (50 species, 19%). The current work presents a comprehensive and field-based detailed survey of wetland plant distribution in this region, filling knowledge gaps in the Himalayas in particular, and having broader implications for wetland management policy and practice. Unfortunately, wetlands of the research area are facing high pressure due to an increase in human population, overgrazing, deforestation, construction of buildings and roads. The filling up of these water bodies is resulting in the loss of hydrophytic species diversity. Therefore, these wetlands need proper attention and effective protection from anthropogenic disturbances.