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This study investigated the protective efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) and pumpkin seed extract (PSE) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity in adult male albino rats, focusing on biochemical, histopathological, histomorphometrical, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical perspectives. Thirty-six male albino rats were divided into six groups: Control, PSE, GSE, CP, CP + PSE, CP + GSE. Testicular tissues and serum samples were collected for analysis after 8 weeks. The CP group exhibited significant testicular damage with distorted seminiferous tubules (marked decline in diameters and germinal epithelial thicknesses), germ cell apoptosis, and disrupted spermatogenesis (decline in Johnsen's score and weak immunoexpression of PCNA in basal germ cells). Ultrastructurally, germ cells exhibited shrunken pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasmic aggregations of ribosomes with dilated or shrunken mitochondria. Spermatozoa displayed an irregular axoneme with loss of fibrous sheath. Furthermore, there were significantly decreased testosterone levels and increased oxidative stress markers (elevated malondialdehyde levels and decreased glutathione levels). In contrast, the CP + PSE and CP + GSE groups showed marked mitigation of these changes, resulting in a notable amelioration of oxidative stress markers, and testosterone levels, preservation of testicular architecture, and normalization of spermatogenic processes, along with elevated Johnsen score. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in PCNA in the CP + PSE and CP + GSE groups compared to the CP group. These findings suggested that GSE and PSE, owing to their antioxidant properties, could effectively reduce CP-induced testicular damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burgeoning field of cancer theranostics has witnessed advancements through the development of targeted molecular agents, particularly peptides. These agents exploit the overexpression or mutations of specific receptors, such as the Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFR) and αVβ3 integrin, which are pivotal in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Despite the extensive research into and promising outcomes associated with antibody-based therapies, peptides offer a compelling alternative due to their smaller size, ease of modification, and rapid bioavailability, factors which potentially enhance tumor penetration and reduce systemic toxicity. However, the application of peptides in clinical settings has challenges. Their lower binding affinity and rapid clearance from the bloodstream compared to antibodies often limit their therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic accuracy. This overview sets the stage for a comprehensive review of the current research landscape as it relates to EGFR- and integrin αVβ3-targeting peptides. We aim to delve into their synthesis, radiolabeling techniques, and preclinical and clinical evaluations, highlighting their potential and limitations in cancer theranostics. This review not only synthesizes the extant literature to outline the advancements in peptide-based agents targeting EGFR and integrin αVβ3 but also identifies critical gaps that could inform future research directions. By addressing these gaps, we contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing the diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes of cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crabs of the genus Charybdis are some of the world’s most aggressive and voracious marine invasive crustaceans. They are found in a wide variety of ecosystems in the Red Sea. Their near ubiquity in diverse marine habitats, however, makes them a possible resource for novel marine-derived bioactive products. To provide an important insight into the potential for C. natator as a beneficial product, its shell methanolic extract was chromatographically analyzed for identification of potential bioactive ingredients. Additionally, two different doses, i.e. a low and a high dose, of this extract were tested for their ability to protect against copper-induced oxidative stress and proinflammatory response in adult zebrafish Danio rerio. Gene expression levels of transcripts of proinflammatory mediators, i.e. nf-κβ and tnf-α; antioxidant enzymes, i.e. sod, cat, and gpx; and lipid-metabolizing enzymes, i.e., acox1 and fasn, were determined. The results showed that C. natator shell is rich in potential bioactive metabolites, including diverse unsaturated fatty acids, alkanes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Most antioxidant and proinflammatory transcripts in the protected groups were restored to levels that were lower than those in the CuSO4-stressed group. The low dose showed special success in inducing these effects. Also, the low-dose-protected group showed significantly elevated acox1 and decreased fasn, suggesting the capability of crab shell extract at a low dose to assist lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis. The abundant presence of saturated fatty acids in the shell extract can be the reason for the inadequacy of the high dose to promote the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These results suggest that there is a potential to develop therapeutic industrial uses for C. natator shell, instead of considering it as a discard. Its wealth of bioactive metabolites may contribute to the market for natural products to combat inflammatory and oxidative stress, the origin of many diseases in the modern world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic cadmium exposure is known to be a major health concern due to its nephrotoxic effects. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of date palm fruit extract (DPFE) against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in male albino rats. A total of 48 rats were divided equally into four groups and subjected to specific treatments. Group I (control given 1 ml distal water orally daily), group II (200 mg DPFE /kg b.wt. orally daily), Group III (5 mg CdCl2 /kg b.wt. orally, twice a week), and VI (DPFE and CdCl2). Serum samples were collected after 4 and 8 weeks for biochemical analysis, and kidney tissue specimens were obtained for histopathological examination. The administration of cadmium chloride for 4 and 8 weeks resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels, indicating kidney dysfunction. Histopathological changes, including vascular lesions, hemorrhage, edema, periglomerular, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, mononuclear leucocytic cellular infiltration and excessive glomerular and tubular degeneration and necrosis which further confirmed the nephrotoxic effects of cadmium. However, pre-treatment with DPFE exhibited a substantial ameliorative effect against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. DPFE supplementation led to a significant reduction in kidney biochemical parameters toward normal levels and improved renal tissue architecture. Our findings indicate that date palm fruit extract has a time-dependant protective effect on kidney function indices and histopathological alterations induced by cadmium, highlighting its potential as a natural medication to mitigate renal damage caused by chronic cadmium exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]