Explore the vast range of titles available.

Rodents are widely used for animal research in Egypt. Pentobarbital is the most common anesthetic agent; however overdoses may affect the experimental outcomes and limit the use of tissues. To investigate the effects of sodium pentobarbital overdoses during exsanguination, three groups (6 rats/group) of male and female rats were injected i.p. with 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of sodium pentobarbital, then carotid exsanguination was performed immediately after loss of consciousness. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1a) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnfa) mRNA expressions in liver and kidney organs were evaluated. As well as, serum aminotransferase activities (AST&ALT), glucose, urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels were determined. The histological alterations in liver, kidney and spleen were studied. It was found that Hif1a and Tnfa were significantly overexpressed in the studied organs and serum AST, glucose, creatinine and urea levels were significantly increased after sodium pentobarbital overdoses (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared to 50 mg/kg dose. Similarly, significant increase in MDA and GSH levels of liver, kidney and spleen were noticed. Results showed gender difference where Hif1a and Tnfa levels were significantly overexpressed at high dose of sodium pentobarbital of liver and kidney organs in female more than male rats. Since euthanasia protocol may influence the physiological variables and affect genes’ expression, it is recommended to avoid sodium pentobarbital overdose during euthanasia as it may interfere with the biochemical, molecular and histological measurements.

Allolobophora calignosa (Ac) is a folk medicine for millennia, as it possesses many biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the chemo-preventive activity of A.calignosa coelomic fluid (AcCF) and A.calignosa extract (AcE) on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in mice. Characterization and in vitro biological activity of AcE and AcCF has been assessed. Male CD-1 mice were subcutaneously received dexamethasone (DEX) (1 mg/kg, 5 times/week) and concurrently intraperitoneally treated with either AcCF (20 mg/kg) or AcE (45 mg/kg) every other day for 28 days. Serum and bone homogenates were subjected for qPCR and biochemical analysis. AcE and AcCF treatment significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and calcitonin levels, whereas activity of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), serum acidic phosphatase (ACP), bone acidic phosphatase (BACP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly reduced compare with untreated GIOP mice. Treatment with AcE and AcCF modulates oxidative stress and downregulated Rank and Mmp9 expression, as well as increased glycosaminoglycan content in the organic bone matrix, resulting in osteoclastogenesis inhibition. Overall, AcCF and AcE show a chemo-preventive activity against GIOP by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating expression and/or activity of osteoblast/osteoclast-related markers.

The usage of nanocomposites in water treatment has risen, resulting in their leaking into the soil, which is a major environmental concern. Earthworm ( Allolobophora caliginosa ) is used as a bioindicator that can accumulate most pollutants, even if they are present in low concentrations. The present study aimed to use earthworms as biological indicator for chitosan–saponin–bentonite nanocomposite (CSB NCs) in the soil. Earthworms were exposed to CSB NCs (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mg/500 g soil) for 7 consecutive days. CSB NCs induced significant damage and instability of the lysosomal membranes in coelomocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The exposure to CSB NCs resulted in a notable change in earthworm biochemical levels. Light microscopy revealed histological damage in the body wall and intestine of earthworm exposed to CSB NC. In addition, scanning electron microscopy showed morphological alterations in the anterior, dorsal, and ventral parts of the earthworm as well as in the anal region because of exposure to CSB NC. The present study demonstrated that earthworms exposed to CSB NCs had a depletion in antioxidants and presented histological alterations especially in high doses of nanocomposite. Also, treated earthworms showed substantial alterations in the surface topography. Exposure to CSB NC caused physiological and histological alteration in earthworms. This study emphasizes the urgent need to evaluate the environmental safety of nanocomposites used in water treatment.

Weight loss, weakness, coughing, nasal discharge, and neurological problems result from Parascaris equorum infection. However, severe infestations can cause intestinal impaction, colic, unthriftiness, peritonitis, and small intestine rupture, resulting in death. Parasite resistance to conventional drugs is mainly caused by decreased drug absorption and increased metabolism. Nanoparticle-based drugs can be viable alternatives. The study studied the pharmacological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles( ZnO NPs) on P. equorum , infected rats’ lungs and spleens. Thirty-six male rats were separated into two groups of 18 rats each: infected and uninfected. The two groups were divided into three subgroups that received orally distilled water, 30 mg/kg ZnO NPs, or 60 mg/kg for 10 days. Depending on dosage, ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg) drastically reduced larvae in the lung and spleen. ZnO nanoparticles reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and improved the antioxidant system in sick rats’ spleens and lungs. The infected lung and spleen showed fewer histological changes after ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg) therapy. Compared to rats infected but untreated, ZnO NPs at 30 and 60 mg/kg reduced nuclear factor-kappa B levels in immunohistochemistry. ZnO NPs do not harm animal cells and are harmless to non-infected rats. They can treat P. equorum infection due to their anthelmintic, antioxidant, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sepsis is an inevitable stage of bacterial invasion characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response resulting in a syndrome of multiorgan dysfunction. Most conventional antibiotics used to treat sepsis are efficacious, but they have undesirable side effects. The green synthesised Ag NPs were synthesized by 5 g of the earthworm extract dissolved in a volume of 500mL of distilled water and then added to 2,500 mL aqueous solution of 1mM silver nitrate at 40 °C. After 4 h, the mixture was then allowed to dry overnight at 60 °C. Later, Ag NPs were washed and collected. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Sepsis model as induced by feces-intraperitoneal injection method. Eighteen male mice were assigned into three main groups: the control group, the sepsis-model group, and the Ag NPs-treated group. The control group received a single oral dose of distilled water and, after two days, intraperitoneally injected with 30% glycerol in phosphate buffer saline. The Sepsis-model group received a single oral dose of distilled water. Ag NPs - The treated group received a single oral dose of 5.5 mg/kg of Ag NPs. After two days, the sepsis-model group and Ag NPs-treated group were intraperitoneally injected with 200 µL of faecal slurry. Ag NPs treatment in septic mice significantly decreased liver enzyme activities, total protein, and serum albumin. Moreover, Ag NPs significantly enhanced kidney function, as indicated by a significant decrease in the levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid. In addition, Ag NPs showed a powerful antioxidant effect via the considerable reduction of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and the increase in antioxidant content. The histopathological investigation showed clear improvement in hepatic and kidney architecture. Our findings demonstrate the protective efficacy of biogenic Ag NPs against sepsis-induced liver and kidney damage.

Ranitidine is widely used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, but recent studies have revealed severe potential side effects, including a link to cancer. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new gastro-retentive formulation of ranitidine by utilizing the biocompatibility and biodegradability of Chitosan, along with the strength and hydrophilicity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A chitosan/PVA/ranitidine hydrogel was created using the freeze-thaw method and evaluated for stability, ranitidine release behavior, and efficacy in treating ulcers in rats compared to a commercial formulation. The hydrogel demonstrates an average particle size of 69 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.344, and a zeta potential of + 38 mV. Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the spherical shape of the formulation, while X-ray diffraction verified its crystalline structure. Additionally, the study observed an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 98.66% ± 1.01 and a high drug content of 49.82% ± 1.29, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The prepared hydrogel controls the release of ranitidine over 12 h, with an average release of 87.98% ± 4.01%. The hydrogel exhibits minimal degradation over 15 days, greater thermal stability than ranitidine, and adequate stability in acidic gastric conditions. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the hydrogel is biocompatible and promotes cell growth. The study discovered that the hydrogel formulation enhances the effects of ranitidine, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo studies illustrated the hydrogel’s promising ulcer-healing properties, suggesting potential use in treating peptic ulcers. Hence, the chitosan/PVA hydrogel can be used as a possible drug delivery system for the sustained release of ranitidine.

Background Coelomic fluid, a pharmacologically active compound in earthworms, exhibits a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. However, the biological activities exerted by the coelomic fluid can be restrained by its low bioavailability and stability. Liposomes are progressively utilized as an entrapment system for natural bioactive compounds with poor bioavailability and stability, which could be appropriate for coelomic fluid. Thus, the present study was designed to fabricate, characterize, and evaluate the stability of liposomal formulation for Allolobophora caliginosa coelomic fluid (ACCF) as a natural antioxidant compound. Methods The ACCF-liposomes were developed with a subsequent characterization of their physicochemical attributes. The physical stability, ACCF release behavior, and gastrointestinal stability were evaluated in vitro. The biological activities of ACCF and its liposomal formulation were also determined. Results The liposomal formulation of ACCF had a steady characteristic absorption band at 201 nm and a transmittance of 99.20 ± 0.10%. Its average hydrodynamic particle size was 98 nm, with a PDI of 0.29 ± 0.04 and a negative zeta potential (-38.66 ± 0.33mV). TEM further confirmed the formation of vesicular, spherical nano-liposomes with unilamellar configuration. Additionally, a remarkable entrapment efficiency percent (77.58 ± 0.82%) with a permeability rate equal to 3.20 ± 0.31% and a high retention rate (54.16 ± 2.20%) for ACCF-liposomes were observed. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) result demonstrated that ACCF successfully entrapped inside liposomes. The ACCF-liposomes exhibited a slow and controlled ACCF release in vitro. Regarding stability studies, the liposomal formulation enhanced the stability of ACCF during storage and at different pH. Furthermore, ACCF-liposomes are highly stable in intestinal digestion conditions comparable to gastric digestion. The current study disclosed that liposomal formulation potentiates the biological activities of ACCF, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and thrombolytic activities. Conclusion These promising results offer a novel approach to increasing the bioaccessibility of ACCF, which may be crucial for the development of pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical-enriched functional foods.

Background The present study assesses the role of polyherbal formula (LACTN) against sodium oxalate (NaOx)—stimulated urolithiasis prophylactic and curative. Forty-eight rats were separated into the following regimen’s groups: Groups I, II, III, and IV (prophylactic groups). Group I (control group) received saline as vehicle. Group II (urolithiatic group) received 70 mg NaOx / kg b.wt, i.p. Groups III and IV received LACTN and cystone prophylactic (500 and 750 mg/kg b.wt, respectively) from 1st day to 7th day of urolithiasis induction. Groups V, VI, VII, and VIII (curative groups): these were divided into the prophylactic regimes, but LACTN and cystone were administered from 7th day to 14th day of urolithiasis induction. Results Urolithiatic rats co-/post-treated with LACTN and cystone elevated the urinary volume significantly ( P  < 0.05). Also, a significant decrease ( P  < 0.05) was observed in the serum and urine calcium and phosphate concentrations beside the increased magnesium value in urolithiatic rats co-/post-treated with LACTN. LACTN significantly ( P  < 0.05) ameliorates serum and urine creatinine, urea, and uric acid concentration. Moreover, urolithiatic rats co-/post-treated with LACTN significantly ( P  < 0.05) diminished MDA and increased GSH, GST, SOD, and CAT compared with urolithiatic rats. Conclusions LACTN has anti-lithogenesis effect that may be due to its ability to remove the already presenting stone and/or to prevent the generation of extra calcium oxalate crystals. This action may be due to its components’ synergetic action that may provide encouraging combined formula to prevent/treat urolithiasis.

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of echinochrome (Ech) on intrahepatic cholestasis in rats induced by a single (i.p.) injection of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) (75 mg/kg body weight). The rats were pre-treated orally for 48hr (one dose / 24hr) with Ech (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) 80 mg/kg body weight drug then, injected with ANIT. ANIT markedly increased serum activities of alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which was accompanied by a massive inflammation of epithelial cells on bile duct at 24h after ANIT injection. ANIT also increased the levels of total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), indirect bilirubin (IB), however decrease albumin content (ALB). In addition ANIT increased hepatic MDA and NO level and decreased GSH level and GST activity. The Ech exerted hepatoprotective and anticholestatic effects as assessed by a significant decrease in the activities of serum AST, ALT and ALP, and the levels of TP, TB, DB and IB as well as liver MDA level and NO level. In conclusion, Ech was found to possess hepatoprotective effect against intrahepatic cholestasis induced by hepatotoxin such as ANIT. Resumo O presente estudo destinou-se a avaliar os efeitos protetores do Ech na colestase intra-hepática em ratos induzidos por uma única injeção (i.p.) de alfa-naftilisotiocianato (ANIT) (75 mg / kg de peso corporal). Os ratos foram pré-tratados oralmente durante 48 horas (uma dose / 24 horas) com cada (1, 5 e 10 mg / kg de peso corporal) e ácido ursodeoxicólico (UDCA) 80 mg / kg de peso corporal, em seguida, injetado com ANIT. ANIT atividades de soro marcadamente aumentadas de alanina amino transaminasa (ALT), aspartato de amino transaminases (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP), que foi acompanhada por uma inflamação maciça de células epiteliais no ducto biliar às 24h após a injeção de ANIT. A ANIT também aumentou os níveis de proteína total (TP), bilirrubina total (TB), bilirrubina direta (DB), bilirrubina indireta (IB), no entanto, diminuem o teor de albumina (ALB). Além disso, a ANIT aumentou o nível de MDA hepático e NO e diminuiu o nível de GSH e a atividade de GST. O Ech exerceu efeitos hepatoprotectores e anticolestáticos como avaliado por uma diminuição significativa nas atividades de AST sérica, ALT e ALP e os níveis de TP, TB, DB e IB, bem como o nível de MDA no fígado e o nível de NO. Ech foi encontrado para possuir efeito protetor no fígado contra a colestase intra-hepática induzida por hepatotoxina, como a ANIT.

Obesity has been identified with an expanded danger of a progression of illnesses that include different organ-frameworks of the body. In the present examination, we evaluated the hypolipidemic properties of Echinochrome (Ech) pigment in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemia in rats. After the hyperlipidemic model was set up, rats were haphazardly separated into five groups as follows: normal control group, HFD group, Atorvastatin (ATOR) group (80 mg/kg), Ech group (1 mg/kg) and combined group ATOR + Ech. The outcomes demonstrated that Ech improves lipid profile, liver functions, kidney functions and antioxidant markers of obese rats. The findings of the present investigation indicated that the Ech possesses hypolipidemic potential in obese rats.