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Hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and excessive inflammatory cytokine production are risk factors for depression. The potential preventive effects of essential oils (EOs) such as cumin and fennel EOs on depression may stem from their hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This work aimed to investigate the effects of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules in a mouse model of depression caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) and chronic mild stress (CMS) using both in silico and in vivo studies. The cumin and fennel EOs were extracted, analyzed by GC-MS, and encapsulated in nano-form using gum Arabic and maltodextrin as wall materials. The freeze-dried nanocapsules were evaluated in HFD/CMS-treated mice. Molecular docking was used to examine the significance of the oils’ compounds in blocking the active sites of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). According to the molecular docking results, the interactions between EO components and HMG-CoA or IDO indicate that these EOs may have hypercholesterolemic and antidepressive effects. Cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules showed hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. This was demonstrated by the down-regulation of oxidants (ROS, MDA, and NO) and inflammatory markers (TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6) in the brain, changes in lipid profile parameters, and the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH). The in silico and in vivo outputs revealed the potential preventive impact of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules against depression-like states in the mouse model through the prevention of dyslipidemia, neuroxidation, and neuroinflammation. More human studies are needed to fully understand the antidepressive effects of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules.

Tomato pomace (TP), an antioxidant-rich byproduct, may be suitable for noble applications. The regulation of ROS generation and the anti-inflammatory response can help to prevent ulceration. The purpose of this study was to examine TP for antioxidants, in silico anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to protect against ulceration and erosion triggered by indomethacin. Tomato pomace extract (TPE) was encapsulated either alone or with probiotics to maximize its potential effect. These microcapsules were investigated in indomethacin-treated rats. TPE demonstrated antioxidant activity as well as high levels of carotenoids (15 mg/g extract) and polyphenols. Because of their binding affinity as well as hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the active sites of TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines, ellagic acid and rutin may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory effect of TPE, according to the docking study. TPE microcapsules, either alone or in combination with probiotics, demonstrated a protective effect against enterocolitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by the decrease in stomach and intestinal MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the increase in CAT, SOD, and GSH activities. The produced microcapsules are suggested to be promising candidates for protection against gastric ulcers and erosion.

In this study, mesoporous alumina was synthesized and modified with two different surfactants: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant, and pluronic P123, a non-ionic surfactant, using the sol-gel method. The synthesis involved the co-assembly of aluminum precursors with the surfactants, followed by calcination to remove the templates, resulting in a porous alumina structure that serves as a support. Platinum (Pt) was then loaded onto the surfactant-modified alumina support (CTAB) at a concentration of 0.9 wt% Pt using microwave-assisted solution (MAS) and ultrasonic techniques. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to assess their textural properties, thermal stability, and morphology. The catalytic activity of the Pt-loaded alumina catalysts was evaluated for n-hexane dehydrocyclization, cyclohexane dehydrogenation, and ethanol dehydration. Both the ultrasonic technique and microwave irradiation were employed as in situ reduction methods to produce stable, well-dispersed platinum nanoparticles with average diameters not exceeding 6 nm. The catalytic performance results indicated that the 0.9 wt% Pt/Al₂O₃ (MAS) nanocatalyst outperformed its US-prepared counterpart. It achieved the highest conversion rate of 86% in cyclohexane dehydrogenation at 450 °C. In n-hexane dehydrocyclization, the MAS catalyst produced a maximum benzene yield of 48%. Additionally, in ethanol dehydration, it demonstrated superior activity with a maximum ethylene yield of 52% under the tested conditions.

Oxidative liver damage, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure are caused by reactive oxygen species and inflammatory responses triggered by bile retention during prolonged cholestasis. Pomegranate and persimmon fruits, which are loaded with bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, were evaluated separately for their efficacy in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in cholestasis. Pomegranate and persimmon juices were analyzed for their vitamin C, carotenoids and organic acid levels, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity. Liver protection against oxidative stress and inflammation brought on by cyclosporine-induced cholestasis in rats was verified by biochemical measurements, metabolite identification, and histopathologic examination. To forecast the mechanism of pomegranate and persimmon anti-inflammatory action, an in silico assessment was also carried out. Vitamin C levels in pomegranate and persimmon juices were 99.55 and 51.75 µg/g, respectively. In both pomegranate and persimmon juices, gallic acid was the most prevalent phenolic compound (123.20 and 50.69 µg/g, respectively). Pomegranate and persimmon juices significantly ( < 0.05) reduced the rise in liver values of MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and TLR4, as well as serum values of total and direct bilirubin caused by cyclosporine. Additionally, the alteration of metabolites, particularly amino acids, demonstrated the inhibitory effect of pomegranate and persimmon juices on liver damage. Gallic acid's and catechin's substantial binding affinities with target inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TLR4) were further validated by molecular docking. These results showed that pomegranate and persimmon juices mainly modulated inflammation and oxidative stress to provide hepato-protective benefits against cyclosporine-induced cholestatic liver injury.

Parkinson’s disease is among the neurodegenerative diseases that have no promising remedies. The present research is dealing with searching the associations between molecular, biochemical and microbiota changes in Parkinson’s disease rat model with and without intervention with dark chocolate as prebiotic or a mixture of probiotics ( Lactobacillus plantarum EMCC 1039, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis BB12) during feeding a diet containing oat as prebiotic collectively designated as synbiotic (Sb). Four groups of rats were assigned; a normal control (C), a group given rotenone to induce Parkinson’s disease (P), and two test groups treated with rotenone; one received synbiotic (PSb) and the other treated by dark chocolate (PCh). Results showed plasma soluble transferrin receptor /log ferritin ratios that elevated in the P group denoting anemia was reduced in the test groups; with superiority to Sb. The increased brain malondialdehyde (MDA) together with the decreased glutathione (GSH) indicating high oxidative stress in the P group were improved in the test groups. Immune system that was affected in the P group by reduction of plasma CD4 which is the cluster of differentiation 4 and elevation of brain tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and plasma interferon γ (IFNγ) was improved in the test groups and completely amended concerning IFNγ; Sb showed more promising effect than chocolate concerning TNF-α and CD4. Up-regulation of the brain divalent metal transporter 1 gene (DMT1) in the P group was down-regulated significantly in the test groups till matching that of the C group. Down-regulation of brain dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) gene expression was significantly up-regulated in the test groups with superiority of Sb. Brain histopathological changes in the P group were improved on treatment with either chocolate or Sb with more promising effect by Sb. The cecum content of Firmicutes (F) showed no difference among the different groups while Bacteroidetes (B) was significantly reduced on treatment with chocolate compared to all groups with significant increase of F/B. Cecum Lactobacilli showed significant increase in the PSb group compared to all other groups. It could be concluded that treatment with dark chocolate and Sb improved experimental PD with variable degrees.

The study aimed to assess the effects of water salinity on the sperm parameters, levels of cortisol, LH, FSH, testosterone and antioxidants as well as the testes’ histopathology in Barki rams. Fifteen healthy Barki rams (1–1.5 years) were divided into three equal depending on the type of drinking water for nine months. The rams in the tap water group (TW, water that contained 350 ppm of total dissolved salts (TDS). Males in the high saline water group (HSW) were permitted to consume high saline water with 8,934 ppm TDS, whereas those in the second group were permitted to have moderately saline water (MSW, 4,557 ppm TDS). High salt concentration in drinking water had adverse effect on sperm viability, morphology and sperm cell concertation. Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations in blood were significantly higher in the MSW and HSW groups than in TW. There was a significant decrease in glutathione concentration as well as superoxide dismutase activity in TDS and HSW. Cortisol was most highly concentrated in the HSW, next in the MSW, and least in TW. The testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations in the HSW and MSW groups were significantly lower than in TW. As the salt concentration in drinking water increases, damage to testicular tissue. The MSW group demonstrating vacuolation of lining epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei in the epididymis and necrosis and desquamation of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules while HSW group displaying desquamated necrotic cells and giant cell formation in the epididymis, as well as damage to some of the seminiferous tubules and showed congestion, vacuolation of spermatogenic epithelium of seminiferous tubules, and desquamated necrotic spermatogenic epithelium. In conclusion, the salinity of the water has detrimental impacts on the sperm morphology, viability and concentration, hormones and antioxidant levels in Barki rams.

Background and Aim: Estrus detection plays a crucial role in the success of animal reproduction. It was previously reported that body temperature changes during estrus. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaginal temperatures (VTs) measured by a data logger, ovarian activity, and hormonal cyclic changes in camels. Materials and Methods: Six mature, healthy, non-pregnant dromedary, and 10-12-year-old camels were included in the study. The ovarian activity was monitored with ultrasonography, and estrus behavior was evaluated using an active and virile male camel. Animals were inserted with a blank controlled internal drug release device attached with an intravaginal data logger. Every hour, the ambient temperature was recorded by another data logger. Blood samples were collected, and sera were used to measure estradiol and progesterone levels. Results: The whole follicular cycle lasted 25.41±1.36 days, and the maximum sizes of the dominant follicle in the first and second follicular waves were 1.63±0.27 cm and 1.94±0.42 cm, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the follicular diameter and estradiol-17β level (p<0.01, r=0.397). There was no correlation between the follicular diameter and progesterone level (p>0.05, r=0.038), which remained low during the whole period of the experiment. The mean daily VT was significantly correlated with the diameter of the dominant follicle (1.7-2.2 cm, p<0.01, r=0.52). Conclusion: Measurement of VT will improve the accuracy of estrus prediction. Further studies are recommended to validate VT in camel reproduction.

The goal of this study was to design polymeric beads with a core of date palm pollen (DPP, Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract using the ionic gelation method and then assess the effects of the extract in combination with alginate polymer (alginate/DPP beads) on the profile of phenolic compounds, their in vitro controlled release, as well as their antioxidant characteristics, and potential role in hepato-protection and fertility-stimulating hormones improvement in bisphenol A (BPA)-treated rats. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 94.27 ± 1.47%. The study found that phenolic release was highest (89.81%) at pH 7.4 (simulated intestinal fluid) and lowest (59.43%) at pH 2 (simulated stomach fluid) after 3 h. This particular type of bead also exhibited significant antioxidant activity, phenolic component content, and flavonoid content. The estimated phenolic content was 66.48 mg GAE/g, with methyl gallate, gallic acid, and naringenin as the main components. In vivo evaluation findings revealed that both doses of alginate/DPP beads (delivering 250 and 350 mg/kg of extract per day) significantly protected the liver (as demonstrated by downregulated liver function parameters), improved levels of male fertility-stimulating hormones, reduced oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory cytokines, and protected both liver and testicular tissues from BPA-induced changes. Thus, the actions of alginate/DPP beads make them a promising choice for antioxidant, liver-protecting, and male hormone-enhancing hydrogels.

Background and aim Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is suspected clinically and confirmed through endoscopic biopsy. It can be followed-up and assessed by noninvasive biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin. Recently, B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) has been proposed to be a regulator of B-cell and T-cell immune responses and to be associated with inflammatory processes in autoimmunity. The aim of our study was to clarify the role of fecal BAFF as a simple predictor for disease activity and severity in patients with UC. Patients and methods Fifty Egyptian patients with UC were divided into two groups: group I including 40 patients with active UC (newly diagnosed) and group II including 10 patients with inactive UC (previously diagnosed); disease activity was assessed according to the Mayo activity scoring index; fecal BAFF and fecal calprotectin were measured for all patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Significantly higher levels of Fecal BAFF and fecal calprotectin were found among patients with active UC, as compared with inactive UC patients. Fecal BAFF more than or equal to 50 μg/g had 97.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity in predicting disease activity in comparison with fecal calprotectin, which had a sensitivity and specificity of 90% at a cut off value more than or equal to 47 μg/g. In predicting disease severity, fecal BAFF more than or equal to 340 μg/g had a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%, while fecal calprotectin more than or equal to 170 μg/g had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 95%. Conclusion Fecal BAFF is more sensitive and specific in predicting UC activity and severity than fecal calprotectin.

The incidence of chronic kidney disease is escalating; cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 4 is gaining a major health concern causing significant morbidity and mortality, putting major burdens on the healthcare system. This study was designed to compare the cardioprotective effects of carvedilol versus atenolol against CRS type 4 induced by subtotal 5/6 nephrectomy in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Immediately after surgery, carvedilol (20 mg/kg/day) or atenolol (20 mg/kg/day) was added to drinking water for 10 weeks. Carvedilol was more effective than atenolol in improving kidney functions, decreasing elevated blood pressures, attenuating cardiac hypertrophy, reducing serum brain natriuretic peptide, and diminished cardiac fibrous tissue deposition. However, carvedilol was equivalent to atenolol in modulating β 1 -adrenergic receptors (β 1 ARs) and cardiac diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling, but carvedilol was superior in modulating β-arrestin2, phosphatidyl inositol 4,5 bisphosphates (PIP2), and caspase 3 levels. Carvedilol has superior cardioprotective effects than atenolol in a rat model of CRS type 4. These protective effects are mediated through modulating cardiac β 1 ARs/β-arrestin2/PIP2/DAG as well as abating cardiac apoptotic signaling pathways (caspase3/pS473 protein kinase B (Akt)).