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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.

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, H 2 O 2 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.

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.

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.

Thirteen components were identified in the methanol extract of Moricandia sinaica leaves (MSLE) through analysis utilizing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS., including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. The methanol extract of M . sinaica leaves contained total phenolics and flavonoids (59.37 ± 2.19 mg GAE/g and 38.94 ± 2.72 mg QE/g), respectively. Furthermore, it revealed in vitro antioxidant properties as determined by the DPPH and FRAP assays, with respective IC 50 values of 10.22 ± 0.64 and 20.89 ± 1.25 μ g/mL. The extract exhibited a notable hepatoprotective effect in rats who experienced paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. When a dose of 250 mg/kg was given, there was a 52% reduction in alanine transaminase and a 30% reduction in aspartate transaminase compared to the group with the disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated a 3.4-fold, 2.2-fold, and 2.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase, non-protein sulfhydryl, and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. In addition, it demonstrated a 68% decrease in lipid peroxide levels compared to the group with paracetamol-induced condition. The verification was conducted using a histological study, which identified improved liver histology with a small number of distended hepatocytes. Moreover, in silico studies focused on the enzymes NADPH oxidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as the targets for the major compounds. In conclusion, MSLE showed promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to its richness in antioxidant metabolites.

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.

The Libyan Strawberry, 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.

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.

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. 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. 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.