Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study was aimed to determine the residual concentrations of pesticides used in greenhouse cucumber fields and their effects on the farmers that spray it. Sixteen active cucumber greenhouse fields with 96 people (75 sprayers and 21 volunteers as control) randomly had been selected. In all selected greenhouses, abamectin, thiamethoxam, pyridabin, and spirodiclofen pesticides were used, their cucumber with leaves and groundwater collected in December 2017, March, June, and September 2018 with workers blood samples, were immediately brought to the laboratory. Results showed the occurrence of residual pesticides in the plant and groundwater samples with a highest level in the plant samples, while decreased in water samples. That is in comparison with control, sprayer blood results showed that cholinesterase activity decreased significantly meanwhile, liver function enzymes: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, direct and total serum bilirubin increased significantly. The kidney function test revealed that the mean serum urea concentration in the sprayers was considerably increased compared to the controls, while there was no significant change between the sprayers and the control serum creatinine. Slight variations in the declining number of red blood cells; however, white blood cells have significantly risen to their upper limit within normal ranges.

Launaea nudicaulis is used in folk medicine worldwide to treat several diseases. The present study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity of L. nudicaulis ethanolic extract and its effect on diabetic complications in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. The extract was orally administrated at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 5-weeks and compared to glibenclamide as a reference drug at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day. Administration of the extract exhibited a potential hypoglycemic effect manifested by a significant depletion of serum blood glucose concurrent with a significant elevation in serum insulin secretion. After 5-weeks, extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day decreased blood glucose levels by about 53.8 and 68.1%, respectively, compared to the initial values (p ≤ 0.05). The extract at the two dosages prevented weight loss of rats from the 2nd week till the end of the experiment, compared to diabetic control rats. The extract further exhibited marked improvement in diabetic complications including liver, kidney and testis performance, oxidative stress, and relative weight of vital organs, with respect to diabetic control. Histopathological examinations confirmed the previous biochemical analysis, where the extract showed a protective effect on the pancreas, liver, kidney, and testis that degenerated in diabetic control rats. To characterize extract composition, UPLC-ESI–qTOF-MS identified 85 chromatographic peaks belonging to flavonoids, phenolics, acyl glycerols, nitrogenous compounds, and fatty acids, with four novel phenolics reported. The potential anti-diabetic effect warrants its inclusion in further studies and or isolation of the main bioactive agent(s).

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense food that lowers chronic disease risk. This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory qualities of fermented camel milk with 1, 2, 3, and 4% quinoa. The results showed that improvement in camel’s milk increased the total solids, protein, ash, fiber, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity more effectively. Fermented camel milk with 3% of quinoa flour exhibited the highest sensory characteristics compared to other treatments. Fermented camel milk enriched with 3% red quinoa flour was studied in obese rats. Forty male Wistar rats were separated into five groups: the first group served as a normal control, while groups 2–4 were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HF)-diet and given 2 mL/day of fermented milk and quinoa aqueous extract. Blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea levels decreased dramatically in comparison to the positive control group, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), albumin, and total protein concentrations increased significantly. Fortified fermented camel milk decreased the number of giant adipocytes while increasing the number of tiny adipocytes in the body. The results showed that the liver and renal functions of hypercholesterolemic rats were enhanced by consuming fermented milk and quinoa. These results demonstrated the ability of quinoa and camel milk to protect rats from oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms behind the metabolic effects of fermented camel milk and quinoa.

Alpinia officinarum Hance is one of the most commonly used herbs belongs to Family Zingiberaceae. The current work deals with the qualitative and quantitative chemical study of this plant rhizomes in addition to the investigation of its anticancer activities. The results of the qualitative analysis showed a variation of phytochemical contents in this plant. While quantitative analysis showed a very promising percentage of active materials and Pharmacopeial constants. Analysis of elements like Cu, Zn & Mg were variable chromium was the lowest (0.680 ppm). The active constituents showed the highest percentage of carbohydrate (20.25 ± 1.11) and the lowest was of lipid (2.79 ± 1.03), other constituents percentage ranged from 5.11 ± 1.31 to 18.26 ± 1.24 for protein and flavonoids respectively. The pharmacopeial constant determinations reported the highest in moisture content (11.02 ± 1.05), Total ash, water-soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash were varied in values (5.64 ± 1.31 to 2.01 ± 1.12). The evaluation of the antitumor activities (in vitro) of the investigated plant rhizomes extract showed that; it exhibited a direct cytotoxic effect on the growth of some cell lines compared to the standard drug vinblastine sulphate. The activities were recorded against two cell lines; A-549 (Lung carcinoma) and CACO (colorectal carcinoma) with IC50 6.72 ± 0.5 and 7.6 ± 0.3 µg/ml respectively, these effects were better than the standard drug vinblastine sulphate (IC50 were 24.6 ± 0.7& 30.3 ± 1.4 µg/ml). Moreover, the effect of the investigated extract was also promising on the other three cell lines (HCT-116 (Colon carcinoma, Hela (Cervical carcinoma) & Pc3 (prostate cancer) the best effect was on Hela with IC50 of 24.5 ± 1.1 µg/ml better than vinblastine sulphate (59.7 ± 2.1 µg/ml).

BackgroundNewcastle disease (ND) is widely regarded as one of the most virulent and destructive viral infections that create chaos in the poultry industry and cause widespread epidemics and consequentially debilitating economic losses on a global scale in terms of chicken products. The current experiment evaluates the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra) against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens. Ninety (90) 1-day-old SPF chicks were treated according to ethical approval (BUFVTM 05-02-22) as follows (1) non-treated non-challenged control group; (2) NDV group: Challenged with genotype VII ND virus; and (3) LE/NDV group: Challenged with the virus and intermittently treated with powdered extract of G. glabra roots (LE) in drinking water (0.5 g/L) before and after viral challenge.ResultThe water medication of NDV-challenged chicks has resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms, morbidity, and mortality rates, as well as the quantity of virus shed, compared with the NDV group. Treatment with LE has led to a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST activities, blood glucose level, urea, and creatinine, and significant restoration of serum proteins. In addition, the treatment has resulted in a decrease in MDA and NO levels, as well as an increase in T-SOD and catalase activities compared with untreated challenged chicks. LE decreased IFN-γ and TLR-3 gene expression in comparison with the NDV group. The treated challenged birds had fewer macroscopically detectable lesions in their respiratory, digestive, and lymphoid organs than the untreated challenged birds. Microscopically, the LE/NDV group exhibited mild to moderate pathological changes in the respiratory and digestive systems as well as lymphoid tissues, in contrast to the NDV group, which exhibited severe pathological changes. Furthermore, molecular docking assessment proved the efficacy of G. glabra against viral proliferation and invasion.ConclusionWe concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra powdered extract at a dose of 0.5 g/L drinking water can effectively mitigate the debilitating effects of Newcastle disease in chickens.

Animal experiments suggest that selenium (Se) may alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in animal liver and kidneys, but its effect on human liver and kidneys remains uncertain. In China, areas with black shale have shown elevated levels of Se and Cd. According to the USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) evaluation method, the soil and rice in these areas pose significant risks. In black shale regions such as Enshi and Zhuxi County, residents who long‐term consume local rice may surpass safe Se and Cd intake levels. Significantly high median blood Se (B‐Se) and urine selenium (U‐Se) levels were detected in these areas, measuring 416.977 μg/L and 352.690 μg/L and 104.527 μg/L and 51.820 μg/L, respectively. Additionally, the median blood Cd (B‐Cd) and urine Cd (U‐Cd) levels were markedly elevated at 4.821 μg/L and 3.848 μg/L and at 7.750 μg/L and 7.050 μg/L, respectively, indicating substantial Cd exposure. Nevertheless, sensitive liver and kidney biomarkers in these groups fall within healthy reference ranges, suggesting a potential antagonistic effect of Se on Cd in the human body. Therefore, the USEPA method may not accurately assess Cd risk in exposed black shale areas. However, within the healthy ranges, residents in the Enshi study area had significantly greater median levels of serum creatinine and cystatin C, measuring 67.3 μmol/L and 0.92 mg/L, respectively, than those in Zhuxi did (53.6 μmol/L and 0.86 mg/L). In cases of excessive Se and Cd exposure, high Se and Cd levels impact the filtration function of the human kidney to some extent. Plain Language Summary Se is an essential trace element for humans. However, excessive intake of Se can harm humans. Cd is a carcinogen and a chronic potent nephrotoxin that mostly accumulates in the human liver and kidneys. Animal experiments suggest that Se may alleviate Cd toxicity in animal liver and kidneys, but its effect on human liver and kidneys remains uncertain. In China, areas with black shale exposure have shown elevated levels of Se and Cd. According to the USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) evaluation method, the soil and rice in these areas pose significant risks. Our results suggested that the exposed black shale areas are simultaneously enriched with Se and Cd. However, residents in these areas were exposed to excessive Se and Cd long‐term without significant damage to liver and kidney functions. Therefore, the USEPA method may not accurately assess Cd risk in exposed black shale areas. The risk assessment of heavy metals in high‐Se geological background areas cannot be separated from human health surveys. Our study provides evidence for the antagonistic effects of Se and Cd on the human body. Key Points Residents in exposed black shale areas consume excessive Se and Cd through local rice Human liver and kidney functions are not significantly damaged in exposed black shale areas The USEPA method may not accurately assess Cd risk in exposed black shale areas

Combination antiretroviral therapies (cARTs) are linked with multiple-organ system (MOS) toxicities in laboratory animals, and in humans undertaking treatment for HIV/AIDS. The ameliorative potential of low-dose quercetin following cART-associated MOS-toxicities in cardio-hepato-renal organs was evaluated in in vivo model. Oral administration of cART (Dolutegravir 50 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg [DLT]) at 9.29 mg/kg, was challenged against low-dose quercetin 25 mg/kg body weight (bw) in Wistar rats. Group 1, the normal control (NC) received distilled water (5 mL), while groups 2 to 4 received quercetin (25 mg), DLT (9.29 mg), and DLT + quercetin (9.29 mg + 25 mg respectively), per kg bw. All administrations lasted for 14 days, and thereafter animals were humanely sacrificed after intraperitoneal anesthesia injection with 100 mg ketamine /5 mg xylazine per kg bw followed by cervical dislocation. Blood and organs were harvested for analyses using standard protocols. The serum concentrations of lipid parameters [total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol], liver biomarkers (total-bilirubin, direct-bilirubin, and transaminases], and kidney biomarkers [urea and creatinine] were significantly increased (p < 0.05) while electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl− and HCO3−) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in DLT group but improved in DLT + Q group. Histopathology demonstrated distorted myocytes, hepatocytes and renal tubules, fatty liver with vacuolization, dystrophied glomeruli and distorted renal interstitium in DLT group, compared with normal appearing histoarchitectural features in NC and DLT + Q groups. In conclusion, oral administration of low-dose quercetin (25 mg/kg) ameliorated cART-associated cardio-hepato-renal toxicities in rats, improving their biomarkers and histoarchitecture.

The present study aims to investigate the effects of both garlic and curcumin through evaluating their therapeutic properties as antioxidants on liver and kidney functions, hepatic antioxidants and GPx gene expression against aflatoxicosis of O. niloticus . In total, 180 of tilapia were divided into ten groups; T 1 represented the negative control fed on a basal diet, and T 2 was injected with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of AFB 1 (6 mg/kg b.w.). Fish in T 3 –T 6 were fed on a basal diet supplemented with both garlic (T 3 and T 4 ) and curcumin (T 5 and T 6 ) at the two concentrations of 10 and 20 g/kg diet, respectively. Fish in T 7 –T 10 groups were injected with AFB 1 and fed on the garlic (T 7 and T 8 ) and curcumin (T 9 and T 10 ) dietaries. The results showed that AFB 1 has significant potency for increasing the activity of plasma AST, ALT, creatinine and uric acid values, and hepatic MDA as well as for reducing the concentrations of plasma TP, AL, GL and hepatic activity of TAC, while AFB 1 led to up-regulated GPx gene expression when compared to the control (T 1 ). These harmful effects of AFB 1 were alleviated due to the garlic and curcumin dietaries in some studied parameters. Garlic reflected the highest induction of gene expression (T 7 ); however, curcumin showed significant down-regulated (T 9 ). These results concluded that the effects of garlic were better than curcumin at the two concentrations and the low concentration of them is more beneficial than the high concentration when it used against AFB 1 in O. niloticus.

The present study was aimed to understand the dose-dependent effects of cobalt carbonate nanoparticles (CoCO 3 NPs), impacts on the antioxidant systems, hematological parameters, and organ morphology of albino mice. Furthermore, impacts on liver and kidney function and influence on lipid profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in albino mice. The experiments were conducted using two groups of two different doses of CoCO 3 NPs in a low dose (50 µl of 1 mg/ml) and high dose (100 µl of 1 mg/ml) compared with the control group. Parameters evaluated included the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD); hematological parameters; and histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. The nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Data showed that the activities of CAT and SOD, which are representative of adaptive responses toward oxidative stress, are enhanced in a dose–response manner in the presence of CoCO 3 NPs. However, POD activity decreased, indicating that there might be some inhibitory effects at higher dosages. Hematological analysis showed a significant alteration in monocyte count and platelet count with an increase in nanoparticle concentration. On the other hand, histopathological examination is indicative of damage to the liver and kidney at higher doses. Finally, the study has demonstrated that exposure to CoCO 3 NPs exerts complex effects in albino mice, characterized by increases in some antioxidant defenses, organ damage, and alterations in hematological parameters.

(SMW) can clear heat, expel dampness, tonify the kidney, strengthen the muscles, and treat damp heat in the spleen, stomach, and Lower Jiao. SMW is a formula commonly used for the clinical treatment of gout and hyperuricemia (HUA), especially asymptomatic HUA, and has shown remarkable therapeutic effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of SMW in a rat model of HUA using serum metabolomics. Rats were administered high levels of uric acid (UA) to establish a model of hyperuricemia and subsequently treated with SMW. Then, the levels of the biochemical indicators serum uric acid (SUA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE) were measured, and histological analysis of stained liver and kidney tissue sections was performed. Furthermore, blood samples were collected after the animal experiment for serum untargeted metabolomics analysis via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS/MS) and subsequent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analysis. The levels of the biochemical indicators were significantly lower in rats treated with SMW than in control rats. Additionally, metabolomics and KEGG enrichment pathway analyses indicated that central carbon metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways may play important regulatory roles in the SMW-mediated lowering of the SUA level in hyperuricemic rats. SMW effectively reduced the SUA level in hyperuricemic rat models and alleviated the renal impairment induced by hyperuricemia. The mechanism of SMW is closely associated with pathways related to central carbon metabolism in cancer, protein digestion and absorption, and amino acid biosynthesis.