Elevated levels of liver methylglyoxal and d‐lactate in early‐stage hepatitis in rats

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is highly cytotoxic and its levels are elevated in diabetes, nephropathy and atherosclerosis. However, it has never been studied in liver disease. For this reason, we aimed to assess the levels of MGO and its metabolite d ‐lactate in an early hepatitis model. Wistar rats were administered CCl₄ (0.75 mL/kg, i.p.) to induce hepatitis. In either CCl₄‐treated or untreated rats, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels did not change over the course of the study, indicating that significant liver damage did not occur following CCl₄ treatment. However, the levels of MGO and d ‐lactate were higher in the livers of CCl₄‐treated animals than in untreated animals (MGO: 128.2 ± 18.8 and 248.1 ± 64.9 μg/g protein, p < 0.01; d ‐lactate: 0.860 ± 0.040 and 1.293 ± 0.078 μmol/g protein, respectively p < 0.01). Furthermore, in untreated and treated animals, serum d ‐lactate levels were 57.65 ± 2.59 and 92.16 ± 16.69 μm and urine d ‐lactate levels were 1.060 ± 0.007 and 1.555 ± 0.366 μmol/mg UCr, respectively (p < 0.01). These data show that in this model of early‐stage liver damage, the levels of MGO and its metabolite d ‐lactate are elevated and that d ‐lactate could be useful as a reference marker for the early stage of hepatitis.     

Atmospheric chemistry of CCl2FCH2CF3 (HCFC-234fb): Kinetics and mechanism of reactions with Cl atoms and OH radicals

The atmospheric chemistry of CCl₂FCH₂CF₃ (HFCF-234fb) was examined using FT-IR/relative-rate methods. Hydroxyl radical and chlorine atom rate coefficients of k(CCl₂FCH₂CF₃+OH)= (2.9 ± 0.8) × 10⁻¹⁵ cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1 and k(CCl₂FCH₂CF₃+Cl)= (2.3 ± 0.6) × 10⁻¹⁷ cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1 were determined at 297 ± 2 K. The OH rate coefficient determined here is two times higher than the previous literature value. The atmospheric lifetime for CCl₂FCH₂CF₃ with respect to reaction with OH radicals is approximately 21 years using the OH rate coefficient determined in this work, estimated Arrhenius parameters and scaling it to the atmospheric lifetime of CH₃CCl₃. The chlorine atom initiated oxidation of CCl₂FCH₂CF₃ gives C(O)F₂ and C(O)ClF as stable secondary products. The halogenated carbon balance is close to 80% in our system. The integrated IR absorption cross-section for CCl₂FCH₂CF₃ is 1.87 × 10⁻¹⁶ cm molecule⁻¹ (600–1600 cm⁻¹) and the radiative efficiency was calculated to 0.26 W m⁻² ppb¹. A 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1460 was determined, accounting for an estimated stratospheric lifetime of 58 years and using a lifetime-corrected radiative efficiency estimation.     

Comprehensive analysis of the compound profiles of Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole–time-of-flight mass spectrometry and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice

Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae (jinhuacha in Chinese, JHC) is a kind of caffeine-less tea with antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial effects. Studies on the chemical profiles and hepatoprotective effects of JHC extracts have not been systematically conducted so far. This study comprehensively investigated the compound profiles of JHC extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. We also determined JHC's hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury in mice. A JHC extract was administered orally to mice at 1.95 and 7.80 g/kg body weight once daily for 14 consecutive days prior to CCl₄ treatment. Eighty-four compounds including flavonoids, organic acids, catechins, coumarins, phenylpropanol, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins and nucleosides in JHC extract were authentically identified or tentatively identified by comparing MS information and retention times with those of authentic standards or available references. JHC administration significantly decreased elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in mouse serum, inhibited hepatic malondialdehyde formation and enhanced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities in the liver of CCl₄-treated mice. The histological observations also further supported the results. These results demonstrate that JHC contains various chemical compounds and its hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury correlated with decreasing lipid oxidation are significant.     

Schizocalyx cuspidatus (A. St.-Hil.) Kainul. & B. Bremer extract improves antioxidant defenses and accelerates the regression of hepatic fibrosis after exposure to carbon tetrachloride in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of leaves extract of Schizocalyx cuspidatus (A. St.-Hil.) Kainul. & B. Bremer on hepatic morphofunctional dysfunction induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Liver lesions were induced via intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ every 48 h for 12 days. Forty-nine rats were randomised into seven groups: G1: CCl₄; G2: CCl₄ (animals euthanised 24 h after last CCl₄ application); G3: CCl₄ + DMSO; G4: SCE 400 mg/kg; G5: DMSO (700 μl); G6: CCl₄ + SCE 200 mg/kg and G7: CCl₄ + SCE 400 mg/kg. SCE administration resulted in reduction in hydroperoxide levels, lipidic droplets and necrosis compared to G1, G2 and G3. There was an increase in the amount of collagen fibres in G1, G2 and G3 compared to the groups. These results show that the extract of SCE leaves has great potential for the recovery of liver damage after the application of CCl₄.     

Novel silver-platinum bimetallic nanoalloy synthesized from Vernonia mespilifolia extract: Antioxidant,antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities

In this study, bimetallic nanoparticles comprising silver and platinum with promising therapeutic activities were synthesized using ethanolic Vernonia mespilifolia plant extract for the first time. The bimetallic silver-platinum nanoparticles (AgPtNPs) were characterized using solid-state techniques including UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The internal morphological structure showed that the AgPtNPs were spherical with a diameter of approximately 35.5 ± 0.8 nm, while FTIR confirmed the effective capping and formation of the nanoparticles by phytoconstituents. The polyphenolic contents of the green synthesized nanoparticles from the ethanolic extract of V. mespilifolia (AgNPs and AgPtNPs) was found to be (28.0 ± 0.8 and 13.6 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g) total phenol, while the flavonoids content was (366.2 ± 17.0 and 126.6 ± 0.2 mg QE/g), and proanthocyanins content was (161.8 ± 0.6 and 70.2 ± 0.6 mg CE/g). The AgPtNPs displayed a greater ability to scavenge free radicals, especially DPPH and ABTS (IC₅₀ 19.5 and 21.6 µg/mL) respectively when compared with AgNPs and ascorbic acid. Besides, the AgPtNPs had a higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (44.1 mg GAE/g) when compared to AgNPs (18.5 mg GAE/g). Moreover, the AgPtNPs showed a two-fold antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic microbes compared to AgNPs and a selective cytotoxic potency towards MCF-7 breast cancer cell line compared to HEK 293 normal cell line. In summary, these fascinating bioactivities displayed by the AgPtNPs highlighted their potential in therapeutic biomedical applications.     

Use of hydrophobins in formulation of water insoluble drugs for oral administration

The poor water solubility of many drugs requires a specific formulation to achieve a sufficient bioavailability after oral administration. Suspensions of small drug particles can be used to improve the bioavailability. We here show that the fungal hydrophobin SC3 can be used to make suspensions of water insoluble drugs. Bioavailability of two of these drugs, nifedipine and cyclosporine A (CyA), was tested when administered as a SC3-based suspension. SC3 (in a 1:2 (w/w) drug:SC3 ratio) or 100% PEG400 increased the bioavailability of nifedipine to a similar degree (6 ± 2- and 4 ± 3-fold, respectively) compared to nifedipine powder without additives. Moreover, SC3 (in a 7:1 (w/w) drug:hydrophobin ratio) was as effective as a 20-fold diluted Neoral^® formulation by increasing bioavailability of CyA 2.3 ± 0.3-fold compared to CyA in water. Interestingly, using SC3 in the CyA formulation resulted in a slower uptake (p < 0.001 in T_max) of the drug, with a lower peak concentration (C_max 1.8 mg ml^?1) at a later time point (T_max 9 ± 2 h) compared to Neoral^® (C_max 2.2 mg ml^?1; T_max 3.2 ± 0.2). Consequently, SC3 will result in a more constant, longer lasting drug level in the body. Taken together, hydrophobins are attractive candidates to formulate hydrophobic drugs.     

ZnO hollow nanospheres via Laux-like oxidation of Zn0 nanoparticles

Zinc oxide hollow nanospheres were obtained via a Laux-like oxidation of zinc nanoparticles using nitrobenzene as oxidizing agent. The ZnO hollow nanospheres exhibit an outer diameter of 10.4 ± 1.3 nm and a well crystallized sphere wall with a thickness of 2.9 ± 0.4 nm. Laux-like oxidation and formation of the ZnO hollow nanospheres were performed instantaneously after sodium naphthalenide ([NaNaph]) driven reduction of ZnCl₂ to Zn⁰ nanoparticles in the liquid phase without any separation of the intermediate Zn⁰ nanoparticles. The diameter of the resulting ZnO hollow nanospheres (10.4 ± 1.3 nm) reflects the diameter of the intermediate Zn⁰ nanoparticles (10.1 ± 2.3 nm). In accordance with the small diameter of the ZnO sphere wall, quantum-size effects occur with a band gap that is blue-shifted by 0.2 eV in comparison to bulk-ZnO.     

Preparation and biological evaluation of radiolabeled-folate embedded superparamagnetic nanoparticles in wild-type rats

In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) embedded by folic acid (SPION-folate) were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method. The structure, size, morphology, magnetic property and relaxivity of the SPION-folate were characterized systematically by means of XRD, VSM, HRSEM and TEM and the interaction between folate and iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) was characterized by FT-IR. The particle size was shown to be ≈5–10 nm. To ensure biocompatibility, the interaction of these SPION with mouse connective tissue cells (adhesive) was investigated using an MTT assay. Consequently, gallium-67 labeled nanoparticles ([⁶⁷Ga]-SPION-folate) were prepared using ⁶⁷Ga with a high labeling efficiency (over 96%, RTLC method) and they also showed an excellent stability at room temperature for at least 2 days and were evaluated for their biodistribution in normal rats up to 24 h compared with free Ga³⁺ cation and [⁶⁷Ga]-SPION biodistribution. The biodistribution of the tracer among 3 other folate tracers were compared, showing lower liver uptake and higher blood circulation after 24 h leading to better bioavailability. The bone:muscle, kidney:muscle, lung:muscle, stomach:muscle ratios were 9.3, 9.32, 7.6 and 5.83 respectively. The developed folate-containing nano-system can be an interesting folate receptor tracer, capable of better cell membrane permeability while possessing paramagnetic properties for thermotherapy.     

Synthesis of new 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole analogs as potent inhibitors of β-Glucuronidase and in silico study

New benzimidazole analogues (1–18) were synthesized and characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HREI-MS. All analogues were screened for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All analogues showed varied degree of inhibitory potentials with IC₅₀ values ranging between 1.10 ± 0.10 to 39.60 ± 0.70 μM when compared with standard _D-saccharic acid-1,4- lactone having IC₅₀ value 48.30 μM. Analogues 17, 11, 9, 6, 1 and 13 having IC₅₀ values 1.10 ± 0.10, 1.70 ± 0.10, 2.30 ± 0.10, 5.30 ± 0.20, 6.20 ± 0.20 and 8.10 ± 0.20 μM respectively, showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential many folds better than the standard. All other analogues also showed good inhibitory potential better as compared to standard. Structure activity relationships (SAR) has been established for all compounds. The results from molecular docking studies supports the established SAR and developed a strong correlation with the results from in to vitro assay. The molecular docking results clearly highlighted how substituents like nitro and chloro affect the binding position of the active compounds in the active site. The docking results were also used to properly establish the effect of bulky substituents of least active compounds on reduced β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–18 were found non-toxic.     

Electrodeposition of monodispersed metal nanoparticles in a nafion film: Towards highly active nanocatalysts

We have explored a new and facile method for the fabrication of metal nanoparticles on the electrode surface. The approach for fabricating metal nanoparticles was carried out by two steps consisting of ion-exchange in nafion film coated on the electrode and subsequent reduction of metal ions to metallic nanoparticles by electrochemical method. The results of characterization by TEM show that metal nanoparticles were nearly monodispersed in the whole nafion film. The average diameters of Cu, Co and Ni nanoparticles were statistically measured to be 5.1 nm ± 0.2 nm, 4.6 nm ± 0.2 nm and 4.7 nm ± 0.2 nm, respectively. The amount of metal nanoparticles can be readily controlled by the amount of nafion coated on the electrode. By performing the H₂O₂ reduction at the obtained Cu nanoparticles, the high electrocatalytic activity of metal nanoparticles fabricated has been confirmed.     

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by Allium cepa L. to produce silver nano‐coated fabric and their antimicrobial evaluation

This research work was proposed to study the antimicrobial activity of the silver nanocoated fabric with the purpose of producing good dressing and clothing material. We synthesized simple, ecofriendly, cost‐effective and sustainable silver nanoparticles by using the aqueous extract of Allium cepa L. Here, A. cepa L. acts as a good reducing and capping agent that produced stable silver nanoparticles having particle size of range 36 ± 1 to 98 ± 2 nm, Poly dispersiblity index 0.234 ± 0.61 to 1.023 ± 0.33 and Zeta potential ‐12 ± 1.5 mV to ‐26 ± 1.2 mV. The effect of temperature and extract volume used was considered for optimization of synthetic procedure. The nanocoated fabric was characterized for morphological study, size (using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and zeta‐potential (Zeta Potentiometer). The presence of functional groups were observed by using attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity and structural property of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied in terms of Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). An IC₅₀ value and zone of inhibition was studied which demonstrate that the silver nanocoated fabric have an excellent antibacterial property against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Further nanocoated fabric material was washed (with function of time 0, 10, 25, and 50 laundry cycles) and still retained their anti‐bacterial activity towards both strain. Initially there was 52 μg/ml of silver nanoparticles on the cotton fabric but after 50 laundry cycle in 500 ml of distilled water the fabric showed 92% efficiency against gram positive and 90% efficacy toward gram negative bacteria. It was found that 4.16 μg/ml nano particles leached in case of S. Aureus and 5.2 μg/mL silver nanoparticles leached in case of E. coli. Nanocoated fabric material synthesized using green synthesis was found to be economical with good resistance to washing.     

Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate by Charge-Transfer Mechanism with Amines and Carbon Tetrachloride

The charge-transfer complex formed between an amine and carbon tetrachloride can initiate the polymerization of vinyl monomers in a nonaqueous solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide. Here we use cyclopentylamine (CPA) and heptylamine (HA) as the donor compounds for charge-transfer initiation of the polymerization of methl methacrylate (MMA). The rate of polymerization R_p = k[MMA]¹ [amine]^0.5 [CCl₄]^0.5 when [CCl₄] [amine] ≤ 1; when [CCl₄] [amine] < 1, R_p becomes independent of [CCl₄] and R_p = k[MMA]^1.5 [amine]^0.5. The average constant at 60°C for the polymerization of MMA in terms of monomer were (1.66 ± 0.03) × 10^?5 and (1.46 ± 0.04) × 10^?5 s^?1 with CPA and HA, respectively, when [CCl₄] [amine] ≤ 1, and (1.16 ± 0.04) × 10^?5 and (1.39 ± 0.08) × 10^?1 L/mol·s when [CCl₄]/[amine] < 1.     

FTIR study of the Cl- and Br-atom initiated oxidation of trichloroethylene

The Cl- and Br- initiated oxidations of CHCl(DOUBLEBOND)CCl₂ in 700 torr of air at 296 K have been studied using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Rate constants k(Cl+CHCl(DOUBLEBOND)CCl₂)=(7.2±0.8)×10⁻¹¹ and k(Br+CHCl(DOUBLEBOND)CCl₂)=(1.1±0.4)×10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ were determined using a relative rate technique with ethane and ethylene as references, respectively. The major products observed were CHXClC(O)Cl, (X=Cl or Br), CHClO, and CCl₂O. Combining results obtained for the Cl-initiated oxidation of CHCl₂(SINGLEBOND)CHCl₂, we deduced that Cl-addition on trichloroethylene occurs via channel 1a, Cl+CHCl(DOUBLEBOND)CCl₂→ CHCl₂(SINGLEBOND)CCl₂, (100±12)%. Self-reaction of the subsequently generated peroxy radicals CHCl₂(SINGLEBOND)CCl₂O₂ leads to CHCl₂CCl₂O radicals which were found to decompose via channel 8a, CHCl₂C(O)Cl+Cl, (91±11)% of the time, and channel 8b, CHCl₂+CCl₂O, (9±2)%. The reaction Br+CHCl(DOUBLEBOND)CCl₂→CHBrCl(SINGLEBOND)CCl₂ (17a) accounted for ≥(96±11)% of the total reaction. Decomposition of the CHBrCl(SINGLEBOND)CCl₂O radicals proceeds (≥93±11)% via CHBrClC(O)Cl+Cl. As part of this work, k(Cl+CHCl₂C(O)Cl)=(3.6±0.6)×10⁻¹⁴ and k(Cl+CHCl₂(SINGLEBOND)CHCl₂)=(1.9±0.2)×10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ were measured. Errors reported above include statistical uncertainties (2σ) and estimated systematic uncertainties. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet: 29: 695–704, 1997.     

Inhibitory effect of silibinin on tumour necrosis factor-alpha and hydrogen peroxide production by human monocytes

Silibinin is a chemically defined flavonoid and the main active component of silymarin, a polyphenolic complex from Silybum marianum, which has anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic properties. Monocytes obtained from healthy individuals were incubated with silibinin to evaluate cell viability, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) release and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production by these cells. The duration of treatment and different silibinin concentrations had no significant effect on cell viability. Monocytes showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2) release by phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated monocytes in silibinin concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 50 μg mL(-1). Significant inhibition of TNF-α production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes was observed at concentrations of 12.5, 50 and 100 μg mL(-1) of silibinin. These results suggest that silibinin exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on human monocytes through an inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2) release and on TNF-α production, respectively.     

Vanillin cross-linked hydrogel membranes interfacial reinforced by carbon nitride nanosheets for enhanced antibacterial activity and mechanical properties

Biopolymer based hydrogels are highly adaptable, compatible and have shown great potential in biological tissues in biomedical applications. However, the development of bio-based hydrogels with high strength and effective antibacterial activity remains challenging. Herein, a series of Vanillin-cross-linked chitosan nanocomposite hydrogel interfacially reinforced by g-C₃N₄ nanosheet carrying starch-caped Ag NPs were prepared for wound healing applications. The study aimed to enhance the strength, sustainability and control release ability of the fabricated membranes. Starch-caped silver nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the anti-bacterial activities The fabricated membranes were assessed using various characterization techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, mechanical testing, Gel fraction and porosity alongside traditional biomedical tests i.e., swelling percentage, moisture retention ability, water vapor transmission rate, oxygen permeability, anti-bacterial activity and drug-release of the fabricated membranes. The mechanical strength reached as high as 25.9 ± 0.24 MPa for the best optimized sample. The moisture retention lied between 87–89%, gel fraction 80–85%, and water vapor transmission up to 104 ± 1.9 g/m²h showing great properties of the fabricated membrane. Swelling percentage surged to 225% for blood while porosity fluctuated between 44% ± 2.1% and 52.5% ± 2.3%. Oxygen permeability reached up to 8.02 mg/L showing the breathable nature of fabricated membranes. The nanocomposite membrane shown excellent antibacterial activity for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with a maximum zone of inhibition 30 ± 0.25 mm and 36.23 ± 0.23 mm respectively. Furthermore, nanoparticles maintained sustainable release following non-fickian diffusion. The fabricated membrane demonstrated the application of inorganic filler to enhance the strength of biopolymer hydrogel with superior properties. These results envisage the potential of synthesized membrane to be used as wound dressing, artificial skin and load-bearing scaffolds.     

In-vitro hemolytic activity and free radical scavenging by sol-gel synthesized Fe3O4 stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles

Zirconia ceramics have attained much consideration owing to the amazing mechanical strength and white color. These properties provide an opportunity for the use in biomedical applications. In the present study, an application oriented sol-gel route was adapted for synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles. ZrOCl₂·8H₂O was used as a precursor, iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (pH 2 & pH 9) as a stabilizer and de-ionized water was used as a solvent. Sol-gel synthesized iron oxide stabilized zirconia nanoparticles were prepared by varying concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles in the range of 2–10 wt%. X-ray diffraction results showed mixed phases at all wt% with acidic pH value, while pure tetragonal phase of zirconia was observed for stabilization with 6 wt% basic iron oxide. Maximum value of dielectric constant (~80 at log f = 4) and minimum value of tangent loss (~0.66 at log f = 4) were observed for zirconia stabilized with basic 6 wt% iron oxide. Maximum value of hardness (1410 ± 10 HV) along with high fracture toughness were observed with optimized stabilization. Very weak hemolytic activity and maximum scavenging (~76) antioxidant activity was observed under optimized conditions. Thus, it can be suggested that optimized nanoparticles, i.e. tetragonal zirconia stabilized with 6 wt% of basic Fe₃O₄, can be further useful for therapeutical and pharmaceutical applications.     

Determination of hydration numbers of acids in organic phase by IR spectrometry

By the precision infrared spectrometry the hydration numbers n were determined for a series of acids in 0.64 M tributyl phosphate (CCl₄) and acetonitrile at a concentration of free water 0.01–0.1 M. In tributyl phosphate n = 3.1±0.3 (HAuCl₄); 2.9±0.3 (HFeCl₄); 1.9±0.2 (HClO₄); 1.0±0.2 (HNO₃); 1.0±0.1 (HCl). In acetonitrile n = 3.1±0.7 (HAuCl₄); 1.1±0.4 (HFeCl₄); 2.1±0.2 (HClO₄), 0±0.05 (HNO₃); 0.1±0.15 (HCl).     

Electrospun recycled PET-based mats: Tuning the properties by addition of cellulose and/or lignin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cellulose and/or lignin on the properties of mats prepared from dissolution (for 48 h or 72 h, solvent: trifluoroacetic acid) of recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Briefly, the presence of cellulose led to a tendency of higher average fiber diameter and average pore area as well as lower average porosity compared to the neat mat (PET_ref, 242 ± 59 nm, 9.6 ± 1.1 10⁴ nm² and 19.0 ± 1.1%, respectively). The T_g values for electrospun PET combined with cellulose and/or lignin were higher than that of PET_ref (92.5 ± 0.1 °C), and the tensile strength increased with the cellulose and/or lignin loading. In addition, the presence of lignin (72 h of dissolution) led to a mat with an elongation at break of 149 ± 9% compared to 14 ± 2% for PET_ref. The results indicated that the properties of mats based on PET can be tuned by adding cellulose and/or lignin to solutions posteriorly electrospun as well as by varying the dissolution time.     

Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Cytokines Is a Potential Therapeutic Action of Ficus lepicarpa B. (Moraceae) against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Local tribes use the leaves of Ficus lepicarpa B. (Moraceae), a traditional Malaysian medicine, as a vegetable dish, a tonic, and to treat ailments including fever, jaundice and ringworm. The purpose of this study was to look into the possible therapeutic effects of F. lepicarpa leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats. The DPPH test was used to measure the antioxidant activity of plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the phytochemical analysis (GCMS). Six groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the following treatment regimens: control group, CCl₄ alone, F. lepicarpa 400 mg/kg alone, CCl₄ + F. lepicarpa 100 mg/kg, CCl₄ + F. lepicarpa 200 mg/kg and CCl₄ + F. lepicarpa 400 mg/kg. The rats were euthanized after two weeks, and biomarkers of liver function and antioxidant enzyme status were assessed. To assess the extent of liver damage and fibrosis, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of liver tissue were undertaken. The total phenolic content and the total flavonoid content in methanol extract of F. lepicarpa leaves were 58.86 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g and 44.31 ± 0.10 mg CAE/g, respectively. F. lepicarpa’s inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for free radical scavenging activity was reported to be 3.73 mg/mL. In a dose-related manner, F. lepicarpa was effective in preventing an increase in serum ALT, serum AST and liver MDA. Histopathological alterations revealed that F. lepicarpa protects against the oxidative stress caused by CCl₄. The immunohistochemistry results showed that proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, prostaglandin E₂) were suppressed. The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging activities of F. lepicarpa can be related to its hepatoprotective benefits.