Determination of lead,cadmium and mercury in blood for assessment of environmental exposure: A comparison between inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry

A biomonitoring method for the determination of Pb, Cd, and Hg at background levels in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is described. While this method was optimized for assessing Pb, Cd and Hg at environmental levels, it also proved suitable for assessing concentrations associated with occupational exposure. The method requires as little as 200 μl of blood that is diluted 1 + 49 for direct analysis in the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Method performance is compared to well-established AAS methods. Initial method validation was accomplished using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material 966, Toxic Metals in Bovine Blood. Method detection limits (3s) are 0.05 μg dl^− 1 for Pb, 0.09 μg l^− 1 for Cd; and 0.17 μg l^− 1 for Hg. Repeatability ranged from 1.4% to 2.8% for Pb; 3% to 10% for Cd; and 2.6% to 8.8% for Hg. In contrast, AAS method detection limits were 1 μg dl^− 1, 0.54 μg l^− 1, and 0.6 μg l^− 1, for Pb, Cd, and Hg, respectively. Further performance assessments were conducted over a 2-year period via participation in four international External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) operated specifically for toxic metals in blood. This includes schemes operated by (a) the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA (b) L′Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Canada, (c) Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany, and (d) the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK Trace Elements scheme. The EQAS data reflect analytical performance for blind samples analyzed independently by both inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and AAS methods.     

Oxidative Stress Response and Morphological Changes of Blakeslea trispora Induced by Butylated Hydroxytoluene During Carotene Production

The adaptive response of the fungus Blakeslea trispora to the oxidative stress induced by butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) during carotene production in shake flask culture was investigated. The culture response to oxidative stress was studied by measuring the specific activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the micromorphology of the fungus using a computerized image analysis system. The addition of exogenous BHT to the medium caused changes of the morphology of microorganism from aggregates with large projected area to aggregates with small projected area. This morphological differentiation of the fungus was associated with high oxidative stress as evidenced by remarkable increase of the specific activities of CAT and SOD. The oxidative stress in B. trispora resulted in a fivefold increase of carotene production. The highest concentration of carotenes (125.0 mg/g dry biomass) was obtained in culture grown in medium supplemented with 20 mM of BHT.     

Protective Effect of Polyphenols Extract of Adlay (<em>Coix lachryma-jobi </em>L. var<em>. ma-yuen Stapf</em>) on Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

The present study examines the effect of polyphenols extract of adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) (APE) on high cholesterol diet fed rats (HCD). APE was orally administrated by gavage at doses of 10, 40 and 200 mg total phenolics/kg body weight of rats once a day for 28 days. At the end of four weeks, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and markers of oxidative stress viz., malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum and liver of HCD and normal rats were assessed and compared. The results showed that administration of APE was significantly effective in decreasing the serum levels of TC, LDL-C and MDA, increasing the serum level of HDL-C and antioxidant capacity. In addition, oral gavage of APE could also increase the antioxidant capacity, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver. These results suggested that APE exerted a high hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activities, which might be characterized by a protective effect on cardiovascular health in vivo.     

Polyphenolic Extracts from Spent Coffee Grounds Prevent H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Centropomus viridis Brain Cells

Oxidative stress in aquatic organisms might suppress the immune system and propagate infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of polyphenolic extracts from spent coffee grounds (SCG) against oxidative stress, induced by H₂O₂, in C. viridis brain cells, through an in vitro model. Hydrophilic extracts from SCG are rich in quinic, ferulic and caffeic acids and showed antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ORAC and FRAP assays. Furthermore, pretreatment of C. viridis brain cells with the polyphenolic extracts from SCG (230 and 460 µg/mL) for 24 h prior to 100 µM H₂O₂ exposure (1 h) significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and reduced lipid peroxidation (measured by MDA levels). These results suggest that polyphenols found in SCG extracts exert an antioxidative protective effect against oxidative stress in C. viridis brain cells by stimulating the activity of SOD and CAT.     

Synthesis of new antidiabetic agent by complexity between vanadyl (II) sulfate and vitamin B1: Structural,characterization, anti‐DNA damage,structural alterations and antioxidative damage studies

Complexity between thiamine (vitamin B₁) and VSO4.xH₂O salt with the suggest formula, [VO (vitB₁)₂] has been synthesized by the chemical reaction in neutralization media pH = 7.5 at 70 °C. The assignments of the elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, FT‐IR, UV–Vis, ESR spectroscopy, thermal analyses (TGA‐DTA) and magnetic moment data visualize the stoichiometry, formula and chelation of the vanadyl (II) complex. The spectroscopic analyses revealed that vitamin B₁ reacted with vanadyl (II) ions as a bidentate ligand via hydroxyl ethyl‐oxygen and sulfur of the thiazole group. New vanadyl (II) complex has the protective effect against pancreatic toxicity induced by STZ. The target of this investigation was to assess the enhancement effect of new vanadyl (II)complex in two doses on pancreatic toxicity, oxidative stress, DNA damage and hyperglycemia persuade by STZ. The rats were divided into 7 groups; control group, STZ (diabetic untreated group) (50 mg/kg), STZ plus thiamine (10 mg/Kg) (Low dose), STZ plus thiamine (50 mg/Kg) (High dose), STZ plus VSO4. xH₂O (15 mg/kg), STZ + vanadyl (II) complex (10 mg/Kg) (Low dose), STZ+ vanadyl (II) complex (50 mg/Kg) (High dose). Vanadyl (II) complex in high dose afforded a significant decline in MDA level parallel to significant elevation in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, MPO and XO) in pancreas homogenates. It may be due to the capturing activities of reactive oxygen species by the new complex, which reduces oxidative damage and enhance antioxidant capacities. The novel complex succeeded in the restoration of lipid parameters to its normal levels beside lowering TNF‐α and CRP levels. The new complex also reduces hyperglycemia induced by STZ greatly and improve histological and ultrastructure of pancreas and has a high potency in reducing DNA damage in pancreatic tissues.     

Inhibitory effects of Dulcitol on rat C6 glioma by regulating autophagy pathway

Abstract

In the study, we treated C6 rat glioma cells with 25?mg/ml Dulcitol for 24?h. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to detect cellular growth. The measurements of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) were used to assess oxidative stress level. Western was performed to detect the autophagy and apoptosis expression. The data showed that Dulcitol significantly decreased the cell viability, upregulated the Bax level in mitochondria and the Cytochrome C level in cytoplasm, and downregulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl. Moreover, it enhanced MDA level, reduced CAT and SOD activities, decreased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and increased P62 expression. However, rapamycin increased autophagy level and cell viability, and decreased ROS in Dulcitol treated C6 cells. Moreover, Dulcitol inhibited the glioma growth and enhanced survival in vivo. These results suggest that Dulcitol evidently increase cellular ROS levels and apoptosis in glioma cells, which can be significantly regulated by autophagy.     

Electrochemical Properties of a Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode Modified with Gold/Polyelectrolyte Hollow Spheres

Oppositely charged polyelectrolyte (poly(allyamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(sodium 4‐styrene‐sulfonate) (PSS)), and negatively charged gold nanoparticles (Au) were assembled alternately on polystyrene (PS) spheres via layer‐by‐layer technique, and the different PAH/(PSS/PAH)_n/(Au/PAH)_m/Au composite hollow spheres were derived by dissolving PS core. These hollow spheres were used to modify boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes for electrochemical sensors. The cyclic voltammetric results for dopamine (DA) detection demonstrated that hollow‐sphere‐modified BDD exhibited better electrocatalytic activity than did bare BDD. Influence of the wall thickness and composition of hollow spheres on electrochemical properties were investigated. The results showed that the oxidative peak potential of DA and the peak current varied with different PSS/PAH and Au/PAH layers. The optimized wall structure of hollows spheres was PAH/(PSS/PAH)₇/(Au/PAH)₅/Au.     

Potential cardioprotective influence of bupropion against CCl4-triggered cirrhotic cardiomyopathy

Bupropion, an atypical anti-depressant and smoking cessation aid, attenuates complications arising from the activation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways. In this study, the effect of bupropion on an inflammatory and oxidative condition induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) namely cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) was investigated in rats. CCM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.4 g/kg, i.p.). Bupropion was treated orally at doses 30 and 60 (mg/kg, p.o.) for 8 weeks. CCl₄ treatment significantly lowered hepatic antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) while enhanced Malondialdehyde (MDA). Elevations in serum nitric oxide (NO) metabolites nitrite/nitrate, and cardiac tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) levels were observed. Cirrhosis also decreased contractility in response to isoproterenol (10^?10 to 10^?5 M). The spleen weight and intrasplenic pressure increased and QTc, QRS and RR intervals prolonged. Pathological damages in the liver for example focal necrosis, fibrosis and the hepatic blocking increased. On the other hand, bupropion increased GSH, CAT and SOD and lowered MDA. Bupropion reduced NO metabolites and TNF-α levels and decreased IL-1β. The cardiac contractile force improved at maximal effect (Rmax) 10^-5 M by bupropion. The intrasplenic pressure was reduced by bupropion. Bupropion reduces QTc, QRS and RR intervals and the liver tissue damages. Bupropion played a cardioprotective role reducing inflammatory and oxidative factors. It may recover the impairment of cardiac contractility and hyperdynamic condition in CCM, and this effect could be mediated at least in part by a NO-dependent mechanism.     

Protective effect of salidroside from Rhodiolae Radix on diabetes-induced oxidative stress in mice

It has been confirmed that diabetes mellitus (DM) carries increased oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effects of salidroside from Rhodiolae Radix on diabetes-induced oxidative stress in mice. After induction of diabetes, diabetic mice were administered daily doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg salidroside for 28 days. Body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Results showed that salidroside possessed hypoglycemic activity and protective effects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress, which could significantly reduce FBG, TC, TG and MDA levels, and at same time increase serum insulin levels, SOD, GPx and CAT activities. Therefore, salidroside should be considered as a candidate for future studies on diabetes.     

The Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin and Rutin on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Experimentally Induced Periodontitis in Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats

Background: There is a growing interest in the correlation between antioxidants and periodontal disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of oxidative stress and the impact of two antioxidants, curcumin and rutin, respectively, in the etiopathology of experimentally induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. Methods: Fifty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups and were induced with diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: (1) (CONTROL)—control group, (2) (DPP)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, (3) (DPC)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with curcumin (C), (4) (DPR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with rutin (R) and (5) (DPCR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with C and R. We evaluated malondialdehyde (MDA) as a biomarker of oxidative stress and reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG and catalase (CAT) as biomarkers of the antioxidant capacity in blood harvested from the animals we tested. The MDA levels and CAT activities were also evaluated in the gingival tissue. Results: The control group effect was statistically significantly different from any other groups, regardless of whether or not the treatment was applied. There was also a significant difference between the untreated group and the three treatment groups for variables MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT. There was no significant difference in the mean effect for the MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT variables in the treated groups of rats with curcumin, rutin and the combination of curcumin and rutin. Conclusions: The oral administration of curcumin and rutin, single or combined, could reduce the oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant status in hyperglycemic periodontitis rats.     

DNA Damage and Effects on Antioxidative Enzymes in Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) Induced by Flumorph

Flumorph is an Oomycete fungicide, which is used extensively as an effective fungicide in vegetables and fruits, but little is known about its effect on nontarget soil organisms. In the present study, biochemical responses including changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), and DNA damage induced by flumorph were investigated in earthworms (Eisenis fetida). The CAT concentrations were stimulated at 5.0 mg kg^?1 over 28 days and inhibited at 10 and 20 mg kg^?1, except 10 mg kg^?1 on days 21 and 28 compared with the controls. The overall SOD activities were inhibited except 5 mg kg^?1 on day 28 and 10 mg kg^?1 on days 7 and 14. Meanwhile, the GST activities were stimulated on day 7 and decreased on the other days in summary. The MDA activities were increased notably at 5, 10, and 20 mg kg^?1 after 14 days. Clear dose-dependent DNA damage to Eisenia fetida was observed by olive tail moments in comet assay compared with controls. The results demonstrate that flumorph induces oxidative stress and DNA damage to earthworms, and the effects may be the important mechanisms of its toxicity.     

The Endogenous Tryptophan‐derived Photoproduct 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ) is a Nanomolar Photosensitizer that Can be Harnessed for the Photodynamic Elimination of Skin Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

UV‐chromophores contained in human skin may act as endogenous sensitizers of photooxidative stress and can be employed therapeutically for the photodynamic elimination of malignant cells. Here, we report that 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan‐derived photoproduct and endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, displays activity as a nanomolar sensitizer of photooxidative stress, causing the photodynamic elimination of human melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. FICZ is an efficient UVA/Visible photosensitizer having absorbance maximum at 390 nm (ε = 9180 L mol^?1 cm^?1), and fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.15 and 0.5, respectively, in methanol. In a panel of cultured human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancer cells (SCC‐25, HaCaT‐ras II‐4, A375, G361, LOX), photodynamic induction of cell death was elicited by the combined action of solar simulated UVA (6.6 J cm^?2) and FICZ (≥10 nm ), preceded by the induction of oxidative stress as substantiated by MitoSOX Red fluorescence microscopy, comet detection of Fpg‐sensitive oxidative genomic lesions and upregulated stress response gene expression (HMOX1, HSPA1A, HSPA6). In SKH1 “high‐risk” mouse skin, an experimental FICZ/UVA photodynamic treatment regimen blocked the progression of UV‐induced tumorigenesis suggesting feasibility of harnessing FICZ for the photooxidative elimination of malignant cells in vivo.     

Novel derivatives of 3-alkyl-1,5-diaryl-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-1,2,4-triazoles and their pharmacological evaluation as CB<Subscript>1</Subscript> cannabinoid ligands

In a previous study, we have identified 3-alkyl-1,5-diaryl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles to be a novel class of cannabinoid type-1 (CB₁) receptor antagonists. However, the synthesis yields for the ligands were low. Here we present an alternative synthesis pathway with improved yields. In addition, we have synthezised new structural derivatives and studied their results in competitive radioligand binding assays for cannabinoid receptors. Correspondence: Nadine Jagerovic, Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006-Madrid, Spain.     

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins and Bamboo Leaf Flavonoids Improve the Quality of Bull Semen Cryopreservation

It is important to inhibit oxidative stress to maintain sperm motility during cryopreservation. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of supplementing oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) and bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) or their combination as an extender for Simmental bull semen freezing. OPC, BLF, or their combination were added to the frozen diluent of bovine semen. Afterwards, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), detection of membrane functionality, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial integrity, CAT, SOD, GSH-PX, MDA, and ROS were conducted. The results showed that adding 50 mg/L OPC or 4 mg/L BLF could improve the quality of frozen sperm. Compared with 50 mg/L OPC alone, the combination of 50mg/L OPC and 2 mg/L BLF significantly increased the kinematic parameters of sperm, and sperm CAT, GSH-PX and SOD levels (p < 0.05), whereas the MDA of sperm was decreased (p < 0.05). These results indicated that compared to the addition of 50 mg/L OPC alone, a combination of 50 mg/L OPC and 2 mg/L BLF could further improve the quality of frozen semen. The results could provide theoretical data support for the development of a new protective agent and are significant for the cryopreservation of bovine semen in the future.     

Muscarine and Muscarine Isomers in Selected Inocybe Species

The distribution and relative concentrations of muscarine and its isomers in Inocybe species were determined. Notable was the finding that I. cinnamomea A. H. Smith, I. geophylla Karst, and I. lacera (Fr.) Quél. contained concentrations of epi-muscarine equal to or-higher than muscarine itself.     

Metal‐based antitumor,cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity: pharmacological evaluation of Knoevenagel condensate β‐diketone Schiff base thiosemicarbazone Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

Knoevenagel condensate Schiff base ligands [L = 3‐cinnamalideneacetylacetone‐thiosemicarbazone (CAT)/3‐cinnama‐ lideneacetylacetoneethylthiosemicarbazone (CAET)/3‐cinnamalideneacetylacetonephenylthiosemicarbazone (CAPT)] and their copper/zinc complexes were synthesized. They were characterized by analytical and spectral techniques. From these data it was found that the ligands adopt square‐planar geometry on metalation with Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺. To evaluate the antitumor and cytotoxic activity of the synthesized complexes in mice and human cancer cell lines, the antitumor activity of the complexes was evaluated against an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor model. The activity was assessed using survival time and short‐term in vitro cytotoxic activity. Oral administration of complexes (100 mg/kg) increased the survival time. The cytotoxic activity of complexes was evaluated using human breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231), colon cancer (HCT‐116) and nonsmall lung cancer (NCI‐H‐23) cell lines. Both the complexes possessed significant antitumor and cytotoxic activity on EAC and human cancer cell lines. The in vitro antimicrobial screening effect of the investigated compounds was also tested against the various organisms by well diffusion method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant Activity of Acanthopanax senticosus Flavonoids in H2O2-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

The redox reaction is a normal process of biological metabolism in the body that leads to the production of free radicals. Under conditions such as pathogenic infection, stress, and drug exposure, free radicals can exceed normal levels, causing protein denaturation, DNA damage, and the oxidation of the cell membrane, which, in turn, causes inflammation. Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) flavonoids are the main bioactive ingredients with antioxidant function. H₂O₂-treated RAW 264.7 cells and DSS-induced colitis in mice were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of A. senticosus flavonoids. The results show that A. senticosus flavonoids can significantly downregulate the levels of ROS and MDA in H₂O₂-treated RAW 264.7 cells and increase the levels of CAT, SOD, and GPx. A. senticosus flavonoids can also increase the body weights of DSS-induced colitis mice, increase the DAI index, and ameliorate the shortening of the colon. ELISA experiments confirmed that A. senticosus flavonoids could reduce the level of MDA in the mouse serum and increase the levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx. Histopathology showed that the tissue pathological changes in the A. senticosus flavonoid group were significantly lower than those in the DSS group. The Western blot experiments showed that the antioxidant capacity of A. senticosus flavonoids was accomplished through the Nrf2 pathway. In conclusion, A. senticosus flavonoids can relieve oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro and protect cells or tissues from oxidative damage.     

Biodegradable Polycaprolactone (PCL) Nanosphere Encapsulating Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Enzymes

Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) nanosphere encapsulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were successfully synthesized using double emulsion (w/o/w) solvent evaporation technique. Characterization of the nanosphere using dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed a spherical-shaped nanosphere in a size range of 812?±?64 nm with moderate protein encapsulation efficiency of 55.42?±?3.7 % and high in vitro protein release. Human skin HaCat cells were used for analyzing antioxidative properties of SOD- and CAT-encapsulated PCL nanospheres. Oxidative stress condition in HaCat cells was optimized with exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂; 1 mM) as external stress factor and verified through reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis using H₂DCFDA dye. PCL nanosphere encapsulating SOD and CAT together indicated better antioxidative defense against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in human skin HaCat cells in comparison to PCL encapsulating either SOD or CAT alone as well as against direct supplement of SOD and CAT protein solution. Increase in HaCat cells SOD and CAT activities after treatment hints toward uptake of PCL nanosphere into the human skin HaCat cells. The result signifies the role of PCL-encapsulating SOD and CAT nanosphere in alleviating oxidative stress.     

Synthesized Chitosan-Sodium Alginate-Polyethylene glycol-D-Pinitol nanocomposites showed antiarthritic activity on Freund’s Complete Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is a severe degenerative joint disease characterized by swelling, joint pain, degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix, synovitis, callus formation, and loss of normal joint movements, which leads to functional limitations and seriously affect the patient’s life quality.ObjectiveThe current research work was focussed to synthesize and characterize the chitosan-sodium alginate-polyethylene glycol-d-pinitol nanocomposites (CSP-dP-NCs) and evaluate its antiarthritic activity against the freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-triggered arthritis in animals.MethodologyThe CSP-dP-NCs were synthesized by standard method. The development and properties of formulated CSP-dP-NCs were confirmed by several characterization techniques like UV–visible, photoluminescence, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The arthritis was induced in experimental rats via administering 0.1 ml of FCA subcutaneously and then treated with 10 and 25 mg/kg of synthesized CSP-dP-NCs for 25 days. The bodyweight of animals were tabulated and then haematological parameters, organ index, and paw volume was examined. The levels of liver marker enzymes were assessed by standard techniques. The contents and pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant parameters were quantified using assay kits.ResultsThe findings of characterization studies confirmed the development of CSP-dP-NCs with size ranging from 180 nm, tetragonal appearance, and narrowed distribution. The CSP-dP-NCs treated arthritic animals demonstrated the improved bodyweight and haematological parameters. The levels of thymus and spleen index and hind paw volume was decreased by the CSP-dP-NCs. The administration of CSP-dP-NCs to the arthritic rats also exhibited the decreased contents of IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA levels and increased the GSH level, CAT and SOD activities. The activities of ALP, ALT, and ASP also decreased in arthritic rats by the CSP-dP-NCs treatment.ConclusionAltogether, the findings of this study demonstrated the antiarthritic activity of formulated CSP-dP-NCs against FCA-induced arthritic rats via modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. Hence, it could be the effective drug for the arthritis treatment in the future.     

Millettia ferruginea extract attenuates cisplatin-induced alterations in kidney functioning,DNA damage,oxidative stress,and renal tissue morphology

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial role of Millettia ferruginea extract (MF) in preventing cisplatin (Cisp) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A total of 55 metabolites were identified using LC-MS analysis. The in vivo results indicated that MF pretreatment for 4 weeks (20 mg/kg b.w.) remarkably attenuated the altered renal biomarkers by decreasing the levels of plasma creatinine, urea, and uric acid when compared to the Cisp-group. The nephroprotective capacity of MF was further strengthened by histopathological observations, where Cisp + MF treated rats showed lower number of inflammatory cells and tubular degenerative changes than the Cisp-group. The harmful effects of cisplatin on renal oxidative stress indicators (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GPx), were restored by the treatment of MF. In addition, the reduction of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α), associated with alleviating DNA fragmentation, highlighted the preventive effect of MF in kidney tissue. Additionally, MF components presented lower binding energies when docked into the active site of TNF-α and IL-6. The present findings concluded that M. ferruginea extract exhibited nephroprotective potential, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further work is recommended to confirm the current results, explore the involved mechanism of action, and determine the therapeutic doses and time.