Improving the nutraceutical content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by advanced environmental conditions and agricultural practices

The consumption of tomatoes has been associated with diminishing the risk of several lethal diseases, e.g., heart attack and cancer. This is because tomato contains high antioxidants that have been shown to protect against oxidative damage in numerous empirical and epidemiological studies. Considering the health benefits, more emphasis should be given to produce organic tomatoes. Tomatoes have been ranked as the most important fruit and vegetable in Western diets as essential source of antioxidants such as lycopene, β-carotene, phenols, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Environmental conditions and agricultural practices are key factors that affect the quantities of these compounds available in tomato. Therefore, controlling the environmental conditions, such as water availability, temperature, light, saline soil, and agricultural practices (fertilization practices, harvesting, and food storage) are valuable tools to enhance the nutritional value of tomato fruits organically. Although, the quantitative and qualitative contents of health-promoting compounds in vegetables and fruits depend on their genetic predispositions. Agricultural practices and different environmental condition have broad effects on the nutraceutical compounds. Thus, this present study emphasizes on enhancing tomato nutrition through improved agricultural practices and optimized farming, especially in saline and water-deficit conditions. This organic-oriented strategy may counteract the scepticism caused by genetically modified tomatoes (GMOs) and will prompt further exploration in future studies.Keywords: Organic grown tomato; Antioxidants; Nutritional values; Salinity; Water deficit; Temperature; Agricultural practices; FertilizationEditorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:29 May 2025:  You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections in bibliographic section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

Effects of Sapodilla Leaf Extract (Manilkara zapota L.) Administration on the Histopathological Presentation of Kidney Tubules and Glomeruli in Alloxan-Induced Mice

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels or insulin deficiency. Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) leaves are known to be potentially utilized as an alternative remedy for diabetes. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of Sapodilla leaf extract on the improvement of histopathological presentation of kidneys in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.Methods: This research used 3 months old male mice weighing 25-35g. A total of 25 mice were used, with 5 mice per each group. The treatments employed included P1 (Sapodilla leaf extract at a dosage of 100 mg/kg BW), P2 (Sapodilla leaf extract at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW), K+ (Pioglitazone at a dosage of 2 mg/kg BW), K0 (No treatment administered), and K- (Diabetic control). Kidney sample collection was conducted on the 14th day after therapy administration. Histopathological samples were examined using a trinocular microscope. Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis method, followed by the Mann-Whitney test.Results: The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test with the parameter of necrosis indicate a p-value of .001. The degeneration of cells shows a p-value of .001, while congestion shows a p-value of .001 as well. The Mann-Whitney test was conducted on the parameters of necrosis, cell degeneration, and congestion. The results indicated that the P1 treatment group was not significantly different from the P2 and K+ groups for cell degeneration and congestion; however, a significant difference was observed between P1 and K+ for the necrosis parameter.Conclusion: The study concludes the data analysis revealed that the administration of sapodilla leaf extract can ameliorate kidney damage in diabetic mice induced with alloxan. Keywords: Alloxan; Diabetes; Kidney Histopathology; Sapodilla leaf extrac

The protective role of ethanolic extract of ginseng (Panax ginseng) against adverse physiological and histological alterations in the liver of female rabbits exposed to chlorine

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has garnered considerable attention due to its medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of ginseng ethanolic extract against chlorine-induced toxicity in female rabbits.                                                        Methods: Thirty-two female rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: a negative control group receiving chlorine-free water, a positive control group receiving tap water with chlorine (0.05 ppm/L), a group exposed to chlorine (5 ppm/L) in water, and a group exposed to chlorine (5 ppm/L) along with ethanolic ginseng extract (200 mg/kg body weight). Treatment lasted for four weeks.Results: revealed that oral exposure to chlorine led to oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver enzymes (AST & ALT), as well as suppressed blood parameters (PCV, HB, and RBC count), and histological liver alterations compared to the normal control group. Conversely, administration of ginseng extracts alongside chlorine for four weeks reduced MDA levels and liver enzyme activity while enhancing blood parameters, accompanied by decreased inflammatory histological changes.Conclusion: These results indicate that ginseng extract has strong antioxidant activity, reducing the toxicity and related pathophysiological effects of chlorine. Keywords: Ginseng; Chlorine; MDA; Liver enzymes; Blood parametersEditorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a potential therapy in an autoimmune hepatitis rat model

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is becoming more common worldwide. The therapy choices for AIH are still limited, with unfavorable side effects resulting in patients with a low quality of life. This study aims to study the therapeutic role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on AIH in the rat model.Methods: Twenty-nine white Wistar rats were used for a total of 53 days. Four groups were set up; Group I (5 rats) was used as the negative control (CON). Group II (24 rats) was administered Concanavalin A (Con A) 20 mg/kg ip once a week for five consecutive weeks. Sixteen rats from group II were divided among groups III and IV after stoppage of Con A and injected with 2 x106 BM-MSCs via tail vein. Group III (TTT-12) rats were sacrificed after 12 days and Group IV (TTT-18) after 18 days. Morphological, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies were conducted.Results: The administration of BM-MSCs lowered elevated serum levels of AST by 47% after 12 days and 19% after 18 days whereas the level of ALT decreased by 13% and 20.8%in group Con A.  Serum inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) increased in the Con A group were decreased in treated groups by 27% and 23% in TTT-12 and 22.8% and 1.8% in TTT-18. In group TTT-12, the area of Kupffer cells immunostained with CD68 was significantly reduced by 72%, whereas the BM-MSCs immunostained with CD44 were more intense by increasing by 257%. The therapeutic effect of BM-MSCs in group TTT-12 exceeded that in TTT-18 decreasing liver enzymes, inflammation and fibrosis, and restoring liver structure.Conclusions: BM-MSCs achieved a considerable short-term improvement in the AIH model; however, repeated injections were necessary to achieve a sustained therapeutic effect.Keywords: Liver; Autoimmunity; MSCs; Inflammatory cytokines; CD68; CD44; Histopathology  Editorial Expression of Concern:20 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about quality of figures. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the errors as we refurnish figures with higher DPI.Editorial Note:28 May 2025:  Readers may please see figures with higher DPI given at the end of Results section in the HTML version. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

In silico advancement of Aspergillus niger gluconic acid hyperproduction recommends plans for switching acid productivity

Background: Non-toxic, non-volatile organic acid, gluconic acid (pentahydroxycaproic acid) is found in abundance in honey and plants and in wines. Gluconic acid and its salts are used widely in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and many other industries.Methods: In the current investigation, Aspergillus niger was utilized for Gluconic acid production in submerged fermentation. Furthermore, for Gluconic acid hyperproduction, the fungus Aspergillus niger was exposed to MNNG (100 µg/ml) for 15 minutes. Aspergillus niger strain (parent and mutant) was tested and identified for its capability of producing gluconic acid. We finished the molecular identification, in which we extracted the DNA from the  A. niger and amplified its ITS region using specific primers. We further sequenced the amplified product and created a phylogenetic tree employing the MEGA6 software.Results: The tree results showed that our target sequence has 100% identity with Aspergillus niger, which proved that the isolated strain belongs to the Aspergillus genera. In addition, factors related to the production of gluconic acid were confirmed by cultivating the mutant strain A. niger (MG1) and the parent strain under several conditions. These included varying the pH (4-7), temperature (30-40°C), and the concentration of the carbon source (40-100 g/l). The outcomes displayed that the best pH was 5. The most favorable temperature was 30°C, and maximum production occurred at a carbon source concentration of 100 g/l, for both mutant and parent strains.Conclusion: This study shows how microbial strains and substrates could be used to attain cost-effective hyperproduction of gluconic acid to achieve objectives of industrial significance. Keywords: Gluconic Acid; Aspergillus niger; Hyper-production; Mutation; Molecular identification; Sequencing  Editorial Expression of Concern:20 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about minor English language errors and quality of figures. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of the errors as we examine the concerns, address errors and refurnish figures with higher DPI.Editorial Note:28 May 2025:  You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections in use of English language. Readers may please see figures with higher DPI given at the end of Results section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

Thymoquinone Protection Against Oxidative Stress Caused by Cisplatin Through Increased Superoxide Dismutase Expression in the Cochlea of Wistar Rats

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is the primary and most effective chemotherapy drug for treating head and neck cancer. The side effect of cisplatin therapy is toxicity in the cochlea. The most active chemical in Nigella sativa (habbatussauda) is thymoquinone (TQ). The protective effects of thymoquinone antioxidants against oxidative stress caused by cisplatin in the cochlea of Wistar rats are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to determine whether thymoquinone antioxidants may protect Wistar rat cochlea from oxidative damage caused by cisplatin.Methods: We divided 24 healthy male rats into four groups for this experimental animal study (Rattus norvegicus). The researchers named the group that received cisplatin alone the Cis group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 25 mg/kg/day was designated the Cis+TQ25 group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 50 mg/kg/day was designated the Cis+TQ50 group. the group that received no treatment was designated as the control group. On day 10, SOD expression was tested the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat cochlear tissue using an immunohistochemistry examination.Results: The Cis group significantly decreased the expression of SOD in cochlear tissue (26.64±5.02) compared to the control group (64.18±5.93) with a p = 0.000. The Cis+TQ25 group (51.95±2.98) and the Cis+TQ50 group (56.19±5.43) significantly increase SOD expression in cochlear tissue compared to the Cis group (26.64±5.02) with a p = 0.009 and a p = 0.002.Conclusion: Thymoquinone decreases oxidative stress caused by cisplatin by upregulating SOD expression in Wistar rat cochlea.Keywords: Antioxidants; Cisplatin; Cochlea; Oxidative stress; Rats; Thymoquinone Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues Contaminating Vegetables and Fruits in Sudan are a Major Public Health Hazard

Background: Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) are a diverse group of compounds. Extensive application of these chemicals in Sudan increases the risk of food and water contamination. We aimed to identify the occupational hazard on sellers and consumers resulting from exposure to organophosphorus through measurement of blood (AChE) enzyme activity.Methods: This is a community-based study conducted at the Khartoum vegetable market, where 219 sellers and consumers were consented and recruited consequently. Data on demographics and pesticides exposure was collected and blood for acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity was withdrawn and tested in a Lovibond machine.Results: 139 (63.5%) of the participants were males with a mean age of 41.6 ± 12.9 years. Educational levels: 83 (37.9%) elementary school, 52 (23.8%) middle and high school, 54 (24.6%) college and above, and 30 (13.7%) were illiterate. More than half 129 (58.9%) were consumers and the remaining 90 (41.1%) were sellers. Univariate analysis revealed sellers having a significantly more proportion of impaired acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity compared to consumers, [33 (36.6%) versus 9 (7%), p-value 0.001]. Moreover, the mean (AChE) activity for whole respondents was lower than the physiologic mean of unexposed people (82.3% versus 87.5%). Independent t-test revealed significantly impaired (AChE) activity among sellers (74.9% versus 87.5%), (P-value = 0.001).Conclusion: People exposed to agricultural chemical pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits have impaired (AChE), with a significantly lower rate of the enzyme among products’ sellers in reference to consumers and to the physiological values of unexposed. A larger community-based study evaluating exposures to pesticides is highly recommended.Keywords: Agricultural Chemicals; Organophosphorus Pesticides; Chemical Residues; Chemical Contamination; Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme; Sudan Editorial Expression of Concern:20 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about inappropriate category. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of this incidence as we do the required corrections.Editorial Note:27 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having changes in the category section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked

Identification of Novel Natural BACE1 Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease via In Silico Approach

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological ailment that causes progressive memory loss as neurons die. Beta-secretase 1 (BACE1) is a key enzyme in the production of amyloid beta, which is a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Developing new BACE1 inhibitors with no cytotoxicity is a promising method to treat AD.Methods: The goal of this study was to find new BACE1 inhibitors by screening natural compounds in the ZINC database against the BACE1 active site. The compounds were screened against BACE1 using the PyRx 0.8 program. The SwissADME web server was used to determine the ADMET properties of hit compounds.Results: The hit compounds ZINC3875408, ZINC4098603, ZINC95561079, ZINC299817515, and ZINC67903362 exhibited higher binding affinities to BACE1 than the control compound AZD3293. The Asp32, Lys224, Tyr198, Thr329, Ile226, Val332, Arg128, Tyr71, Phe108, Lys107, Gly74, Gly13, Gly11, Gln12, Ile110, Trp115, Leu30, and Gly230 were the important binding residues of BACE1 protein with these compounds as well as the control compound. These compounds also have good drug-like qualities.Conclusion: The compounds ZINC3875408, ZINC4098603, ZINC95561079, ZINC299817515, and ZINC67903362 can be used as BACE1 inhibitors to manage AD. However, experimental validation is needed to optimize these compounds as BACE1 inhibitors.Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease; Amyloid Beta; Beta-Secretase 1; Natural Compound

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Navigating Controversies and Pioneering Advances

This review examines Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), a significant complication of diabetes affecting nearly half of diabetic patients. DPN is crucial to understand due to its high prevalence and profound impact on patients’ quality of life, causing pain, sensory loss, motor dysfunction, and heightened risks of foot ulcers and amputations. As a leading cause of disability, grasping DPN’s pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and treatment options are essential for alleviating its burden. Key facets of DPN include its complex pathophysiology stemming from chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular problems that damage nerves. The review highlights the rising rates of diabetes and DPN in regions like Saudi Arabia, noting that factors such as poor glycemic control, prolonged diabetes duration, and comorbidities like hypertension significantly contribute to DPN progression. Diagnostic challenges are also addressed; traditional nerve conduction studies are gold standards yet limited in detecting early-stage neuropathy, especially small-fiber damage. Emerging methods, like skin biopsy and corneal confocal microscopy, show promise for earlier detection. Treatment mainly focuses on glycemic control and pain management without reversing nerve damage. Innovative therapies targeting DPN mechanisms include antioxidant treatments, anti-inflammatory agents, and phytomedicine, which utilizes bioactive compounds for their neuroprotective effects. The review concludes by stressing the need for ongoing research into DPN's molecular mechanisms and the development of personalized medicine approaches, which could significantly enhance patient outcomes.Keywords: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; DPN induced disability; DPN Pathophysiology; DPN treatment; DPN controversies 

Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil by xylanase enzyme

Background: The global spread of petrochemical and petroleum contamination, such as petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), is currently a significant environmental risk. The global biosphere is badly harmed by these pollutants, and biodiversity is significantly reduced. This study was to screen for xylanase synthesis in Pseudomonas spp. and evaluate its efficiency as a bioremediator in removal of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.Methods: Soil samples from Al-Dora oil plant Baghdad, Iraq, were cultured in nutritional agar medium containing 0.5% of corn cob xylan for determination of xylanase producers and measuring of xylanase activity, after that xylanaseproducers were identified. The xylanase was purified with DEAE-cellulose chromatography and the percentage of hydrocarbon degradation was calculated after treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil with purified xylanase and detection of hydrocarbon degradation percentage.Results: Pseudomonas putida had the highest productivity for xylanase in comparison with other Pseudomonas species such as Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which revealed lower levels in xylanase production. Ammonium salt saturation and ion exchange chromatography were used to purify the xylanase enzyme on a DEAE-cellulose column with ultimate recovery of 43% and 4.3 fold of purification. With pure xylanase, hydrocarbons degraded over time, peaking after two weeks and then progressively diminishing.Conclusions: Pseudomonas putida is the best producer for xylanase than other species. The purified xylanase led to removal of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil in a time-dependent manner until maximum removal after 15 days. Authors recommend using xylanase for cleaning up of oil-contaminated areas. Therefore, employing microorganisms as biological tools may be a more feasible way to handle one of the most serious issues in modern society which might be a more workable and affordable way to minimize waste and preserve natural resources.Keywords: Petroleum hydrocarbons; Pseudomonas putida; Xylanase; Bioremediation; Soil contaminationEditorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language. Expression of concern is hereby revoked