CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF DATE PALM AGAINST DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY

Objective: Doxorubicin (Dox), an anthracycline antibiotic, has been widely used to treat cancer, principally hematological malignancies, and solid tumors. The administration of Dox is a topic of concern in the medical community, as it frequently related to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the protective potential of date palm fruit extract on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.Methods: A total of 40 female albino rats were used in this study and classified into four groups including control, date palm fruit extract, Dox, and treated date palm fruit extract groups.Results: Dox produced a significant increase in creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase activities. It also decreased the activities of cardiac glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase but increase levels of cardiac malondialdehyde and also of urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Myocardial toxicity of Dox also appeared in the elevation of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased. Histopathological studies revealed alteration of cardiac tissue structure by Dox. Treatment with date palm fruit extract restored the aforementioned parameters.Conclusion: Date palm fruit exhibits a cardioprotective influence on the heart tissue against toxicity induced by Dox

EVALUATION OF CYCLIC ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN EXPERIMENTAL OBESITY: IMPACT OF BLACK PEPPER AND COFFEE AQUEOUS EXTRACTS

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of black pepper and coffee extracts on chronic and acute experimental-induced obesity and energyhomeostasis.Methods: Rats were divided into 10 groups including control, high-fat diet (HFD), triton, HFD+triton, black pepper+HFD, black pepper+HFD+triton,coffee+HFD, coffee+HFD+triton, mixture+HFD, and mixture+HFD+triton groups. Blood glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance were estimated.Body mass index, food efficiency intake, and body weight gain were calculated. Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions were measured, serum and braincyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was estimated, and brain neurotransmitters were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.Furthermore, histopathology of liver was performed.Results: Findings showed that blood glucose, insulin resistance, lipid profile, kidney and liver functions as well as brain cAMP and neurotransmitterswere significantly increased, concomitant with a significant decrease in insulin resistance and serum cAMP in both HFD and triton-induced obesitygroups compared to control.Conclusion: Supplementation with black pepper extract, coffee extract, and a mixture of both significantly improved these findings. In conclusion,black pepper and coffee extracts are overlooked as promising weight reduction and antihyperlipidemic agents.Keywords: Energy homeostasis, Obesity, Black pepper extract, Coffee extract, Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, Neurotransmitters

Combination of Human Amniotic Fluid Derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Nano-hydroxyapatite Scaffold Enhances Bone Regeneration

BACKGROUND: Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAF-MSCs) have a high proliferative capacity and osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The combination of hAF-MSCs with three-dimensional (3D) scaffold has a promising therapeutic potential in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Selection of an appropriate scaffold material has a crucial role in a cell supporting and osteoinductivity to induce new bone formation in vivo. AIM: This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the osteogenic potential of the 2nd-trimester hAF-MSCs in combination with the 3D scaffold, 30% Nano-hydroxyapatite chitosan, as a therapeutic application for bone healing in the induced tibia defect in the rabbit. SUBJECT AND METHODS: hAF-MSCs proliferation and culture expansion was done in vitro, and osteogenic differentiation characterisation was performed by Alizarin Red staining after 14 & 28 days. Expression of the surface markers of hAF-MSCs was assessed using Flow Cytometer with the following fluorescein-labelled antibodies: CD34-PE, CD73-APC, CD90-FITC, and HLA-DR-FITC. Ten rabbits were used as an animal model with an induced defect in the tibia to evaluate the therapeutic potential of osteogenic differentiation of hAF-MSCs seeded on 3D scaffold, 30% Nano-hydroxyapatite chitosan. The osteogenic differentiated hAF-MSCs/scaffold composite system applied and fitted in the defect region and non-seeded scaffold was used as control. The histopathological investigation was performed at 2, 3, & 4 weak post-transplantation and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was assessed at 2 & 4 weeks post-transplantation to evaluate the bone healing potential in the rabbit tibia defect. RESULTS: Culture and expansion of 2nd-trimester hAF-MSCs presented high proliferative and osteogenic potential in vitro. Histopathological examination for the transplanted hAF-MSCs seeded on the 3D scaffold, 30% Nano-hydroxyapatite chitosan, demonstrated new bone formation in the defect site at 2 & 3 weeks post-transplantation as compared to the control (non-seeded scaffold). Interestingly, the scaffold accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of AF-MSCs and showed complete bone healing of the defect site as compared to the control (non-seeded scaffold) at 4 weeks post-transplantation. Furthermore, the SEM analysis confirmed these findings. CONCLUSION: The combination of the 2nd-trimester hAF-MSCs and 3D scaffold, 30% Nano-hydroxyapatite chitosan, have a therapeutic perspective for large bone defect and could be used effectively in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Human Bone Marrow and Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Vitro & in Vivo

BACKGROUND: Cell therapies offer a promising potential in promoting bone regeneration. Stem cell therapy presents attractive care modality in treating degenerative conditions or tissue injuries. The rationale behind this is both the expansion potential of stem cells into a large cell population size and its differentiation abilities into a wide variety of tissue types, when given the proper stimuli. A progenitor stem cell is a promising source of cell therapy in regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering. AIM: This study aimed to compare the osteogenic differentiation and regenerative potentials of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow (hBM-MSCs) or amniotic fluid (hAF-MSCs), both in vitro and in vivo studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Human MSCs, used in this study, were successfully isolated from two human sources; the bone marrow (BM) and amniotic fluid (AF) collected at the gestational ages of second or third trimesters. RESULTS: The stem cells derived from amniotic fluid seemed to be the most promising type of progenitor cells for clinical applications. In a pre-clinical experiment, attempting to explore the therapeutic application of MSCs in bone regeneration, Rat lumbar spines defects were surgically created and treated with undifferentiated and osteogenically differentiated MSCs, derived from BM and second trimester AF. Cells were loaded on gel-foam scaffolds, inserted and fixed in the area of the surgical defect. X-Ray radiography follows up, and histopathological analysis was done three-four months post- operation. The transplantation of AF-MSCs or BM-MSCs into induced bony defects showed promising results. The AF-MSCs are offering a better healing effect increasing the likelihood of achieving successful spinal fusion. Some bone changes were observed in rats transplanted with osteoblasts differentiated cells but not in rats transplanted with undifferentiated MSCs. Longer observational periods are required to evaluate a true bone formation. The findings of this study suggested that the different sources; hBM-MSCs or hAF-MSCs exhibited remarkably different signature regarding the cell morphology, proliferation capacity and osteogenic differentiation potential CONCLUSIONS: AF-MSCs have a better performance in vivo bone healing than that of BM-MSCs. Hence, AF derived MSCs is highly recommended as an alternative source to BM-MSCs in bone regeneration and spine fusion surgeries. Moreover, the usage of gel-foam as a scaffold proved as an efficient cell carrier that showed bio-compatibility with cells, bio-degradability and osteoinductivity in vivo

Effects of Different Parameters of Diode Laser on Acceleration of Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Its Effect on Relapse: An Experimental Animal Study

AIM: Recent studies have demonstrated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. However, there is still controversy about the optimum parameters that can cause acceleration. The present study was designed to examine two different doses of LLLT in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement and their effect on relapse. METHODS: An orthodontic appliance was designed to induce tooth movement on lower incisors of rabbits. The in-al-as diode laser was used to radiate different groups of rabbits according to a specific protocol. The amount of tooth movement was measured for 21 days, and then the orthodontic appliance was removed, and the relapse was measured till day 28. RESULTS: The amount of tooth movement was significantly greater in the group with irradiation of low dose in comparison with the high dose group and the control group. The relapse was greatest in the group of low dose irradiation and least in the control group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that LLLT with a low dose accelerate the orthodontic tooth movement while LLLT with a high dose was not able to have the same effect. LLLT had a reverse effect on relapse tendency; an increase in the relapse tendency was seen with low dose irradiation

Chemical Profile of Cyperus laevigatus and Its Protective Effects against Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Cyperus species represent a group of cosmopolitan plants used in folk medicine to treat several diseases. In the current study, the phytochemical profile of Cyperus laevigatus ethanolic extract (CLEE) was assessed using UPLC-QTOF–MS/MS. The protective effect of CLEE at 50 and 100 mg /kg body weight (b.w.) was evaluated on hepatorenal injuries induced by thioacetamide (100 mg/kg) via investigation of the extract’s effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney. UPLC-QTOF–MS/MS analysis of CLEE resulted in the identification of 94 compounds, including organic and phenolic acids, flavones, aurones, and fatty acids. CLEE improved the antioxidant status in the liver and kidney, as manifested by enhancement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), in addition to the reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Moreover, CLEE positively affected oxidative stress parameters in plasma and thwarted the depletion of hepatorenal ATP content by thioacetamide (TAA). Furthermore, treatment of rats with CLEE alleviated the significant increase in plasma liver enzymes, kidney function parameters, and inflammatory markers. The protective effect of CLEE was confirmed by a histopathological study of the liver and kidney. Our results proposed that CLEE may reduce TAA-hepatorenal toxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suppressing oxidative stress

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MORINGA TEA AGAINST CYPERMETHRIN-INDUCED HEPATORENAL DYSFUNCTION, OXIDATIVE STRESS, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN FEMALE RATS

Objectives: Exposure to α-cypermethrin (α-CP) may yield reactive oxygen species (ROS) that is responsible for oxidative stress in mammals. A variety of antioxidants were used to alleviate α-CP-induced toxicity in experimental animals. To the best of our knowledge, there are no attempts of using Moringa oleifera L. (MO) plant extracts against α-CP-induced toxicity. Therefore, this study was conducted.Methods: A total of 16 adult female rats were segregated into equally four groups: One group administered α-CP orally at a dose of 0.05/mg kg bw/ day; and the second group was freely allowed to drink MO leaf extract (moringa tea [MOT]) + the α-CP dose. The other two groups represented negative and positive controls. The daily consumption of the solutions was estimated. At the end of experiments (28 day), all animals were subjected to the planned manifestations.Results: MOT has proved its palatability as drinking solution more than water. Compared with control results, the relative weights of liver and brain recorded significant increases, while that of kidney, heart, spleen, ovary, and lung decreased significantly. Furthermore, alterations in the architecture of the liver, kidney, and brain were observed. α-CP treatment induced high elevation of the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and malondialdehyde, while caused decline of butyrylcholinesterase, urea, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity levels. Coadministration of MOT restored biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by α-CP to a great extent.Conclusion: The present study introduces novel data on the protective effect of MO leaf extract against CP toxicity and sheds light on the palatability of MOT†to rodents

The Protective Role of Neem Leaves Extract on Cisplatin-Induced Polysaccharides and Protein Depletion in Rat Liver and Kidney

Abstract. Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic agent, is toxic to the liver and kidney. The present study has evaluated the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves extract on cisplatin-induced histochemical abnormality in liver and kidney of rats. Histochemical staining of the liver and kidney sections showed weak polysaccharide and protein staining in the cisplatin-treated animals as compared to the control group. Pre, post and co-treatment of animals with methanolic extract of A. indica showed strong staining of polysaccharides and protein compared with the control group. These results were confirmed with image analysis, which showed that cisplatin caused significant decrease in these inclusions compared to control. Likewise, neem treated group showed significant increase in these inclusions compared with cisplatin group. These findings suggest that cisplatin induced depletion of polysaccharides and protein in the liver and kidney of rats can be reverted with neem extract

Effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser on improving minoxidil delivery for treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Introduction: Recently, laser treatment for hair loss has become very popular. Laser-assisted drug delivery (LAD) is an evolving technology with potentially broad clinical applications. This work aims at inspecting the effect of the fractional carbon dioxide laser (CO2) on improving the delivery of minoxidil in patients with androgenetic alopecia and detecting the role of the fractional CO2 laser in its treatment.Methods: We enrolled 45 Egyptians with male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA); clinical grading was assessed based on Norwood-Hamilton classification. The patients were divided into 3 groups: the first group (combined group) received the fractional CO2 laser session followed by topical application of minoxidil and also in between sessions; the second group received fractional CO2 laser sessions only and 6 sessions with 2-week intervals were performed; the third group applied topical minoxidil only for 3 months. Global photographs and dermoscopic assessments were performed before treatment and 3 months after the treatment.Results: Several dermoscopic findings were detected, including peripilar sign, hair diversity, yellow spot, white dots, and arborizing red lines. The number of double hair units significantly increased after the treatment in the combined group. The mean number of hair after the treatment in the 3 groups significantly increased, mostly in the combined group. The hair thickness (thin & thick) significantly increased after the treatment in the combined group and the fractional group; however, in the minoxidil group, only thin hair thickness increased. In all the 3 groups, there was a significant improvement in hair count and thickness.Conclusion: The ablative fractional CO2 laser alone or combined with minoxidil may serve as an additional treatment for MAGA

Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis are Markers in Renal Toxicity Following Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) Envenomation

Abstract.-Snakebite is a serious and important problem in tropical and subtropical countries including Egypt. The venom of Egyptian cobra (Naja haje; L.) is complex, and it has been considered as a good source of short neurotoxins and several cytotoxins. In this study, oxidative stress inductions as well as apoptotic effects of the Egyptian cobra crude venom at a dose of 0.025mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection; i.p.) has been investigated in kidney of rats after 4 h. Twelve rats divided into 2 groups, Group I served as control group, Group II received i.p. injection of 0.025mg/kg of crude venom. The venom enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide productions in the kidney with concomitant reduction in glutathione content and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were inhibited. Moreover, the venom induced a renal injury as indicated by histopathological changes in the kidney tissue with an elevation in serum creatinine and urea. In addition, the renal ultrastructural changes were in the form of blebbing of visceral epithelial cells, and foot process disorganization. Also, the glomerular capillaries lined by hypertrophied endothelial cells. These findings were associated with the pro-apoptotic action in the kidney. The results suggest that Egyptian cobra venom stimulates oxidative stress to induce apoptosis in renal tissue through inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in male rats