Prevented Weight Loss Research Articles

Impact of postharvest calcium chloride treatments on decay rate and physicochemical quality properties in strawberry fruit

BackgroundPost-harvest losses cause significant product losses in the world, which leads to food waste. Therefore, it is of great importance for people to have access to sufficient amounts of products by increasing the storage period of fruits with applications such as post-harvest calcium chloride (CaCl2). In this study, the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on physical quality parameters and bioactive contents of stored strawberry fruit (Albion cv.) was investigated. Accordingly, strawberries were treated with 2%, 4% and 6% CaCl2 before storage and stored for 15 days (0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% RH). Analyses and measurements were conducted every 5 days during the storage period.Weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids content (SSC), acidity, pH, respiration rate, organic acids (malic, citric, ascorbic, fumaric, oxalic, succinic and tartaric) and phenolic compounds (catechin, chlorogenic, ferulic, gallic, o-coumaric, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, quercetin, rutin and syringic) were analyzed as quality parameters during storage.ResultsIn the study, in general, the best values were observed in 6% CaCl2-treated fruits in terms of weight loss, SSC, TA, decay and respiration rates, although they varied according to different storage periods. Similarly, in terms of phenolic compounds, organic acids and vitamin C, 6% CaCl2-treated fruits had significantly better prevention of quality losses. In addition, the most common phenolic compound of strawberry fruits was gallic acid, followed by chlorogenic acid and catechin, respectively. On the other hand, the predominant organic acid observed in the fruits was malic acid, followed by citric acid, succinic acid and oxalic acid, respectively.ConclusionsIn this study, it was observed that CaCl2 applications more effectively prevented weight loss and decay rate by reducing the respiration rate compared to the control group at the end of the storage period (15th day). It was concluded that, particularly, the 6% CaCl2 dose can be used as an important treatment to extend storage life by preserving fruit quality and biochemical changes.

Perioperative nutrition in older patients: what are the priorities?

This review aimed to synthesize recent literature on perioperative nutritional interventions for older patients. This review underscores the role of comprehensive preoperative optimization, strategic use of nutritional supplements focusing on calorie, protein, and fluid intake, and active involvement of health consumers in co-designing solutions. Tools like the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index offer a prediction value for nutrition-related complications in preoperative patients, guiding management strategies. Oral nutritional supplements, particularly those rich in protein and carbohydrates, prevent weight loss and improve functional outcomes postsurgery. However, patient satisfaction with these interventions is inconsistent and often unmeasured. Evidence suggests that prolonged fluid deprivation is harmful and preoperative hydration protocols reduce surgical stress and improve recovery outcomes. Yet, the benefit of preoperative hydration remains under-researched. Multimodal interventions for frail older adults are increasingly considered more effective than single-aspect interventions, which involve combining prehabilitation programs targeting malnutrition with smoking cessation and stabilization of preexisting conditions. Comprehensive preoperative nutritional assessment, evidence-based interventions, and health consumer involvement are crucial for improving perioperative care for elderly patients. Implementing multimodal interventions, including nutritional support and proper hydration, can enhance recovery, reduce complications, and improve the quality of life for older surgical patients.

Improved Therapeutic Efficacy of Doxorubicin Chemotherapy With Cannabidiol in 4T1 Mice Breast Cancer Model.

High dose chemotherapy is one of the therapeutic strategies for breast cancer and doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapy agent is widely used. DOX indication is limited due to its dose-depended cardiotoxicity. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD) shows antitumoral and cardioprotective effects, so we hypothesized that CBD administration with high-dose DOX chemotherapy can improve anticancer activity and reduce cardiotoxic side effects. Mice breast cancer model established by injecting 4T1 cell lines. One group was not injected by 4T1 cells as a not cancerous group and received normal saline (NS, 0.1 mL). In cancerous groups, first group was considered as cancerous control and received NS (0.1 mL); the second group received CBD (5 mg/kg, IP) on Days 1,7, and 14; in the third group DOX (5 mg/kg, IV) as CBD schedule was administrated; the fourth group treated with CBD 1 day before DOX injection as pretreatment, and the last group was treated with CBD and DOX at same time with previous doses and schedules. On Day 21, all mice were sacrificed, heart and lungs tissues were obtained and histological sections were isolated. SOD2, iNOS, MMP2, MMP9 were evaluated through western blot and TUNEL test preformed for breast tumor. Tumor size and weight significantly decreased in DOX, pretreatment CBD + DOX and CBD + DOX groups. Administration of CBD with DOX could not prevent weight loss. TUNEL test demonstrated the highest tumor cell apoptosis in pretreatment CBD + DOX and CBD + DOX. In lungs belonged to CBD + DOX, there was not any sign of metastasis. Cardiac histopathological examination of pretreatment CBD + DOX and CBD + DOX did not show any sign of congestion or inflammation. In CBD + DOX SOD2 increased, also iNOS, MMP2, and MMP9 decreased compared to DOX. This study demonstrated that simultaneous administration of CBD and DOX can increase antitumoral effect and reduce DOX cardiotoxicity. Nevertheless, CBD can induce cardiotoxicity as administrated alone.

Challenges and Considerations in Selecting Animal Models for Evaluating a Live, Cold-Chain-Free, Dual-Use Vaccine (MyChol) for Diarrhoeal Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Diarrhoeal diseases are the second leading cause of death for children under 5 years old in 69 low- and middle-income countries, with an annual economic burden of US$ 4 billion and over 525,000 lives lost. Cholera and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) traveller's diarrhoea are major diarrhoeal diseases caused by Vibrio cholerae (O1 and O139 serogroups) and ETEC, which have similar pathogeneses and can co-infect. There is no exclusive vaccine for ETEC, but cholera vaccines containing the cholera toxin B (CT-B) component offer short-term cross-protection. However, licensed oral cholera vaccines are expensive due to cold-chain supplies and the need for multiple doses. A cost-effective, dual-protection, live, cold-chain-free vaccine is, therefore, required for vaccination campaigns in low-resource settings, and MyChol - a prototype cold-chain-free live attenuated cholera vaccine, targeting V. cholerae O139 and ETEC H10407 - was developed in this context. The vaccine was evaluated in three animal models (Sprague Dawley [SD] rats, BALB/c mice and New Zealand white rabbits) for safety, colonisation capacity, reactogenicity and immunogenicity against challenge strains. In suckling mice, MyChol displayed high colonisation potential compared to unformulated VCUSM14P (the vaccine candidate) and wild-type O139. In the acute toxicity assessment, the SD rats with the highest MyChol dose (1 × 107 colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg) demonstrated no adverse effects or mortality. Mice vaccinated with MyChol exhibited elevated antibody levels, including anti-CT, anti-heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), anti-CT-B and anti-LT-B. Anti-CT antibodies neutralised LT toxin in ETEC H10407 in challenge studies and cross-protected against ETEC H10407 in both mice and rabbits, preventing weight loss and diarrhoea. Ileal loop experiments in rabbits and BALB/c mice showed no reactogenicity. This review, based on our previous research, therefore provides valuable insights into improving the selection of animal models to advance preclinical evaluations of diarrhoeal vaccines.

Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid (AKBA) Ameliorates Histopathological and Oxidative Stress Brain Disorders in the Experimental Model of Cuprizone-induced Demyelination

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that destroys the myelin sheath (demyelination) and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS), with several factors contributing to its development. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of administering acetyl 11-keto-beta boswellic acid (AKBA) in an animal model of cuprizone-induced demyelination. Methods: Thirty-two C57BL/6 female mice (WT; 20 - 25 g, 8 - 10 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Control (CO), (2) Cuprizone-treated (CPZ, 0.3%), (3) AKBA + CPZ (50 mg/kg, pre-treatment), and (4) CPZ + AKBA (50 mg/kg, post-treatment). At the end of the study, the weight and movement balance of the animals were assessed using the rotarod test. After sampling the brain, the extent of the demyelination area in the corpus callosum was measured with Luxol Fast Blue staining, the number of oligodendrocyte cells was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as oxidative stress factors in the brain tissue were measured. Results: The use of acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid in the cuprizone-induced demyelination model prevented weight loss, increased animal resistance in the rotarod test, and reduced the demyelination rate in the corpus callosum. Additionally, AKBA elevated the number of oligodendrocytes and total antioxidant capacity levels while reducing malondialdehyde levels in brain tissue. Pretreatment with AKBA exhibited a more significant effect. Conclusions: This study showed that acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid, an important active substance of the frankincense plant, likely protects the nervous system and neurons in the cuprizone-induced demyelination model by preventing the decrease in the number of oligodendrocytes, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing the destruction of myelin.

Extension of shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by using a coating of polyhydroxybutyrate-carboxymethyl cellulose-pectin-thymol conjugate.

This study targets explicitly finding an alternative to petroleum-based plastic films that burden the environment, which is a high priority. Hence, polymeric films were prepared with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (4%), pectin (2%), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) (0.5%) with different concentrations of thymol (0.3%, 0.9%, 1.8%, 3%, and 5%) and glycerol as a plasticizer by solution casting technique. The prepared films were tested for mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Film F5 (CMC+P+PHB+0.9%thymol) showed an excellent tensile strength of 15MPa, Young's modulus of 395MPa, antioxidant activity (AA) (92%), rapid soil biodegradation (21 days), and strong antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal cultures such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The thymol content increase in films F6 (1.8%), F7 (3%), and F8 (5%) displayed a decrease in mechanical properties due to thymol's hydrophobicity. For shelf life studies on tomatoes, F2, a film without thymol (poor antimicrobial and antioxidant activities), F5 (film with superior mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties), and F7 (film with low mechanical properties) were selected. Film F5 coatings on tomato fruit enhanced the shelf life of up to 15 days by preventing weight loss, preserving firmness, and delaying changes in biochemical constituents like lycopene, phenols, and AA. Based on the mechanical, optical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and shelf life results, the film F5 is suitable for active food packaging and preservation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The developed active biodegradable composite can be utilized as a coating to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. These coatings are easy to produce and apply, offering a sustainable solution to reduce food waste. On an industrial scale, they can be applied to food products, ensuring longer freshness without any technical challenges.

Risk Factors for Infusions, Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations for Hyperemesis Gravidarum: New Data and Literature Review.

Few factors have been identified that increase the risk of visits (hospital emergency room or inpatient stays) due to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The purpose of this study is to understand trends in HG management and identify variables increasing visit frequency so that strategies may be developed to reduce hospital utilization. An online survey was posted on the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation website and social media between June 2022 and May 2023. Participants had previous or current severe pregnancy nausea and vomiting. Respondents were asked about themselves and their HG experience, including weight loss, medications, infusion care, and visit frequency. Odds ratios, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated via MedCalc to analyze the significance of each factor, and Spearman rank correlations were analyzed via SPSS for associations of ondansetron usage with visits and weight loss. Microsoft Excel and SPSS were used to calculate treatment and visit frequencies. Survey data from 1220 respondents who reported a current or prior pregnancy with HG were included in this study. Respondents were primarily White, from the US, and had at least one visit due to HG. Participants with a visit were significantly more likely to be a person of color (POC), unable to work, have no children, and lose over 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Those who took medications as prescribed had fewer visits. No medication combination or dose was found to be significantly more effective in preventing weight loss or repeat hospital visits. Risk factors predicting visits included POC, not having children, being too sick to work, and having extreme weight loss. Utilization of medication and nutritional therapies is inconsistent and inadequate in this population, which may increase visit frequency.

Effect of edible coating of gelatin-sodium alginate with the addition of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on the characteristics of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) during storage.

Star fruit has a good nutritional value but was very easy to damage. Edible coating can be used to extend the shelf life of star fruit. Green tea had been added to improve the mechanical properties and functional value of edible coating. This study aimed to evaluate the application of edible coating gelatin-sodium alginate with the addition of green tea to the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of star fruit. This research was conducted by making edible coating solutions from gelatin, sodium alginate, glycerol, and green tea of various concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The coating solution was applied to star fruit and stored for 1, 6, and 13 days to determine the effect of coating on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of star fruit. The results showed that adding green tea was not significantly different from the color change of the coating solution. However, there was a change in viscosity and pH along with the concentration of green tea extract (p < 0.05). FTIR analyses indicated that an interaction existed between gelatin-sodium alginate and green tea extract. The addition of green tea to star fruit with an edible coating of gelatin and sodium alginate could prevent weight loss (25.84%), reduce respiration rate (11.035mg CO2/kg/h), maintain fruit anatomy, protect against color change, inhibit pH changes (4.22), total titrated acid (0.22%), increase vitamin C (244.55mg/g), and even reduce damage for up to 13 days of storage. This study indicates that edible coating with the addition of green tea might be effective to retain the quality and extend the storage life star fruit.

Astaxanthin Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Metabolic Dysregulation Induced by Microcystin-LR.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), frequently generated by cyanobacteria, has been demonstrated to raise the likelihood of liver disease. Few previous studies have explored the potential antagonist against MC-LR. Astaxanthin (ASX) has been shown to possess various beneficial effects in regulating lipid metabolism in the liver. However, whether ASX could alleviate MC-LR-induced hepatic lipid metabolic dysregulation is as yet unclear. In this work, the important roles and mechanisms of ASX in countering MC-LR-induced liver damage and lipid metabolic dysregulation were explored for the first time. The findings revealed that ASX not only prevented weight loss but also enhanced liver health after MC-LR exposure. Moreover, ASX effectively decreased triglyceride, total cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, and alanine aminotransferase contents in mice that were elevated by MC-LR. Histological observation showed that ASX significantly alleviated lipid accumulation and inflammation induced by MC-LR. Mechanically, ASX could significantly diminish the expression of genes responsible for lipid generation (Srebp-1c, Fasn, Cd36, Scd1, Dgat1, and Pparg), which probably reduced lipid accumulation induced by MC-LR. Analogously, MC-LR increased intracellular lipid deposition in THLE-3 cells, while ASX decreased these symptoms by down-regulating the expression of key genes in the lipid synthesis pathway. Our results implied that ASX played a crucial part in lipid synthesis and effectively alleviated MC-LR-induced lipid metabolism dysregulation. ASX might be developed as a novel protectant against hepatic impairment and lipid metabolic dysregulation associated with MC-LR. This study offers new insights for further management of MC-LR-related metabolic diseases.

Role of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for the Nutrition of Head and Neck Cancer Patients before and up to 6 Months after Cancer Treatment.

This retrospective monocentric cohort study analyzed patients with head and neck cancer according their nutritional status and association of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) from admission to six months after treatment at a tertiary hospital in Germany from 2017 to 2019. A total of 289 patients (76.5% men; median age 62 years; 63.3% stage IV) were included. Univariate analyses and ANOVAs with repeated measures were performed to analyze differences over time. The percentage of patients requiring PEG was 14.9% (43 of 289 patients) before start of treatment (Z0), 14% (40 of 286 patients alive) after one week (Z1), 22.7% (58 of 255 patients) after six weeks (Z2) and 23% (53 of 230 patients) after six months (Z3) from the end of treatment. PEG placement was associated with alcohol or nicotine consumption, in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, cancer stage III/IV, chemotherapy and impairment of food intake (all p < 0.05). Weight loss between Z1 and Z3 with PEG did not differ from patients without PEG at Z0 (p = 0.074), although patients with PEG at Z0 had a lower mean weight at the beginning. PEG was important for a quarter of the patients alive at Z3 and helped to prevent weight loss.

Luteolin as potential treatment for Huntington's disease: Insights from a transgenic mouse model.

The study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of luteolin treatment in Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder. HD N171-82Q transgenic and WT mice received luteolin or vehicle for treatment at 6 weeks of age. The mice's body weight changes and survival rates were monitored throughout the study, and a series of motor functional tests were conducted. Serum level of the marker NfL was also determined. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were utilized to assess the expression of huntingtin aggregates. Luteolin treatment enhanced survival and prevented weight loss in HD mice compared to the vehicle-treated HD group. Furthermore, the luteolin-treated HD mice exhibited enhanced motor coordination and balance and significantly reduced motor dysfunction. Also, luteolin decreased serum NfL levels in HD mice. Notably, the accumulation of huntingtin aggregates was significantly reduced in the brain's cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of luteolin-treated HD mice compared to the vehicle-treated HD group. Luteolin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for improving survival outcomes, managing motor dysfunction, and reducing huntingtin aggregates in HD. The findings are of significance as currently, there are no approved therapeutic interventions that reverse HD pathology or slow down its progression.

The Role of Akkermansia muciniphila on Improving Gut and Metabolic Health Modulation: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Mouse Model Studies.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) and its derivatives, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and outer membrane proteins, are recognized for enhancing intestinal balance and metabolic health. However, the mechanisms of Akkermansia muciniphila's action and its effects on the microbiome are not well understood. In this study, we examined the influence of A. muciniphila and its derivatives on gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic disorders through a meta-analysis of studies conducted on mouse models. A total of 39 eligible studies were identified through targeted searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Embase until May 2024. A. muciniphila (alive or heat-killed) and its derivatives positively affected systemic and gut inflammation, liver enzyme level, glycemic response, and lipid profiles. The intervention increased the expression of tight-junction proteins in the gut, improving gut permeability in mouse models of GI and metabolic disorders. Regarding body weight, A. muciniphila and its derivatives prevented weight loss in animals with GI disorders while reducing body weight in mice with metabolic disorders. Sub-group analysis indicated that live bacteria had a more substantial effect on most analyzed biomarkers. Gut microbiome analysis using live A. muciniphila identified a co-occurrence cluster, including Desulfovibrio, Family XIII AD3011 group, and Candidatus Saccharimonas. Thus, enhancing the intestinal abundance of A. muciniphila and its gut microbial clusters may provide more robust health benefits for cardiometabolic, and age-related diseases compared with A. muciniphila alone. The mechanistic insight elucidated here will pave the way for further exploration and potential translational applications in human health.

Orally dissolving film as a potential vaccine delivery carrier to prevent influenza virus infection

Orally dissolving films (ODF) are designed to be dissolved on the tongue and absorbed in the mouth. It offers multiple advantages over the commonly used needle-based vaccines, especially in terms of convenience allowing safe, painless, and easy self-administration. As the efficacy of ODF-encapsulated influenza vaccines has not been demonstrated, we assessed the protection elicited by inactivated influenza virus (A/PR/8/34, H1N1) vaccine delivered using ODFs in mice. Trehalose and pullulan components of the ODF ensured that the HA antigens of the inactivated PR8 virus retained their stability while ensuring the rapid release of the vaccines upon exposure to murine saliva. Mice were immunized thrice by placing the PR8-ODF on the tongues of mice at 4-week intervals, and vaccine-induced protection was evaluated upon lethal homologous challenge infection. The PR8-ODF vaccination elicited virus-specific serum IgG and IgA antibody responses, hemagglutinin inhibition (HAI), and viral neutralization. Upon challenge infection, ODF vaccination showed higher levels of IgG and IgA antibody responses in the lungs and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses in both lung and spleen compared to unimmunized controls. These results corresponded with the enhanced T cell and germinal center B cell responses in the lungs and spleens. Importantly, ODF vaccination significantly reduced lung virus titers and inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6) production compared to unvaccinated control. ODF vaccination ensured 100% survival and prevented weight loss in mice. These findings suggest that influenza vaccine delivery through ODFs could be a promising approach for oral vaccine development.

ADSC-derived exosomes provide neuroprotection in sepsis-associated encephalopathy by regulating hippocampal pyroptosis

AimsAdipose-derived stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes have been recognized for their neuroprotective effects in various neurological diseases. This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of ADSC-derived exosomes in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). MethodsBehavioral cognitive functions were evaluated using the open field test, Y-maze test, and novel object recognition test. Brain activity was assessed through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Pyroptosis was measured using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. ResultsOur findings indicate that ADSC-derived exosomes mitigate cognitive impairment, improve survival rates, and prevent weight loss in SAE mice. Additionally, exosomes protect hippocampal function in SAE mice, as demonstrated by fMRI evaluations. Furthermore, SAE mice exhibit neuronal damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the hippocampus, conditions which are reversed by exosome treatment. Moreover, our study highlights the downstream regulatory role of the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway as a crucial mechanism in alleviating hippocampal inflammation. ConclusionADSC-derived exosomes confer neuroprotection in SAE models by mediating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, thereby ameliorating cognitive impairment.

Anti-Type II Diabetic Effects of Coix Seed Prolamin Hydrolysates: Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses.

Previous studies have demonstrated that enzymatically prepared coix seed prolamin hydrolysates (CHPs) contain several bioactive peptides that efficiently inhibit the activity of target enzymes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl kinase-IV) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the anti-T2DM effects and potential mechanisms of CHPs as a whole in vivo have not yet been systematically explored. Therefore, we evaluated the preventive, therapeutic, and modifying effects of CHPs on T2DM by combining physiological and liver transcriptomics with a T2DM mouse model. The results showed that sustained high-fructose intake led to prediabetic symptoms in mice, with abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose and blood lipid levels. Intervention with CPHs effectively prevented weight loss; regulated abnormal changes in blood glucose; improved impaired glucose tolerance; inhibited the abnormal expression of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins; alleviated insulin resistance; and restored pancreatic islet tissue function in mice fed a high-fructose diet. In addition, we found that CHPs also play a palliative role in the loss of liver function and protect various organ tissues (including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and heart), and are effective in preventing damage to the liver and pancreatic islet cells. We also found that the intake of CHPs reversed the abnormally altered hepatic gene profile in model mice and identified 381 differentially expressed genes that could serve as key genes for preventing the development of T2DM, which are highly correlated with multiple glycolipid metabolic pathways. We demonstrated that CHPs play a positive role in the normal functioning of the insulin signalling pathway dominated by the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT (insulin receptor substrates-1/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) pathway. In summary, CHPs can be used as effective food-borne glucose-modifying components of healthy foods.

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Effects of Morin on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Recently, natural remedies for the management of diabetes observed a rise in interest as a result of the negative impacts of conventional treatment. The present work studies the beneficial effects of morin in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on glucose levels, tissue antioxidant state, and lipid peroxidation. Oral delivery of morin (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) for 21 days to normal and diabetic rats could not prevent weight loss, but consumption of food and water (25 mg/kg) was considerably reduced. Morin substantially decreased glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol in the blood of diabetic rats. Additionally, it greatly halted the rise in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels as well as the decline in HDL cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. In comparison to normal rats, diabetic rats had higher levels of malondialdehyde, lower levels of nitric oxide, decreased glutathione, and lower levels of superoxide dismutase in their hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues. The morin treatments substantially reduced the levels of hepatic and pancreatic reduced glutathione, hepatic and pancreatic reduced nitric oxide, and hepatic, renal, and pancreatic superoxide dismutase. They also prevented the increase of hepatic, renal, and pancreatic malondialdehyde. Histopathological findings revealed a reduction in pancreatic damage in morin-treated rats. Morin exerts antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant activities in diabetic rats.

Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNovel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. Aim of the studyThus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. Materials and methodsThe parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23–28 g and aged 6–8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. ResultsEvery test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. Crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. ConclusionsThe results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.

Endurance Exercise Prevented Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through the Inhibition of Fibrosis and Hypertrophy in Rats.

Exercise training could be essential in preventing pathological cardiac remodeling in diabetes. Therefore, the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) singly or plus metformin on diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy were investigated in this study. Forty-nine Wistar rats (male) were recruited. Seven groups of animals were treated for six weeks as control, diabetes, MICT (15 m/min, 40 min/day), HIIT (20 m/min, 40 min/day), metformin (300 mg/kg), HIIT+metformin (Met-HIIT), and MICT+metformin (Met-MICT). The metformin was orally administered with an intragastrical needle, and the exercised rats were trained (5 days/week) with a motorized treadmill. Metabolic parameters, echocardiographic indices, histopathology evaluation, and assessment of gene expression connected with cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, mitochondrial performance, and intracellular calcium homeostasis were investigated. Our results demonstrated that all the interventions prevented weight loss and enhanced heart weight/body weight ratio and fasting plasma glucose in diabetic rats. Both types of exercise and their metformin combinations improved diabetic animals' echocardiography indices by enhancing heart rate, fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF) and reducing end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter of left ventricular (LVESD and LVEDD). Gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), transforming growth factor (TGF)- , and collagen increased in the diabetes group. In contrast, the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1 ), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), ryanodine receptors (RyR), and ATPase pump of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) was reduced in diabetic animals. Exercise training alone or in combination with metformin reversed these changes. Moreover, diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated in treated groups. All indicators of diabetic cardiomyopathy were improved more in the Met-HIIT group than in other groups. Exercise training, notably with metformin combination, alleviated diabetes-induced cardiac complications. The beneficial effects of exercise could be related to improving pathological cardiac remodeling and enhancing cardiac function.

Arbutin attenuates CFA-induced arthritis by modulating expression levels of 5-LOX, NF‑κB, IL-17, PGE-2 and TNF-α.

Arbutin, a naturally soluble glycosylated phenol has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The current exploration appraises the treatment of arthritis by use of Arbutin (25, 50 and 100mg/kg) orally in CFA-induced rat arthritis model. Body weight changes, paw size, and joint diameter were recorded till the 28th day in the arthritic-induced rats. Hematological, biochemical, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were measured through the blood samples of anesthetized rats. Arbutin markedly decreased paw volume, PGE-2, anti-CCP and 5-LOX levels, however, maintained metabolic and hematological balance and prevented weight loss. Radiology and histology changes improved significantly in the ankle joints of rats. Moreover, Arbutin increased gene pointers such as IL-10 and IL-4 while significantly reducing the levels of CRP and WBCs, whereas Hb, platelets and RBCs count markedly raised in post-treatments. Antioxidant levels of SOD, CAT and GSH were improved and MDA level was reduced in treated groups. Rt-PCR investigation showed a significant reduction of the interleukin-1β, TNF-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB and IL-17 and increased expression of gene pointers like IL-4, and IL-10 in treated groups. Assessment of molecular docking revealed a strong binding interaction of Arbutin against 5-LOX, IL-17, TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, IL-4 and iNOS providing a strong association between experimental and theoretical results. As a result, Arbutin has significantly reduced CFA-induced arthritis by modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-10 and IL-4, the pro-inflammatory cytokines panel such as NF-κB, TNF-alpha, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE-2, 5-LOX and COX-2 and oxidative biomarkers.

Complanatuside A ameliorates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice by regulating the Th17/Treg balance via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Immunity imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Complanatuside A (CA), a flavonol glycoside, exerts anti-inflammatory activities and our study aimed to identify its effect on TNBS-induced colitis and the possible mechanisms. We found that CA alleviated the symptoms of colitis in TNBS mice, as demonstrated by prevented weight loss and colon length shortening, as well as decreased disease activity index scores, inflammatory scores, and levels of proinflammatory factors. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CA markedly reduced the percentage of Th17 cells while increasing the percentage of Treg cells in TNBS mice. Under Th17 cell polarizing conditions, CA inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells while the Treg cell differentiation was elevated under Treg cell polarizing conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that JAK2 interacted with CA through six hydrogen bonds via molecular docking. The phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was reduced by CA, which might be correlated with the protective effect of CA on colitis. In conclusion, CA reduced the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in TNBS-induced colitis, which may provide novel strategies for CD treatment.