Significant Increase In Serum Levels Research Articles

The Nociceptive and Inflammatory Responses Induced by the Ehrlich Solid Tumor Are Changed in Mice Healed of Plasmodium berghei Strain ANKA Infection after Chloroquine Treatment.

Comorbidities that involve infectious and noninfectious diseases, such as malaria and cancer, have been described. Cancer and malaria induce changes in the nociceptive and inflammatory responses through similar pathophysiological mechanisms. However, it is unclear whether malaria and antimalarial treatment can change the inflammatory and nociceptive responses induced by solid cancer. Therefore, the present study experimentally evaluated the effect of infection by Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA and chloroquine treatment on the nociceptive and inflammatory responses induced by the solid Ehrlich tumor in male BALB/c mice. On the 1st experimental day, mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei and injected with tumor cells in the left hind paw. From the 7th to the 9th experimental day, mice were treated daily with chloroquine. The parasitemia was evaluated on the 7th and 10th days after infection. On the 11th experimental day, mice were evaluated on the von Frey filament test, the hot plate test, and the paw volume test. At the end of the experimental tests on the 11th day, the peripheral blood of all mice was collected for dosing of IL-1β and TNF-α. The blood parasitemia significantly increased from the 7th to the 10th day. The chloroquine treatment significantly decreased the parasitemia on the 10th day. The presence of the tumor did not significantly change the parasitemia on the 7th and 10th days in mice treated and nontreated with chloroquine. On the 11th day, the mechanical and thermal nociceptive responses significantly increased in mice with tumors. The treatment with antimalarial significantly reduced the mechanical nociceptive response induced by tumors. The hyperalgesia induced by tumors did not change with malaria. The mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia induced by the tumor was significantly reduced in mice treated and healed from malaria. On the 11th day, the volume of the paw injected by the tumor was significantly increased. The mice treated with chloroquine, infected with malaria, or healed of malaria showed reduced paw edema induced by the tumor. Mice with tumors did not show a change in IL-β and TNF-α serum levels. Mice with tumors showed a significant increase in serum levels of IL-1β but not TNF-α when treated with chloroquine, infected with malaria, or healed of malaria. In conclusion, the results show that malaria infection and chloroquine treatment can influence, in synergic form, the nociceptive and inflammatory responses induced by the solid tumor. Moreover, the mechanical antinociception, the thermal hyperalgesia, and the antiedema effect observed in mice treated with chloroquine and healed from malaria can be related to the increase in the serum level of IL-1β.

Protective Effect of Deer Heart Peptide on Cardiac Injury in Mice

Protective Effect of Deer Heart Peptide on Cardiac Injury in Mice

Dosimetry and Biochemical Comparison of Early Radiation-Induced Lung Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with 3D-CRT and IMRT: the Role of Serum Interleukin-6 and Pulmonary Surfactant Protein-D.

Radiation-induced lung disease is a potentially fatal, dose-limiting toxicity commonly seen after radiotherapy of thoracic malignancies, including breast cancer. To evaluate and compare the early lung toxicity induced by 3D-CRT and IMRT radiotherapy treatment modalities in breast cancer female patients using biochemical, dosimetry and clinical data. this study included 15 normal healthy controls, 15 breast cancer patients treated with IMRT, and 15 breast cancer patients treated with 3D-CRT. One blood sample was obtained from the control group and 3 blood samples were withdrawn from cases before RT, after RT and after 3 months of RT. IMRT delivered higher radiation dose to the breast tumor and lower doses to the lung as an organ at risk. There was a non-significant increase in the serum levels of IL-6 before IMRT and 3D-CRT compared with its levels in the control group. There were significant increases in serum levels of IL-6 after RT (IMRT and 3DCRT) compared with its levels before RT. There was a non-significant decrease in the serum levels of IL-6 after 3 months of RT (IMRT and 3D-CRT) compared with its serum levels immediately after RT. There was a non-significant increase in the serum levels of SP-D before RT (IMRT and 3D-CRT) compared with its levels in the control group. There were significant-increases in serum levels of SP-D after RT (IMRT and 3D-CRT) compared with its levels before RT. There was a non-significant decrease in the serum levels of SP-D after 3 months of radiotherapy (IMRT and 3D-CRT) compared with its serum levels immediately after RT. serum of levels IL-6 and SP-D can be used to diagnose the occurrence of early lung toxicity due to radiotherapy and the rate of recovery from radiation pneumonitis is apparent in case of IMRT than 3D-CRT.

Silymarin and MSC-exosomes ameliorate thioacetamide-evoked renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD pathway in rats

BackgroundTGF-β1 and SMAD3 are particularly pathogenic in the progression of renal fibrosis.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the kidney protective potentials of silymarin (SM) and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells against the nephrotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) in rats.Methods32 female rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group, the TAA group, the TAA + SM group, and the TAA + Exosomes group. The kidney homogenates from all groups were examined for expression levels of TGF-β receptors I and II using real-time PCR, expression levels of collagen type I and CTGF proteins using ELISA, and the expression levels of nuclear SMAD2/3/4, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3, and cytoplasmic SMAD4 proteins using the western blot technique.ResultsCompared to the control group, the injection of TAA resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of urea and creatinine, gene expression levels of TβRI and TβRII, protein expression levels of both collagen I and CTGF proteins, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3 complex, and nuclear SMAD2/3/4 (p-value < 0.0001), with significantly decreased levels of the co-SMAD partner, SMAD4 (p-value < 0.0001). Those effects were reversed considerably in both treatment groups, with the superiority of the exosomal treatment regarding the SMAD proteins and the expression levels of the TβRI gene, collagen I, and CTGF proteins returning to near-control values (p-value > 0.05).ConclusionUsing in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, the research discovered a reno-protective role of silymarin and exosomes of BM-MSCs after thioacetamide-induced renal fibrosis in rats, with the advantage of exosomes.

Use of data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry to identify an objective serum indicator of the need for osteoporotic therapeutic intervention

Osteoporosis is characterized by weakened bone microstructure and loss of bone mass. Current diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis are based on the T-score, which is a measure of bone mineral density. However, osteoporotic fragility fractures can occur regardless of the T-score, underscoring the need for additional criteria for the early detection of patients at fracture risk. To identify indicators of reduced bone strength, we performed serum proteomic analysis using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry with serum samples from two patient groups, one with osteoporosis but no fractures and the other with osteopenia and fragility fractures. Collective evaluation of the results identified six serum proteins that changed to a similar extent in both patient groups compared with controls. Of these, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), which contributes to bone formation, showed the most significant increase in serum levels in both patient groups. An ELISA-based assay suggested that ECM1 could serve as a serum indicator of the need for therapeutic intervention; however, further prospective studies with a larger sample size are necessary to confirm these results. The present findings may contribute to the provision of early and appropriate therapeutic strategies for patients at risk of osteoporotic fractures. SignificanceThis study aimed to identify objective serum indicators of the need for therapeutic intervention in individuals at risk of osteoporotic fracture. Comprehensive proteome analyses of serum collected from patients with osteoporosis but no fractures, patients with osteopenia and fragility fractures, and controls were performed by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Collective evaluation of the proteome analysis data and ELISA-based assays identified serum ECM1 as a potential objective marker of the risk of fragility fractures in patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia. The findings are an important step toward the development of appropriate bone health management methods to improve well-being and maintain quality of life.

Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and content of microbial-derived uremic toxins in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Recent data highlight a significant role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease, particularly in its terminal stage. However, little is known about the features of intestinal dysbiosis in people undergoing programed hemodialysis. Changes in the intestinal microbiota and blood levels of uremic toxins of microbial origin in patients with terminal renal insufficiency receiving hemodialysis were analyzed. This cross-sectional study included 80 patients receiving hemodialysis and 20 individuals with normal kidney function. The state of the microbiocenosis of the colon was studied using a polymerase chain reaction with a commercial set Colonoflor 16 (premium) manufactured by Alfalab (Russia). Serum levels of trimethylamine and its metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The concentrations of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay according to the instructions of a commercial kit. In patients undergoing programed hemodialysis, increased colonization of enterococci was combined with the reduction of lacto and bifidophlora, E. coli, ruminococci, bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium rectale, Roseburia inulinivorans, and Blautia spp.) and microorganisms involved in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier (Bacteroides thetaomicron and Akkermansia muciniphila). In addition, high titer levels of representatives of opportunistic and even pathogenic flora were often found in this group. Intestinal dysbiosis in patients undergoing programed hemodialysis was accompanied by a significant increase in the concentration of uremic toxins in the blood. Compared with individuals with normal renal function, the trimethylamine level in patients undergoing programed hemodialysis was increased 22 times; trimethylamine-N-oxide, 23 times; indoxyl sulfate, 21 times; and p-cresyl sulfate, 5 times. Thus, patients receiving hemodialysis exhibited pronounced pathological changes in intestinal microbiocenosis, accompanied by a significant increase in serum levels of uremic toxins of microbial origin.

Role of Ferroptosis in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Insights from Iron Metabolism and Lipid Peroxidation Markers

Objective: Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death characterized by the irondependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, leading to membrane damage and cell rupture. Several lines of evidence suggest that ferroptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of COVID- 19. This study aimed to measure iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation markers in COVID-19 patients to establish a direct link between ferroptosis and COVID-19. Method: In the present cross-sectional study, the serum levels of hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were assessed in 100 COVID-19 patients diagnosed using Real-time PCR and compared to the levels in 100 healthy individuals. Result: Our findings revealed a significant increase in serum levels of ferritin and MDA in COVID- 19 patients compared to control subjects. Conversely, TIBC, Hb, Iron, and GSH levels were lower in COVID-19 patients than in control. Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence supporting the significance of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Further research aimed at elucidating the exact role of ferroptosis in COVID-19 is warranted, as it may lead to improved strategies for mitigating multi-organ dysfunction associated with this disease.

Caffeine and Taurine from Energy Drinks—A Review

The purpose of this paper is to review the specialized literature to highlight the effects produced by energy drinks in terms of skin health. To carry out this review, we consulted previous articles with descriptive cross-sectional designs, case series, and individual case reports published between 2000 and 2023. Therefore, while caffeine acute consumption among adults can have beneficial effects, in children, it can cause health problems like overnight breaks, headaches, and dulled cognition since their organs are still developing and their endocrine system is not yet stable. Despite the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of caffeine from energy drinks, their excessive consumption among adolescents can cause disorders like high systolic blood pressure, agitation, nausea, anxiety, osteoporosis, heart palpitations, poor sleep quality, and stomach ulcers. Among athletes, taurine supplementation has been proven to improve exercise capacity in cold weather conditions. Also, vigilance, attention, and reaction time were all improved by caffeine consumption. Caffeine administration in low doses caused a risk of cardiovascular disease. It was effective in treating migraines in children, but raised systolic blood pressure, and contributed to skin healing in adolescents. On the other side, taurine prevents obesity among children, causes positive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in adolescents, helps shield the skin from damaging oxidative stress among students, and impacts exercise capacity in athletes. Significant increases in serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, BUN, ALT, and ALP caused by chronic intake of EDs indicated different degrees of injury to the kidneys and liver. Furthermore, the effects on the cardiovascular system could be worse if taurine and caffeine are combined. Caffeine alone does not significantly decrease sleep as much as a taurine/high caffeine ratio. On the other hand, a low ratio does.

Reversal of cholestatic liver disease by the inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 signaling.

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of inhibiting Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) on liver inflammation, fibrogenesis, and changes of gut microbiome in the context of cholestasis-induced conditions. The cholestatic liver injury model was developed by common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups, sham operation, CBDL group and JTE-013 treated CBDL group. Biochemical and histological assessments were conducted to investigate the influence of S1PR2 on the modulation of fibrogenic factors and inflammatory infiltration. We conducted an analysis of the fecal microbiome by using 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum bile acid composition was evaluated through the utilization of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. In the BDL rat model, the study findings revealed a significant increase in serum levels of conjugated bile acids, accompanied by an overexpression of S1PR2. Treatment with the specific inhibitor of S1PR2, known as JTE-013, resulted in a range of specific effects on the BDL rats. These effects included the improvement of liver function, reduction of liver inflammation, inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis, and suppression of NETosis. These effects are likely mediated through the TCA/S1PR2/NOX2/NLRP3 pathway. Furthermore, the administration of JTE-013 resulted in an augmentation of the diversity of the bacterial community's diversity, facilitating the proliferation of advantageous species while concurrently inhibiting the prevalence of detrimental bacteria. The results of our study suggest that the administration of JTE-013 may have a beneficial effect in alleviating cholestatic liver disease and restoring the balance of intestinal flora.

Assessment of association between interleukin 6 gene variant and its serum level in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a sample of Egyptian population

Abstract Background Researches in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had shown signs of inflammation with inflammatory markers that had pivotal role in COPD. some studies proposed that elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with negative impact on lung functions but up to our knowledge, no studies were performed to correlate the genotypes of IL-6 with COPD patients in Egyptian and middle east populations. Objectives To study both the correlation of serum level of IL-6 as well as its gene variant (also known as G174C)) as possible genetic marker for COPD patients in Egyptian patients. Materials and methods This study is case-control that enrolled ninety participants; it consisted of two groups. Group I included 45 patients who were diagnosed as stable COPD; Group II included 45 healthy participants. After full clinical and pulmonary functions assessment of all participants, blood samples were collected from both groups for the detection serum level of IL-6 by ELISA and the detection of IL6 variant by TaqMan Real-Time PCR. Results Our study revealed that there was statistically significant increase in serum level of interleukin-6 in COPD patients compared to normal individuals (P value &lt;0.001) and the presence of G/G variant of interleukin 6 gene in COPD patients more than normal subjects with frequency of 84.4% and 53.3% for COPD patients and healthy controls respectively. There was significant correlation between the serum level of interleukin-6 and COPD staging (P value &lt;0.007). Conclusion The genotype GG variant of IL6 contributes to the prediction of COPD and may be used as a marker for the prediction of COPD risk in Egyptian population. Serum level of IL6 is markedly higher in COPD patients and can be used as a parameter of correlation with COPD stages.

Diagnostic Value of CRP, H-FABP, PCT, Lp-PLA2 and Cytokines in Stable Angina

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the levels of serum H-FABP (fatty acid-binding protein), hs-CRP (high sensitivity- CPR), Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein PLA2), PCT (procalcitonin) and cytokines, in addition to routinely used diagnostic tests, Troponin I (Trop I), Myoglobin (MYO) and Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in patients with stable angina to determine their sensitivity in diagnosing stable angina and facilitating faster decision-making in the emergency unit. The current study was performed on 86 patients complaining stable angina, at Nasiriyah Heart Center from October 2021 to October 2022. Eighty-six, healthy subjects (age-matched) were taken as a control group. Blood samples were collected in the emergency department. Serum levels of hs CRP, H-FABP, CK-MB, Trop I, MYO, Lp-PLA2 and PCT were determined using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Blood sugar and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and HDL were determined using Cobas C311 photometric assays. Serum IL-6 was determined by using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, while, IL-9, IL-1β and TNF-α were assayed by ELISA. The study showed that the level of troponin I didn’t significantly change in patients with stable angina. However, compared with healthy controls, patients showed a significant increase in serum levels of CK-MB, myoglobin, hs-CRP, H-FABP, Lp-PLA2 and PCT. Significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6, IL1β, IL-9 and TNF-α were also recorded in patients with stable angina compared to healthy controls. The results also revealed that patients with stable angina had significantly elevated serum levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL with a significant decline of serum HDL compared to healthy controls. We can concluded that, in addition to cTnI, CK-MB and MYO, other biomarkers such as hs-CRP, H-FABP, Lp-PLA2 and PCT are sensitive; and can serve as diagnostic indicators of stable angina pectoris for fast treatment. Furthermore, the detection of inflammatory biomarkers was found to be an additional diagnostic parameter in stable angina.

Role of some Immunological and non-Immunological Parameters in Prognosis and diagnosis of Systemic lupus erythematosus in Iraqi women patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody's presence in the circulation and involvement of many systems. The current study aims to study the role of some immunological and non-immunological parameters in SLE development and to illustrate the correlations between these parameters. The current study included 50 blood samples collected from SLE patients and apparently healthy control. The methods of work included Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis to assess blood components, you mean to analyse Hb, WBC, ESR, ELISA technique to measure serum levels of TLR-7, IL-17, and TNF-γ, antinuclear antibody test (ANA) and double-strand DNA antibody (anti ds DNA). The study results showed a significant increase in serum levels of each WBC (p&lt; 0.005), ESR (p&lt; 0.001), IL17(p&lt; 0.004), TLR7(p&lt; 0.005), IFN-γ (p&lt; 0.001), ANA (p&lt; 0.001), and anti dsDNA (p&lt; 0.001) in SLE patients compared to apparently healthy control but the Hb is decreasing level was low in the SLE patients compared with control. In conclusion, the low hemoglobin, WBC, and ESR are non-specific parameters associated with SLE pathogenesis. ANA, Anti-ds-DNA as excellent biomarkers for the diagnosis of SLE and serum level of TLR-7, TNF-γ, and IL-17 were evaluated in SLE patients compared to healthy people and they may be suggested as a prognostic tool in SLE patients.

The Effect of Single Clove Garlic Extract (Allium sativum) Against Aspartame-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Diabetic Rats

Background: Aspartame is a widely used synthetic sweetener used for dietary control and by diabetics. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of a single garlic clove extract against aspartame-induced hepatotoxicity in diabetic rats. Methods: Forty-eight experimental male albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups (6 rats per group) as follows: Group (G)1: served as normal control and received distilled water orally, G2: rats treated with single clove garlic (SCG) extract (0.5 g/kg body weight), G3: rats were treated with SCG extract (0.5 g/kg body weight) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (200 mg/kg body weight), G4: rats treated with ASP (200 mg/kg body weight), G5: was the diabetic control group (induced by alloxan (ALX) 120 mg/kg body weight), G6: diabetic rats were treated with SCG extract (0.5 g/kg body weight), G7: diabetic rats were treated with SCG extract (0.5 g/kg body weight) and ASP (200 mg/kg body weight) and G8: diabetic rats were treated with ASP 200 mg/kg body weight. Results: The results obtained showed that treatment with ASP caused a significant increase in serum levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and ASP in SCG extract-treated rats in G3 and G4 and diabetic rats in G7 and G8, while treatment with SCG extract caused a significant decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP in SCG treated rats in G2 and G6 and diabetic rats in G7 compared to the control group (G1). After treatment with ASP, histologic changes in the liver were observed in G4, which were more pronounced in G8, indicating liver damage compared to the control group, while treatment with SCG extract showed further changes in liver tissue in the diabetic rats of G7 and G8. Conclusion: The present study suggests that administering ASP in normal rats leads to liver dysfunction. Moreover, our results proved that the application of ASP in diabetic rats may cause additional damage compared to ASP in normal rats. This study demonstrated that treatment with SCG extract significantly attenuated the biochemical and histopathologic changes induced by ASP and alloxan. From the data obtained, it appears that treatment with SCG extract has a protective effect against the toxicity of ASF and alloxan on the liver of normal and diabetic rats.&#x0D;

Evaluation of Serum Level and Interleukin-4 Receptor (rs1805010) Gene Polymorphism in a Sample of Osteoporosis Women

Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by subtle skeletal degeneration and bone loss, generally defined as a systemic metabolic disease. Interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4) R has been associated with osteoimmune, the relationship between the immune system and the skeleton (osteoimmune system) is studied in osteoimmunology. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum level and polymorphisms to genotype IL-4R )rs1805010 ( and their effect on osteoporosis in Iraqi women. Methods: ELISA was used to determine the serum level of the IL-4R and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to genotype the IL4R gene in 90 Iraqi women (60 patients with osteoporosis and 30 control groups). Results: The main findings on the IL-4R polymorphism (rs1805010) indicated that there was no association for the prediction of osteoporosis in Iraqi women. Whereas, there was a significant increase in serum levels of interleukin-4 receptor in women with osteoporosis compared to healthy women, (P = 0.018). Conclusion: The study supposes that there is a link between the serum level of IL4R and how osteoporosis develops, but IL4R gene polymorphisms may not play a role in osteoporosis in women. Keywords: Osteoporosis, rs1805010, IL4R, Polymorphism.

Assessment of Liver Enzymes among Gold Mining Workers in Alabedia Souk Nile River Sudan

This study aims to measure the liver enzymes among gold mining workers and compare them with a group of healthy subjects as a control sample. This cross-sectional study was conducted Alabedia market, Nile River, Sudan. The study included 70 people, the gold prospectors by mercury as a test group (50 people) and healthy (20 people) as a control group. The venous blood samples were collected from the two groups to measure the rates of Hg liver enzymes. Statistical analysis of the results reviled that, there was a significant increase in serum level of ALP in the test group (82.8 IU/L) when compared with the control group (70.25.1IU/L) with a P. value of 0.013, and an increase in serum level of ALT in the test group was (21.18 IU/L) when compared with a control group of (26.96.1IU/L) with P. value of 0.003. Statistical analysis of the results reviled that, there was no significant increase in serum level of AST when compared with a control group with a P-value of 0.071. The mean level of serum mercury in the test group was (62.17) and in the control group was (0.72) with P. value of &lt;0.001. This study established that there is a significant increase in the levels of serum mercury compared to the control group. The new workers are more exposed to mercury than the older workers because the new workers have no experience in contact with gold mining extraction.

Effect of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Datura alba ness (Thorn Apple) on Gonadotropic Hormones (FSH, LH) Following Administration of Monosodium Glutamate and Clomiphene Citrate in Male Wistar Rats

Reproductive process cannot be complete without hormone and if these hormones are not in the right proportion, then reproductive process could fail. Hormones are chemical substances produced by the endocrine gland and its physiological action is exerted on a target organ different from the secretion’s site. The aim is this study is to evaluate Effect of aqueous leave extract of D. alba ness (Thorn Apple) on gonadotropic hormones (FSH, LH) and prolactin following administration of MSG and clomid citrate in male wistar rats. The study involves 35 male wistar rats weighing between 130g to 160g. The animals were randomly selected into 7 with five animals per group. Each group received the following: group 1 10mls/kg of distil water, group 2 low dose of extract (1000mg/kg), group 3 high dose of extract(2000mg/kg), group 4 MSG 800mg/kg, group 5 clomid 50mg/kg, group 6 MSG + high dose of extract and group 7 clomid+ high dose of extract. Administration of extract was done through oral gavage for 21 days, thereafter, the animals were sacrificed on the 22nd day, and blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. The results showed significant increase in serum levels of FSH and LH in the MSG group and decreased in FHS levels in all others treated groups when compared with control. The serum levels of FSH and LH rises when extract was co-administered with MSG. The serum levels of LH slightly increased when extract was co-administered with clomid serum levels of FSH do not increased when extract was co-administered with clomid. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

Anti-oxidant effects of herbal residue from Shengxuebao mixture on heat-stressed New Zealand rabbits

Heat stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, weakened immune system, increased metabolic pressure on the liver, and ultimately higher animal mortality rates. This not only seriously impairs the welfare status of animals, but also causes significant economic losses to the livestock industry. Due to its rich residual bioactive components and good safety characteristics, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) residue is expected to become a high-quality feed additive with anti-oxidative stress alleviating function. This study focuses on the potential of Shengxuebao mixture herbal residue (SXBR) as an anti-heat stress feed additive. Through the UPLC (ultra performance liquid chromatography) technology, the average residue rate of main active ingredients from SXBR were found to be 25.39%. SXBR were then added into the basal diet of heat stressed New Zealand rabbits at the rates of 5% (SXBRl), 10% (SXBRm) and 20% (SXBRh). Heat stress significantly decreased the weight gain, as well as increased neck and ear temperature, drip loss in meat, inflammation and oxidative stress. Also, the hormone levels were disrupted, with a significant increase in serum levels of CA, COR and INS. After the consumption of SXBR in the basal diet for 3 weeks, the weight of New Zealand rabbits increased significantly, and the SXBRh group restored the redness value of the meat to a similar level as the control group. Furthermore, the serum levels T3 thyroid hormone in the SXBRh group and T4 thyroid hormone in the SXBRm group increased significantly, the SXBRh group showed a significant restoration in inflammation markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, HSP-70, MDA, and ROS) levels. Moreover, the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis found that, the expression levels of antioxidant genes such as Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GPX1 were significantly upregulated in the SXBRh group, and the expression level of the Keap1 gene was significantly downregulated. Additionally, the SXBRm group showed significant upregulation in the expression levels of HO-1 and NQO1 genes. Western blot experiments further confirmed the up-regulation of Nrf2, Ho-1 and NQO1 proteins. This study provides a strategy for the utilization of SXBR and is of great significance for the green recycling of the TCM residues, improving the development of animal husbandry and animal welfare.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor as an Indicator for Determination of the Optimal Time of Intrauterine PRP Infusion in ICSI Cases.

The compromise of uterine receptivity is one of the main reasons for the failure of assisted reproduction techniques. Leukemia inhibitory factor is one of those molecular parameters that allow us to identify an endometrium as receptive. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains a range of cytokines and growth factors including leukemia inhibitory factor that encourage the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Treatments for antagonist ovarian stimulation were administered to 75 women under the age of 40, and 2-D power doppler ultrasound was used to guide the oocyte harvest. Patients were allocated into three groups according to the time of intrauterine infusion of PRP (no PRP, PRP at triggering day and PRP at ova pickup day). Power Doppler is utilized to measure endometrial thickness (ET), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of sub endometrial arteries, as well as serum levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The mean endometrial thickness as well as serum level of LIF in PRP trigger group were higher, resistance index and pulsatility index were lower in a significant manner than control and PRP ova pickup group at all the days of study (triggering, ova pickup and embryo transfer days). These findings revealed that intrauterine PRP infusion on ova pick up day is associated with a significant increase in serum level of LIF that in turn enhances endometrial thickness for patients scheduled for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Involvement of PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS Pathway in the Anticancer Effect of Suaeda vermiculata in Rats.

Suaeda vermiculata Forssk. ex JF Gmel. (SV), a traditional known plant, has shown in vitro cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and HepG-2/ADR (doxorubicin-resistant cells) liver cell carcinoma cell lines, as well as hepatoprotection against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. The current study evaluated the protective effect of SV, administered against N-diethylnitrosamine (NDEA)-induced HCC in rats. The possible modulatory effect of SV on the PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS pathway was investigated. Sixty male adult albino rats (200 ± 10 g) were equally classified into five groups. Group I served as a control; Group 2 (SV control group) received SV (p.o., 200 mg/kg body weight); Group 3 (NDEA-administered rats) received freshly prepared NDEA solution (100 mg/L); and Groups 4 and 5 received simultaneously, for 16 weeks, NDEA + SV extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally). NDEA-treated rats displayed significant increases in serum levels of AFP, CEA, PI3K, malondialdehyde (MDA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR), with increased liver tissue protein expression of fibrinogen concomitant and significantly decreased concentrations of antioxidant parameters (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH)) in comparison to normal rats. On the flip side, AFP, CEA, PI3K, MDA, EGFR, and VEGFR serum levels were significantly reduced in rats that received NDEA with SV, both at low (SV LD) and high (SV HD) doses, accompanied by significant improvements in antioxidant parameters compared to the NDEA-treated group. Conclusions: SV possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect against NDEA-induced HCC via inhibiting the PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS pathway, suggesting that SV could be a promising hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF FRESH AND FERMENTED FRUIT JUICE OF Morinda citrifolia (RUBIACEAE) ON REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN ADULT MALE RATS

Fresh and fermented fruit juices of Morinda citrifolia are used in ethnomedicine to improve male fertility. The comparative effects of the fresh and fermented fruit juice of M. citrifolia on semen parameters and hormonal profile in adult male rats were evaluated in this study. Thirty-five matured male rats (185-220 g) were divided into seven groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as the normal control. Groups 2 - 7 were further subdivided into two sub-groups 2-4 and 5-7. Animals in groups 2 - 4 were treated orally with 2.5, 5 and 10 ml/kg of the fresh juice of M. citrifolia respectively while animals in groups 5- 7 received 2.5, 5 and 10 ml/kg of the fermented fruit juice respectively for 60 days. Normal control animals (group 1) received 10 ml/kg of distilled water. Serum samples obtained from animals were used to assess for levels of testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. Sperm count, morphology and motility were equally analysed. Histological evaluation of the testis was also carried out. The Fresh juice significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased serum levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone, while the fermented juice produced a significant increase in serum level of testosterone only. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone and progesterone were unaffected by both juices. The sampled juices produced varied effects on other measured parameters. The ability to enhance the production of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone production was exhibited by both juices. However, the fresh juice showed a higher possibility of increasing hormone production.