Hanaa A. Hassan

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of black berry juice on sodium fluoride induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Fluorosis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. As in the case of many chronic degenerative diseases, increased production of reactive oxygen species has been considered to play an important role, even in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity. Black berry is closely linked to its protective properties against free radical attack. Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of black berry juice (BBJ) in decreasing the hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress of sodium fluoride (NaF). Results showed that NaF caused elevation in liver TBARS and nitric oxide (NO), and reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH). Plasma transaminases (AST and ALT), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total lipids (TL), cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) were increased, while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased. On the other hand, BBJ reduced NaF-induced TBARS, NO, TL, cholesterol, TG, LDL-c, AST, ALT, CK and LD. Moreover, it ameliorated NaF-induced decrease in SOD, CAT, GSH, TAC and HDL-c. Therefore, the present results revealed that BBJ has a protective effect against NaF-induced hepatotoxicity by antagonizing the free radicals generation and enhancement of the antioxidant defence mechanisms.

Ameliorating effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)-supplemented diet against nitrosamine precursors-induced liver injury and oxidative stress in male rats

The current study was carried out to elucidate the modulating effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)-supplemented diet against nitrosamnine-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in male rats. Rats were divided into four groups and treated for 8 weeks as follow: group 1 served as control; group 2 fed on chicory-supplemented diet (10% w/w); group 3 received simultaneously nitrosamine precursors [sodium nitrite (0.05% in drinking water) plus chlorpromazine (1.7 mg/kg body weight)] and group 4 received nitrosamine precursors and fed on chicory-supplemented diet. The obtained results revealed that rats received nitrosamine precursors showed a significant increase in liver TBARS and total lipids, total cholesterol, bilirubin, and enzymes activity (AST, ALT, ALP and gamma-GT) in both serum and liver. While a significant decrease in the levels of GSH, GSH-Rx, SOD, catalase, total protein and albumin was recorded. On the other hand, chicory-supplemented diet succeeded to modulate these observed abnormalities resulting from nitrosamine compounds as indicated by the reduction of TBARS and the pronounced improvement of the investigated biochemical and antioxidant parameters. So, it could be concluded that chicory has a promising role and it worth to be considered as a natural substance for ameliorating the oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by nitrosamine compounds.

Evaluation of free radical-scavenging and anti-oxidant properties of black berry against fluoride toxicity in rats

Oxidative damage to cellular components such as lipids and cell membranes by free radicals and other reactive oxygen species is believed to be associated with the development of degenerative diseases. Fluoride intoxication is associated with oxidative stress and altered anti-oxidant defense mechanism. So the present study was extended to investigate black berry anti-oxidant capacity towards superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and nitrite in different organs of fluoride-intoxicated rats. The data indicated that sodium fluoride (10.3mg/kg bw) administration induced oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in red blood cells, kidney, testis and brain tissues. Moreover, significantly decreased glutathione level, total anti-oxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity were observed in the examined tissues. On the other hand, the induced oxidative stress and the alterations in anti-oxidant system were normalized by the oral administration of black berry juice (1.6g/kg bw). Therefore it can be concluded that black berry administration could minimize the toxic effects of fluoride indicating its free radical-scavenging and potent anti-oxidant activities.

GARLIC OIL AS A MODULATING AGENT FOR OXIDATIVE STRESS AND NEUROTOXICITY INDUCED BY SODIUM NITRITE IN MALE ALBINO RATS

In the present study, we investigated the neurobiochemical alterations and oxidative stress induced by food preservative; sodium nitrite (NaNO2) as well as the role of the garlic oil in amelioration of the neurotoxicity in male albino rats. Serum and brain homogenates of the rats received NaNO2 (80 mg/kg body weight) for 3 months exhibited significant decrease in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity as well as the levels of phospholipids, total protein and the endogenous antioxidant system (glutathione; GSH and superoxide dismutase; SOD). In contrast, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly increased. On the other hand, the oral administration of garlic oil (5 ml/kg body weight) daily for 3 months significantly improved the neurobiochemical disorders and inhibited the oxidative stress induced by NaNO2 ingestion. So, this study reveals the neural toxic effects of NaNO2 by exerting oxidative stress and retrograde the endogenous antioxidant system. However, garlic oil has a promising role in attenuating the obtained hazard effects of sodium nitrite by its high antioxidant properties which may eventually be related with the preservation of SOD activity and primary mitochondrial role against nitrite-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Obesity and Clinical Riskiness Relationship: Therapeutic Management by Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation--a Review.

Obesity is a global health problem affecting all age groups, leading to many complications such as type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Physiologically, obesity arises from metabolic changes in the tissues and organs of the human body; these changes result in an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, which in turn results in increased fat accumulation in adipose tissue. Such fat accumulation predisposes individuals to development of several health problems. Two different obesity treatment drugs are currently on the market; Orlistat, which reduces intestinal fat absorption via inhibiting pancreatic lipase, and Sibutramine, an anorectic or appetite suppressant. Both drugs have hazardous side effects, including increased blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, headache, and insomnia. For this reason, a wide variety of natural materials have been explored for their obesity treatment potential. Therefore, the present review focuses on the safety and efficacy of some herbal medicines in the management of obesity through covering their beneficial effects and mechanism of action.

Fenugreek potent activity against nitrate-induced diabetes in young and adult male rats

Nitrate has described as an endocrine disruptor that promotes onset of diabetes. This study was undertaken to evaluate diabetic effect of high nitrate intake in young and adult male rats and its amelioration by fenugreek administration. The study revealed significant increase in serum glucose and blood glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c%), while serum insulin and liver glycogen were decreased among nitrate exposed animals, in particular the young group. A significant reduction in the body weight gain and serum thyroid hormones (T4 & T3) was also recorded. Further reduction in serum levels of urea and creatinine, as well as total protein in serum, liver and pancreas was demonstrated, with elevation in their levels in the urine of all nitrate exposed groups. Meanwhile, the activity of serum transaminases (ALT and AST) was increased, with decline in their activity in the liver tissue. In addition, an elevation in serum total bilirubin, tissues (liver and pancreas) nitric oxide and lipid profile, as well as liver activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was recorded. Fenugreek administration to nitrate exposed rats was found to be effective in alleviating hyperglycemia and other biochemical changes characterizing nitrate-induced diabetes. So, fenugreek can be considered to possess potent activity against onset of nitrate induced-diabetes.

Proanthocyanidin and fish oil potent activity against cisplatin-induced renal cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rats

Abstract Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that displays dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the efficacy of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE: 100 mg/kg/day) and fish oil (FO: 5 mL/kg/day) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated in terms of DNA damage, histopathological changes and expression levels of molecular markers of apoptosis. The administration of cisplatin (CP) (7 mg/kg) results in an increasing percentage of S-phase, G2/M and apoptosis. Furthermore, CP induces apoptosis as indicated by an elevation of renal caspase-3 and reduction in the expression of BCL-2. In addition to occurred renal histopathological changes as manifested by tubular degeneration, degenerative glomerulus, necrotic tubular cells, and cell debris. On the other hand, the administration of GSPE or FO pre-cisplatin treatment can be ameliorated the current DNA cell cycle alterations by the restoration of expression of proteins related to apoptosis and reduced the undesirable renal histopathological changes. So, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for minimizing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin chemotherapy through their anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties.

Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with psoriasis in cases from the Nile Delta of Egypt

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an immunogenetic background. This work was planned to check for the association of polymorphisms related to cytokine genes TNF-α-308 (G/A), IL-10-1082 (G/A), IL-6-174 (G/C), and IL-1Ra (VNTR) with psoriasis in cases from Egypt. Materials and Methods: This work included 46 cases with psoriasis recruited from the Dermatology Departments, University Hospitals, Nile Delta region of Egypt. They included 14 males and 32 females with an age mean ± SD of 46.68 ± 12.16 years and range of 15–70 years. Their genotypes were compared to 98 healthy controls of matched age and sex from the same locality. Genotyping was done through deoxyribonucleic acid amplification using PCR with sequence specific primers for polymorphic alleles. Results: Compared to controls, cases showed significant higher frequency of certain genotypes including IL-6-174 CC (P < 0.001, OR = 6.7), IL-10-1082 GG (P < 0.05, OR = 5.1), and TNF-α-308 GG (P < 0.05, OR = 3.7). TNF-α-308 GG and IL-10-1082 GG genotypes were higher among cases with plaque subtype of moderate severity. Combined heterozygosity for IL-10 GA, IL-6 GC with TNF GA showed a significant low frequency among studied cases. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms related to IL6, IL10, and TNF-α genes showed a particular pattern of association with psoriasis that may have a potential impact on disease counseling and management.

Black berry juice attenuates neurological disorders and oxidative stress associated with concurrent exposure of aluminum and fluoride in male rats

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the protective effect of black berry juice (BBJ) on the neurological disorders and oxidative stress induced by co-exposure to ALCL3 and NaF in male albino rats. Administration of either AlCl3 (200 mg/kg bw) or NaF (10 mg/kg bw) or both of them caused a significant increase in serum and brain TL, TC, TG as well as serum LDLC and VLDLC levels while serum HDLC level was decreased significantly. Additionally, brain neurotransmitter (DA and 5-HT) levels, AChE, Na-K ATPase activity and ATP values were decreased significantly but NE level was increased in rats administered Al or F alone or in combination. Moreover, a significant increase in brain MDA, NO, H2O2 and free radical enzyme (xanthine oxidase (XO)) and a significant decrease in the level of TAC, SOD and GSH were recorded in AlCl3 or NaF intoxicated rats. In addition, the levels of serum Na, Ca, Cu and zinc (Zn) were significantly diminished, while the level of K was significantly increased. However ALCL3 appears to enhance the neurotoxic hazards caused by NaF. On the other hand, the administration of BBJ (1.6 g/kg bw) showed a marked neuroprotective effect against the biochemical abnormalities that occurred and oxidative stress of the brain induced by co-exposure to AlCl3 and NaF. So, it can be concluded that the consumption of BBJ might be useful for alleviating the neurological disorders and oxidative stress associated with concurrent exposure of ALCL3 and NaF indicating its free radical scavenging and potent antioxidant activity.

Synergistic curative effect of chicory extract and cisplatin against thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant form of primary liver cancer and is histologically and etiologically distinct from other forms of primary liver cancer. The objective of this study was to elucidate the synergistic effect and the role of chicory extract [inulin (IN)] as a chemo-sensitizer for cisplatin (CIS) treatment of HCC. Methods: Five groups of rats were treated for 4 months. These groups consisted of the control group, a group receiving thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg b.w) in drinking water, a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, a group receiving oral doses of IN (10 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, and a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) and IN (10 mg/kg b.w) plus TAA for 4 months. Results: The current data exhibited increment of serum and liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase) activity, serum lipid profile levels (total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), and a significant increase in β-fetoprotein and bilirubin, accompanied with reduced total serum protein and albumin levels in a HCC rat model. Histopathologically, numerous alterations were detected in hepatic tissues of HCC rats, such as lymphocytic cell infiltration, damage of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein with degenerated endothelial cells, and congested blood sinusoids in addition to Massons trichrome staining blue collagen fibers in hepatocytes and central vein indicating hepatic fibrosis. Treatment of HCC rats with CIS or IN improved such deleterious effects, where IN is more effective than CIS, and the best effect can be observed in rats that received both CIS and IN. Conclusion: It could be concluded that IN in chicory extract acts as a chemo-sensitizer to CIS for treatment in an HCC rat model.