Antimicrobial activities of Asafoetida and Shirazi thyme essential oils improve the vase life of gerbera cut flowers

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) essential oil (FAEO) and Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) EO (ZMEO) and their impact on vase life of gerbera cut flowers (Gerbera jamesonii cv. Rosalyn). Five concentrations of both, ZMEO and FAEO including 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L^?1 used as continuous vase solution for gerbera cut flowers. EOs used in this study were extracted by hydrodistillation method using Clevenger apparatus. They were analyzed by GC and GC–MS for determination of the active compounds. Thirty five compounds were identified in ZMEO, mainly including thymol (40.1%), p-cymene (15.5%) and carvacrol (6.5%). Also, thirty compounds were identified in FAEO. The main components were trans propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (21.7%), eudesmol (10-epu-γ) (19.2%) and cis propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (10.2%). The results showed that both ZMEO and FAEO at all concentrations could act as an effective antibacterial compounds and this property increased by increasing their concentration. The results of this research showed that ZMEO increased the vase life at all concentrations but high concentrations of FAEO increased mortality percentage and reduced the vase life of cut flowers. The relative fresh weight and vase solution uptake of gerbera cut flowers increased by the applied EOs treatments. ZMEO at 400 mg L^? 1 and FAEO at 300 and 400 mg L^? 1 resulted the least stem color change. Overall, 200 mg L^? 1 ZMEO and 100 mg L^? 1 FAEO were the best treatments for maintenance of gerbera cut flowers quality during vase life.     

Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities of chemical constituents of the Saururus chinensis root extracts

Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities were screened by various Saururus chinensis root extracts. Four solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and water) extracts were investigated for their total flavonoids, phenol contents and their antioxidant activity of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), NO (nitric oxide), H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide), ABTS 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid)diammonium assays, FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) assays and anticancer activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts were determined by using FC (Folin–Ciocalteu) and AlCl₃ colorimetric assay method. Total flavonoid content in these plants ranged from 24.7 to 72.1 mg g^?1 and amount of free phenolic compounds was between 11.2 and 67.1 mg g^?1 extract. The all extracts have significant levels of phenolics and flavonoids content. Anticancer activity was screened for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Ethanol extract shows significant of antioxidant activity and water extract shows significant of anticancer activity compared with standard (BHT) butylated hydroxy toluene. These ethanol and water extracts could be considered as a natural source for using antioxidant, and anticancer agents compared to commercial available synthetic drugs.     

Evaluation of traditional medicinal plant,Cissus setosa Roxb. (Vitaceae) for antiulcer property

Cissus setosa is an indigenous medicinal herb commonly used for the treatment of gastro ulcers. In the current investigation the aerial methanolic extract of C. setosa was investigated for their antiulcer activity using pylorus ligation and ethanol in experimental rats. The extract was administered at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. orally for 3 days. However, higher dose of the extract subsequently reduced gastric ulcer induced aberrations by pylorus ligation (70.05%) and ethanol (78.16%) as judged by their altered biochemical parameters such as free acidity, total acidity, total carbohydrate, total protein and pepsin activity. Furthermore, macroscopic examination of rat’s stomach also showed that the pretreatment with methanolic extract notably lowered the pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcers. As perceived in the present study, evidently, our findings basically supports the potency of the methanol extracts of C. setosa to treat gastrointestinal related disorders, thus lends pharmacological credence to the suggested folklore use.     

Effect of Bacopa monniera on liver and kidney toxicity in chronic use of opioids

In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Bacopa monniera, an indigenous Ayurvedic medicinal plant in India, against morphine-induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats. Morphine intoxicated rats received 10-160 mg/kg body weight of morphine hydrochloride intraperitoneally for 21 days. Bacopa monniera Extract (BME) pretreated rats were administered with BME (40 mg/kg) orally once a day 2 h before the injection of morphine for 21 days. Pretreatment with BME has shown to possess a significant protective effect against morphine-induced liver and kidney functions in terms of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenases and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities and urea, creatinine and uric acid level respectively. Histopathological changes of liver and kidney were also in accordance with the biochemical findings. The results of this study indicate that Bacopa monniera extract exerted a protection against morphine-induced liver and kidney toxicity.     

Isoxazole-containing neonicotinoids: Design,synthesis, and insecticidal evaluation

A series of novel isoxazole-containing neonicotinoids were synthesized from nitromethylene analogues and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of l-proline/K₂CO₃. Bioassays indicated that several synthesized compounds showed 40–70% mortality against brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) under the concentration of 4 mg L^?1, higher than that of imidacloprid (20%). Against cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora), the best activity of title compounds reached 90% at the concentration of 20 mg L^?1.     

Preparation,characterization of silver phyto nanoparticles and their impact on growth potential of Lupinus termis L. seedlings

The current study reports rapid and easy method for synthesis of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Coriandrum sativum leaves extract as a reducing and covering agent. The bio-reductive synthesis of AgNPs was monitored using a scanning double beam UV-vis spectrophotometer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the morphology of AgNPs obtained from plant extracts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of AgNPs indicate that the structure of AgNPs is the face centered cubic structure of metallic silver. The surface morphology and topography of the AgNPs were examined by scanning electron microscopy and the energy dispersive spectrum revealed the presence of elemental silver in the sample. The silver phyto nanoparticles were collected from plant extract and tested growth potential and metabolic pattern in (Lupinus termis L.) seedlings upon exposure to different concentrations of AgNPs. The seedlings were exposed to various concentrations of (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg L^?1) AgNPs for ten days. Significant reduction in shoot and root elongation, shoot and root fresh weights, total chlorophyll and total protein contents were observed under the higher concentrations of AgNPs. Exposure to 0.5 mg L^?1 of AgNPs decreased sugar contents and caused significant foliar proline accumulation which considered as an indicator of the stressful effect of AgNPs on seedlings. AgNPs exposure resulted in a dose dependent decrease in different growth parameters and also caused metabolic disorders as evidenced by decreased carbohydrates and protein contents. Further studies needed to find out the efficacy, longevity and toxicity of AgNPs toward photosynthetic system and antioxidant parameters to improve the current investigation.     

Influence of resveratrol on liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine in male rats

Liver fibrosis is a significant health problem which represents the liver’s scarring process and response to injury through deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix, and ultimately leads to cirrhosis. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin found predominantly in grapes. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic role of resveratrol on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups and treated for three weeks; control, resveratrol administered orally (20 mg/kg daily), DMN intraperitoneally injected (10 mg/kg 3 days/week), and the last group was pre-treated daily with resveratrol then injected with DMN, 3 days/week. DMN administration induced severe liver pathological alterations. However, oral administration of resveratrol before DMN significantly prevented the induced loss in body weight, as well as the increase in liver weight which arise from DMN administration. Resveratrol has also inhibited the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels. Furthermore, resveratrol significantly increased hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) due to its antioxidants effect as well as increased serum protein levels. In addition, DMN induced elevation in hydroxyproline content. On the other hand, hydroxyproline level was significantly reduced in the resveratrol pretreated rats. Resveratrol has also remarkably maintained the normal liver lobular architecture. Moreover, resveratrol had displayed potent potentials to prevent collagen deposition, lymphocytic infiltration, necrosis, steatosis, vascular damage, blood hypertention, cholangiocyte proliferation. It can be concluded that resveratrol has a marked protective role on DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and can be considered as antiproliferative, antihypertensive, as well as antifibrotic agent and may be used to block the development of liver fibrosis.     

Relative growth rate,biomass partitioning and nutrient allocation in seedlings of two threatened trees grown under different light conditions

The present study investigates the variation in the relative growth, biomass and nutrient allocation in two threatened tree species viz. Magnolia punduana Hook.f. & Th. and Elaeocarpus prunifolius Wall. ex Müll. Berol. grown under three different levels of irradiance. The irradiance ranged between 1 and 12 mol m^?2 d^?1. Results showed that the highest relative growth rate (RGR) was achieved under the intermediate light treatment for both the species (mean: 0.005 mg mg^?1 d^?1). The growth response coefficient (GRC) model revealed that net assimilation rate (NAR) was the factor driving the RGR in both species. A significant positive correlation was found between NAR and RGR (R² = 0.33, p = 0.000) whereas specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf mass fraction (LMF) was negatively correlated to RGR. Overall, multiple regression of the studied species based on the independent variables viz. NAR, SLA, and LMF showed a significant relation with RGR (F(3,50,53 = 13.001, p = 0.000, R² = 0.43). The biomass distribution in the studied species is in agreement with the “balanced-growth hypothesis” where high irradiance increased allocation to below ground biomass fraction and decreased irradiance increased allocation to the above ground fraction. The highest nitrogen concentration in leaves was observed under the intermediate light treatment. Overall seedlings growth under intermediate light had a higher mean RGR indicating the species' preference for partial light conditions. Long-term experiments under varied light conditions as in the present study would provide useful insight into plant growth strategies in varied environmental conditions.     

Protective effect of cannabidiol against cadmium hepatotoxicity in rats

The protective effect of cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, against liver toxicity induced by a single dose of cadmium chloride (6.5 mg kg^?1 i.p.) was investigated in rats. Cannabidiol treatment (5 mg kg^?1/day, i.p.) was applied for five days starting three days before cadmium administration. Cannabidiol significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase, and suppressed hepatic lipid peroxidation, prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, and catalase activity, and attenuated the elevation of cadmium level in the liver tissue resulted from cadmium administration. Histopathological examination showed that cadmium-induced liver tissue injury was ameliorated by cannabidiol treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cannabidiol significantly decreased the cadmium-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in liver tissue. It was concluded that cannabidiol may represent a potential option to protect the liver tissue from the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity.     

Serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (SPT) deficiency and sphingolipid levels in mice

Sphingolipids play a very important role in cell membrane formation, signal transduction, and plasma lipoprotein metabolism, and all these functions may have an impact on atherosclerotic development. Serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (SPT) is the key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis. To evaluate in vivo SPT activity and its role in sphingolipid metabolism, we applied homologous recombination to embryonic stem cells, producing mice with long chain base 1 (Sptlc1) and long chain base 2 (Sptlc2), two subunits of SPT, gene deficiency. Homozygous Sptlc11 and Sptlc2 mice are embryonic lethal, whereas heterozygous versions of both animals (Sptlc1^+/?, Sptlc2^+/?) are healthy. Analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, Sptlc1^+/? and Sptlc2^+/? mice had: (1) decreased liver Sptlc1 and Sptlc2 mRNA by 44% and 57% (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively); (2) decreased liver Sptlc1 mass by 50% and Sptlc2 mass by 70% (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), moreover, Sptlc1 mass decreased by 70% in Sptlc2^+/? mouse liver, while Sptlc2 mass decreased by 53% in Sptlc1^+/? mouse liver (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively); (3) decreased liver SPT activity by 45% and 60% (P < 0.01, respectively); (4) decreased liver ceramide (22% and 39%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and sphingosine levels (22% and 31%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively); (5) decreased plasma ceramide (45% and 39%, P < 0.01, respectively), sphingosine-1-phosphate (31% and 32%, P < 0.01, respectively) and sphingosine levels (22.5% and 25%, P < 0.01, respectively); (6) dramatically decreased plasma lysosphingomyelin (17-fold and 16-fold, P < 0.0001, respectively); and (7) no change of plasma sphingomyelin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, phospholipids, and liver sphingomyelin levels. These results indicated that both Sptlc1 and Sptlc2 interactions are necessary for SPT activity in vivo, and that SPT activity directly influences plasma sphingolipid levels. Furthermore, manipulation of SPT activity might well influence the course of such diseases as atherosclerosis.     

Synthesis and nematicidal activities of 1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one derivatives containing thiourea and acylthiourea against Meloidogyne incognita

Two series of novel 1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one derivatives containing thiourea and acylthiourea were designed and synthesized. The bioassay results showed that most of the test compounds showed good nematicidal activity against M. incognita at the concentration of 10.0 mg L^?1in vivo. The compounds A13, A17 and B3 showed excellent nematicidal activity on the second stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode with the inhibition rate of 51.3%, 58.3% and 51.3% at the concentration of 1.0 mg L^?1 respectively. It suggested that the structure of 1,2,3-benzotriazin-4-one derivatives containing thiourea and acylthiourea could be optimized further.     

Zataria multiflora would attenuate the hepatotoxicity of long-term albendazole treatment in mice with cystic echinococcosis

Hepatic injury is the major limitation of long-term albendazole administration in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE), which could give rise to cessation of treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of Zataria multiflora aromatic water (AW) against the hepatic injury induced by long-term albendazole treatment in mice with CE. Fifty healthy BALB/c female mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1500 protoscoleces per animal. Five months after infection, the infected animals were divided into five treatment groups including Z. multiflora (40 ml/l in drinking water for 90 days), albendazole (200 mg/kg/day for 90 days), Z. multiflora + albendazole 200 (40 ml/l Z. multiflora and 200 mg/kg/day albendazole for 90 days), Z. multiflora + albendazole100 (40 ml/l Z. multiflora and 100 mg/kg/day albendazole for 90 days), and untreated (control) group. At the end of the treatment period, anesthesia was performed and blood samples were collected directly from the heart prior to euthanasia. Liver variables and oxidative stress markers were measured in the blood serum samples. A decrease in serum liver enzyme activity in the both Z. multiflora + albendazole groups was observed when compared to control, Z. multiflora and albendazole groups; however, the results for Z. multiflora + albendazole 100 were significant (p < 0.007) and superior compared to those for Z. multiflora + albendazole 200. No significant differences for oxidative stress markers were observed between the different groups. The results of the present study revealed that a combined therapy with Z. multiflora AW and albendazole is effective against hepatic injury induced by CE and/or long term albendazole administration in mice with cystic echinococcosis.     

Effect of fucoidan on aspirin-induced stomach ulceration in rats

In this study, the effects of fucoidan on aspirin-induced ulcers in rats were evaluated: both biochemical and immunological parameters were taken into consideration. The status of stomach tissue glycogen storage and histological changes were also examined. Examination of basic biochemical parameters showed significant (p < 0.01) alterations in aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminases in ulcer-induced rats. Also, moderate alterations (p < 0.05) were observed in the levels of cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Histopathological examination showed neutrophil infiltration and inflammation in oxyntic cells with altered glycogen storage. Analysis of serum cytokines of aspirin-induced rats showed a moderate decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10) with considerable increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) when compared with control. Administration of fucoidan showed considerable (p < 0.05) protection against ulceration by inhibiting the acute alterations of AST, ALT, cytokines and stomach glycogen. However, aggravated serum INF-γ was observed in the fucoidan-pretreated group. These findings suggest that the anti-ulcer property of fucoidan might contribute in protecting the inflammatory cytokine-mediated oxidative damage to gastric mucosa.     

Effects of shell morphological traits on the weight trait of the orange strain of the Manila clam

A new strain of Manila clam with orange shell color was produced after selection within a full-sib family for two generations. In the present study, the shell length, height, and width, and the live body weight of the orange strain were measured, and their correlation coefficients were calculated. The shell morphological traits were used as independent variables, and the live body weight was used as the dependent variable for calculating the path coefficients, correlation index, and determination coefficients. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between each shell morphological trait and the live body weight were all highly significant (P < 0.01). The correlation indices (R²) of morphological traits against the live body weight of clams were larger than 0.85, indicating that the morphology traits were the main factors affecting the body weight. Multiple regression equations were obtained to estimate shell length X₁ (cm), shell height X₂ (cm), and shell width X₃ (cm) against live body weight Y (g): Y = ? 2.62 + 0.34 X₁ + 0.145 X₂, (X₁ < 0.05, X₂ < 0.05). The results suggest that the shell length could be used as the main trait for selective breeding and could indirectly make a large improvement in the weight trait.     

Enhancing the value of nitrogen from rapeseed meal for microbial oil production

Rapeseed meal, a major byproduct of biodiesel production, has been used as a low-cost raw material for the production of a generic microbial feedstock through a consolidated bioconversion process. Various strategies were tested for the production of a novel fermentation medium, rich in free amino nitrogen (FAN): commercial enzymes (CEs) (2.7 mg g^?1 dry meal), liquid state fungal pre-treatment (LSF) using Aspergillus oryzae (4.6 mg g^?1), liquid state fungal pre-treatment followed by fungal autolysis (LSFA) (9.13 mg g^?1), liquid state pre-treatment using fungal enzymatic broth (EB) (2.1 mg g^?1), but the best strategy was a solid state fungal pre-treatment followed by fungal autolysis (34.5 mg g^?1).The bioavailability of the nitrogen sources in the novel medium was confirmed in fed-batch bioreactor studies, in which 82.3 g dry cell L^?1 of the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides Y4 was obtained with a lipid content of 48%. The dry cell weight obtained was higher than that obtained using conventional yeast extract, due to a higher total nitrogen content in the novel biomedium. The fatty acids obtained from the microbial oil were similar to those derived from rapeseed oil.     

Impact of lactation stage on milk composition and blood biochemical and hematological parameters of dairy Baladi goats

The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of lactation stage on milk composition, hematological and biochemical parameters of dairy Baladi goats under Egyptian conditions. Forty-eight Baladi goats (32.8 ± 2.9 kg of BW) were enrolled in the current study. The lactation period has been divided into three stages; early (DIM less than 80 days), Mid (DIM 80–140 days), and Late (DIM over 140 days). Baladi goats had decreased daily-MY at a rate of 18.4% and 31.9% at mid and late stages of lactation, compared with early stage, respectively (p = 0.001). Furthermore, lactose% decreased significantly with progress of lactation (p = 0.017). Total solids%, however, decreased significantly at early stage of lactation in comparison with mid and late stages (p = 0.022). On the contrary, no significant differences were found in protein, fat and SNF percentages at different stages of lactation (p = 0.836, 0.625 and 0.281, respectively). Serum glucose and total protein were significantly reduced at late stage of lactation in comparison with early and mid stages (p = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). On the contrary, no significant differences were found for erythrocytes count, hemoglobin, serum cholesterol, catalase and triiodothyronine at different stages of lactation. There were high and positive correlations between daily-MY and serum total protein (r = 0.87, P < 0.01) and triiodothyronine (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). However, negative estimates were reported between daily-MY and triglycerides (r = ?0.55, P < 0.01) and cholesterol (r = ?0.33, P < 0.05). Our results indicate that dairy Baladi goats produce milk with relatively stable protein, fat and solid not fat (SNF) contents at the different stages of lactation, encouraging the continuous utilization of their milk in processing. Also, dairy Baladi goats seem able to maintain the most vital biochemical parameters.     

Coenzyme A enhances activity of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator

The adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) accomplishes the exchange of ATP from the mitochondrial matrix with cytoplasmic ADP. While investigating the biochemical mechanism of retinoic acid (RA) on the ANT via retinoylation, we have found and subsequently demonstrated a positive influence of Coenzyme A (CoA) on the transport of ATP across the membranes of rat liver mitochondria. CoA enhances ANT activity in a dose-dependent manner modifying the V_max (673.3 ± 20.7 nmol ATP/mg protein/min versus 155.0 ± 1.9 nmol ATP/mg protein/min), the IC₅₀ for the specific inhibitor carboxyatractyloside (CATR) (0.142 ± 0.012 μM versus 0.198 ± 0.011 μM) but not the K_m (22.50 ± 0.52 μM versus 22.19 ± 0.98 μM). Data suggest a likely enzymatic involvement in the interaction between ANT and CoA. The effect of CoA is observed in mitochondria from several different tissues.     

Potential role of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) in diabetic cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats: An in vivo approach

The present study aimed to evaluate the importance of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) of diabetic cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. The rats were induced with diabetic using streptozotocin and total triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined. The range of myocardial enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were also estimated, further, the Immuno histochemical analysis and western blot investigation were determined for the actual activity of C3G. Results indicated that the marker enzymes such as CK, LD and AST were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in STZ administered rats (DM group), while the levels of these elevated marker enzymes of cardiac injury significantly (P < 0.05) declined in the DM + C3G group, as compared to the diabetic group of rats. Additionally, a decrease in the level of TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, was noticed in the C3G treated group as compared to diabetic group. Finally, blotting analysis clearly confirmed that theC3G treatment resulted to higher level response of Bcl-2 and lower level response of caspase-3 and BAX. In conclusion, C3G a natural antioxidant may prevent cardiovascular complications by ameliorating oxidative damage, inflammation, metabolic dysfunctions and apoptosis pathways in type 2 diabetes.     

Protective effect of combined therapy with dithiothreitol,zinc and selenium protects acute mercury induced oxidative injury in rats

The present study was undertaken to establish mode of action, comparative therapeutic efficacy and safety evaluation of dithiothreitol (DTT) supplemented with Zn and Se against dimethylmercury in rats. Adult male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain (150 ± 10 g, n = 6 per group) were exposed a bolus dose of dimethylmercury (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for once only followed by DTT (15.4 mg/kg, i.p.) along with the combination of antioxidants Zn and Se (2 mmol/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) after 72 h of toxicant administration for three days. The results showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in the activities of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, in serum after toxicant administration. This was accompanied by histopathological observations. A significant rise was observed in lipid peroxidation level and mercury ion concentration however reduced glutathione content decreased in liver, kidney and brain. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the activity of acetyl cholinesterase was also seen in different regions of brain. Combined treatment of DTT along with Zn and Se significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recouped the alterations in the enzymatic activities of serum and reversed the tissue biochemical and histopathological changes of liver, kidney and brain. Our results demonstrate that combined treatment of thiol chelator (DTT) along with antioxidants (Zn and Se) plays an important role against dimethylmercury induced tissue damage and hepatic, nephro and neurotoxicity.     

Antioxidant,anticancer, apoptosis properties and chemical composition of black truffle Terfezia claveryi

Desert truffles are seasonal and important edible fungi that grow wild in many countries around the world. Truffles are natural food sources that have significant compositions. In this work, the antioxidant, chemical composition, anticancer, and antiangiogenesis properties of the Terfezia claveryi truffle were investigated. Solvent extractions of the T. claveryi were evaluated for antioxidant activities using (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods). The extracts cytotoxicity on the cancer cell lines (HT29, MCF-7, PC3 and U-87 MG) was determined by MTT assay, while the anti-angiogenic efficacy was tested using ex-vivo assay. All extracts showed moderate anticancer activities against all cancer cells (p < 0.05). The hexane extract inhibited the brain cell line (U-87 MG) with an IC₅₀ of 50 μg/ml and significantly promoted cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and DNA fragmentation p < 0.001. The ethanol extract demonstrated potent antioxidants; DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS with an IC₅₀ value of 52, 48.5 and 64.7 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the hexane and ethyl acetate extract significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the sprouting of microvessels by 100% and 81.2%, at 100 μg/ml, respectively. The GC analysis of the most active extract (hexane) showed the presence of several potent phytochemicals such as stigmasterol, beta-Sitosterol, squalene, lupeol, octadecadienoic acid, and oleic acid.