Antioxidant/protective effects of carob pod (Ceratonia siliqua L.) water extract against deltamethrin-induced oxidative stress/toxicity in zebrafish larvae

Deltamethrin exposure caused renal inflammation and renal fibrosis via upregulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated TXNDC5 level in mice

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a type II pyrethroid insecticide that is extensively applied to agriculture, veterinary medicine and livestock pest control. Excessive accumulation of DLM in the body can lead to nephrotoxicity, but the precise toxic mechanism remains obscure. Therefore, we established in vivo models of DLM-exposed mice for 30 days and in vitro models of DLM-exposed renal tubular epithelial cells of mice. The results revealed adverse effects on renal function in mice exposed to excessive DLM, manifested as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) swelling, local inflammatory infiltration in renal tissue and increased collagen fibers, suggesting renal inflammation and fibrosis, etc. Subsequently, in vivo experiments, we found that DLM exposure increased expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related factors, significantly upregulated the expression of TXNDC5, and enhanced the colocalization of GRP78 with TXNDC5. Notably, DLM exposure also strengthened the co-localization of TXNDC5 with NF-κB p65 and TGF-β1, upregulated the expression levels of TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathways, alongside inflammation and fibrosis-related factors, these changes exhibited a dose-dependent effect. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments, the results of ERS, inflammation, and fibrosis-related factor expression levels were consistent with those observed in vivo. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that TXNDC5 might played a certain role in DLM-induced nephrotoxicity. Specifically, DLM exposure could trigger ERS, increase TXNDC5 expression, and promote TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathways, leading to renal inflammation and fibrosis in mice. These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of DLM toxicity but also provide valuable avenues for exploring mitigation strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using carob leaf extract: Characterization and analysis of toxic effects in model organism Galleria mellonella L. (The greater wax moth)

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been used in many studies due to their inhibitory properties on microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. In recent years, due to global problems such as environmental pollution, the green synthesis (biosynthesis) method is frequently preferred because it is simple and low cost and does not require the use of toxic substances. The aim of this study is to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from Ceratonia siliqua L. leaves and investigate their antioxidant and immunotoxic properties using Galleria mellonella last instar larvae. The UV spectrophotometer, TEM, XRD and FTIR measurements were used to characterize the Ag NPs. In this study, it was determined that the effects on antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and total hemocyte count (THC) as well as phenoloxidase activity determine their effect on antioxidant defence and the immune system in model organism G. mellonella larvae. We observed that green synthesized Ag NPs accumulate in the midgut of the larvae and led to the increasing of CAT and SOD activities. GST and AChE activities were increased in the fat body of the larvae; otherwise, it was decreased in the midgut. Moreover, increases were found in THC and phenoloxidase activity. Consequently, green synthesized silver nanoparticles led to oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects on G. mellonella larvae.

Exposure to microcrystallized cellulose affects the health of tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians

The increasing use of cellulose-based materials (CBMs) has provided beneficial applications in different sectors. However, its release into environments may represent an ecological risk, therefore demanding that ecotoxicological studies be conducted to understand the risks (current and future) of CBM pollution. Thus, we evaluated the possible effects of microcrystalline cellulose (CMs) in Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. After seven days of exposure to CMs (at 58.29 and 100 mg/L), the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluation, and different biomarkers (biometric and biochemical) were evaluated. Although our data do not point to a neurotoxic effect of CMs (inferred by the absence of behavioral changes and changes in AChE and BChE activity), animals exposed to CMs showed differences in body condition. Furthermore, we noticed an increase in the frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage, which were correlated with the ingestion of CMs. We noticed that the antioxidant activity of tadpoles exposed to CMs (inferred by SOD, CAT, and DPPH radical scavenging activity) was insufficient to control the increase in ROS and MDA production. Furthermore, exposure to CMs induced a predominant Th2-specific immune response, marked by suppressed IFN-γ and increased IL-10 levels, with a consequent reduction in NO levels. Principal component analysis and IBRv-2 indicate, in general, a primarily more toxic response to animals exposed to the highest CM concentration. Therefore, our study evidence that CMs affect the health of P. cuvieri tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activities of Neglected Legume of the Mediterranean Basin, as Functional Food

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has been widely cultivated in different parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and the tree belongs to the family Leguminosae. Several studies have indicated that carobs and their products can improve human health and help prevent different specific chronic diseases. Carob can considered as functional food due to its high content in dietary fibers, low-fat content, and high content of minerals. Its fruit is a pod containing 10%-20% seeds, and the pods consist of sugars, proteins, crude fibers, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, vitamins, and lipids. In many countries in the Middle east, carob is mainly used to prepare as a traditional drink and some kinds of confectioneries. The powders can be utilized to prepare carob juice concentrate. The systematic review of documents from clinical trials and scientific societies dedicated to traditional medicine in China has been carried out. The goal of this review article is a survey of chemical compounds, and pharmaceutical benefits of carob, especially by considering traditional medicinal sciences. Moreover, clinical trials research promotes studies to highlight and focus on the scope of application of traditional medicinal science in the growing system of medicine.

Ceratonia siliqua L. Pod Extract: From Phytochemical Characterization to Liposomal Formulation and Evaluation of Behaviour in Cells

The formulation of plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to exploit their biological properties while solving problems related to poor solubility in water, high instability, and low skin permeation and retention time. In this study, Ceratonia siliqua ripe pods were used for the preparation of a hydro-ethanolic extract, which showed antioxidant properties owing to the presence of biologically active compounds identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (e.g., hydroxybenzoic acid and flavonoid derivatives). To improve the applicability of the extract in therapy, a topical formulation based on liposomes was explored. The vesicles were characterized by small size (around 100 nm), negative charge (-13 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (>90%). Furthermore, they displayed both spherical and elongated shapes, with oligolamellar structure. Their biocompatibility was demonstrated in cells, including erythrocytes and representative skin cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the extract was proved by the scavenging of free radicals, the reduction of ferric ions, and the protection of skin cells from oxidative damage.