Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Matricaria Pubescens on High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of Matricaria pubescens by LC-MS/MS and evaluate the potential protective effect of its supplementation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group served as control and received the standard diet. The second group (HFD) received a high-fat diet only (30 % of sheep fat). The third group's (control+MP) animals received a standard diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens (w/w). The fourth group (HFD+MP) received a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens for 16 weeks. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that M. pubescens contains many phytochemical compounds. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of M. pubescens has a higher phenolic content than the aqueous extract. The supplementation of M. pubescens (5 % w/w) to HFD rats decreased significantly (p<0.01) body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue relative weights, glycemia, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance, liver markers, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level, and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities as well as ameliorated histological alterations through the reduction hepatic lipid deposition and adipocytes hypertrophy compared to the HFD group. We conclude that M. pubescens powder may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver markers while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of high-fat diet-fed rats.

In-vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) aqueous extracts collected from the National Park of El-Kala (North-East, Algeria)

The aim of our study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of Chamaemelum nobile. Aqueous extracts were administrated to Wistar rats in bronchial-inflammation experimentally induced by an allergen and ovalbumin, administered intraperitoneally / intranasally (20mg/kg/day). Experimentation showed disturbances in bronchoalveolar fluid with increased leukocyte and lymphocyte levels as well as IL-4 concentration in the lungs and erythrocytes associated with high lipid peroxidation. There were disturbances in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Lungs histopathological showed an inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, moderate edema of alveoli, vascular congestion and suffusion hemorrhage. Administration of aqueous extract to OVA-sensitized rats caused a significant and very highly significant improvement of MDA levels in lungs, erythrocytes, GSH, GPx, GST, catalase and SOD. We notice a decrease in IL-4 in LBA and lungs alongside reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, mild bronchiolar dilation, mild alveolar edema and normal cell morphology allowing us to conclude on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory activity of Roman chamomile.

Estrogens desensitize MCF-7 breast cancer cells to apelin-induced autophagy and enhanced growth under estrogen starvation: a possible implication in endocrine resistance

Apelin-13 is an adipokine known for its growth-inducing effects on human breast cancer cells in an estrogen-containing environment. However, the response of these cells to apelin-13 in the absence of estrogen and its association with the expression of the apelin receptor (APLNR) has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we show that the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 expresses the APLNR as shown by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, under conditions of ER starvation and that culture of these cells in the presence of apelin-13 results in an increased growth rate and a diminished autophagy flux.  Moreover, the binding of APLNR by apelin-13 resulted in an increased growth rate (assayed by AlamarBlue) and a diminished autophagy flux (monitored by Lysotracker Green). The latter observations were reversed in the presence of exogenous estrogen. Finally, apelin-13 induces the deactivation of the apoptotic kinase AMPK. Taken together, our results show that APLNR signaling in breast cancer cells is functional and prevents tumor growth under conditions of estrogen starvation. They furthermore suggest an alternative mechanism of estrogen-independent tumor growth thereby positioning the APLNR-AMPK axis as a novel pathway and a possible therapeutic target in endocrine resistance of breast cancer cells.

Adaptogenic activity of Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula stœchas and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil used in North-African folk medicine

Depressive anxiety is one of the most emotional disorders in our industrial societies. Many treatments of phobias exist and are based on plant extracts therapies, which play an important role in the amelioration of the behavior. Our study aimed to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of different essential oils provided from local plants: Cinnamomum camphora (Camphora), Eucalyptus globulus (Blue gum), Lavandula stœchas (Topped lavender) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) on Wistar rats. The adaptogenic activity was evaluated on the elevated plus-maze. The efficacy of the extract (200 mL/kg) was compared with the standard anxiolytic drug Diazepam® 1 mg. Animals administered by the essential oil of Lavandula stœchas, Cinnamomum camphora, Rosmarinus officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus showed a behavior similar to those treated with Diazepam®. For groups treated with the following essential oils: Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula stoechas and Cinnamomum camphora at a dose of 200 mL/kg, we notice an increase in the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus-maze and a decrease in time spent on the closed arms of the elevated plus-maze, especially for Rosmarinus officinalis, which explains the anxiolytic effect of these plants. We also notice a decrease in the number of entries in closed arms, open arms and the number of passing to the central square. The increase in the number of entries to open arms with Eucalyptus globulus essential oil shows a reduction in anxiety behavior in rodents and this shows that these plants have an inhibitory effect.

Nephroprotective effect of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In the present study, we investigate the phytochemical composition and the nephroprotective effects as well as the antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced experimental diabetes in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Wistar rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each: Group I: Normal control (NC) received saline solution at 9‰ given by intraperitoneal way; Group II: Diabetic control (DC) received alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally; Group III: Normal control (NC + AHA) received saline solution at 9‰ and treated orally by AHA aqueous extract (400 mg/kg/b.w); Group IV: Diabetic control (DC + AHA) received alloxan solution (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally and treated by aqueous extract of AHA (400 mg/kg/b.w/day) orally after one week of alloxan administration. After 30 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis, respectively. Glomerular damage markers, including creatinine, serum urea, urine creatinine and urine urea levels were estimated. Creatinine clearance was also assessed. Oxidative stress parameters were assessed in the kidney homogenate.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Alloxan-exposure resulted in significant increase in blood glucose and serum level of glomerular damage markers. The antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly downregulated associated with an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level over the baseline values. Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract supplementation significantly improved the studied parameters. In concluding, the results obtained suggests that Artemisia herbs-alba aqueous extract supplementation reduces alloxan-induced free radical generation, potentiates the antioxidant defense system and alleviates renal sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Untargeted metabolite profiling and phytochemical analysis based on RP-HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS and MS/MS for discovering new bioactive compounds in Rumex algeriensis flowers and stems

INTRODUCTION

Natural products with distinctive pharmaceutical activities are considered as the main source of new herbal drugs, functional foods and cosmetic additives. Rumex algeriensis is an endemic medicinal plant with no accessible information about its chemical profile and biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

In the quest for new sources of biologically-active compounds, we intended in the present work to undertake a comprehensive characterisation of phytochemical compounds from Rumex algeriensis flowers and stems hydro-methanolic extract.

METHODOLOGY

Chemical profiles were evaluated by a rapid analytical method reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using negative and positive ions modes.

RESULTS

In this work, 44 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified using high mass accuracy data and confirmed by MS/MS experiments, among which five compounds were reported for the first time in the Polygonaceae family. These compounds were classified as sugars, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, flavanones, flavone, flavanols, condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins and their conjugated derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results highlighted that Rumex algeriensis, even though undervalued and unexplored, contributes to the preclinical knowledge that could be considered as a renewable source of nutraceutical compounds that may be exploited in novel herbal medicinal products, in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Roundup-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of rats: the ameliorative effects of Linum usitatissimum oil

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Linum usitatissimum oil (LuO) against sub-chronic Roundup (RDP)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control group (no treatment), RDP group (Roundup at 269.9 mg/kg b.w.), LuO group (0.5 g/kg b.w. of LuO) and RDP+LuO group (RDP and LuO simultaneously). LuO decreased the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50=10.36 μg/ml) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50=22.85 mg/ml) in the tested tissues. The 30-day exposure of rats to RDP caused an increase in serum hepatic and renal markers: AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γGT, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. In addition, SOD, CAT and GST activities decreased by 43%, 61%, and 61%, respectively, while GPx activity, MDA and PCOs levels increased by 80%, 46%, 25%, respectively. LuO treatment alleviated hepatotoxicity in RDP-treated rats, showing improved levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemical parameters. The histological examination of the liver and kidney confirmed the changes in Roundup-treated rats and demonstrated the protective role of LuO.

Pumpkin seed oil alleviates oxidative stress and liver damage induced by sodium nitrate in adult rats: biochemical and histological approach

BACKGROUND

Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate.

METHODS

Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, progressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.

Atriplex halimus aqueous extract abrogates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating biochemical and histological changes in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Atriplex halimus aqueous leaves extract (AHAE) against acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group (C) served as a control treated with 1 ml/(kg bw) of olive oil, and group (CCl₄) was treated with 1 ml CCl₄/(kg bw) dissolved in olive oil administered by intraperitoneal way. Rats of group (CCl₄+AHAE) have received CCl₄ and treated with 200 mg AHAE/(kg bw). Animals of group (AHAE) were treated with 200 mg/(kg bw) of AHAE. A significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in liver associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione content was observed in CCl₄ group compared to controls. The administration of AHAE to CCl₄+AHAE group improved all parameters studied. We conclude that CCl₄ induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver. Administration of AHAE alleviates the toxicity induced by this organic compound.

Efficacy of Allium sativum oil to alleviate tebuconazol-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats

The present study focused on the protective efficacy of Allium sativum oil (ASO) against tebuconazol (TEB)-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight each: group I served as control rats, group II was treated with TEB (100 mg/kg bw), group III received ASO (5ml/kg bw). The animals of group IV were treated with TEB and ASO, during 4 weeks. The obtained results showed that TEB induced a significant change of some hematological parameters, including red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), white blood cells (WBC) and platelet (Plt) compared to the control group. Moreover, while the total cholesterol levels and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) significantly increased due to TEB administration, the concentrations of plasma total protein, albumin and triglyceride considerably decreased. Furthermore, the exposure to TEB significantly increased the malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in the hepatic tissues. The results were confirmed by the histological impairments. Besides, the co-administration of ASO improved the status of all studied parameters. Therefore, our investigation revealed that ASO had protective effects against TEB-induced liver injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, in an allergic asthma model, of Olea europaea L. leaf extracts from Collo (Skikda, Algeria)

This study is an attempt to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of olive leaves variety (namely Bouricha variety) that is very widespread in the East of Algeria. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was initially analyzed for its phenolic profile. Using the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was possible to identify the predominant components in the AE of the leaves. This extract was hydrolyzed with acid and gave hydroxytyrosol (HT). AE and HT were evaluated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum method. The antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities of these extracts were examined in a model of experimental asthma in Wistar rats. For measuring the intensity of the airway inflammation, oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in lungs and a histological study of this tissue was performed. The obtained results showed that the sensitization of the ovalbumin (OVA) group induced lung inflammation and severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems. However, the administration of AE and HT extracts significantly improved the antioxidant state in asthma disease and provided evidence for the relation between phenolic compounds and the high antioxidant activity of olive leaves extracts, especially HT more than AE.

Practical considerations for the evaluation and management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults

Attention deficit with or without hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric disorders, and affects 2-4% of adults. In contrast with many European countries, the identification and management of adult ADHD remains underdeveloped in France, and a subject of controversy. This review provides a practical update on current knowledge about ADHD in adults for French-speaking professionals who have to detect or manage adult patients with ADHD. ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the recent update of the international diagnostic classification. While symptoms and impairment due to ADHD are frequently severe during childhood, they often evolve as children grow older, with frequent persistent disabilities in adulthood. In adulthood, the clinical presentation, as in childhood, involves the symptom triad of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, differences are noted: hyperactivity is more often internalized, symptoms of inattention may be masked by anxiety symptoms or obsessive-like compensation strategies. ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood, but it is not rare for the diagnosis to be made later. Failure to recognise symptoms resulting in misdiagnosis, or alternatively well-developed compensation factors could be two underlying reasons for the long delay until diagnosis. Other symptoms, such as emotional deregulation or executive function-related symptoms are also usually observed in adults. In addition, in adults, ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders (in 80% of cases); this makes the diagnosis even more difficult. These disorders encompass a broad spectrum, from mood disorders (unipolar or bipolar), to anxiety disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders and personality disorders, especially borderline and antisocial personality disorder. Substance-use disorders are very common, either as a consequence of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation or as an attempt at self-treatment. Sleep disorders, especially restless leg syndrome and hypersomnolence, could share common pathophysiological mechanisms with ADHD. ADHD and comorbidity-related symptoms are responsible for serious functional impairment, in various domains, leading to academic, social, vocational, and familial consequences. The impact on other psychiatric disorders as an aggravating factor should also be considered. The considerable disability and the poorer quality of life among adults with ADHD warrant optimal evaluation and management. The diagnostic procedure for ADHD among adults should be systematic. Once the positive diagnosis is made, the evaluation enables characterisation of the levels of severity and impairment at individual level. A full examination should also assess medical conditions associated with ADHD, to provide personalized care. In recent years, a growing number of assessment tools have been translated and validated in French providing a wide range of structured interviews and standardized self-report questionnaires for the evaluation of core and associated ADHD symptoms, comorbidities and functional impairment. The treatment of ADHD in adults is multimodal, and aims to relieve the symptoms, limit the burden of the disease, and manage comorbidities. The most relevant and validated psychological approaches are psycho-education, cognitive-behavioural therapy and "third wave therapies" with a specific focus on emotional regulation. Cognitive remediation and neurofeedback are promising strategies still under evaluation. Medications, especially psychostimulants, are effective for alleviating ADHD symptoms with a large effect size. Their safety and tolerance are satisfactory, although their long-term clinical benefit is still under discussion. In France, methylphenidate is the only stimulant available for the treatment of ADHD. Unfortunately, there is no authorization for its use among adults except in continuation after adolescence. Hence the prescription, which is subject to the regulations on narcotics, is off-label in France. This article aims to provide practical considerations for the management of ADHD and associated disorders in adults, in this particular French context.

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract on hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Chronic hyperglycemia and excess reactive oxygen species overproduced in diabetes were associated with oxidative stress, led to continuous injury and functions damage to different organs: eyes, kidneys, neural and cardiovascular system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia herba alba (AHA) leaf powder against alloxane-induced oxidative damage in diabetic rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I controls received saline solution 9%; Group II was treated with 150 mg alloxane/(kg body weight) administered by intraperitoneal. Rats of Group III have received saline solution and treated with 400 mg AHA/(kg body weight). Animals of Group IV were treated with alloxane and AHA. Alloxane exposure led to increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and a decrease in the antioxidants enzymes activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase). Administration of AHA aqueous extract ameliorated these parameters. These results demonstrate that AHA ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

Ameliorating effects of Nigella sativa oil on aggravation of inflammation, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by smokeless tobacco extract in an allergic asthma model in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

The comparison of smokeless tobacco (ST) exposure versus Ovalbumin (Ova) sensitized rats or asthmatic patients has hardly been studied in the literature. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the aggravation of inflammation, exacerbation of asthma, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by ST.

METHODS

ST was given at the dose of 40mg/kg in an allergic asthma model in Wistar rats. Furthermore, the effects of oral administration of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), at a dose of 4mL/kg/day, were investigated.

RESULTS

The obtained results showed that ST clearly enhanced lung inflammation through interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Nitric oxide (NO) increased production. Actually, ST was found to intensify the oxidative stress state induced by Ova-challenge in rats, which was proven not only by augmenting lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, but also by altering the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant status. Furthermore, the aggravation of inflammation and oxidative stress was obviously demonstrated by the histopathological changes observed in lung. In contrast, NSO administration has shown anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IL-4 and NO production, restoring the antioxidant status, reducing lipid peroxidation and improving the histopathological alterations by both protein oxidation and NSO treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data have proven that severe concurrent exposure to allergen and ST increases airway inflammation and oxidative stress in previously sensitized rats. They also suggest that the oral NSO treatment could be a promising treatment for asthma.

Insecticidal effects of the Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts on the flour Pyralid Ephestia kuehniella

In the present study, the aerial parts of the Laperrine olive (Olea europaea subsp. Laperrinei) are subjected to acid extraction and the chemical composition of the extracts is determined by HPLC-DAD. The main compounds found in all of extracts are: hydroxytyrosol (30.45%), tyrosol (0.69%), oleuropein (32.76%), ferrulic acid (17.77%), quercetin (31.57%) and hesperetin (6.90%).The extracts obtained from the leafy stems of Laperrine olive tree are tested on the moth Ephestia kuehniella flour. Their administration by inhalation of newly exuviated chrysalises extends the duration of nymphalid development and disturbs the exuviated adults reproduction, by reducing the period in which the eggs are being laid. Thus, compared to the control insects, the number of eggs laid by treated females is significantly reduced after the treatment by extracts. Besides, the administration of different extracts of adult butterflies has a premature mortality effect.

Insecticidal effects of the Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts on the flour Pyralid Ephestia kuehniella

In the present study, the aerial parts of the Laperrine olive (Olea europaea subsp. Laperrinei) are subjected to acid extraction and the chemical composition of the extracts is determined by HPLC-DAD. The main compounds found in all of extracts are: hydroxytyrosol (30.45%), tyrosol (0.69%), oleuropein (32.76%), ferrulic acid (17.77%), quercetin (31.57%) and hesperetin (6.90%).The extracts obtained from the leafy stems of Laperrine olive tree are tested on the moth Ephestia kuehniella flour. Their administration by inhalation of newly exuviated chrysalises extends the duration of nymphalid development and disturbs the exuviated adults reproduction, by reducing the period in which the eggs are being laid. Thus, compared to the control insects, the number of eggs laid by treated females is significantly reduced after the treatment by extracts. Besides, the administration of different extracts of adult butterflies has a premature mortality effect.

Conservation of stored food using plant's extracts. Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgaris) essential oils on the reproduction and development of flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)

In the search for effective methods of biological control of stored products insect-pests, the essential oil of Origanum vulgaris was extracted using Clevenger apparatus and tested on reproduction and mortality of flour moth Ephestia kuehniella. Bio-insecticide works with a double action mechanism; administered by inhalation in pupae, essential oil affects their pupal development. It also disrupts the reproduction of exuviated adults by extending the preoviposition period and reducing the period of egg laying and fecundity because fecundated females cannot live more than four days compared to control group. Moreover, the essential oil administered by inhalation in adults causes a significant mortality rate compared to control group by reducing their lifespan. A repellent effect against larvae and adults of this pest was noticed in this work. This allowed us ranking this oil as "moderately repulsive".

Conservation of stored food using plant's extracts. Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgaris) essential oils on the reproduction and development of flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)

In the search for effective methods of biological control of stored products insect-pests, the essential oil of Origanum vulgaris was extracted using Clevenger apparatus and tested on reproduction and mortality of flour moth Ephestia kuehniella. Bio-insecticide works with a double action mechanism; administered by inhalation in pupae, essential oil affects their pupal development. It also disrupts the reproduction of exuviated adults by extending the preoviposition period and reducing the period of egg laying and fecundity because fecundated females cannot live more than four days compared to control group. Moreover, the essential oil administered by inhalation in adults causes a significant mortality rate compared to control group by reducing their lifespan. A repellent effect against larvae and adults of this pest was noticed in this work. This allowed us ranking this oil as "moderately repulsive".

Modulatory Role of Selenium and Vitamin E, Natural Antioxidants, against Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albinos Rats

Bisphenol A, an everywhere chemical, is applied as a plasticizer in polycarbonate plastics, which often used in our everyday products and in epoxy resins as protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans for decades. Human exposure to BPA may lead to adverse effects by interfering with oestrogen receptors. Our present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit E) on BPA-induced damage in the liver of male rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: the first group received olive oil and served as control. The second group received both (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet). The third one treated orally by (10 mg/kg b.w.) of BPA. The last group received (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet) concomitantly with (10 mg/kg b.w.) BPA. Exposure to BPA for three weeks engendered a hepatic disorder. An increased AST and ALT enzymatic activity was noticed in BPA-treated group as compared to other groups. Furthermore, a change in glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, albumin, and bilirubin level was remarkable. Moreover, exposure to BPA increased malondialdehyde levels while reduced gluthatione content was decreased in the liver homogenate. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and catalase activities was observed in the same group. Administration of selenium and vitamin E through the diet in BPA treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. In addition, an improvement in activities of liver enzymes was recorded. The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results. The model of this study that we employed characterized the relationships between BPA-induced hepatotoxicity and its alleviation by natural antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.

[Local haemostasis with an adhesive cyanoacrylate-coated membrane following tooth extraction in patients under anticoagulant or anti-platelet therapy]

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of a local hemostasis with a compressive, extemporaneous gutter glued to the alveolar crest after tooth avulsion in patients under anticoagulant and/or platelet aggregation inhibitors, and economical impact of this technique.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Ninety-seven tooth extractions were performed in patients under AVK and/or anti-platelet drugs. The interventions were consecutive and concerned 251 teeth (138 different alveolar sites). The extraction alveolus was protected by an absorbable oxycellulose membrane coated with sterilized cyanoacrylate adhesive for medical use. This procedure was used with all patients, whatever the hemorrhagic risk (the only inclusion criterion was INR less than 4 for patients under AVK). All procedures were performed under local anesthesia.

RESULTS

There was one hemorrhagic complication (0.72%) due to mechanical gutter destruction by an antagonist tooth. The adhesive did not run, there was no tissue necrosis, and no wound infection requiring gutter removal.

DISCUSSION

This local hemostasis procedure is reliable. It may be an alternative to substitution of heparin, without or with hospitalization. This procedure, requiring modification of treatment, greatly decreases healthcare costs. Contra-indications include the presence of an antagonist tooth harmful for the gutter, and patients with impaired consciousness or tongue dyspraxia.