Hepatic ultrastructural alterations induced by copper oxide nanoparticles: In vivo electron microscopy study

Copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NPs) have been widely utilized in many fields, including antibacterial materials, anti-tumor, osteoporosis treatments, imaging, drug delivery, cosmetics, lubricants for metallic coating, the food industry, and electronics. Little is known about the potential risk to human health and ecosystems. The present work was conducted to investigate the ultrastructural changes induced by 20 ± 5 nm CuO NPs in hepatic tissues. Adult healthy male Wister albino rats were exposed to 36 intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 25 nm CuO NPs (2 mg/kg bw). Liver biopsies from all rats under study were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) processing and examination for hepatic ultrastructural alterations. The hepatic tissue of rats exposed to repeated administrations of CuO NPs exhibited the following ultrastructural alterations: extensive mitochondrial damage in the form of swelling, crystolysis and matrix lysis, formation of phagocytized bodies and myelin multilayer figures, lysosomal hyperplasia, cytoplasmic degeneration and vacuolation, fat globules precipitation, chromatin clumping, and nuclear envelope irregularity. The findings indicated that CuO NPs interact with the hepatic tissue components and could induce alterations in the hepatocytes with the mitochondria as the main target organelles of copper nanomaterials. More work is recommended for better understanding the pathogenesis of CuO NPs.

Understanding the self-assembly dynamics of A/T absent 'four-way DNA junctions with sticky ends' at altered physiological conditions through molecular dynamics simulations

Elucidation of structure and dynamics of alternative higher-order structures of DNA such as in branched form could be targeted for therapeutics designing. Herein, we are reporting the intrinsically dynamic and folds transitions of an unusual DNA junction with sequence d(CGGCGGCCGC)4 which self-assembles into a four-way DNA junction form with sticky ends using long interval molecular simulations under various artificial physiological conditions. The original crystal structure coordinates (PDB ID: 3Q5C) for the selected DNA junction was considered for a total of 1.1 μs molecular dynamics simulation interval, including different temperature and pH, under OPLS-2005 force field using DESMOND suite. Following, post-dynamics structure parameters for the DNA junction were calculated and analyzed by comparison to the crystal structure. We show here that the self-assembly dynamics of DNA junction is mitigated by the temperature and pH sensitivities, and discloses peculiar structural properties as function of time. From this study it can be concluded on account of temperature sensitive and pH dependent behaviours, DNA junction periodic arrangements can willingly be synthesized and redeveloped for multiple uses like genetic biomarkers, DNA biosensor, DNA nanotechnology, DNA Zipper, etc. Furthermore, the pH dis-regulation behaviour may be used to trigger the functionality of DNA made drug-releasing nanomachines.

Green Chemistry Based Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Plant Derivatives of Calotropis gigantea (Giant Milkweed) and Its Biological Applications against Various Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens

Nanotechnology is a burning field of scientific interest for researchers in current era. Diverse plant materials are considered as potential tool in green chemistry based technologies for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) to cope with the hazardous effects of synthetic chemicals, leading to severe abiotic climate change issues in today's agriculture. This study aimed to determine the synthesis and characterization of metal-based nanoparticles using extracts of the selected plant Calotropis gigantea and to evaluate the enzyme-inhibition activities and antibacterial and antifungal activity of extracts of metal-based zinc nanoparticles using C. gigantea extracts. The crystal structure and surface morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). C. gigantea was examined for antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of bacteria and fungi. The water, ethanolic, and acetone extracts of C. gigantea were studied for their antagonistic action against bacterial strains (E. coli, S. aureus, P. multocida, and B. subtilis) and selected fungal strains (A. paracistic, F. solani, A. niger, S. ferrugenium, and R. nigricans). In vitro antimicrobial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method, where C. gigantea wastested for AChE and BChE inhibitory activity using Ellman's methodology. The kinetic analysis was performed by the proverbial Berthelot reaction for urease inhibition. The results showed that out of all the extracts tested, ethanolic and water extracts possessed zinc nanoparticles. These extracts showed the maximum zone of inhibition against F. solani and P. multocida and the lowest against S. ferrugenium and B. subtilis. A potential source of AChE inhibitors is certainly provided by the abundance of plants in nature. Numerous phyto-constituents, such as AChE and BChE inhibitors, have been reported in this communication. Water extract was active and has the potential for in vitro AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. The urease inhibition with flower extracts of C. gigantea revealed zinc nanoparticles in water extracts that competitively inhibited urease enzymes. In the case of cholinesterase enzymes, it was inferred that the water extract and zinc nanoparticles have more potential for inhibition of BChE than AChE and urease inhibition. Furthermore, zinc nanoparticles with water extract are active inthe inhibition of the bacterial strains E. coli, S. aureus, and P. multocida and the fungal strains A. paracistic, F. solani, and A. niger.

Cardiac and testicular alterations induced by acute exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Histopathological study

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have novel application and are used in many household application, nanomedicine, agriculture, industries and pharmaceutical products. These applications may be accompanied with potential risk in human health and the ecosystems. The current study was carried out to find out the acute damage that might be induced by TiO₂ NPs in the heart and testis. Three groups of Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were subjected to a single dose TiO₂ NPs (126, 252, 378 mg/kg bw). Cardiac and testicular biopsies from each animal under study were handled for histological and histochemical examination. Rats exposed to TiO₂ NPs demonstrated the following cardiac alterations: myofibres wavy appearance, myofibre disarray, partial cross striation, cardiomyocytes hydropic degeneration together with vacuolation and nuclear alterations. Moreover, acute exposure to TiO₂ NPs induced the following testicular alterations: spermatocytes degeneration, spermatids sloughing and interstitial edema. The presented cardiac and testicular alterations were dose dependent. From the findings of the present study, it might be concluded that TiO₂ nanomaterials are capable of inducing acute cardiac and testicular damage that is dose dependent and could adversely affect the function of the vital organs.

Behavioural alterations induced by chronic exposure to 10 nm silicon dioxide nanoparticles

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are widely invested in medicine, industry, agriculture, consuming products, optical imaging agents, cosmetics, and drug delivery. However, the toxicity of these NPs on human health and the ecosystem have not been extensively studied and little information is available about their behavioural toxicities. The current study aimed to find out the behavioural alterations that might be induced by chronic exposure to 10 nm SiO2 NPs. BALB/C mice were subjected to 36 injections of SiO2 NPs (2 mg/kg Bw) and subjected to 11 neurobehavioural tests: elevated plus-maze test, elevated zero-maze test, multiradial maze test, open field test, hole-board test, light-dark box test, forced swimming test, tail-suspension test, Morris water-maze test, Y-maze test and multiple T-maze test. Treated mice demonstrated anxiety-like effect, depression tendency, behavioural despair stress, exploration and locomotors activity reduction with error induction in both reference and working memories. The findings may suggest that silica NPs are anxiogenic and could aggravate depression affecting memory, learning, overall activity and exploratory behaviour. Moreover, the findings may indicate that these nanomaterials (NMs) may induce potential oxidative stress in the body leading to neurobehavioural alterations with possible changes in the vital organ including the central nervous system.

Molecular evidence and morphological aspects of Transversotrema licinum, Phyllodistomum hoggettae, and re-description of Gyliauchen volubilis (Digenea) from the Red Sea

During a recent survey on digenean parasites infecting marine fish captured from water located along the Red Sea off Gizan Coasts, Saudi Arabia, thirty-two (29.09%) out of 110 fish were naturally infected with three different species of digenean parasites. The taxonomical status of the recovered worms was confirmed by light microscopy and molecular analysis. Transversotrema licinum infecting the Haffara seabream Rhabdosargus haffara possessed a transversely elongated body with eyespots and the anterior body margin with delineated velum along with its entire breadth. Oral sucker was absent, and eyespots were paired anterior to or at the level of ventral sucker. Phyllodistomum hoggettae from the urinary bladder of the Arabian Nagil Plectropomus areolatus was differentiated by its elongated body, narrow anterior end widened as going posteriorly with prominent marginal undulations in the hindbody. Gyliauchen volubilis infecting the marbled spinefoot Siganus rivulatus, was with fleshy body, conical, tapered anteriorly, convex dorsally, and concave ventrally. Prepharynx was very long and convoluted and had occupied the greater part of the anterior half of the body. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny were based on maximum likelihood analysis for the ITS–2 and 28S rDNA for Transversotrema licinum and Phyllodistomumhoggettae were constructed, respectively. They were compared to species within their families and further deposited into the Genebank under accession numbers MG 722711 and MG722710, respectively.

Garlic oil as a fight against histological and oxidative stress abnormalities in Wistar rats after oral inoculation of Anisakis spp. Type II (L3) (Nematoda)

ABSTRACT The consumption of inadequately thermally treated fish is a public health risk due to the possible propagation of Anisakis larvae and their antigenic proteins, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease anisakidosis. The present study demonstrated the physiological and histopathological changes that accompanied an oral inoculation of crude extracts from fresh and thermally treated Anisakis Type II (L3) in Wistar albino rats. Nematode worms were isolated from the marine fish Dicentrarchus labrax. They were examined and taxonomically identified using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was performed in 6 rat groups: a control group (I), a garlic oil (GO) inoculated group (II), a fresh L3 inoculated group (III), a thermally treated L3 inoculated group (IV), a fresh L3 + GO inoculated group (V), and a thermally treated L3 + GO inoculated group (VI). It was observed that rats inoculated with fresh and thermally treated L3 crude extracts showed abnormal oxidative stress markers associated with the destruction of normal architecture of spleen and thymus. GO produced a protective effect in rat groups inoculated with L3 extracts + GO administration via the amelioration of oxidative stress markers, which was confirmed by the marked normal structure of the organs’ histology. Cooking of L3 infected fish induced severe physiological and histopathological alterations compared to uncooked infected fish. The administration of garlic before and after fish eating is recommended to avoid the dangerous effect of anisakids, even if they are cooked.

Renal Alterations Induced by Chronic Exposure to Therapeutic Doses of Antihypercholestremic Atorvastatin

BACKGROUND

Atorvastatin (ATOR) is widely used for the treatment and prevention of hypercholesterolemia and various diseases, such as cardiovascular complication, with little data about the histopathological and ultrastructural renal alterations that might be induced by this drug.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential toxicity of therapeutic doses of atorvastatin on the microanatomy and ultrastructure of renal tissues from Wistar albino rats.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar albino rats received an oral daily dose of 5 mg/kg body weight for 90 consecutive days. Biopsies from both kidneys of each study rat were taken for histopathological and ultrastructural examination.

RESULTS

ATOR-treated rats exhibited glomerular, tubular, and interstitial histological alterations, including degeneration, necrosis, hyaline droplets, edema, cortical hemorrhages, mesangial hypercellularity, and blood capillary dilation and congestion. In addition, ATOR exposure increased the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase with a concurrent reduction in proteins and neutral mucosubstances content of the glomeruli and renal cells. Moreover, ATOR-treated animals demonstrated glomerular ultrastructural alterations, consisting mainly of capillary tuft dilatation, glomerular basement membrane thickening, and mesangial cell proliferation. The renal cells of the proximal tubules demonstrated damaged mitochondria, degenerative cellular changes, endoplasmic reticulum dilatation, lysosomal and autophagosome activation, nuclear alteration, myelin figure formation, and microvilli disorganization.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present work may indicate that ATOR can induce renal histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural alterations that may affect kidney and other vital organ function.

Chitosan functionalized AgNPs for efficient removal of Imidacloprid pesticide through a pressure-free design

Wide dissemination of pesticides for protecting plants against pests has resulted in high production of un-infected crops but higher environmental pollution. High percentages of pesticides are released to the environment and finally use water as the final destination. The current study is concerning by removal of Imidacloprid pesticide from water using pressure-free passage through polymeric membrane integrated design. Both of chitosan and chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs @chitosan) membranes were prepared, characterized and applied as adsorbent matrix for Imidacloprid. SEM, TEM and PSA analysis revealed the biosynthesis of AgNPs in the range of 25-50 nm. However, SEM and FTIR analysis revealed the proper formation of chitosan membrane and its proper functionalization with silver nanoparticles. Both of chitosan and AgNPs @chitosan membranes succeeded to remove 40 and 85% of Imidacloprid at slightly acidic pH, respectively. Moreover, the amount of removed Imidacloprid was proportional with the amount of its initial concentration indicating the successful removal of Imidacloprid by AgNPs @chitosan membrane even at higher pesticide concentrations. The obtained results indicate the promising use of AgNPs @chitosan membranes for removal of Imidacloprid pesticide from contaminated water depending on the pressure-free design that lacks external energy support.

Freshwater Clam as a Potential Bioindicator for Silver/Saponin Nanocomposites Toxicity

Despite the progress in using silver nano products in many fields, including medicine, food, and industry, their effects on the environment need more attention. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effect of silver/saponin nanocomposites (Ag/S NCs) for the first time on the aquatic environment by using freshwater clam, Caelatura aegyptiaca, as a fundamental bioindicator in the freshwater system. Following the preparation and characterization of Ag/S NCs by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and acute toxicity study, we exposed the clam to three different doses of Ag/S NCs (12.5, 25 and 50 mg L^-1) for consecutive 6 days. All Ag/S NCs concentrations caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide while induced a notable decrease in glutathione and catalase levels in all studied organs. Moreover, the histological alternations were observed in gills, labial palp, and foot tissues, particularly at dose 50 mg L^-1. From the results of our work, we concluded that toxicity of Ag/S NCs on freshwater clam leads to an oxidative stress response as well as histopathological changes. Besides, we assumed that Coelatura aegyptiaca could be used as a sensitive bioindicator for monitoring water pollution caused by different nanoparticles. Therefore, we do recommend performing further studies by using fresh clam to provide a better assessment for our aquatic environment to prevent water pollution locally and globally.

The influence of five metallic nanoparticles on the expression of major drug-metabolizing enzyme genes with correlation of inflammation in mouse livers

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in medical preparations. The present study aims to find out the influence of widely used five metallic NPs on the expression of major hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme (DME) genes. Six groups of BALB/C mice, 7 mice each, were exposed to: Gold NPs, silver NPs, copper oxide NPs, silicon dioxide NPs and zinc oxide NPs, for 21 days. Liver biopsies from all mice were subjected to mouse cyp3a11, cyp2c29, ugt2b1 and interleukin-6 (il6) gene expression quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction, in addition to inflammatory cell infiltration examination. All tested NPs caused a sharp and significant (ANOVA, p value <0.05) downregulation in the expression of DME genes, with the highest influence was observed in mice exposed to copper oxide NPs. Additionally, all NPs induced hepatic inflammation and upregulated the expression of il6 gene, which were inversely correlated with the expression of DMEs. It is concluded that all tested NPs downregulated the expression of DME genes, with the highest influence exhibited by copper oxide NPs, in correlation with inflammation and il6 gene induction in the liver. Further studies are needed to find out the effect of anti-inflammatory compounds against the alterations induced by metallic NPs exposure on hepatic DMEs.

Antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles of extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil against human pathogenic microbes

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using extra virgin olive oil (Olea europaea L.) and sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus L.) and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The brown color solution of olive oil nanoparticles (EVOO-NPs) and sunflower oil nanoparticles (SFO-NPs) showed typical absorption at 418 nm and 434 nm respectively. The morphology of extra virgin olive oil was found to be in semi cubic shapes with particle size of 23.45 nm (XRD) and 42.30 nm (SEM) while particle size of (SFO-NPs) had 42.30 nm (XRD) and 46.80 nm (SEM). Antimicrobial activities of crude extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), crude sunflower oil (SFO), synthesized nanoparticle from (EVOO-NPs) and (SFO-NPs) against human pathogenic strains were investigated. Synthesized nanoparticle from each oil showed a potent antimicrobial activity against all tested micro-organisms than crude oil which increased by (81.14% to 174.65 %) and by (111.65% to 192.31 %) than (EVOO) and (SFO) respectively. Both (EVOO-NPs) and (EVOO) had more antimicrobial activities than (SFO-NPs) and (SFO). EVOO (NPs) and SFO (NPs) showed maximum antibacterial activities against K. pneumoniae. Therefore (EVOO-NPs) and (SFO-NPs) could be used as safe natural product against multidrug resistant microbes.

Opposite Modulatory Effects of Crataegus aronia Aqueous Extract on Platelet Aggregation in Rats

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the mechanisms behind the dual effects of Crataegus aronia (C. aronia) aqueous extract on platelet aggregation by focusing on function, regulation, expression, and signaling of platelets P₂Y₁₂ receptors.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats (120 ± 10 g) were classified as control received the vehicle, C. aronia (200 mg/kg), and C. aronia (2,000 mg/kg)-treated rats. After treatments for consecutive 7 days, hematological and molecular experiments were conducted to detect alterations in platelet aggregation, thromboxane B2 (THXB2) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content; protein levels of P₂Y₁₂, p-Akt, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated-phosphoprotein (p-VASP), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), P-selectin, and etc. in platelets were determined by Western blot; mRNA expressions of P₂Y₁₂ and some inflammatory markers were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

At a concentration of 200 mg/kg, C. aronia inhibited platelet aggregation through multiple interconnected mechanisms including downregulation P₂Y₁₂ synthesis and expression, stimulating intracellular cAMP levels and protein levels of p-VASP, inhibiting platelets THXB2 release and protein levels of P-selectin. Also, it inhibited platelets level of ROS and of NF-κB, a major signaling pathway that stimulates the expression of P₂Y₁₂ and THXA2 synthesis. Opposite findings were seen in platelets of rats received C. aronia at a concentration of 2,000 mg/kg. Interestingly, co-administration of N-acetylcysteine prevented all hematological and molecular alterations exerted by the high dose of the extract and inhibited platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of C. aronia at low dose inhibits platelet aggregation by reducing THXB2 release, expression of P-selectin and activating cAMP and Akt signaling through two major mechanisms including downregulation of P₂Y₁₂ and inhibition of ROS-induced activation of NF-κB, an effect that is observed to be in the opposite direction with its high dose.

Comparative Assessment of Genotoxic Impacts Induced by Zinc Bulk- and Nano-Particles in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Fish were separately exposed to 1/2 LC50/96 h values of bulk-Zn and nano-Zn for 7, 14, and 28 days. The induction of micronuclei (MN) and other eight nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes showed marked time and size dependence. The frequencies of all nuclear anomalies were progressively elevated (p < 0.05) with increasing the time of exposure to both bulk-Zn and nano-Zn. Throughout the study periods, fish exposed to nano-Zn showed the maximum elevation in all studied nuclear anomalies. Based on the fragmented DNA values, both Zn forms induced tissue-specific DNA damage as following gills > liver > muscles. Moreover, nano-Zn exposed groups revealed a maximum percentage of DNA damage among all studied groups, especially after 14 days. The percentage of DNA damage was decreased in all tissues on the 28th day, which reflected the presence of an effective repair mechanism. Finally, nano-Zn exhibited more genotoxic effects than that of its bulk counterparts.

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic Activity Screening and UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS Metabolites Determination of Bioactive Fractions of Kleinia pendula

Kleinia pendula (Forssk.) DC. is a prostrate or pendent dark green succulent herb found in the southwestern mountain regions of Saudi Arabia. The literature survey of the plant reveals a lack of phytochemical and pharmacological studies, although traditional uses have been noted. The objective of the present work was to assess the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as, the in vitro cytotoxic potential of the fractions of Kleinia pendula, and correlate these activities to the plant metabolites. The methanolic extract of Kleinia pendula was subjected to fractionation with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-butanol, and water. The fractions were screened for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as cytotoxic activity against breast, liver, and colon cancer cell lines. The n-hexane and chloroform fractions of Kleinia pendula showed significant cytotoxic activity against all three cancer cell lines tested. The ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The metabolites in these three active fractions were determined using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS. Thus, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant were attributed to its phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, protocatechuic, and chlorogenic acids). While fatty acids and triterpenoids such as (tormentic acid) in the hexane fraction are responsible for the cytotoxic activity; thus, these fractions of Kleinia pendula may be a novel source for the development of new plant-based analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer drugs.

The hypocoagulant effect of Crataegus aronia in rats entails vitamin K-dependent and vitamin K-independent effects

This study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of Crataegus aronia on blood coagulation in rats. Rats (200 ± 10 g,) were divided into two groups (6 rats/each) of control or C. aronia-treated rats which treated with the vehicle or the extract (200 mg/kg) for 21 days. With normal liver structure, serum levels of ALT, AST and ɣ-GT, platelet count, and plasma levels of vWF, values of PT and aPTT were significantly increased in C. aronia-treated rats. Also, it lowered serum levels of vitamin K (VK) and plasma activities of FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, and FXI and downregulated hepatic levels of the VK-dependent factors (FII, FVII, FIX, and FX). In addition, C. aronia reduced fecal levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and serum levels triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-c, and vLDL-c. In conclusion, with the hypocoagulant effect of C. aronia activity involves VK-dependent and non-vitamin K-dependent factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, we are reporting for the first time an in vivo hypocoagulant effect of C. aronia in rats. Such effect involved both VK-dependent and independent factors. However, the decrease in the activity and expression of VK-dependent factors was associated with reduced fecal levels of TGs and CHOL and serum levels of TGs, CHOL, LDL-c, and vLDL-c. These data suggest a possible impairment in the VK absorption, transport, or hepatic uptake. These data encourage further pharmacological, translational, and clinical studies to isolate the active ingredients to investigate them at the human level.