Somaia Nada | Cairo University (original) (raw)

Papers by Somaia Nada

Virology & Mycology, 2014

Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 2015

This study aimed to develop drugs from natural sources to overcome the side effects of many of sy... more This study aimed to develop drugs from natural sources to overcome the side effects of many of synthetic drugs. Methanol extracts of both pericarp and seeds of Pleiogynium solandri were used to investigate antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and renal function protective, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects and to determine the chemical composition of the extract responsible for bioactivity. Methanol (70%) extracts of the seeds and pericarps of P. solandri were prepared. Hot plate method was used to test analgesic activity, carrageenan-induced paw inflammation method was used to test anti-inflammatory activity, and colorimetric methods were used to test antioxidant, hepatoprotective (by determination of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities), and renal function protective effects (by measuring uric acid and creatinine levels). Chromatographic methods and means of (1)H-NMR, (13)C -NMR, and UV spectra were used for isolation and identification of the responsible comp...

Electrical depolarisation-(2 Hz, 1 ms)-induced [ 3 H]noradrenaline ([ 3 H]NA) release has been me... more Electrical depolarisation-(2 Hz, 1 ms)-induced [ 3 H]noradrenaline ([ 3 H]NA) release has been measured from the isolated main pulmonary artery of the rabbit in the presence of uptake blockers (cocaine, 3 × 10 −5 M; corticosterone, 5 × 10 −5 M). Substitution of most of the external Na + by Li + (113 mM; [Na + ] 0 : 25 mM) slightly potentiated the axonal stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA in a tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10 −7 M) sensitive manner. The reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange inhibitor KB-R7943 (3 × 10 −5 M) failed to inhibit the stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA, but increased the resting outflow of neurotransmitter. The 'N-type' voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ -channel (VSCC) blocker -conotoxin (-CgTx) GVIA (10 −8 M) significantly and irreversibly inhibited the release of [ 3 H]NA on stimulation (∼60-70%). The 'residual release' of NA was abolished either by TTX or by reducing external Ca 2+ from 2.5 to 0.25 mM. The 'residual release' of NA was also blocked by the non-selective VSCC-blocker neomycin (3 × 10 −3 M). Correlation was obtained between the extent of VSCC-inhibition and the transmitter release-enhancing effect of presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptor blocker yohimbine (3 × 10 −7 M). When the release of [ 3 H]NA was blocked by -CgTx GVIA plus neomycin, yohimbine was ineffective. Inhibition of the Na + -pump by removal of K + from the external medium increased both the resting and the axonal stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA in the absence of functioning VSCCs (i.e., in the presence of neomycin and after -CgTx treatment). Under these conditions the stimulation-evoked release of NA was abolished either by TTX or by external Ca 2+ -removal (+1 mM EGTA). Similarly, external Li + (113 mM) or the reverse Na + /Ca 2+ exchange blocker KB-R7943 (3 × 10 −5 M) significantly inhibited the stimulation-induced transmitter release in 'K + -free' solution. KB-R7943 decreased the resting outflow of NA as well. Under conditions in which the Na + -pump was inhibited in the absence of functioning VSCCs, yohimbine (3 × 10 −7 M) further enhanced the release of neurotransmitter, while l-noradrenaline (l-NA, 10 −6 M), an agonist of presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptors, inhibited it. The yohimbine-induced enhancement of NA-release was abolished by Li + -substitution and significantly inhibited by KB-R7943 application. It is concluded that after blockade of VSCCs brief depolarising pulses may reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange and release neurotransmitter in Na + -loaded sympathetic nerves. Further, similar to that of VSCCs, the reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange may also be regulated by presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptors.

Neurochemistry International, 2008

The effects of spironolactone, a non-selective aldosterone antagonist, were examined on thermally... more The effects of spironolactone, a non-selective aldosterone antagonist, were examined on thermally-induced pain using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests, on hemogenic pain induced by intraplantar capsaicin, on electrically-induced pain, on visceral nociception induced by ...

African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM / African Networks on Ethnomedicines, 2007

Aflatoxins (AF), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins, produced by Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins (AF), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic to different animal species. Zizyphus spina-christi L. extract was investigated for its antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Z. spina-christi L. leaves against the oxidative stress of aflatoxin in rats. Fourty male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups including the control group, the group fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet (3 mg/kg diet) and the groups treated with Zizyphus extract (5 mg/kg b.w) alone or in combination with AF for 15 days. Biochemical analysis revealed that treatment with AF resulted in a significant increase in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, TNFa, LPO, NO and CEA, whereas it...

Phytomedicine, 2012

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aqueous methanol extract (150 and 300 m... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aqueous methanol extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) of Acacia nilotica pods in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 60 days, and its biochemical, histopathological and histochemical study in the kidney tissues. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia, elevated of serum urea and creatinine. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) was observed in diabetic kidney. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the lymphocytes in the interstitial spaces, glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening and tubular necrosis with loss of their brush border in some of the proximal convoluted tubules in diabetic rats. Acacia nilotica extract lowered blood glucose levels, restored serum urea and creatinine. In addition, Acacia nilotica extract attenuated the adverse effect of diabetes on LPO, SOD and GSH activity. Treatment with Acacia nilotica was found to almost restore the normal histopathological architecture of kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, glomerular size and damaged area showed ameliorative effect after treatment with the extract. In conclusion, the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of Acacia nilotica extract may offer a potential therapeutic source for the treatment of diabetes.

Natural Toxins, 1998

Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w)... more Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w) to the diets containing 2.5 mg a¯atoxins (AF) per kg diet and fed to male mature rats for 15 successive days. A¯atoxin alone signi®cantly decreased feed intake and altered serum biochemical parameters of liver and kidney functions. A¯atoxin caused chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Bentonite or HSCAS did not alter any of the parameters measured. The addition of bentonite or HSCAS to the AF-contaminated diet diminished most of the deleterious effects of the a¯atoxin. Pathological examinations of liver and kidney proved that both bentonite and HSCAS were hepatonephroprotective agents against a¯atoxicosis. The cytogenetic ®ndings demonstrated that the addition of bentonite or HSCAS to AF-contaminated diet suppressed chromosomal aberrations. These ®ndings indicated that bentonite and HSCAS could diminished many of the adverse effect of dietary AF in rats.

Natural Toxins, 1998

Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w)... more Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w) to the diets containing 2.5 mg a¯atoxins (AF) per kg diet and fed to male mature rats for 15 successive days. A¯atoxin alone signi®cantly decreased feed intake and altered serum biochemical parameters of liver and kidney functions. A¯atoxin caused chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Bentonite or HSCAS did not alter any of the parameters measured. The addition of bentonite or HSCAS to the AF-contaminated diet diminished most of the deleterious effects of the a¯atoxin. Pathological examinations of liver and kidney proved that both bentonite and HSCAS were hepatonephroprotective agents against a¯atoxicosis. The cytogenetic ®ndings demonstrated that the addition of bentonite or HSCAS to AF-contaminated diet suppressed chromosomal aberrations. These ®ndings indicated that bentonite and HSCAS could diminished many of the adverse effect of dietary AF in rats.

Toxicology Letters, 1998

involved in toxicological processes. This study was undertaken to investigate a possible spontane... more involved in toxicological processes. This study was undertaken to investigate a possible spontaneous circadian rhythm of these cellular targets directly in living human adherent cells currently used in toxicological screening. Moreover melatonin influence was explored on these parameters. Human hepatic cell line (HepG2) samples were treated with or without melatonin (l and 1,000 tLM) every 6 h (08 h, 14 h, 20 h, 02 h) for an incubation time of 24 h and maintained in dark. Three biological endpoints have been measured in living cells using fluorescent probes: intracellular GSH with monochlorobimane (360/480 nm), cell redox potential with alamar blue (530/600 nm) and mitochondrial activity with rhodamine 123 (490/535 nm). These parameters have been evaluated using a new microplate cytofluorimeter (Fluorolite 1000 -DYNEX T " ) incorporating the cold light technology. It allows reading with a very good background/signal ratio for UV,visible and near infrared fluorescence (280-870 nm), directly on living cells in 96-well microplates. A spontaneous circadian variation was observed for all parameters on control cells (untreated cells). A peak was observed at 20 h for intracellular GSH and cell redox potential whereas at the same time mitochondrial activity was the lowest. At 02 h we found an inverse relation beetwen the increase in mitochondrial activity (+40%) and the decrease in intracellular glutathione (-35%) compared to 20 h. Melatonin treatment (l and 1,000 tLM) modulated the peak amplitude of intracellular GSH, mitochondrial activity and cell redox potential with no change on the peak time. This in vitro study, showing that isolated cells display spontaneous circadian rhythms of intracellular GSH levels and mitochondrial activity, a phenomenon most likely playing a key part in cell chronopharmacologic and chronotoxicologic mechanisms. The high variations observed with GSH in several kinetics or toxicological studies could be due to GSH spontaneous rhythm if the reading time was not controlled. Besides, melatonin could be, in some cases, an in vitro modulator of these variations.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2014

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2012

Chitosan is an antilipidemic dietary supplement used as a diet aide. The present study investigat... more Chitosan is an antilipidemic dietary supplement used as a diet aide. The present study investigated the effect of sex-toxicity relationship between male and female mice orally given two dose levels (150 and 300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Chitosan treatment caused significant elevation in transaminases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and in serum urea and creatinine in dose dependent manner; no sex differences between-treated groups. Lipid profile parameters significantly decreased and significant increase in glycolytic enzymes activities in all treatment groups. Female mice treated with chitosan (300 mg/kg) had significant reduction in lipid profile parameters than the same dose of male group. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities significantly enhanced without sex differences, while glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) and hexokinase (HK) significantly elevated in the higher dose of females than male. Histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues showed moderate to severe histopathological changes depend on the dose and gender difference. Image analysis resulted significant depletion in glycogen and protein contents especially in female more than male. These results indicated that female mice were more susceptible to the toxic effect of chitosan than males when administered with the higher dose for a long period.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mushroom insoluble non-starch polys... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mushroom insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (MINSP) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatic damage in rat. MINSP (100 and 200 mg/ kg) administered daily orally for 15 days before CCl 4 (1.5 ml/kg). The effect of MINSP treatment was also examined in normal rats. Normal groups treated with MINSP showed significant decrease in serum activities of the liver enzymes, lipid peroxides and nitric oxide (NO) in the liver. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and total proteins (TP) contents in liver homogenate also increased after treatment with only MINSP for 15 days. In CCl 4 -treated rats, significant elevation in serum liver enzymes, increased lipid peroxides and NO in the liver, and depletion of hepatic-GSH level were observed. Pre-treatment with MINSP significantly ameliorated the tested parameters when compared with CCl 4 -treated group. It improved the antioxidant activity of the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of hepatic tissue revealed that MINSP administration alone protected hepatocytes from the damage induced by CCl 4 . Conclusion: MINSP are safe; it could be used as fat replacer in processing low fat diet. MINSP represents a good functional food and liver supporter for patient suffering from various liver diseases.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010

The use of food dyes is at least controversial because they are only of essential role. Moreover ... more The use of food dyes is at least controversial because they are only of essential role. Moreover many of them have been related to health problems mainly in children that are considered a very vulnerable group. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of oral administration of Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin for 4 weeks at doses of 47, 315 and 157.5 mg/kg b. wt. and after 2 weeks all animals were immunostimulated by intra peritoneal injection of sheep RBCs 10% (1 ml/rat). Body weight, relative body weight, total and differential leukocytes count, mononuclear cell count, delayed hypersensitivity, total protein and serum fractions were determined. Results revealed that oral administration of Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin did not affect the body weight gain or the spleen weight. On the other hand Sunset Yellow and Curcumin significantly decreased the weight of thymus gland of the rats. Total leukocyte count were not affected while Amaranth and Curcumin-treated rats revealed a significant decrease in neutrophiles and monocytes and a compensatory increase in lymphocytes. Moreover, oral administration of Sunset Yellow revealed a significant decrease in monocyte percent. Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin significantly decreased the delayed hyper sensitivity. Total serum protein, albumin, total globulin and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were not affected by administration of the colouring agents. Oral administration of Amaranth increases the density of albumin band. On the other hand oral administration of Curcumin decreases the density of the albumin band. Oral administration of any of the tested colouring agents did not change the density of globulin region as compared to control group. In conclusion we found that both synthetic (Amaranth and Sunset Yellow) and natural (Curcumin) colouring agents used at doses up to 10 times the acceptable daily intake exerted a depressing effect on the cellular but not humoral immune response.

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2013

The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on oxidative stress and organ tissue damage during systemic... more The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on oxidative stress and organ tissue damage during systemic inflammation was studied. For this purpose, Swiss mice were challenged with a single intraperitoneal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 μg/kg) to mimic aspects of mild systemic infection. Cannabis resin extract (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) (expressed as Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol) was given via subcutaneous route for 2 days prior to and at the time of endotoxin administration. Mice were euthanized 4 h after LPS injection. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) in the brain, liver, kidney, lung, and heart as well as brain glucose were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in liver homogenates. Histopathological examination of different organs was performed, and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 in the brain and liver. The administration of only cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA, increased GSH, and decreased glucose level in the brain. No significant effects were observed for cannabis alone on MDA, GSH, or nitric oxide in other organs or on liver enzymes. The administration of LPS increased MDA and nitric oxide, while GSH decreased in different organs. Brain glucose increased by endotoxin. AST, ALT, and ALP were markedly increased in the liver tissue. In LPS-treated mice, cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA. GSH increased in the brain, kidney, and lung, nitric oxide decreased in the brain and lung while brain glucose decreased after the highest dose of cannabis. Cannabis failed to alter the level of liver enzymes. Histological damage in the brain, kidney, heart, lung, and liver due to endotoxin is increased by cannabis. Increased immunoreactivity of caspase-3 in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was observed after LPS and cannabis cotreatment compared with the LPS only group. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity markedly increased in degenerating neurons of the cortex following cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS inmmunoreactivity increased after LPS and more intense iNOS expression was detected in hepatocytes after cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS expression increased after cannabis and LPS treatment especially in the cerebral cortex. Thus, the administration of cannabis decreased tissue oxidative stress but increased organ damage after endotoxin injection in mice.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2010

The action of the coumarin-type drugs and related compounds is reviewed to their VKOR antagonisti... more The action of the coumarin-type drugs and related compounds is reviewed to their VKOR antagonistic effects. In our study, twenty 3-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazolyl-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized. A comparative in vivo (CT, PT determination) and in vitro (measurement of PIVKA-II levels) anticoagulant study with respect to warfarin showed that the synthesized compounds have different anticoagulant activities, the most prospective compounds were the 3-pyrazolyl-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives.

Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi. The present study was c... more Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi. The present study was carried out to study the protective effect of mushroom (Agaricus sp.) against ochratoxin A in rats. Results indicated that normal groups treated with two doses of mushroom (100 and 200 mg/Kg,P.O.) caused significant increase in ALT and AST values than controlgroup. Ochratoxin A (OA) 1.7 mg/ Kg administration resulted significant elevation in serum ALT and AST than normal control group. The combined treatment with OA and mushroom significantly reduced ALT and AST in lower dose 100 mg/Kg only were (33.27 % and 30.06 %, respectively). OA-treatment significantly elevated kidney functions (serum creatinine and uric acid) compared with normal control; in combined treatment, these values significantly decreased in the lower dose of mushroom (100 mg/Kg); while the higher dose of mushroom had slight decrease in creatinine and uric acid levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased significantly in the groups of rats treated with mushroom alone or in combination with OA when compared with OA alone treatment group. In conclusion: the lower dose of mushroom (100 mg/kg) was the effective dose that minimized the hepatorenal toxicity induced by OA. Our study needs further continuation in this respect.

The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potent... more The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials of GSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and/or silymarin against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Virology & Mycology, 2014

Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 2015

This study aimed to develop drugs from natural sources to overcome the side effects of many of sy... more This study aimed to develop drugs from natural sources to overcome the side effects of many of synthetic drugs. Methanol extracts of both pericarp and seeds of Pleiogynium solandri were used to investigate antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and renal function protective, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects and to determine the chemical composition of the extract responsible for bioactivity. Methanol (70%) extracts of the seeds and pericarps of P. solandri were prepared. Hot plate method was used to test analgesic activity, carrageenan-induced paw inflammation method was used to test anti-inflammatory activity, and colorimetric methods were used to test antioxidant, hepatoprotective (by determination of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities), and renal function protective effects (by measuring uric acid and creatinine levels). Chromatographic methods and means of (1)H-NMR, (13)C -NMR, and UV spectra were used for isolation and identification of the responsible comp...

Electrical depolarisation-(2 Hz, 1 ms)-induced [ 3 H]noradrenaline ([ 3 H]NA) release has been me... more Electrical depolarisation-(2 Hz, 1 ms)-induced [ 3 H]noradrenaline ([ 3 H]NA) release has been measured from the isolated main pulmonary artery of the rabbit in the presence of uptake blockers (cocaine, 3 × 10 −5 M; corticosterone, 5 × 10 −5 M). Substitution of most of the external Na + by Li + (113 mM; [Na + ] 0 : 25 mM) slightly potentiated the axonal stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA in a tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10 −7 M) sensitive manner. The reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange inhibitor KB-R7943 (3 × 10 −5 M) failed to inhibit the stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA, but increased the resting outflow of neurotransmitter. The 'N-type' voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ -channel (VSCC) blocker -conotoxin (-CgTx) GVIA (10 −8 M) significantly and irreversibly inhibited the release of [ 3 H]NA on stimulation (∼60-70%). The 'residual release' of NA was abolished either by TTX or by reducing external Ca 2+ from 2.5 to 0.25 mM. The 'residual release' of NA was also blocked by the non-selective VSCC-blocker neomycin (3 × 10 −3 M). Correlation was obtained between the extent of VSCC-inhibition and the transmitter release-enhancing effect of presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptor blocker yohimbine (3 × 10 −7 M). When the release of [ 3 H]NA was blocked by -CgTx GVIA plus neomycin, yohimbine was ineffective. Inhibition of the Na + -pump by removal of K + from the external medium increased both the resting and the axonal stimulation-evoked release of [ 3 H]NA in the absence of functioning VSCCs (i.e., in the presence of neomycin and after -CgTx treatment). Under these conditions the stimulation-evoked release of NA was abolished either by TTX or by external Ca 2+ -removal (+1 mM EGTA). Similarly, external Li + (113 mM) or the reverse Na + /Ca 2+ exchange blocker KB-R7943 (3 × 10 −5 M) significantly inhibited the stimulation-induced transmitter release in 'K + -free' solution. KB-R7943 decreased the resting outflow of NA as well. Under conditions in which the Na + -pump was inhibited in the absence of functioning VSCCs, yohimbine (3 × 10 −7 M) further enhanced the release of neurotransmitter, while l-noradrenaline (l-NA, 10 −6 M), an agonist of presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptors, inhibited it. The yohimbine-induced enhancement of NA-release was abolished by Li + -substitution and significantly inhibited by KB-R7943 application. It is concluded that after blockade of VSCCs brief depolarising pulses may reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange and release neurotransmitter in Na + -loaded sympathetic nerves. Further, similar to that of VSCCs, the reverse Na + /Ca 2+ -exchange may also be regulated by presynaptic ␣ 2 -receptors.

Neurochemistry International, 2008

The effects of spironolactone, a non-selective aldosterone antagonist, were examined on thermally... more The effects of spironolactone, a non-selective aldosterone antagonist, were examined on thermally-induced pain using the hot-plate and tail-flick tests, on hemogenic pain induced by intraplantar capsaicin, on electrically-induced pain, on visceral nociception induced by ...

African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM / African Networks on Ethnomedicines, 2007

Aflatoxins (AF), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins, produced by Aspergillus ... more Aflatoxins (AF), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic to different animal species. Zizyphus spina-christi L. extract was investigated for its antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Z. spina-christi L. leaves against the oxidative stress of aflatoxin in rats. Fourty male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups including the control group, the group fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet (3 mg/kg diet) and the groups treated with Zizyphus extract (5 mg/kg b.w) alone or in combination with AF for 15 days. Biochemical analysis revealed that treatment with AF resulted in a significant increase in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, TNFa, LPO, NO and CEA, whereas it...

Phytomedicine, 2012

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aqueous methanol extract (150 and 300 m... more The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aqueous methanol extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) of Acacia nilotica pods in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 60 days, and its biochemical, histopathological and histochemical study in the kidney tissues. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia, elevated of serum urea and creatinine. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) was observed in diabetic kidney. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the lymphocytes in the interstitial spaces, glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening and tubular necrosis with loss of their brush border in some of the proximal convoluted tubules in diabetic rats. Acacia nilotica extract lowered blood glucose levels, restored serum urea and creatinine. In addition, Acacia nilotica extract attenuated the adverse effect of diabetes on LPO, SOD and GSH activity. Treatment with Acacia nilotica was found to almost restore the normal histopathological architecture of kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, glomerular size and damaged area showed ameliorative effect after treatment with the extract. In conclusion, the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of Acacia nilotica extract may offer a potential therapeutic source for the treatment of diabetes.

Natural Toxins, 1998

Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w)... more Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w) to the diets containing 2.5 mg a¯atoxins (AF) per kg diet and fed to male mature rats for 15 successive days. A¯atoxin alone signi®cantly decreased feed intake and altered serum biochemical parameters of liver and kidney functions. A¯atoxin caused chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Bentonite or HSCAS did not alter any of the parameters measured. The addition of bentonite or HSCAS to the AF-contaminated diet diminished most of the deleterious effects of the a¯atoxin. Pathological examinations of liver and kidney proved that both bentonite and HSCAS were hepatonephroprotective agents against a¯atoxicosis. The cytogenetic ®ndings demonstrated that the addition of bentonite or HSCAS to AF-contaminated diet suppressed chromosomal aberrations. These ®ndings indicated that bentonite and HSCAS could diminished many of the adverse effect of dietary AF in rats.

Natural Toxins, 1998

Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w)... more Bentonite and hydrated sodium calcium aluminsilicate (HSCAS) were added at a level of 0.5 % (w/w) to the diets containing 2.5 mg a¯atoxins (AF) per kg diet and fed to male mature rats for 15 successive days. A¯atoxin alone signi®cantly decreased feed intake and altered serum biochemical parameters of liver and kidney functions. A¯atoxin caused chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Bentonite or HSCAS did not alter any of the parameters measured. The addition of bentonite or HSCAS to the AF-contaminated diet diminished most of the deleterious effects of the a¯atoxin. Pathological examinations of liver and kidney proved that both bentonite and HSCAS were hepatonephroprotective agents against a¯atoxicosis. The cytogenetic ®ndings demonstrated that the addition of bentonite or HSCAS to AF-contaminated diet suppressed chromosomal aberrations. These ®ndings indicated that bentonite and HSCAS could diminished many of the adverse effect of dietary AF in rats.

Toxicology Letters, 1998

involved in toxicological processes. This study was undertaken to investigate a possible spontane... more involved in toxicological processes. This study was undertaken to investigate a possible spontaneous circadian rhythm of these cellular targets directly in living human adherent cells currently used in toxicological screening. Moreover melatonin influence was explored on these parameters. Human hepatic cell line (HepG2) samples were treated with or without melatonin (l and 1,000 tLM) every 6 h (08 h, 14 h, 20 h, 02 h) for an incubation time of 24 h and maintained in dark. Three biological endpoints have been measured in living cells using fluorescent probes: intracellular GSH with monochlorobimane (360/480 nm), cell redox potential with alamar blue (530/600 nm) and mitochondrial activity with rhodamine 123 (490/535 nm). These parameters have been evaluated using a new microplate cytofluorimeter (Fluorolite 1000 -DYNEX T " ) incorporating the cold light technology. It allows reading with a very good background/signal ratio for UV,visible and near infrared fluorescence (280-870 nm), directly on living cells in 96-well microplates. A spontaneous circadian variation was observed for all parameters on control cells (untreated cells). A peak was observed at 20 h for intracellular GSH and cell redox potential whereas at the same time mitochondrial activity was the lowest. At 02 h we found an inverse relation beetwen the increase in mitochondrial activity (+40%) and the decrease in intracellular glutathione (-35%) compared to 20 h. Melatonin treatment (l and 1,000 tLM) modulated the peak amplitude of intracellular GSH, mitochondrial activity and cell redox potential with no change on the peak time. This in vitro study, showing that isolated cells display spontaneous circadian rhythms of intracellular GSH levels and mitochondrial activity, a phenomenon most likely playing a key part in cell chronopharmacologic and chronotoxicologic mechanisms. The high variations observed with GSH in several kinetics or toxicological studies could be due to GSH spontaneous rhythm if the reading time was not controlled. Besides, melatonin could be, in some cases, an in vitro modulator of these variations.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2014

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2012

Chitosan is an antilipidemic dietary supplement used as a diet aide. The present study investigat... more Chitosan is an antilipidemic dietary supplement used as a diet aide. The present study investigated the effect of sex-toxicity relationship between male and female mice orally given two dose levels (150 and 300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Chitosan treatment caused significant elevation in transaminases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and in serum urea and creatinine in dose dependent manner; no sex differences between-treated groups. Lipid profile parameters significantly decreased and significant increase in glycolytic enzymes activities in all treatment groups. Female mice treated with chitosan (300 mg/kg) had significant reduction in lipid profile parameters than the same dose of male group. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities significantly enhanced without sex differences, while glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) and hexokinase (HK) significantly elevated in the higher dose of females than male. Histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues showed moderate to severe histopathological changes depend on the dose and gender difference. Image analysis resulted significant depletion in glycogen and protein contents especially in female more than male. These results indicated that female mice were more susceptible to the toxic effect of chitosan than males when administered with the higher dose for a long period.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mushroom insoluble non-starch polys... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mushroom insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (MINSP) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatic damage in rat. MINSP (100 and 200 mg/ kg) administered daily orally for 15 days before CCl 4 (1.5 ml/kg). The effect of MINSP treatment was also examined in normal rats. Normal groups treated with MINSP showed significant decrease in serum activities of the liver enzymes, lipid peroxides and nitric oxide (NO) in the liver. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and total proteins (TP) contents in liver homogenate also increased after treatment with only MINSP for 15 days. In CCl 4 -treated rats, significant elevation in serum liver enzymes, increased lipid peroxides and NO in the liver, and depletion of hepatic-GSH level were observed. Pre-treatment with MINSP significantly ameliorated the tested parameters when compared with CCl 4 -treated group. It improved the antioxidant activity of the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of hepatic tissue revealed that MINSP administration alone protected hepatocytes from the damage induced by CCl 4 . Conclusion: MINSP are safe; it could be used as fat replacer in processing low fat diet. MINSP represents a good functional food and liver supporter for patient suffering from various liver diseases.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010

The use of food dyes is at least controversial because they are only of essential role. Moreover ... more The use of food dyes is at least controversial because they are only of essential role. Moreover many of them have been related to health problems mainly in children that are considered a very vulnerable group. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of oral administration of Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin for 4 weeks at doses of 47, 315 and 157.5 mg/kg b. wt. and after 2 weeks all animals were immunostimulated by intra peritoneal injection of sheep RBCs 10% (1 ml/rat). Body weight, relative body weight, total and differential leukocytes count, mononuclear cell count, delayed hypersensitivity, total protein and serum fractions were determined. Results revealed that oral administration of Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin did not affect the body weight gain or the spleen weight. On the other hand Sunset Yellow and Curcumin significantly decreased the weight of thymus gland of the rats. Total leukocyte count were not affected while Amaranth and Curcumin-treated rats revealed a significant decrease in neutrophiles and monocytes and a compensatory increase in lymphocytes. Moreover, oral administration of Sunset Yellow revealed a significant decrease in monocyte percent. Amaranth, Sunset Yellow and Curcumin significantly decreased the delayed hyper sensitivity. Total serum protein, albumin, total globulin and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were not affected by administration of the colouring agents. Oral administration of Amaranth increases the density of albumin band. On the other hand oral administration of Curcumin decreases the density of the albumin band. Oral administration of any of the tested colouring agents did not change the density of globulin region as compared to control group. In conclusion we found that both synthetic (Amaranth and Sunset Yellow) and natural (Curcumin) colouring agents used at doses up to 10 times the acceptable daily intake exerted a depressing effect on the cellular but not humoral immune response.

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2013

The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on oxidative stress and organ tissue damage during systemic... more The effect of Cannabis sativa extract on oxidative stress and organ tissue damage during systemic inflammation was studied. For this purpose, Swiss mice were challenged with a single intraperitoneal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 μg/kg) to mimic aspects of mild systemic infection. Cannabis resin extract (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) (expressed as Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol) was given via subcutaneous route for 2 days prior to and at the time of endotoxin administration. Mice were euthanized 4 h after LPS injection. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) in the brain, liver, kidney, lung, and heart as well as brain glucose were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in liver homogenates. Histopathological examination of different organs was performed, and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 in the brain and liver. The administration of only cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA, increased GSH, and decreased glucose level in the brain. No significant effects were observed for cannabis alone on MDA, GSH, or nitric oxide in other organs or on liver enzymes. The administration of LPS increased MDA and nitric oxide, while GSH decreased in different organs. Brain glucose increased by endotoxin. AST, ALT, and ALP were markedly increased in the liver tissue. In LPS-treated mice, cannabis (20 mg/kg) decreased MDA. GSH increased in the brain, kidney, and lung, nitric oxide decreased in the brain and lung while brain glucose decreased after the highest dose of cannabis. Cannabis failed to alter the level of liver enzymes. Histological damage in the brain, kidney, heart, lung, and liver due to endotoxin is increased by cannabis. Increased immunoreactivity of caspase-3 in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was observed after LPS and cannabis cotreatment compared with the LPS only group. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity markedly increased in degenerating neurons of the cortex following cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS inmmunoreactivity increased after LPS and more intense iNOS expression was detected in hepatocytes after cannabis and LPS cotreatment. iNOS expression increased after cannabis and LPS treatment especially in the cerebral cortex. Thus, the administration of cannabis decreased tissue oxidative stress but increased organ damage after endotoxin injection in mice.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2010

The action of the coumarin-type drugs and related compounds is reviewed to their VKOR antagonisti... more The action of the coumarin-type drugs and related compounds is reviewed to their VKOR antagonistic effects. In our study, twenty 3-pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazolyl-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized. A comparative in vivo (CT, PT determination) and in vitro (measurement of PIVKA-II levels) anticoagulant study with respect to warfarin showed that the synthesized compounds have different anticoagulant activities, the most prospective compounds were the 3-pyrazolyl-4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives.

Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi. The present study was c... more Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi. The present study was carried out to study the protective effect of mushroom (Agaricus sp.) against ochratoxin A in rats. Results indicated that normal groups treated with two doses of mushroom (100 and 200 mg/Kg,P.O.) caused significant increase in ALT and AST values than controlgroup. Ochratoxin A (OA) 1.7 mg/ Kg administration resulted significant elevation in serum ALT and AST than normal control group. The combined treatment with OA and mushroom significantly reduced ALT and AST in lower dose 100 mg/Kg only were (33.27 % and 30.06 %, respectively). OA-treatment significantly elevated kidney functions (serum creatinine and uric acid) compared with normal control; in combined treatment, these values significantly decreased in the lower dose of mushroom (100 mg/Kg); while the higher dose of mushroom had slight decrease in creatinine and uric acid levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased significantly in the groups of rats treated with mushroom alone or in combination with OA when compared with OA alone treatment group. In conclusion: the lower dose of mushroom (100 mg/kg) was the effective dose that minimized the hepatorenal toxicity induced by OA. Our study needs further continuation in this respect.

The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potent... more The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials of GSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and/or silymarin against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats.