Serum miR-122 and miR-199a were significantly increased in endometriosis, indicating that these microRNAs might serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Abstract. Arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid, kills juvenile and adult schistosomes in vitro and displays highly significant and safe therapeutic effects in mice and hamsters infected with Schistosoma mansoni or S. haematobium. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of ARA in treatment of school-age children infected with S. mansoni. In total, 66 S. mansoni-infected schoolchildren (20-23 children/study arm) received a single dose of 40 mg/kg praziquantel (PZQ), ARA (10 mg/kg per day for 15 days), or PZQ combined with ARA. The children were examined before and after treatment for worm egg counts in stool and blood biochemical and immunological parameters. ARA proved to be as efficacious as PZQ in treatment of schoolchildren with low infection intensity (78% and 85% cure rates, respectively). For moderate-intensity infection, the ARA and PZQ combination led to 100% cure rate. Biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters were either unchanged or ameliorated after ARA therapy.

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2020) Synergetic role of senna and fennel extracts as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic agents in irradiated human blood lymphocyte cultures, ABSTRACT Present work aimed to examine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effects of senna and fennel via synergetic mechanisms against deleterious effects of gamma radiation exposure. Cytogenetic, biochemical and immunological investigations were evaluated in human blood lymphocyte cultures. Samples were divided into Group I: control, Group II: irradiated samples with 3Gy γ-irradiation, Group III: treated samples with a mixture of calcium sennosides and fennel seed extract and Group IV: irradiated treated samples. The results revealed that radiation exposure caused an increment in numbers of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), mono-, and multinucleated cells. Biochemical results revealed a decrease in levels of SOD and CAT enzymes and an increase in LDH level after irradiation. Levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were significantly increased in irradiated group. Calcium sennosides and fennel seed extract mixture treatment after radiation exposure succeeded in returning cytokines and antioxidant enzyme levels to their normal levels as compared to control. Also, group IV showed a marvelous improvement in numbers of MN and NPB frequencies. These results indicate that the combination between Calcium sennosides as free radicals scavenger and fennel as an apoptic inducer can be used as a post-radiation treatment against oxidative and inflammation effects of ionizing radiation. ARTICLE HISTORY

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Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (commonly known as fennel) is one of the precious spices. Almost all parts of the plant are edible and have powerful interest in phytochemical and pharmacological research. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential, oxidative damage preventive activity, and anti-inflammatory effects of traditionally used fennel. It assessed the cytogenetic and biochemical effects of fennel on suppression of the radiation hazards in human blood culture at a working dose of 200µg/ml. The treatment time was 72 h post-irradiation (3 Gy γ-irradiation). Triple blood cultures for each blood sample were set up. Ionizing radiation exposure induced significant increase in micronuclei (MN) frequencies in both mono-and binucleated cells beside significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). While Interleukin (IL)-1β, −6, −8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α levels were significantly increased after irradiation. Treatment with fennel exhibited a decrease in micronuclei and enhancement in the level of SOD, CAT, and LDH activities. In addition, significant amelioration in IL-1β, 6 and 8, TNF-α activity was scored. The present results revealed the antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fennel against oxidative stress induced by γirradiation.

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