No abstract

The expanded uses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have grown rapidly in the field of nanotechnology. Thus, the increased production of nanoparticles (NPs) increases the potential risks to the environment and occupationally exposed humans. Hence, safety and toxicity assessment including genotoxicity of these NPs is indispensable. In the present study, we have evaluated the genotoxic effect of ZnO-NPs on 5th larval instar of Bombyx mori after feeding on mulberry leaves treated with ZnO-NPs at concentrations 50 and 100 μg/ml. Moreover, we evaluated its effects on total and different hemocyte count, antioxidant potential and catalase activity on the hemolymph of treated larvae. Results showed that ZnO-NPs at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/ml have significantly decreased the total hemocyte count (THC) and different hemocyte count (DHC) except the number of oenocytes as they were significantly increased. Gene expression profile also showed up-regulation of GST, CNDP2 and CE genes suggesting increase in antioxidant activity and alteration in cell viability as well as cell signaling.

The expanded uses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have grown rapidly in the field of nanotechnology. Thus, the increased production of nanoparticles (NPs) increases the potential risks to the environment and occupationally exposed humans. Hence, safety toxicity assessment including genotoxicity of these NPs is indispensable. In the present study, we have evaluated the genotoxic effect of ZnO-NPs on 5th larval instar of Bombyx mori after feeding on mulberry leaves treated with ZnO-NPs at concentrations 50 and 100μg/ml. Moreover, evaluated its effects on total and different haemocyte count, antioxidant potential and catalase activity on the haemolymph of treated larvae. Results showed that ZnO-NPs at concentrations 50 µg/l and100 µg/ml significantly decreased the total haemocyte count (THC) and different haemocyte count (DHC) except the number of Oenocyte it significantly increased. Gene expression profile also showed up-regulation of GST, CNDP2 and CE genes suggesting increase in antioxidant activity and alteration in cell viability as well as cell signaling.

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest flowering plant families and is known for its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Their pharmacological effects can be related to their range of phytochemical compounds, including polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, acetylenes, and triterpenes. In this study, Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Gazania (Gazania rigens), Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella), Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), and Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifollium) were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Total phenol content (TPC) and the gene expression profiles of some antioxidant-related genes, including ascorbate peroxidase 3 APX3, catalase CATA1, and Phenylalanine ammonia lyase PAL, were also analyzed. Results revealed that Sunflower and Chrysanthemums plants had the highest phenolic contents of about (3.26±0.39 and 2.99±0.22 mg GAE/g), respectively. The expression of PAL gene was about 4-fold and 2-fold higher in Chrysanthemums and Zinnia s' flowers, respectively, in comparison to the sunflowers. APX3 gene expression was upregulated in Chrysanthemum, Gazania, and Gaillardia 's leaves in comparison to the Sunflowers'. Our results give an insight into the antioxidant potential of some uncommonly used plants of the family Asteraceae.