Background: Age-dependent male osteoporosis remains a poorly studied medical problem despite its significance. It is estimated that at least 1 of 5 men will suffer from osteoporotic consequences. Given that multiple mechanisms are involved in the process of senescence, much attention has been given to compounds with polymodal actions. To challenge such a health problem, we tested here the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in male osteoporosis. We also studied the possible molecular mechanisms that may underlie resveratrol effects. Methods: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were divided (10/group) into: control (3-4 months old weighing 150-200 g receiving vehicle), aged (18-20 months old, weighing 350-400 g and receiving vehicle), and resveratrol treated aged (18-20 months old, weighing 350-400 g and receiving resveratrol 20 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) groups. Assessment of serum calcium, phosphate, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and rat femur gene expression of FoxO1, SIRT1, RANKL and OPG proteins was carried out. Histopathological assessment of different levels of rat femur was also performed. Results: Age-dependent osteoporosis resulted in significant increase in serum levels of phosphate, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, hsCRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, NO, and RANKL gene expression. However, there was significant decrease in serum level of GSH, and gene expression of FoxO1, SIRT1 and OPG. Osteoporotic changes were seen in femur epiphysis, metaphysis and diaphysis. Resveratrol restored significantly age-dependent osteoporotic changes. Conclusion: We concluded that resveratrol can play an important role in the prevention of male osteoporosis. Resveratrol can counter the molecular changes in male osteoporosis via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and gene modifying effects.

Candida albicans can cause various infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Its ability to develop resistance to the current antifungal drugs as well as its multiple virulence factors have rendered the problem even more complicated. Thus, in the present investigation, we elucidated an in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Encephalartos laurentianus methanol extract (ELME) against C. albicans clinical isolates for the first time. A phytochemical identification of 64 compounds was conducted in ELME using LC-MS/MS. Interestingly, ELME exhibited antifungal activity with MIC values that ranged from 32–256 µg/mL. Furthermore, we investigated the antibiofilm activity of ELME against the biofilms formed by C. albicans isolates. ELME displayed antibiofilm activity using a crystal violet assay as it decreased the percentages of cells, moderately and strongly forming biofilms from 62.5% to 25%. Moreover, the antibiofilm impact of ELME was elucidated using SEM and fluorescent microscope. A significant reduction in the biofilm formation by C. albicans isolates was observed. In addition, we observed that ELME resulted in the downregulation of the biofilm-related tested genes (ALS1, BCR1, PLB2, and SAP5) in 37.5% of the isolates using qRT-PCR. Besides, the in vivo antifungal activity of ELME on the kidney tissues of rats infected with C. albicans was investigated using histological and immunohistochemical studies. ELME was found to protect against C. albicans induced renal damage, decrease desmin and inducible nitric oxide synthase, increase alkaline phosphatase, and increase infected rats’ survival rate. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of ELME was elucidated on Human Skin Fibroblast normal cells using MTT assay. ELME had an IC50 of 31.26 µg/mL. Thus, we can conclude that ELME might be a promising future source for antifungal compounds.

Background: Skin ulcers and poor healing are serious problems in diabetic patients. Products of citrus herbal are promising in new studies. Many benefits of hesperidin especially for cutaneous functions including skin healing have been demonstrated. Aim of the Study: The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible healing effect of hesperidin on diabetic skin injury in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (10 rats, each). Group I: the control; group II: hesperidin; group III: untreated diabetic rats; and group IV, diabetic rats treated with hesperidin. Skin specimens were obtained and processed for histological study using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E), Mallory trichrome (M.T) and immunohistochemical study using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Electron microscopic examination was done. Morphometric measurements of epidermal thickness and area percentage of collagen fibers were carried out followed by statistical analysis. Results: The untreated diabetic group showed incomplete closure and scab covering proliferating epidermis. Another area of self-healed malformed skin revealed reepithelization with increased thickness of epidermis significantly. Epidermal cells showed loss of polarity and in between hyaline material. The underlying dermis revealed a significantly increased disorganized collagen fibers and massive inflammatory cells infiltration. Also, moderate VEGF immunoexpression was observed. Diabetic skin treated with hesperidin revealed complete closure of the wounds with thin apparently normal epidermis. The underlying dermis revealed normal amount of well-organized collagen fibers with few inflammatory cells infiltration and spaces between collagen fibers. Strong positive VEGF immunoexpression was observed reflecting enhanced angiogenesis. Conclusion: Diabetic skin injuries are healing badly in relatively prolonged time. Hesperidin can be used as an adjunctive or alternative agent in diabetic wound giving good cosmetic results.

The Neonicotinoid insecticides are presently used in great amounts, but this can be a problem when the possible risks of occupational and environmental contamination are considered. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential adverse effects of sublethal doses of Thiamethoxam insecticide on serum biochemical, oxidative stress and histological alterations in male albino mice via 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study. The possible ameliorative effect of selenium plus vitamin E against the harmful effects of Thiamethoxam was also investigated. Mice in Thiamethoxam-treated groups received three sublethal doses (6, 12, and 30 mg/kg b.w./day). Animals in another group were orally co-administered selenium + vitamin E with the higher dose of insecticide. The results showed that Thiamethoxam significantly (p < 0.05) increased cholesterol levels and liver enzyme activities, in dose-dependent manner, compared to those of the control group. Levels of creatinine were not significantly changed, whereas uric acid increased at high doses. The oxidative stress parameters were significantly increased in association with decrease in total antioxidants level. The histological analysis revealed that the higher dose induced various alterations in tissues of vital organs, i.e. liver, kidney, lung and testes. Interestingly, the ameliorative effect of selenium + vitamin E in restoring the oxidative stress parameters was reflected by reducing severity of histopathological lesions. In conclusion, it appears that the sublethal dose < 6.0 mg/kg b.w./day, in repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study, in male albino mice may be considered as No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) of Thiamethoxam. Additionally, the antioxidant selenium, in mixture with vitamin E, showed an ameliorative effect against Thiamethoxam-induced toxicity.

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