Background: Lung fibrosis is considered as an end stage for many lung diseases including lung inflammatory disease, autoimmune diseases and malignancy. There are limited therapeutic options with bad prognostic outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow on Bleomycin (BLM) induced lung fibrosis in albino rats. Methods: 30 adult female albino rats were distributed randomly into 4 groups; negative control group, Bleomycin induced lung fibrosis group, lung fibrosis treated with bone marrow-MSCs (BM-MSCs) and lung fibrosis treated with cell free media. Lung fibrosis was induced with a single dose of intratracheal instillation of BLM. BM-MSCs or cell free media were injected intravenously 28 days after induction and rats were sacrificed after another 28 days for assessment. Minute respiratory volume (MRV), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) were recorded using spirometer (Power lab data acquisition system). Histological assessment was performed by light microscopic examination of H&E, and Masson’s trichrome stained sections and was further supported by morphometric studies. In addition, electron microscopic examination to assess ultra-structural changes was done. Confocal Laser microscopy and PCR were used as tools to ensure MSCs homing in the lung. Results: Induction of lung fibrosis was confirmed by histological examination, which revealed disorganized lung architecture, thickened inter-alveolar septa due excessive collagen deposition together with inflammatory cellular infiltration. Moreover, pneumocytes depicted variable degenerative changes. Reduction in MRV, FVC and FEV1 were recorded. BM-MSCs treatment showed marked structural improvement with minimal cellular infiltration and collagen deposition and hence restored lung architecture, together with lung functions. Conclusion: MSCs are promising potential therapy for lung fibrosis that could restore the normal structure and function of BLM induced lung fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s13770-020-00294-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the ubiquitous pollutants worldwide. This study aimed to clarify the potential thyroid disrupting effect of DEHP and explore the probable ameliorative effects of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) and curcumin nanoparticles (CUR-NPs). Forty-two male albino rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6): Group I (negative control); group (II) orally received DEHP (500 mg/kg BW, dissolved in corn oil); Group (III) orally received Se-NPs (.2 mg/kg BW) in combination with DEHP; Group (IV) orally received CUR-NPs (15 mg/kg BW) alongside with DEHP; Group V (corn oil); Group VI (Se-NPs) and Group VII (CUR-NPs). The duration of the experiment was 30 days. DEHP administration significantly decreased serum free T4 and significantly increased serum free T3 as compared to control group, whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone showed no significant change. DEHP disrupted redox status leading to accumulation of malondialdehyde and depletion of reduced glutathione. Histologically, the effect of DEHP on thyroid follicles was confirmed by light and electron microscopic examination and morphometric analysis. Se-NPs slightly improved thyroid parameters as well as redox status. CUR-NPS reinstated the values of all studied thyroid parameters to nearly control levels. This research provides Se-NPs and CUR-NPs as novel protective agents against DEHP-thyroid disrupting effects.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) that have been associated with high morbidity and mortality.Recently, several studies have highlighted the protective role of vitamin D3 (VD3) and omega-3 fatty acids (O3-FAs) in CKDs. However, their effect on DN is still unclear.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of both VD3 and / or O3-FAs in slowing the progression of DN through their impact on indices of renal function, glycemic control, oxidative stress and markers of podocyte injury. Materials and methods: type I diabetes was induced in albino rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65mg/kg). Rats received daily oral administration of VD3 and O3-FAs separately and in combination for 6 weeks. Results: VD3 and O3-FAs therapy improved significantly hyperglycemia, renal function tests, with concomitant decrease in total urinary protein content, urinary nephrin, a marker of podocyte injury and renal oxidative stress. However, the combined therapy was superior in its effect over VD3 and O3-FAs separately. Such results were confirmed by renal cortical tissue assessment using light microscopic examination of H&E and PAS stains in addition to transmission-electron microscopy. Conclusions: VD3 and O3-FAs have a potential beneficial effect on amelioration of structural changes in pedicels and glomerular basement membrane that was reflected as evident renal functional restoration.