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The protective effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) against orally administered titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) for 3 months on male albino rats were examined. Adult male albino rats were given saline as a control group, TiO2 (1200 mg kg-1 BW), NAC (100 mg kg-1 BW) and co-treatment of NAC and TiO2 as a protective group for 3 months. Blood was assayed for serum changes in GPT, GOT, lipid profiles, cytokines and immunoglobulins profiles. Moreover, spleen was examined for alterations in cytokines expression and histopathology. Administration of TiO2 significantly increased serum levels of GPT, GOT and increased lipid profiles. Administration of NAC to TiO2 rats improved significant changes induced by TiO2 alone. There were an increase in IL-1β and IL-6 secretion in TiO2 administered rats which is normalized by NAC administration. TiO2 administration down regulated IL-8 and IL-10 secretion, while co-administration of rats by NAC together with TiO2 normalized that down regulation. Moreover, TiO2 induced toxicity in spleen that accompanied by a decrease in IgA, IgG and IgM that are normalized by NAC administration. Finally, TiO2 up-regulated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-β expression in spleen and NAC administration together with TiO2 normalized cytokines expression. In conclusion, present findings confirmed the protective effect of NAC on TiO2 induced alteration in immune responses in male albino rats.

The present study conducted to test the effect of Nigella Sativa (NS, 5 mg kg-1 of body weight), or γ-irradiated Nigella Sativa (GRNS) on the changes of blood component profiles, liver, kidney functions and immune cytokines secretion in male Wistar rats. Moreover, the possible protection by propolis (200 mg kg-1 B. W.) on the changes induced by NS and GRNS was examined. Results revealed that both NS and GRNS administration for two weeks induced changes in blood, GPT, GOT and urea levels and co-administration with propolis significantly ameliorated such changes. Also, liver histology showed numerous vacuolar degeneration and fatty changes in γ-irradiated groups which disappeared in presence of propolis. Kidney histology of NS administered rats showed less lymphocytic infiltration, while GRNS groups showed desquamation in the cytoplasm of the renal tubules, hemorrhage in the renal corpuscle and lymphocytic infiltration which disappeared when propolis given together with GRNS. Finally propolis induced protective effect on the changes induced in TNF-α and IL-10 secretion by either NS or GRNS in Wistar rats. In conclusion, the findings of present study clarified the protective effect of propolis on changes induced by γ-irradiated NS on blood, liver, kidney and cytokines changes in Wistar rats.

Cinnamon is a herbal medication plant used widely for many diseases in the Middle East and ancient countries. Cinnamon Extract (CE) contains many active substances that modulate insulin sensitivity and acts as anti-diabetic medication. Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by disturbance in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Cinnamon Extract (CE, 200 mg kg-1 body weight) on genes expression of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Administration of CE to STZ diabetic rats for 2 months normalized TG, cholesterol, VLDL, HDL and glucose levels. CE administration increased FAS and STREB-1c gene expressions that were inhibited in diabetic rats. Moreover, CE inhibited significantly the increase in LPL, HSL and resistin expression. In parallel, CE increased the expression of PPECK and GLUT2 and inhibited the decrement in IGF and PK expression. In conclusion, CE regulates the expression of genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in a way to control the metabolic disorders occur during diabetes.