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Background: stage renal disease. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious microvascular consequences of diabetes, and it is the leading cause of end-Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) / angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) combined therapy is more effective than monotherapy in treating DN. Curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and also affects apoptotic and fibrotic pathways. We hypothesized that adding curcumin to the standard combined ACEI/ARBs treatment of DN could have a more beneficial effect on renal functions. Methods: Type 1 diabetes was prompted by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in thirty adult male Albino rats. They were divided into five groups; control group, diabetic, curcumin treated, captopril/losartan treated and triple therapy treated group. Then, biochemical and histological investigations were conducted. Results: Captopril/Losartan treated group and curcumin treated group showed partial restoration of shape of some tubules, glomeruli and decrease in apoptosis, congestion of blood vessels, fibrosis and inflammation induced by diabetes. And also, it showed partial improvement in renal function. The triple therapy group showed better restoration of renal architecture and more improvement in renal function. Conclusions: Interestingly, triple therapy group showed better reno-protective effect and improved both urinary and serum biochemical profiles more than curcumin or Captopril/Losartan treated groups alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Postnatal scanty milk secretion is a common complaint. Some physical and medical interventions were advocated to help milk production. These interventions should be effective and safe for the mother and the infant. This study aimed to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy and electroacupuncture on postnatal scanty milk secretion. Study Design  A randomized controlled study conducted on 60 healthy primiparous mothers with insufficient lactation. They were randomly divided into three equal groups: group A (control), group B (those who received low-power He–Ne laser beam on both breasts), and group C (those who received faradic current stimulation at Spleen 6, Liver 3, and Small Intestine 1 acupuncture points on both sides). All participants received 10 mg Domperidone three times a day and were given advice about lactation, nutrition, and fluid intake. Evaluation was done before and after the treatment program. Results  The mean serum prolactin, infant weight, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were significantly increased in the three groups posttreatment when compared with their corresponding levels pretreatment. Posttreatment serum prolactin was significantly elevated in group C more than the other two groups (p  = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). Also, it was significantly elevated in group B more than in group A (p  = 0.001). The mean value of infant weight was significantly elevated in group C when compared with its corresponding values in both groups A (p  = 0.001) and B (p  = 0.029). The VAS score was significantly increased in both groups B and C when compared with group A (p  = 0.001). Conclusion  Electroacupuncture is more effective than low-level laser therapy in increasing postnatal scanty milk secretion. Clinical Trial Registration  NCT03806062. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assessed the immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) after feeding on different levels (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%) of dietary Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf powder for 45 days. We evaluated both the nonspecific immune response at the end of the feeding period and the resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila. Exposure to Indian lotus resulted in a significant elevation in serum total globulins, serum lysozyme activity, serum killing percentage and the phagocytic activity (p < 0.05). Total serum protein and albumin showed no remarkable variation between tilapia fed on 0.1% Indian lotus and the control group (p > 0.05). In addition, the relative expressions of immune‐related genes, namely interleukin–1β and tumour necrosis factor–α were significantly up‐regulated in tilapia fed on 0.4% Indian lotus as compared to the control group; their expressions were down‐regulated in the other tested groups (p < 0.05). The survival rate of Nile tilapia postchallenge to A. hydrophila reported a significant and dose‐dependent increase in the Indian lotus‐supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, dietary incorporation of Indian lotus leaves (0.4%, 0.2% and 0.1%) could strengthen the immunity of Nile tilapia and improve its resistance to A. hydrophila infection. Therefore, Indian lotus leaves could serve as potential feed supplements for Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]