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IntroductionObesity is most common among people with low incomes in high-income countries, although being overweight affects all socioeconomic categories. This study evaluated the nutritional and health status and their associated variables in low-income Saudi females.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect participants’ (153 women) sociodemographic profiles and other health data (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid, and anemia status). Nutrient intake, anthropometric indices, minimal dietary diversity scores (MDDS), and lipid profiles were also measured. Chi-squared and Student-t tests were used to detect significant variation among groups, and Spearman correlation was used to determine factors affecting the nutritional status of women.Results and discussionAs their sociodemographic profiles varied greatly, some participants’ nutrient intake was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) than their dietary recommended intake (DRI). However, the anthropometric indices differed significantly between the women with high and low MDDS (p ≤ 0.01). The rate of females with obesity outperformed the other groups regarding MDDS, followed by those who are overweight. Furthermore, a significant (p ≤ 0.001) variation in lipid profile was observed between subjects. Despite the majority of participants having normal cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, their HDL-C levels were either at high risk or borderline risk. The majority of the participants showed no signs of anemia, hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid issues. Interestingly, whereas education level was negatively and significantly at (p ≤ 0.05 or p ≤ 0.001) linked with some anthropometric indices, the factors age, family size, source of income, social welfare benefits, and marital status were positively and significantly associated with some of these variables. According to this study, low-income Saudi females face several challenges in adopting a nutritional and healthy lifestyle, as indicated by the parameters evaluated.

This study tested the ISL against renal damage induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and explored its underlying mechanisms. Adult male rats were assigned to four groups: (1) control on a standard diet (STD), (2) ISL on STD (30 mg/kg), (3) HFD, and (4) HFD + ISL (30 mg/kg). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, ISL treatment led to significant reductions in body weight gain, visceral fat, and glucose and insulin levels in HFD-fed rats. Notably, ISL decreased serum urea and creatinine, increased serum albumin, and improved urinary profiles by lowering the urinary albumin and the albumin/creatinine ratio. Histological analyses revealed that ISL enhanced the glomerular structure and mitigated tubular damage, as evidenced by reduced urinary excretion of the kidney injury markers NGAL and KIM-1. Additionally, ISL significantly lowered cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in both the control and HFD groups while also decreasing oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Importantly, ISL enhanced renal antioxidant levels, increasing glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Moreover, ISL downregulated mRNA levels of MD-2, Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and NF-κB, leading to reduced NF-κB p65 levels in renal tissues. In conclusion, ISL offers substantial protection against HFD-induced renal toxicity through mechanisms that attenuate metabolic stress, enhance antioxidant defenses, and inhibit the MD-2/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

This study aimed to examine the hepatic and anti-steatotic protective effects of methanolic extract from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers (SFFE), using a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. First, T2DM was induced in some rats by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experimental groups included the following five groups (n = 8 in each): control, control + SFFE, T2DM, T2DM + SFFE, and T2DM + SFFE + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). SFFE was administered at a concentration of 300 mg/kg, and all experiments concluded after 8 weeks. Treatments with SFFE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the control and T2DM rats, but they failed to reduce fasting insulin levels in these groups. SFFE treatments also improved the liver structure and reduced hepatocyte vacuolization and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM rats, in addition to increasing the hepatic mRNA levels of keap1 and the cytoplasmic levels and nuclear activities of Nrf2 in both the control and T2DM rats. SFFE also stimulated the expression levels of PPARα and CPT-1 but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), mRNA levels of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in both the control and T2DM rats; meanwhile, it reduced hepatic mRNA and the nuclear activities of NF-κB and increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the livers of both groups of treated rats. Furthermore, SFFE suppressed the levels of caspase-3, Bax, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the T2DM rats. Treatment with brusatol prevented all of these effects of SFFE. In conclusion, SFFE suppresses liver damage and hepatic steatosis in T2DM through Nrf2-dependent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects.

Antinutrients in rice tend to impair nutrient bioavailability; hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of cooking and simulated digestion on the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of white and brown rice, as well as the bioavailability of some minerals. The rice grains were cooked in a pressure cooker, using a 1:2 (w/v) rice-to-water ratio. The digestion of the cooked rice grains was then simulated using pepsin and pancreatin systems. The phenolic (total, free, and bound) and flavonoid content; antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP); phytic acid and tannin levels; and mineral HCl-extractability were all determined in the raw, cooked, and digested grains. The cooking process significantly lowered (p ≤ 0.05) the phenolic content of the white rice; however, the phenolic content increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) when these cooked grains were digested. The phenolic content of brown rice decreased at a higher rate during cooking than that of white rice, and it recovered at a lower rate after digestion. The flavonoid content in both cooked and digested white and brown rice followed a similar trend with the phenolic content. This reduction in the phenolic and flavonoid content in both types of rice after cooking was associated with a large decrease in antioxidant activity, whereas, after digestion, it was associated with a considerable increase. After cooking, the levels of phytate and tannin in both types of rice decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), and this drop was even more pronounced in the digested grains. Although the mineral content in the cooked samples of white and brown rice decreased, it recovered after digestion; however, the mineral content remained lower than that of the raw samples. Despite this, there was also a rise in the bioavailability of the minerals in the cooked rice after digestion (p ≤ 0.05), which was considerably higher than the rise in the mineral content itself. The findings indicate that, while cooking rice decreases its phenolic content and antioxidant activity, it also lowers its antinutrient content. Additional benefits were also noted following the simulated digestion.

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves cellular activation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Eriodictyol is a citrus-derived flavonoid with multiple pharmacological and protective effects in various conditions. The protective role of Eriodictyol against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy is less investigated. The current research aimed to explore the role of eriodictyol in protecting against DN prompted by streptozotocin in male rats and investigate some possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes was brought about in rats by an i.p injection of a lone dose (65 mg/kg). Five groups of rats were included (n = 8 each) as control (non-diabetic), eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), STZ-diabetic, STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + eriodictyol (20 mg/kg, orally) + ML385 (30 µg/kg, i.p.). Kidney histology and the levels of some markers of kidney function, renal oxidative stress, and renal inflammation were analyzed in all groups of rats. Treatment with eriodictyol prevented the damage in the renal glomeruli and tubules and reduced renal immune cell infiltration in STZ-treated animals. It also spiked urinary creatinine excretion and reduced urine volume and urinary levels of albumin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and nephrin in these diabetic rats. In addition, eriodictyol stimulated the nuclear protein accumulation of Nrf2 and boosted the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and catalase (CAT) in the diabetic rat kidneys. In concomitance, it reduced the nuclear levels of NF-κB and levels of interleukine-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and attenuated the reduction in renal ATP levels and the increase in the mitochondria transition pore opening (mtTPT). However, the administration of eriodictyol did not affect rats’ body weights and fasting glucose and insulin levels but significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and oxidized LDL-c (ox-LDL-c). In conclusion, eriodictyol prevents STZ-induced nephropathy by a hypolipidemic effect and concomitant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by activating Nrf2/NF-κB/antioxidant axis.

Potent hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects were recently reported for the apple-derived phenolic compound phloretamide (PLTM). The renoprotective effects of this compound are yet to be shown. This study aimed to examine the potential of PLTM to prevent diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and to examine the possible mechanisms of protection. Non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic male rats were treated orally by gavage with either the vehicle or with PTLM (200 mg/kg; twice/week) for 12 weeks. PTLM significantly increased urine volume and prevented glomerular and tubular damage and vacuolization in STZ-diabetic rats. It also increased creatinine excretion and reduced urinary albumin levels and the renal levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and nephrin in the diabetic rats. PTLM also prevented an increase in the nuclear levels of NF-κβ, as well as the total levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), caspase-3, and Bax in the kidneys of diabetic rats. These effects were associated with reduced serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In both the control and diabetic rats, PTLM significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose and enhanced the renal mRNA and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2, as well as the levels of Bcl2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). However, PTLM failed to alter the cytoplasmic levels of keap1 in diabetic rats. In conclusion, PTLM prevents renal damage and dysfunction in STZ-diabetic rats through its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, as well as through its antioxidant potential, which is mediated by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant axis.

Context Camel milk is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus hypertension and other metabolic disorders.Objective This study evaluated the antisteatotic and antihypertensive effects of camel milk protein hydrolysate (CMH) in high fructose (HF)-fed rats and compared it with the effects afforded by the intact camel milk protein extract (ICM).Materials and methods Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) as 1) control, 2) ICM (1000 mg/kg), 3) CMH (1000 mg/kg), 4) HF (15% in drinking water), 5) HF (15%) + ICM (1000 mg/kg), and 6) HF (15%) + CMH (1000 mg/kg). All treatments were given orally for 21 weeks, daily.Results Both ICM and CMH reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and serum levels of ALT and AST, angiotensin II, ACE, endothelin-1, and uric acid in HF-fed rats. In addition, both ICM and CMH reduced hepatic fat deposition in the hepatocytes and reduced hepatocyte damage. This was associated with an increase in the hepatic activity of AMPK, higher PPARα mRNA, reduced expression of fructokinase C, SREBP1, SREBP2, fatty acid synthase, and HMG-CoA-reductase. Both treatments lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the effects of CMH on all these parameters were greater as compared to ICM.Discussion and conclusions The findings of this study encourage the use of CMH in a large-scale population and clinical studies to treat metabolic steatosis and hypertension.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with several complications, including that of kidney disease. Plant-based dietary products have shown promise in mitigating these effects to improve kidney function and prevent tissue damage. This study assessed the possible favorable effects of beetroot extract (BE) in improving kidney function and preventing tissue damage in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced using a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Both control and rats with pre-established T2DM were divided into six groups (each consisting of eight rats). All treatments were given by gavage and continued for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum fasting insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum and urinary albumin, and creatinine and urea levels were measured. Apart from this, glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukine-6 in the kidney homogenates of all groups of rats were measured, and the histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also performed. Results: It was observed that treatment with BE increased body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to be similar to that of control groups. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and lipid profile in the plasma of the pre-established T2DM rats groups decreased to p ≤ 0.05 in the BE-treated rats as the BE concentration increased. Treatment with BE also improved the renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, urinary albumin, and serum creatinine and urea levels. Unlike all other groups, only the kidney tissues of the T2DM + BE (500 mg/kg) rats group showed normal kidney tissue structure, which appears to be similar to those found in the kidney tissues of the control rats groups. Conclusion: we found that streptozotocin administration disturbed markers of kidney dysfunction. However, Beta vulgaris L. root extract reversed these changes through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Context Ellagic acid (EA) is used in traditional medicine to treated hyperlipidaemia. Objective This study examined if AMPK mediates the anti-steatotic effect of ellagic acid (EA) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. Materials and methods Adult male Wistar rats (130 ± 10 g) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 rats/group) as control, control + EA, control + EA + CC an AMPK inhibitor), T1DM, T1DM + EA, and T1DM + EA + CC. The treatments with EA (50 mg/kg/orally) and CC (200 ng/rat/i.p.) were given the desired groups for 12 weeks, daily. Results In T1DM-rats, EA reduced fasting glucose levels (44.8%), increased fasting insulin levels (92.8%), prevented hepatic lipid accumulation, and decreased hepatic and serum levels of total triglycerides (54% & 61%), cholesterol (57% & 48%), and free fatty acids (40% & 37%). It also reduced hepatic levels of ROS (62%), MDA (52%), TNF-α (62%), and IL-6 (57.2%) and the nuclear activity of NF-κB p65 (54%) but increased the nuclear activity of Nrf-2 (4-fold) and levels of GSH (107%) and SOD (87%). Besides, EA reduced downregulated SREBP1 (35%), SREBP2 (34%), ACC-1 (36%), FAS (38%), and HMG-CoAR (49%) but stimulated mRNA levels of PPARα (1.7-fold) and CPT1a (1.8-fold), CPT1b (2.9-fold), and p-AMPK (4-fold). All these events were prevented by the co-administration of CC. Discussion and conclusions These findings encourage the use of EA to treat hepatic disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to validate its potential in clinical medicine.

This study investigated the effects of fermentation and germination on the physicochemical, nutritional, functional, and bioactive quality attributes of samh seeds. Regardless of the processing treatment, samh seeds were found to be a rich source of phenolic compounds, namely gallic acid (79.6–96.36 mg/100 g DW), catechol (56.34–77.34 mg/100 g DW), and catechin (49.15–84.93 mg/100 g DW), and they possessed high DPPH antiradical activity (65.27–78.39%). They also contained high protein content (19.29–20.41%), essential amino acids content (39.07–44.16% of total amino acids), and unsaturated fatty acid content (81.95–83.46% of total fatty acids) and a low glycemic index (39.61–41.43). Fermentation and germination increased L*, b*, foaming capacity, oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling power, microbial counts, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro protein digestibility, protein efficiency ratio, and total essential amino acids and reduced water solubility, emulsion stability, tannin, and phytate contents compared to raw samh seeds (p < 0.05). The highest levels of pH, ash, carbohydrate, fiber, and glycemic index were observed in raw samh seeds, and both germination and fermentation processes reduced these attributes to various degrees (p < 0.05). Germination increased the redness (a*), moisture content, essential and non-essential amino acids, potassium, zinc, phosphorous, stearic acid, and oleic and unsaturated fatty acids and reduced total solids, fat content, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, palmitic acid, and total saturated fatty acids of the samh seeds compared to the raw ones. Fermentation increased the total solid, acidity, fat, protein, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, palmitic acid, and total saturated fatty acids and reduced the a* value, moisture, non-essential amino acids, and total unsaturated fatty acids of the samh seeds compared to the raw ones. In conclusion, samh seeds are a rich source of nutrients that could generally be enhanced by germination and fermentation processes. The reported information facilitates strategies towards the application of these underutilized seeds in foods.

The chemical composition, carotenoids, anthocyanins, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of three date seed cultivars, mainly Barhi, Ruthana, and Qatarah, were investigated. Date seed bioactive compounds were extracted by using different extraction solvents. The chemical analysis revealed that the Barhi cultivar has the highest moisture and fat content, while Ruthana has the highest carbohydrate content. There were no significant differences in protein and ash contents among the three date seeds. Ethanol (100%) showed the highest bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activity, whereas water showed the lowest content among the six solvents. Generally, all the date seed cultivars contain high amounts of phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity. The carotenoid content was highest in the Barhi (1.98 mg/g DW) followed by Qatarah (1.25 mg/g DW) and Ruthana (0.89 mg/g DW) seed, while the anthocyanin content was highest in the Ruthana cultivar (5.51 ± 0.71 cyanidin 3-glucoside/g DM.) and lowest in Barhi date seed (3.335 ± 0.23 cyanidin 3-glucoside/g DM.). Among the three date seeds, the Ruthana seed showed the highest phenolic (93.36 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid compounds (59.9 ± 0.44 mg CE/g), DPPH activity (78.6 ± 0.92%), and total reducing power (60.3 ± 0.09%). The optimum solvent for the extraction of the antioxidants and their activity in each date seed was validated by using partial least squares regression (PLS). The results revealed a variation in the valid and optimum extracts for each seed; 100% ethanol extract for Barhi seed and mixture of methanol:ethanol:water (M 40:E40:W20) extract for Ruthana and Qatarah cultivars were the best solvent systems. The high natural antioxidant content of date seeds indicates that they can be considered functional ingredients for food and medicinal uses.

Background and Objectives: This experiment evaluated the preventative influence of the tomato-derived Esculeoside A (ESA) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). It also examined whether the activation of Nrf2 signaling affords this protection. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar control nondiabetic rats and rats with T1DM (STZ-T1DM) were given either carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle or ESA (100 mg/kg) (eight rats/group) orally daily for 12 weeks. A group of STZ-T1DM rats was also treated with 100 mg/kg ESA and co-treated i.p. with 2 mg/kg (twice/week), brusatol, and Nrf2 inhibitors for 12 weeks. Results and Conclusions: Treatment with ESA prevented the gain in heart weight and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and improved the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function (LV) in the STZ-T1DM rat group. Likewise, it reduced their serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), as well as their LV mRNA, cytoplasmic total, and nuclear total levels of NF-κB. ESA also reduced the total levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukine-6 (IL-6), Bax, cytochrome-c, and caspase-3 in the LV of the STZ-T1DM rats. In parallel, ESA enhanced the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of Nrf2 and the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and heme oxygenase-1, but decreased the mRNA and cytoplasmic levels of keap-1 in the LVs of the STZ-T1DM rats. Interestingly, ESA did not affect the fasting insulin and glucose levels of the diabetic rats. All of these beneficially protective effects of ESA were not seen in the ESA-treated rats that received brusatol. In conclusion, ESA represses diabetic cardiomyopathy in STZ-diabetic hearts by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant/NF-κB axis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate if the protective effect of Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) against doxorubicin-induced nephropathy in rats entails activation of Nrf2 signaling. Methods: Adult male Wistart rats were treated as control, ISL, DOX, DOX, and ISL + DOX + ISL + Nrf2 inhibitor (brusatol) (n = 8/group). Treatments with ISL (25 mg//kg, oral) were carried out 10 days before and 10 days after the single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p). Results: Treatment with ISL attenuated the glomerular and tubular damage and reduced interstitial fibrosis and collagen accumulation in the kidneys of DOX-intoxicated animals. It also increased urinary flow and volume, stimulated urinary creatinine excretion, and decreased albumin excretion. These effects were associated with high transcription of Bcl2, suppression of ROS, MDA, and inflammatory cytokines production (i.e., TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), downregulation of apoptotic markers (Bax and caspase-3/9), TGF-β1, Collagen I/III. Besides, ISL stimulated renal expression, translation, and nuclear localization of Nrf2, as well as levels of GSH and SOD, independent of keap-1. All these effects afforded by ISL were reversed by suppressing Nrf2 with brusatol. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with ISL is an effective strategy to alleviate DOX-induced nephropathy in rats by stimulating the Nrf2/antioxidant axis, which encourages further pre-clinical studies.

This study examined if isoliquiritigenin (ISL) attenuates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced intestinal damage and if this involves modulating Nrf2. Rats included 5 groups (n = 8/group): control (vehicle), ISL, HFD, HFD + ISL, and HFD + ISL + brusatol (an inhibitor of Nrf2). Treatments with the vehicle and ISL (30 mg/kg) were given orally. With no effect on intestinal lipids, ISL improved the duodenal structure in HFD rats and reduced the duodenal levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, and nuclear levels of NF-κB p65. Also, ISL increased the intestinal levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2. Furthermore, ISL lowered circulatory levels of lipopolysaccharides, deactivated the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and increased mRNA claudin-1, occluding, and zonula occludens‑1. All these effects were prevented by co-treatment of brusatol. In conclusion, ISL is a potent activator of Nrf2 intestinal inflammatory disorders.

This study examined if sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) signaling mediates the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol in doxorubicin (DOX)-treated rats. Rats were divided into control, kaempferol, DOX, kaempferol + DOX, and kaempferol + DOX + EX-527 (a SIRT1 inhibitor). Kaempferol preserved the kidney structure and function in DOX-treated rats by attenuating the impairment in urine volume, albumin/creatinine excretion, and creatinine clearance. It also reduced the renal expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and the generation of the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 but stimulated levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase and mRNA of Bcl2. Kaempferol also increased renal mRNA, protein levels, and nuclear activities of SIRT1 that was associated with increased acetylation of both the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB). These effects were prevented by co-treatment with EX-527. In conclusion, kaempferol alleviated DOX-induced nephropathy, at least by upregulating and activating SIRT1.

The present study was carried out to investigate food habits and associated risk factors of depressed patients with cardiovascular disease in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Depressed and healthy females (n = 30 each) and males (n = 30 each) aged 18-65 years were involved in this study. Sociodemographic, anthropometric proxies, and nutritional status were evaluated. Cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels of respondents' blood were determined. The respondents were varied according to demographic factors and anthropometric proxies. The majority of depressed males had higher values than healthy ones. The student t-test analysis showed that the average daily intake of fat especially saturated fat, by depressed respondents was higher than that of the healthy ones as well as the dietary requirement intake (DRI). The analysis of respondents' blood showed that the number of depressed females had higher abnormal HDL-c than males, who were observed to have an abnormal level of cholesterol and triglycerides. The correlation of daily nutrient intake and depression duration, depression severity, and age showed that the nutrients responsible for the extension and severity of depression were intake of food rich in dietary fat. Factors including demographics daily nutrient intake appeared to be associated with depression.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation in eating habits and the native diets have been replaced with Western diets. The present study investigated the effect of dietary behavior on nutritional status and associated factors of Yemeni students studying in Saudi Arabia. The socioeconomic characteristics, food habits, daily food intake, and anthropometric measurement (BMI) were used to assess the nutrition status of 240 adults (120 males and 120 females) Yemni students with the ages ranging from 18 to 35 years studying at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The majority of students were married, had higher education level and reasonable income and eat three meals a day. Higher number of female studnets skipped breakfast compared to male students. Energy intake, i.e., vitamins and minerals was lower than the dietary recommended intake (DRI) for both male and female students. The majority of males were overweight compared to females. Most of the socioeconomic characteristics and food habits had positive or negative correlation with body mass index (BMI). Overall, the results revealed that the majority of Yemeni male students had poor eating habits compared to females, resulting in obesity. High income, number of meals per day, breakfast consumption, restaurant meals, consumption of soft drinks, sweets, and potato chips were identified as factors associated with the nutritional status of male and female students included in the study.

This study investigated some possible mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxic effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in rats and compared the protective effects of selected known antioxidants—namely, melanin, quercetin (QUR), and α-lipoic acid (α-LA). Rats were divided into five treatment groups (eight rats per group): control, AuNPs (50 nm), AuNPs + melanin (100 mg/kg), AuNPs + QUR (200 mg/kg), and AuNPs + α-LA (200 mg/kg). All treatments were administered i.p., daily, for 30 days. AuNPs promoted renal glomerular and tubular damage and impaired kidney function, as indicated by the higher serum levels of creatinine (Cr), urinary flow, and urea and albumin/Cr ratio. They also induced oxidative stress by promoting mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP) opening, the expression of NOX4, increasing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and suppressing glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In addition, AuNPs induced renal inflammation and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increase in the total mRNA and the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of NF-κB, mRNA levels of Bax and caspase-3, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Treatment with melanin, QUR, and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) prevented the majority of these renal damage effects of AuNPs and improved kidney structure and function, with QUR being the most powerful. In conclusion, in rats, AuNPs impair kidney function by provoking oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by suppressing antioxidants, promoting mitochondrial uncoupling, activating NF-κB, and upregulating NOX4. However, QUR remains the most powerful drug to alleviate this toxicity by reversing all of these mechanisms.

This study examined the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced liver damage and steatosis in rats and tested its effect mechanism. Wistar male rats were divided into four groups (each of eight rats) as control, AuNPs (50 µL of 10 nm), DOX (15 mg/kg; 3 mg/kg/week), and DOX + AuNPs-treated rats. DOX is known to induce fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in treated rats. Individual treatment of both DOX and AuNPs also promoted liver damage, increased circulatory levels of ALT and AST, and stimulated serum and liver levels of TGs, CHOL, LDL-c, and FFAs. They also stimulated MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6, reduced GSH, SOD, HO-1, and CAT, upregulated mRNA levels of Bax and caspases-3 and -8 and downregulated mRNA levels of Bcl2 in the livers of rats. However, while DOX alone reduced hepatic levels of PPARα, both AuNPs and DOX stimulated mRNA levels of SREBP1, reduced the mRNA, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and increased mRNA, cytoplasmic, and nuclear levels of NF-κB. The liver damage and the alterations in all these parameters were significantly more profound when both AuNPs and DOX were administered together. In conclusion, AuNPs exaggerate liver damage, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in DOX-treated rats by activating SREBP1 and NF-κB and suppressing the Nrf2/antioxidant axis.

This study examined if quercetin (QUR) prevents cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in male rats by activating sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). Rats were divided into control, control + QUR, CdCl2, CdCl2 + QUR, and CdCl2 + QUR + EX-527 (a SIRT1 inhibitor). QUR (25 mg/kg) and CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg) were administered orally for 30 days. QUR improved the structure of the dental gyrus and the spatial and avoidance memories of CdCl2-treated rats. Besides, QUR inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, increased glutathione (GSH) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), acetylcholine (Ach), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels but downregulated acetylcholine esterase (AchE) in the hippocampi of rats. These effects were associated with higher hippocampal expression and activities of SIRT1 and decreased acetylation of Nrf2, NF-κB p65, and p53. Except for Ach and AChE, all these effects were prevented by EX-527. In conclusion, QUR prevents CdCl2 hippocampal neurotoxicity by activating SIRT1 and inhibiting AchE.

This study examined the effect of fermented goat milk (oggtt) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats induced by chronic high-fat diet (HFD) treatments. Both control-fed and HFD-fed adult male rats received the same vehicle or treatment with two doses of freshly collected oggtt (2 mL or 5 mL) for 12 weeks (n = 8/group). The treatment of the control and HFD-fed rats with oggtt in both doses significantly reduced weight gain, but fasting serum glucose and insulin levels as well as HOMA-IR levels were lowered only in the HFD-fed rats. Treatment improved HFD-induced glucose and insulin homeostasis impairment as measured by the oral glucose tolerance test. Both doses of oggtt reduced serum levels of liver function markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and in-terlukin-6 (IL-6) in HFD-fed rats. In addition, the oggtt doses reduced serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (CHOL) as well as serum levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in these rats. These biochemical endpoints were reflected by the improvement in liver histology and reduction in the number of fatty vacuolated and pyknotic cells. In both the control and HFD-fed rats, oggtt at both doses stimulated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). All these effects were more profound with the highest dose of oggtt. In conclusion, the finding of this study strongly supports the use of oggtt as a functional food to treat NAFLD, as it has shown hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties.

We report on employing in vitro biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles using L. pubescens shoot methanol extract (50 and 100 mg LP–ZnO NPs) to examine their antimicrobial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404 NA), and Aspergillus terreus (TCC 10029). The formation and stability of the investigated ZnO nanoparticles were proven by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The ZnO nanoparticles were rod-shaped (width: 10.76–30.93 nm). The nanoparticles in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) outperformed their water counterparts in terms of their zones of inhibition (ZIs) (marginal means of 12.5 and 8.19 mm, respectively) and minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) (means of 4.40 and 8.54 mg/mL, respectively). The ZI means for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, A. terreus, and A. niger were 10.50, 6.13, 12.5, and 11.5 mm, respectively. When treating S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, the ZI of the 50 mg LP–ZnO NPs in water was better (14 mm), with a lower MIC and lower minimum bactericidal/fungicide concentrations (MBC/MFC) (7.22 and 4.88 mg/mL, respectively) than the ZnO and control drugs. The SEM images showed cellular alterations in the surface shapes after the LP–ZnO-NP treatments. Biosynthesized LP–ZnO NPs could have beneficial antibacterial properties, which could allow for future contributions to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

Pectinase enzymes are important industrial enzymes having considerable applications in several industries, especially in food processing. Pectinases contribute 25% of global food enzyme sales. Therefore, the demand for a commercial enzyme with desirable characteristics and low production costs has become one of the great targets. Hence, this study aims to produce exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) using local fungal isolate Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 4153 by utilizing sugar beet manufacturing waste (sugar beet pulp) as a sole raw carbon source under shaken submerged fermentation, which is purified and characterized to optimize enzyme biochemical properties for industrial application. The purity of the obtained exo-PG was increased by about 28-fold, and the final enzyme yield was 57%. The partially purified enzyme was active at a broad range of temperatures (30–60 °C). The optimum temperature and pH for the purified exo-PG activity were 50 °C and pH 5. The enzyme was stable at a range of pH 3 to 6 and temperature 30–50 °C for 210 min. The values for Km and Vmax were 0.67 mg/mL, with polygalacturonic acid as substrate and 6.13 µmole galacturonic acid/min/mg protein, respectively. It can be concluded that purified exo-PG production by P. oxalicum grown on sugar beet waste is a promising effective method for useful applications.

In this research, a simple, green approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles with the aid of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) methanol root extract, which can act as a reducing, capping agent to treat obesity and inflammation. Globally, Ziziphus spina-christi (Jujube) root is used in traditional therapy as a lipolysis promoter. GC-MS results confirmed the availability of kaempferol (flavonol), cannabinol and indole-3-carboxylic acid in Ziziphus spina-christi root methanol extract (ZSE). ZSE silver nanoparticles (ZS-Ag-NPs) were synthesized and their effect on mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation capacity and adipokine levels in maturing adipocytes were analyzed. Maturing adipocytes treated with 0.4 µg/dL of ZSE and ZS-Ag-NPs significantly reduced the lipid content in adipocytes by 64% and 82%, respectively. In addition, lipolysis-related genes such as LPL (1.9 fold), HSL (2.3 fold), PGC-1α (3 fold), UCP-1 (4.1 fold), PRDM16 (2 fold) and PPARα (2.7 fold) increased significantly in ZS-Ag-NPs treated maturing adipocytes. The ZS-Ag-NPs treatment significantly decreased insulin resistance and metabolic inflammation-related LTB4-R, TNF-α, IL-4 and STAT-6 mRNA levels. Mitochondrial thermogenesis stimulating capacity of ZS-Ag-NPs was further confirmed by the significantly enhanced CREB-1 and AMPK protein levels in adipocytes. Furthermore, ZS-Ag-NPs treated adipokines (condition media, CM) were treated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to determine cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory stimulus capacity. We found that ZS-Ag-NPs treated adipocyte CM effectively increased mRNA expression levels of the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), and down-regulated oxidative stress (LPO, eNOS, and HO) and vascular cell inflammation (ICAM, VCAM, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB). In conclusion, ZS-Ag-NPs displayed an action at the molecular level in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, decreased adipokine secretion in adipocytes, and enhanced vascular endothelial cell growth. This molecular mechanical action of ZS-Ag-NPs reduced effectively obesity progressions and metabolic inflammatory pathogenesis associated with aging.