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Malathion (MLT) is an organophosphate pesticide that instigates severe injuries in the testicular tissues. Tangeretin (TGN) is an important naturally present flavone that shows potential antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. This research was planned to ascertain the palliative role of TGN against MLT-instigated testicular toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. 48 rats were distributed into 4 groups: control, MLT (100 mgkg−1), MLT+TGN (100 + 50 mgkg−1 respectively), and TGN (50 mgkg−1). The results showed that MLT exposure reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH), whereas escalated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, it decreased the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). MLT also reduced the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, including StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Additionally, MLT exposure increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, while reducing the Bcl-2 expressions. MLT administration also increased the levels of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (1L-1β) as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in testes. Nonetheless, TGN recovered all the MLT induced damages in testes. In conclusion, TGN could ameliorate MLT instigated testicular impairment because of its anti-apoptotic, androgenic and anti-oxidant properties.

Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) have emerged as potentially hazardous materials, which significantly affect various body organs including kidneys. Narirutin (NRT) is a flavanone that exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. Therefore, this study was planned to appraise the nephro-protective effects of NRT on PSMPs-instigated kidney damages in male albino rats. In this study, 24 male albino rats were randomly distributed in 4 groups (n = 6/group); control group, PSMPs (0.01 mgkg−1) treated group, PSMPs + NRT (0.01 mgkg−1 + 50 mgkg−1) co-treated group, and NRT (50 mgkg−1) only treated group. PSMPs exposure reduced the expressions of Nrf-2 and anti-oxidant enzymes coupled with increased expressions of Keap-1. PSMPs treatment reduced the activities of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas escalated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PSMPs administration substantially elevated the levels of kidney function markers such as creatinine, urea, kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Conversely, it reduced the level of creatinine clearance. Besides, PSMPs significantly escalated the levels of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. In contrast, NRT restored all these damages and abnormalities to their normal level. According to these findings, NRT may act as a potential flavanone with the ability to mitigate the kidney toxicity induced by PSMPs in male albino rats.

Paraquat (PQ) is among the most widely used herbicides in the agriculture sector worldwide and is extremely noxious to both animals and humans. Paraquat exposure damages various organs in the body, particularly the liver. Sciadopitysin (SCD), a biflavonoid that is reported in Ginko biloba leaves, shows diverse biological potentials such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The primary focus of this research was to estimate the effects of SCD against PQ-instigated hepatic toxicity in rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were randomly split into 4 groups: control group, PQ (5 mgkg−1) treated group, PQ (5 mgkg−1) + SCD (2 mgkg−1) co-treated group and SCD (2 mgkg−1) only treated group. After 30 days of experimentation, PQ exposure lowered the expression of Nrf-2 and antioxidants genes, while increasing the expression of Keap-1. The activities of antioxidants, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) as well as total protein levels, were reduced following PQ administration. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were elevated in PQ exposed rats. PQ intoxication also increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, while down-regulating Bcl-2 expressions. Furthermore, PQ exposure induced morphological alterations in the liver. Nevertheless, SCD treatment reduced all PQ-elicited damages in the liver of rats owing to its free radical scavenging potential.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that is used in various sorts of malignancies. However, its uses are restricted owing to its deleterious effects on different organs including the liver. Cupressuflavone (CUP) is a plant-based flavonoid which is well known for its biological as well pharmacological potential. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of CUP against DOX provoked liver toxicity in rats. Twenty-four albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed into four distinct groups such as control, DOX (3 mg/kg), co- administrated DOX (3 mg/kg) + CUP (40 mg/kg) and CUP (40 mg/kg) only. DOX exposure reduced catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) content while escalating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Besides, the levels of ALT, AST and ALP were increased in response to DOX exposure. Furthermore, administration of DOX upregulated the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The treatment of DOX reduced the levels of Bcl-2 while escalating the levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax. Similarly, DOX intoxication instigated various histopathological disruptions in hepatic tissues of rats. However, supplementation of CUP notably (p

Cisplatin (CP) is a ubiquitous antineoplastic medicine that has been recognized to have sever toxic effects on different organs including lungs. Rhoifolin (RHO) is a therapeutic compound with significant pharmacological activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of RHO against CP induced pulmonary toxicity. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, CP treated group (20 mgkg−1), CP + RHO treated group (20 mgkg−1 + 10 mgkg−1) and RHO supplemented group (10 mgkg−1). Following 30 days of administration, our results showed that CP treatment decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) while elevated the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) along with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, levels of inflammatory cytokines involving interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were escalated. Besides, treatment with CP enhanced the activities of apoptotic proteins i.e., Bax, caspase-9 along with caspase-3 while reducing the activity of Bcl-2. Additionally, the histopathological examination revealed significant pulmonary tissue impairments in the CP exposed group. However, RHO treatment considerably (P

Nonylphenol (NP) is potent noxious pollutant which is documented to induce nephrotoxicity via escalating the levels of oxidative stress in renal tissues. Aucubin (AUC) is a novel phytochemical having tremendous pharmacological abilities. This research aimed to estimate the efficacy of AUC against NP intoxicated renal impairment in male albino rats. 48 albino rats were randomly assigned into four different groups viz. control group, NP administered group (50 mg/kg), NP + AUC administrated (50 mg/kg + 40 mg/kg) group and AUC treated (40 mg/kg) group. Our results showed that NP intoxication raised urinary proteins, creatinine, urea, urobilinogen, NGAL and KIM-1 levels. Besides, NP exposure lowered the levels of creatinine clearance and albumin. Furthermore, NP treatment lowered level of total protein, activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR) & glutathione (GSH) contents along with the level of total antioxidant status (TAS) however, raising the oxidative stress markers levels Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) & total oxidant status (TOS). Additionally, following the NP administration, the levels of Bax, caspase-9, & caspase-3 were augmented however the Bcl-2 level was decreased. Furthermore, rats exposed to NP showed various histopathological disruptions. Whereas treatment with AUC showed a palliative effect against NP-induced renal damage, restoring all alterations to normal levels. Taken together, AUC administration convalesced NP-induced kidney impairment.

IntroductionCadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can be found everywhere in the environment and can have harmful effects on both human and animal health. Pinostrobin (PSB) is a bioactive natural flavonoid isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda with several pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral. This investigation was intended to assess the therapeutic potential of PSB against Cd-induced kidney damage in rats.MethodsIn total, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control, a Cd (5 mg/kg), a Cd + PSB group (5 mg/kg Cd and 10 mg/kg PSB), and a PSB group (10 mg/kg) that received supplementation for 30 days.ResultsExposure to Cd led to a decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), whereas levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Cd exposure also caused a substantial increase in urea, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and creatinine levels. Moreover, a noticeable decline was noticed in creatinine clearance. Moreover, Cd exposure considerably increased the levels of inflammatory indices, including interleukin-1b (IL-1b), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Cd treatment decreased the expression of the antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2) while increasing the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Furthermore, Cd treatment substantially reduced the TCA cycle enzyme activity, such as alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Moreover, mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes, succinatedehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c-oxidase, and coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase activities were also decreased following Cd exposure. PSB administration substantially reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential while inducing significant histological damage. However, PSB treatment significantly reduced Cd-mediated renal damage in rats.ConclusionThus, the present investigation discovered that PSB has ameliorative potential against Cd-induced renal dysfunction in rats.

Nonylphenol (NP) is an environmental pollutant that is recognized for its hazardous effects on humans and animals. NP has potential to induce oxidative stress that leads to hepatic toxicity. Diosmetin (DIOS) is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that possesses several biological properties. The current study was designed to ascertain the curative effects of DIOS against NP prompted hepatotoxicity in rats. 32 male albino rats were randomly categorized in 4 groups i.e., control (0.1 % DMSO), NP (50 mg/kg), NP + DIOS (50 mg/kg + 100 mg/kg) and DIOS (100 mg/kg) group. Our results revealed that NP instigated substantial reduction in the antioxidant enzymes activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione (GSH). NP administration raised the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with DIOS significantly (p

Background: Abnormal sensory integration is an important feature of Autism. Due to sensory motor difficulties most of the children with Autism cannot perform their functions independently. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of sensory-motor issues on the performance of activities of daily living skills in Autism spectrum disorder. Methodology: This study was conducted in The Children’s Hospital Lahore and Rising Sun Institute. Data was collected using purposive non random sampling technique in three months duration from 15th October 2014 to 15th January 2015. Observational and Cross sectional study design was used. 35 patients of both genders were included. Sample selection criteria included the patients affected with Autism of age range 3-15 years. Standardized Barthel index scale and Sensory profile questionnaire based on Ayers sensory integration theory were used to determine the sensory motor issues impact on performance of Activities of daily livings. Results: Results showed that visual processing disorders were highly correlated with Activities of daily livings (r = 0.436, p = 0.009). Conclusion: It was concluded that children with Autism on average, showed atypical sensory-motor responses. The poor functional independence in Activities of daily livings was related to and caused in part by their abnormal sensory motor responses, especially their visual processing. Visual processing problems show that children may have difficulties in tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing etc. Keywords: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Activities of daily livings, sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills

Background: Dysphagia is medical term that means abnormal swallowing due to impaired coordination or obstruction that affects the swallowing mechanism. For diagnosing this condition, both instrumental and non-instrumental evaluation is required to be executed by speech and language pathologist and radiologist. Objective: The aim of this study was to find out dysphagia assessment practice pattern among speech & language pathologist in Punjab. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted to find out dysphagia assessment practice pattern among speech & language pathologist in Punjab. Information is collected by means of questionnaire that was designed by expert opinion and literature review. Eight expert speech and language pathologist rated the questionnaire for content validity. The sample size of study was, 81 speech and language pathologists collected through convenient sampling technique. Questionnaire was distributed among 81 speech and language pathologist/therapist working independently in public and private hospitals or in schools of different main cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Results: The majority of clinicians i.e. (66.7%) responded had clinical experience of 1 to 3 years as speech and language pathologist while 39.9% respondents were working in hospitals, 27.2% in rehabilitation centers, 18.5% in private clinics, 22.2% in school settings, 1.2 % in other settings. Only 16.0% respondents indicated that availability of VFS at their working place is existent. Seven of the twelve components of clinical swallowing examination were always or usually used by more than 70% of respondents. Conclusion: Most of Speech and language Pathologists are using clinical swallowing examination and instrumental evaluation and some are using VFS. Keywords: Dysphagia, Swallowing disorder, Instrumental assessment, Deglutition, Deglutition disorders.

Background: Stammering is a problem and is associated with adverse, long term outcomes that impact on individual's families and academic achievement of children in the school years and affects later in adulthood. Objective: To determine the prevalence of stammering in school going children with age bracket of 8-12 years in Govt. Schools Lahore Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1000 school going children between ages of 8-12 years through questionnaire developed by literature review and expert opinion. The data was collected from Govt. Schools Lahore. The following information was collected for each student: name, age, gender, class, school, date of birth, number of siblings, child stuttered or not. The students were asked to read paragraph of 100 syllables. The assessment of students was taken by researcher itself. Results: The prevalence of stammering in school children between ages of 8-12 years in Lahore Pakistan was 0.9% in 1000 population (boys 7: girls 2). Conclusion: The prevalence of stammering was more common among boys than girls. Keywords: Speech disorders; stammering; communication; prevalence