Protective effect of Nigella sativa L.to gastric mucous of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Nigella sativa L.as gastric protective on indomethacin-induced rats.METHODS the design of this research is randomized post test control group design.The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups which 5 rats in each.Rats were fasted for 8h before treatment.The first group was a control group(only gave aquadest as vehicle orally).The second group was subjected to induced with indomethacin 30mg·kg-1.The rest groups were subjected to induced by indomethacin and methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.200,300 and 400mg·kg-1 every 8h for 24 h,respectively,for third,fourth and fifth group.Rats were sacrificed after anesthetized with ketamine and gastric were washed before observed.Macroscopic observation based on a score of lesion and microscopic observation on gastric based by histological HE staining.Whole data were analysis of an ANOVA statistical program.RESULTS The administration of Nigella sativa L.significantly decreased gastric ulcer macroscopically starting at dose 100,200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Microscopic observation showed significant decreasing at dose 200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Interestingly,there was no significant different between control and dose 300mg·kg-1.Negative correlation between lesion and doses were-0.919,-0.953 for macroscopic and microscopic lesion respectively.It means there was strong correlation between dose and lesion,higher dose lesser lesion.The mechanism of gastric protective of NigellasativaL.may caused by the bioactive compound such as thymoquinone which known as antiinflammation and antioxidant.CONCLUSION Methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.decreased peptic ulcer both macroscopic and microscopic conditions on indomethacin-induced rats.

The auxin transporter OsAUX1 regulates tillering in rice(Oryza sativa)

Tillering is an important agronomic trait of rice(Oryza sativa)that affects the number of effective panicles,thereby affecting yields.The phytohormone auxin plays a key role in tillering.Here we identified the high tillering and semi-dwarf 1(htsd1)mutant with auxin-deficiency root characteristics,such as shortened lateral roots,reduced lateral root density,and enlarged root angles.htsd1 showed reduced sensitivity to auxin,but the external application of indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)inhibited its tillering.We identified the mutated gene in htsd1 as AUXIN1(OsAUX1,LOC_Os01g63770),which encodes an auxin influx transporter.The promoter sequence of OsAUX1 contains many SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE(SPL)binding sites,and we demonstrated that SPL7 binds to the OsAUX1 promoter.TEOSINTE BRANCHED1(OsTB1),a key gene that negatively regulates tillering,was significantly downregulated in htsd1.Tillering was enhanced in the OsTB1 knockout mutant,and the external application of IAA inhibited tiller elongation in this mutant.Overexpressing OsTB1 restored the multi-tiller phenotype of htsd1.These results suggest that SPL7 directly binds to the OsAUX1 promoter and regulates tillering in rice by altering OsTB1 expression to modulate auxin signaling.

Irrigation regimes modulate non-structural carbohydrate remobilization and improve grain filling in rice(Oryza sativa L.)by regulating starch metabolism

Recently developed ‘super’ rice cultivars with greater yield potentials often suffer from the problem of poor grain filling, especially in inferior spikelets. Here, we studied the activities of enzymes related to starch metabolism in rice stems and grains, and the microstructures related to carbohydrate accumulation and transportation to investigate the effects of different water regimes on grain filling. Two ‘super’ rice cultivars were grown under two irrigation regimes of well-watered(WW) and alternate wetting and moderate soil drying(AWMD). Compared with the WW treatment,the activities of ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase(AGPase), starch synthase(StSase) and starch branching enzyme(SBE), and the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs) in the stems before heading were significantly improved, and more starch granules were stored in the stems in the AWMD treatment. After heading, the activities of α-amylase, β-amylase, sucrose phosphate synthase(SPS) and sucrose synthase in the synthetic direction(SSs)were increased in the stems to promote the remobilization of NSCs for grain filling under AWMD. During grain filling, the enzymatic activities of sucrose synthase in the cleavage direction(SSc), AGPase, StSase and SBE in the inferior spikelets were increased, which promoted grain filling, especially for the inferior spikelets under AWMD.However, there were no significant differences in vascular microstructures. The grain yield and grain weight could be improved by 13.1 and 7.5%, respectively, by optimizing of the irrigation regime. We concluded that the low activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism is the key limitation for the poor grain filling, as opposed to the vascular microstructures, and AWMD can increase the amount of NSC accumulation in the stems before heading, improve the utilization rate of NSCs after heading, and increase the grain filling, especially in the inferior spikelets, by altering the activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism.

A study of efficacy of Nigella sativa in treatment of Meniere's disease: A randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial

Purpose:Meniere's disease(MD),first introduced by Prosper Meniere,is characterized mainly by vertigo,tinnitus,aural fullness and sensorineural hearing loss.Though the exact pathophysiology of MD is unknown,immunologic and inflammatory interactions are possible underlying mechanisms involved in MD.This study is aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect of Nigella sativa on MD as a therapeutic agent.Methods:We divided 40 patients with definite MD into two groups of 20 cases.The study group received 1 g of Nigella sativa oil daily for three months and the control group received a placebo.Changes in hearing,tinnitus and vertigo were estimated by pure tone audiometry,tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire,respectively.Results:At the end of the study we did not observe any significant improvement in study's group hearing threshold,tinnitus and vertigo compared to the control group.Conclusions:In this study,statistical analysis showed that Nigella sativa failed to improve signs and symptoms of MD.However,further investigations with a larger study population are needed to ascertain the current conclusion.

Drought-Mediated Modulation in Metabolomic Profiling of Nigella Sativa Leaf, Growth, Ecophysiology and Antioxidants

Abiotic stresses,including drought,have been found to affect the growth and medicinal quality of numerous herbs.The proposed study aims to study the effects of different drought regimes on the metabolic profile,growth,ecophysiology,cellular antioxidants,and antioxidant potential of Nigella sativa(Black cumin)leaf.Forty-day-old seedlings of N.sativa were exposed to three regimes of drought(control,moderate and high)for a week.UPLCMS/MS metabolic profile of the leaf reveals the presence of more than a hundred metabolites belonging to anthocyanins,chalcones,dihydro flavonoids,flavonoids,flavanols,flavones,flavonoid carbonoside,isoflavones,etc.Drought was found to alter the contents of identified metabolites.Drought stress-induced oxidative stress and increased production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions.Physiological changes,activities of antioxidant enzymes,contents of antioxidants,and proline were significantly high under drought to protect against the low water regimes.Furthermore,stressed leaf extract had higher antioxidant potential.Thus,N.sativa leaf bears multiple metabolic pathways and can tolerate a higher degree of drought or osmotic stress.

A review of inherent beneficial effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa)in Marburg virus disease management

Background:In the management of patients with MARV infection,this review article focuses on the potential protective effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa).Methods:To find studies that evaluated various effects of black seeds(N.sativa)related to signs and symptoms of MARV infection,reference lists and databases such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC,Google Scholar,Science Direct,Ebsco,Scopus,Web of Science,and Embase were searched.Results:In numerous clinical,animal,in-vitro,in-vivo,and in-ovo studies,black seeds(N.sativa)have demonstrated potential antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,and hepatoprotective properties that may aid in the treatment of MARV-infected patients.Conclusion:In the initial generalization phase of MARV infection,patients may use black seeds(N.sativa)as an adjunctive therapy in addition to symptomatic treatment and supportive care.Future randomized controlled clinical trials would confirm N.sativa’s efficacy and safety in MARV-infected patients.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa 1 （NS） and Urtica dioica 1 （UD） on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats. METHODS： Fifty-six healthy male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups： A （CCl4-only treated）, B （CCl4＋UD treated）, C （CCl4＋NS treated） and D （CCl4＋UD＋NS treated）, each containing 14 animals. All groups received CCl4 （0.8 mL/kg of body weight, sc, twice a week for 60 d）. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily i.p. injections of 0.2 mL/kg NS or/and 2 mL/kg UD oils for 60 d. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 60 d. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from randomly chosen-seven rats in each treatment group at beginning and on the 60th d of the experiment. RESULTS： The CCl4 treatment for 60 d increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatment （alone or combination） for 60 d decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The weight of rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. CONCLUSION： NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defense system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.

Conventional Breeding and Molecular Markers for Blast Disease Resistance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Monogenic lines,which carried 23 genes for blast resistance were tested and used donors to transfer resistance genes by crossing method.The results under blast nursery revealed that 9 genes from 23 genes were susceptible to highly susceptible under the three locations(Sakha,Gemmeza,and Zarzoura in Egypt);Pia,Pik,Pik-p,Piz-t,Pita,Pi b,Pi,Pi 19 and Pi 20.While,the genes Pii,Pik-s,Pik-h,Pi z,Piz-5,Pi sh,Pi 3,Pi 1,Pi 5,Pi 7,Pi 9,Pi 12,Pikm and Pita-2 were highly resistant at the same locations.Clustering analysis confirmed the results,which divided into two groups;the first one included all the susceptible genes,while the second one included the resistance genes.In the greenhouse test,the reaction pattern of five races produced 100%resistance under artificial inoculation with eight genes showing complete resistance to all isolates.The completely resistant genes:Pii,Pik-s,Piz,Piz-5(=bi2)(t),Pita(=Pi4)(t),Pita,Pi b and Pi1 as well as clustering analysis confirmed the results.In the F1 crosses,the results showed all the 25 crosses were resistant for leaf blast disease under field conditions.While,the results in F2 population showed seven crosses with segregation ratio of 15(R):1(S),two cross gave segregated ratio of 3 R:1 S and one gave 13:3.For the identification of blast resistance genes in the parental lines,the marker K3959,linked to Pik-s gene and the variety IRBLKS-F5 carry this gene,which was from the monogenic line.The results showed that four genotypes;Sakha 105,Sakha 103,Sakha 106 and IRBLKS-F5 were carrying Pik-s gene,while was absent in the Sakha 101,Sakha 104,IRBL5-M,IRBL9-W,IRBLTACP1 and IRBL9-W(R)genotypes.As for Pi 5 gene,the results showed that it was present in Sakha 103 and Sakha 104 varieties and absent in the rest of the genotypes.In addition,Pita-Pita-2 gene was found in the three Egyptian genotypes(Sakha 105,Sakha 101 and Sakha 104)plus IRBLTACP1 monogenetic.In F2 generation,six populations were used to study the inheritance of blast resistance and specific primers to confirm the ratio and identify the resistance genes.However,the ratios in molecular markers were the same of the ratio under field evaluation in the most population studies.These findings would facilitate in breeding programs for gene pyramiding and gene accumulation to produce durable resistance for blast using those genotypes.

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa:A miracle herb

Nigella sativa(N.sativa)(Family Ranunculaceae)is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world.It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb,Ayurveda and Siddha.Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food.The seeds of N.saliva have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments.In Islamic literature,it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine.It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi(Prophetic Medicine).It has been widely used as antihypertensive,liver tonics,diuretics,digestive,anti-diarrheal,appetite stimulant,analgesics,anti-bacterial and in skin disorders.Extensive studies on N.sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic,anticancer,immunomodulator,analgesic,antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,spasmolytic,bronchodilator,hepato-protective,renal protective,gaslro-prolective,antioxidant properties,etc.Due to its miraculous power of healing,N.sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines.This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic,properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics,chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.

Nigella sativa protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by alleviating oxidative stress,biochemical alterations and histological damage

Objective: To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Nigella sativa L.(N.sativa) in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction(MI).Methods: Groups were treated with different doses of ethanol extract of N.sativa(EENS)and N.sativa oil alone and along with enalapril for 28 days.MI was induced by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol(85 mg/kg) in two consecutive doses.Levels of cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes such as creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase were evaluated along with gross histopathological examination.Results: Isoproterenol(85 mg/kg) induced MI by causing the significant(P < 0.01)reduction in the activity of cardiac biomarkers(creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine,lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase) and antioxidant markers(superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione) along with significant(P < 0.01) increase in the level of malondialdehyde.Furthermore, histopathological evaluation also confirmed the isoproterenol-induced MI.Pretreatment with EENS(800 mg/kg) and combination of EENS(800 mg/kg) with enalapril(1 mg/kg) significantly(P < 0.01) prevented the development of these alteration and restored activity of cardiac biomarkers as well as antioxidant markers almost near to normal levels.Histopathological evaluation of cardiac tissue further confirmed the restoration of biochemical activity.Conclusions: Experimental findings thus indicate that EENS(800 mg/kg) demonstrated cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced MI by restoring cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant status.

Gastroprotective activity of Nigella sativa L oil and its constituent, thymoquinone against acute alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

AIM: To evaluate the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of acute ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions and the effect of Nigella sativa L oil (NS) and its constituent thymoquinone (TQ) in an experimental model.METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were assigned into 4groups. Control group was given physiologic saline orally (10 mL/kg body weight) as the vehicle (gavage); ethanol group was administrated 1 mL (per rat) absolute alcohol by gavage; the third and fourth groups were given NS (10 mL/kg body weight) and TQ (10 mg/kg body weight p.o) respectively 1 h prior to alcohol intake. One hour after ethanol administration, stomach tissues were excised for macroscopic examination and biochemical analysis.RESULTS: NS and TQ could protect gastric mucosa against the injurious effect of absolute alcohol and promote ulcer healing as evidenced from the ulcer index (UI) values. NS prevented alcohol-induced increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), an index of lipid peroxidation. NS also increased gastric glutathione content (GSH), enzymatic activities of gastric superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Likewise, TQ protected against the ulcerating effect of alcohol and mitigated most of the biochemical adverse effects induced by alcohol in gastric mucosa, but to a lesser extent than NS. Neither NS nor TQ affected catalase activity in gastric tissue.CONCLUSION: Both NS and TQ, particularly NS can partly protect gastric mucosa from acute alcohol-induced mucosal injury, and these gastroprotective effects might be induced, at least partly by their radical scavenging activity.

Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver

AIM: To determine whether Nigella sativa prevents hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to the liver. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham (Group 1), control (Group 2), and Nigella sati-va (NS) treatment group (Group 3). All rats underwent hepatic ischemia for 45 min followed by 60 min period of reperfusion. Rats were intraperitoneally infused with only 0.9% saline solution in group 2. Rats in group 3 received NS (0.2 mL/kg) intraperitoneally, before isch-emia and before reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested from the rats, and then the rats were sacrifi ced. Serum aspartate aminotransfera-se (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), total oxida-tive status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and my-eloperoxidase (MPO) in hepatic tissue were measured. Also liver tissue histopathology was evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: The levels of liver enzymes in group 3 weresignifi cantly lower than those in the group 2. TAC in liver tissue was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. TOS, OSI and MPO in hepatic tissue were signifi cantly lower in group 3 than the group 2. Histo-logical tissue damage was milder in the NS treatment group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Nigella sa-tiva treatment protects the rat liver against to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of Nigella sativa on outcome of hepatitis C in Egypt

AIM: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Nigella sativa (N. sativa ) in patients with hepatitis C not eligible for interferon (IFN)-α. METHODS: Thirty patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, who were not eligible for IFN/ribavirin therapy, were included in the present study. Inclusion criteria included: patients with HCV with or without cirrhosis, who had a contraindication to IFN-α therapy, or had refused or had a financial constraint to IFN-α therapy. Exclusion criteria included: patients on IFN-α therapy, infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis Ⅰ virus, hepatocellular carcinoma, other malignancies, major severe illness, or treatment non-compliance. Various parameters, including clinical parameters, complete blood count, liver function, renal function, plasma glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and polymerase chain reaction, were all assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Clinical assessment included: hepato and/ or splenomegaly, jaundice, palmar erythema, flapping tremors, spider naevi, lower-limb edema, and ascites. N. sativa was administered for three successive months at a dose of (450 mg three times daily). Clinical response and incidence of adverse drug reactions were assessed initially, periodically, and at the end of the study. RESULTS: N. sativa administration significantly improved HCV viral load (380808.7 ± 610937 vs 147028.2 ± 475225.6, P = 0.001) and TAC (1.35 ± 0.5 vs 1.612 ± 0.56, P = 0.001). After N. sativa administration, the following laboratory parameters improved: total protein (7.1 ± 0.7 vs 7.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.001), albumin (3.5 ± 0.87 vs 3.69 ± 0.91, P = 0.008), red blood cell count (4.13 ± 0.9 vs 4.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.001), and platelet count (167.7 ± 91.2 vs 198.5 ± 103, P = 0.004). Fasting blood glucose (104.03 ± 43.42 vs 92.1 ± 31.34, P = 0.001) and postprandial blood glucose (143.67 ± 72.56 vs 112.1 ± 42.9, P = 0.001) were significantly decreased in both diabetic and non-diabetic HCV patients. Patients with lower-limb edema decreased significantly from baseline compared with after treatment [16 (53.30%) vs 7 (23.30%), P = 0.004]. Adverse drug reactions were unremarkable except for a few cases of epigastric pain and hypoglycemia that did not affect patient compliance. CONCLUSION: N. sativa administration in patients with HCV was tolerable, safe, decreased viral load, and improved oxidative stress, clinical condition and glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract(NSSE) against acetaminophen(APAP)-induced hepaloloxicity in TIB-73 cells and rats.Methods:Toxicity in TIB-73 cells was induced with 10 μmol/L APAP and the protective effects of NSSE were evaluated at 25.50.75,100 μg/mL.For in rim examination,a total of 30 rals were equally divided into five experimental groups:normal control(vehicle),APAP(800 mg/kg body weight single IP injection) as a hepatotoxic control,and three APAP and NS pretreated(2 weeks) groups(APAP+NSSE 100 mg:APAP+NSSE 300 mg and APAP+NSSK 900 mg/kg).Results:TIB-73 cell viability was drastically decreased by(49.0±l.9)%after the 10 μmol/L APAP treatment,which also increased reactive oxygen species production.Co-treatment with NSSE at 25.50.75,and 100 μg/mL significantly improved cell viability and suppressed reactive oxygen species generation.In viro the APAP induced alterations in blood lactate levels,pH,anionic gap,and ion levels(HCO_3^-,Mg^(2+) and K^+),which tended to normalize with the NSSE pretreatment.The NSSE also significantly decreased elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alkaline phosphatase induced by APAP,which correlated with decreased levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation(nialondialdehyde),increased superoxide dismutase levels,and reduced glutathione concentrations.Improved hepatic histology was also found in the treatment groups other than APAP group.Conclusions:The in vitro and in vim findings of this study demonstrated that the NSSE has protective effects against APAP-induced hepalotoxicity and metabolic disturbances by improving antioxidant activities and suppressing both lipid peroxidation and ROS generation.

A case study report of acute renal failure associated with Nigella sativa in a diabetic patient

1 Introduction Nigella sativa, known as black seed, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects. It has been shown to reduce the development of kidney failure when given prior to the use of nephrotoxic drugs particularly due to its antioxidant action. However, as far as the authors could ascertain, there is no human study in literature showing these effects. Here we present a case of acute renal failure after the use of N. sativa, rather than exhibiting antioxidant or antidiabetic effects.

Emerging clinical and therapeutic applications of Nigella sativa in gastroenterology

Nigella sativa decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents such as azoxymethane. N. sativa is of immense therapeutic benefit in diabetic individuals and those with glucose intolerance as it accentuates glucose-induced secretion of insulin besides having a negative impact on glucose absorption from the intestinal mucosa. N. sativa administration protects hepatic tissue from deleterious effects of toxic metals such as lead, and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation following exposure to chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.

基于水稻大粒染色体片段代换系Z29的鉴定及QTL定位

千粒质量作为水稻产量的三要素之一,对产量的影响较大,其中千粒质量主要受水稻粒型的影响,因此挖掘新的粒型基因在生产中具有重要的意义.研究选育到1个以日本晴为受体亲本、自育优良籼稻恢复系R225为供体亲本的水稻染色体片段代换系(CSSL)Z29. Z29含有来自R225的10个代换片段,平均代换长度2.90 Mb. Z29粒长和粒宽均极显著增加,表现为大粒表型,且其籽粒变大是由颖壳细胞数量极显著增多、增大引起.利用日本晴与Z29杂交构建的次级F2群体进行QTL定位,共检测到8个粒型相关QTL.进一步利用MAS法在F3群体中选育出14个次级染色体片段代换系,包括4个单片段代换系、 5个双片段代换系、 2个三片段代换系和3个四片段代换系.结果可为目的粒型相关QTL克隆和分子机制解析奠定基础,为分子设计育种提供资源.

DROUGHT-INDUCED UNKNOWN PROTEIN 1 positively modulates drought tolerance in cultivated alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)

Alfalfa is the most widely cultivated perennial legume forage crop worldwide.Drought is one of the major environmental factors influencing alfalfa productivity.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying alfalfa responses to drought stress are still largely unknown.This study identified a drought-inducible gene of unknown function,designated as Medicago sativa DROUGHT-INDUCED UNKNOWN PROTEIN 1(MsDIUP1).MsDIUP1 was localized to the nucleus,chloroplast,and plasma membranes.Overexpression of MsDIUP1 in Arabidopsis resulted in increased tolerance to drought,with higher seed germination,root length,fresh weight,and survival rate than in wild-type(WT)plants.Consistently,analysis of MsDIUP1 over-expression(OE)alfalfa plants revealed that MsDIUP1 also increased tolerance to drought stress,accompanied by physiological changes including reduced malondialdehyde(MDA)content and increased osmoprotectants accumulation(free proline and soluble sugar),relative to the WT.In contrast,disruption of MsDIUP1 expression by RNA interference(RNAi)in alfalfa resulted in a droughthypersensitive phenotype,with a lower chlorophyll content,higher MDA content,and less osmoprotectants accumulation than that of the WT.Transcript profiling of alfalfa WT,OE,and RNAi plants during drought stress showed differential responses for genes involved in stress signaling,antioxidant defense,and osmotic adjustment.Taken together,these results reveal a positive role for MsDIUP1 in regulating drought tolerance.

Nephroprotective Effect of <i>Nigella Sativa</i>and <i>Matricaria Chamomilla</i>in Cisplatin Induced Renal Injury—Supportive Treatments in Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity

Nigella sativa and Matricaria chamomilla are extensively consumed as tea or tonic. Despite their widespread use as a home remedy, relatively few trials evaluated their benefits in nephroprotection. Hence, this study evaluates the nephroprotective effects of supportive treatments (N. sativa, M. chamomilla and vitamin E) in cisplatin nephrotoxicity rat model. Eighty rats divided into 10 groups, of 8 animals each. The first group (G1) injected with saline intra-pretoneal (i.p). G2 injected with 5 mg/kg cisplatin i.p on zero day of experiment and repeated 4 times, with 5 days free interval. G3-G10 received daily supportive treatments, started 5 days before the experiment (–5day). Concomitantly G4, G6, G8 and G10 injected with 5 mg/kg cisplatin i.p like G2. On day sixteen, animal scarified, serum and/or kidney tissue were used to determine kidney function tests (serum urea, creatinine, NAG, β-gal), oxidative stress indices (NO, LPO), antioxidant activities (SOD), sulphur compounds (GGT, GSH, total thiols ), apoptotic indices (cathepsin D, DNA fragmentation), two minerals (Ca2+ and zn2+). Cisplatin caused marked elevation in serum GGT that reduced signifi-cantly in group received M. chamomilla with cisplatin (P < 0.001). There is a correlation between GGT and NAG in cisplatin group (r = 0.731 p < 0.05) that may suggest one of possible mechanisms of renal injury by cisplatin. M. chamomilla followed by N. sativa and vitamin E improved the biochemical and pathological renal injury, as determined by increasing the body weight, normalizing the kidney functions, decreasing the oxidative stress markers, improving the apoptotic markers, minimizing the pathological changes. Hence, N. sativa and M. chamomilla will be a promising nephroprotective agents for reducing cisplatin nephrotoxicity, most probably, by antioxidants effects and inhibition GGT production, respectively.

Nigella sativa oil alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and neurobehavioral changes in mice:In vivo and in-silico study

Objective:To investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil on cardiomyopathy and neurobehavioral changes induced by doxorubicin in mice.Methods:Swiss strain of albino female mice were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals in each:GroupⅠ(control group),groupⅡ(doxorubicin,10 mg/kg,i.v.),groupⅢ,Ⅳ,andⅤ(Nigella sativa oil;1.5,3,and 6 mL/kg,respectively),groupⅥ(Nigella sativa oil per se;6 mL/kg,p.o.).The duration of treatment was 15 d(10 days’pre-treatment and 5 days’post-treatment)and doxorubicin was administered on day 11th of the treatment schedule.Following Nigella sativa oil treatment,neurobehavioral tests,cardiac hypertrophy tests,and biochemical tests in serum and tissues were performed.Neurological tests included assessment of anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze,spontaneous alternation behavior in the cross maze,and depression-like behavior in modified forced swim tests.Biochemical tests included serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB,malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in tissues.Lastly,molecular docking was used to estimate the affinity of the phytoconstituents of Nigella sativa oil with histone deacetylases.Results:Nigella sativa oil treatment significantly(P<0.001)restored doxorubicin-induced neurobehavioral changes,decreased lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB in the plasma,malondialdehyde contents in tissues,and increased reduced glutathione level.Besides,no significant alteration was observed in Nigella sativa oil per se group as compared to the control.Molecular docking showed that Nigella sativa oil components had appreciable binding affinitiy with the protein cavities of HDAC1 and HDAC6.Conclusions:The result shows that Nigella sativa oil exerts anxiolytic,antidepressant,and memory-enhancing effects in addition to cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice.The modulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil on oxidative stress could contribute to the cardioprotective effect and associated neurobehavioral changes in mice.