Background: In recent years, nanoparticles have gained increasing popularity over traditional physicochemical methods for fighting pathogenic microorganisms. Due to their unique properties, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have recently emerged as a promising candidate for biomedical applications. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of CeO2 NPs prepared using alginate, following the disc diffusion method. Methods: For this purpose, four bacterial strains were used in this study: two Gram-positive [Bacillus subtilis (PTCC 1365) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923] and two Gram-negative [Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027]. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were measured using the microdilution method, and the anti-biofilm activity of the synthetic material was also assessed. Results: The results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of the synthesized nanoparticles on gram-positive bacteria, with significant growth inhibition observed in S. aureus and B. subtilis, after exposure to CeO2 NPs. Conclusion: CeO2 NPs synthesized by alginate exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria and could disrupt biofilm structure and prevent further biofilm formation. The findings highlight the potential of CeO2 NPs synthesized by alginate as a novel antibacterial and anti-biofilm therapeutic agent.

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased markedly in recent years. Although traditional medicinal plants and natural products offer promising candidates for antidiabetic drugs, their full potential remains largely underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to identify antidiabetic phytocompounds from a database of African plant-derived compounds, which were screened against four key antidiabetic targets: alpha-amylase 1 (AMY1A), α-glucosidase (MGAM), Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Methods: The compounds were initially filtered for drug-likeness and subsequently screened using molecular docking. The top candidates underwent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. During these simulations, the binding energies were calculated using the Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) method. Additionally, several structural parameters such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (rGyr), polar surface area (PSA), molecular surface area (MolSA), and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) were analyzed. Results: A total of 43 unique compounds belonging to several chemical classes (i.e., flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, iridoids, and xanthones) were identified, exhibiting docking scores comparable to known controls. The results were as follows: docking scores of -7.4 to -8.7 kcal/mol (control: -9.7) for AMY1A, -6.8 to -8.0 kcal/mol (control: -8.2) for MGAM, -8.1 to -9.6 kcal/mol (control: -9.3) for DPP4, and -5.9 to -6.8 kcal/mol (control: -9.1) for PTP1B. MD simulations indicated that AMY1A-101679366 and DPP4-393472 complexes are negative and notably lower (-65.3 kcal/mol and -54.1 kcal/mol, respectively) than their respective controls. Furthermore, the MD simulations revealed relatively stable RMSD and RMSF profiles for the complexes, with fluctuations below 2.0 Å. The rGyr, PSA, MolSA, and SASA analyses further confirmed the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. Conclusion: The findings unveiled several compounds with promising antidiabetic potential, establishing a basis for further in vitro and in vivo studies to explore their therapeutic applications in T2DM treatment. Additionally, these compounds may serve as scaffolds for enhanced drug development.

Background: A common oral inflammatory disease known as apical periodontitis (AP) is caused by the intrusion of microorganisms into the dental pulp, resulting in an inflammatory response and bone degradation in periapical tissues. A growing body of evidence indicates that the receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) is closely associated with AP. Objectives: This study sought to address the requirement for effective RIPK3 inhibitors by examining the potential of cinnamic acid natural metabolites capable of inhibiting RIPK3. Methods: The binding affinity of 20 cinnamic acids to the RIPK3 active site was evaluated by using AutoDock 4.0 software. The most favorable scores were assigned to the highest-ranking cinnamic acids based on their ΔGbinding values to the RIPK3 catalytic domain. A 100-nanosecond (ns) computer simulation was performed using molecular dynamics for the most efficacious inhibitor of RIPK3, and the findings were contrasted with those obtained for free RIPK3. The Discovery Studio Visualizer tool was employed to showcase the interactions between the RIPK3 active site and the highest-ranking metabolites. Results: The binding affinity of cynarin, rosmarinic acid (RosA), and chlorogenic acid (CGA) to the RIPK3 active site was noteworthy, as the ΔGbinding values were<-10 kcal/mol. Furthermore, cynarin exhibited inhibition constant values at the picomolar range. Upon complexation with cynarin, the RIPK3 conformation attained stability after approximately 25 ns of simulation. Conclusion: In general, cynarin, RosA, and CGA have the potential to be therapeutically beneficial in treating AP due to their ability to inhibit RIPK3.

Background: It has been known for centuries that plants and plant-derived chemicals are useful in treating diseases, with Aloe vera being one of the biologically active plants. A significant role is played by the C-reactive protein (CRP) in many inflammatory conditions, while leukocytes play an integral role in the response of the immune system to infectious diseases. Objectives: This study explored the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera methanolic extract on the total white blood cell (TWBC) count and CRP levels in Wistar rats received formalin. Methods: A total of 25 Wistar rats were divided into five groups (A to E), with group A serving as the control and the other groups receiving formalin to induce inflammation, followed by increasing doses of Aloe vera extract. The CRP level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and the TWBC count was determined using a Sysmex haematology autoanalyzer. Results: Research findings showed that 200 mg of Aloe vera methanolic extract effectively reduced the CRP level (0.056±0.0027) (P=0.04), while 600 mg of the extract significantly increased the TWBC count (13.920±4.757) (P=0.03). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Aloe vera extract may be an effective natural supplement for improving the immune system function and reducing inflammation in the body. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms for these effects and to determine the optimal doses and potential side effects.

Background: The incidence of cardiovascular complications may increase after menopause. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most remarkable causes leading to heart disease. The increased prevalence of HTN is associated with aging, causing adverse cardiovascular events in postmenopausal elderly women. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare HTN with the increasing age of elderly postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and then to find an association between estradiol (E2) levels and the increased prevalence of HTN in these women. Methods: The present cross-sectional study recruited 265 cases of menopausal women suffering from CVD and 258 controls as menopausal women not suffering from CVD. Serum E2 and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. HTN was assessed in accordance with the guidelines of the Joint National Committee (VII) of high blood pressure. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, hip circumference, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI) for all menopausal women were recorded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO) 2000 protocol. Results: Overall, cases of>45.1 years of the menopausal age group conferred more risk toward CVD as compared to cases of≤45 years of the menopausal age group. A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was detected for E2 with HTN and obesity profile with increasing age at menopause. Conclusion: High prevalence of HTN irrespective of the early onset of menopause is one of the crucial risk factors for CVD. Our findings revealed a significant positive correlation of HTN with age at menopause>45.1 years, along with increased levels of E2. Women in this age group were observed to be obese.

Background: Previous reports suggest flavonoids as potent analgesic compounds. Objectives: Based on these observations, the present study investigated the anti-nociceptive action of troxerutin and neural interactions with opioidergic, serotoninergic, and nitrergic systems in mice. Methods: A total of 340 male mice were randomly divided into 2 categories. Each category included four experiments with four groups. In the first experiment of formalin examination, the animals intraperitoneally received saline and troxerutin (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg). In the second experiment, the animals received saline, naloxone (2 mg/kg), troxerutin (300 mg/kg), and troxerutin+naloxone. In the third and fourth experiments, L-NAME (L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester) and cyproheptadine were injected. In this test, formalin was injected and paw licking time (pain sense) was recorded. In the writhing test, experimental groups were treated similarly and the mice were injected with acetic acid. Then, the inhibition of the writhing movements was recorded. Results: According to the findings, troxerutin decreased pain in the formalin test and writhing movements in the writhing test (P=0.001). Naloxone and troxerutin decreased licking time and writhing movements (P=0.001). L-NAME+troxerutin significantly diminished the anti-nociceptive effect of troxerutin on paw licking and inhibited pain response (P=0.001). Conclusion: These results suggested that troxerutin decreases inflammatory pain in mice, and this effect is mediated by opioidergic and nitrergic systems.

Background: Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most important herbicides used in agriculture. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the preventive effect of vitamin D (Vit D) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against kidney injury in rats versus the promotive effect of PQ. Methods: In this study, rats were divided into six groups. The control group (group 1) received normal saline, Vit D group (group 2) received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of+Vit D (2 μg/kg), NAC group (group 3) received NAC (6.25 mg/kg, IP), PQ group (group 4) received PQ (5 mg/kg/d, IP), PQ+Vit D group (group 5) received PQ+Vit D (5 mg/kg/d+2 μg/kg/d, IP) and PQ+NAC group (group 6) received PQ+NAC (5 mg/kg/d+6.25 mg/kg/d, IP). The animals were treated for 7 consecutive days as a sub-chronic exposure. After the collection of urea and serum creatinine, biomarkers of oxidative stress and kidney histopathology were investigated. Results: PQ increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), urea, and serum creatinine, but it significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiol groups. In the groups treated with Vit D and NAC, it was observed that LPO, urea, and creatinine significantly decrease compared with the PQ group, and TAC, thiol groups, and Vit D levels increased in kidney tissue. Conclusion: The obtained findings revealed that both Vit D and NAC used as preventive compound were able to reduce oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by PQ toxicity in the kidney.

Lactose intolerance is a common pathology that occurs due to the reduced activity of β-galactosidase leaving undigested lactose in the intestine. About 70% of the world population suffers from this condition. The gastro intestinal symptoms associated with this condition are diarrhoea, pain, nausea, bloating, flatulence, etc. It has been reported that these individuals are at a risk of developing several other pathologies like irritable bowel disease, osteoporosis, etc. Hence, proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for dealing with this condition. Various methods are used for providing an accurate diagnosis, such as hydrogen breath test (HBT), lactose intolerance test, genetic test, intestinal biopsy, etc. Depending on the type of intolerance, several methods are adopted for treating it, such as replacing enzyme, using exogenous enzymes, following lactose free diet, as well as consuming prebiotics and probiotics. Different methods are applied to synthesize lactose free dairy products to help lactose intolerant individuals suffering from important vitamins and minerals deprivation. Recently, plant-based milks are also used as a substitute for providing calcium and vitamins. The last few years have seen improvement in the quality and availability of lactose-free dairy products offering tempting foodstuffs to consumers. This narrative article aimed to review the existing science on lactose intolerance, along with its epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical management.

Background: Genistein is an isoflavone that has been reported to have various anti-cancer properties. Objectives: This study aimed to reveal whether or not the anti-cancer properties of genistein in AGS gastric cancer cell line were mediated through caspase-3 enzyme. Methods: AGS gastric cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of genistein for 12, 24, and 48 hours and, then, the viability of the cells and IC50 were determined. To determine the effect of genistein on AGS cell migration potency, the wound healing assay was performed. The genistein-induced apoptosis in AGS gastric cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 gene (CASP3) expression level and its enzyme activity level were determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and colorimetric techniques, respectively. Results: The IC50 value was calculated as 70 µM concentration for 24 hours of incubation with genistein. Genistein significantly reduced AGS cell migration compared to the untreated control cells (P<0.001). Genistein increased the early and late apoptosis of the cells (P<0.001) and upregulated the caspase-3 gene expression (P<0.001), but did not significantly enhance the caspase-3 enzyme activity in treated cells. Conclusion: Genistein exhibited anti-cancer effects on AGS cells to some extent by reducing cellular migration, increasing apoptosis, and upregulating CASP3 gene expression; however, it did not alter the caspse-3 activity. Therefore, it was recommended that more studies should be carried out to delineate the role of caspase-3 in health benefits attributed to the genistein.

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common causes threatening human health globally. Sortase A (Srt A) as a transpeptidase, mediates the attachment of the Streptococcus mutans cell wall to dental surfaces by biofilm formation. Due to the development of multidrug-resistance bacteria, attempting to discover growth inhibitors is logical and promising. Objectives: The current study aimed at the experimental and docking-based virtual screening of myricetinlike inhibitors for the inhibition of Srt A enzyme in S. mutans isolates. Methods: Sixty-three S. mutans were isolated from pupils based on cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics (N=150). After identifying the srtA gene using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers, a broth microdilution test was conducted according to CLSI-2020 criteria to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of myricetin. The in silico exploration of Srt A inhibitors was performed using AutoDock 4.2.6. Results: The frequency of S. mutans isolates containing the srtA gene was 87.3% of which, fifty isolates (79.4%) were categorized as susceptible to myricetin (MIC,≤16 μg/mL). Of 20 ligands having a high degree of similarity with myricetin, the best docking results were related to ligand 2. Conclusion: It was concluded that myricetin has an inhibitory effect on oral bacteria in vitro, and ligand 2 had the most negative binding energy (-4.66 kcal/mol) and favorably interacts with the key amino acid residues at the active site of Srt A. Accordingly, this ligand can be utilized as a lead compound for further studies to discover novel inhibitors targeting Srt A in S. mutans.