A newly synthesized zinc (II) oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NPs) has been used as a disinfectant Nano-spray for the emerging corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). The synthesized obtained nanomaterial of (ZnO) was fully chemically characterized by using different spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR, UV and XRD) and surface analysis techniques. ZnO-Nps surface morphology and chemical purity has been investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Additionally Zeta potential and Zeta size distribution were measured and evaluated to confirm its nano-range scale. The synthesized Zno-NPs have been tested using 10% DMSO and ddH₂O for estimation of antiviral activity against (SARS-CoV-2) by using cytotoxicity assay (CC₅₀) and inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀). The results revealed that (Zno-NPs) has high anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at cytotoxic concentrations in vitro with non-significant selectivity index (CC₅₀/IC₅₀ ≤ 1). The current study results demonstrated the (ZnO-NPs) has potent antiviral activity at low concentration (IC₅₀ = 526 ng/mL) but with some cytotoxic effect to the cell host by (CC₅₀ = 292.2 ng/mL). We recommend using of (ZnO-NPs) as potent disinfectant against (SARS-Cov-2), but there are slight side effects on the cellular host, so we recommend more prospective studies on complexation of other compounds with (ZnO-NPs) in different concentrations to reduce its cellular toxicity and elevate its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 activities.

Selenium has a protective antioxidant effect on several tissues. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), MSG has been known as flavor enhancer that influences reversely on male reproductive systems and having a number of side effects, including reproductive toxicity. The current study aims to evaluate the possible ameliorative functions of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on MSG-induced reproductive toxicity. In total, 42 male mice included in this study were divided into six groups: control, MSG (LD), MSG (HD), SeNPs, MSG (LD) plus SeNPs and finally MSG (HD) plus SeNPs. Testosterone hormone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as the antioxidant biomarkers: superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], catalase [CAT] and marker of lipid peroxidation [MDA], were examined. Histological and comet assay variations in the testicular tissues as markers of testicular damage after the MSG administration in two doses (MSG-LD and MSG-HD) either alone or combined with SeNPs.MSG in two doses (LD and HD) genotoxic effects were also evaluated and the ameliorative role of SeNPs on the testicular tissues were recorded. Results proved that the administration of SeNPs diminished the effect of MSG (LD and HD)-that induced decrease in testosterone hormone levels and elevated oxidative stress markers markedly. SeNPs had a potent antioxidant effect and elevated the antioxidant enzymes significantly and decreased lipid peroxidation markers as compared with MSG either (LD and HD) groups. It is clear from the data that SeNPs inhibit testicular injury and improve the antioxidant state in male mice.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been recognized as flavor enhancer that adversely affects male reproductive systems. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential protective role of vitamin E (vit E) or selenium against MSG induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in testis tissues of rats. Mature male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g BW were allocated to evenly twelve groups each group of ten animals, the first group was maintained as control group, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were administered MSG in three different dose levels (low, medium and high) (6, 17.5 and 60 mg/kg BW), the 5th and 6th groups were given vit E in two doses (low and high) (150 and 200 mg/kg), the 7th and 8th groups were administered selenium in two doses (low and high) (0.25 and 1 mg/kg) daily via gavage for a period of 30 days. Meanwhile the 9th and 10th groups were given combinations of MSG (high dose) and vit E while, the 11th and 12th groups were given MSG (high dose) plus selenium in two recommended doses for each one. Monosodium glutamate caused an elevation in lipid peroxidation level parallel with significant decline in SOD, CAT as well as GPx activities in testis tissues. Administration of vit E or selenium to MSG-treated groups declined lipid peroxidation, increased SOD, CAT, GPx activities. Selenium or vit E significantly reduced MSG induced histopathological changes by the entire restoration of the histological structures and the testicular antioxidant status to great extent in treated rats. In conclusion, supplementation of selenium or vit E could ameliorate the MSG induced testicular toxicity to great extent and reduce the oxidative stress on testis tissues.

Medicinal uses and applications of metals and their complexes are of increasing clinical and commercial importance. The ligation behavior of quercetin (Q), which is a flavonoid, and its Zn (II) (Q/Zn) complex were studied and characterized based on elemental analysis, molar conductance, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, electronic spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectral data revealed that Q acts as a bidentate ligand (chelating ligand) through carbonyl C(4) = O oxygen and phenolic C(3)–OH oxygen in conjugation with Zn. Electronic, FTIR, and¹H-NMR spectral data revealed that the Q/Zn complex has a distorted octahedral geometry, with the following chemical formula: [Zn(Q)(NO₃)(H₂O)₂].5H₂O. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. A total of 70 male albino rats were divided into seven groups: control, diabetic untreated group and diabetic groups treated with either MSCs and/or Q and/or Q/Zn or their combination. Serum insulin, glucose, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Pancreatic and lung histology and TEM for pancreatic tissues in addition to gene expression of both SOD and CAT in pulmonary tissues were evaluated. MSCs in combination with Q/Zn therapy exhibited potent protective effects against STZ induced hyperglycemia and suppressed oxidative stress, genotoxicity, glycometabolic disturbances, and structural alterations. Engrafted MSCs were found inside pancreatic tissue at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Q/Zn with MSC therapy produced a synergistic effect against oxidative stress and genotoxicity and can be considered potential ameliorative therapy against diabetes with pulmonary dysfunction, which may benefit against COVID-19.