Lead (Pb) is a common pollutant that is not biodegradable and gravely endangers the environment and human health. Annona squamosa fruit has a wide range of medicinal uses owing to its phytochemical constituents. This study evaluated the effect of treatment with A. squamosa fruit extract (ASFE) on testicular toxicity induced in male rats by lead acetate. The metal-chelating capacity and phytochemical composition of ASFE were determined. The LD₅₀ of ASFE was evaluated by probit analysis. Molecular docking simulations were performed using Auto Dock Vina. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into the following groups: Gp1, a negative control group; Gp2, given ASFE (350 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.)) (1/10 of LD₅₀); Gp3, given lead acetate (PbAc) solution (100 mg/kg b. wt.); and Gp4, given PbAc as in Gp3 and ASFE as in Gp2. All treatments were given by oro-gastric intubation daily for 30 days. Body weight changes, spermatological parameters, reproductive hormone levels, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated, and molecular and histopathological investigations were performed. The results showed that ASFE had promising metal-chelating activity and phytochemical composition. The LD₅₀ of ASFE was 3500 mg/kg b. wt. The docking analysis showed that quercetin demonstrated a high binding affinity for JAK-1 and STAT-3 proteins, and this could make it a more promising candidate for targeting the JAK-1/STAT-3 pathway than others. The rats given lead acetate had defective testicular tissues, with altered molecular, biochemical, and histological features, as well as impaired spermatological characteristics. Treatment with ASFE led to a significant mitigation of these dysfunctions and modulated the JAK-1/STAT-3/SOCS-1 axis in the rats.

Macrophages are one of the most important cells in the immune system. They act as links between innate and adaptive immunities. In this study, the aim was to examine thymoquinone effects on the immunological properties of different macrophages. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from blood from healthy volunteers by negative selection of monocytes that had been cultured for seven days to differentiate into macrophages. Cells were cultured with or without the presence of thymoquinone (TQ), which was used in two different concentrations (50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. Cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80), cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86), and human leukocyte antigen DR isotype (HLA-DR) were measured by flow cytometry, and the secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was measured. Cells were also tested for their E. coli phagocytosis abilities. The data showed that the expression of HLA-DR was significantly higher in cells treated with 100 μL/mL TQ. In addition, IFN-γ concentration increased in the 100 μg/mL TQ-treated cells. The macrophage phagocytosis results showed a significant difference in 50 μg/mL TQ-treated cells compared to the controls. TQ may enhance the immunological properties of macrophages during the early stages of innate immunity by activating phagocytosis ability and by increasing the expression of HLA-DR and the secretion of IFN-γ, which may enhance the antigen-presentation capabilities of macrophages.

Humanity has an ancient history of consuming medicinal plants for prophylaxis. Within hours, and even months, embryonic cells undergo several processes to form an organism. This study aimed to prove the positive or negative effects of using rosemary and thyme extract on the thymus gland and level of IL-10, IgM, and IgG in serum of chick embryos. The immunological effect was measured by histological and immunological studies. A total of 160 fertilized eggs were randomly distributed into 8 groups; on the 0 and 8th day of incubation, all treated groups received a dose of 0.1 mL/egg. On the 14th and 20th days of incubation, the embryos were sacrificed and the samples were collected (serum and thymus gland). The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Simple damage in thymic tissue with a low cell density in the embryos was treated with high concentrations of rosemary and thyme extracts, as well as in the mixed group. A significant decrease in IgM levels in the group treated by a high concentration of thyme. A decrease in IgG levels was found in the group treated with a high concentration of rosemary and in the mixed group, while the group treated with a high concentration of thyme and the mixed group showed decreases on the 14th day. A significant decrease in IL-10 levels was found on the 14th day, followed by an increase on the 20th day. Despite the benefits of rosemary and thyme, inflammation signs appeared on embryos treated with these herbs.

Background: Nettle roots (Urtica dioica) are considered promising plants for treating different conditions, including liver ailments. Accordingly, we aimed to ascertain the protective implication of aqueous extract of nettle roots versus hepatotoxicity in male albino rats exposed to TiO2 NPs. Methods: Here, 48 adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (8 rats/group). The first group operated as controls. The second and third groups were administered U. dioica (100, 200 mg/kg b.w) orally. The fourth group was orally administrated TiO2 NPs (300 mg/kg b.w). The fifth and sixth groups were treated orally with (U. dioica 100, 200+ TiO2 NPs). After four weeks, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the blood samples and liver tissue were carried out. Result: The outcomes manifested that exposure to TiO2 NPs significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and MDA, total protein and bilirubin, whereas albumin levels, SOD and GSH decreased significantly, causing liver tissue damage. In addition to higher expression of caspase 3. U. dioica treatment improved the physiological, histological and immunohistochemical results of damage caused by exposure to TiO2 NPs. This study shows that chronic administration of U. dioica protects against TiO2 NPs-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. These positive effects may appear because U. dioica contains antioxidants.

Background: Dandelion roots have considerable health benefits including promoting liver health and combating inflammation. Therefore, our study investigated the impacts of dandelion root extract (Taraxacum officinale) on AgNPs-triggered hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Herein, 48 adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly distributed into six groups (8 rats/group). As controls, rats from the first group were employed. T. officinale (500, 250 mg/kg b.w./day) was administrated orally to the rats of the second and third groups. The AgNPs (1 mg/kg b.w./day) were intraperitoneally injected into the fourth group. Rats of the fifth and sixth groups were treated with (T. officinale 500+ AgNPs) and (T. officinale 250+ AgNPs). After four weeks, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the blood samples and liver tissues. Result: Here, we have manifested that exposure to AgNPs significantly elevated liver enzyme levels alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, albumin, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and caspase-3 whereas total bilirubin levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), revealed significant decline linked to hepatic damage. Treatment of rats with T. officinale showed a pronounced attenuation of the damage caused by AgNPs associated with improvement of biochemical, hepatic histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations. This study shows that sub-chronic oral administration of T. officinale in rats protects against AgNPs-stimulated hepatotoxicity. The positive implications may be ascribed to the antioxidant capabilities of T. officinale.