This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Allium sativum against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity with respect to its impact on short-term memory in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned into four groups. The control group received distilled water. The second group was administered Allium sativum powder (200 mg/kg of body weight) orally for 7 successive days, then was left without treatment until the 30th day. The third group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG (4 g/kg of body weight) for 7 successive days, then left without treatment until the 30th day. The fourth group was injected with MSG in the same manner as the third group and was treated with Allium sativum powder in the same manner as the second group, simultaneously. Phytochemical analysis of Allium sativum powder identified the presence of diallyl disulphide, carvone, diallyl trisulfide, and allyl tetrasulfide. MSG-induced excitotoxicity and cognitive deficit were represented by decreased distance moved and taking a long time to start moving from the center in the open field, as well as lack of curiosity in investigating the novel object and novel arm. Moreover, MSG altered hippocampus structure and increased MDA concentration and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calretinin, and caspase-3, whereas it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissue. However, Allium sativum powder prevented MSG-induced neurotoxicity and improved short-term memory through enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition, it decreased protein expression of GFAP, calretinin, and caspase-3 and increased protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissues and retained brain tissue architecture. This study indicated that Allium sativum powder ameliorated MSG-induced neurotoxicity through preventing oxidative stress-induced gliosis and apoptosis of brain tissue in rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents one of the most prevalent endocrine–metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, which includes but not restricted to reproductive disruptions, insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Its heterogeneous pathophysiology arises from the interplay of metabolic, endocrine, and immune factors, including dysregulated adipokine secretion, cytokine-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Current pharmacological therapies, such as metformin, clomiphene, and oral contraceptives, often provide partial benefits and are limited by side effects, necessitating the exploration of safer, multi-target strategies. Flavonoids, a structurally diverse class of plant-derived polyphenols, have gained attention as promising therapeutic candidates in PCOS due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, and hormone-modulating properties. Preclinical studies in rodent PCOS models consistently demonstrate improvements in insulin sensitivity, normalization of ovarian morphology, restoration of ovulation, and reduction in hyperandrogenism. Human clinical studies, though limited in scale and heterogeneity, report favorable effects of flavonoids such as quercetin, isoflavones, and catechins on glucose metabolism, adipokine balance, inflammatory markers, and reproductive functions. This evidence-based study critically synthesizes mechanistic insights into how flavonoids modulate insulin signaling, adipokine–cytokine crosstalk, OS, and androgen excess, while highlighting translational evidence and emerging delivery systems aimed at overcoming bioavailability barriers. Collectively, flavonoids represent a promising class of nutraceuticals and adjuncts to conventional therapies, offering an integrative strategy for the management of PCOS.

Acetaminophen is a common analgesic-antipyretic agent, which is safe in therapeutic doses but in higher doses can produce hepatic necrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of artichoke, silymarin, and both agents in acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. Forty male mice were divided into five main groups, (1) control (2) Acetaminophen (APAP) (3) Artichoke leaf extracts (ALE) and APAP (4) silymarin and APAP group (5) ALE, silymarin and APAP groups. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP). The liver was excised, weighed and dissected into two parts, one used for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione reductase, and the other part used for histopathological examination and assessment of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical expression. APAP group showed a significant increase in liver weight, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, and PCNA expression with a significant decrease in glutathione reductase in comparison to control group. All these parameters were significantly improved in the three treated groups when compared to APAP group. APAP group showed marked portal inflammation and parenchyma necrosis. Co-administration of ALE and/or silymarin to acetaminophen treated mice showed a significant reduction in PCNA expression compared to APAP group. Both ALE and silymarin co-treatment showed a significant decrease in PCNA percentage to a level near to control group. Artichoke and/or silymarin are suggested to protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by ameliorating liver enzymes, antioxidant effect, decreasing liver damage and proliferation. Abbreviation: ALT, alanine transaminase. AST, aspartate transaminase. ALP, alkaline phosphatase.MDA, malondialdehyde. PCNA, proliferative cell nuclear antigen

Background and Aim: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major determinant of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Altered microRNA levels lead to serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes. We aimed to measure the expression levels of two microRNAs, microRNA126 and 192 in DN and investigate their connection with albuminuria levels. Methods: This study included 229 subjects (134 DN patients and 95 controls). Serum lipid profiles, glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and renal functions were assayed. The microRNA126 and microRNA192 expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. Results: Patients with DN had higher weights, BMI values, glucose levels (p<0.001), HbA1c levels (p<0.001), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) values (p<0.001), urea levels (P=0.002), and creatinine levels (P=0.004) and lower expression levels of both microRNA192 (p<0.001) and microRNA126 (p<0.001) than controls. MicroRNA126 expression was positively correlated with age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and microRNA192 expression but negatively correlated with blood sugar, HbA1c, urea, creatinine and ACR. MicroRNA192 had higher sensitivity (91%), specificity (94%), and area under the curve (AUC) (0.967) values than microRNA126 (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 68%; AUC, 0.897) and thus can precisely diagnose DN. Conclusion: Both MicroRNA126 and microRNA192 expression were obviously associated with DN and might determine the progression of the disease owing to prominent relation with macroalbuminuria.

Oxidative stress is the main player in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Co-Q10 is a natural antioxidant present in the body and in many foods. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Co-Q10 administration to improve vascular complications and increase insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Fifty male rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic untreated, diabetic insulin-treated, diabetic Co-Q10-treated, and diabetic combined-treated groups. After 8 weeks, blood pressure and vascular reactivity to NE and ACh, fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, MDA, TAC, HbA1c, and the HOMA-IR were measured. Diabetes increased fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, MDA, blood pressure, and decreased TAC and vascular reactivity. Ttreatment with insulin or Co-Q10 improved glycemic parameters and increasing antioxidant levels compared to diabetic group. Combined Co-Q10 with insulin was found to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease its resistance, which helps to decrease insulin doses in diabetic patients and reduce its side effects.