Abstract:Paracetamol (PCM) overdose can cause nephrotoxicity with oxidative stress as one of the possible mechanisms mediating the event. In this study, the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome [200 mg per kg of body weight (mg/kg) and 400 mg/kg] on PCM-induced nephrotoxicity were examined. Rats were divided into five groups containing 10 rats each. The control group received distilled water while other groups were treated with extract alone (400 mg/kg), PCM alone (750 mg/kg), 750 mg/kg PCM+200 mg/kg extract (PCM+ 200-extract), and 750 mg/kg PCM+400 mg/kg extract (PCM+400-extract), respectively, for seven consecutive days. The Z. zerumbet extract was given intraperitoneally concurrent with oral administration of PCM. Treatment with Z. zerumbet extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prevented the PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative impairments of the kidney, as evidenced by a significantly reduced (P<0.05) level of plasma creatinine, plasma and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma protein carbonyl, and renal advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP). Furthermore, both doses were also able to induce a significant increment (P<0.05) of plasma and renal levels of glutathione (GSH) and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The nephroprotective effects of Z. zerumbet extract were confirmed by a reduced intensity of renal cellular damage, as evidenced by histological findings. Moreover, Z. zerumbet extract administered at 400 mg/kg was found to show greater protective effects than that at 200 mg/kg. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract of Z. zerumbet rhizome has a protective role against PCM-induced nephrotoxicity and the process is probably mediated through its antioxidant properties.

Organotin complexes are recognized as the biologically active compounds in inducing cancerous cells death at very low doses. To date, organotin compounds currently appear among the most potent candidates in research related to the new anticancer drugs. In this study, new organotin(IV) N-butyl-N-phenyldithiocarbamate compounds have been successfully synthesized between the reaction of N-butylaniline amine with organotin(IV) chloride in 1:2/1:1 molar ratio. All compounds were characterized using the elemental analysis, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The single crystal structure was determined by X-ray single crystal analysis. The elemental analysis showed good agreement with the suggested formula (C4H9)2Sn[S2CN(C4H9)(C6H5)]2 (Compound 1 and 2), (C6H5)2Sn[S2CN(C4H9)(C6H5)]2 (Compound 3) and (C6H5)3Sn[S2CN(C4H9)(C6H5)] (Compound 4). The important infrared absorbance peaks, v (C = N) and v(C = S) were detected in range between 1457-1489 cm(-1) and 951-996 cm(-1), respectively. The chemical shift of carbon in NCS2 group obtained from 13C NMR was found in range 198.86-203.53 ppm. The crystal structure of compound 4 showed that the dithiocarbamate ligand coordinates in a monodentate fashion. It crystallized in monoclinic P2(1)/n space group with the crystal cell parameter: a = 10.0488(1) angstroms, b = 18.0008(2) angstroms, c = 15.2054(2) angstroms, beta = 102.442(1) degrees and R = 0.044. The cytotoxicity (IC50) of these compounds against Jurkat E6.1 and K-562 leukemia cells were in the range between 0.4-0.8 and 1.8-5.3 microM, respectively as assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazholium bromide (MTT) assay. In conclusion, our study demonstrate that all compounds showed potent cytotoxicity towards both cell lines tested with the triphenyltin(IV) compound displayed the greatest effect.

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BackgroundZingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith belongs to the Zingiberaceae family that is widely distributed throughout the tropics, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is locally known as ‘Lempoyang’ and traditionally used to treat fever, constipation and to relieve pain. It is also known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Based on these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of ethyl-acetate extract of Z. zerumbet rhizomes against ethanol-induced brain damage in male Wistar rats.MethodTwenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups which consist of normal, 1.8 g/kg ethanol (40% v/v), 200 mg/kg Z. zerumbet extract plus ethanol and 400 mg/kg Z. zerumbet plus ethanol. The extract of Z. zerumbet was given once daily by oral gavage, 30 min prior to ethanol exposure via intraperitoneal route for 14 consecutive days. The rats were then sacrificed. Blood and brain homogenate were subjected to biochemical tests and part of the brain tissue was sectioned for histological analysis.ResultTreatment with ethyl-acetate Z. zerumbet extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (p < 0.05) in the brain homogenate. Both doses of extracts also significantly increased the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as well as glutathione (GSH) level (p < 0.05). However, administration of ethyl-acetate Z. zerumbet extract at 400 mg/kg showed better protective effects on the ethanol-induced brain damage as shown with higher levels of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in the brain homogenate as compared to 200 mg/kg dose. Histological observation of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex showed that the extract prevented the loss of Purkinje cells and retained the number and the shape of the cells.ConclusionEthyl-acetate extract of Z. zerumbet has protective effects against ethanol-induced brain damage and this is mediated through its antioxidant properties.Graphical abstractZ. zerumbet extract protects against ethanol-induced brain damage via its antioxidant properties

Fundamental laser-skin interaction effects were studied using a CO2 laser. The photodamaged areas obtained from laser interaction were recorded via couple charge device video camera and analyzed via ImageJ software. Photodamage induced by CO2 laser is due to photothermal effects, which involve burning and vaporizing mechanisms to ablate the epidermis layer. The burning area literally expands and penetrates deep into the dermis layer, subsequently causing collagen coagulation. This fundamental study shows in detail the effect of CO2 laser interaction with skin. The CO2 attributed severe burning, producing deep coagulation, and induced strength to treated skin.