Adriamycin (Adr) is a cytotoxic anthracycline agent that is utilized to manage many types of tumors, but its clinical use is undesirable due to severe cardiotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima) against Adr-induced cardiotoxicity through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory metabolic pathways. A single dose of Adr was injected in rats to induce cardiotoxicity. Rats are divided into 5 groups, control, A. fragrantissima 800, Adr, A. fragrantissima 400 + Adr, and A. fragrantissima 800 + Adr. 72 h after Adr administration, electrocardiographic (ECG) study was performed for all rats. Serum and hearts were then collected for biochemical and histopathological studies. A. fragrantissima ameliorated Adr-induced ST-segment elevation. It reduced Adr-induced elevation in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6. It also protected against Adr-induced histopathological changes. Pretreatment with the extract increased heart tissue contents of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed that it is rich in phenolic and flavonoid active constituents. The results of this study revealed that A. fragrantissima extract ameliorates Adr-induced cardiotoxicity via an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies are warranted in order to recognize the precise active constituents of this natural extract which are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Purpose: To examine Costus afer leaf extract (CALE) protective effects against naproxen-induced gastric ulcer and the mechanisms of protection.Methods: Rats with naproxen-induced ulcer were pretreated with either CALE (800 mg/kg), pantoprazole (20 mg/kg), or a combination of both. Then the ulcer index, total gastric acidity, gastric pH, and curative index were evaluated. In addition, gastric mucin, pepsin, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxide, and superoxide dismutase were quantified. The gastric pathologicalchange was also evaluated.Results: Rats treated with CALE, pantoprazole, and their combination significantly decreased ulcer index, total gastric acidity, and gastric pH. All treatments induced a significant curative index in favor of the combination. The CALE significantly increased gastric mucin, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. However, the CALE significantly decreased pepsin and lipid peroxide product.Conclusion: These results reveal that CALE protects the stomach against naproxen-induced ulcer. This action is linked to increased gastroprotective factors, increased antioxidants, and decreased lipid peroxidation. The CALE may be used as an adjunctive treatment for ulcers caused by NSAIDs. Keywords: Costus afer, Naproxen, Gastric ulcer, Antioxidants, Lipid peroxidation

Background: Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a drug widely used in the management of hyperthyroidism. The drug was observed to cause hepatitis and fulminant liver failure.Spirulinais documented to exhibit several therapeutic effectsincluding hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antioxidant activities. Objective: This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of Spirulina,and to examine its  ameliorative effects against PTU-induced hypothyroidism associated with hyperlipidemia, liver, and kidney toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: This experiment was carried out on 50 rats (5 groups, n = 10). Hypothyroidism was induced in 40 ratsvia injecting 10 mg/kg/day PTUfor 6 weeks. Results: The results of this study showed that Spirulina contains 57.30 % of its dry weight proteins while it contains only 8.2% of its dry weight fats. It contains several minerals and vitamins (E and β-carotene).Spirulina increases the final body weight, food intake, and body weight gain % values compared to PTU rats. The Alga increased FT3 and FT4 levels, while decrease TSH level compared to PTU rats. Spirulina significantly decreased serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and serum kidney function markers (creatinine and urea) compared to PTU rats. Besides, it reduced serum lipid profile markers (TC, TG, and LDL-C) and increased HDL-C. The Alga reduced the lipid peroxidation product and increased glutathione peroxidase concentrations. Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the protective role of Spirulina versus PTU associated hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, hepatic, and nephrotoxicity. The antioxidant impact of Spirulina may elucidate its defensive effect against various PTU toxicities.

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