Ulcerative colitis (UC) is among the most challenging human diseases. Nanotechnology has incontestable promising outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of naked gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis in mice. We also examined the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) following AuNPs treatment. Mice were randomly divided into control, DSS and DSS+ AuNPs groups. Severity of colitis was assessed by disease activity index (DAI) measurement. At the end of the experiment, the final body weights were recorded. The colon was dissected and processed for histopathological examinations by light and electron microscopes. Colon homogenates were prepared for assay of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and real-time PCR analysis of IL-17A. Immunohistochemical localization of IL-17A was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector were used to detect the presence of AuNPs in the colonic tissue of DSS+ AuNPs groups. Our results showed that AuNPs effectively targeted the colonic tissue, and reduced changes induced by DSS. The underlying mechanisms could be related to anti-oxidant effect (as evident by decreasing tissue MDA) and anti-inflammatory potential of AuNPs. Our study draws attention to as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating UC.

Background and Aim: The use of Doxorubicin (Dox) to treat various tumors is limited by its cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to compare the cardioprotective potential of vitamin E versus liposomal-Dox against cardiotoxic effects on the structure of left ventricle. Materials and Methods: Fifty male albino Wistar rats (180-220g) were divided into control (I), Dox (II), vitamin E with Dox (III) and liposomal-Dox (IV) groups. Groups II, III and IV received Dox and liposomal-Dox (3mg/kg) at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. Group III received Vitamin E (100mg/kg) daily with Dox administration. At day 12, blood was collected and left ventricles were dissected and prepared for LM and EM study. Results: Serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and creatine kinase-MB increased by 2.5 folds in Doxtreated rats compared to control rats, but decreased in vitamin E and liposomal-Dox groups compared to Dox group. The maximal decrease was in liposomal-Dox group with values near to control. LM examination of left ventricle from Doxgroup showed hemorrhagic areas between widely separated cardiomyocytes containing pyknotic nuclei. Inflammatory cells and adipocytes were seen in the interstitium. EM of Dox group showed variable sized mitochondria with ruptured cristae inbetween fragmented myofibrils. LM and EM examination of ventricles from vitamin E and liposomal-Dox groups showed mild changes with liposomal-Dox group appeared near to control. Left ventricular fiber diameter was decreased in Dox group compared to control group with nearly normal diameter in liposomal-Dox group. Area percent of collagen fibers increased and the optical density of desmin immune-expression was reduced in Dox group compared to control and liposomal-Dox groups which were alike. Conclusion: Dox-induced structural changes of rat ventricle were diminished by concomitant vitamin E intake. Liposomal-Dox administration-only-was more effective in reducing these changes; hence, it can accomplish a successful clinical target to decrease Dox-associated cardiotoxicity.

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IntroductionMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular taste enhancer that is used widely. It has been reported that MSG is toxic to human and experimental animals. Aim of the study To investigate the histological and immunohistochemical effects of MSG on the ovary and to study the possible role of diltiazem (L-calcium channel blocker) in the prevention of these effects in adult female rats. Materials and MethodsThirty adult female albino rats were used and divided into three groups: control; treated; and prophylactic. The control group received fixed amounts of grower's marsh without adding MSG daily for 14 days. The treated group was given 6 g of MSG daily thoroughly mixed with equal amount of feeds (grower's marsh) for 14 days. In addition to MSG, the prophylactic group was given diltiazem daily dissolved in water by an oro-gastric tube (5 mg/g body weight) for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed on day 15 of the experiment. The ovaries were processed for histological and immunohistochemical reaction for induced nitric oxide synthase. ResultsThe ovary of the MSG-treated group had some atretic follicles and vacuolated stromal cells arranged in clusters. The other types of follicles were distorted, showing a degenerated oocyte surrounded by disorganized cells of follicular granulosa cells with darkly stained nuclei and vacuolated theca folliculi cells. There was a significant decrease in the number of ovarian follicles and a significant increase in the optical density of induced nitric oxide synthase reaction in the treated group compared with the control group. In the diltiazem-prophylactic group, there was an improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical changes. ConclusionDiltiazem had a protective effect on the histological and immunohistochemical changes caused by MSG toxicity in the ovary of adult rats.

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