Khalid Mohammed Naji

Background: Tolfenpyrad (TPD) is a pyrazole insecticide that acts primarily by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, potentially resulting in oxidative stress and cellular energy depletion. Its increasing agricultural use has raised concerns regarding possible immunotoxic effects in non-target organisms. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins and contributes to redox homeostasis and immune function. This study evaluated the effects of TPD on the spleen and Peyer’s patches of female rats and investigated the potential protective effect of selenium co-administration. Methods: Twenty female Sprague–Dawley rats, aged 6–8 weeks, were randomly allocated to four groups ( n = 5 per group): negative control, TPD-treated (50 mg/kg body weight), selenium-treated (5 mg/kg body weight), and combined TPD plus selenium treatment. Treatments were administered orally once daily for ten consecutive days. Body weight, spleen weight, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in the spleen and Peyer’s patches were evaluated. Quantitative morphometric measurements of splenic white-pulp diameter and Peyer’s-patch dimensions were also performed. Results: TPD exposure was associated with body weight loss, reduced spleen weight, and marked histopathological alterations in lymphoid tissues, including white pulp disorganization, lymphoid follicle atrophy, hemorrhage, and reduced lymphocyte density. Peyer’s patches exhibited reduced cellularity and structural degeneration. Most hematological parameters showed relatively limited changes during the 10-day exposure period. In comparison with TPD treatment alone, selenium co-administration was associated with partial preservation of splenic and intestinal lymphoid architecture and improvements in selected tissue and hematological outcomes. Morphometric analysis showed significantly smaller splenic white-pulp diameter and Peyer’s-patch height in the TPD group. The combined TPD plus selenium group exhibited significantly greater white-pulp diameter, Peyer’s-patch height, and Peyer’s-patch area than the TPD group. Conclusions: Within this exploratory 10-day study, TPD exposure was associated with histopathological and morphometric alterations in the spleen and Peyer’s patches, whereas selenium co-administration was associated with partial preservation of lymphoid-tissue architecture. Because oxidative-stress biomarkers, mitochondrial function parameters, molecular endpoints, and immunohistochemical markers were not measured, the proposed mitochondrial and redox mechanisms remain biologically plausible interpretations rather than experimentally demonstrated mechanisms.

The oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. has been a cornerstone of traditional Yemeni medicine for centuries. This study provides a comparative chemical and bioactivity evaluation of two distinct fractions: a polar fraction (E1) obtained via aqueous maceration and a lipophilic fraction (E5) obtained via methanolic Soxhlet extraction. The crude resin exhibited moisture content (10.28 ± 0.14%), ash content (7.44 ± 0.11%), pH (4.31 ± 0.16), viscosity (0.932 mPa·s), and protein content (17.06 ± 0.61%). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that E5 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans, whereas E1 remained inactive. Gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that E5 is rich in bioactive oxygenated sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones, whereas E1 is dominated by fatty acid esters with min- imal bioactivity. The superior antioxidant capacity of E5 (IC50 ≈ 170g/mL) exceeded E1 (IC50 ≈ 1480μg/mL) strongly correlated with higher phytochemical yields: total phenolics (46.04 vs. 6.35 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract (mg GAE/g)), flavonoids (6.55 vs. 0.69 mg quercetin equivalents per gram (mg QE/g)), and tannins (19.49 vs. 4.48 mg tannic acid equivalents per gram (mg TAE/g)). These results confirm that the primary bioactivity of C. myrrha is sequestered within the resinous terpenoid fraction. This study establishes critical quality control parameters for Yemeni C. myrrha and supports a dual-use strategy: E5 for pharmaceutical development and E1 for industrial applications as a natural hydrocolloid.

Metabolically-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is strongly influenced by genet

Hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis are the major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of sheep tallow (SHT), bovine tallow (BT), and olive oil (OL) on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerotic lesions in a rat model of atherogenesis induced by a high-fat diet. Rat groups received an atherogenic diet (AGD) containing cholesterol, cholic acid, and thiouracil for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis, followed by SHT, BT, OL, or simvastatin (positive control, PC) for another 12 weeks. Atherogenicity and oxidative toxicity were assessed via biochemical and histopathological analyses. C18:0 (stearic acid) was the most abundant fatty acid in BT (34.648%), followed by SHT (7.064%) and OL (3.535%). C18:1 (oleic acid) was highest in OL (67.949%), followed by SHT (43.737%) and BT (26.325%). C18:2t + 1 (trans-linoleic acid) was present at 11.434% in OL. AGD induced significant dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and aortic and cardiac tissue damage in rats. Supplementation with tallow or olive oil significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, whereas the same supplementation significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total antioxidant (TAO) levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, the atherogenic index (AI) was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) in all treated groups, indicating protection against hyperlipidemic-induced oxidative stress and atherogenesis. Histopathological analysis revealed partial to evident regression of atherosclerotic changes, with the most pronounced effects observed in the OL group, followed by the SHT and BT groups. The high C18:1 (oleic acid) content in OL and the high C18:0 (stearic acid) content in BT may underlie their cardioprotective effects. OL, SHT, and BT demonstrated lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that contributed to the regression of diet-induced atherosclerosis in rats. These findings suggest that both plant-based olive oil and animal-derived tallows may exert cardioprotective effects depending on their fatty acid composition in this rat model of atherogenesis.

Myrrh, derived from Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) has been valued since biblical times for its use in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicines. Scientific investigations of its chemical composition began more than a century ago. This review compiles recent findings on the historical significance, geographical distribution, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, biological activities, pharmaceutical effects, toxicity, and extraction techniques of C. myrrha. Particular focus is given to the components of the volatile oil, resin, and gum. Information was sourced from digital databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science) and ethnopharmacological literature published between 2000 and December 2024. Traditionally, C. myrrha has been used to treat ulcers, pain, digestive and bone disorders, wounds, arthritis, and circulatory problems, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. Pharmacological studies have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antiulcer properties, with emerging interest in its potential role in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019. In addition, it is widely used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Analytical studies have identified essential oils, terpenoids, and steroids, with the resin being particularly rich in bioactive compounds. Future research on the stem, bark, and leaves may uncover additional therapeutic agents.

The rise of new ailments, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative disease, is putting the health of the society in jeopardy. As a result, it is critical to make investments that benefit the general public’s health. Many plants, including tea, contain the flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been shown in multiple trials to help combat these diseases. However, the low intestinal absorption and volatility of EGCG are the key drawbacks to using this chemical for both prevention and treatment. Increased therapeutic efficacy can be achieved by encapsulating EGCG in nanocarriers, which enhances its long-term stability. This chapter will have an in-depth investigation of nanocarrier-based encapsulation of EGCG.

Most of Yemeni honey have a locally and internationally Fame. Six of Yemeni honeys were selected according to geographical and floral sources and their fame such as (Osymi sidir, Dawani sidir, Jardai sidir, Salam Tohamah, Somara Shabwah and SSAl Tawr Albahah). Physic- chemical properties were conducted on tri replicate, according to chemical standards methods. The results showed that all honeys were dark color; the mean results were as following: the highest value of pH was 3.71 of SSal Honey, while the least mean value was 5.3 of Sidir honeys; total acidity was on limit for all, the highest value of moisture was found on SSal, whereas Sidir honeys showed the least mean value 13.62; Hydroxylmethaylfurfural (HMF) of all studied honeys were on limit that is less than permitted value 40 mg/100g; Daistase number of all were on permitted limit except Somra honey that showed 6 shade units; values of sugars analysis were found on permitted limit except Somra was 16 g/100g; electrical conductivity of Jardani sidir honey was the highest mean value 1220, while Somra honey had the least value 544; as well as in comparison of total phenolic compound results, Jardani Sidir had the highest mean value 274.3 mg/100g of tannic acid, while Somra had the least mean value 82.01 g/100g of tannic acid. All studied honeys were in conformity to local, regional and international standards except Somra honey that has non-conformity to them.

Rosenbergiella bacteria have been previously isolated predominantly from floral nectar and identified in metagenomic screenings as associated with bees. Here, we isolated three Rosenbergiella strains from the robust Australian stingless bee Tetragonula carbonaria sharing over 99.4% sequence similarity with Rosenbergiella strains isolated from floral nectar. The three Rosenbergiella strains (D21B, D08K, D15G) from T. carbonaria exhibited near-identical 16S rDNA. The genome of strain D21B was sequenced; its draft genome contains 3,294,717 bp, with a GC content of 47.38%. Genome annotation revealed 3236 protein-coding genes. The genome of D21B differs sufficiently from the closest related strain, Rosenbergiella epipactidis 2.1A, to constitute a new species. In contrast to R. epipactidis 2.1A, strain D21B produces the volatile 2-phenylethanol. The D21B genome contains a polyketide/non-ribosomal peptide gene cluster not present in any other Rosenbergiella draft genomes. Moreover, the Rosenbergiella strains isolated from T. carbonaria grew in a minimal medium without thiamine, but R. epipactidis 2.1A was thiamine-dependent. Strain D21B was named R. meliponini D21B, reflecting its origin from stingless bees. Rosenbergiella strains may contribute to the fitness of T. carbonaria.

Background: Environmental contamination from synthetic plastics and their additives is a widespread problem. Phthalate esters are a class of refractory synthetic organic compounds which are widely used in plastics, coatings, and for several industrial applications such as packaging, pharmaceuticals, and/or paints. They are released into the environment during production, use and disposal, and some of them are potential mutagens and carcinogens. Isophthalate (1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid) is a synthetic chemical that is globally produced at a million-ton scale for industrial applications and is considered a priority pollutant. Here we describe the biochemical characterization of an enzyme involved in anaerobic degradation of isophthalate by the syntrophically fermenting bacterium Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans strain UI that activate isophthalate to isophthalyl-CoA followed by its decarboxylation to benzoyl-CoA. Results: Isophthalate:Coenzyme A ligase (IPCL, AMP-forming) that activates isophthalate to isophthalyl-CoA was heterologously expressed in E. coli (49.6 kDa) for biochemical characterization. IPCL is homologous to phenylacetate-CoA ligase that belongs to the family of ligases that form carbon-sulfur bonds. In the presence of coenzyme A, Mg²⁺ and ATP, IPCL converts isophthalate to isophthalyl-CoA, AMP and pyrophosphate (PPi). The enzyme was specifically induced after anaerobic growth of S. aromaticivorans in a medium containing isophthalate as the sole carbon source. Therefore, IPCL exhibited high substrate specificity and affinity towards isophthalate. Only substrates that are structurally related to isophthalate, such as glutarate and 3-hydroxybenzoate, could be partially converted to the respective coenzyme A esters. Notably, no activity could be measured with substrates such as phthalate, terephthalate and benzoate. Acetyl-CoA or succinyl-CoA did not serve as CoA donors. The enzyme has a theoretical pI of 6.8 and exhibited optimal activity between pH 7.0 to 7.5. The optimal temperature was between 25 °C and 37 °C. Denaturation temperature (Tm) of IPCL was found to be at about 63 °C. The apparent K_M values for isophthalate, CoA, and ATP were 409 μM, 642 μM, and 3580 μM, respectively. Although S. aromaticivorans is a strictly anaerobic bacterium, the enzyme was found to be oxygen-insensitive and catalysed isophthalyl-CoA formation under both anoxic and oxic conditions. Conclusion: We have successfully cloned the ipcl gene, expressed and characterized the corresponding IPCL enzyme, which plays a key role in isophthalate activation that initiates its activation and further degradation by S. aromaticivorans. Its biochemical characterization represents an important step in the elucidation of the complete degradation pathway of isophthalate.