Browsing by Author "Farid, Alyaa"

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Aloe vera gel as a stimulant for mesenchymal stem cells differentiation and a natural therapy for radiation induced liver damage
(Oxford University Press, 2022-08-10) Farid, Alyaa; Haridyy, Hebatallah; Ashraf, Salma; Ahmed, Selim; Safwat, Gehan
Aloe vera is a medical plant that has been used, traditionally, in treatment of several dermal disorders. In addition to its role as an anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic agent. Aloe vera gel extract contains several compounds like minerals, enzymes, hormones and carbohydrates. Therefore, Aloe vera as well as its bioactive constituents have been studied to determine its intriguing potential roles in medicinal science. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are biologically active precursor cells that can self-renew and develop into a variety of cell types. Plant extracts have been used, in vitro, to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lyophilized Aloe vera gel together with bone marrow (BM)-MSCs transplantation against radiation induced liver damage (RILD) in X-ray irradiated Sprague dawley male rats. By determining the oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue homogenate, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lyophilized Aloe vera gel were investigated. The degree of liver damage and NF-κB expression were determined using histological and immunohistochemical staining techniques. The results showed that treatment of irradiated rats with lyophilized Aloe vera gel and MSCs transplantation has led to an improvement in liver function and a decrease in fibrotic markers, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines; as well as, a reduction in the pathological alterations in the rats’ liver and a reduced NF-κB activation. Lyophilized Aloe vera gel provided two important functions; where it stimulated the differentiation of transplanted MSCs and alleviated the radiation induced damages in liver. Aloe vera’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have enhanced liver function, as well as, creating a favorable environment for MSCs development in the liver. MSCs, in combination with lyophilized Aloe vera gel, hold promise for regenerative medicine; where, it has a considerable impact on MSCs differentiation.
Anti-Cryptosporidium oocysts polyclonal antibodies for cryptosporidiosis diagnosis and protection
(SpringerOpen, 2023-11) Farid, Alyaa; Aiad, Silvia; Safwat, Gehan
Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection that is triggered by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. Crypto- sporidium oocysts can spread from one host to another either through direct contact with infected hosts’ faeces or through indirect means (consumption of contaminated water or food). Signifcant numbers of oocysts are pro- duced as a result of the rapid growth of the parasite within the infected hosts. For proper care of cryptosporidiosis, a laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to produce anti-Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocyst immunoglobulin (Ig)G polyclonal antibodies (pAbs). The produced pAbs were used in the detection of C. parvum oocysts antigens in stool and serum samples of infected calves. Moreover, pAbs were tested in protection of balb-c male mice from cryptosporidiosis infection. C. parvum oocysts were used in the preparation of antigens to be used in the immunization of New Zealand white rabbits. pAb was purifed by ammonium sulphate precipitation method, caprylic acid purifcation method and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange chromatographic method. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (using prepared pAb) scored higher sensitivity (85% and 95% for serum and stool samples) than that (80%) of microscopic examination of stool samples. Moreover, pAb signif- cantly reduced the oocysts shedding, decreased infammatory cytokines and enhanced the loss in the body weight of protected animals. The prepared pAb succeeded in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in calves with high sensitiv- ity either in the serum or stool samples. Our results indicated the usefulness of using the prepared pAb in protection against cryptosporidiosis.
Co-treatment with grape seed extract and mesenchymal stem cells in vivo regenerated beta cells of islets of Langerhans in pancreas of type I-induced diabetic rats
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2022-12) Farid, Alyaa; Haridyy, Hebatallah; Ashraf, Salma; Ahmed, Selim; Safwat, Gehan
Background: Nowadays, diabetes mellitus is known as a silent killer because individual is not aware that he has the disease till the development of its complications. Many researchers have studied the use of stem cells in treatment of both types of diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold a lot of potential for regenerative therapy. MSCs migrate and home at the damaged site, where they can aid in the repair of damaged tissues and restoring their function. Oxi- dative stress and infammation represent a huge obstacle during MSCs transplantation. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of grape seed extract (GSE) administration during MSCs transplantation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetes. Furthermore, testing some of GSE components [procyanidins(P)-B1 and P-C1] in con- junction with MSCs, in vivo, was performed to determine if one of them was more efective in relieving the measured attributes of diabetes more than the whole GSE. Methods: Firstly, GSE was prepared from the seeds of Muscat of Alexandria grapes and characterized to identify its phytochemical components. Experimental design was composed of control group I, untreated diabetic group II, GSE (300 mg/kg)-treated diabetic group III, MSCs (2× 106 cells/rat)-treated diabetic group IV and GSE (300 mg/kg)/MSCs (2× 106 cells/rat)-treated diabetic group V. Type I diabetes was induced in rats by intravenous injection with 65 mg/kg of STZ. Treatment started when fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was more than 200 mg/dl; GSE oral administration started in the same day after MSCs intravenous injection and continued daily for 30 consecutive days. Results: The results showed that GSE/MSCs therapy in type I-induced diabetic rats has dramatically managed homeostasis of glucose and insulin secretion; together with, improvement in levels of infammatory markers and oxidative stress. Conclusion: Co-treatment with GSE and MSCs in vivo regenerates beta cells in type I-induced diabetic rats.
Cytokines and autoantibodies profile during systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis diseases in Egypt
(Elsevier, 2022-04) Farid, Alyaa; Hany, Ali; Khaled, Ahmed; Safwat, Gehan
Objective: Cytokine, a small secreted protein, is secreted from one cell types to exert a particular effect on other cell types and/or on itself. Cytokines are characterized by their redundancy in the function; they are secreted in a cascade and can work synergistically and/or antagonistically. Cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis (PS). Due to their crucial roles in the immune cells’ development, differentiation and regulation; any dysregulation in their production and/or action can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. The study population was composed of healthy control volunteers, SLE patients that were diagnosed as lupus nephritis (LN) patients or non-LN patients with developed atherosclerosis (As), and psoriasis patients that were diagnosed as psoriasis patients without arthritis (Ps) or psoriatic arthritis patients (PsA). Methods: The current study aimed to measure and compare the levels of T helper (h)1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, -1β, -12, -10, -4, -2, -23, -18, -34 and -6) among Egyptian SLE and Ps patients. In addition, the pathway and type of Th cells involved in autoimmune-mediated tissue injury was examined. Detection of autoantibodies (ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-sm, anti-histone, anti- ribosomal, APLA and anti-Ro/SSA) was performed to find if there is a relation between disease development and their presence. Results: Detection of autoantibodies and complement proteins were beneficial in the diagnosis of SLE and psoriasis. ANA and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies were a good marker for the diagnosis of SLE and monitoring disease activity; however, other autoantibodies like APLA, anti-sm, anti-histone and anti-ribosomal can be used to indicate the disease activity. Conclusions: Cytokines can be used to determine the disease activity and autoimmune-mediated tissue injured in both SLE and psoriasis. Where, IL-17 recorded the highest level in LN and PsA patients; while the highest levels of IL-34, -23 and -6 were recorded in PsA patients and IL-1β was a characteristic cytokine in As patients.
Desert date seed extract‑loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin defciency through the reduction in oxidative stress and infammation
(Nature Publishing Group, 2024-03) Farid, Alyaa; Ahmed, Alaa; Alaa, Olaya; Safwat, Gehan
Plants represents a huge source of bioactive materials that have been used since the old times in the treatment of many diseases. Balanites aegyptiaca, known as desert date, has been used in treatment of fever, diabetes and bacterial infection. Desert dates contains a hard seed that resembles 50–60% of the fruit. The seed extract contains many fatty acids, amino acids and other bioactive materials that gives the extract its antioxidant and anti-infammatory properties. The study aimed to use Balanites seed extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SeEx-C NPs) for the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)induced diabetes in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were divided into two main divisions (healthy and diabetic rats). Each division contained seven groups (5 rats/group): control untreated group I, SeEx treated group II and group III (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively), C NPs treated group IV and group V (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively) and SeEx-C NPs treated group VI and group VII (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively). The therapeutical efects of SeEx-C NPs were evaluated through biochemical and immunological assessments in rats’ pancreases. The results showed that SeEx-C NPs (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.) reduced the oxidative stress and infammation in rats’ pancreases allowing the islets neogenesis. The loading of SeEx on C NPs allowed the delivery of fatty acids (oleic, lauric and myristic acid), amino acids (lysine, leucine, phenylalanine and valine) and minerals to pancreatic beta-cells in a sustainable manner. SeEx-C NPs administration successfully increased insulin secretion, allowed pancreatic islets neogenesis and reduced oxidative stress and infammation.
Efficacy of the aqueous extract of Siwa dates in protection against the whole body γ irradiation induced damages in mice
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021-08) Farid, Alyaa; Haytham, Merna; Essam, Abdelrahman; Safwat, Gehan
Ionizing radiation hydrolyzes H2O and leads to free radicals production that initiates inflammation an DNA amages. Siwa ates are an important crop in Egypt that has been use as a staple foo ue to its nutritional value an its antioxiant properties. The stuy aime to investigate the raioprotective effects of aqueous extract of Siwa ates in whole boy γ- irraiate mice. Animals were ivie into four groups: healthy mice, unirraiate mice that receive Siwa ate aqueous extract, irraiate unprotecte mice an irraiate mice that receive aily 4 ml/kg Siwa ate extract for 14 ays prior to irraiation. Twenty four hours post irraiation, bloo an liver samples were collecte for immunological, biochemical, anhistopathological stuies. Apoptosis an apoptotic proteins in hepatocytes were measure by flow cytometry techniques. Moreover, the cytokinesis-blocke micronucleus assay was performe to measure DNA amages. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluate in liver samples by both ELISA an immunohistochemical techniques. The results have shown the improvement in liver histopathological sections an the amelioration in the pro-inflammatory cascae. Siwa ate extract allowe DNA protection from the estructive effect of irraiation. In conclusion, Siwa ates were effective in alleviating raiation inuce amages such as hepatotoxicity, oxiative stress, inflammation, an DNA amage.
Garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) improved inflammation and reduced cryptosporidiosis burden in immunocompromised mice
(Elsevier, 06/03/2022) Farid, Alyaa; Yousry, Mona; Safwat, Gehan
Ethnopharmacological relevance For thousands of years, garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) has been consumed in food and health by numerous civilizations. Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes a gastrointestinal disease, with the most common symptoms being watery diarrhea. Although several substances have been tried for its anti-cryptosporidial action, there is no effective treatment for Cryptosporidium disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed firstly to characterize the bio-active compounds in Allium sativum L. and secondly to evaluate its efficacy as a therapy for cryptosporidiosis especially in immunocompromised mice. Materials and methods This was accomplished by evaluating the parasitological and histopathological parameters in the experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Also, the cytokine profile during the experimental time was recorded through the measuring of T helper (h)1, Th2 and Th17 cells cytokines. Immunosuppressed mice were given 0.25 μg/g per day of dexamethasone orally, before infection with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, for fourteen consecutive days. Starting 10 days post infection (PI), nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg per day) or Allium sativum (50 mg/kg per day) was given orally for fourteen consecutive days. Results Our results showed that oocyst shedding, on the 32nd day PI, in immunocompromised infected group treated with Allium sativum (354.11, 99.35% PR) showed a significant decrease when compared to its corresponding group treated with nitazoxanide (4369.14, 92.05% PR). On the 32nd day PI, all cytokines levels have been decreased to levels that were similar to those of their uninfected corresponding control groups; also, the histopathological changes and the loss in animals’ body weight had been improved. Treatment with nitazoxanide did not result in infection clearance or a reduction in the increased cytokines' levels. Conclusion Allium sativum L. displayed high efficacy as a potential therapeutic agent against Cryptosporidium, which supports its traditional usage in parasite diseases.
The hidden hazardous effects of stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose
(ORCID, 2020-09) Farid, Alyaa; Hesham, Marim; El-Dewak, Mohamed; Amin, Ayman
Replacing sucrose with non-caloric sweeteners is an approach to avoid overweight and diabetes development. Non-caloric sweeteners are classified into either artificial as sucralose or natural as stevia. Both of them have been approved by FDA, but the effects of their chronic consumption are controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these two sweeteners, in male and female albino mice, on different blood biochemical parameters, enzymes activities and immunological parameters after 8 and 16 weeks of sweeteners administration. 40.5 mg/ml of sucrose, 5.2 mg/ml of sucralose and 4.2 mg/ml of stevia were dissolved individually in distilled water. Mice were administrated by sweetener's solution for 5 hours daily. Male and female mice showed a preference for water consumption with sucralose or stevia. Both of the two sweeteners significantly reduced hemoglobin level, HCT%, RBCs and WBCs count. After 18 weeks, significant elevations in liver and kidney function enzymes were observed in male and female mice administrated with both non-caloric sweeteners. Histopathological examination in sucralose and stevia administrated groups confirmed the biochemical results; where it revealed a severe damage in liver and kidney sections. While, sucrose administration elevated, only, the levels of ALT, AST and cholesterol in male mice. A vigorous elevation in levels of different immunoglobulin (IgG, IgE and IgA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and -8), that was accompanied by a significant reduction in level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was observed in male and female mice groups administrated with sucralose or stevia. On the other hand, sucrose administration caused an elevation in IgA and reduction in IL-10 levels.
In vitro and in vivo anti-Cryptosporidium and anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera gel in dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice
(Elsevier, 9/15/2021) Farid, Alyaa; Tawfik, Aya; Elsioufy, Basil; Safwat, Gehan
Cryptosporidiosis has been considered as a serious diarrheal disease, especially in immunodeficient patients, where they failed to clear the infection leading to several consequences of infection (i.e death). The role of cell mediated immunity in clearing the infection was demonstrated by the increased susceptibility of HIV/AIDS patients to infection. To date, no specific treatment has been proven for cryptosporidiosis in immunodeficient patients. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent and dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice in comparison to that of nitazoxanide. Mice were orally administrated with Aloe vera gel, in a daily dose of 250 mg/L in drinking water, for 14 consecutive days post infection. Parasitological, molecular and immunological measures were recorded on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 32nd days post infection. Our in vitro results showed that 250 mg/L of prepared gel achieved the highest parasitic reduction. The body weights of Aloe vera treated mice on the 21st and 32nd day post infection, either in immunocompetent or immunosuppressed groups, were nearly the same as those of their corresponding control groups. Aloe vera gel succeeded in clearing cryptosporidiosis with a percent reduction of 100% in immunocompetent mice and 99.67% in immunosuppressed mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera reduced the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, -6 and -17. The success of Aloe vera gel, in clearing cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice, was obvious either from the reduction of Cryptosporidium DNA or the oocysts in stool samples; and from the improvement of histopathological sections.
Melatonin loaded poly(lactic‑co‑glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles reduce infammation, inhibit apoptosis and protect rat’s liver from the hazardous efects of CCL4
(Nature Publishing Group, 2023-12) Farid, Alyaa; Michael, Valina; Safwat, Gehan
Liver is an important organ that carries out major important functions including the detoxifcation of harmful chemicals. Numerous studies have lately focused on the impact of various substances, such as chemical pollutants and pharmaceutical drugs, on the liver. Melatonin (Mel) has been reported for the protection against liver injury. In order to enhance Mel therapeutic benefts and prevent any potential negative efects, Mel has to be delivered to the injured liver. Therefore, the goal of the current investigation was to create Mel-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (Mel- PLGA NPs) to alleviate carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver damage in male Sprague Dawley rats. The prepared Mel-PLGA NPs were physically characterized to determine its size and charge. Moreover, Mel-PLGA NPs were examined, in vitro, to determine its antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti- infammatory and cytotoxicity efects before being used in vivo. The efect of NPs on liver injury was evaluated through biochemical, immunological, histopathological examination and fow cytometry technique. Mel-PLGA NPs were smooth and spherical with no signs of aggregation and have in vitro antioxidant, anti-infammatory and anticoagulant efects. NPs varied in size from 87 to 96 nm in transmission electron microscope images, while their hydrodynamic diameter was 41 nm and their zeta potential was −6 mV. Mel-PLGA NPs had encapsulation efciency (EE%) and drug loading (DL%) of 59.9 and 12.5%, respectively. Treatment with Mel-PLGA NPs ameliorated all histopathological changes, in liver sections, that resulted from CCL4 administration; where, liver sections of treated groups were similar to those of healthy control GI. NPs administration were superior to free Mel and reversed the elevated levels of liver function enzymes, infammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases to their normal levels. Moreover, liver sections of groups treated with NPs showed negative immunostaining for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and C-reactive protein indicating their anti- infammatory behavior. Mel-PLGA NPs signifcantly protected liver from the toxicity of CCL4. The efective dose of NPs was 5 mg/kg indicating a reduction in the required Mel dose and its associated adverse efects.
Melatonin relieves diabetic complications and regenerates pancreatic beta cells by the reduction in NF-kB expression in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats Melatonin: anti-diabetic drug
(Elsevier, 22/05/2022) Farid, Alyaa; Moussa, Passant; Youssef, Manar; Haytham, Merna; Shamy, Ali; Safwat, Gehan
Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone, has many regulatory effects on the circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep and body immune system. It is used in the treatment of blind circadian rhythm sleep disorders, delayed sleep phase and insomnia. It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger, helpful in fighting infectious disease and cancer treatment. Decreased level of circulating melatonin was associated with an increased blood glucose level, losing the anti-oxidant protection and anti-inflammatory responses. We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration, in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, on blood glucose level and pancreatic beta (β) cells. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague dawley male rats by the intravenous (i.v) injection of 65 mg/kg of STZ. Diabetic rats received melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks by oral routes. The results showed, after 8 weeks of melatonin administration, a reduction in: 1- fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fructosamine (FTA) levels, 2- kidney and liver function parameters, 3- levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-C, 4- malondialdehyde (MDA), 5- NF-κB expression in treated group, 6- pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgE and IgG). Furthermore, an elevation in insulin secretion was noticed in melatonin treated group that indicated beta cells regeneration. Therefore, melatonin administration, in STZ induced diabetic rats; reduced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Melatonin acted as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA). Melatonin succeeded in protecting β cells under severe inflammatory situations, which was apparent by the regeneration of islets of Langerhans in treated diabetic rats. Moreover, these results can open a gate for diabetes management and treatment.
Novel grape seed extract nanoparticles attenuate amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
(Springer Open, 2023-11) Farid, Alyaa; Mohamed, Dina; Mostafa, Dina; Tarek, Rawan; Sherif, Viola; Safwat, Gehan
Amikacin (AMK), an antibiotic, is prescribed for treating various bacterial diseases like urinary tract infections, encephalitis, asthma and joint infections. The most significant side effects, which affect 1 to 10% of consumers, are kidney injury and ototoxicity. Several studies discussed the role of grape seed extract (GSE) in renoprotection against AMK. The current study aimed to extract Muscat of Alexandria grape seeds followed by its characterization to determine its bioactive components and elements. GSE nanoparticles was prepared and tested, in vitro, to determine its safety for the in vivo experiment. Experimental groups were control group I, AMK group II, GSE (50 mg/kg)-AMK group III, GSE (100 mg/kg)-AMK group IV, GSE NPs (25 mg/kg)-AMK group V and GSE NPs (50 mg/ kg)-AMK group VI. Groups 2–6 received 100 mg/kg/day of AMK by intramuscular injection for two weeks for the induction of experimental nephrotoxicity. Groups 3–6 received daily doses of GSE or GSE NPs by oral gavage, concurrently, with AMK for two weeks. GSE was rich in polyphenol compounds like proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids like gallic and egallic acids, catechine and epicatechine. GSE NPs have a smooth surface and a size that ranged from 40 to 70 nm; and have an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cytotoxic and anti-microbial in vitro effects. It reduced oxidative stress and inflammation that followed AMK administration; and attenuated the AMK- induced nephrotoxicity. GSE NPs were safe to be used in vivo as a renoprotective agent against AMK; where, it reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation.