This study investigated the individual and combined effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and lead (Pb) stress on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings. Treatments included EMF alone and three Pb concentrations (250, 500, and 750 µM PbCl2), applied singly or in combination, to evaluate impacts on growth, physiological traits, biochemical responses, and Pb accumulation. Plant height, pods per pot, total chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and protein contents were measured after 30 days, along with Pb content in plant tissues (µg g−1 dry weight). Pb stress caused strong dose-dependent reductions in growth and biochemical traits, with the most severe inhibition at 500 and 750 µM. EMF alone produced moderate suppression; however, under Pb stress, EMF significantly modified responses, as supported by significant EMF × Pb interactions for plant height, shoot soluble sugars, root protein, pods per pot, and Pb accumulation (two-way ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). Pb accumulation increased with increasing Pb concentration, but EMF consistently reduced tissue Pb content compared with Pb-only treatments at the same Pb level, indicating that EMF altered Pb uptake and/or internal distribution. Despite the reduction in Pb accumulation, combined EMF + Pb exposure resulted in the greatest impairment of growth, carbohydrate status, protein content, and yield at higher Pb levels. These findings demonstrate that Pb toxicity is the primary driver of chickpea growth inhibition, while EMF reshapes Pb stress responses in a concentration-dependent manner and antagonizes Pb accumulation under the conditions tested.
PurposeThis study examines the impact of water stress on public health and the environment, employing robust econometric methods.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis draws on panel data from 33 countries over 20 years. These countries have experienced significant water stress over the past decade. We empirically validate the hypothesis that water stress affects both public health and the environment, employing System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), and Driscoll-Kraay estimators as an econometric technique.FindingsThe results reveal that water stress has significant adverse effects on both public health and the environment. Based on the findings, integrated water resource management policies should be prioritized to protect both public health and the environment. Emphasis should be placed on efficient water use, improved infrastructure, and conservation practices to mitigate the risks associated with water stress.Originality/valueThe approach of combining water stress indicators with health and environmental metrics enables this study to offer an integrated framework that guides evidence-based policy interventions.
Valsartan (Val)-a lipophilic non-peptide angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist-is highly effective against hypertension and displaying limited solubility in water (3.08 μg/mL), thereby resulting in low oral bioavailability (23%). The limited water solubility of antihypertensive drugs can pose a challenge, particularly for rapid and precise administration. Herein, we synthesize and characterize valsartan-containing silver nanoparticles (Val-AgNPs) using Mangifera indica leaf extracts. The physicochemical, structural, thermal, and pharmacological properties of these nano-conjugates were established through various analytical and structural tools. The spectral shifts in both UV-visible and FTIR analyses indicate a successful interaction between the valsartan molecule and the silver nanoparticles. The resulting nano-conjugates are spherical and within the size range of 30-60 nm as revealed in scanning electron-EDS and atomic force micrographs. The log-normal distribution of valsartan-loaded nanoparticles, with a size range of 30 to 60 nm and a mode of 54 nm, indicates a narrow, monodisperse, and highly uniform particle size distribution. This is a favorable characteristic for drug delivery systems, as it leads to enhanced bioavailability and a consistent performance. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis of the Val-AgNPs indicates a polydisperse sample with a tendency toward aggregation, resulting in larger effective sizes in the suspension compared to individual nanoparticles. The accompanying decrease in zeta potential (to -19.5 mV) and conductivity further supports the idea that the surface chemistry and stability of the nanoparticles changed after conjugation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated the melting onset of the valsartan component at 113.99 °C. The size-dependent densification of the silver nanoparticles at 286.24 °C correspond to a size range of 40-60 nm, showing a significant melting point depression compared to bulk silver due to nanoscale effects. The shift in Rf for pure valsartan to Val-AgNPs suggests that the interaction with the AgNPs alters the compound's overall polarity and/or its interaction with the stationary phase, complimented in HPTLC and HPLC analysis. The stability and offloading behavior of Val-AgNPs was observed at pH 6-10 and in 40% and 80% MeOH. In addition, Val-AgNPs did not reveal hemolysis or significant alterations in blood cell indices, confirming the safety of the nano-conjugates for biological application. In conclusion, these findings provide a comprehensive characterization of Val-AgNPs, highlighting their potential for improved drug delivery applications.
Objective: The purpose of the present research was to assess the protective role of coffee in thioacetamide-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: The experimental period consisted of 18 weeks, divided into two phases. Four experimental groups were designed, each consisting of six rats. Group I was considered an untreated control group. Groups II and III were intraperitoneally injected with thioacetamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight twice a week for twelve weeks during the first phase of the study. In the second phase, group II received saline, and group III and group IV received 0.4 mg/Kg of coffee daily for six weeks. The biochemical analysis was evaluated by the estimation of plasma urea, uric acid, creatinine, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Results: Thiocetamide-induced nephrotoxicity resulted in the reduction of body weight, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, and an increase in kidney weight, plasma urea, uric acid, creatinine, and tissue malondialdehyde. Supplementation with coffee effectively increased body weight while reducing elevated levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine, and MDA. It also restored SOD and catalase activities in Group III (TAA + Coffee-treated). Conclusion: This work shows that coffee can protect the kidneys against thioacetamide-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. It highlights the antioxidant potential of coffee by its ability to restore enzymatic antioxidant activity (SOD and catalase), lower oxidative stress markers (MDA), and enhance renal function measures (urea, creatinine, and uric acid). The study fills a significant gap by demonstrating coffee as a viable natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stressinduced kidney impairment, providing an alternative to conventional treatments with fewer side effects.
INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of glibenclamide and magnesium sulfate in fructose-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS:An experimental T2DM model was established in female Sprague Dawley rats using a 20% fructose solution for 12 weeks. The effects of glibenclamide and magnesium sulfate were assessed on glycemic control, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and tissue macro- and trace-element levels. Biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS (version 22). RESULTS:Treatment with glibenclamide and magnesium sulfate significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum insulin, insulin resistance, amylase, triglycerides, total and free cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron levels. Conversely, both agents markedly increased body weight, serum HDL-C, hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and hepatic zinc and magnesium concentrations compared with the diabetic control group. DISCUSSION:The findings indicate that glibenclamide and magnesium sulfate effectively attenuated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and trace element disturbances induced by fructose feeding. Glibenclamide enhanced β-cell activity and insulin secretion, while magnesium sulfate improved insulin sensitivity, antioxidant defenses, and glucose homeostasis through modulation of the Nrf2 and PI3K/Akt pathways. CONCLUSION:Both glibenclamide and magnesium sulfate demonstrated significant protective and therapeutic effects against fructose-induced T2DM. Their combined ability to restore metabolic balance, enhance antioxidant capacity, and correct trace element deficiencies suggests potential clinical relevance of magnesium supplementation as an adjunct therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
