Introduction: Cancer remains a major global health concern, with chemotherapy being a cornerstone of treatment. However, chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are associated with severe side effects, including intestinal mucositis. Achillea millefolium, a medicinal plant with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been suggested as a potential protective agent against chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the ameliorative effects of A. millefolium on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7/group). Group 1 (control) received normal saline by gavage for nine days. Group 2 received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) on day five. Group 3 was administered A. millefolium extract (250 mg/kg, gavage) for nine consecutive days. Group 4 received both A. millefolium extract (250 mg/kg, gavage) and a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU. The villus-to-crypt ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) levels were evaluated. Results: Our study showed, 5-FU administration led to significant oxidative stress and severe intestinal mucosal damage. Body weight loss was pronounced in the 5-FU/saline group. Co-administration of A. millefolium extract with 5-FU significantly reduced oxidative stress, enhanced SOD activity, and improved the villus-to-crypt ratio compared to the 5-FU group. Conclusion: The findings indicated that A. millefolium possesses protective effects against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. These results suggest its potential role in mitigating chemotherapy-related side effects and enhancing patient outcomes.

ABSTRACT. The recent research focused on the green synthesis of silicon dioxide nanoparticles, SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites, and L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites using cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi as a new green polymeric surfactant. The structures of nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized by different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were utilized to determine the concentration of chromium, cadmium, and lead in COVID-19 patients using double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted surfactant enhanced dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Mean recoveries of chromium, cadmium, and lead were obtained in the range of 86-98% with relative standard deviations below 4%. The advantages of the proposed method are green and novel polymer surfactant with low detection limit. Finally, antibacterial activities were investigated. The maximum inhibition zone of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites was obtained for Staphylococcus Aureus (21.9±0.4 mm). L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites have low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells. These results indicated the potential ability of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites in the determination of metal concentrations in biological samples along with good antibacterial properties and cytotoxic properties. KEY WORDS: Green synthesis, Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi, Silicon dioxide nanoparticles, COVID-19, Biological activity Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(2), 265-276. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i2.2

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), and gold-zinc oxide nanocomposites (AuZnONCs) obtained natural fiber (NF) of phoenix dactylifera L. seeds (PDS) were biosynthesized. Natural fibers of phoenix dactylifera L. seeds that act as stabilizing agents and capping agents. Phytochemical properties of Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds extracts are studied. NFPDS- AuNPs, NFPDS- ZnONPs, and NF PDS - AuZnONCs were characterized by different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. NFPDS - AuNPs, NFPDS - ZnONPs, and NFPDS - AuZnONCs successfully biosynthesized. Mean particle sizes of NFPDS - AuNPs, NFPDS - ZnONPs, and NFPDS - AuZnONCs were less than 35 +/- 5 nm with semi-spherical or spherical shapes. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity properties and antibacterial activity of these nanocomposites and phoenix dactylifera L. seeds against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. NFPDS- AuNPs, NFPDS- ZnONPs, and NF PDS - AuZnONCs showed >71% cell viability and minimal cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. NFPDS - AuNPs, NFPDS - ZnONPs, and NFPDS - AuZnONCs had the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 19.1 +/- 1.5 mu g /mL, 14.5 +/- 1.1 mu g /mL, and 32.2 +/- 2.2 mu g /mL, respectively. The maximum inhibition zones NFPDS - AuZnONCs obtained for, Klebsiella pneumoniae at (16.9 +/- 0.2 mm) at concentration 500 mu gmL (-1). The maximum inhibition zones obtained with NFPDS - AuZnONCs was higher than that obtained with tetracycline. In MCF-7 cells, green nanoparticles displayed dosedependent cytotoxicity. According to the results of a study, NFPDS - AuZnONCs of Phoenix dactylifera L. extracts have significant anticancer properties.

In the present study, a simple and rapid method for biosynthesis of Cellulose Nanofibers@ L-lysine @ Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) using Russian Artemisia extract (RAE) was applied. Antibacterial activity of Cellulose Nanofibers@ L-lysine @SiO2NPs @ RAE nanocomposite (CNF@Lys@SiO2@RAENC) and RAE was evaluated against Staphylococcus Aureus, Proteus Mirabilis, and Escherichia Coli. The maximum inhibition zone of Cellulose Nanofibers@ L-lysine @ Silicon dioxide @ RAE nanocomposites was obtained for Staphylococcus Aureus (21.2 +/- 0.1 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of nanocomposites against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus were determined. MIC and MBC for both bacteria were 15.6 mu gmL-1 and 62.5 mu gmL-1, respectively. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of Cellulose Nanofibers@ Silicon dioxide @ RAE nanocomposites with L-lysine as a drug delivery system on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was determined using MTT assay and its result showed that the nanocomposite has more cytotoxic effect than RAE against MCF-7 cell line. The advantages of this method include simple, rapid biosynthesis, and maximum inhibition zone at a low concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the biosynthesis of CNF@Lys@SiO2@RAENC as well as its cytotoxic and antibacterial activities.

Background: Alpinia officinarum is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which is widely cultivated in Asia and traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihyperlipidemic qualities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract (AORE) on cisplatin (CP)-induced hepato-toxicity in rats.Methods: Forty-four male rats were divided into six groups including the control group, AORE control group, CP control group, and three groups of CP (7 mg/kg dose, on the 10th day) with AORE (at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, daily for 14 days). After 14 days, the rats' livers were removed and their liver function was assessed using biochemical marker enzymes including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and albumin, total protein, and total bilirubin (T. bilirubin). Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating malondialdehyde con-centration and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests were also conducted.Results: Results demonstrated that treatment with AORE reduced the toxicity in levels of the hepatic biomarkers in cp-induced groups. AORE treatment decreased oxidative stress and improved histopathological indexes. Furthermore, immunohistochemical (IHC) investigation showed the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) upsurging and p53 downregulating expression exhibiting the recovery following AORE administration.Conclusion: The founding suggested that AORE administration has positive biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical impacts on the ameliorating of hepatotoxicity in CP-induced rats.

OBJECTIVE:In this study we evaluated the influence of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract (AO) on the alleviation of testicular damage induced by cisplatin in rats.METHODS:The study groups included the control group, AO-administered group, cisplatin-administered group, and three groups administered with cisplatin and AO (different concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). On the 14th day we removed the testes of the rats, and the testicular organ parameters were measured. Moreover, through the malondialdehyde concentration we assessed the oxidative stress and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the testes and ran a histopathological analysis.RESULTS:The results demonstrated that cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and severe testicular damage on the AO-administered group showed no harm compared with the control group. AO- treatment in cisplatin-received rats led to the reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of SOD activity, and prevention of testicular damage. The lowest testis damage was attributed to the group which received 400 mg/kg of AO compared to 100 and 200 mg/kg.CONCLUSIONS:Overall, the Cis+/AO+400 group had the best antioxidant effect. The findings could lead to changes in cancer care guidelines that incorporate phytochemicals, making cancer therapies safer.

Nanoparticles and nanocomposites with low concentration in the body are non-toxic and can be suitable alternative to antibiotics. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and silver-gold nanocomposite (Ag-Au NCs) were synthesized for the first time using galangin (GA) from Suaeda maritima (SM). A simple method was studied and optimized for the biosynthesis of AuNPs, AgNPs, and Ag-Au NCs using GA of SM. A variety of phytochemical compounds found in SM, such as phenols, convert metal into ions and serve as capping agents. The SM phytochemical analysis indicates a high concentration of GA in leaf shell extract, which is a flavonoid with anti-tumor properties. Characterization of GASMAuNPs, GASMAgNPs, and GASMAg-Au NCs was performed using a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Based on transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, the size of the GASM-Ag-AuNCs (45 nm), GASM-AgNPs (50 nm) and GASM-AuNPs (7 nm) and was spherical. The cytotoxicity effects of these nanoparticles and nanocomposites on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines were studied. GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs reduced the cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli. GA-SM-Ag-Au NCs had maximum inhibition zones for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The maximum inhibition zones observed with GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs were higher than clindamycin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 15.6 μgmL−1. GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs have powerful antimicrobial potential, while having less cytotoxicity at low concentrations. The GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs reduced the cytotoxicity effects on MCF-7. This study showed that GASM-Ag-AuNCs synthesized using GA of SM has antibacterial and anticancer properties with fewer side effects and significant efficacy, which can be effective as a potential therapy in the future.

A biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) is investigated by using Punica granatum (PG) fruit peels as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). As a first step, the phytochemical properties of (PG) were evaluated as reducing agents and as control agents for nanocomposites. The second step involved biosynthesizing PG–CNC–ZnONPs using a simple and rapid method, which was then confirmed by spectroscopy and microscopy. In addition, the antibacterial activity of PG–CNC–ZnONPs was tested against S. aureus, E.coli, S. typhi, and S.flexneri in vitro. E. coli and S. flexneri had zones of inhibition (mean values) of 14.19 mm and 14.16 mm, respectively, for PG–CNC–ZnONPs. For PG–CNC–ZnONPs, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) that completely inhibited the growth of S. aureus was 250 μg/mL, while for E. coli, S. flexneri, and S. typhi the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) was achieved at 125 μg/mL, 31.2 μg/mL, and 15.6 μg/mL respectively. Moreover, the results of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) also showed that S. typhi had the lowest MBC (31.2 μg/mL) of all tested strains. The current work has the advantages of simplicity, a low particle size, a high concentration of Zn, and maximum inhibition zones.

Background and Objectives: Nanoparticles and nanocomposites in low concentrations can be a suitable alternative to antibiotics. In this study, for the first time, silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites were synthesized from the cellulose of Barhi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds. Methods: In this study, the chemical compounds of Berhi date palm seed extract (such as phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid) were first assessed, and silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites were synthesized. The properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated using different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The antibacterial activity of the extract and silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites was investigated against standard strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxicity of the extract and nanocomposites against breast cancer cells MCF-7 and normal cells MCF-10A were finally evaluated. Results: In the extract, there were high concentrations of flavonoids and phenols. Based on scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the size of synthesized nanocomposites was 20±5 nm with a spherical shape. The diameter of the inhibition zones was 21.3±0.5 mm and 19.4±0.7 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, respectively. According to the MTT assay results, the nanocomposites were more cytotoxic to MCF-7 breast cancer cells than normal cells MCF-10A. Conclusion: The synthesized zinc oxide-silver nanocomposites have antibacterial and anticancer properties with fewer side effects and significant efficacy, which can be used as a potential therapy in the future.

During the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, some reports were presented based on those nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids may exacerbate symptoms in COVID-19 patients. According to this, we aimed to collate information available in published articles to identify any evidence behind these statements with the aim of helping clinicians on how best to treat patients. We could not find published conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, there appeared to be some evidence that corticosteroids may be beneficial if utilized in the early acute phase of infection, however, conflicting WHO (World Health Organization) evidence surrounding corticosteroid use in certain viral infections means this evidence is not conclusive. Given the current availability of literature, caution should be exercised until further evidence emerges surrounding the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients. However, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is paramount.

An easy and rapid method has been investigated for the biosynthesis of gold–zinc oxide nanocomposites (Au–ZnO NCs) coated with L-lysine using Russian Artemisia leaf extract (RAL). The phytochemical analysis of RAL has shown a high concentration of total phenols and total flavonoids. Characterization of Au–ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL was performed using a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). EDS analysis revealed high-purity gold and zinc in Au–ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL. Based on the SEM and TEM results, the size of the nanocomposite was 40 ± 5 nm and it was spherical in shape. The analysis of EDS, FESEM and TEM confirmed the XRD pattern. An MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic effect of Au–ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL and RAL on A549 lung cancer cells. The results indicated moderate anticancer properties with IC50 values of 1301.11 ± 10.6 and 1005. 6 ± 9.7 μM for RAL and Au–ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL, respectively. Au–ZnO​ NCs@L-lysine@RAL, which was synthesized by a simple and rapid green method, could be investigated as a new drug delivery system.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia that results from inadequacies in secreting insulin and/or the action of insulin. Increased exposure to particulate matter at high concentrations is associated with increased mortality in heart diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of insulin and crocin on cardiac electrophysiological parameters, blood pressure, and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats exposed to the total suspended particulate (TSP). Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=60) with bodyweight between 200 and 250 g were divided into 10 experimental groups (6 animals per group): control, crocin, diabetic, TSP (5 mg/kg TSP, intratracheal instillation), diabetic-crocin, diabetic-insulin, diabetic-TSP, crocin-TSP, diabetic-TSP-insulin, and diabetic-TSP-crocin. The effects of chronotropic (heart rate), inotropic (QRS voltage), and dromotropic (P-R intervals and QTc intervals) were evaluated with standard bipolar limb lead II. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were recorded with the tail cuff. Antioxidant and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes were also measured. Results: The diabetic groups and groups exposed to TSP experienced a deleterious effect on cardiac electrophysiological parameters and blood pressure, with a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These changes were improved with crocin and insulin. Conclusions: In this work, the protective role of crocin and insulin alone was observed in diabetic groups and groups exposed to TSP by improving the electrophysiological parameters of the heart, blood pressure, and oxidative stress.

Introduction: In COVID-19 patients, those with underlying disease are relatively more susceptible to respiratory viral infections and are more likely to develop severe symptoms compared to people without underlying disease. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-17 in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patients with underlying disease. Patients and Methods: Serum samples were collected before administration of any antiviral and/or immunosuppressive drug. Around 64 adult patients with COVID-19 and 12 adult patients with underlying disease were compared with 16 healthy subjects as controls. The cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method and the statistical analysis was carried out using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The average levels of these cytokines in the severe group were significantly higher than those in the mild and control group (r=0.48, P<0.016); it is worth noting that patients with underlying disease also displayed a higher level of these cytokines than those with mild and control groups ( r = 0.283, P<0.049). No significant differences were observed between severe and other patients with underlying disease and also between mild and control groups. Conclusion: Our data indicate that IL-17 and IL-8 are involved in inducing and mediating proinflammatory responses and that the elevated level of these inflammatory cytokines could be the effective ground in the severity of COVID-19 and being susceptible in people with underlying disease. Thus, providing a platform of inflammatory signature cytokines in COVID-19 patients with underlying co-morbidities or without as well as in non-COVID-19 patients with underlying diseases might provide a promising solution to COVID-19 disease.

Introduction: Respiratory tract infections consist of many diseases such as colds, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, influenza and respiratory diseases. Therefore, this meta-analysis study was performed to assay the effect of zinc, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin C on respiratory tract infections. Methods: In this systematic review of data on the effects of zinc, selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C on respiratory tract infections in the last 20 years in the world (20102001) with a review of 30 studies (5351 cases) including English and Persian articles, Reputable domestic and foreign sites were performed. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis. Finding: The odds ratio of respiratory tract infections in vitamin D users was estimated to be 0.797 (confidence interval 95%, 0.808-0.786). The Rate of odds of respiratory infections in consumers of vitamin C, 0.0496 (confidence interval 95%, 0.55-1.441) was estimated. The odds ratio of respiratory infections in zinc users was estimated to be 0.437 (confidence interval 95, 0.51-0.366). The odds ratio of respiratory tract infections in selenium users was estimated to be 0.624 (confidence interval 95, 0.696, 0.545). Results: Respiratory infections are seen in consumers of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, selenium. Proper use of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium is essential in addition to monitoring the epidemiology of regional respiratory infections.

In this study, a simple, low-cost, rapid, and eco-friendly approach for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) seed (CcAgNPs) was developed. Also, the anti-nociceptive properties of these synthesized AgNPs were evaluated in vivo. The CcAgNPs characterized using Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis of phytochemical components in the aqueous extract of cumin seeds showed high concentrations of total phenols and ascorbic acid and low concentrations of total flavonoids. The analysis of phytochemical components and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups responsible for the bioreduction of Ag+ to AgNPs. The UV–Vis absorbance spectrum of CcAgNPs showed a maximum wavelength at 442 nm. The analysis of TEM images showed a spherical shape with a size of less than 50 nm, while XRD spectra revealed the crystallinity of CcAgNPs. The analysis of anti-nociceptive properties of CcAgNPs showed that the first phase of formalin-induced pain was significantly reduced in the groups receiving 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg CcAgNPs compared with the controls and the group receiving 300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate (SS300). The second phase of formalin pain was also significantly reduced in the groups receiving 200 and 500 mg/kg CcAgNPs compared to the controls and SS300 group. Overall, we introduced a new AgNPs synthesized from cumin seeds (CcAgNPs) and showed their anti-nociceptive properties in the formalin-induced pain.

BACKGROUND:The effect of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was investigated on the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors in diabetic rats, and the effect of crocin and insulin was examined on these factors.METHODS:Fifty-four adult male wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups: control group, crocin group (received crocin, 50 mg/kg), diabetic group (received a single dose of alloxan at 120 mg/kg, IP), TSP group (5 mg/kg TSP instilled intratracheally), diabetic-crocin group (received crocin at 50 mg/kg after the induction of diabetes by alloxan (120 mg/kg)), diabetic-insulin group (received regular insulin (5 U/kg), crocin-TSP group (received crocin at 50 mg/kg, IP, and then 5 mg/kg TSP was instilled intratracheally), diabetic-TSP-insulin group (after receiving alloxan (120 mg/kg) and instilling TSP (5 mg/kg, intratracheally), a single dose (5 U/kg) of regular insulin), and diabetic-TSP-crocin group (after receiving alloxan (120 mg/kg) and instilling TSP (5 mg/kg, intratracheally), a single dose of crocin (50 mg/kg, IP)). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression of the mRNAs of apoptotic (Bax and Bcl2) and inflammatory mediators (TNFα, COX2, iNOS/eNOS) in Wistar rats.RESULTS:In diabetic and TSP groups the inflammatory factors and BAX/Bcl2 ratio significantly increased compared to the control group. In diabetic-TSP-insulin and diabetic-TSP-crocin, a significant decrease was observed in the rate of inflammatory factors and BAX/Bcl2 ratio.CONCLUSION:The results suggested that diabetes and exposure to TSP increase the rate of apoptosis and inflammation, and also demonstrated the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammation role of insulin and crocin.

In the current work, a rapid and simple dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method (DLLME) was used to determine Bisphenol A (BPA). High performance liquid chromatography with the photodiode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) coupled DLLME method was employed to analyze BPA in food samples packaged including cans, paper boxes, and glass jars. The calibration curve was obtained to be in the linear range 0.009-25 ngg(-1) with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9981. The mean relative standard deviations (RSDs) was of 5.2% (n = 3). The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method were obtained to be 0.001 ngg(-1) and 0.08 ng.g(-1), respectively. In sum, this method presents: A rapid, simple and efficient modified DLLME method was used to measure BPA in packaged foods. The advantages of this method were low detection limit, fast preparation, and high BPA recovery. The DLLME-HPLC method consists of low detection limit and high recoveries to determine BPA in samples. The results indicated that DLLME -HPLC-DAD was an applied method to measure BPA in food samples. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Background: Various fruits are discussed in many verses of the Qur'an. Fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, olives, figs, and dates are considered gifts from God because of their myriad benefits. On the other hand, these fruits play an essential role in treating diseases such as cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in developed countries, resulting in the uncontrollable division of cells. Due to high amounts of useful antioxidant compounds, these fruits kill cancer cells by stimulating cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and necroptosis. This review study investigates the anti-cancer properties of the fruits mentioned in the Quran from a cellular and molecular perspective. Methods: In this review study, conducted and available researches in databases such as ISI, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ISC, and SID have been used according to keywords. Results: We examined the association of these fruits with the mechanism of cell death in cancer cells. As a result of analyzing these fruits' anti-cancer properties, it has been found that they can play an essential role in cancer prevention and treatment via different molecular mechanisms. Conclusion: We found that the interpretations of the Holy Quran, which is the reference book in Islam, are entirely consistent with the new findings of medical sciences. So, there are many facts in the Quran that need further study and research.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract (AORE) on cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In this regard, 44 male rats were divided into six groups including the control group, AORE control group, CP control group, and three groups of CP (7 mg/kg dose, on the tenth day) with AORE (at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, daily for 14 days). After 14 days, the rats' livers were removed and their liver function was assessed using biochemical marker enzymes. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating malondialdehyde concentration and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and a histopathological test was also conducted. According to the results, the group treated with CP had severe liver damage and the group treated with AORE had no harm compared with the control group. Among the groups receiving CP and AORE (at different concentrations), the group with 200 mg/kg AORE showed the lowest liver damage compared to the other two groups.

OBJECTIVESIn this study, double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DVUDLLME) was applied to determine the concentration of vitamin B9, 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF) and vitamin B12 in human serum samples.METHODSHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with DVUDLLME was applied to analyze vitamins B in patients with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Then, significant variables were chosen and optimized using the hybrid Box-Behnken design and genetic algorithm.RESULTSThe detection limits of DVUDLLME-HPLC were 0.21 ng mL-1, 0.18 ng mL-1 and 55 pgmL-1 for vitamin B9, 5-MeTHF and vitamin B12, respectively. Subsequently, DVUDLLME-HPLC was applied to measure B vitamins and investigated their possible roles in susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Fifty-seven percent of the patients without an underlying disease have significantly lower serum vitamin B12 levels in comparison to controls.CONCLUSIONSThe advantages of this method are low detection limit, simple preparation, low retention time and the use of a cheaper technique instead of expensive mass detectors. The results suggest that vitamin B12 deficiency may decrease the immune system defenses against COVID-19 patients without an underlying disease and cause the disease to become severe. However, these works need a large population and further research, such as a randomized trial and a cohort study.