Introduction: Fascioliasis, a significant global zoonotic disease caused by trematode parasites of the genus Fasciola, affects various livestock species. Aim: This study aimed to identify demographic, epidemiological, clinical manifestations, pathological, and genetic characteristics in New Valley, Egypt’s human, and cattle populations.

Methods: This study is made of two parts, the first part is a cohort study of 1000 cattle slaughtered at three abattoirs in El Kharja, El Dakhilah, and El Farafra from February 2023 to January 2024. A retrospective analysis of patients visiting El Kharja hospital with clinical symptoms and confirmed with coprological and radiological examinations.

Results: The study revealed a high prevalence in cattle (23%) and humans (3.6%). Enrolled human fascioliasis was diagnosed in 58.3% and 41.7% by coprological and radiological analysis, respectively. A 66.7% of enrolled cases were females, with a median age range of 37 ± 13 years old. Treatment outcomes demonstrated a response of 25%, 50%, and 25% to single, two, and three doses of the treatment, respectively. In cattle, infection rate was 20.0% in females compared to 24.9% in males with low prevalence in animals <1 year (12.7%) and high in animals >3 years (30.4%). Autumn had the highest prevalence (28.7%), whereas summer had the lowest prevalence (18.0%). A significant difference in the prevalence of fasciolasis was observed between human and animals. Morphological and histopathological analysis elucidated acute and chronic manifestations of hepatic fascioliasis with ectopic migration to cattle lung tissue. Genetic characterization of ectopic worm confirmed Fasciola hepatica infection, with genetic similarity to human isolates from Iran.

Discussion: The study highlights the importance of one health approach in understanding and managing fascioliasis. 

Introduction: Glyphosate-Based Herbicide (GBHs) are widely used worldwide,
this study investigated the ameliorative effect of Aloe Vera against GBHs hepatic
toxicity in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Actions, with a focus on
DNA damage and apoptosis.
Methods: Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly classified into four
groups: Group I, represented as a control. In group II, rats were administered
500 mg/kg of Roundup herbicide as one of GBHs. In Group III, rats were
administered 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, and finally, in Group IV, rats were coadministered with 500 mg/kg of Roundup and 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, orally,
three times a week for 6 weeks.
Results and Discussion: Rats exposed to GBH showed significant oxidative
stress, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the reduced
glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside increased the inflammatory markers (TNF-
α and IL-1β). Liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH) were markedly elevated,
and comet assay results revealed substantial DNA fragmentation in hepatocytes.
Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical overexpression of
caspase-3 confirmed the liver pathological lesions and apoptosis, respectively.
Co-administration of Aloe Vera with GBH significantly alleviated the biochemical,
histopathological, and apoptotic alterations, but it did not fully reverse the DNA
damage. These findings suggest that Aloe Vera may offer partial hepatoprotection
against GBH toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
 

Lung cancer (LC) primarily affects men and is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Treatment for LC involves many phases, each with specific challenges arising from the characteristics of malignancy and the limitations of chemotherapy. GSK-3β, a serine/threonine kinase factor, is essential for several signals that control important cellular functions and a variety of diseases, including cancer. GSK-3β regulates transcription factors through phosphorylation, which in turn activates signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB. These signaling pathways might affect LC. Additionally, targeting GSK-3β offers a promising approach to overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy. Inhibiting GSK-3β has been demonstrated to boost chemotherapy sensitivity, making cancer cells more responsive to treatment, while also suppressing their growth and survival. We provide an in-depth analysis of scientific literature that investigates the manner in which inhibiting GSK-3β with various compounds might be used to treat, impede, and improve the therapeutic response in LC cells. Next, we suggested that GSK-3β inhibition might be a therapeutic option to increase patient survival in patients with LC. For this reason, further studies on this subject will be required in the coming years.

Green-synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNP) have attracted considerable attention for use as aqua-feed supplements. The effect of ZnNPs on cellular energy, amino acid metabolism, and gene expression of major histocompatibility-II (MHC-II) is poorly understood. Our study explored the effect of dietary ZnNPs supplementation on hepatic function and overall health status. Farmed Nile tilapia cultured in a hapa-culturing system were fed ZnNPs with two ascending doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg dry feed for 8 weeks. Liver function enzymes, hepatic energy, amino acid profiles, gene expression analysis, and hepatic morphom etry were evaluated. Non-significant changes were observed in the estimated biochemi cal indices, and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activ ity was recorded in ZnNPs60 mg/kg dry feed compared to the control non-supplemented f ish. Hepatic energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and CoQ10 were increased (P < 0.05) in the supplemented groups, whereas adenosine monophosphate (AMP) showed the opposite trend. The hepatic amino acid profile indicates the selectivity of dietary ZnNPs in modulat ing specific protein-metabolic pathways. A higher relative expression of IL-1β, along with no statistical changes in IL-10, HSP70, and MHC-II, was recorded. Normal liver histology and a significant dose-dependent increase in mean hepatocytic area were observed. Our results suggest that incorporating ZnNPs as a functional Nile tilapia supplement is benefi cial. However, further comparative investigations of different fish species are required to determine the optimal dose

Diabetic nephropathy is recognized as the predominant cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. In reaction to metabolic stress, the peptide hormone spexin-14, is synthesized in both central and peripheral tissues. Its level is reduced in type II diabetes mellites and may play a role in glucose metabolism. However, in the context of DN, the mechanisms through which spexin exerts its effects remain largely unknown. This research employed a rat model of DN to explore the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms associated with spexin treatment. For the development of this experimental model, rats were subjected to an eight-week regimen of a high-fat, high-fructose diet prior to receiving a single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight). Subsequently, spexin was administered subcutaneously on a daily basis for a duration of eight weeks at a dosage of 50 µg/kg body weight. The evaluation methods employed encompassed renal function assessments, macromorphological examinations, histopathological evaluations, and analyses of inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining for NF-kB and E-cadherin, along with PCR analysis of mTOR, Bcl2, and Bax gene expressions in renal tissues, were conducted. Following the administration of spexin to the diabetic rats, there was a significant reduction in serum levels of glucose, urea, creatinine, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), alongside a marked restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, a significant decline in the levels of NF-κB, mTOR, and Bax was noted and accompanied with increased expressions of Bcl-2 and E-cadherin proteins. The observed improvements in histopathological changes significantly corroborated the biochemical results. In summary, spexin has proven to be effective in alleviating DN by its capacity to mitigate metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.