Incense smoke exposure augments systemic oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in male albino rats.

Incense smoke is reported to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in exposed individuals. However, the mechanism underlying the toxic effect of incense smoke on cardiovascular system is unclear. To test this, we chronically exposed male albino rats to two different types of Arabian incense smoke and studied their effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial function.

Integrated control of white rot disease on beans caused by using Contans® and reduced fungicides application.

This study was conducted to determine the compatibility of Contans® () with fungicides against . Results showed that both Contans® and Topsin® significantly reduced the disease incidence caused by by 90% and 95% survival plants, respectively when they were individually applied and compared to control. While, soil application of Contans® and Sumisclex mixture was the most effective in suppressing the white rot disease incidence that produced 100% survival plants, application of combined with the reduced doses of fungicides would be advantageous in saving labor cost, thus increasing production efficiency of bean.

Deleterious effects of incense smoke exposure on kidney function and architecture in male albino rats.

Context: Previous studies, including ours, have shown adverse effects of incense smoke on human health. However, the effect of incense smoke on kidney function and structure remains unknown.

Objective: To evaluate possible adverse effects of incense smoke on kidney function and architecture in albino rats after chronic exposure to Arabian incense.

Apolipoprotein C3 Gene Variants and Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Subjects.

Background: Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) is a major constituent of VLDL and is a modulator of triglyceride metabolism. Recent genetic studies have implicated several ApoC3 gene polymorphisms in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Considering the high prevalence of T2DM in Saudi Arabia, we sought to examine the possible association of ApoC3 gene variants with diabetes risk in Saudi population.

Ultrastructural changes, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered cardiac hypertrophic gene expressions in heart tissues of rats exposed to incense smoke.

Incense smoke exposure has recently been linked to cardiovascular disease risk, heart rate variability, and endothelial dysfunction. To test the possible underlying mechanisms, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, gene expressions of cardiac hypertrophic and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and ultrastructural changes were measured, respectively, using standard, ELISA-based, real-time PCR, and transmission electron microscope procedures in heart tissues of Wistar rats after chronically exposing to Arabian incense. Malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis alpha (TNF)-α, and IL-4 levels were significantly increased, while catalase and glutathione levels were significantly declined in incense smoke-exposed rats.