Echinatin alleviates sepsis severity through modulation of the NF-κB and MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

Sepsis, a frequently fatal condition, emerges from an exaggerated inflammatory response to infection, resulting in multi-organ dysfunction and alarmingly high mortality rates. Despite the urgent need for effective treatments, current therapeutic options remain limited to antibiotics, with no other efficacious alternatives available. Echinatin (Ecn), a potent bioactive compound extracted from the roots and rhizomes of licorice, has gained significant attention for its broad pharmacological properties, particularly its ability to combat oxidative stress.

Histological and transcriptional effects of androstenedione in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

As a natural androgen, androstenedione (AED) may pose potential risks to aquatic organisms due to its ubiquitousness in aquatic environments. Here we assessed the adverse effects of AED on histology of gonads, as well as mRNA expression levels of 34 genes concerned with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, germ-cell differentiation and sex differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult zebrafish were exposed to solvent control and three measured concentrations of 0.

Transgenerational effects of heavy fuel oil on the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius considering oxidative stress biomarkers.

Stranding of oil onto a coastline after an oil spill threatens the health of marine benthic organisms. Here, the transgenerational effects of exposure to stranded heavy fuel oil (HFO) on the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius were assessed. The column containing gravel coated with HFO was prepared in the laboratory to simulate HFO-contaminated gravel shorelines.

Parental exposure to heavy fuel oil induces developmental toxicity in offspring of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

The present study investigated the toxic effects of parental (maternal/paternal) exposure to heavy fuel oil (HFO) on the adult reproductive state, gamete quality and development of the offspring of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. Adult sea urchins were exposed to effluents from HFO-oiled gravel columns for 7 days to simulate an oil-contaminated gravel shore, and then gametes of adult sea urchins were used to produce embryos to determine developmental toxicity. For adult sea urchins, no significant difference in the somatic size and weight was found between the various oil loadings tested, while the gonad weight and gonad index were significantly decreased at higher oil loadings.

ERCC2 polymorphisms and radiation-induced adverse effects on normal tissue: systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Background: The relationship between ERCC2 polymorphisms and the risk of radiotoxicity remains inconclusive. The aim of our study is to systematically evaluate the association between ERCC2 polymorphisms and the risk of radiotoxicity.

Methods: Publications were identified through a search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to August 15, 2015.