ASD is one of the most heterogeneous and diagnostically difficult neurodevelopmental disorders seen in paediatric practice, with the main features being significant impairments in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped, inflexible patterns of behaviour. A variety of genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors have been investigated with regard to its etiology, but no single mechanistic explanation of ASD has been found. Objectives: This study aimed to extensively characterize a focused panel of biochemical, neuroendocrine and immune parameters in a paediatric ASD population to better understand their possible contributions to disease initiation and progression. The study was conducted with a case-control design, and included 80 children aged 6 to 12 years, of which 40 had a validated diagnosis of ASD and 40 were neurotypical children matched for age. Serum was obtained from peripheral venous blood samples from each subject, and quantitative assays conducted for the following analytes: GABA, dopamine, serotonin, BDNF, NGF, IL-6, TNF-α, TSH, FT3, and FT4. Results: The children with ASD had significantly lower levels of both GABA and dopamine in their serum compared to healthy controls, while the levels of serotonin were surprisingly higher to a statistically significant extent. Significant upregulation of both neurotrophins, BDNF and NGF, was observed in the ASD group. Immunological profiling showed a significant and large increase in the level of TNF-α, while there was no significant difference in the level of IL-6 between the two groups. The thyroid hormone evaluation did not show any significant difference in TSH or FT3 levels, although the FT4 levels were significantly reduced in the autistic group compared to the healthy group. Conclusions: All these concurrent dysregulations suggest that ASD pathophysiology is driven by the interplay of several biological axes, and not a single molecular defect. The biochemical changes described herein could not only provide a better understanding of the mechanism of ASD but could also be used to develop reliable peripheral biochemical markers that can be used for early diagnosis and future pharmacological targets.

This study was designed to assess the capacity of Toxoplasma gondii to induce genetic alterations in the somatic bone marrow cells of female mice, as well as to examine the potential therapeutic role of bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) extract in reducing or alleviating these alterations. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to discover the active components in the bay leaf extract that may be advantageous in the treatment of toxoplasmosis. 42 female mice, each weighing an average of 20 to 30 grams, were given the parasite, which was taken from the placentas of aborted females. The mice were categorized into six groups, each consisting of three females. The initial group (negative control) was administered solely oil, whereas the subsequent group (positive control) was infected exclusively with the parasite. The four remaining groups were infected with the parasite and subsequently administered bay leaf extract at varying dosages (1, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) for a duration of 14 days. The results showed a significant decrease (P>0.05) in chromosomal abnormalities, including chromatid fragmentation, centromere fragmentation, and circular chromosome fragmentation, in the groups treated with bay leaf extract compared to the control group infected with the parasite. A significant increase in the mitotic index and a decrease in micronucleus frequency were also observed in the treated groups, indicating a protective and therapeutic effect of the bay leaf extract. Our findings confirm that bay leaf extract has the ability to mitigate the genetic damage caused by T, gondii in bone marrow cells.

Aquatic macrophytes play a critical role in the removal and sequestration of heavy metals from contaminated freshwater systems through bioaccumulation and phytoremediation processes. This study examines the capacity of two submerged aquatic plants, Ceratophyllum submersum and Ceratophyllum demersum, to accumulate nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) from aqueous environments. The study's findings showed physiological reactions such as lower protein content and a reduction in chlorophyll concentration, which affects photosynthesis. According to the study's findings, heavy metals have an impact on plants' evolutionary states through enzyme alterations, oxidative stress reactions, and pigmentation loss.

The present study was designed to describe of the morphological, histological, and immunohistochemical changes of the testis in local male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) postnatal period at age immature (45day), and mature(150day) with special emphasis on immunohistochemical-related components. This study was investigated to study the development of testis during postnatal periods. Thirty of male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of postnatal period in two age (45 days immature and 150 days mature), were used in this study. Samples were collected by purchasing them from veterinary clinics. They were admitted to the university (Al - Qasim Green University) animal house and monitored for good health for 15 days. Morphological study10 rabbits, histological study 10 rabbits and immunohistochemistry 10rabbits (5for each age). The rabbits were then placed on the dissection stage after anesthesia. The weights of the rabbits were measured using an electronic balance. The rabbits were in good health, and the testicles were cut in the perineum after dissection. nAt age immature (45 day) the testis of male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) showed that located intra-abdominally on both sides near the kidneys, and the scrotum was not clearly developed. The testes appeared curved and elongated in shape with a dark brown coloration. Morphometrically, differences were observed between the left and right testes. The mean weight of the left testis was low with noticeable variation, while the right testis showed a lower mean weight with slight variation. The mean length of the left testis was greater with small variation, compared with a shorter length with small variation for the right testis. The mean width was larger with minimal variation for the left testis and smaller with minimal variation for the right testis.

Background: Oxidative stress is a key driver in the pathogenesis of oxidative-stress associated diseases, notably streptozotocin (STZ) induced-diabetes which is typically producen progressive pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) are rich sources of plant polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids that have antioxidant properties, but whether chia can protect against STZ-mediated beta-cell injury in rabbits had yet to be shown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective and therapeutic efficacy of chia seed ethanolic extract (CSEE) on pancreatic β-cell integrity, antioxidant status and some key biochemical indices in STZ- induce diabetic rabbits. Materials and Methods: Fourty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each): Group I (negative control, healthy), Group II (positive control STZ-induced diabetes) group III (CSEE treatment, oral at 400 mg/kg/day), and Group IV (CSEE prevention with STZ). A single intravenous injection of STZ (65 mg/kg) was performed to induce the diabetes. Animals were observed for 8 weeks. Both serum glucose, insulin, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), amylase and lipase were assayed. Histopathological examination of the pancreatic tissues. Results: Fasting blood glucose, MDA, serum amylase and lipase were significantly higher (p < 0.001)—whereas insulin and T-AOC were lower compared with healthy controls for STZ-induced diabetic rabbits. CSEE treatment significantly attenuated these parameters in the direction of normalization (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination showed abundant necrosis of islets, vacuolation in beta cells, and inflammatory infiltration in the diabetic group but were significantly alleviated in CSEE-treated animals. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of chia seed protects the antioxidant and cytotoxic stress in STZ-induced diabetic rabbits, demonstrating its potential value as a natural adjunct to diabetes mellitus.

Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases and often involve dysregulation of thyroid hormone production and immune responses. The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene plays a critical role in regulating thyroid gland function. Alterations in TSHR gene expression may contribute to the development of thyroid dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate TSHR gene expression levels in patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism compared with healthy controls. Sixty individuals were included and divided into three groups: hyperthyroid patients (n = 20), hypothyroid patients (n = 20), and healthy control subjects (n = 20). TSHR gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference (P < 0.01) among the studied groups. The hyperthyroid group showed significantly higher TSHR gene expression (3.4988 ± 1.3906) compared with the hypothyroid group (0.6509 ± 0.2462) and the control group (1.1190 ± 0.4155). These findings indicate that increased TSHR gene expression may be associated with hyperthyroid conditions and could play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Background: Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) are frequently observed in major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, contributing to increased illness burden, diagnostic complexity, and poorer functional outcomes. Aim: To assess and compare the prevalence, severity, and clinical correlates of OCS in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry at Geetanjali Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, over a period of 6 months. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were included using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured proforma and assessed using standard diagnostic criteria (DSM-5/ICD-10) and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The majority of patients were in the 51–60 years age group (36%), with male predominance (56%). Schizophrenia (52%) and bipolar disorder (48%) were almost equally represented. OCS were present in 36% of patients. Among them, 16% had mild, 12% moderate, and 8% severe symptoms. OCS were more prevalent in schizophrenia (46.15%) compared to bipolar disorder (25%), with statistically significant association (p < 0.05). Conclusion: OCS are common and clinically significant in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, particularly in schizophrenia. Routine screening and integrated management are essential for improving patient outcomes.