Adult Male Albino Rats Research Articles

Effect of acrylamide on urinary bladder of adult male albino rats (histological and Immuno-histochemical study)

Effect of acrylamide on urinary bladder of adult male albino rats (histological and Immuno-histochemical study)

Histological Study of the Possible Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis on Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)-induced Pulmonary Alveolar Changes in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Phthalates are known to be major environmental hazards. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a commonly used phthalate ester, is present in a variety of products. Humans can be exposed to DBP from various sources, which can release it into biological fluids and cause various health problems by penetrating different tissues in the body. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DBP on pulmonary alveoli in rats and to assess the mitigating influence of S. platensis. Methods: The study involved 30 young adult male albino rats, which were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each): control, group II (rats treated with phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight/day)), and group III (Spirulina-protected animals given phthalate ester (DBP; 50 mg/kg body weight + Spirulina (200 mg/kg body weight/day)). Results: The study revealed that alveolar tissues in the groups treated with DBP showed significant increases in collagen deposition and inflammatory cellular infiltration. Furthermore, the numbers of type-II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages were significantly increased. However, most of these effects were ameliorated by Spirulina platensis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Spirulina may have potentially beneficial effects on pulmonary alveoli by mitigating the toxic effects of DBP.

Aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale attenuates carbon tetrachloride induced hepatorenal injury in albino rats

The rising burden of liver and kidney diseases is taking a global dimension and could threaten public health with devastating consequences. Most patients cannot cope with the cost of conventional treatment particularly in developing nations, hence there is a dire need for a cheaply available but potent alternative in the management of hepatorenal disorders. This study therefore investigates the therapeutic potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rat model of hepatorenal toxicity. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were randomly divided equally into five groups. Groups I and II served as positive and negative control respectively and were administered with distilled water and CCl4 respectively. Group III and IV received a single intraperitoneal injection of 3 ml/kg b.w CCl4 and were post-treated with 50 mg/kg b.w. and 100 mg/kg b.w of Z. officinale extract respectively. Animals in group V were post-treated with standard drug (silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.)) after exposure to CCl4. Activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as levels of urea, uric acid and bilirubin were determined. Lipid profile as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in the serum and organs’ homogenates. Level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also assayed. Exposure to CCl4 caused a marked derangement in lipid profile, inhibition of CAT and SOD, increase in the levels of AST, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, urea and uric acid coupled with depletion in GSH level relative to control animals. Oral intervention of Z. officinale extract in CCl4-exposed animals resulted in the restoration of deranged lipid profiles, activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as liver and kidney biomarkers. The study suggests that Z. officinale has potentials that can be exploited for hepato-protection and nephroprotection.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Alleviates Hepatocytes Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Rats

BACKGROUND: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) uptake may primarily cause adverse effects by inducing oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation, and immune response. To date, there are limited studies investigating the adverse effect of TiO2 NPs on liver health and no studies found a naturally occurring compound able to ameliorate such effect. Thus, this study investigated alpha lipoic acid (ALA) potential for reversing the biochemical and histopathological changes that TiO2 NPs exposure causes in rat liver.METHODS: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into: control rats received distilled water, control rats treated with 50 mg/kg ALA, rats intoxicated with TiO2 NPs, and TiO2 NPs-intoxicated rats treated 50 mg/kg ALA. Rats were sacrificed before blood samples were collected to assess the liver function using parameters of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin and total protein. Liver tissue homogenates were prepared to assess hepatic antioxidant and oxidative stress using parameters of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver tissue sections were used for histopathological analysis and caspase-3 immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS: TiO2 NPs produced deleterious effects on rat liver tissue, as confirmed through biochemical results, caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and histological alterations. TiO2 NPs intoxication induced hepatocyte vacuolation, blood vessels congestion, biliary proliferation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. However, ALA treatment of TiO2 NPs-intoxicated rats significantly alleviated deleterious impact on the liver.CONCLUSION: Administration of 600 mg/kg TiO2 NPs to rats resulted in hepatic degenerative lesions, depletion of GSH, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, these changes were mitigated by ALA administration. Therefore, ALA offers protection against deleterious effects of TiO2 NPs intoxication.KEYWORDS: titanium dioxide nanoparticles, TiO2 NPs, hepatotoxicity, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), rat

Inhibitory effect of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry along with improvement of lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global challenge caused by a pandemic disease, named ‘COVID-19’ with no effective and selective therapy available so far. COVID-19-associated mortality is directly related to the inability to suppress the viral infection and the uncontrolled inflammatory response. So, we investigated the antiviral efficiency of the nanofabricated and well-characterized lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells. Lf-Zn-NPs showed potent inhibition of the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells by inhibition of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. This inhibitory activity of Lf-Zn-NPs to target the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE2 receptor offers potent protection against COVID-19 outbreaks. Moreover, the administration of Lf-Zn-NPs markedly improved lung fibrosis disorders, as supported by histopathological findings and monitored by the significant reduction in the values of CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer, with a remarkable rise in CD4+, lung SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels. Lf-Zn-NPs revealed therapeutic efficiency against lung fibrosis owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ACE2-inhibiting activities. These findings suggest a promising nanomedicine agent against COVID-19 and its complications, with improved antiviral and immunomodulatory properties as well as a safer mode of action.

Comparing the Efficacy of Carvedilol and Celecoxib to Prednisolone in Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Albino Rats

Ulcerative colitis refers to destruction of mucosal layer of distal colon and rectum. Exact mechanism for pathophysiology is still unclear but inflammation and oxidative stress may play a caustic role. Neutrophil and monocyte infiltration results in free radical generation which damages intestinal mucosa. Many treatments as steroids are used to reduce inflammation but cannot cause remission. Carvedilol is a third-generation nonselective β-blocker which possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce gastric ulceration. Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) inhibitor which decrease risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The current study was designed to compare the efficacy of carvedilol and celecoxib to prednisolone in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model. A total of 40 adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control group: Rats received 2 ml of saline transrectal. Acetic acid (AA) group: Rats were transrectal injected with 2ml acetic acid. Prednisolone +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with prednisolone in a dose 4mg/kg /day. Carvedilol +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with carvedilol in a dose 30 mg/kg/day. Celecoxib +AA group: Rats were pre-treated with celecoxib in a dose 5mg/kg/day. All drugs were given orally for 7 days. At end of experiment, distal colon was removed, one part of specimen was preserved in 10% formalin for histological examination and other part was homogenized for evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and mitogen-activated protein kinase ( p38 MAPK). Data of present study revealed that treatment of rats with carvedilol or celecoxib before induction of colitis significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, MDA, NO and mRNA level of p38 MAPK while both drugs increased GSH level. Protective effects of Carvedilol and celecoxib are due to anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and ability to decrease synthesis of MAPK which reduce cytokines signaling in epithelial cells of gut mucosa.

Study The Lung-Protective Effects of Riboflavin and Cyanocobalamin Against Lung Toxicity-Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytotoxic alkylating agent it's used associated with different side effects including lung toxicity. Vitamin B2 and vitamin B12 have lung-protective effects. This study was designed to evaluate lung-protective effects of both vitamins against lung toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. seventy healthy adult albino male and female rats divided into seven groups each group containing ten rats were used in the present study and treated for seven days. On day eight rats were sacrificed and serum was obtained for glutathione and total antioxidant capacity measurement and lung extracted for immunohistochemical study; both vitamins significantly (P<0.05) increased glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in comparison with group two and improve immunohistochemical changes in comparison with the group treated by cyclophosphamide only

Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Oxymetholone-Induced Testicular Toxicity

Oxymetholone is one of the anabolic steroids that has widely been used among teenagers and athletes to increase their muscle bulk. It has undesirable effects on male health and fertility. In this study, the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity were investigated in adult albino rats. During the experiments, 49 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 main groups: Group 0 (donor group) included 10 rats for the donation of PRP, Group I (control group) included 15 rats, Group II included 8 rats that received 10 mg/kg of oxymetholone orally, once daily, for 30 days, and Group III included 16 rats and was subdivided into 2 subgroups (IIIa and IIIb) that received oxymetholone the same as group II and then received PRP once and twice, respectively. Testicular tissues of all examined rats were obtained for processing and histological examination and sperm smears were stained and examined for sperm morphology. Oxymetholone-treated rats revealed wide spaces in between the tubules, vacuolated cytoplasm, and dark pyknotic nuclei of most cells, as well as deposition of homogenous acidophilic material between the tubules. Electron microscopic examination showed vacuolated cytoplasm of most cells, swollen mitochondria, and perinuclear dilatation. Concerning subgroup IIIa (PRP once), there was a partial improvement in the form of decreased vacuolations and regeneration of spermatogenic cells, as well as a reasonable improvement in sperm morphology. Regarding subgroup IIIb (PRP twice), histological sections revealed restoration of the normal testicular structure to a great extent, regeneration of the spermatogenic cells, and most sperms had normal morphology. Thus, it is recommended to use PRP to minimize structural changes in the testis of adult albino rats caused by oxymetholone.

The Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndromes in Diet-Induced Rodent Models.

Dietary macronutrients are essential for metabolic regulation and insulin function. The present study examined the effects of different high-fat diets (HFDs) and high-carbohydrate diets (HCDs) on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome indices in healthy adult male Wistar albino rats. Forty-two rats were distributed into six groups (n = 7), which were fed the following for 22 weeks: (1) a control diet; (2) a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (HCD-LFD); (3) high-saturated-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (HSF-LCD); (4) a high-monounsaturated-fat diet (HMUSF); (5) a high medium-chain fat diet (HMCF); and a (6) a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet (HCHF). In comparison to the control, the body weight increased in all the groups. The HSF-LCD group showed the highest levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, hepatic enzyme, insulin resistance, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance. A liver histology analysis of the HSF-LCD group showed macrovesicular hepatic steatosis associated with large hepatic vacuolation. Additionally, it showed marked periportal fibrosis, especially around the blood vessels and blood capillaries. The lowest levels of fasting glycemia, insulin, and HOMA-IR were observed in the HCHF group. In conclusion, these findings show that dietary saturated fat and cholesterol are principal components in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats, while fiber showed the greatest improvement in glycemic control.

Evaluation of Glycemic Index, Hypolipidemic and Hypoglycemic Activities of “osu une” on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The incidence of diabetes has been on the increase due to increase in sedentary lifestyle together with increase in life expectancy. “Osu une” is a native meal in Anambra State, Nigeria used in the management of diabetics. There is no scientific based study/data to ascertain the effect on blood glucose level.
 Objective: The study investigated the glycemic index, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities of “osu une” on Alloxan induced rats.
 Methods: The “osu une” was prepared, dried and blended. Twenty adult male Albino rats were grouped into four of five rats each based on their body weight. Alloxan at a dose of 42mg/kg was induced intravenously through tails of group 2-4 rats. Blood samples were collected from the ocular vein and analyzed for blood glucose and lipid profile on day 7, 14 and 28 using standard method. Ten healthy subjects aged between 24 -40 participated in this study. They were fed with the standard food (50 g glucose) on day one and the test foods on day two, after an overnight fast. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after the food had been eaten.
 Results: The result showed that rats that received ‘osu une’ extract showed an increase in body weight from 130.70mg/kg to 146.20mg/kg, while rats that received glucophage tablets also showed an increase in body weight from 126.01mg/kg to 158.81mg/kg after inducing diabetes. The rats fed ‘osu une’ extract had a decrease in fasting blood glucose level, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDLc) and increase in High Density Lipoprotein (HDLc). The test diet had a low glycemic index of 9.59.
 Conclusion: The study shows that “osu une” can play a key role in the management of Diabetes Mellitus.

Thyroxine restores hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in a male rat model of carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism: a histological study

BackgroundAdult-onset hypothyroidism has a deleterious effect on hippocampal cognitive and memory functions. This study was performed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of thyroxine on hippocampus degeneration in an adult male rat model of carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism and the potentiality of spontaneous recovery. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups, as follows: I (control group), II (hypothyroidism group) received carbimazole (20 mg/kg) orally once daily for 4 weeks; III (recovery group) rats were managed as in group II, then left untreated for an additional 4 weeks to assess spontaneous recovery; and IV (thyroxine-treated group): hypothyroidism was induced as in group II, then rats received levothyroxine (20 µg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks. Rats and their corresponding controls were sacrificed after 4 weeks in group II and after 8 weeks in groups III and IV. The levels of T3, T4, and TSH were measured. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of thyroid and hippocampal sections was performed. Additionally, toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical staining for PCNA, GFAP, and synaptophysin were applied to hippocampus sections. Both morphometric measurements and statistical analysis were performed.ResultsComparison of thyroxine-treated group with hypothyroidism and recovery groups revealed a significant reduction in TSH level and an increase in T3 and T4 levels, as well as improved histological architecture in both the thyroid and hippocampal sections. Hippocampal sections revealed a significant decrease in the mean area percent of GFAP, a significant increase in the mean number of PCNA-positive cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ); a niche for the adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the hippocampus; and a significant increase in the mean area percent as well as the mean optical density of synaptophysin.ConclusionHippocampal degeneration is induced by hypothyroidism and can be restored by thyroxine replacement therapy, probably through neuronal cell preservation, synaptogenesis, and stimulation of neurogenesis in SGZ. On the other hand, spontaneous recovery from this degeneration was inadequate.

The possible protective effect of the nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on tramadol-induced testicular damage in rats

BackgroundTramadol provokes oxidative stress that gives rise to apoptosis with alterations in the cellular structure and adversely influences male fertility. A specific inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), has observable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics and enhances the improvement of organs damage caused by various agents. The impact of PDTC on testicular damage caused by tramadol has not been previously examined.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the potential impact of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on testicular damage provoked by chronic tramadol usage.Materials and methodsForty healthy adult male albino rats were included in this study. Rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups: group (I), control group; group (II), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group; group (III), tramadol (Tr) group; and group (IV), Tr + PDTC group. This study measured serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and free testosterone levels. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities were also detected. Immuno-histochemical evaluation of inducible NOS (iNOS) expression in testicular tissue along with histopathological examination of testicular tissue has been studied.ResultsTramadol caused a significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels, epididymal sperm count, and motility, as well as testicular GPX and SOD activities. On the other hand, a significant elevation of testicular MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities were found. However, PDTC administration with tramadol showed significantly increased sperm production and motility and alleviated tramadol-induced disturbance in other measured parameters in the Tr + PDTC group compared to the Tr group. Moreover, co-administration of PDTC with tramadol significantly alleviated the histopathological structure of testicular tissue and the increased iNOS expressions noticed in the tramadol-treated group.ConclusionConsidering the protective effects of PDTC against the reproductive toxicity induced by tramadol, this compound can be used as a possible protective and treating target for tramadol-induced reproductive toxicity.

Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats in Response to Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure

The aim of this study was to investigate the haematological and biochemical alterations in albino rats induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Fifteen adult male albino rats were procured and separated into 3 different groups viz: group 1 (control), group 2 (50 mg/kg), group 3 (250 mg/kg); and were orally administered BPA at doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg/week. After 6 weeks of exposure, blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical assay. The parameters analyzed included: red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, differential white blood cell count, kidney and liver function tests. The results obtained revealed that there was a sequence of significant decrease (P<0.05) from the control group to group 3 (250 mg//kg) of the BPA-treated groups in the following parameters; total RBC count 7.33-4.40, Hb concentration 16.63-11.13 and PCV count 43.67-34.67. A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in all leucogram values of BPA-treated groups when compared to the control. The serum levels of AST (44.67-71.00), ALT (13.33-46.67), ALP (64.00-86.67), Na+, K+, urea and creatinine significantly increased (P<0.05) in the groups that received BPA-treatment. There was also a non-significant reduction (P>0.05) in total protein (72.67-61.00) and albumin (49.00-25.00) in BPA-treated groups when compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that exposure of albino rats to BPA resulted in haematological defects and alteration in several biochemical parameters that indicate renal and hepatic toxicity.

The effects of cigarette smoke on the epididymal tissues in adult male albino rats and the ameliorative effect of the Sidr honey.

The present study investigated the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) on the epididymal tissues and the protective effect of Sidr honey in adult male rats. 24 adult male rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: normal control group; Group 2:rats received Sidr honey orally (100 mg/kg b.w./d.) for 4 weeks; Group 3: rats were exposed to five lit cigarettes per day (5 times per day) for 4 weeks; and Group 4: rats received Sidr honey orally (100 mg/kg b.w./d.) for 2 weeks, then the rats were treated with cigarette smoke generated by a machine after taking the Sidr honey for 4 weeks. The results presented the gross morphology of the vas L deferens of rats in the group 3was smaller than that of the other groups

Hesperidin Attenuates Hypothyroidism-Induced Lung Damage in Adult Albino Rats by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Pathway, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Inflammatory Cytokines.

The occurrence of worsening pulmonary function has been connected to hypothyroidism (HPO). Hesperidin (HES) was suggested to have antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory potential. Our study's objective was to determine whether HES could reduce carbimazole (CBZ)-induced lung injury more effectively than Eltroxin (ELT) in adult male albino rats or not. At random, 32 rats were distributed into four groups: Group I: normal control, to induce HPO, the remaining three groups were given CBZ (20 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water for 1 week. They were then split up into three groups. Group II: orally administered CBZ (20 mg/kg b.w in water/day), Group III: HES (200 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 1% carboxymethyl-cellulose + CBZ treated, and Group IV: ELT (0.045 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water + CBZ treated. All treatments were delivered for 12 weeks. Blood was collected to assess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (THs). Lung injury was evaluated based on the pulmonary content of interleukin (IL)-35, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), along with the estimation of lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical study of nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), together with estimating the proliferation of cells using Antigen Ki-67 in lung tissue were performed. HES and ELT primarily suppressed variable lung damage mechanisms by suppressing TSH, the NF-κB/TNF-α pathway, iNOS, lipid peroxidation, Ki-67, and inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, they improved THs, antioxidant parameters, and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. HES and ELT exhibited an ameliorative effect that was reflected in the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural results. These results indicate that HES is a pneumoprotective agent that could be a promising treatment for oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation.

Role of Melatonin in Ameliorating the Harmful Effects of Tramadol on the Frontal Cortex of Adult Male Albino Rat (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

Role of Melatonin in Ameliorating the Harmful Effects of Tramadol on the Frontal Cortex of Adult Male Albino Rat (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

The effect of cinnamon extract upon experimentally induced sepsis on the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats

The effect of cinnamon extract upon experimentally induced sepsis on the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats

Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Effect of Medical Ozone on Acute Renal Cortical Injury Induced by Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Adult Male Albino Rats

Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Effect of Medical Ozone on Acute Renal Cortical Injury Induced by Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Adult Male Albino Rats

Modulation of the Expression of Lipogenic Activity by Malted Hungry Rice Flour (Digitaria exilis.) on Rats Induced with Obesity

Lipolysis and lipogenesis causes obesity and these can be mediated by hormones. The study was aimed at determining the effect of malted hungry rice flour on lipogenic activity on diet-induced obese rats. The study was conducted between September to January 2021 and 2022. Twenty male adult albino rats were divided into four groups and obesity was induced which resemble mild obesity condition in human. The groups for the experiment were normal control (AIN-93), obese control, and two test diets were used to evaluate lipid profile parameter using a standard assay technique. There is an increase in BMI (from 0.37-0.41 to 0.58- 0.72). There are also an increase in other lipid profile with a decrease in HDL (p<0.05) after consumption of a palatable diet. Consumption of the test diet led to a significant reduction in the lipid profile parameter, and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol compared to the (group) obese control (p<0.05). The result suggests that malted hungry rice flour has an anti-obesity effect.

Role of p38 MAPK, Akt and NFκB in renoprotective effects of nebivolol on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

ABSTRACT Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury is a complex pathophysiologic condition characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. We investigated the potential renoprotective effect of nebivolol, a β1 adrenergic receptor blocker, against renal I-R injury. We focused on the role of nebivolol in activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, Akt (protein kinase B) and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) transcription factors, which contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis during renal I-R. We divided 20 adult male Wistar albino rats into three experimental groups. Group 1 was a sham control in which only laparotomy was performed. Group 2 was the I-R group in which both kidneys were made ischemic for 45 min, then reperfused for 24 h. Group 3 was the I-R + nebivolol group in which 10 mg/kg nebivolol was administrated by gavage for 7 days before I-R. We measured Inflammation, oxidative stress and active caspase-3 as well as activation of p38 MAPK, Akt (protein kinase B) and NFκB transcription factor. Nebivolol significantly reduced oxidative stress and increased superoxide dismutase levels during renal I-R. We found that nebivolol significantly decreased interstitial inflammation, and TNF-α and interleukin-1β mRNA expression. Nebivolol significantly reduced active caspase-3 and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expressions. Nebivolol also significantly decreased activation of p38 MAPK signaling and NFκB, and induced Akt activation during renal I-R. Our findings suggest that nebivolol may be useful for management of renal I-R injury.