G2 Animals Research Articles

Ganciclovir attenuates the respiratory disease induced by Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 in rabbits

ABSTRACT: Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen of horses, associated with respiratory, neurological disease and abortions. As vaccination is not always effective, anti-herpetic therapy may represent an alternative to prevent the losses caused by the infection. We herein investigated the activity of ganciclovir (GCV), an anti-herpetic human drug, in rabbits experimentally infected with EHV-1. Thirty-days-old New Zealand rabbits were allocated in three groups (6 animals each) and submitted to different treatments: G1 (non-infected controls), G2 (inoculated with EHV-1) - 107 TCID50 intranasally - IN) and G3 (inoculated IN with EHV-1 and treated with GCV - 5mg/kg/day for 7 days) and monitored thereafter. All animals of G2 developed systemic signs (moderate to severe apathy, anorexia), ocular discharge and respiratory signs (serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge), including mild to severe respiratory distress. Viremia was detected in all rabbits of G2 for up to 11 days (mean duration = 6.5 days). One animal died after severe respiratory distress and neurological signs (bruxism, opistotonus). In addition, these animals gained less weight than the control (G1) and GCV-treated rabbits (G3) from days 4 to 14pi (p<0.05). The clinical score of rabbits of G2 was statistically higher than the other groups from days 3 to 6pi (p<0.05), demonstrating a more severe disease. In contrast, G3 rabbits did not present systemic signs, presented only a mild and transient nasal secretion and gained more weight than G2 animals (p<0.05). In addition, viremia was detected in only 3 rabbits and was transient (average of 2.3 days). Thus, administration of GCV to rabbits inoculated IN with EHV-1 resulted in an important attenuation of the clinical disease as demonstrated by full prevention of systemic signs, maintenance of weight gain and by drastic reduction in viremia and in the magnitude of respiratory signs. These results are promising towards further testing of GCV as a potential drug for anti-herpetic therapy in horses.

AT1 receptor antagonism promotes bone loss attenuation in experimental periodontitis, blocks inflammatory mediators, and upregulates antioxidant enzymes and bone formation markers.

The initiation and progression of periodontitis might involve a local renin-angiotensin system in periodontal tissue. This study hypothesized that Losartan treatment could promote protection to rats submitted to experimental periodontitis (EP) by attenuating alveolar bone loss due to reduction in inflammatory cytokines, better reactive oxidant species regulation and maintenance of the balance between bone formation and resorption factors. One hundred and thirty rats were submitted to EP with a silk suture thread (4.0) placed around the lower right first molar for 1, 3, 7, and 14 consecutive days. The study comprised four groups: G1-control without EP; G2-animals with EP treated with water; G3-Losartan-treated animals (treatment started at the same day of EP induction), and G4-animals previously treated with Losartan for 30 days followed by induction of EP and continuity of treatment. G2 rats had greater bone loss volume, increased number, and thickness and decreased separation of trabeculae. On the other hand, G4 animals showed significant improvements in these parameters. Histological analysis revealed that EP favors inflammatory cell infiltration and junctional epithelium, cementum with alveolar bone crest destruction, but animals pretreated with Losartan (G4) did not show these features. Although the G3 animals did not demonstrate the improvements detected in G4, mRNA expression results were similar. In mandibular tissue, EP promoted mRNA increases for ACE, AT1 receptor, and inflammatory mediators as well as decreases for antioxidant enzymes. However, Losartan treatments attenuated these responses in addition to promoting an increase in bone formation markers and transcription factors. AT1 receptor modulates EP progression.

Hepatoprotective and antineoplastic potencial of red propolis produced by the bees Apis mellifera in the semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the honey bee Apis mellifera ethanolic extract of the red propolis, obtained in four municipalities of the Rio Grande do Norte semi-arid region, through an in vitro evaluation of the antineoplastic potential in human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and normal cell lines (L929), and from the comet assay in hepatic cell lines (ZF-L hepatocytes) to evaluate the genoprotective potential of the extract. The hepatoprotective effect was also evaluated in vivo by the induction of chronic experimental hepatic lesions in rodents (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769), Wistar line, by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) at the dose of 0.2g/kg. The animals were distributed in the following experimental groups: G1 (control), G2 (treated with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract of propolis), G3 (treated with 500mg/kg of ethanolic extract and TAA) and G4 (treated with TAA). All rats were submitted to serum biochemical, macroscopic, histological and stereological biochemical exams of the liver. It was verified the genoprotective effect of red propolis since the mean damages promoted to DNA in cells tested with the extract were significantly lower than the mean of the positive control damage (hydrogen peroxide). The red propolis extract did not present cytotoxic activity to the tumor cells of human liver cancer, as well as to normal ones. The absence of cytotoxicity in normal cells may indicate safety in the use of the propolis extract. The results of the serum biochemical evaluation showed that the serum levels of the aminotransferase enzymes (AST) did not differ significantly between G1, G2 and G3 when compared to each other. G4 showed significant increase in levels compared to the other groups, indicating that the administration of the extract did not cause liver toxicity, as well as exerted hepatoprotective effect against the hepatic damage induced by TAA. The G3 and G4 animals developed cirrhosis, but in G3 the livers were characterized by the presence of small regenerative nodules and level with the surface of the organ, whereas in G4 the livers showed large regenerative nodules. The livers of the G1 and G2 animals presented normal histological appearance, whereas the livers of the G3 animals showed regenerative nodules surrounded by thin septa of connective tissue, and in G4 the regenerative nodules were surrounded by thick septa fibrous connective tissue. The analysis of the hepatic tissues by means of stereology showed that there was no statistical difference between the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagens in G1 and G2. In G3 the percentage of hepatocytes, sinusoids, and collagen did not differ significantly from the other groups. It was concluded that the ethanolic extract of the red propolis exerted a hepatoprotective effect, because it promoted in vitro reduction of the damage to the DNA of liver cells, antineoplastic activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and did not exert cytotoxic effect in normal cells or was able to reduce liver enzyme activity and the severity of cirrhosis induced by TAA in vivo.

Effect of Betaine on Hepatic and Renal Functions in Acrylamide Treated Rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative role of betaine on hepatic and renal dysfunction caused by acrylamide in female rats. Thirty two (32) adult female rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4) and were treated for (65) days as following: Group G1 (Control group), G2: rats were intubated 250mg/kg B.W of betaine; animals in group G3 were intubated 1mg/kg B.W of acrylamide, in addition to acrylamide. 250mg/kg B.W of betaine were administered orally to rats in groups G4. Fasting (8-12 hrs.) blood samples were collected by cardio puncture technique at the end of the experiment, serum were collected for measuring the following parameters A: liver enzyme makers; serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) B; renal function parameters including: serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentration. The hepato and renal protective effect of betaine was clarified in groups (G2 and G4) manifested by significant decrease in serum, ALT, AST and ALP activity, as well as significant decrease in serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentration comparing to acrylamide (G3) treated group. Such functional changes were accompanied with structural (histopathological) alteration in hepatic and renal tissue. In conclusion, the results of the current study documented the negative effect of acrylamide on liver and kidney function and documented hepatorenal protective effect of betaine.

A comparative evaluation of the effect of soy protein and its enzymatic hydrolysate on lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats with induced obesity

Among various food proteins, soybean proteins have the greatest traditions of application for the dietary correction and prevention of lipid metabolism disorders and related complications. Aim. In an in vivo experiment using male Wistar rats, the lipid-lowering properties of soy protein and its enzymatic hydrolysate were tested to evaluate their possible use as ingredients of specialized foods. Material and methods. Animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group G1 and 2 experimental groups G2 and G3. The total duration of the experiment was 70 days. The animals of the control group G1 were fed with high-lipid semi-synthetic diet. Animals of the experimental groups G2 and G3 received the same high-fat semi-synthetic diet, but with a 50% replacement of casein with soy protein isolate (SPI) and enzymatic hydrolyzate of SPI (EHSPI), respectively. The blood glucose was measured once per 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment on the 71st day the level of glycated hemoglobin was determined in the blood; the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and the concentration of malon dialdehyde were determined in the serum. Results and discussion. Starting from the 6th week of the experiment and prior to its completion, the average food intake of animals from the G3 group was significantly (р<0.05) lower compared to animals of the G1 control group. The food intake of animals of group G2 was significantly (р<0.05) reduced compared with this indicator for animals of group G1, starting from the week 8 of the experiment and prior to its completion. The monitoring of the body weight gain did not reveal significant differences between all groups of animals, despite differences in the food intake. Replacing casein in the diet by 50% with SPI had a pronounced antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effect. The total cholesterol content (1.65±0.05 mmol/l) decreased significantly (р<0.05) due to a decrease in LDL (0.90±0.03 mmol/l), and malon dialdehyde level lowered (3.7±0.5 μmol/l, р<0.05) in the serum of group G2 rats compared with animals of the control group G1 (2.01±0.13 and 1.12±0.09 mmol/l; 5.1±0.4 μmol/l, respectively). Replacing casein by 50% with EHSPI in the diet of G3 rats was unfavorable, significantly (р<0.05) increasing the level of total cholesterol (2.76±0.16 mmol/l) and cholesterol in LDL (1.66±0.12 mmol/l) in blood of these animals compared with animals of both comparison groups G1 and G2. Conclusion. A preclinical comparative study of the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant properties of the SPI substantiates the prospect of its following clinical trials with the aim of including into the composition of specialized foods for prevention and diet therapy of the disorders of endogenous cholesterol homeostasis.

Cardiac involvement in trypanosomiasis in sheep experimentally infected by Trypanosoma vivax (Ziemman, 1905)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical signs, electrocardiographic signs and evolution of histopathological lesions in the heart of sheep experimentally infected by Trypanosoma vivax during the acute and chronic phases of infection as well as to investigate the presence of parasitic DNA in the heart using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-two male sheep were divided into the following four groups: G1, which consisted of six sheep infected by T. vivax that were evaluated until 20 days post-infection (dpi; acute phase); G2, which consisted of six sheep infected by T. vivax that were evaluated until 90 dpi (chronic phase); and G3 and G4 groups, which each consisted of five uninfected sheep. At the end of the experimental period, electrocardiographic evaluations and necroscopic examinations were performed. Fragments of the heart were collected and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson's trichrome, and the fragments were also evaluated by PCR for T. vivax. G2 animals presented clinical signs suggestive of heart failure and electrocardiogram alterations characterized by prolonged P, T and QRS complex durations as well as by a cardiac electrical axis shift to the left and increased heart rate. In these animals, mononuclear multifocal myocarditis and interstitial fibrosis were also observed. PCR revealed positivity for T. vivax in two G1 animals and in all G2 animals. Thus, these findings suggested that T. vivax is responsible for the occurrence of cardiac lesions, which are related to heart failure, electrocardiographic alterations and mortality of the infected animals.

A novel combination cell therapy using first trimester human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and endothelial progenitor cells significantly improves cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction

Background & Aim Umbilical cord-derived MSC showed significant angiogenic potential via paracrine and direct cell-to-cell support to the vasculature. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) have the potential to develop vascular structures while maintaining paracrine properties following ischemic injury. Hypothesis A combination therapy of first trimester umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVC) with rat EPC will promote significant angiogenesis, cardiomyocyte survival and lead to functional cardiac recovery after MI. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods MI was induced by LAD ligation on 8-week-old Foxrnu rats. 1 week later, rats with notable decrease ( Results 5-days after injection, exclusively G4 animals showed significant cardiac recovery, improved EF and FS compared to G1-G2-G3 (p Conclusions Our results indicate the superior potential of FTM HUCPVC - EPC combination cell therapy compared to single-cell-type treatments for myocardial regeneration and cardiac function recovery after MI.

Congenital Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii After Experimental Reinfection With Brazilian Typical Strains in Chronically Infected Sheep.

Toxoplasma gondii is a cause of congenital diseases, miscarriages and stillbirths in production animals. In Brazil, non-archetypal genotypes of the parasite may be related to severe disease. Experimental infection with T. gondii was studied in sheep to analyse congenital transmission-related parameters in reinfections with different Brazilian parasite strains. Thirteen T. gondii-seronegative sheep were orally infected with 2 × 103oocysts for the primary infection: G1 (4 animals) were inoculated with TgCatBr71 strain (Type BrI genotype) and G2 andG3 (5 and 4 animals, respectively) withTgCatBr60 strain (Type BrIII genotype). After chronification of infection, the animals were impregnated. A second infection was performed after 60 days of gestation. TheG1 andG3 animals were inoculated withTgCatBr60BrIII and the G2 animals withTgCatBr71 BrI oocysts. The effects of reinfection were compared with a control group (5 animals) through physical examination, ultrasound imaging and serology. Ovine experimental infections were evaluated using mouse bioassays, molecular analysis, serological tests, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. No abortions occurred; a seropositive lamb and a mummified fetus from G2-BrIIIxBrI were produced. The vertical transmission rate detected in lambs from chronically infected sheep was 31.6% (6/19). It is demonstrated that reinfection and subsequent congenital transmission occured in one sheep with a primary Brl infection challenged with BrIII genotype of T. gondii. In a twin pregnancy from G2-BrIIIxBrI, congenital transmission from a latent infection was detected in both lambs. Congenital transmission could not be tracked in three lambs. Overall, previous T. gondii infection may fail to protect against congenital transmission from a reinfection and primary infection induced insufficient protection against vertical transmission which must be taken into account in decision-making for the use of seropositive animals as breeders. Similar trials with larger groups and contemplating host cellular immune response studies should be conducted to evaluate the actual impact of T. gondii reinfection involving different strains in sheep.

Experimental infection in mice with Erwinia persicina

Erwinia persicinus (E. persicina) is a plant pathogenic bacterial species that was previously isolated from a case of human infection. This study aimed to create an experimental infection protocol for E. persicina in laboratory mice. Seventy-two adult mice were divided into four groups (18 animal/group): the control group (G1), the group infected with E. persicina (G2), the group immune-suppressed with cyclophosphamide (G3) and the group immune-suppressed with cyclophosphamide and infected with E. persicina (G4). G2 and G4 were injected with 200 μL of (1 × 1013 cfu/ml) concentration intraperitoneally. Clinical signs, such as diarrhoea, apathy and mortality were observed only in G2 and G4 animals. E. persicina was not detected in blood. Necropsies of the G2 and G4 animals showed lesions in the intestine, liver, kidney and lung tissue. These lesions were characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, hyperaemia and focal areas of tissue necrosis in the liver. The results of the pro-inflammatory cytokines analysis revealed a significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and IL1-β in the liver tissue of the G4 group. E. persicina is an emerging bacterium that can cause pathological lesions into mammalian tissue, which warrants further investigation.

Influência da bipartição escrotal sobre a capacidade de termorregulação e hemodinâmica testicular em caprinos

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da bipartição escrotal sobre a capacidade de termorregulação do testículo caprino, testando-se a hipótese de que animais com bipartição possuem menor temperatura testicular, maior capacidade hemodinâmica local, maior número de células germinativas e maior produção espermática. Foram selecionados 8 bodes, divididos de acordo com a conformação escrotal: G1 (n=4) animais com até 50% de bipartição; GC (n=4) grupo controle, sem bipartição. Todos foram submetidos à mensuração da temperatura retal, termografia corporal e escrotal. Exames ultrassonográficos Doppler foram conduzidos no plexo pampiniforme. Adicionalmente os animais foram submetidos à punção biópsia aspirativa testicular (PBA) e 2 ejaculados de cada reprodutor foram colhidos para avaliação espermática. Não foram observadas diferenças para os resultados da PBA, da termografia escrotal e do espermograma comparando-se os dois grupos. Na avaliação hemodinâmica apenas o IR (0,53a±0,11 e 0,46b± 0,06; p=0,0108) foi superior para os animais bipartidos. Conclui-se que caprinos que possuem até 50% de bipartição escrotal possuem qualidade espermática semelhante a animais não bipartidos, não possuem menor temperatura testicular e maior número de células germinativas primordiais como se supunha na hipótese inicial da pesquisa.

Effects of an allostatic modulator on the behavior and blood indicators of young bulls after transport

An allostatic modulator (AM) composed of ascorbic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride was dissolved in the drinking water of three groups of young bulls (n = 7) and administered to them for 7 d after 20.42 h of transport (Control (C) = 0 g/head/d, G2 = 30 g/head/d, G3 = 60 g/head/d). The effects of the AM on behavior and blood cellular and biochemical components were measured. G3 animals spent less time lying and more time standing than C animals (P = 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively), indicating less fatigue. G3 bulls presented a lower frequency of agonistic interactions than those in the G2 group (P = 0.001), suggesting a possible effect on aggression that warrants further evaluation. The AM affected creatinine kinase (CK) activity in the G2 group compared to the C group (P = 0.04), suggesting an effect of AM components that has not been previously reported. Cortisol levels remained unaffected by AM supplementation (P = 0.55). These preliminary findings suggest an effect of supplementing cattle with an AM after long-haul transport.

Survey of dental diseases in Crioulo breed horses reared in an extensive farming system

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to identify and quantify dental diseases in Crioulo horses reared exclusively under extensive farming conditions. In total, 254 Crioulo horses were evaluated, that were reared exclusively in native pastures with predominantly Eragrostis plana (Annoni grass). The animals were divided into three groups according to age: three to five years (G1), six to 12 years (G2), and 13 to 26 years (G3). In total, 46.1% of the animals in G1, 63.8% in G2, and 82.3% in G3 had two or more incisor disorders; 37.5% in G1, 52.5% in G2 and 45.5% in G3 had two or more disease findings in the canines; and 28.9% in G1, 35.4% in G2, and 64.7% in G3 had four or more disease findings in the second, third, and fourth premolars and molars. However, dental calculus was observed in 90.5% of G2 animals, whereas in G3, the occurrence rate of excessive enamel points and calculus was 82.4%. Although all of the horses studied were reared in an extensive farming system, dental changes were very common in the Crioulo breed reared under these management conditions.

Effect of Green Coffee on Cisplatin Induced Renal Apoptosis in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Green coffee as a functional food has an antioxidant effect, which can reduce the cancer incidence, promote weight-loss and improve glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Objective: Assessing the effect of green coffee administration on experimental cisplatin induced renal apoptosis in adult male albino rats of local strain. Design: Randomized Block Design was used. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats of local strain were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each. G1: control negative group was received isotonic saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) for 30 consecutive days, G2: sham operated group mice were received green coffee extract in water (40 mg/kg/day) for 30 consecutive days, animals of G3 and G4 were administered cisplatin (8 mg/kg/day, i.p.) at 10th day, which is well known to produce significant nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals in G3 were received green coffee extract in water (40 mg/kg/day) and G4 was received isotonic normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) for 30 consecutive days. All rats were sacrificed after 30 days and blood was withdrawn for biochemical examinations of kidney function tests (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid). Kidneys were removed for determination of renal oxidative stress markers (H2O2) biochemically and caspase-3 by Immunohistochemical examination. Results: Cisplatin administration was associated with significant higher levels of BUN, creatinine, uric acid and H2O2 as compared with normal control group. Green coffee administration in cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis groups produced significant lower levels of BUN, creatinine, uric acid and H2O2 (24.4 ± 4.14, 1.730 ± 0.2830, 5.50 ± 0.850 and 0.51 ± 0.12 respectively) as compared with cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis group not administrated green coffee (27.4 ± 6, 2.04 ± .31, 7.00 ± 1.25 and 1.1 ± 0.16 respectively). Cisplatin administration increased expression of the apoptotic protein caspase-3. In contrast, treatment with green coffee extract attenuated apoptosis. Conclusion: green coffee reduced cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis. Green coffee improved the general condition of cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis rats due to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

Resistance exercise recovery morphology and AQP1 expression in denervated soleus muscle of Wistar rats

It was our objective to analyse the effects of resistance exercise (climbing steps), which was started in the acute phase, on the histomorphometry and the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in the soleus muscle after sciatic nerve injury in Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult rats were randomly divided into the following four groups, containing six animals each: control (G1); exercise (G2); injury (G3); and exercise with injury (G4). Three days after the compression of the sciatic nerve, the animals in G2 and G4 were submitted to resistance exercise for 21 non-consecutives days. The exercise was conducted in two series of 10 consecutive ascents of the ladder, with an additional weight of 100g and with an interval of 60 seconds between sets for rest. After this period, the animals were sacrificed, and the soleus muscle was processed. The number of blood capillaries in G3 was 65.7% and 76.86% higher when compared with the G2 and G4, respectively. The morphological analysis revealed muscle damage in G3, hypertrophy in G2 and significant improvement in the muscle in G4. The AQP1 was immunolocalized in the endothelium of blood capillaries present in the muscle fibres, with different expressions in the groups. Resistance exercise initiated in the acute phase was an effective therapeutic modality in the recovery of morphological aspects in the soleus muscle after denervation.

AVALIAÇÃO DE ESTRESSE OXIDATIVO NO PLASMA DE BOVINOS LEITEIROS COM MASTITE

Resumo A mastite bovina está associada a uma resposta antibacteriana endógena mediada pela produção de espécies reativas. Contudo, o excesso de reações oxidativas pode desencadear apoptose celular agravando o quadro clínico dos animais. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta redox no plasma de vacas leiteiras com e sem mastite submetidas ou não ao tratamento com antibioticoterapia. As vacas foram divididas em Grupo Controle (G1), vacas sem mastite; grupo G2, vacas com mastite sem tratamento com antimicrobianos; grupo G3, vacas com mastite tratadas com antibiótico. As amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas após a primeira ordenha da manhã. Foram analisados a existência de lipoperoxidação (LPO) e os níveis de proteínas carboniladas (PCs), de glutationa reduzida (GSH), de ácido ascórbico (ASA) e de ácido úrico (AU). Os animais do G3 apresentaram aumento na LPO e das PCs. Em todos os grupos, os níveis de GSH permaneceram inalterados. Os valores plasmáticos de ASA e de AU mostraram-se diminuídos nos animais dos grupos G2 e G3. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com antimicrobianos parece agravar os danos oxidativos presentes na mastite bovina, reforçando a importância da busca por alternativas terapêuticas a fim de minimizar esse efeito.

Effects of exercise training and nebivolol treatment on atherosclerotic plaque development, iNOS expression and antioxidant capacity in apoE−/− mice

Summary Objectives To assess the effects of exercise training and nebivolol either alone or in combination on the atherosclerotic plaque development, iNOS expression and antioxidant capacity in apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Methods Seventeen-week-old male apoE−/− mice were divided into four groups of seven animals each: Control (G1); Nebivolol (G2); Exercise (G3); and Nebivolol plus Exercise (G4). G3 and G4 animals were submitted to a swimming training program (60 min/day, 5 days/week) for six weeks. G2 and G4 animals received a daily dose of nebivolol (2.0 μmol/kg) by gavage for six weeks. Atherosclerotic lesion area and iNOS expression in the aorta were measured. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in the liver and kidney. Results The atherosclerotic plaque was smaller in G2 compared to G1 group. iNOS expression occurred primarily in the adventitia layer of the aorta similarly in all groups. CAT activity was lower in the liver of exercised than non-exercised mice. The SOD activity in the liver was lower in G3 than in G1 and G2 groups. There were no differences between groups for SOD and CAT activities in the kidney. Conclusion While aerobic exercise training reduces antioxidant activity in the liver, nebivolol treatment attenuates atherosclerotic plaque development in apoE−/− mice, but the expression of iNOS is not affected. The combination of treatments does not add on benefits.

Time-course evaluation of intestinal structural disorders in a porcine model of intra-abdominal hypertension by mechanical intestinal obstruction

BackgroundA mechanical intestinal obstruction (MIO) can generate intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) that is life threatening. The intestines are very sensitive to IAH since the low splanchnic perfusion causes intestinal hypoxia, local acidosis and bacterial translocations. This may lead to acute intestinal distress syndrome (AIDS). The identification of intestinal injuries during IAH and its correlation with clinical parameters as the abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), the gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) and lactic acid (Lc) are still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the sequence of intestinal histopathological findings in an MIO model and to analyze potential relationships with parameters currently used in clinical practice (APP, pHi and Lc).Material and methodsTwenty pigs were divided into three groups: a control group (n = 5) and two experimental groups with 20 mmHg (G1, n = 10) and 30 mmHg (G2, n = 5) of IAH by MIO. The pressures were maintained for 3 hours, except in 5 animals in G1 where it was maintained for 5 hours. The APP, pHi and LA were recorded and biopsies of the terminal ileum were taken every 30 minutes in all groups. The intestinal damage was graded according to the Park Score.ResultsIntestinal injuries were found in 42.9% of pigs in the experimental groups. The lesions were independent of the level and duration of IAH. Although APP and pHi were slightly lower in injured animals (I +) of G1 and G2, there were no significant differences among those uninjured (I-). Lc was significantly increased in all I+ pigs from the onset of IAH.ConclusionThe IAH by MIO causes intestinal lesions from the first 30 minutes with concurrent decreases in APP and pHi and increases in Lc. Lc could be the best clinical parameter related to intestinal damages with a clear difference between I + and I- animals.

Effects of ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Bersama engleriana&lt;/i&gt; leaves on oxidative stress and reproductive parameters in male Guinea pig (&lt;i&gt;Cavia porcellus&lt;/i&gt;) exposed to cypermethrin

Pesticides are used to improve agricultural yields; meanwhile they have detrimental effects on human and animal reproduction. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of ethanol extract of Bersama engleriana leaves against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity. Fifty male guinea pigs were divided into 5 groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) of 10 animals each. During 90 days, animals of G1 were given distilled water orally, while other groups received 137.50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of cypermethrin. In addition, G3, G4 and G5 received respectively 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of ethanol extract of Bersama engleriana leaves. The testicular concentration of malondialdehyde, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased significantly (P<0.05) in guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin and ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves compared with those exposed to cypermethrin only (G2), while the reverse effect was observed concerning the activity of peroxidases. The time of reaction of male guinea pig in the presence of females and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa decreased significantly (P<0.05) in animals treated with the insecticide and the ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves with respect to G2 animals. The weight of testes, the serum level of testosterone, the sperm count, mobility and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal plasma membrane increased significantly (P<0.05) in guinea pigs treated with ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves compared with those submitted to cypermethrin only. The histological sections of testes in animals exposed to cypermethrin and ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves showed a normal structure compared with those exposed to cypermethrin only, of which sections of testes revealed the presence of immature germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules lumen. Hence, ethanol extract of B. engleriana leaves prevent the induction of oxidative stress and reproductive parameters impairment by cypermethrin in male guinea pig. © 2017 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Bersama engleriana , cypermethin, natural antioxidants, reproductive toxicity, sperm characteristics

Effect of pequi shell ethanolic extract on glutathione reductase activity in rats exposed to doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent from anthracycline family used in the treatment of different neoplasms, however, it has a cardiotoxic side effect. The mean goal was to evaluate the pequi shell ethanolic extract (PSEE) effect on the activity of antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) in rats with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Wistar rats were distributed in six groups of five animals each, with 1 ml of physiological solution applied in rats of sham group (GS); 16 mg/kg of DOX in animals of control group (GC); 16 mg/kg of DOX and 300 mg/kg of PSEE for 17 days in rats of G1; 16 mg/kg of DOX and 600 mg/kg of PSEE for 17 days in animals of G2; 16 mg/kg of DOX and 300 mg/kg of PSEE from the seventh day, for 10 days in rats of G3; and 16 mg/kg of DOX and 600 mg/kg of PSEE from the seventh day, for 10 days in animals of G4. The DOX and the physiological solution were applied on the 14th day after experiment start. It was quantified by spectrophotometry. At the dose of 300 mg/kg for 17 days the PSEE has increased the enzymatic capacity of GSH-Rd. It was concluded that PSEE at the dose of 300 mg/kg for 17 days increase the activity of the GSH-Rd enzyme, which may reflect positively along the deleterious effects of DOX in the myocardium of rats.

Extract of Citrus maxima (pummelo) leaves improve hepatoprotective activity in Wistar rats submitted to the induction of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum of liver changes, ranging from hepatic steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. The Citrus maxima (CM) has been shown to be beneficial to the organism, and these activities are attributed to the presence of phytochemical compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the n vitro antioxidant potential of the CM leaves extract and on Wistar rats submitted to hepatic steatosis induction by fructose-associated hyperlipid diet (FHD). For the evaluation of in vivo effects, the animals were distributed in G1 (normal diet - ND), G2 (FHD), G3 (ND + extract 50mg/kg) and G4 (FHD + extract 50 mg/kg). All the parameters were determined through classical methodologies. The extract showed a significant antioxidant potential in vitro. In the in vivo analysis, the diet used was able to induce the development of metabolic abnormalities that favored the formation of hepatic steatosis (G2). Changes in inflammatory markers, increase in markers of oxidative damage, and reduction of antioxidant defenses were also observed. In addition, the extract did not cause changes in the animals' weight gain and acted as an anti-inflammatory, since G4 animals exhibited significantly reduced levels of the inflammatory markers. In the liver, the extract significantly decreased the content of fat, cholesterol and triglycerides compared to G2. The extract also showed antioxidant activity (G4) when compared to G2. The results suggest that the extract of CM leaf showed hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and the presence of phenolic compounds is a probable cause for such activities.