Biochemical Alterations In Rats Research Articles

Chronic sub lethal nerve agent (Soman) exposure induced long-term neurobehavioral, histological, and biochemical alterations in rats

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and insecticides are used in agriculture and other industries can also cause adverse effects through environmental exposures in the people working in agricultural and pesticide industries. OP nerve agent exposures have been associated with delayed neurotoxic effects including sleep disorders, cognitive malfunctions, and brain damage in Gulf War victims, and Japanese victims of terrorist attacks with nerve agents. However, the mechanisms behind such prolonged adverse effects after chronic OP nerve agent’s exposures in survivors are not well understood. In the present study, male Wistar rats were subcutaneously exposed to nerve agent soman (0.25XLD50) for 21 consecutive days to evaluate the neurobehavioral, neuropathological and biochemical alterations (oxidative stress and antioxidants levels). Neurobehavioral studies using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), T-Maze, and rotarod tests revealed that chronic soman exposure produced alterations in behavioral functions including increased anxiety and reduction in working memory and neuromuscular strength. Biochemical studies showed that antioxidants enzyme (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were reduced and oxidative stress (reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation levels (malondialdehyde (MDA)) were significantly increased in brain at 30 days in soman exposed rats as compared to control rats. Neuroselective fluorojade-c stain was used to examine the brain damage after chronic soman exposure. Results demonstrated that chronic soman exposure induced neurodegeneration as brain damage was detected at 30- and 90-days post exposure. The present study results suggest that chronic nerve agent exposures even at low doses may produce long-term adverse effects like neurobehavioral deficits in rats.

Vernonia amygdalina Extract Reverts Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to N-Nitroso-N-Ethyl Urea

Environmental carcinogens or exogenous carcinogens includes chemical, biological, and physical agents that have the potential to increase cancer risk because of prolonged high prevalence of exposure. Exposure can be through the respiratory, digestive, cutaneous or other possible contamination routes. N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea (NEU), an ethylating agent has been described as a very potent transplacental teratogen and carcinogen in rodents. Plants have been investigated to protect against the effect of environmental carcinogens due to their arrays of phytochemicals. 35Female albino rats of average ages 10weeks were rats exposed to freshly prepared 3 fractionated doses of 50 mg/kg N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea dissolved in 1/15 M phosphate buffer, given intraperitoneally and treated with varying concentrations of Vernonia amygdalina leaf aqueous extracts. At the end of the test period, hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood samples. Compared to the control group, the NEU exposed rats treated group showed significances in several hematological parameters, including decreases in white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts. Furthermore, in comparison to the control group, the NEU exposed rats showed significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), triacylglycerols levels and igh density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) level. The hematological and biochemical parameters in the NEU exposed rats treated group were similar to control group. V. amygdalina extract significantly (P<0.05) restored the hematological and biochemical parameters in N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea exposed rats

Effects of Senna alata Aqueous Extract on the Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to N-Nitroso-N-Ethyl Urea

The effect of carcinogen exposure has been established to alter biochemical and hematological profiles in humans. Secondary metabolites from plant sources like flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and others have been found to be potent anticancer agents and also investigated to protect against the effect of environmental carcinogens. Female albino rats were rats exposed to freshly prepared 3 fractionated doses of 50 mg/kg N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea (carcinogen) dissolved in 1/15 M Phosphate buffer, given intraperitoneally and treated with varying concentrations of Senna alata plant aqueous extracts. At the end of the test period, hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood and serum samples. Compared to the control group, the carcinogen exposed rats treated group showed significances in several hematological parameters, including decreases in White blood cell (WBC), Red blood cell (RBC), and Platelet (PLT) counts. Furthermore, in comparison to the control group, the carcinogen exposed rats showed significantly increased blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), triacylglycerols levels and High density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) level. The hematological and biochemical parameters in the carcinogen exposed rats treated group were approximately similar to control group. The S. alata extract significantly (P<0.05) restored the hematological and biochemical parameters in N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea carcinogen exposed rats

Fish oil supplementation protects against protein undernutrition-induced testicular and ovarian biochemical alterations in rats

Proteins are required for biological functions and their inadequacy might impair the growth and development of the reproductive system. The study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation on low-protein diet-induced alterations in male and female reproductive organs. Male and female rats were assigned randomly to four groups respectively. The NPD rats had five rats per group and were given 16% casein diet while the LPD rats had eight rats per group and received 5% casein diet. After the 8th week, FO was administered for 3 weeks via oral gavage at a concentration of 400 mg Kg−1 after which the rats were sacrificed and testes and ovaries were excised. LPD-fed rats showed lower body weights for both genders. In LPD-fed rats, NO was significantly increased while GSH, vitamins C and E levels, the activities of CAT (except in ovaries), and GST were significantly reduced in both tissues. The activities of SOD and GPx were only reduced in the testes including sperm count, motility, and increase deformed sperm cells. Testosterone and progesterone levels were also reduced and lipid homeostasis was disrupted in the plasma of LPD-fed rats. FO supplementation reduces the NO, CHOL, TG, LDL (in females), and VLDL but significantly improves HDL (in females), testosterone, and progesterone levels, sperm count, motility, and morphology. The antioxidant status of both tissues also increased significantly in LPD-fed rats. Conclusively, FO might be effective in improving testicular and ovarian functions and for the maintenance of plasma lipid homeostasis in LPD-fed rats.

Ethanolic leaf extract ofDatura stramoniumattenuates methotrexate-induced biochemical alterations in Wistar Albino rats

AbstractObjectivesMethotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used anti-cancer drug. However, its usage could lead to various biochemical dysregulations culminating in organ toxicity. Globally, most plant products have been used for the treatment of several diseases. Thus, we investigated the effect of Datura stramonium ethanolic leaf extract (DSELE) supplementation in MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats.MethodsRats were divided into four groups: Group 1 received normal saline (5 mg/kg b. w), Group 2 received DSELE (200 mg/kg), Group 3 received 20 mg/kg MXT while rats in Group 4 received 200 mg/kg + MTX 20 mg/kg. Normal saline and DSELE were administered per os for 21 days while MXT single injection was given intraperitoneally on day 18 and the rats were sacrificed after 3 days. Thereafter, biochemical parameters were evaluated.Key findingsMTX caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein while the levels of total protein and albumin decreased significantly relative to the normal control. Interestingly, DSELE administration favourably modulated MXT-induced biochemical alterations to levels comparable to normal control.ConclusionsDSELE can be a useful combinatorial natural product in MTX chemotherapy since it mitigates MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats.

The effects of ghee administration in comparison to sunflower seeds oil on liver tissue and some biochemical parameters in rats

Ghee is well known clarified butter of animal origin (namely derived from sheep milk), it has been used for decades in Iraq for preparing deserts, but nowadays, its nutritional value has been reviewed and is an area of controversy because of its high content of saturated fatty acids; however, the sunflower seeds oil available in the market may not be of that good quality. Comparing the effect of ghee to the effect of sunflower seeds oil may help better understand this controversy, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of using animal ghee and sunflower seed oil on the liver's histopathology and related to various biochemical alterations in rats. We used 36 animals divided into three groups to accomplish this goal. The first group, which received a typical conventional diet, was regarded as a control group. The second group was given a diet that included 5% animal ghee. And the final group had a diet that included 5% sunflower oil. Blood samples were taken at intervals of 0, 2, and 4 consecutive weeks. There are an increase in the weights of animals in the sunflower oil-fed group with an increase in cholesterol and liver function enzymes ALT and AST in the blood compared with the group treated with ghee, which showed no change in animal weights and low cholesterol with decreased liver function enzymes The histopathological changes of the rat's liver revealed mild to moderate lesions in the Ghee fed group representing by vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes and focal infiltration of inflammatory cells after four weeks of treatment. In the Sunflower seeds oil-fed group, the liver revealed more severe lesions than the rat treated in the ghee group, as severe vacuolar degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes with fatty change, generalized congestion of blood vessels, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the portal area and hyperplasia of bile canaliculi. According to the study, animal ghee has advantages over sunflower seed oil regarding hepatic histological changes and concomitant biochemical changes in rats.

Protective Effects of Zingerone Against Depression-Like Behavior and Biochemical Changes in Chronic Stressed Rats: Antioxidant Effects.

Ginger contains zingerone, an active constituent possessing antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The present study was designed to explore the efficacy of the bioactive compound, zingerone, for treating behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS). Female Wistar rats were administered zingerone (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg p.o.) once daily for a period of 28 days while being exposed to CRS (6 h/day). Our results indicated that the stressed animals depicted depression-like behavior (reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time) associated with increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) (cortex), decreased catalase (CAT) (hippocampus and cortex), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (hippocampus and cortex). In addition, metabolic alterations were characterized by hyperglycemia and increased glycosylated hemoglobin in the CRS rats. However, no alterations were observed for learning and memory and in the levels of reduced glutathione. Repeated zingerone administration significantly reversed depression-like behavior elicited by CRS in rats. Furthermore, a significant antioxidant effect was exhibited by zingerone, as shown by decreased LPO and enhanced activity of SOD and CAT in chronically stressed rats. The findings of our study demonstrated that zingerone possesses protective actions against chronic stress-induced depressive-like behavioral, biochemical, and metabolic alterations and that its underlying mechanism may be attributed to its antioxidant properties. The results also signify its pharmacological and possible nutritional importance.

A Novel Pharmacological Protective Role for Safranal in an Animal Model of Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative and inherited disease and recent years have witnessed the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to HD. Safranal, an organic compound isolated from saffron, has been reported to have anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and has studied in chronic and neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of safranal on 3-NP induced locomotor activity and biochemical alterations in rats. To this aim, 40 male Wistar rats weighting 250-300g were divided into 5 groups (n = 8) including sham, 3-NP group (10mg/kg) as control and treatment groups (3-NP + safranal 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/kg) in two weeks duration of treatment. Behavioral/movement assessments in addition to oxidant/antioxidant markers in rat cortex and striatum were evaluated in control and treatment groups. Here, we found that safranal significantly alleviated 3-NP-induced changes of body weight, rotarod activity, number of vacuous chewing movements (VCMs), and locomotor activity. In addition, brain tissue assessments in cortex and striatum revealed that safranal could prevent the elevation of nitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity and glutathione (GSH) induced by 3-NP. In conclusion our results showed that safranal prevented the motor dysfunction induced by 3-NP in animal model of Huntington's disease. This effect might be due to its modulating effect on oxidants-antioxidant balance.

Protective effect of Prunus amygdalus nut extract on chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced memory deficits and biochemical alterations in rats

Stress intervenes in the brain’s capability to encode and regain information from a person, it alters the biochemical parameters in specific regions of the brain can cause long-term damage to various parts of brain. The present investigations aid in understanding the effect of the Prunus amygdalus nut extract on CUS induced memory deficits in rats. The methanolic extract with an antioxidant potential (~ 60%) and was selected for in vivo analysis. CUS was induced in rats using different stress paradigms for 10 days. On day 11 and 12, acquisition trials for memory evaluation were performed using Morris Water Maze. On day 13 and 10 days later on, i.e. day 23, short-term and long-term memory retrievals trials were evaluated, respectively. Treatment groups were given test methanolic extract an hour before the subjection of CUS. Biochemical estimations and histopathological studies were carried out using brain tissue homogenate and brain tissue section, respectively. CUS altered the Transfer Latency time in both acquisition and retrieval trials, indicating memory impairment, which was reduced significantly in extract-treated groups. Administration of P. amygdalus nut methanolic extract protected the rat brains against CUS-induced neuroinflammatory changes. The observed beneficial effects could be attributed to the antioxidant potential of P. amygdalus.

ATP Signaling Controlling Dyskinesia Through P2X7 Receptors.

Dopamine replacement therapy with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is the only temporary therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it triggers dyskinesia over time. Since dyskinesia is associated with increased neuronal firing that bolsters purinergic signaling, we now tested whether the selective and blood-brain barrier-permeable P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue-G (BBG, 22.5–45 mg/kg ip) attenuated behavioral, neurochemical and biochemical alterations in rats turned hemiparkinsonian upon unilateral striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and treated daily with L-DOPA (30 mg/kg by gavage) for 22 days. The blockade of P2X7 receptors decreased L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and motor incoordination in hemiparkinsonian rats. In parallel, BBG treatment rebalanced the altered dopamine D1 and D2 receptor density and signaling as well as some neuroinflammation-associated parameters in the striatum and substantia nigra. These findings herald a hitherto unrecognized role for purinergic signaling in the etiopathology of dyskinesia and prompt P2X7 receptor antagonists as novel candidate anti-dyskinesia drugs.

Enhancement effects of ethanolic extract of Fagonia cretica on Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced genotoxicity and biochemical changes in rats

BackgroundFagonia cretica L. was considered to be a medical plant that was used for the treatment of different diseases, so the current study was designed to clarify whether Fagonia cretica extract (FCE) can avoid Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced genotoxicity and biochemical alterations in rats. Sixty-three male rats were used in this experiment. These animals were distributed into nine groups (seven rats each): negative control, control of corn oil, positive control that were administrated BPA in corn oil (10 mg/kg. b.w.) for 3 weeks, three protection groups received the same dose of BPA in corn oil at the same period together with FCE (3.3, 4.2 and 5.0 g/kg) daily for 3 weeks, and three therapeutic groups received FCE alone at the same doses for 10 days after cessation of BPA treatment. Genetic and biochemical studies were conducted. Genetic studies involved DNA comet assay, micronucleus test, chromosome examination, and mitotic index analysis. Biochemical studies involved liver function (AST, ALT, ALph, and Bilirubin), kidney function (urea and creatinine contents), protein profile, MDA, and endogenous antioxidative system (SOD, CAT, and ACHE) as well as nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) contents in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the treatment with BPA induced a significant elevation in genetic abnormalities and deleterious effects in biochemical parameters in relation to untreated control. FCE treatment was found to be significantly diminished the massive damage in the genetic constituents and dangerous alterations in biochemical parameters with respect to BPA treatment alone. These enhancements were increased by increasing the dose level of FCE. Moreover, better results were clarified by utilizing FCE as a protective agent than its utilization as a therapeutic agent especially by using the high dose (5.0 g/kg), in which mostly genetic and biochemical alterations were observed to be restored towards natural levels.ConclusionsThese findings clarified a new insight into the protective effect of FCE in minimizing BPA-induced genotoxicity and biochemical changes in rats detecting the capability of such medicinal plant for alleviating the adverse effect of BPA.

Evaluation of Antioxidative Effect of Green Tea Catechins Against Isoniazid-induced Biochemical Alterations in Rats

Evaluation of Antioxidative Effect of Green Tea Catechins Against Isoniazid-induced Biochemical Alterations in Rats

EVALUATION OF ANTISTRESS ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA LEAVES IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the effect of ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (EECO) Linn. on acute restraint stress (ARS)-induced stress-like behavior and biochemical alterations in albino Wistar rats.
 Methods: The ARS was induced by immobilizing the rats for a period of 12 h using rodent restraint device preventing them from any physical movement. Immediately, after 12 h rats were released and doses were given to each rat. 40 min post-release various behavioral parameters such as immobility time in force swim test and tail suspension test (TST), locomotor activity in open field test (OFT), and oxidative stress parameters and biochemical alterations in rat brain tissue were also performed.
 Statistical Analysis: Expression of data was done as mean±standard error of mean. The normally distributed data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: Experimental findings revealed that rats subjected to ARS exhibited significant increase in immobility time in forced swim test and TST models, decrease in locomotor activity in OFT model, and increase in malondialdehyde formation and impaired superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in hippocampus and cerebral cortex as compared to non-stressed rats. EECO treatment (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly attenuated immobility time, locomotion, and restored the antioxidant enzymes after ARS.
 Conclusion: EECO significantly alleviated ARS-induced stress-like behavior.

Neuroprotective Effect of Carica papaya Leaf Extract against Aluminium Toxicity: An Experimental Study on Cognitive Dysfunction and Biochemical Alterations in Rats

Abstract: Objective: To study the protective role of alcoholic leaf extract of Carica papaya in aluminium induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative damage in albino rats and to explore the neuroprotective effect of Carica papaya represented by behaviour and memory tests. Methods: The study was carried out for a period of 42 days (6 weeks) in aluminium chloride induced model. Behavioural assessment is done using Rota rod apparatus and Elevated plus maze and biochemical parameters from brain homogenate like acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) activity, Total protein, Lipid peroxidation (MDA), Super oxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione Reductase (GR) were estimated. Male Wistar rats (30) were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group I received normal saline. Group II were administered orally with aluminium chloride (100 mg/kg). Group III received Rivastigmine 0.3 mg/kg body orally. Group IV and V were administered with alcoholic Carica papaya leaf extract 200 and 400 mg/kg along with aluminium chloride of 100 mg/kg orally after 1 hr interval. All the data was analysed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Results: Administration of alcoholic Carica papaya leaf extract (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.001) increase in level of acetyl choline, significant (P<0.001) reduction of total protein and significant (P<0.001) increase in the level of SOD, Catalase and Glutathione reductase in a dose dependent manner when compared with positive control. positive control. Conclusion: This study demonstrates alcoholic Carica papaya leaf extract has a neuroprotective effect against aluminium induced behavioural changes. Key words: Carica papaya, Neuroprotective, Alzheimer’s disease, Aluminium chloride.

Neuroprotective potential of solanesol in intracerebroventricular propionic acid induced experimental model of autism: Insights from behavioral and biochemical evidence.

Autism is the category used within the newest edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism is a spectrum of disorder where a variety of behavioural patterns observed in autistic patients, such as stereotypes and repetitive behavior, hyperexcitability, depression-like symptoms, and memory and cognitive dysfunctions. Neuropathological hallmarks that associated with autism are mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, Neuro-excitation, abnormal synapse formation, overexpression of glial cells in specific brain regions like cerebellum, cerebral cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. ICV injection of propionic acid (PPA) (4 μl/0.26 M) mimics autistic-like behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats. Literature findings reveal that there is a link between autism neuronal mitochondrial coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) and ETC-complexes dysfunctions are the keys pathogenic events for autism. Therefore, in the current study, we explore the neuroprotective interventions of Solanesol (SNL) 40 and 60 mg/kg alone and in combination with standard drugs Aripiprazole (ARP) 5 mg/kg, Citalopram (CTP) 10 mg/kg, Memantine (MEM) 5 mg/kg and Donepezil (DNP) 3 mg/kg to overcome behavioral and biochemical alterations in PPA induced experimental model of Autism. Chronic treatment with SNL 60 mg/kg in combination with standard drug shows a marked improvement in locomotion, muscle coordination, long-term memory and the decrease in depressive behavior. While, chronic treatment of SNL alone and in combination with standard drug aripiprazole, citalopram, donepezil, and memantine shows the Neuroprotective potential by enhancing the cognitive deficits, biochemical alterations along with reducing the level of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress.

Tamarind seed coat extract restores fluoride-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in rats.

Fluoride (F-) is becoming an ineluctable environmental pollutant causing deleterious effects in humans. In the present study, we examined whether tamarind seed coat extract (TSCE) is beneficial against the F--induced systemic toxicity and hematological changes. Wistar rats were randomly grouped as follows: group I served as control; group II intoxicated with sodium fluoride (NaF, 300ppm) in drinking water; group III was administered through oral intubation with TSCE (100mg/kg bw); group IV was treated with NaF (300ppm) in association with TSCE (100mg/kg bw) for 30days. The results indicated that F- exposure induced oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the brain, liver, and kidney. F- administration modulates hematological indices-WBC, RBC, and mean corpuscular volume. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase significantly increased on F- exposure. Conversely, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and glutathione/reduced glutathione ratio were decreased. Activity of antioxidants-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin C-was also significantly decreased due to F- administration. Treatment with TSCE effectively mitigated the alterations through its antioxidant potential. The data suggested that the TSCE had beneficial effects in alleviating the F--induced toxicity and hence can serve as a promising neutraceutical agent.

Beneficial role of virgin coconut oil supplementation against acute methotrexate chemotherapy-induced oxidative toxicity and inflammation in rats

BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used antineoplastic and anti-rheumatoid agent whose efficacy is limited by marked organ toxicities associated with oxidative stress. The study investigated beneficial effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation on MTX-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. MethodsRats were divided into 4 groups (n=6): Control, MTX (20mg/kg bw), VCO (5%)+MTX and VCO (15%)+MTX. The pre-treatment with VCO for 14 days was followed by single intraperitoneal injection of MTX and the rats were sacrificed after 3 days. Serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were also evaluated. ResultsMTX induced a distinct diminution in serum activities of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), while lipid peroxidation considerably increased demonstrated by MDA level. Similarly, levels of IL-6, CRP and NO increased prominently in MTX control rats. The VCO supplementation markedly enhanced resistance to the MTX-induced biochemical alterations in rats. ConclusionVCO can be a useful adjuvant natural product in MTX chemotherapy by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses.

Ameliorative role of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaf on aflatoxin B1-induced genotoxicity and biochemical alterations in rats

Background/aim The present study was conducted to assess the ameliorative role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) on genotoxicity and biochemical alteration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rats. Materials and methods The rat groups involved negative control, control of DMSO, positive control that received AFB1 in DMSO (0.7 g/kg, body weight) four times weekly for 1 month, groups 4–6 that received the same dose of AFB1 in DMSO at the same period plus MOLE doses (3.3, 4.0 and 4.7 g/kg) daily for 1 month, and groups 7–9 that received MOLE alone at the same doses for 15 days after cessation of AFB1 treatment. Molecular genetic, cytogenetic, sperm, and biochemical studies were documented. Results Genetic and sperm results revealed that AFB1 treatment induced significant elevation of genetic alterations and sperm abnormalities as compared with normal control. Biochemical studies showed that the treatment with AFB1 disturbed the parameters of liver functions, where aspartate-transaminase, alanine-transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were activated and bilirubin contents as well as the rate of malondialdehyde were increased significantly, but the endogenous antioxidative system (catalase, superoxide-dismutase activities and glutathione as well as total antioxidant capacity) and protein profile were reduced significantly. Moreover, kidney functions (urea, uric acid, and creatinine contents) were elevated under AFB1 administration. The treatment with MOLE significantly minimizes the genetic alterations, sperm abnormalities, and biochemical destruction. These ameliorations were increased by increasing the dose level. Better findings were seen by using MOLE as a therapeutic agent than its using as a protective agent. Conclusion This study revealed that MOLE contains therapeutic factors used in curing of genotoxicity induced by AFB1 in rats, and treatment of animals that were exposed to AFB1 with MOLE significantly ameliorated the genetic, sperm, and biochemical parameters as compared with animals treated with AFB1 alone.

Repeatedly heated palm kernel oil induces hyperlipidemia, atherogenic indices and hepatorenal toxicity in rats: Beneficial role of virgin coconut oil supplementation.

The literature reports that the health benefits of vegetable oil can be deteriorated by repeated heating, which leads to lipid oxidation and the formation of free radicals. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is emerging as a functional food oil and its health benefits are attributed to its potent polyphenolic compounds. We investigated the beneficial effect of VCO supplementation on lipid profile, liver and kidney markers in rats fed repeatedly heated palm kernel oil (HPO). Rats were divided into four groups (n = 5). The control group rats were fed with&nbsp;&nbsp; a normal diet; group 2 rats were fed a 10% VCO supplemented diet; group 3 administered 10 ml HPO/kg b.w. orally; group 4 were fed 10% VCO + 10 ml HPO/kg for 28 days. Subsequently, serum markers of liver damage (ALT, AST, ALP and albumin), kidney damage (urea, creatinine and uric acid), lipid profile and lipid ratios as cardiovascular risk indices were evaluated. HPO induced a significant increase in serum markers of liver and kidney damage as well as con- comitant lipid abnormalities and a marked reduction in serum HDL-C. The lipid ratios evaluated for atherogenic and coronary risk indices in rats administered HPO only were remarkably higher than control. It was observed that VCO supplementation attenuated the biochemical alterations, including the indices of cardiovascular risks. VCO supplementation demonstrates beneficial health effects against HPO-induced biochemical alterations in rats. VCO may serve to modulate the adverse effects associated with consumption of repeatedly heated palm kernel oil.

Protective effects of S-allyl cysteine on behavioral, morphological and biochemical alterations in rats subjected to chronic restraint stress: Antioxidant and anxiolytic effects

S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a garlic-derived compound with antioxidant properties. Restraint stress constitutes a rodent model mimicking different features of human stress. The effects of SAC on behavioral, biochemical and morphological endpoints of brain alterations induced by chronic restraint stress were evaluated in rats. Restraint stress sessions were performed every day for 6h during 21 consecutive days. SAC (100mg/kg, i.p.) was administered daily 30min before every single stress session. Behavioral tests comprised anxiety-like and depression-like challenges. Biochemical and morphological endpoints were estimated in three brain regions: striatum, hippocampus and cortex. Stressed animals exhibited augmented anxiety-like behavior, depression and morphological alterations, and these changes were accompanied by increased oxidative damage, compensatory regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and increased corticosterone plasma levels. SAC prevented anxiety-like behavior elicited by chronic stress in rats, and reduced morphological and biochemical alterations. The protective actions of SAC are related to its antioxidant properties.