Rattus Norvegicus Research Articles

A Comparison Between The Administration of Povidone Iodine 10% and Aloe Vera Gel on The Healing of Wistar Rat Burns (Rattus Norvegicus)

Aloe vera has long been known for its diverse properties, including wound healing. Compounds such as saponins, tannins, and polyphenols contained in aloe vera provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and accelerate tissue regeneration. This study aims to compare the effectiveness between Povidone Iodine 10% and Aloe Vera Gel on burn wound healing in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus). The study used an experimental design with post-test only control group design. A total of 33 rats were divided into three groups: control group without treatment, Povidone Iodine 10% group, and Aloe Vera Gel group. Observations were made on days 0, 7, and 14 with parameters of wound diameter, percentage of wound reduction, and histopathological analysis to assess the amount of blood vessel formation, fibroblasts, macrophages, and epidermal thickness. The results showed that the administration of Aloe Vera Gel is effective in healing burn wounds, especially in the inflammatory and proliferation phases.

Nerve regeneration using a Bio 3D conduit derived from umbilical cord–Derived mesenchymal stem cells in a rat sciatic nerve defect model

Human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs), which can be prepared in advance and are presumed to be advantageous for nerve regeneration, have potential as a cell source for Bio 3D conduits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nerve regeneration ability of Bio 3D conduits made from UC-MSCs using a rat sciatic nerve defect model. Methods: A Bio 3D conduit was fabricated using a Bio 3D printer by placing UC-MSC spheroids into thin needles according to predesigned 3D data. The conduit was transplanted to bridge the 5-mm gaps of Lewis rat sciatic nerve, and nerve regeneration was evaluated at 8 weeks (Bio 3D group). Transplantation of autologous nerve segments (autograft) and silicone tubes represented the positive and negative control groups, respectively. In a second experiment, immunological reactions were evaluated in Bio 3D, autograft, and allograft groups by histochemical staining of transplanted segments in Brown Norway rats. Results: The mean angle of attack value in the kinematic analysis was significantly better in the Bio 3D group (‒20.1 ± 0.5°) than in the silicone group (‒33.7 ± 1.5°) 8 weeks after surgery. The average diameters of myelinated axons were significantly larger in the Bio 3D group (3.61 ± 0.15 μm) than in the silicone group (3.07 ± 0.12 μm), and the number of myelinated axons was significantly higher in the Bio 3D group (11,201 ± 980) than in the silicone group (8117 ± 646). Histological findings (hematoxylin and eosin [HE] staining and anti-CD3 fluorescent immunostaining) showed that rejection was suppressed in the Bio 3D group compared to the allograft group. Based on macroscopic findings and histological findings (anti-human mitochondrial fluorescent immunostaining), UC-MSCs in the Bio 3D conduit disappeared gradually from week 1 to week 8. Conclusions: The Bio 3D conduit prepared from UC-MSCs was superior to the silicone tube and achieved comparable nerve regeneration to the autologous (autograft) group. Rejection was suppressed in the Bio 3D group compared to the allograft group. Although this study used a xenograft model, we speculate that rejection was low due to the characteristics of UC-MSCs. UC-MSCs are a useful cell source for Bio 3D conduits.

Effect of Ketapang Leaf Extract on HDL Levels of Rattus norvegicus Induced by High-fat Foods

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions to transport cholesterol from the blood vessel endothelium to the liver and excreted through the digestive tract so that it does not cause dyslipidemia, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Current treatment for dyslipidemia uses long-term statin drugs, which can cause various side effects, so herbal alternatives such as ketapang leaves (Terminalia catappa L.), which contain flavonoids and have the effect of increasing HDL levels, needed to be evaluated to achieve that reason. This study aims to evaluate whether ketapang leaf extract has an effect on increasing blood HDL levels. This research used experimental animals with a pretest and a posttest with a control group design. It was conducted at the Biochemistry Laboratory and Laboratory Animal Management Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Medan, from September to December 2023. This study used Wistar strain male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were induced on a high-fat diet, divided into five groups: negative control, positive control (given simvastatin), treatment 1 (given 21 mg/kgBW ketapang leaf extract), treatment 2 (given 42 mg/kgBW ketapang leaf extract) and treatment 3 (given 84 mg/kgBW ketapang leaf extract). The study results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the average HDL levels before and after treatment in the positive control, treatment 2, and therapy three groups. Thus, the study concluded that ketapang leaf extract affected increasing HDL levels of male white rats (Rattus norvegicus).

The Relationship Between Oxidative Stress and Infertility Due to Antihypertensive Drugs in Rattus Norvegicus.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of antihypertensive drugs on reproductive function in Rattus norvegicus and demonstrate the potential role of oxidative stress in reproductive dysfunction. Rattus norvegicus were selected as the experimental animals and divided into the following groups: healthy (control group), clonidine (CL), rilmenidine (RLD), methyldopa (MTL), amlodipine (ALD), and ramipril (RML). Each individual in each group was marked from one to six. Doses of clonidine (0.075 mg/kg), rilmenidine (0.5 mg/kg), methyldopa (100 mg/kg), amlodipine (2 mg/kg), and ramipril (2 mg/kg) were administered orally via gavage to each Rattus norvegicus. Using blood obtained from Rattus norvegicus, the absorbance of the pink-colored complex formed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured spectrophotometrically at the 532 nm wavelength. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins to analyze serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione levels in the serum of all Rattus norvegicus. After sampling, two mature male Rattus norvegicus were introduced to every group of six female Rattus norvegicus and accommodated in a controlled laboratory environment for two months. Any female Rattus norvegicus that became pregnant during this time was transferred to a solitary cage within a controlled setting. Rattus norvegicus that did not become pregnant and did not give birth during this period were considered infertile. The results were compared among the groups. Total glutathione (tGSH) levels were determined using a spectrophotometer. According to our study, the increase in MDA levels observed was not statistically significant in the CL and RLD groups compared to that in the control group. MDA levels were significantly increased in the methyldopa, amlodipine, and RML groups. While total glutathione levels in the CL group were similar to those in the control group, the RLD, MTL, ALD, and RML groups showed a statistically significant decrease. While the animals in the CL and RLD groups were not infertile, infertility was apparent in the groups treated with MTL, ALD, and RML. Thus, it was determined that the antihypertensive drugs MTL, ALD, and RML had different effects on fertility, and that the use of such drugs could cause infertility by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing antioxidant levels.

Detection of DNA Viruses in Free-Ranging Rat Populations in Hungary.

To address a gap in our understanding of viral infections in epidemiologically important rat species, we aimed to detect DNA viruses from the tissues of free-ranging rat populations in Hungary. DNA viruses were identified from the parenchymal organs of 230 Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus, using family-specific pan-PCR assays followed by sequencing of the PCR products. Adeno-, herpes-, circo-, and polyomaviruses were detected, while irido-, pox-, and dependoparvoviruses were not. Adenovirus DNA was present in 6.5% of the samples, herpesvirus and polyomavirus DNA in 12.2%, and circovirus DNA in 1.7%. All detected herpesviruses belonged to the β and γ subfamilies, with a majority being β herpesviruses. Some adenovirus and herpesvirus sequences were novel, while only the known Rattus norvegicus polyomavirus 1 was detected for polyomaviruses. The rare circovirus-positive samples revealed the presence of both rodent and bird circoviruses, indicating the ability of circoviruses to cross species barriers. Our findings show that rats host a variety of DNA viruses, many of which were previously uncharacterized, highlighting the need for further diagnostic studies.

Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke: Investigations on VEGF and GFAP expression

Ischemic stroke is a sudden onset of neurological deficit resulting from a blockage in cerebral blood vessels, which can lead to brain tissue damage, chronic disability, and increased risk of mortality. Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (SH-MSC) is a potential therapy to improve neurological deficit by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reducing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These effects can reduce the infarction area of ischemic stroke. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 150 μL and 300 μL SH-MSC injection on VEGF and GFAP expression as well as the improvement of infarction area in ischemic stroke animal model. A post-test-only experimental design with consecutive sampling was used, with Rattus norvegicus as subjects. Stromal mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) were isolated from the umbilical cords of rats at 21 days of gestation. Secretome production by the S-MSCs was induced under a hypoxic condition, and subsequently isolated. The resultant secretome was administered to rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) at doses of 150 μL (P1 group) and 300 μL (P2 group). The results showed that the infarction area was reduced in P1 (p<0.001) and P2 groups (p<0.001). SH-MSC at a dose of 300 μL increased the expression of VEGF (p=0.028) and reduced the expression of GFAP (p=0.001). In conclusion, secretome from hypoxic S-MSC could potentially improve ischemic stroke by upregulating VEGF expression and downregulating GFAP expression.

In Vivo Induction of Leukemia-Specific Adaptive and Innate Immune Cells by Treatment of AML-Diseased Rats and Therapy-Refractory AML Patients with Blast Modulating Response Modifiers.

There is a high medical need to develop new strategies for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) refractory to conventional therapy. In vitro, the combinations of the blast-modulatory response modifiers GM-CSF + Prostaglandin E1, (summarized as Kit M) have been shown to convert myeloid leukemic blasts into antigen-presenting dendritic cells of leukemic origin (DCleu) that were able to (re-)activate the innate and adaptive immune system, direct it specifically against leukemic blasts, and induce memory cells. This study aimed to investigate the immune modulatory capacity and antileukemic efficacy of Kit M in vivo. Brown Norway rats suffering from AML were treated with Kit M (twofold application). Blasts and immune cells were monitored in peripheral blood (PB) and spleen. Upon the observation of promising immune modulatory effects in the treated animals, two patients with AML refractory to multiple lines of therapy were offered treatment with Kit M on an individualized basis. Safety, as well as immunological and clinical effects, were monitored. Samples obtained from a third patient in similar clinical conditions not receiving Kit M were used as controls for immune monitoring tests. Animal experiments: Drugs were well tolerated by the treated animals. After 9 days of treatment, DCleu and memory-like T cells increased in the peripheral blood, whereas regulatory T cells, especially blasts, decreased in treated as compared to untreated control animals. Clinical courses: No severe side effects were observed. In patient 1482, PB blasts remained under the detection threshold during 27 days of treatment, thrombocytes were normalized, and (leukemia specific) immune effector cells of the adaptive and innate immune system increased up to 800-fold compared to the start of treatment. Patient 1601 responded with a 12% reduction in blasts in PB immediately after Kit M treatment. Several subtypes of (leukemia-specific) immune effector cells in PB increased up to four-fold during the 19 days of treatment. In contrast, immune-reactive cells decreased under mild chemotherapy in the PB of control patient 1511 with comparably refractory AML. Within the limitation of low numbers in both animal experiments and clinical applications, our data suggest that Kit M treatment of AML-diseased rats and patients is feasible and may induce leukemia-specific immune reactions and clinical improvement. A larger series and a prospective clinical trial will be required to confirm our observations. Beyond optimized doses and schedules of the applied compounds, the combination with other antileukemic strategies or the application of Kit M in less proliferative stages of the myeloid diseases need to be discussed. If effects are confirmed, the concept may add to the armamentarium of treatments for highly aggressive blood cancer.

Effectiveness of Gedong Gincu Mango Leaf Extract Gel (Mangifera indica L. var. Gedong gincu) on Cut Wound Healing in Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar Strain

Background: The Indonesia Basic Health Research data show the prevalence of wounds including incision/scratches/stab wounds reaches 20.1%. Natural herbal products play an important role in the wound healing process functioning as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and collagen formation. Mango leaves are often considered waste even though they have many health benefits with the high content of coactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins which are good for cut wound healing. The use of gel is more stable and controlled release compared to other topical preparations. Gedong Gincu mangoes originating from West Java have unique properties and they are marketed widely in some areas including Cirebon. Aims: This study aims to identify the most effective concentration of Gedong Gincu mango leaf extract on cut wound healing in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar Strain. Methods: This study used a post-test-only control group design. The extract gel used three levels of concentration, namely 40%, 50%, and 60%. The positive control used 10% povidone iodine while the negative control used a gel base. The gel was applied to the cut wound twice a day for 14 days. Results: The average length of the cut wound was 0.916 cm, 0.912 cm, and 1.050 cm for concentration levels of 40%, 50%, and 60%. For the positive and negative controls, it reached 0.996 cm and 0.702 cm respectively. This indicates no significant difference in the length of the cut wound with a p-value of 0.121 (p>0.05). The wound healing process was effective at a concentration level of 60% as indicated by the disappearance of erythema and edema. Conclusion: Mango leaf extract gel (Mangifera indica L.var. Gedong Gincu) is effective in healing cut wounds with the disappearance of erythema and edema in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain with a concentration of 60%. Received: 25 September 2024 | Reviewed: 19 October 2024 | Revised: 30 November 2024 | Accepted: 15 December 2024.

Intraspecific variabilityof the norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Russia according to D-loop mtDNA data

For the first time in Russia, a study of the intraspecific structure of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) was carried out using the mitochondrial marker of the control region (D-loop) of mtDNA. MtDNA sequences of brown rats from 8 regions of the European and Asian parts of Russia were analyzed. Three clades of rats have been identified: in the European part of Russia –1, in the Asian part – 2. Synanthropic subspecies – R. n. norvegicus is represented by european and asian lineages. The european lineage included haplotypes from the regions of central and southern Russia, and the Asian lineage included haplotypes from Eastern Siberia and the Far East. The previously described free living subspecies, R. n. caraco from the Russian Far East was represented as separate genetic lineage.

Impact Of Fragrant Pandan Leaves Ethanol Extract (Fplee) On Alt And Ast Levels In High-Fat Diet-Induced Rat

Energy-dense, low-nutrient, and ultra-processed diets rich in fat can be a risk factor for fatty liver disease. Fragrant pandan is a plant that grows widely in Indonesia and is widely used as a herbal plant. This study aimed to determine the potential of fragrant pandan leaf ethanol extract (FPLEE) to reduce ALT and AST levels. It is a posttest control group design experiment. A total of 24 Rattus norvegicus specimens. All groups were given high-fat food for two weeks, except for NC. In the next two weeks, S was induced by simvastatin and FPLEE; T1, T2, and T3 were induced by 8, 16, and 32 mg/200 g BW/day, respectively. The One-Way ANOVA test results showed α=0.000 for ALT and α=0.029 for AST. Post-hoc LSD showed that NC was significantly different from T1, T2, and T3 (p0.05); therefore, FPLEE was unable to reduce ALT levels. For AST levels, NC was significantly different from C+, T1, and T2 (P0.05). Thus, T3 (32 mg/200 g BW/day of FPLEE) yielded the best results in reducing AST levels (p0.05). Based on these results, FPLEE has side effects on liver function, as seen in increased blood ALT levels, but it can reduce blood AST levels.

THE EFFECT OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED COENZYME Q10 ON THE VIABILITY OF RANDOM SKIN FLAP IN NICOTINE EXPOSED WISTAR RATS

Introduction : Nicotine was assumed to be the cause of compromised flap. The administration of antioxidants can eliminate such effect, and one of the most promising antioxidants is Coenzyme Q10. The research aims to find the effect of orally administered Coenzyme Q10 on the viability of random skin flaps in nicotine-exposed wistar rats. Method : Twenty-seven white rats (Rattus norvegicus) were assigned in three groups. The first group received no nicotine, while the other two groups were nebulized with nicotine for 4 consecutive weeks, and treated as random skin flaps. In third group, Coenzyme Q10 was administered for 7 days. Then, a standard histopathological staining and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measurement were performed on flap sample to examine the extent of neovascularization and VEGF cell expression. Result : The average number of capillaries in group I was 5.33 ± 1.323, in group II was 5.89 ± 0.782, and in group III was 7.78 ± 2.587. There was no significant difference (p = 0.317, 95% CI) in groups I and II of VEGF expression. However, significant differences were found in the intensity of VEGF (p = 0.009, 95% CI) in groups I and group III, and in groups II and group III (p = 0.011, 95% CI). Thus, the intensity was stronger on the subject with coenzyme Q10 compared with the other two groups. Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 increases the viability of random flaps by increasing the number of capillaries and VEGF expression.

Appendage Sizes in Three Rodent Species are Affected Indirectly by Climate Factors via Their Effects on Body Size.

In mammals, temporal and spatial variation in appendage sizes within and among species may be driven by variations in ambient temperature and allometric scaling. Here, we use two decades of morphological data on three rodent species distributed across vast latitudinal gradients in China to estimate temporal and spatial trends of tail, hind-foot, and ear lengths. Further, we test 14 climate variables to identify the critical drivers of these trends and use structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze whether the effects of climate variables on the appendage lengths are direct or indirect, via effects on body length. Relative to body length, and in contradiction to Allen's rule, all appendage lengths remained unchanged over time and across space. By contrast, absolute appendage lengths increased in one species (Apodemus agrarius) over time and in two species (A. agrarius and Rattus norvegicus) across space; and most of the appendage lengths in the two species were associated with annual mean minimum temperature in the year preceding capture (PreAnnMinTemp). The SEM results suggest that PreAnnMinTemp affected absolute appendage lengths indirectly through body length. In addition, except for tail length in two species and both hind-foot and ear length in one species, absolute appendage lengths scaled allometrically with body length. These results suggest that the distinct temperature-appendage-length patterns among and within species arise from species-specific temperature sensitivities and appendage-specific ontogenetic rates and functions.

Trapping results for Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) in the LAJTA Project

Our study in the LAJTA Project is ground-breaking in several aspects of small carnivore trapping for domestic game management. During the trapping activity for the thinning of weasel and Norway rat, which took place for one year from August 2023, we gained experience in the use and capture efficiency of a device (Fenn Mark 4 type) not used in the country. Our results are compensatory not only because of the tool used, but also because the weasel is a protected species in Hungary and can only be thinned in the project area within the framework of our wildlife biology studies on this species. In the present study, 111 specimens of 3 species (weasel, Norway rat, domestic ferret) were captured during a one-year trapping period using 50 traps set over a length of 32 km. The catch effort (catch effort/100 trapping units) was 0.36 specimen/100TU for weasel (n=66), 0.23 specimen/100TU for Norway rat (n=42) and 0.59 specimen/100TU for all trapped species (n=111). 97% of the weasels captured were males, which also reflects the results of international studies well. Our results confirm that successful trapping of weasels and Norway rats can only be effective with a large amount of equipment and high manpower input if traps are set at the right time and in the right habitat types. The highest capture success rates in edge habitats were achieved for traps placed at the intersection of woody and herbaceous vegetation and multiple habitat types for both weasel and Norway rat. However, the seasonality of capture success differed for the two species studied. For the weasel, the predominant proportion (48.5%) was trapped in summer, whereas for the Norway rat, about 50% of the annual catches occurred in winter.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE RAT KIDNEY AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF SAPPAN WOOD EXTRACT (Caesalpinia sappan L.) IN IRON OVERLOAD CONDITION

Excessive amounts of iron in the body can lead to damage to various organs, including the kidneys. Iron chelators have been demonstrated to effectively reduce the accumulation of this excess iron. This study aims to investigate the impact of administering sappan wood extract (Caesalpinia sappan) as an adjuvant to iron chelators on the structure and function of kidneys in a rat model of iron overload. The experimental research, spanning 28 days, employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) involving 30 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) distributed across 6 test groups. Iron dextran at 60 mg/kg bb induced iron overload, while a comparative iron chelator, deferiprone, was given at 1.35 mg/kg bb. Various doses of Sappan wood extract (SWE) 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg bb were administered to separate test groups. The parameters that are being observed include the distribution of iron and the structure of kidney injury. At a 95% confidence level, the acquired data were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Duncan test was used to see whether there were any differences. The study's findings demonstrated that each treatment group's kidney iron levels differed from the excess iron-containing control group (p <0.05). The histological investigation results demonstrated a significant difference in damage scores (p <0.05) between the groups administered secang wood extract and the excess besei control group. Adminstered of 100 mg/kgbw dose of EKS might lower their organ iron levels and lessen the harm that the iron did to their kidneys. Keyword: Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.), Iron Overload, Kidney

Possibilities of an experimental approach in creating fetal growth restriction in animal models

The literature review was compiled to assess which animal models of intrauterine development disorders most adequately reflect the pathological processes in the clinic. Intrauterine growth restriction associated with placental insufficiency is an urgent scientific and practical problem of modern obstetrics and perinatology. According to World Health Organization, this complication occurs in 10% of pregnant women. The etiology and mechanisms of this pathology have been the focus of research for more than decades. Nevertheless, the methods of predicting and preventing this pathology are not very effective, as consensus in diagnostic approaches is only being formed, and there are practically no methods of correction. The results of experimental studies have made a significant contribution to the understanding of the pathophysiological foundations of the placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction development. For this purpose, various laboratory animals are used, most often rats (Rattus norvegicus), chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), mice (Mus musculus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Each of the above types of experimental animals has its own advantages for studying intrauterine growth restriction. There are three main methods used to simulate intrauterine growth restriction in animals: the surgical method (ligation of blood vessels), the method of placing in a chamber with a reduced oxygen concentration, and the method of lowering the caloric content and amount of food. Various models of intrauterine growth restriction have been proposed over a long study of the problem. However, these data differ greatly among themselves in the literature. The task of this review was to understand the most effective models and animal species to study fetal growth retardation, as well as ways to create this pregnancy complication.

Activity of Ethanol Extract of Kalangkala seed (Litseaangulata B.) as Nephroprotector and Hepatoprotector in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Kalangkala (Litsea angulata B) is a traditional medicine that contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids and has antioxidant activity. Phenolic and flavonoids are reported to protect liver and kidney function and maintain insulin levels in the body. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of administration of ethanol extract of kalangkala seeds (EEBK) as nephroprotective and hepatoprotective agents in rats (Rattus norvegicus L) induced by alloxan. Kalangkala seed was extracted by ethanol and evaporated to get the concentrated extract. The 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including normal group, negative group, metformin positive group and treated groups which treated by EEBK 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgBW. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally, metformin and EEBK were given orally for 21 days. The blood of rats was taken through the orbital sinus on day 21. The results showed the total flavonoid content of EEBK was 6.27 mgQE/g. EEBK doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW as well as metformin can reduce (p<0.05) creatinine levels, ureum and SGPT activity but only EEBK doses of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW (p<0.05) can reduce SGOT activity. The administration of EEBK doses of 100. 200 and 400 mg / kgBW was able to improve the histopathological picture of the liver. It can be concluded that EEBK has the potential as a nephroprotective and hepatoprotective in diabetic rats (Rattusnorvegicus L) induced by alloxan

Comparison of hair steroid levels among Wistar rats exposed to different environmental enrichment settings

Background and Aim: Environmental enrichment (EE) is a pivotal tool for creating ideal housing conditions that allow animals to fully display their ethograms. At the micro-environmental level, they should elicit cognitive and social responses and increase physical activities. Hair steroids may be among the best biomarkers to evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure to different enrichments because they are non-invasive and provide information regarding a longer period. This study aimed to compare the hair steroid profiles, specifically corticosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), of Wistar rats exposed to two different EE settings. Materials and Methods: Twenty (n = 20) outbred Wistar rats were enrolled in this study. First hair collection (T0) was performed 3 days before weaning (at 28 days of life), and then Wistar rats were randomly divided into two equal groups with a sex ratio of 1:1: standard EE group, provided with one rat tunnel, and extra EE group, provided with an additional tunnel hanging from the top of the cage. Environmental conditions were 20°C–24°C, 45%–65% relative humidity, and a 12:12 dark/light cycle, with water and pelleted diet ad libitum. The rats were housed in ventilated cages with poplar bedding and nesting material. Hair was sampled again after 3 months (T1). Steroids were quantified using radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after methanol extraction. Results: Cortisol was not quantifiable, while corticosterone and DHEA were. After 3 months of exposure (T1), no differences were noted between the experimental groups. On data categorization per sex, females showed higher levels of all steroids than males. In males, the extra EE group had higher corticosterone levels. Conclusion: This study showed that corticosterone and DHEA are quantifiable in rats’ hair, yet bigger datasets are needed to better understand the physiological levels of these hormones in such a matrix. Different enrichment settings induced differences between and within sex. Keywords: 3Rs, biomarker, environmental enrichment, Rattus norvegicus, refinement, steroid, welfare.

Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke: Investigations on VEGF and GFAP expression.

Ischemic stroke is a sudden onset of neurological deficit resulting from a blockage in cerebral blood vessels, which can lead to brain tissue damage, chronic disability, and increased risk of mortality. Secretome from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (SH-MSC) is a potential therapy to improve neurological deficit by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reducing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These effects can reduce the infarction area of ischemic stroke. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 150 μL and 300 μL SH-MSC injection on VEGF and GFAP expression as well as the improvement of infarction area in ischemic stroke animal model. A post-test-only experimental design with consecutive sampling was used, with Rattus norvegicus as subjects. Stromal mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) were isolated from the umbilical cords of rats at 21 days of gestation. Secretome production by the S- MSCs was induced under a hypoxic condition, and subsequently isolated. The resultant secretome was administered to rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) at doses of 150 μL (P1 group) and 300 μL (P2 group). The results showed that the infarction area was reduced in P1 (p<0.001) and P2 groups (p<0.001). SH-MSC at a dose of 300 μL increased the expression of VEGF (p=0.028) and reduced the expression of GFAP (p=0.001). In conclusion, secretome from hypoxic S-MSC could potentially improve ischemic stroke by upregulating VEGF expression and downregulating GFAP expression.

Identification and field testing of sex-attractant semiochemicals produced by male deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus.

Following previous reports that male deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, produce chemical signals that attract conspecific females, we analysed and field-tested sex-attractant semiochemicals (message-bearing chemicals) of male deer mice. Field traps baited with urine- and faeces-soiled bedding of male mice captured adult female, but not male, mice, indicating dissemination of sex-attractant semiochemicals from the males' excreta. Analysing excreta headspace volatiles of both males and females by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that 5-methyl-2-hexanone was male-specific, and that eight other ketones (3-methyl-2-pentanone, 2-hexanone, 4-heptanone, 2-heptanone, 6-methyl-2-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone) were 2.6-5.6 times more abundant in male, than in female, samples. In a field experiment with paired trap boxes, treatment boxes baited with the synthetic ketone lure captured 3.4 times more females (17 : 5) and 1.6 times fewer males (5 : 8) than corresponding unbaited boxes. In a follow-up paired-trap field experiment, treatment boxes baited with both the ketone lure and synthetic testosterone captured 8 times more mature females and 2.3 times more immature females, but 9 times fewer immature males, than control boxes baited only with the ketone lure, all indicating that testosterone is a synergistic sex-attractant semiochemical. As previously shown in house mice, Mus musculus, and brown rats, Rattus norvegicus, sex-attractant semiochemicals of male deer mice comprise both volatile and sex steroid components.

Effect Of Combination Of Snakehead Fish Extract (Channa Striata), Meniran ( Phyllanthus Niruri L.), And Temulawak (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza) On Liver Function And Histopathological Description Of The Liver Of Mice Model Diabetes Mellitus High Fat Diet

Diabetes mellitus is one of the metabolic disorders characterized by a progressive decrease in insulin sensitivity, resulting in hyperglycemia which causes oxidative stress and damage to liver function. Currently, anti-fibrogenic treatment options are still limited, This study aims to determine the effect of capsules containing a combination of snakehead fish extract (Channa striata), meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.), and curcuma (Curcuma xantorrhiza) on a high fat diet of diabetic melitus model rats. This type of research is an experimental laboratory in vivo with a randomized post test-only control group design. The population of this study is male rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the wistar strain with a sample size of 30 mice divided into 5 groups of rats. Data analysis used the SPSS version 26 program which was analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. The results of this study found that there was a difference but not significant between SGOT and SGPT between all groups (p&gt;0.05). Therefore, from these results, it can be stated that there is an effect of capsules containing a combination of snakehead fish extract (Channa striata), meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.), and curcuma (Curcuma xantorrhiza) in diabetic mellitus model rats with a high fat diet in improving liver function. It is hoped that further researchers can continue this research by using a combination of snakehead fish extract (Channa striata), meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.), and curcuma (Curcuma xantorrhiza) in repairing damage to other organs other than the liver as a result of diabetes mellitus complications.