Changes In Albino Rats Research Articles

Quercetin guards against nicotine-induced testicular changes in albino rats via LC3, P62 and Nrf2 regulation

Quercetin guards against nicotine-induced testicular changes in albino rats via LC3, P62 and Nrf2 regulation

Histopathological and Neurotransmitter Changes in Albino Rats’ Brain after Consumption of Energy Drink in Egypt

Histopathological and Neurotransmitter Changes in Albino Rats’ Brain after Consumption of Energy Drink in Egypt

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

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

Hematological Parameters and Lipid Profile Changes in Albino Rats due to Administration of Ethanol Extract of Ipomea batatas Leaves

Leaves of I. batatas have been implicated in both the hematopoietic process and in the management of hyperlipidemia in man. The current study evaluated the hematopoietic potentials and the lipid profile stabilizing potential of ethanol leaf extract of I. batatas in albino rats. The study was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between March 2019 and October 2019. The determination of the phytochemical composition of the leaves was carried out. Sixteen albino rats weighing between 100-150g were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 4 rats each. Animals in group 1 served as the control while animals in groups 2, 3, and 4 served as the test groups and were administered 200, 300 and 400g/kg body weight respectively of ethanol leaf extract of I batata for fourteen days following standard procedures. The extract contained terpenoids in high amount, flavonoids and alkaloids in moderate amounts, while glycosides, phenolic, and steroids were present in low amounts. WBC counts increased significantly across the test groups compared to the control. PLT decreased significantly (P = 0.05) in all the test groups when compared to the control group. MCV increased significantly (P = 0.05) in all the test groups when compared to the control group. MCH increased significantly (P = 0.05) in group 2 but decreased significantly in groups 3 and 4 when compared to the control group. The lipid profile parameters; triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) showed no significant changes but HDL-C decreased significantly in group 4 compared to the control. The outcome of this study revealed that the ethanol leaves extract of I. batatas may possess a hematopoietic effect but may not be effective in the management of hyperlipidemia.

Biochemical and histologic changes in albino rats in response to charcoal powder exposure

Background. In developing and under-developed countries, charcoal production predisposes workers to charcoal dust. This is a common occurrence as workers in this field are not properly protected and as such are exposed to charcoal dust through inhalation and skin contact. Charcoal comprises many components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to the possible health risk associated with such exposure, this study was designed to determine the effects of charcoal powder of particle size 125 µm - 150 µm on certain biomarkers in male albino rats. Albino rats were used because of their similar physiology to humans. Materials and Methods. 20 albino rats weighing between 250 g and 300 g were used for this study; they were randomly distributed in 4 groups (5 rats each) and the charcoal powder was incorporated into their feed at different percentages; control, group 1 (10 % charcoal), group 2 (30 % charcoal) and group 3 (charcoal powder bedding) for 50 days. Using standard procedures and methods, the following parameters were tested: Hematological parameters, semen parameters, liver enzymes, renal function, hormones and lung histology. Results. The results indicated a decrease in the level of liver enzymes AST (IU/L) and ALT (IU/L) in group 1, group 2 and group 3 when compared to the control with the lowest value of 48.75 IU/L and 11.50 IU/L respectively recorded in group 2. Prolactin (mIU/L) had mean values of 1.73, 1.30 and 1.83 in group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively while the control was 2.10. Testosterone (nmol/L) had a mean value of 1.18, 0.53 and 0.25 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively, while the control was 0.90 with a significant difference (P<0.05). Creatinine (µmol/L) increased in group 1 and group 2 with a slight reduction in group 3 when compared to control (1.04) with a value of 1.35, 1.40 and 1.23, respectively. Total sperm count (´105/mL) had a mean value of 58.33, 50.00 and 43.25 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively, while the control was 100.50. The lung histology for the treated groups revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of inter-alveolar walls. Conclusion. Long term exposure to charcoal powder through nasal or oral route had serious effects on rats’ health, such as kidney damages, inflammation of the lungs and decrease in fertility in males primarily due to the presence of PAHs in charcoal.

Tramadol Induced Ovarian and Uterine Changes in Albino Rats

Tramadol at the dose levels of 1mg and 3mg/100g body weight was administered to normal cycling rats for 20 days through intraperitoneal routes. At autopsy on 21st day significant reduction in the ovarian, uterine and body weight was observed. Histological observations showed decrease in the number and size of Graafian follicles, corpora lutea and increase in the atretic follicles in the ovary. The uterus showed absences of endometrial glands, decrease in the height of myometrium, endometrium and its epithelial cells. The total protein and glycogen content of the ovary and uterus is decreased whereas the cholesterol content is increased. The hypothalamo-hypophyseal gonadal axis is prominent regulator of reproductive activities in animals through neuro-endocrine regulation. In this study action of tramadol on ovary and uterine parameters is discussed.

Effect of Acute Warm Water Swim Stress on Antioxidant Levels in Swiss Albino Rats

Background: Heat stress affects both physical and mental tasks. Imbalance in maintenance of temperatureleads to oxidative stress and damage to the body systems. Aim: To evaluate the effect of acute warm waterswim stress on antioxidant status changes in albino rats. Materials and Methods: The present study wasconducted in the Department of Physiology, Meenakshi medical College& Research Institute, Chennai.Twenty male albino rats were randomly divided in to two groups, control group and experimental group.Experimental group of rats were exposed to warm water swim stress at 40ºc for duration of 15min ofcontinuous single exposure. The antioxidant status namely enzyme activity (LPO,CAT, SOD & GPx) andnon-enzyme activity (Vitamin C & Vitamin E) were estimated as per standard procedures. Results: Therewas a significant (P<0.001) increase in Lipid peroxidation and was significantly (P<0.001) decrease inenzyme activity (SOD, CAT, & GPx) and non- enzyme activity (Vitamin C & Vitamin E) when comparedwith their normal controls. Conclusion: The changes in antioxidant estimation helps in developing a newapproach in understanding the changes in the body under acute exposure to heat water swim stress whichis mainly responsible for pathophysiological changes and to know the thermoregulatory activities of themammals.

Ameliorative effects of Panax ginseng on lung of Lambada cyhalotherin-intoxicated rats

Introduction: Lambada-cyhalotherin (LCT) caused severe oxidative damage in liver, lung and testis.Aim of the Study: The objective of this research was to evaluate the ameliorative activity and underlying techniques of pure Panax ginseng (G) using rat model of LCT-induced lung damage.Materials and Methods: 36 male adult laboratory rats Rattus norvegicus domestica in weights around 135±10 g were separated into 6 experimental groups: 1st control group. 2nd and 3th groups were G groups (100 and 200 mg G/kg b. wt.) LCT group was given by oral gavage LCT (61.2 mg /kg b. wt.) that is equivalent to 1/10 of LD50. The 5th and 6th groups were co-treated with two doses of G.Results: LCT significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total thiol (T. thiol) and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO). mRNA and protein expression levels of p53 gene (apoptotic gene) were increased, whereas, Bcl-2 gene (anti-apoptotic gene) mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased in LCT-treated animals. Also, light microscopic and ultrastructure studies for lung tissues of LCT-treated animals showed marked hyperplasia of dilated bronchioles wall, RBCs extravasation in bronchiolium lumen and mononuclear leukocytic infiltration in parenchyma. Additionally, blood vessels congested with thickened walls, alveoli appeared collapsed with compensatory expansion of adjacent alveoli divided by thickened inter-alveolar septa, besides to damage in type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes. G co-treatment attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers. Both tested doses of G significantly decreased p53 and elevate Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels and revealed significant amelioration and restoration of normal histology and ultrastructure of lung.Conclusion: In summary, G has exhibited ameliorative activity against oxidative stress induced by LCT in lung, apoptosis, histopathological and ultrastructural changes in albino rats.

The possible neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin on monosodium glutamate and aspartame induced hippocampal changes in albino rats: (Histological and immuno-histochemical study)

Background: Food additives are substances added to food to improve its safety, freshness, taste, texture, or appearance. They include aroma enhancer eg : monosodium glutamate(MSG) or sweetener eg.: aspartame (ASP).Aim of the Study: This current study was performed to study the microscopic alterations induced by MSG, ASP individually and in combination and the possible protective effect of astaxanthin (AST) on those induced changes.Materials and Methods: Forty nine adult male albino rats were used in this study divided into; control group (fourteen rats) two rats for each experimental group and experimental group (thirty five rats) subdivided into seven subgroups:ASP group, MSG group, ASP andMSG group,AST group,ASP andAST group, MSG andAST group, ASPandMSG andAST group. Oral administration was done in the morning daily for 6 weeks for all groups. When the duration of the study ended, blood samples were collected from rat tail and paraffin sections were prepared from the cerebral hemisphere of each animal. They were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical stain for Caspase3 and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP). Statistical analysis were done for assessment of body weight, reduced glutathione (GSH) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level.Results: The groups that received ASP (I), MSG (II) individually or in combination (III) exhibited shrunken cells with darkly stained nuclei and surrounded with pericellular haloes and some areas even revealed loss of the cells with increase in immunoreactivity for GFAP and Caspase 3. These groups also showed elevation in the level of TNFα and decrease in the level of GSH. On treatment with AST groups V, VI and VII showed reduced pycknosis, decreased immunoreactivity for GFAP and Caspase 3. It also showed reduction in the level of TNFα and increased level of GSH.Conclusion: ASP and MSG individually or in combination induce alternation in hippocampus and AST administration ameliorate those changes

The Effect of Dietary Calcium Loading on Some Heamorheological Parameters of Albino Wistar Rats

The effect of dietary calcium loading and it’s haemorheological changes in albino rats were determined using different methods, depending on the different haemorheological parameters studied. Westergren tubes was used to determine Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), microhaematocrit centrifuge was used in the determination of Pack Cell Volume (PCV), while Sahli Haemoglobinometer tube was used to determine the hemoglobin concentration (HB) of the blood. Blood samples were collected into EDTA bottles. 15 albino wistar rats of average weight of 300g were randomly divided into three groups of A, B and C, with each group containing five rats. Group B and C were feed on salt loading diet (2, 4, 6 and 8g calcium chloride diet) and their haemorheological parameters were compared to the control on normal rat diet for a period of eight weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the tail of the rats and the haematocrit, erythrocyte and packed cell volume were determined in both groups. Blood samples were analyzed within 2 hours of collection. The result showed significant increase in haematocrit value (PCV) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), although not too significant. There was a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration in rats on salt loaded diets compared to control (P<0.05)This study shows that increase in these haemorheological parameters in association with chronic salt loading, hence suggest a role played by chronic salt ingestion in the etiology of hypertension.

Effects of minocycline and doxycycline against terbutaline induced early postnatal autistic changes in albino rats

The current study was initiated to explicate the shielding response of minocycline and doxycycline against early postnatal neurological damage and behavioral alteration convinced by terbutaline. Toxicity was induced by terbutaline at three successive days in the pups. The pups were scrutinized for behavioral, biochemical and inflammatory markers. Subsequent treatment with test drugs commenced a favorable effect on the autistic symptoms with more safeguard by doxycycline. The study also recognized peripheral inflammatory reactions and increased nitric oxide (NO) through terbutaline which was curtailed down by test drugs, with the much more noticeable effect of doxycycline. The GC-FID analysis and histopathological evaluation of the brain tissue elicited more pronounced protection by doxycycline. Doxycycline was also evident with remarkable down-regulation Pgp 9.5 [Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1)] expression in the brain tissue in comparison to minocycline.

Does Olive Oil Attenuate Ciprofloxacin-Induced Renal Cortical Toxicity? Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for treatment of many infections. Olive oil is rich in compounds that have strong antioxidant activity.Aim: To assess CPFX-induced renal cortical structural changes in albino rats and to evaluate whether or not olive oil could attenuate such changes.Materials and Methods: Thirty two male albino rats were used and divided into 4 groups. Control group received distilled water, OO group received olive oil (5ml/kg/day), CPFX group received CPFX (20 mg/kg/day) and CPFX+OO group received both CPFX and olive oil as the previous groups. All medications were continued for 14 days. Renal cortex specimens were processed for light and electron microscopy. Morphometric study and statistical analysis for the results were also performed.Results: CPFX group revealed irregularity and shrinkage of renal corpuscles with loss of vascular component and capsular space obliteration. The mesangial cells were significantly increased. The renal tubules showed dilatation with significant increase in proximal convoluted tubules diameter, marked degeneration, significant increase in the darkly stained nuclei of their lining cells and intraluminal casts. Congested glomerular capillaries and peritubular blood vessels were also observed. Ultrastructurally, there were thickening of glomerular basement membrane, fusion of glomerular capillary endothelium and podocyte pedicles. Cytoplasmic empty areas and vacuolations, swollen mitochondria, nuclear changes were also found in the tubules. CPFX + OO group showed less structural changes.Conclusion: Olive oil has ameliorating effect on ciprofloxacin-induced renal cortical toxicity.

The Protective Role of Omega-3 and Melatonin Against AlCl3 Induced some Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats

The Protective Role of Omega-3 and Melatonin Against AlCl3 Induced some Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats

Light and electron microscopic study on the effect of ketoconazole on the liver of adult male albino rats

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural, ultrastructural, and biochemical changes in albino rats' liver treated with different doses and durations of ketoconazole and the possible recovery after cessation of treatment. Background Ketoconazole is an imidazole drug commonly used in treatment of fungal infection. It induces variable degree of hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods Fifty adult male albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group II (low dose treated) included 10 rats treated with ketoconazole at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight orally for 7 days. Group III (high dose treated) included 10 rats treated with ketoconazole at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group IV (arrested low dose) included 10 rats treated with low dose ketoconazole for 7 days followed by cessation of treatment for 7 days. Group V (arrested high dose) included 10 rats treated with high dose ketoconazole for 14 days followed by cessation of treatment for 14 days. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed, blood samples were collected for biochemical study, and liver tissue samples were obtained for histological study. Results Ketoconazole-treated rats showed destructive changes of liver tissue in the form of marked congested dilated blood vessels, hepatocyte necrosis and complete tissue loss, periportal fibrosis, and elevated serum transaminase. However, nearly complete recovery of liver tissue and improvement in serum enzymes occurred among those treated with low dose, whereas those treated with high dose still showed persistence of some changes. Conclusion Ketoconazole induced marked histological changes in the liver tissue especially with high dose.

Acute oral toxicity study of ethanol extract of Ceiba pentandra leaves as a glucose lowering agent in diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of Ceiba pentandra (C. pentandra) as a glucose lowering agent and the attendant physiological changes in albino rats. MethodsAcute oral toxicity study of the extract was carried out by the administration of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg body weight of C. pentandra to rats in their respective groups. Twenty healthy albino rats weighing between 140 and 150 g were randomly allotted to five groups of four rats each. 100 mg/kg body weight of alloxan monohydrate was i.p. administered to rats and rats with blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. 5 mg/kg body weight of standard drug, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of C. pentandra were orally administered to diabetic rats in their respective groups once daily for 12 days while the control groups received 0.1 mL of normal saline for the same period. The blood glucose was checked after every 4 days and the experiment was terminated on the 17th day. ResultsThe safe dose (LD50) of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract treated groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in blood glucose [(87.72 ± 7.67) mg/dL for 200 mg/kg body weight dose and (86.33 ± 4.54) mg/dL for 400 mg/kg body weight dose] competitively with the normoglycemic group [(88.71 ± 4.56) mg/dL]. The body weight of the extract and standard drug treated groups appreciated significantly (P < 0.05) as compared with normoglycemic group. High density lipoprotein increased significantly in the extract treated groups with the 400 mg/kg body weight having the highest value of (18.61 ± 3.44) mg/dL and a concomitant reduction in the concentrations of low density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol, and cholesterol of same group. The 400 mg/kg body weight dose of the extract also demonstrated the highest reduction in the activities of aspartate transaminase [(59.66 ± 3.45) IU/L], alanine aminotransferase [(33.33 ± 4.34) IU/L] and alkaline phosphatase [(48.36 ± 3.41) IU/L] that elevated as a result of diabetes. The two extract treated groups demonstrated a marked reduction in Cl−, and elevation in HCO3− and Na+ levels. K+, urea, creatinine, total and conjugated bilirubin that were elevated in the diabetic untreated group were all ameliorated in the treatment groups. ConclusionsEthanol extract of C. pentandra has glucose lowering effect and can ameliorate the biochemical abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus.

Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats Exposed to Rice Husk Dusk at Abakaliki Rice Mill Industrial Area

Purpose: The effect of rice husk dust inhalation on some biochemical parameters was conducted on albino rats. Method: 100 albino rats were divided into five groups with each group containing twenty albino rats. Group A served as the control and were housed at the animal house away

Protective Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract against DiabeticInduced Renal Histo-pathological Changes in Albino Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem worldwide. The overall prevalence of DM in adults in Saudi Arabia is 23.7%. But, according to recent reports people living in Saudi Arabia could face a lifetime risk as high as 60 per cent of developing diabetes. Diabetes mellitus causes serious complications in many body systems. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus and it is a leading cause of death. Pomegranate is a native fruit to Al-Taif region. A number of biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacteria and antidiabetic have been reported for pomegranate extracts. The present study is conducted in order to demonstrate the protective effects of pomegranate peel extract against diabetic renal complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 100 male of albino rats will be used and divided into three groups; the first group, normal or sham group; the second and third groups will be subjected to induction of diabetes. The third groups will treated with pomegranate peel extract orally. Biomedical analyses will be made at intervals through the trial. At the end of the trial (40 weeks) the animals will killed and the kidneys will sampled and prepared for histo-pathological, ultra-structural and immuno-histo-chemical examinations. Finally, Statistical analysis for numerical data will be made. Results revealed that administration of pomegranate peel extract leads to an improving effect on the renal parenchyma in diabetic kidney indicated by healed glomerular tuft, healed renal tubules and healed tubular interstitial epithelial cells with restoring the normal glomerular tuft structures as well as the normal glomerular capillary wall thickness and normally tubular basement membrane thickness. Also it showed significant improvement in the blood level of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. It was concluded that pomegranate peel extract has marked improving effects against diabetic renal complications. So, we advise use of pomegranate in human nutrition as table fruit or juice for its anti- hyperglycemic effects, antioxidant activities as well as its antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory action. Keywords - pomegranate, diabetes, renal, histopathology

Behavioral changes in albino rats due to repetitive heat stress of moderate level

Background: There are a number of studies showing the effect of severe heat stress on behaviour. Severe heat stress has been well reported to cause changes in activity level, attitude/mood, and behaviour. But, the effect of repetitive heat stress of moderate level on all these parameters has not been studied extensively. Aims & Objective: In the present study, the effect of repetitive heat stress of moderate level was assessed on activity level, attitude / mood, and behaviour (spontaneous and provoked) of adult albino male rats (wistar strain). Material and Methods: The experimental animals were subjected to repetitive heat stress for 4 hours daily, at 37±0.5oC in a Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator (relative humidity 65-82%) for five consecutive days. Daily changes were assessed in activity level during and after heat exposure and in attitude / mood along with behaviour (both spontaneous and provoked) after heat exposure in experimental animals and compared with control animals. Results: There was increased restlessness during heat exposure and decreased level of activity after heat exposure in experimental animals. The mood of the experimental animals was depressed and the experimental animals kept them isolated and did not respond on provoking after heat stress. Conclusion: All the above observations confirmed that exposure to repetitive heat stress, even of moderate level, causes significant change in behaviour of male albino rats.

Influence of Momordica charantia on oxidative stress-induced perturbations in brain monoamines and plasma corticosterone in albino rats

Objectives:The objective of this study was to evaluate the antistress activity of Momordica charantia (MC) fruit extract on stress-induced changes in albino rats and also to explore attenuating effects of MC on in vitro lipid peroxidation in rat brain.Materials and Methods:In this study, Wistar albino rats (180–200 g) were used. Plasma corticosterone and monoamines—5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) and dopamine (DA) in cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus regions of brain were determined in animals under different stressful conditions. Ethanolic fruit extract of MC, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, was used. The oxidative stress paradigms used in in vivo models were acute stress (AS) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Panax quinquefolium (PQ) was used as a standard in in vivo models and ascorbic acid was used as a reference standard in the in vitro method.Results:Subjecting the animals to AS (immobilization for 150 min once only) resulted in significant elevation of plasma corticosterone levels and brain monoamine levels. Pretreatment with MC at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. significantly countered AS-induced changes and a similar effect was exhibited by PQ at 100 mg/kg p.o. In the CUS regimen (different stressors for 7 days), plasma corticosterone levels were significantly elevated whereas the levels of 5-HT, NE, E, and DA were depleted significantly. Pretreatment with MC (200 and 400 mg/kg) attenuated the CUS-induced changes in the levels of above monoamines in cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus regions of brain and plasma corticosterone in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MC extract (1000–5000 μg/mL) exhibited a significant quenching effect on in vitro lipid peroxidation indicating its strong antioxidant activity which was compared with ascorbic acid.Conclusions:This study reveals the antistress activity of MC as it significantly reverted the stress-induced changes, and the activity might be attributed to its antioxidant activity since stress is known to involve several oxidative mechanisms.

Broccoli Regulates Protein Alterations and Cataractogenesis in Selenite Models

Purpose: To study the efficacy of Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli) in the prevention of selenite induced biochemical changes and the incidence of cataractogenesis in vivo.Methods: Eight day old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were divided into four groups: I—Control; II—Sodium selenite (4 mg/kg body weight) administered; III—Sodium selenite + quercetin; and IV—Sodium selenite + flavonoid fraction of broccoli (FFB). Treatment groups III and IV received quercetin and FFB intraperitoneally from 8th to 15th day at a concentration (2.0 mg/kg body weight). The development of cataract was assessed and graded by slit-lamp examination. Some relevant biochemical parameters—such as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ca2+ATPase, calpains, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), levels of calcium, lipid peroxidation product—thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and SDS-PAGE analysis of lens water soluble proteins (WSF) were analyzed.Results: FFB modulates selenite-induced biochemical changes in albino rats. Lenses of Group I rats were clear but in Group II, all lenses developed dense opacification (grade 5 and 6), whereas mild opacifications were observed in Group III and Group IV (grade 2). Group III and Group IV lenses exhibited significantly higher values of antioxidant enzymes, Ca2+ATPase, and GSH, whereas lower values were obtained for TBARS, calcium, and calpains compared to Group II. Lens protein profile of water soluble proteins showed normal levels of Group III and Group IV compared to Group II lenses.Conclusion: FFB prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis in albino rat pups, possibly by maintaining antioxidant status and ionic balance through Ca2+ ATPase pump, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, calpain activation, and protein insolubilization, which have been reported in this article for the first time.