Decreased MDA Levels Research Articles

Kidney Sensitivity to the Non-Toxic Fraction F1 in Physiological and Non-Physiological State

Background: Scorpion venom contains several bioactive components that could be useful in therapeutic. Methods: In this study, the effects of the repeated administration of the nontoxic fraction of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom after carcinogenesis induced by N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) were investigated on rats. Metabolic parameters and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in sera and kidney. Results: The obtained result revealed that DEN had disturbed the metabolic activities (an increase of transaminases and LDH activities) and had led to oxidative stress (a significant increase of NO and MDA levels and depletion of GSH rate) compared to the control. However, repeated injection of F1 shows a kind of modulatory effect on metabolism and oxidative stress. It shows a variable effect on metabolic markers (turn ASAT activity to normal level, recovered ALAT, and activities). A decrease of MDA level in sera and kidney and noticed an increase of GSH level in the kidney were observed. Conclusion: F1 fraction purified from Aah venom contains many bioactive components. These biomolecules lead to enzymatic activity changes and to modulate oxidative stress in the kidney in normal and carcinogenic model. These changes seem to be beneficial in the pathological case.

The Aerobic Training and Berberine Chloride Intervention on Pancreatic Tissue Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Objective: Aerobic training and berberine chloride include antioxidant characteristics. In this study, aerobic training and berberine chloride intervention on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation of pancreatic tissue were investigated in type 1 diabetic male wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In the current study, 56 Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to seven different groups (n= 8), these groups include healthy control, diabetic control, Berberine-treated diabetes (15&30 mg/kg), aerobic training-treated diabetes, Diabetes treated with Berberine and aerobic training (15&30 mg/kg). The aerobic training schedule consisted of 6 weeks treadmills with a frequency of 5 sessions per week. The Berberine was also fed a specific dose every day and a half before training. The superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were assessed using ELISA method. Results: The results showed that aerobic training, as well as the intervention of Aerobic Training and Berberine chloride, had a significant effect on the increase of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT in the pancreatic tissue groups (P-value< 0.05), but did not significantly affect the GPX level (P-value> 0.05). There was a significant decrease in MDA level in all treatment groups (P-value< 0.05). In diabetic groups that received both treatments at the same time, the MDA level more decreased (P-value< 0.0005). Conclusion: The aerobic training and berberine chloride concurrent intervention have a greater effect on the antioxidant enzymes in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic specimens. Therefore, it is recommended that aerobic training be done with berberine chloride.

Physiological and Gen Study for Animals Exposed to Leaves of Plant (Eucalyptus) from Selected Locations at, Al-Nassiriy/ Iraq

Our study was carried out during the period from November 2018 to May 2019. 24 rats were used assigned and divided into three groups. The first group was the control group and a second group were injected with aqueous extraction of Eucalyptus leaves extract at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg /Kg experiment lasted 30 days. Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu were measured in the leaves of plant and after confirming the presence of these heavy metals, we exposed the laboratory animals to the Eucalyptus aqueous extract and after the end of the period rats were sacrifice and blood collected. Blood were used to measure study parameters and relative gene expression of (SOD and catalase). Moreover, antioxidants and enzymes AST and AL were measured from serum. Results showed that the concentration of Pb in the plant was 0.19?g/g. The highest mean Zn was 14.23?g/g. The Cd concentration was 0.35?g/g and the copper concentration were 2.31?g/g from previous data we can find out that the amount of heavy metals is not really high. we would be expected low impact on animals since not high concentration found. The results of blood parameters of rats showed different outcome where it has been noticed that a significant increase in Hb, PLT and RBC at the 100mg/kg exposure and an increase in WBC in both concentrations. In addition, our results showed a significant decrease in RBC and Hb at the 150mg/Kg decrease MDA, MCV and MCH levels are decreased at both concentrations. A significant decrease in AST at 150mg/kg while the results showed a significant increase in lower concentration.

Camellia oil alleviates the progression of Alzheimer's disease in aluminum chloride-treated rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota (GM) imbalance. Recent studies have demonstrated that camellia oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the immune system and GM. However, the effect of camellia oil in alleviating AD pathogenesis remains unclear. An SD rat model of cognitive decline was established by the daily oral administration of aluminum chloride. The results revealed that the aluminum chloride-treated group exhibited deteriorated memory capacity and increased expression of AD-related proteins, whereas these features were mitigated in camellia oil-treated groups. Treatment with camellia oil increased antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased MDA levels. Additionally, camellia oil modulated the expression of cytokines by inhibiting RAGE/NF-κB signaling and microglial activation. Interestingly, autophagy-related proteins were increased in the camellia oil-treated groups. Moreover, camellia oil increased the abundance of probiotics in the GM. Camellia oil can reverse AD brain pathology by alleviating deficits in memory, increasing learning capacity, increasing antioxidant activity, modulating the expression of immune-related cytokines, enhancing autophagy and improving the composition of GM in aluminum chloride-treated rats, implying that AD pathogenesis may be mitigated by treatment with camellia oil through the microbiome-gut-brain axis.

Rutin flavonoid attenuates oxidative stress and decreases morphological changes in experimental mucositis model

Intestinal mucositis is a frequent complication in the treatment of cancer with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) chemotherapeutic agent. Rutin bioflavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana has been reported as a potent anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether rutin reverses morphological elevations and oxidative stress promoted by 5‐fluorouracil in an experimental model of intestinal mucositis in mice. Swiss mice stratified into the following groups were used: Saline group (0.9% NaCl), 5‐FU group, Rutin group (RUT) (200 mg/kg Rutin, vo). For the oxidative damage evaluation, the levels of the reduced antioxidant glutathione and the lipid peroxidation product, malondylaldehyde, of the duodenal segments were determined. To investigate the morphological changes, hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed. The 5‐FU group showed a significant increase in MDA levels (8127 ± 561.5, p <0.05) when compared to the saline group (4587 ± 367.5, p <0.05). For GSH levels, 5‐FU (20.48 ± 4.89, p <0.05) promoted a significant decrease in duodenum antioxidant levels when compared to the saline group (112.8 ± 19.45, p <0.05). Pretreatment with RUT 200 mg/kg decreased MDA levels (3750 ± 405.3, p <0.05) and increased GSH levels (74.67 ± 12.73, p <0.05) when compared to the 5‐FU injury group. The results of the histopathological analysis showed that 5‐FU promoted structural alterations of the intestinal mucosa, reduction of villus height, deepening of the crypts and inflammatory infiltrate, compared to the Saline group, characterized by the integrity of the villi and crypts and absence of inflammatory infiltrate. Rutin‐treated animals showed a significant reversal of antineoplastic‐induced morphological changes. From the results we found that rutin promotes attenuation of oxidative stress by reducing the levels of Malonylaldehyde and increasing the levels of the antioxidant glutathione. In addition, we found that rutin reverses antineoplastic‐induced morphological changes.

The possible protective role of green tea extract on the intestinal mucosal changes induced by fluoride on adult albino rats

Background: Fluoride is an inorganic element present everywhere in the environment and has cumulative toxic effects from prolonged ingestion. Green tea used since ancient times as a medical drink due to its multiple health benefits owing to its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities. Aim: To the best of our knowledge there were no studies until now concerning the possible protective role of green tea extract on the intestinal mucosal changes induced by fluoride on adult albino rats, so this work tried to investigate this role. Materials and Methods: Forty male adult albino rats randomly and equally divided into four groups, Group I: received distilled water only orally via a gastric tube. Group II: received green tea extract (GTE) 150 mg/kg dissolved in distilled water and freshly prepared for 35 days. Group III: received sodium fluoride (NaF) once daily oral dose of 10 mg/kg dissolved in distilled water for 35 days. Group IV: received NaF in the same dose as group III concomitant with GTE as the previously adjusted dose for 35 days. Body weight of all the studied groups was recorded at the start and after 35 days from the beginning of this study. After that the study tested the antioxidant and oxidant parameters in intestinal tissue as MDA, reduced GSH, and CAT, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of intestinal tissue using PCNA marker were also included. Results: the rate of weight gain was little in NaF group compared to other groups. Concomitant administration of GTE with NaF resulted in highly significant decrease in MDA level, highly significant increase in reduced GSH level and highly significant elevation in CAT level when compared with NaF group. Many of abnormalities as moderate increase in goblet cell mass and highly expression of PCNA stain in a form of brown nuclear coloration were detected in intestinal tissues in NaF group by histopathological and immunohistochemical study that improved with administration of GTE. Conclusion: concomitant administration of GTE was improved the biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in intestinal mucosa that treated with NaF.  Â

Chemoprotective Effects of Propolis on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Oxidative Damage and Hepatotoxicity by Modulating TP53, Oxidative Stress

Objective: This study aimed to detect hepatic oxidative damage caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as well as to examine how propolis protects against hepatotoxic effects of AFB1. Method: Rats were split into four groups as control group, AFB1 group, propolis group, AFB1+ propolis group. Results: There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and tumor suppressor protein (TP53) gene expression, Glutathione (GSH) level, Catalase (CAT) activity, CAT gene expression decreased in AFB1 group in blood. MDA level and Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activity, GST and TP53 gene expressions increased in AFB1 group, whereas GSH level and CAT activity alongside CAT gene expression decreased in liver. AFB1+propolis group showed significant decrease in MDA level, GST activity, TP53 and GST gene expressions, GSH level and CAT activity and CAT gene expression increased in liver compared to AFB1 group. Conclusion: These results suggest that propolis may potentially be natural agent that prevents AFB1- induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

Quercetin-loaded nanoparticles enhance cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity on C6 glioma cells

Quercetin (Qu) is a natural flavonoid present in many commonly consumed food items. The dietary phytochemical quercetin prevents tumor proliferation and is a potent therapeutic cancer agent. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize quercetin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Qu1NP, Qu2NP, and Qu3NP) with different size and encapsulation properties and to evaluate their in vitro activity on C6 glioma cells. Nanoparticles were synthesized by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Then, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were determined. Particle size of Qu1NP, Qu2NP, and Qu3NPs were determined as 215.2 ± 6.2, 282.3 ± 7.9, and 584.5 ± 15.2 nm respectively. Treating C6 glioma cells with all nanoparticle formulations effectively inhibited the cell proliferation. Qu1NPs were showed the lowest IC50 value in 48 h with 29.9 μg/ml and achieved higher cellular uptake among other nanoparticles and Qu. Additionally, 48-h treatment with Qu1NPs significantly decreased MDA level (14.90 nmol/µg protein) on C6 glioma cells which is related to reduced oxidative stress in cells. Findings of this study revealed that quercetin’s cellular uptake and anti-oxidant activity is improved by small-sized Qu1NPs in C6 glioma cells.

Total Glycosides of Cistanche deserticola Promote Neurological Function Recovery by Inducing Neurovascular Regeneration via Nrf-2/Keap-1 Pathway in MCAO/R Rats

BackgroundThe traditional Chinese medicine Cistanche deserticola has been reported to be valid for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its active components for the protection of ischemic stroke are not clear. We aimed to explore the active components of C. deserticola against ischemic stroke as well as its potential mechanisms.MethodsWe investigated the brain protective effects of extracts from C. deserticola, total glycosides (TGs), polysaccharides (PSs), and oligosaccharides (OSs) in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R). 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to assess the cerebral infarction volume, and Evans blue assay was adopted to assess the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Then, the expressions CD31, α-SMA, PDGFRβ, SYN, PSD95, MAP-2, ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin, Keap-1, and Nrf-2 were analyzed using western blotting or immunofluorescence, and the activities MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were analyzed using kits.ResultsTGs treatment remarkably decreased neurological deficit scores and infarction volumes, promoted angiogenesis and neural remodeling, and effectively maintained blood-brain-barrier integrity compared with the model group. Furthermore, TGs significantly decreased MDA levels and increased antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) in brains. Meanwhile, TGs remarkably downregulated Keap-1 expression and facilitated Nrf-2 nuclear translocation. On the contrary, no protective effects were observed for PSs and OSs groups.ConclusionTGs are the main active components of C. deserticola against MCAO/R-induced cerebral injury, and protection is mainly via the Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway.

Mitigative effects of zinc on cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in the male freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly harmful environmental contaminant, which can cause reproductive toxicity. Zinc (Zn) is an essential trance element that may protect the organism from the harmful effects of Cd. However, the mechanism of Zn against Cd-induced reproductive toxicity remained to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of subchronic exposure to Cd on the relative testis weight (RTW), the histopathology, the activity of stress marker antioxidant enzymes, the level of lipid peroxidation of testis, as well as the mitigative effects of Zn on Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in male freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. For this purpose, male crabs were divided into 10 groups including a control group (without metals) and metal exposure groups with Cd alone in three concentrations and Cd combined with Zn in six concentrations for 14days. The results showed that Cd evoked concentration-dependent reproductive toxicity of male Sinopotamon henanense as showed by decreased RTW, appearance of morphological lesions, increased SOD, CAT, GPx activity, and MDA levels. Nevertheless, Zn combined with Cd exposure significantly alleviated Cd-induced reproductive toxicity as proved by increased RTW, reappearance of normal histological morphology, increased SOD activity, recovered CAT and GPx activity, and decreased MDA levels in testis. Our study demonstrated that the application of Zn can mitigate Cd-induced reproductive toxicity by ameliorating the testicular oxidative stress and improving the antioxidant status.

Cardioprotective Effect of Olive Oil Against Ischemia Reperfusion-induced Cardiac Arrhythmia in Isolated Diabetic Rat Heart.

BackgroundOlive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and has been reported for a variety of beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure lowering, anti-platelet, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiac dysfunctions, and olive oil prevents diabetes-induced adverse myocardial remodeling.ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the effects of olive oil against streptozotocin-induced cardiac dysfunction in animal models of diabetes and ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiac arrhythmias.MethodsDiabetes was induced in male rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p), rats were treated for five, 15, or 56 days with olive oil (1 ml/kg p.o). Control animals received saline. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored every two weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were sacrificed and hearts were isolated for mounting on Langedorff’s apparatus. The effect of olive oil on oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the cardiac tissues were studied.ResultsThe initial blood glucose and body weight were not significantly different in the control and olive-treated animals. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p) caused a significant increase in the blood glucose of animals as compared to saline-treated animals. The control, saline-treated diabetic animals exhibited a 100% incidence of I/R-induced ventricular fibrillation, which was reduced to 0% with olive oil treatment. The protective effects of olive oil were evident after 15 and 56 days of treatment. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker (1 µm/L) showed similar results and protected the I/R-induced cardiac disorders. The cardiac tissues isolated from diabetic rats exhibited marked pathological changes in the cardiomyocytes, including decreased glutathione (GSH) and increased oxidative stress (malondialdehyde; MDA). Pretreatment of animals with olive oil (1 ml/kg p.o) increased GSH and decreased MDA levels. Olive oil also improved the diabetic-induced histopathological changes in the cardiomyocytes.ConclusionOlive oil possesses cardiac protective properties against I/R-induced cardiac arrhythmias in rats. It attenuated oxidative stress and diabetes-induced histopathological changes in cardiac tissues. The observed cardiac protectiveness of olive oil in the present investigation may be related to its antioxidant potential.

Role of Rutin Nanoemulsion in Ameliorating Oxidative Stress: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamics Studies

Parkinson’s disease is caused due to free radical generation in dopamine neurons leading to oxidative stress induced damage. The aim of this work was to ameliorate the free radical induced oxidative stress in rats by using TPGS (Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) loaded rutin nanoemulsion after oral administration. For this purpose, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies were performed in albino wistar rats. Various behavioural tests (photoactometer test, rota rod, akinesia and catalepsy) and biochemical estimations for determination of GSH, TBARS and SOD were carried out. The results showed an increase in relative bioavailability of rutin after oral administration of nanoemulsion as compared to pure drug suspension. The AUC and Cmax of rutin nanoemulsion after oral administration were 1.8-fold and 1.9-fold higher than those of drug suspension respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies have shown good results with the rutin nanoemulsion than pure drug suspension. The rats treated with the rutin nanoemulsion exhibited significantly greater locomotor activity, better muscle coordination and improvement in cataleptic behaviour than the normal and haloperidol-induced rats (p < 0.001).Treatment with rutin suspension and rutin nanoemulsion helped in improving the stressed condition by increasing the levels of GSH, SOD and decrease in MDA levels in the brain. Anticancer activity was observed in a dose-dependent manner from 1 to 100 μg/ml. IC50 values for rutin suspension and rutin NE were found to be 36.7 and 25.4 μg/ml respectively. The rutin nanoemulsion has proven to be beneficial in ameliorating oxidative stress.

Penurunan Toksisitas Kadmium Dengan Kelator Alami Pegagan (Centella Asiatica) Ditinjau dari Kadar Malondialdehid (MDA) dan Superoksida Dismutase (SOD)

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans. Cadmium will bind to metalotionin in the liver to form Cd+MT bonds, which triggers the formation of free radicals and causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress characterized by elevating of MDA and decreasing of antioxidant enzyme such as SOD. Gotu kola(Centella asiatica) contains active compounds medecassoside that can function to chelate Cd, decreasing MDA level caused by Cd-Mt bounded and generate SOD level.The aim of this study is to know the effect of Pegagan as natural chelator for Cd poisoning and as antioxidant. Twenty four rats were used in this research and divided into six groups with four replications. Group 1 (C1) as healthy. Group 2 (C2) was only given 14 mg/200 gBW of CdSO4 for 35 days. Group 3, 4, 5 and 6 were given CdSO4 14 mg / 200kgBB and gotu kola extract dose of 20 mg/200gBB, 40 mg/200gBB, 60 mg/200gBB, 80 mg / 200gBB, for 21 days. The parameters studied were blood MDA and SOD level. Measuring parameters were done on the 36th day after administration of Centella extract. Data were analyzed by Anova and followed by Duncan test The results showed that Centella all doses can reduce MDA level and increase SOD level. A dose of 40mg / 200gBB Centella extract has been effective in reducing MDA level as well as increasing SOD level. It can be concluded that dose of 40mg/200gBB can use as a natural chelator of Cd and as antioxidant for Cd poisoning.

Structural characteristics, antioxidant properties and antiaging activities of galactan produced by Mentha haplocalyx Briq

An antioxidant-active polysaccharide (WMP) with a molecular weight of 26.91 kDa was isolated from Mentha haplocalyx Briq by water extraction, ethanol precipitation and gel filtration. According to HPLC, methylation, GC-MS, and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, WMP is a heteropolysaccharide composed of Gal (84.2 %), Glc (9.8 %), Man (2.8 %) and Ara (3.2 %) with (1→6)-α-d-Galp and (1→4, 6)-α-d-Galp residues in the backbone and (1→6)-α-d-Galp and (1→6)-α-d-Glcp residues in the branch. The branch point was located at C-4 of (1→4, 6)-α-d-Galp residue with a branching degree of 19.71 %. WMP showed remarkably high scavenging ability for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals, ferrous ion chelating activity and ferric reducing powder in vitro. In vivo result showed that WMP oral administration substantially increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and decreased MDA levels in the serum and liver of d-Gal-induced aging mice. Therefore, WMP can be an effective natural antioxidant.

Neuroprotective Effects of OMO within the Hippocampus and Cortex in a D-Galactose and Aβ 25-35-Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Morinda officinalis F.C. How. (Rubiaceae) is a herbal medicine. It has been recorded that its oligosaccharides have neuroprotective properties. In order to understand the oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officinalis (OMO), a systematic study was conducted to provide evidence that supports its use in neuroprotective therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD rat models were prepared with D-galactose and Aβ25–35. The following groups were used in the present experiment: normal control group, sham-operated group, model group, Aricept group, OMO low-dose group, OMO medium-dose group, and OMO high-dose group. The effects on behavioral tests, antioxidant levels, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter levels, and AD-related proteins were detected with corresponding methodologies. AD rats administered with different doses of OMO all exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in latency and an increase (P < 0.05) in the ratio of swimming distance to total distance in a dose-dependent manner in the Morris water maze. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT), neurotransmitter levels (acetylcholine, γ-GABA, and NE and DA), energy metabolism (Na+/K+-ATPase), and relative synaptophysin (SYP) expression levels in AD rats administered with OMO. Furthermore, there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in MDA levels and relative expression levels of APP, tau, and caspase-3 in AD rats with OMO. The present research suggests that OMO protects against D-galactose and Aβ25–35-induced neurodegeneration, which may provide a novel strategy for improving AD in clinic.

Novel potential Centella asiatica extract in ameliorating neurotoxicity induced oxidative stress in chronic morphine dependant rat model

Morphine addiction is a serious issue among societies. Due to prolonged used of morphine or any opioids drugs, it may develop tolerance, dependency and addiction. One of the proposed mechanisms that lead to dependency and withdrawal is oxidative stress. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Centella Asiatica [CA] leaf extract against oxidative stress in chronic morphine dependent rats. Morphine with increasing dosage [2.5 mg/kg-50.0 mg/kg] was administered intraperitoneally to positive control group and three treatments groups [n=10] of Sprague Dawley rats for 7 days. Treatment with CA extract [100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg] were given to the three treatment groups for 4 weeks starting after 7 days of morphine administration. Withdrawal symptoms were observed for 30 minutes in day 1,7,14, 21 and 30. The Ventral Tegmental Area [VTA] of rat's brain was dissected and were analyzed for antioxidant [GSH] and oxidant [MDA] activity by using ELISA kit. Withdrawal symptoms were significantly decrease [p<0.05] in treated group compared to the untreated group. In addition, antioxidant ELISA assay also showed treatment group exhibit a significant increase level of GSH [p<0.05] than untreated group while the oxidants [MDA] level showed significantly [p<0.05] decreasing in treated group. This plant has been proven can reduce the withdrawal by increasing the antioxidants level in rat's brain. This can be proved by significantly increase of GSH level and decrease of MDA level in treated group compared with untreated group.

Curcumin offsets PTZ-induced epilepsy: involving inhibition of apoptosis, wnt/β-catenin, and autophagy pathways

ABSTRACT Curcumin is a natural antioxidant isolated from Curcuma longa that proved to protect against experimentally induced epilepsy in animals. In the current work, we aimed to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of curcumin neuroprotective effect on PTZ-induced epilepsy in rats. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were subdivided into three groups: (a) normal control group, (b) PTZ group: rats received PTZ (50 mg/kg i.p. every other day) for 14 days, (c) curcumin + PTZ group: received PTZ as in PTZ group in addition to curcumin (200 mg/kg per oral daily) for 14 days. After each PTZ injection, the seizure stage, time to the first seizure and the duration of seizures were recorded. Also, at the end of experiment, oxidative stress markers, the expression of splitted caspase-3, β-catenin, LC3 (marker of autophagy), and alpha synuclein proteins were measured in brain tissues. treatment with curcumin caused significant reduction in seizure score, increased time to the first seizure and shortened seizure duration. Also, curcumin caused a significant reduction in oxidative stress (decreased MDA level and increased GSH level) and a significant reduction in the expression of splitted caspase-3, β-catenin, LC3 and alpha synuclein proteins. These results suggest that curcumin has a neuroprotective effect that is not attributed only to its antioxidant activity, but it involves also suppression of PTZ-induced apoptosis, Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy pathways.

Synergetic effect of aged garlic extract and methotrexate on rheumatoid arthritis induced by collagen in male albino rats

Aged garlic extract (AGE) exhibit anti-inflammatory effect in many diseases, and methotrexate (MTX) as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment drug shows adverse hepatotoxicity effect. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of AGE treatment alone or with MTX in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats to diminish the hepatotoxicity. The study used eight groups of rats as one control non treated group and seven treated groups with CIA, AGE (200 mg/kg/PO), MTX (1.5 mg/kg/2 days/subcutaneous), CIA-AGE, CIA-MTX, AGE-MTX and CIA-MTX-AGE. All treatments started from day 21 after the symptoms of arthritis appeared to day 50. The CIA-AGE and CIA-MTX-AGE groups showed significantly decreased serum liver function markers ASAT, ALAT and ALP enzymes activities. In line with the significantly increased antioxidants, total glutathione and SOD and CAT enzymes activities and decreased MDA levels as compared to CIA and CIA-MTX treated groups' values. In addition, the CIA-AGE and CIA-MTX-AGE groups recorded significant decrease in the measured cytokines (CRP and TNF) and interleukins (IL-17, IL-6, and IL-1) values as compared to the corresponding values in CIA and CIA-MTX groups. Results suggested the safety of AGE for achieving a better control in treatment of RA with the conventional drug MTX to diminish its hepatotoxicity.

The effects of pretreatment with lithium metaborate dihydrate on lipid peroxidation and Ca, Fe, Mg, and K levels in serum of Wistar albino male rats exposed to Cd.

Boron and boron compounds have beneficial biological effects. Lithium metaborate dihydrate (LMBDH) is used in many branches of industry. Despite its wide industrial use, there is limited information about its biological effects on antioxidant defense system and trace element homeostasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo protective effects of LMBDH against CdCl2-induced oxidative stress and imbalance of some bioelements for the first time. In the study, totally 20 Wistar albino male rats were used. The rats were fed with pellet food and water ad libitum and divided into four groups including five rats in each. Group I was control group (standard pellet food + water + normal saline), Group II was CdCl2 (4.58mg/kg/body weight/intraperitoneally/single dose), Group III was LMBDH (15mg/kg/body weight/day orally, for 5days), Group IV was CdCl2 (4.58mg/kg/body weight/intraperitoneally/single dose in fifth day), and LMBDH (15mg/kg/body weight/day orally for 5days). The results showed that CdCl2 treatment increased blood MDA level and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and the level of blood GSH compared to control group. Pretreatment with LMBDH significantly decreased MDA levels and increased SOD activity (p < 0.05). In addition, Ca, Fe, and K levels decreased in LMBDH pretreatment group in different statistically levels. However, Mg levels showed an increase in LMBDH pretreatment group. As a result, LMBDH pretreatment decreased MDA status and supported antioxidant system by increasing SOD activity. In addition, it did not exhibit an ameliorative effect on measured bioelement homeostasis.

Pomegranate peel extract ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats through suppressing p38MAPK/Nrf2 pathway

Abstract Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic process characterized by excessive production of extracellular matrix in response to liver injury, which eventually leads to cirrhosis and even death. Growing evidence has demonstrated that pomegranate could efficiently reduce liver fibrosis in rats. Previous studies have also shown that Nrf2 activation alleviated liver fibrosis. However, whether the MAPK-Nrf2 pathway were involved in the protective effect of extracts from pomegranate peels (EPP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis remains elusive. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by injection with 50% CCl4 subcutaneously in male SD rats twice a week for four weeks. After four weeks, EPP and/or signaling inhibitors were administered every day for 4 weeks, respectively. The protective effects of EPP on liver function, oxidative markers, and liver fibrosis were determined. The results showed that EPP treatment decreased MDA levels, enhanced GSH-Px activities, inhibited the development of hepatic fibrosis evidenced by reduced TGF-β and collagen1-α2 levels as well as fibrosis areas, improved liver function in CCl4 injury rats. Similarly, p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 produced the protective effect as EPP in the setting of rat model. Moreover, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 did not affect the inhibitory effect of EPP on p38MAPK activity, which indicates that Nrf2 might be a downstream molecule of p38MAPK in the protective mechanism of EPP against hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, EPP displays a protective effect against liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, and its underlying mechanisms might be associated with suppressing p38MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway.