Enzyme Activity In Kidney Research Articles

Early Life Stress Influences Oxidative Stress Enzyme Activities in Liver, Heart, Kidney, Suprarenal Glands, and Pancreas in Male and Female Rat Pups.

Early life stress (ELS) is a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases resulting from functional alterations of organs in the cardiorespiratory and renal systems. This work studied the changes in oxidative stress enzyme activities (EAs) of SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, GST, NOS, MDA, and FRAP in different organs (heart, liver, kidney, adrenal glands (AGs), and pancreas) of male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups on postnatal day (PN) 15, immediately after basal and acute or chronic stress conditions were accomplished, as follows: basal control (BC; undisturbed maternal pups care), stress control (SC; 3 h maternal separation on PN15), basal maternal separation (BMS; daily 3 h maternal separation on PN 1-14), and stress maternal separation (SMS; daily 3 h maternal separation on PN 1-14 and 3 h maternal separation on PN15). Acute or long-term stress resulted in overall oxidative stress, increase in EA, and reduced antioxidant capacity in these organs. Some different response patterns, due to precedent SMS, were observed in specific organs, especially in the AGs. Acute stress exposure increases the EA, but chronic stress generates a response in the antioxidant system in some of the organs studied and is damped in response to a further challenge.

Antioxidant enzyme activities, molecular docking studies, MM-GBSA, and molecular dynamic of chlorpyrifos in freshwater fish Capoeta umbla

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), which was started to be used in 1965, is a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide that is used more and more day by day. Commonly used to control pests in farmland and homes, CPF is more toxic to fish than organochlorine compounds. CPF poses a serious threat to the health of humans and aquatic organisms. This paper studies the relationship between CPF exposure and antioxidant enzyme activities in gill, kidney and liver tissues of Capoeta umbla. Different time intervals (12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h) and CPF doses (55 and 110 µg L−1) were used in the study. Spectrophotometrical measures were taken in all tissues for antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as indices of the lipid peroxidation (LPO). A positive relationship between CPF and MDA levels was found in the study at a statistically significant level (p < 0.05). The study also found a negative relationship between CPF levels and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Independent variables in the study can act as biomarkers of CPF exposure. The study recommends employing proper ecotoxicological risk evaluations in cases of CPF usage as a pesticide. The activities of the studied molecules against various proteins that are crystal structure of human peroxiredoxin 5 (PDB ID: 1HD2) has docking score value is −2.67, crystal structure of Bovine Xanthine Oxidase (PDB ID: 3NRZ) has docking score value is −3.76, and crystal structure of antibacterial FabH (PDB ID: 4Z8D) has docking score value is −3.16, were compared. Molecular dynamic (MD) calculations were made in 100 ns. MM/GBSA methods are calculated binding free energy. Afterwards, ADME/T analysis was performed to examine the some properties of the molecules. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Chemical hypermethioninemia in young mice: oxidative damage and reduction of antioxidant enzyme activity in brain, kidney, and liver.

High levels of methionine (Met) and its metabolites, such as methionine sulfoxide (MetO), found in hypermethioninemia, can be detrimental to the body; however, the underlying mechanisms are still uncertain. Using a recently standardized protocol, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic administration of Met and/or MetO on parameters of oxidative damage in the total brain, liver, and kidney of young mice. Swiss male mice were subcutaneously injected with Met and MetO at concentrations of 0.35-1.2g/kg body weight and 0.09-0.3g/kg body weight, respectively, from the 10th-38th day post-birth, while the control group was treated with saline solution. Results showed that Met and/or MetO caused an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipoperoxidation, along with a reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in the brain. In the liver, Met and/or MetO enhanced ROS and nitrite levels, and reduced SOD, CAT, and delta aminolevulinic dehydratase activities. The effects on the kidney were an increase in ROS production and SOD activity, and a reduction in thiol content and CAT activity. These data demonstrated the contribution of redox imbalance to the systemic changes found in patients with hypermethioninemia. In conclusion, our findings may help future studies to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of hypermethioninemia as well as contribute to the search for new therapeutic agents for this pathology.

Protective mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine guizhi fuling pills against carbon tetrachloride-induced kidney damage is through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and regulating the intestinal flora

BackgroundChemical or drug-induced kidney damage has been recognized as a critical cause of kidney failure. The oxidative stress, inflammation, and imbalance of intestinal flora caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) play a fundamental role in chronic kidney damage. Guizhi Fuling pills (GZFL) is a traditional formula consisting of five traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, which can promote blood circulation and improve kidney function. The underlying mechanisms of GZFL improving kidney damage are not fully understood yet. AimThe current study aimed to explore the effects of GZFL on CCl4-induced kidney damage and intestinal microbiota in mice. MethodsMale ICR mice were intraperitoneally administered with 20% CCl4 (mixed in a ratio of 1:4 in soybean oil) twice a week, for 4 weeks to induce kidney damage. Creatinine (CRE), urea nitrogen, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines were measured and the histology of the kidney, jejunum, and colon examination to assess kidney and intestinal damage. The expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) family members, nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in kidney tissues, and the tight junction proteins in colonic tissues were detected by Western blot. The gut microbiota was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsGZFL treatment decreased the serum CRE and urea nitrogen levels. Moreover, GZFL reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney and colonic tissues. GZFL improved the kidney, jejunum, and colon histology. Furthermore, GZFL inhibited the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved-Caspase-1, while Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, GCLM, and tight junction proteins were increased. The dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota improved after GZFL treatment. ConclusionsThis study showed that GZFL could improve kidney damage, which might be mainly via the integrated regulations of the Nrf2 pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome, and composition of intestinal microbiota.

Shallot-enriched amaranth-based extruded snack influences blood glucose levels, hematological parameters, and carbohydrate degrading enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus affects different age groups, and it is popularly managed using synthetic drugs; however, recent research efforts focus on dietary intervention especially the use of fiber rich crops to circumvent the effects of drugs. Developed shallot-enriched amaranth-based extruded snacks, namely: GCB, Amaranth: shallot: soy cake (55:25:20) %; TYD, Amaranth: shallot: soy cake (75:14.81:10.19)%; DZU, Amaranth: shallot: soy cake (60.43:25:14.57)%; and JKL, Amaranth: shallot: soy cake (70:25:5)%, were evaluated for proximate composition, total phenol and flavonoid contents. Snacks ability to modulate carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were also investigated. AMT (100% amaranth grain extrudate) and CCS (commercial shallot-enriched snack) served as control. Protein contents of snacks provided up to 25% of daily protein requirements for adult. Snacks exhibited high total phenol and flavonoid contents. Animals fed with snacks showed ameliorative effects on hematological parameters, attenuates elevation of enzyme activities in kidney and liver homogenates, and displayed decreased α-glucosidase/α-amylase activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Dietary intervention is capable of circumventing the adverse effects of synthetic drugs in the management of diabetes mellitus. The study established that developed shallot-enriched amaranth-based extruded snacks possess significant ability to hamper the activities of key carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, hence, has potential as a functional nutritious snack to curtail hyperglycemia and prevent diabetic complications.

Na/H Exchange Regulatory Factor 1 Deficient Mice Show Evidence of Oxidative Stress and Altered Cisplatin Pharmacokinetics.

(1) Background: One third of patients who receive cisplatin develop an acute kidney injury. We previously demonstrated the Na/H Exchange Regulatory Factor 1 (NHERF1) loss resulted in increased kidney enzyme activity of the pentose phosphate pathway and was associated with more severe cisplatin nephrotoxicity. We hypothesized that changes in proximal tubule biochemical pathways associated with NHERF1 loss alters renal metabolism of cisplatin or response to cisplatin, resulting in exacerbated nephrotoxicity. (2) Methods: 2–4 month-old male wild-type and NHERF1 knock out littermate mice were treated with either vehicle or cisplatin (20 mg/kg dose IP), with samples taken at either 4, 24, or 72 h. Kidney injury was determined by urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and histology. Glutathione metabolites were measured by HPLC and genes involved in glutathione synthesis were measured by qPCR. Kidney handling of cisplatin was assessed by a kidney cortex measurement of γ-glutamyl transferase activity, Western blot for γ-glutamyl transferase and cysteine S-conjugate beta lyase, and ICP-MS for platinum content. (3) Results: At 24 h knock out kidneys show evidence of greater tubular injury after cisplatin and exhibit a decreased reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio under baseline conditions in comparison to wild-type. KO kidneys fail to show an increase in γ-glutamyl transferase activity and experience a more rapid decline in tissue platinum when compared to wild-type. (4) Conclusions: Knock out kidneys show evidence of greater oxidative stress than wild-type accompanied by a greater degree of early injury in response to cisplatin. NHERF1 loss has no effect on the initial accumulation of cisplatin in the kidney cortex but is associated with an altered redox status which may alter the activity of enzymes involved in cisplatin metabolism.

Lysosomal or brush border enzymuria in kidney enzyme activities in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: To determine the effects of non-treated seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on proximal renal tubule, sensitivity of Alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), g-glutamyltransferase (g--GT), β2 microglobulin in urine β2M), as well as relation with rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-Reactive protein (CRP), DAS 28 disease activity index. Methods: RF was determined by agglutination test (Latex RF test, while kinetic methods were used for determination of Alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) and g-glutamyltransferase (g-GT), as well as MEIA (Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay) to determine β2 microglobulin in urine. Samples (serum and urine) of 70 participants were examined (35 RA not treated, 35 health control group). Results: In 35 RF negative RA, AAP enzymuria was present in 12 (34.28%) patients, g-GT was present in 7 patients (20%), while β2 microglobulin was present in 3 patients (8.57%). In the healthy control group, 4 patients showed AAP positivity (11.42%), 2 patients g-GT positivity (5.71%) and 1 patient showed presence of β2 microglobulin in urine (2.85). RF was not present in any patient (0%). Conclusion: AAP has a higher sensitivity of g-GT and b2 microglobulin in the detection of asymptomatic renal lesions in non treated seronegative RA.

Effect of dietary inclusion of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) seed on nephrotoxicity occasioned by cisplatin in experimental rats.

The study evaluated the effect of dietary inclusion of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) seed (raw and roasted) on nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin in rats. Rats were divided into control group, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxic untreated group, nephrotoxic-treated groups with Methimazole, dietary regimen containing raw pumpkin seed (5% and 10%) and roasted pumpkin seed (5% and 10%) for 14 days. Results acquired uncovered that cisplatin intoxication significantly increased (p≤.05) the levels of renal biomarkers, arginase activity, 8-hydroxy-21-deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as well as significant decrease in functional sulfhydryl groups, nitric oxide levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in rats' kidney when compared to the control group. These adverse changes, due to cisplatin inebriation in rodents, were in any case, forestalled by pre-treatment with pumpkin seed inclusive diet. This holds promise for the use of pumpkin seed as a food supplement in the management of nephrotoxic-related disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These results suggest that roasted pumpkin seed appears to be more nephroprotective than the raw pumpkin seed through regulations of arginase activity, enhancement in the antioxidant system, suppression of renal markers and lipid peroxidation. This holds p-omise for the use of roasted pumpkin seed as a food supplement in the management nephrotoxic-related disorders.

Protective effects of spirulina against hemato-biochemical alterations, nephrotoxicity, and DNA damage upon lead exposition.

The current study was aimed at exploring the protective efficacy of spirulina against the hemato-biochemical alterations and nephrotoxicity induced by lead (Pb). Female rats aged 12 weeks were treated for 4 weeks with Pb (0.344 g kg-1 bw) associated or not with spirulina (5.3 g kg-1 bw). Renal damage induced by Pb was related to a severe anemia, increases of oxidative stress-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (+29%), protein carbonyl (PCO) (+66.3%), and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) (+110%)), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (+80%), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid concentration in urine, as well as genotoxic changes (+89.3% and +60% for DNA and mRNA levels, respectively). Conversely, LDH and antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney were decreased, as well as the levels of plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea levels. Spirulina-supplemented rats exhibited normal peripheral blood and renal parameters and renal histology. It can be suggested that Arthrospira platensis alleviates damages induced by Pb, thanks to its high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity.

Possible Mechanism of Aframomum Sceptrum Extracts Mediated Modulation of Renal Function after Monosodium Glutamate Exposure

The objective of the research was to explain the possible mechanism of an earlier reported role of Aframomum sceptrum extract in the modulation of renal function parameters in monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Similar experimental methods previously reported by us in Ogbeke et al., (2016) were maintained.&#x0D; Results. Monosodium glutamate administration led to a significant elevation of levels of serum and kidney lipid peroxidation due to decrease in the levels of serum and kidney antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase, catalase, gluthathione peroxidase and gluthathione. There was observed increase in oxidative enzyme, aldehyde oxidase, sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase and monoamine oxidase activities in serum and kidney after monosodium glutamate consumption. Aframomum sceptrum treatment significantly regulated all altered indices.&#x0D; Conclusions. The study concluded that the ability of Aframomum sceptrum extract to modulate renal function parameters in monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity is dependent on its efficacy in the induction and mobilization of antioxidant defense armory via the increased synthesis of tissue and serum enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as improved oxidative enzyme activities that mediates the quenching of rising aldehydes and sulfoxides, N-oxides and aromatic oxides within the kidney.

Analysis of Lactate Dehydrogenase &amp; ATPase activity in fish, Gambusia affinis at different period of exposureto chlorpyrifos

The acute toxicity of an organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, on biochemical parameters of fish Gambusia affinis was evaluated under static condition. The sub lethal concentration of the insecticide chlorpyrifos was found to be 0.284 ppm indicating the high toxicity of the insecticide. Fishes were exposed to 1/10th of sub lethal (0.0284 ppm) and the alteration of enzyme activity in liver and kidney of fish Gambusia affinis were studied at 15, 30 and 45 days of exposure. A significant increase in LDH activity in both tissue Liver and Kidney and the inhibition of ATPase leads to decreased ATP breakdown and reduced the availability of free energy was observed.

Cadmium bioaccumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity in hepatopancreas, kidney, and stomach of invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata

The acute toxicity of Cd was tested, and metal bioaccumulation in tissue was determined for the alien invasive species Pomacea canaliculata and its native competitor Sinotaia quadrata under experimental conditions. The invasive species was more tolerant to Cd toxicity than native species, for which the LC50 values were 4.26, 2.24, and 1.98mg/L at exposure times of 48, 72, and 96h, respectively, approximately three times higher than those of the native snails. The viscera accumulated the highest Cd concentration, followed by the foot and shell in both species. Metal concentrations in the above three tissues of P. canaliculata were much higher than those of S. quadrata, irrespective of Cd dose and exposure time. For P. canaliculata, the highest concentration of metal was further observed in the hepatopancreas (0.64-3.98mg/g) followed by the kidney (0.067-3.78mg/g), with lowest levels in the stomach (0.062-1.53mg/g). Among the five antioxidant enzymes, the most responsive enzymes were CAT, ALP, and GST in the hepatopancreas; CAT, POD, and GST in the kidney; and POD in the stomach of exposed animals. These results, demonstrating a high Cd tolerance, may partly explain the ability of P. canaliculata to displace S. quadrata in Cd-contaminated habitat. The Cd wasaccumulated mainly in the hepatopancreas and kidney of invasive species, which changed the activity of antioxidant enzymes allowing the animals to cope with the toxicity. Graphical abstract Cadmium bioaccumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity in the invasive Pomacea canaliculata.

Antidiabetic activities of polysaccharides from Anoectochilus roxburghii and Anoectochilus formosanus in STZ-induced diabetic mice

Six polysaccharides were extracted from different parts (whole plants, roots and leaves) of Anoectochilus roxburghii and Anoectochilus formosanus (ARPs, ARPs-1, ARPs-2, AFPs, AFPs-1 and AFPs-2). Their primary characteristics were identified and their antidiabetic activities were evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Root polysaccharides (ARPs-1and AFPs-1) and leaf polysaccharides (ARPs-2 and AFPs-2) were distinct from each other in terms of the Mws, monosaccharide compositions and functional groups. Notably, the primary structures of ARPs and AFPs were similar to those of ARPs-1and AFPs-1, respectively. In animal experiment, after feeding with polysaccharides samples, the body weight, blood glucose, glycogen, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondiadehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and kidney of mice were tested to investigate the antidiabetic activities. All polysaccharides exhibited varying antidiabetic activities (antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities), which were closely related to their primary characteristics. Furthermore, root polysaccharides with higher Mws and glucose content in both A. roxburghii and A. formosanus, exhibited better antidiabetic activities than leaf polysaccharides, and ARPs which showed the best antidiabetic activities had the potential to be used as functional food or medicine for diabetes treatment.

Effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza extract on the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and kidney of rats exposed to TCA

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of Salvia Miltiorrhiza against Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats. Twenty eight adults Wister albino male rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1 served as control, while group 2 received SM extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight; group 3 was treated with 50 mg/kg/day TCA by gavage daily. Group 4 received the extract at 200 mg/kg body weight and 50 mg/kg/day TCA for two months. A significant increase was observed in liver function, kidney function and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels among the TCA administered animals compared to normal control. Daily oral administration of SM normalized most biochemical changes observed among the TCA treated animals. Histopathologically, higher amount of mononuclear cells infiltration, necrotic cells and few fibroblasts were observed in liver and kidney of TCA treated group. The administration of Salvia Miltiorrhiza extract regulates and decreases liver and kidney damage.

Antiparasitic efficacy and safety assessment of magnolol against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis causes high mortality rate of freshwater fish. It is necessary to find the effective alternatives that may both be affordable and environmentally acceptable since malachite green is banned to use. In this work, magnolol exhibited great anti-parasitic activity against all stages of I. multifiliis. Magnolol at concentrations of 0.6mg/L or more resulted in 100% mortality of I. multifiliis theronts within 4h exposure; and terminated reproduction of I. multifiliis post 6h exposure of protomonts and encysted tomonts to 0.8 and 1.0mg/L, respectively. Moreover, some of tomonts presented morphological characteristic changes and a larger part of tomonts were unable to reproduce. Magnolol possibly had a directly effect on the cell membrane, and more importantly, it could permeate into an encysted tomont across the cyst wall and then impact on the tomont proliferation. In vivo trials showed that 5h exposure of infected fish to 1.5mg/L of magnolol significantly reduced the number of theronts released from tomonts. In addition to determination of anti-Ichthyophthirius activity, we also systematically evaluated the safety of magnolol against fish. First of all, the results of acute toxicity experiment showed that the 96h median lethal concentration (LC50) of magnolol to goldfish was 6.02mg/L. Furthermore, gene expression (cyp1a, hsp70, gst and sod) and enzyme activity (GSH, SOD and T-AOC) in liver, spleen and kidney could recover to the same level as the control group up to 48h, though magnolol induced goldfish stress response during 6–24h exposure. More than that, magnolol can be easily synthesized with low cost, and further embellished and modified for higher bioactivity and lower toxicity because of its simple and symmetry chemical structure. Therefore, magnolol has the potential to be a safe and effective therapeutant, and it also can be used as a probable leading compound for the development of commercial drug to control ichthyophthiriasis in aquaculture.

Study of Glucose-6 Phosphatase activity in Clarias batrachus (Linn.) after feeding the probiotic fish feed

Glucose-6 Phosphatase activity was studied in the air breathing fresh water catfish (Clarias batrachus) by giving the probiotic feed. The experiment was conducted in laboratory condition with glass jar aquarium. Bacteriological and different biochemical tests like cytochrome oxidase, fermentative and catalase test were analysed along with certain physiological parameters of water samples. Clarias batrachus was fed by prepared four diets, F1, F2, F3 and F4. The diets were prepared using fishmeal, soyabean meal, groundnut oil cake, rice bran, vitamin mineral mixture and different concentration of probiotics. The Clarias batrachus in experimental treatments were fed by the prepared diets upto six weeks. The significant amount of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was found in the gut microflora of the experimental fish. Glucose 6- phophatase activity was decreased in liver with increase in probiotic concentration in feed. But the enzyme activity in kidney, gill and stomach did not follow any trend. The water quality parameters like pH, CO2, DO, alkalinity, ammonia concentrations of the experimental tanks were varied significantly with treatment time.

Systemic activation of NF-κB driven luciferase activity in transgenic mice fed advanced glycation end products modified albumin.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are stable end products of the Maillard reaction and accumulate with progressing ageing and degenerative diseases. Significant amounts of AGE-modified peptides are also consumed with processed food. AGEs bind to specific receptors, especially the receptor of AGEs (RAGE). Activation of RAGE then evokes intracellular signalling, finally resulting in the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor and therefore a proinflammatory state. We here analysed, whether NF-κB is activated in short term upon feeding an AGE-modified protein in-vivo. Transgenic mice expressing firefly luciferase under the control of an NF-κB responsive promoter were intraperitoneally injected or fed with AGE-modified- or control albumin and luciferase expression was analysed by in-vivo imaging and by in-vitro by determination of luciferase enzyme activity in heart, lung, gut, spleen, liver and kidney. In all organs, an activation of the luciferase reporter gene was observed in response to AGE-BSA feeding, however with different intensity and timing. The gut exhibited highest luciferase activity and this activity peaked 6-8h post AGE-feeding. In heart and kidney, luciferase activity increased for up to 12h post feeding. All other organs tested, exhibited highest activity at 10h after AGE-consumption. Altogether, these data demonstrate that feeding AGE-modified protein resulted in a transient and systemic activation of the NF-κB reporter.

In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Leaf Essential Oil of Pulicaria inuloides -Asteraceae

The essential oil of leaf of P. inuloides was extracted by using hydrodistillation process and the volatile components investigated with the help of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Diabetic rats were treated with a 400 mg/kg dose of essential oil of P. inuloides orally for 3 h (acute) or 21 days (chronic). In acute model blood glucose levels were monitored at specific intervals. In the chronic model blood samples were collected from overnight fasted diabetic rats on day 21 to estimate blood glucose level. And the body weight, serum lipid profile and activities of liver and kidney enzymes were measured. Histopathological observations of liver sections were also studied. Total seventy compounds were identified as 2-Cyclohexen-1-one, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-, (S)- 58.19%; Oxirane, 2-ethyl-2-methyl- 8.25%; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester 13.18%; n-Hexadecanoic acid 2.12% by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Treatment of diabetic rats with 400 mg/kg of P. inuloides proved to have significant (P < 0.05) antihyperglycemic effect and have the capacity to correct the metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes. Histopathological studies showed that the essential oil of P. inuloides reinforced the healing of liver.

Evaluation of some Enzymatic Changes in the Liver and Kidney of Rats Following Exposure to Sublethal Concentration of Potassium Cyanide

Background: Besides acute lethal cyanide poisoning, its chronic intoxication may also produce some pathologic effects on different tissues that precedes alterations in biochemical parameters. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sublethal cyanide exposure on some tissue enzyme activities in liver and kidney of rats. Methods: Twelve male rats were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 rats served as control. Rats in group 2 received water containing 200 ppm inorganic cyanide. At the end of the experiment (42 days), hepatic and renal activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and rhodanese were measured. Results: Potassium cyanide administration caused elevation of all measured liver enzymes in group 2, although the increase was only significant for AST and ALT activities as compared to control values (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, renal AST activity in rats from group 2 was significantly higher than those from controls. Conclusion: The altered tissue activities of some enzymes in the present study might reflect the metabolic disturbances due to cyanide intoxication in studied organs. However, further research should be focused on this issue for better understanding of the fine mechanism of cyanide effects upon metabolic enzyme activities.

Physiological responses of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to dietary exposure to zearalenone (ZEN)

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a frequent contaminant of animal feeds, but systemic effects on fish and possible metabolic costs have not yet been investigated. In order to fill this gap a feeding trial with juvenile carp was conducted. The fish were fed ZEN-contaminated diets at three concentrations (low: 332μgkg−1, medium: 621μgkg−1, and high: 797μgkg−1 final feed, respectively) for four weeks. Possible reversible effects of ZEN were evaluated by feeding an additional group with the mycotoxin for four weeks period and the uncontaminated diet for further two weeks. After that possible ZEN effects on enzyme activities in kidney, spleen, liver and muscle tissue were investigated to get an organism-wide aspect of ZEN effects. Most organs appeared to (over)compensate ZEN effects during the exposure to this mycotoxin, which caused metabolic costs. Oxygen consumption increased in fish treated with the two higher ZEN concentrations via the diet. The differences between the treatments persisted also after the recovery phase of two weeks. Thus, the present study provided evidence of effects of ZEN on carbohydrate metabolism, lipid peroxidation in organs and metabolic oxygen demand. This is the first evidence for increased metabolic costs in a fish species due to exposure to the mycotoxin ZEN.