Female Swiss Albino Mice Research Articles

Nghiên cứu độc tính và tác dụng hạ glucose huyết của cao chiết lá cây lộc vừng (Barringtonia acutangula) trên chuột đái tháo đường bằng streptozotocin

Studies on toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of Barringtonia acutangula extract on diabetic mice by streptozotocin. The plant samples were extracted with solution ethanol 70% v/v. The acute toxicity was assessed in male and female Swiss albino mice by monitoring mortality and toxicity within 72 hours. The hypoglycemic effect was assessed in mouse model of hyperglycemia by streptozotocin at the dose of 150 mg/kg. The antidiabetic effect of extract of Barringtonia acutangula was compared with standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamid. The results of acute toxicity study showed that Barringtonia acutangula extract with the maximum dose on white mice was 50 g/kg body of mice with a mortality ratio of 0% after 72 hours. The extract of Barringtonia acutangula at dose of 125 mg/kg; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body of mice has the effect of reducing cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The extract of Barringtonia acutangula at dose of 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body of mice also has hyperglycemic effect on streptozotocin induced diabetic mice.

Pre-irradiation effects of ectoine on radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in female Swiss albino mice model

Pre-irradiation effects of ectoine on radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in female Swiss albino mice model

Pharmacological evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of LQFM202: a new piperazine derivative.

Advances have been made in the search for new multi-target modulators to control pain and inflammation. Therefore, compound 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methanone (LQFM202) was synthesised and evaluated. First, in vitro assays were performed for COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes. Subsequently, adult female Swiss albino mice treated orally with LQFM202 at doses of 25-200mg/kg were subjected to acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain, carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, carrageenan- or zymosan-induced paw oedema, or pleurisy. LQFM202 inhibited COX-1, COX-2, and LOX-5 (IC50 = 3499µM, 1565µM, and 1343µM, respectively). In acute animal models, LQFM202 (50, 100, or 200mg/kg) decreased the amount of abdominal writhing (29%, 52% and 48%, respectively). Pain in the second phase of the formalin test was reduced by 46% with intermediate dose. LQFM202 (100mg/kg) reduced the difference in nociceptive threshold in all 4h evaluated (46%, 37%, 30%, and 26%, respectively). LQFM202 (50mg/kg) decreased the carrageenan-oedema from the second hour (27%, 31% and 25%, respectively); however, LQFM202 (100mg/kg) decreased the carrageenan-oedema in all hours evaluated (35%, 42%, 48% and 50%, respectively). When using zymosan, LQFM202 (50mg/kg) decreased the oedema in all hours evaluated (33%, 32%, 31% and 20%, respectively). In the carrageenan-pleurisy test, LQFM202 (50mg/kg) reduced significantly the number of polymorphonuclear cells (34%), the myeloperoxidase activity (53%), TNF-α levels (47%), and IL-1β levels (58.8%). When using zymosan, LQFM202 (50mg/kg) reduced the number of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells (54% and 79%, respectively); and the myeloperoxidase activity (46%). These results suggest antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of LQFM202.

Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Fumaria officinalis Alkaloids in Mice

Background: Fumaria officinalis is largely used in traditional medicine due to its efficiency in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases and its large spectrum of therapeutic effects. Its multiple beneficial properties are due to its richness in bioactive substances, particularly isoquinoline alkaloids. However, few studies have addressed the toxicity of this plant. Objectives: The present work aimed to study acute and subacute toxicity of alkaloids extracted from F. officinalis using Swiss albino mice as the in vivo model. Methods: Alkaloids from the aerial parts of F. officinalis were extracted and administered to male and female Swiss albino mice. The acute and subacute toxicities were studied by monitoring the weight and histopathological study of animal bodies and organs (e.g., liver, heart, spleen, and kidneys). Results: The results revealed that mice treated with increasing doses developed serious symptoms of toxicity (i.e., respiratory problems, tremors, coma, and paralysis leading the death) and lost weight. The LD50 was estimated at 1341.11 mg/kg permitting its classification as a low-toxic plant. The microscopic observations demonstrated disturbances in the kidney and liver, but not the heart and spleen. Conclusion: The alkaloids of the aerial parts of F. officinalis expressed severe toxicity in mice, particularly at high doses. Nevertheless, the neutral fraction of alkaloids is more indicated.

Plasmodium berghei infection associated with adverse birth outcomes in pregnant Swiss albino mice

Malaria in pregnancy has been seen to cause poor pregnancy and foetal outcomes. In this study, mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) during the second and third stages of pregnancy were examined for their pregnancy's outcome and changes in their blood's biochemical composition after delivery. Additionally, the physical and behavioural reactions of the mice's pups were also investigated. Thirty pregnant female Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into three groups; two received intraperitoneal injections of 106 P. berghei-infected red blood cells on gestational days (GD12 and 17), while the third group was left uninfected (control). Pregnancy termination occurred in 20% of mice infected during GD12, whereas mortality before parturition occurred in 40% and 30% of mice infected during GD12 and GD17, respectively. Non-infected group's total protein and glucose concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05), while cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) when compared to the infected groups. The Mean birth weights (1.82 ± 0.37 g) of pups were considerably higher (p < 0.05) in control mice compared to pups from infected groups. Offspring born to infected mothers exhibited poor physical and behavioural responses. Mice infection by Plasmodium berghei during pregnancy resulted in adverse birth outcomes, altered measured biochemical parameters, poor physical and behavioural responses in their offspring and was more severe during the 2nd stage of pregnancy.

Vitamin C mitigates hematological and biochemical alterations caused by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate toxicity in female albino mice, Mus musculus.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitous environmental contaminant and identified as endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), present in plastics as plasticizer. Due to its versatile use, human exposure level reaches to danger limit. The main focus of our study is to see the effect of vitamin C on hematological and biochemical alterations caused by Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate toxicity in female albino mice, Mus musculus. It is found to cause defects of the liver, kidney, and lungs. Its anti-androgenic nature brings the main focus on its toxicity associated with reproductive and endocrine system. In this experimental study, 18 young female Swiss albino mice, Mus musculus, were used and divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each as control (corn oil vehicle), DEHP group (100 mg/kg body weight dissolved in corn oil), and DEHP + vitamin-C group (100 mg/kg body weight each, dissolved in corn oil and double distilled water, respectively) for 90 days. In this research, serum metabolites were evaluated to study the effect of DEHP on glucose, total protein, and lipid profile along with some hematological, enzymological, and oxidative stress parameters. Simultaneously, we compared the effectiveness of vitamin-C against DEHP toxicity to mitigate the serum homeostasis disturbance. In present study, we observed, in DEHP-treated animals, glucose, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased remarkably, whereas total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total RBC count, total WBC count, and hemoglobin (Hb) level significantly decreased as compared to control group. In addition, we noticed there was a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increase in levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in DEHP treatment group as compared to control group. The results indicated vitamin C had a better improving effect against DEHP toxicity on balancing metabolic abnormalities and inflammation-related comorbidities.

Treatment with Rosemarinus Officinalis Leaves and Saussurea Lappa Roots Extracts Ameliorate Hepatorenal and Cardiac Cisplatin Toxicity in Ehrlich Ascitic-Bearing Mice

Medicinal plants have important role in cancer treatments and protect the vital organs from the adverse effect of chemotherapy treatments. This study was conducted to investigate the ameliorating effects of Rosemarinus officinalis leaves (ROLE) and Saussurea lappa roots (SLRE) extracts along with cisplatin (Cis) on hepato-renal and cardiac-toxicities induced in Ehrlich-bearing mice. Forty female Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups (n=10) as follows; the first group (Gp1) was served as control. Gp2-Gp4 were inoculated with 1 x 106 EAC-cells/mouse. Gp2 was left without any treatment as EAC-bearing mice, and Gp3 had injected with Cis (2 mg/Kg) starting from day 3 to day7. Gp4 had injected with Cis as in Gp3, and then administered with ROLE/ SLRE from day 3 to day 13. At day 14, blood samples were collected and heart tissue homogenate was prepared for biochemical analysis. Serum hepatic enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ɤ-glutamyltransferase (ɤ GGT), bilirubin, creatinine and urea levels were significantly increased in EAC-bearing mice, however, the treatment of EAC-bearing mice with Cis/ROLE/SLRE decreased the mentioned biochemical parameters. The contents of troponin (TnI) and creatine-phosphokinase (CPK) in the heart tissue of EAC-bearing mice were also increased; however, the treatment with Cis/ROLE/SLRE exhibited a marked ameliorative effect on both Tn1 and CPK. These results suggested that administration of ROLE/SLRE along with Cis mitigated the toxicity in EAC-bearing mice

Antifungal compounds, GC-MS analysis and toxicity assessment of methanolic extracts of Trichoderma species in an animal model.

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have been marketed for the management of diseases of crops. However, some Trichoderma species may produce toxic secondary metabolites and it should receive due attention to ensure human safety. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antagonistic potential of T. asperellum AU131 and T. longibrachiatum AU158 as microbial biocontrol agents (MBCAs) against Fusarium xylarioides and the associated antagonistic mechanism with bioactive substances. Swiss albino mice were used to evaluate the in vivo toxicity and pathogenicity of T. asperellum AU131 and T. longibrachiatum AU158 methanolic extracts and spore suspensions, respectively, in a preliminary safety assessment for use as biofungicides. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to profile volatile organic metabolites (VOCs) present in the methanolic extracts. The agar diffusion assay of the methanolic extracts from both T. asperellum AU131 and T. longibrachiatum AU158 were effective at a concentration of 200 μg/mL (1×107 spores/mL), causing 62.5%, and 74.3% inhibition, respectively. A GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts from both bioagents identified 23 VOCs which classified as alcohols, acids, sesquiterpenes, ketones and aromatic compounds. The oral administration of methanolic extracts and spore suspensions of each Trichoderma species to female Swiss albino mice over 14 days did not show any significant signs of toxicity, mortality or changes to body weight. It can be concluded that the tested spore suspensions and methanolic extracts were not pathogenic or toxic, respectively, when administered to Swiss albino mice at various doses.

Oroxylum indicum stem bark extract exerts antitumor potential against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Introduction and Aim: Constant efforts are exerted to explore unique bioactive principles from natural sources that possess more effective and specific antineoplastic activities. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity of stem bark extract of Oroxylum indicum in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Materials and Methods: Ninety female Swiss albino mice were categorized into fifteen groups (n=6). The animals were inoculated with 1x106 EAC cells. Tumor control animals received sterile water once daily for 10 consecutive days. Positive control group was injected with Cisplatin (CP) (one dose – 3.5 mg/kg body weight). The treatment groups were administered with O. indicum (OI) stem bark ethanol extract once daily with 50mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight for eleven consecutive days. The blood parameters and serum hepatic enzymes activity was determined. The percentage increase in weight, the median survival time, the increase in median life span was calculated. The cytotoxic effect of CP and OI extract was determined. Results: There was significant reduction in the white blood cells count in OI and CP treatment group compared to increased level in EAC control group. The RBC count and Hemoglobin level which was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the tumour mice, was enhanced in the drug treatment groups. The EAC control group showed significant increase in tumour cell count (p<0.05) whereas, treatment of EAC tumor bearing mice with OI and CP significantly increased the non-viable tumor cell count (p<0.05). Conclusion: OI stem bark ethanol extract reduced the toxic implications of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, reverted the haematological and biochemical changes induced by tumour. These results call for additional research on isolating and identifying the responsible bioactive elements in order to clarify the underlying processes of the anticancer impact.

Histopathological Evaluation of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Lippia adoensis on Liver, Kidney, and Biochemical Parameters in Swiss Albino Mice.

BackgroundEighty percent of Ethiopians use traditional medicine, one of which is the leaf of Lippea adoensis.ObjectiveTo investigate subacute toxicity of aqueous extracts of L. adoensis leaves on the liver and kidney and biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice.MethodsLD50 was assessed with nine experimental groups and one control group of adult female Swiss albino mice (five in each group). In the subacute study, 40 mice of both sexes were randomly divided into four groups of ten mice (both sexes) per group. Group I served as controls and received distilled water and feed only. Groups II–IV were used as treatment groups. They received calculated doses of aqueous leaf extracts orally at doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, respectively.ResultsSince 80% of deaths occurred at the 10,000 mg/kg body-weight dose in this experiment, LD50 was considered to be <10,000 mg/kg. In the subacute test, general signs of toxicity like hypoactivity, piloerection, lethargy, and a single episode of convulsion were observed at the 2000 mg/kg dose. Beginning from the third week of administration, both male and female mice receiving 500 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg and all treatment groups in the fourth week showed significant (P<0.05) weight loss compared to controls. Biochemical parameters were found to increase in all groups treated with ethanolic leaf extracts. Several histopathological changes like congestion, hemorrhage, severe necrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in both liver and kidney in the L. adoensis–treated rats were observed at all doses.ConclusionIn the present study, the ethanolic leaf extracts of L. adoensis produced dose-dependent weight loss and histopathological and biochemical changes in Swiss albino mice.

Ferulic acid inhibits catamenial epilepsy through modulation of female hormones.

Approximately 40% of women with epilepsy experience perimenstrual seizure exacerbation, referred to as catamenial epilepsy. These seizures result from cyclic changes in circulating progesterone and estradiol levels and there is no effective treatment for this form of intractable epilepsy. We artificially increased progesterone levels and neurosteroid levels (pseudo-pregnancy) in adult Swiss albino female mice (19-23g) by injecting them with pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin (5 IU s.c.), followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (5 IU s.c.) after 46h. After this, ferulic acid (25, 50, 100mg/kg i.p.) treatment was given for 10 days. During treatment, progesterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels were estimated in blood on days 1, 5, and 10. Neurosteroid withdrawal was induced by finasteride (50mg/kg, i.p.) on treatment day 9. Twenty-four hours after finasteride administration (day 10 of treatment), seizure susceptibility was evaluated with the sub-convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) dose (40mg/kg i.p.). Four to six hours after PTZ, animals were assessed for depression like phenotypes using tail-suspension test (TST). Four to six hours following TST, animals were euthanized, and discrete brain parts (cortex and hippocampus) were separated for estimation of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine as well as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme activity. PMSG and HCG treatment elevated progesterone and estradiol levels, assessed on days 1, 5, and 10 causing a state of pseudo-pregnancy. Treatment with finasteride increased seizure susceptibility and depression-like characteristics possibly due to decreased progesterone and elevated estrogen levels coupled with decreased monoamine and elevated corticosterone levels. Ferulic acid treatment, on the other hand, significantly decreased seizure susceptibility and depression like behavior, possibly because of increased progesterone, restored estradiol, corticosterone, monoamines, and GAD enzyme activity. We concluded anticonvulsant effect of ferulic acid in a mouse model of catamenial epilepsy, evidenced by favourable seizure attenuation and curative effect on the circulating progesterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels along with restorative effect on GAD enzyme activity and monoamine levels.

Subchronic Toxicity Study of Alternanthera philoxeroides in Swiss Albino Mice Having Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Activities.

Alternanthera philoxeroides, a tropical herb and edible vegetable, has been popular as a medicinal plant. Applying in vitro approach, we initially attempted to assess the phytochemicals, bioactive chemicals, as well as antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of this plant. Following that, the in vivo toxicological effects of methanolic extracts of A. philoxeroides using different doses on the kidney, heart, lung, liver, stomach, brain, and blood of female Swiss Albino mice were investigated. We estimated phytochemicals content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH, NO, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, followed by the anticoagulant activities of PT and aPTT and bioactive compounds using HPLC. To confirm the biocompatibility of A. philoxeroides extracts, histopathological and hematological parameters were examined in a mice model. Total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin content in A. philoxeroides was 181.75 ± 2.47 mg/g, 101.5 ± 3 .53 mg/g, and 68.58 ± 0.80 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the HPLC study confirmed the presence of four phenolic compounds: catechin, tannic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. The methanolic extract of A. philoxeroides showed considerable antioxidant activity in all four antioxidant assay methods when compared to the standard. In comparison to ascorbic acid, A. philoxeroides also demonstrated a minor concentration-dependent ferric and cupric reduction activity. In vivo evaluation indicated that A. philoxeroides extracts (doses: 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) had no negative effects on the relative organ or body weight, or hematological indicators. Our study concluded that A. philoxeroides had significant antioxidant and anticoagulant activities and demonstrated no negative effects on the body or relative organ weight, histopathological, and hematological indices in the mouse model.

Anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory potencies of cinnamon oil on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice

Cinnamon is a well-known natural spice and flavoring substance used worldwide. The objective of the present work is to explore the possible antitumor and immunomodulatory potencies of cinnamon essential oil (Cinn) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). A total of fifty female Swiss albino mice were sub-grouped into five groups (n = 10), namely, normal (a non-tumorized and non-treated) group; EAC-tumorized and non-treated group; Cinn (non-tumorized mice received Cinn, 50 mg/kg per body weight daily) group; a group of EAC-tumorized mice treated with Cinn and the final positive control group of EAC-tumorized mice received cisplatin. Eight compounds were identified from Cinn using UPLC-MS-Qtof and NMR analysis. Compared to EAC untreated group, Cinn successfully (P < 0.05) inhibited tumor growth by reducing tumor cell count (45%), viability (53%) and, proliferation accompanied by the inhibition of tumor growth rate. Moreover, a significant (P < 0.05) arrest in the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase was noticed following Cinn treatments (~ 24.5%) compared to EAC group. Moreover, Cinn markedly evoked an antitumor immune response by elevating the percentage of splenic T helper (CD3+CD4+) and T cytotoxic (CD3+CD8+) cells. It is noteworthy that Cinn treatments significantly restored different hematological alterations as well as liver and kidney functions in EAC-tumorized mice. In conclusion, results suggest that Cinn has a good antitumor and immunostimulatory potencies against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in vivo. The mechanism underlying its antitumor activity may be attributed to its immunostimulatory effects which increase its potential as a promising anticancer candidate.

Ex-Vivo Evaluation of Eflornithine Hydrochloride Loaded Solid Lipid Microparticles Based Cream

Hirsutism is an unpleasant condition that affects a large number of women. Hirsutism can make females feel exceedingly self-conscious, jeopardizing their sense of femininity as well as their self-esteem. They are employing established treatments without evaluating their negative consequences, necessitating the development of new procedures. EFH loaded solid lipid microparticles (EFH-SLM) were manufactured using the solvent evaporation technique using polymers. Hair regrowth investigations in healthy Swiss albino female mice were carried out ex-vivo. Animals treated with EFH-Cream and EFH-SLM-Cream had the fairest and least dense hair densities on day 21. In comparison to regular EFH-Cream, this revealed that cream loaded with EFH-SLM was more efficient. On day 21, hair weight per cm2 was weighed for all groups of animals, and it was discovered that there was a substantial difference between animals treated with EFH-cream and EFH-SLM-Cream, which could be related to EFH-increased SLM's permeability. In comparison to animals treated with EFH-Cream and marketed EFH cream, animals treated with EFH-SLM-cream had fewer or no skin rashes or inflammation.

Amygdalin potentiates the anti-cancer effect of Sorafenib on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and ameliorates the associated liver damage

The burden of cancer diseases is increasing every year, therefore, the demands to figure out novel drugs that can retain antitumor properties have been raised. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of amygdalin (Amy) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice and its protective properties against liver damage. Amy and the standard anticancer drug Sorafenib (Sor) were given alone or in combination to Swiss albino female mice that had been injected with EAC cells. Biochemical parameters of liver function (AST, ALT, GGT, total protein, albumin), tumor volume, oxidative stress [malondialdehyde, (MDA)] and antioxidative [superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH)] markers were measured. The hepatic expression of the antioxidant-related gene [nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)], the migration-related gene [matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9)], and the angiogenesis-related gene [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] were evaluated by qPCR. The results revealed that EAC-bearing mice treated with Amy and/or Sor showed a decrease in the tumor burden and hepatic damage as evidenced by (1) decreased tumor volume, number of viable tumor cells; (2) increased number of dead tumor cells; (3) restored the liver function parameters; (4) reduced hepatic MDA levels; (5) enhanced hepatic GSH and SOD levels; (6) upregulated expression of Nrf2; (7) downregulated expression of MMP9 and VEGF, and (8) improved hepatic structure. Among all treatments, mice co-treated with Amy (orally) and Sor (intraperitoneally) showed the best effect. With these results, we concluded that the Amy improved the antitumor effect of Sor and had a protective role on liver damage induced by EAC in mice.

The Antiepileptic and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Dexpanthenol in Female Swiss Albino Mice

Objective: Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms of epilepsy and depression. Based on our information, behavioral effects of dexpanthenol in animals have not yet been demonstrated. Dexpanthenol itself is a topical medicine to restore skin barrier against infections caused by microorganisms which also stimulates the peristaltic movements in the gut when administered parenterally; however since it is cheap and easy to use with minor side effects, the main idea of the current research was to evaluate whether dexpanthenol has an antiepileptic and/or antidepressant-like effects. Methods: A group of female Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were injected with dexpanthenol (ip, N = 8) or saline (ip, N = 8), and 30 min later pentylenetetrazole (65 mg/kg, ip)-induced convulsions were determined for 30 min. In addition, another group of mice were again injected with dexpanthenol (500 mg/kg, ip, N = 8) or saline (ip, N = 8) and immobility time were evaluated in the forced swim test. Finally, mouse righting reflex test was used to assess the possible changes in motor coordination. Results: Our data showed that dexpanthenol, at the dose of 500 mg/kg displayed significant antiepileptic and antidepressant-like effects without affecting motor behavior. Conclusions: A common low-cost topical drug for various skin disorders that can also be given parenterally for motility regulation has an antiepileptic and antidepressant-like activity in mice.

Palladium(II) Schiff base complex arrests cell cycle at early stages, induces apoptosis, and reduces Ehrlich solid tumor burden: a new candidate for tumor therapy.

Although many cancer drugs are clinically approved, they still suffer from no adequate efficiency or drug resistance, or bad side effects. Therefore, developing safer alternatives of competitive efficiency is needed. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the antitumor and apoptotic activities of palladium(II) 2-hydroxyimino-3-(2-hydrazonopyridyl)-butane complex against Ehrlich carcinoma. In vitro, EAC cells were incubated with the complex, and the cells' viability, caspase 8 activity, and cell cycle changes were evaluated. In vivo, eighty adult female Swiss albino mice were distributed randomly in the following groups (n = 10): Normal, EAC, EAC + Cisplatin, and four groups EAC + Complex as well as Normal + Complex. Bodyweight changes were noted. On day 22 mice were sacrificed. Tumors' volume and weight were recorded. Blood picture was routinely investigated. The median survival time (MST) and percent increase in life span (%ILS) were monitored. In vitro, the complex reduced the %viable EAC cells, increased caspase 8 activity, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1, and reduced G2(M) population indicating antiproliferative and antitumor activities via inducing apoptosis. Treatment with the complex in a dose-dependent mode significantly decreased tumor volume and weight, extended the MST and the %ILS, increased mice body weight gain, and improved the blood indexes. Treatment of EAC-bearing mice with the complex highest dose showed more desirable outcomes than treatment with cisplatin. The Normal + Complex group showed no pathological changes indicating safety. In conclusion, our outcomes recommend the Pd(II) complex as a new optimistic candidate for tumor therapy after further studies for validation.

Silymarin inhibits the progression of Ehrlich solid tumor via targeting molecular pathways of cell death, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in female mice.

Plant-derived phytochemicals have been reported to exert anticancer activity. This study investigated the antitumor role of silymarin (Silybum marianum) (SMN) and its molecular targets in Ehrlich solid tumor xenografts in vivo. Female Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups (of five animals each) that were engrafted with Ehrlich tumor (ET) cells with or without SMN treatment. The 3rd groups treated with DMSO only vehicle control group. A significant reduction in animal body mass and tumor volume/weight were observed in xenografted mice treated with SMN. SMN modulated oxidative stress in tumors while enhancing the antioxidant levels in mouse serum. SMN activated both mitochondrial and death receptor-related apoptosis pathways and induced cell cycle arrest, marked by a significant downregulation of cyclin D1 in SMN-treated tumors. Significant decreases in RNA content and protein expression levels of Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were observed in ET cells. Additionally, SMN downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor and nuclear factor-kappa B levels indicating anti-angiogenesis activity of this agent. SMN upregulated the expression of E-cadherin in tumor tissue suggesting, that SMN has potential ability to inhibit metastasis. Tumor tissue from SMN-treated animals showed a remarkable degeneration and reduction in the neoplastic cell density. The anticancer effect was associated with apparent apoptosis in neoplastic cells with abundance of multifocal necrotic areas. SMN was found to inhibit ET growth via enhancing apoptosis, inhibition of cell division and reduction in angiogenesis in vivo. Hypothetical scheme of SMN antitumor effects (mechanism of signaling) in solid ET in vivo. SMN anticancer effect may be mediated by molecular mediators that affect proliferation, cell cycle activity, apoptotic pathways, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Epigenetic changes induced in mice liver by methionine-supplemented and methionine-deficient diets

A diet deficient in donors of methyl group, such as methionine, affects DNA methylation and hepatic lipid metabolism. Methionine also affects other epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs. We investigated the effects of methionine-supplemented or methionine-deficient diets on the expression of chromatin-modifying genes, global DNA methylation, the expression and methylation of genes related to lipid metabolism, and the expression of microRNAs in mouse liver. Female Swiss albino mice were fed a control diet (0.3% methionine), a methionine-supplemented diet (2% methionine), and a methionine-deficient diet (0% methionine) for 10 weeks. The genes most affected by the methionine-supplemented diet were associated with histone and DNA methyltransferases activity, while the methionine-deficient diet mostly altered the expression of histone methyltransferases genes. Both diets altered the global DNA methylation and the expression and gene-specific methylation of the lipid metabolism gene Apoa5. Both diets altered the expression of several liver homeostasis-related microRNAs, including miR-190b-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-376c-3p, miR-411–5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-295–3p, and miR-467d-5p, with the methionine-deficient diet causing a more substantial effect. The effects of improper amounts of methionine in the diet on liver pathologies may involve a cooperative action of chromatin-modifying genes, which results in an aberrant pattern of global and gene-specific methylation, and microRNAs responsible for liver homeostasis.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF A HERBAL UTERINE

Maintaining optimum reproductive health of animal is crucial for profitability in livestock enterprises and boosting the economy of farmers. However, the reproductive efficiency of animals is commonly reduced by problems such as puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis, pyometra, subclinical endometritis, early embryonic mortality, repeat breeding, retention of foetal membranes, and post-partum anestrus. ExaparTM Liquid (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) is a polyherbal uterine cleanser and restorative that helps to achieve and restore better post-partum reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Exapar TM Liquid to induce acute oral toxicity in mice as per OECD 423 guidelines. Nine healthy and adult nulliparous, non-pregnant Swiss albino female mice, weighing 24-28 g, were used for the study. The animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality after the oral administration of the test substance. Toxicity was evaluated on the basis of changes in body weight, signs of toxicity, gross and histological appearances of vital organs, and blood biochemistry. Exapar TM Liquid was found safe for oral use as no toxic effects or mortalities were observed up to the completion of experiment.