Gastric Intubation Research Articles

Effects of pepsin and trypsin on the anti-adipogenic action of lactoferrin against pre-adipocytes derived from rat mesenteric fat

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein in mammalian milk. In a previous report, we showed that enteric-coated bovine LF tablets can decrease visceral fat accumulation, hypothesising that the enteric coating is critical to the functional peptides reaching the visceral fat tissue and exerting their anti-adipogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to assess whether ingested LF can retain its anti-adipogenic activity. We therefore investigated the effects of LF and LF treated with digestive enzymes (the stomach enzyme pepsin and the small intestine enzyme trypsin) on lipid accumulation in pre-adipocytes derived from the mesenteric fat tissue of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Lipid accumulation in pre-adipocytes was significantly reduced by LF in a dose-dependent manner and was associated with reduction in gene expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha and PPARγ as revealed by DNA microarray analysis. Trypsin-treated LF continued to show anti-adipogenic action, whereas pepsin-treated LF abrogated the activity. When an LF solution (1000 mg bovine LF) was administered by gastric intubation to Sprague-Dawley rats, immunoreactive LF determined by ELISA could be detected in mesenteric fat tissue at a concentration of 14·4 μg/g fat after 15 min. The overall results point to the importance of enteric coating for action of LF as a visceral fat-reducing agent when administered in oral form.

An investigation of Gram-positive bacteria infection in an intensive care unit during 6 years

To retrospectively investigate the risk factors, distribution, antibiotic resistance of infection with Gram-positive (G+) bacteria in an intensive care unit (ICU), so as to provide the reference for clinical prevention and treatment. A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 83 patients with G+ bacteria infection in ICU from January 2003 to December 2008 was done. Of the 125 strains of G+ bacteria from 83 patients, Staphylococcus was the main organism (63.2%, 79/125). The prognosis of the patient was related with surgical operation (chi2=9.107, P=0.003), gastric intubation (chi2=4.053, P=0.044), complication (chi2 5.908, P=0.015) and the use of immunosuppressant (chi2=5.761, P=0.016). Multi-bacterial infection was related with surgery (chi2=8.847, P=0.003) and tracheostomy (chi2=10.445, P=0.001). The antibiotic susceptibility test in vitro showed that G+ bacteria displayed multi-resistance to antibiotics, but all of G+ bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin (resistance rate was 0). Staphylococcus was the most common pathogen of G+ bacterial infection in ICU. Further surveillance of bacterial resistance is warranted in ICU, and antimicrobial drugs should be used according to the result of susceptibility test. Taking account of the antibiotic resistance and risk factors of G+ bacteria infection in ICU, the infection could be controlled and the death rate could be cut down when appropriate measures are taken.

Effect of <i>Achyranthes bidentata</i> polysaccharides on the expression of the BCL-2 and BAX in hepatic tissues of exhaustive exercise in rats

This study aims to assess the effects of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides (ABPS) on the expression of bcl-2 and bax in hepatic tissues after exhaustive exercise in order to provide theoretical support for the application of ABPS in the field of sports nutrition. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups, each consisting of 10 rats: Normal control group (NCG), Exhausting exercises control group (EECG), ABPS treated group (ATG). ABPS were fed orally by gastric intubation to rats of ABPS treated group (ATG) once daily for 7 days. Control animals (EECG and NCG) received the same amount of isotonic sodium chloride solution. Exhaustive exercise was performed on a rodent treadmill. The SP (streptavidin peroxidase) method for immunohistochemical staining was adopted to test the protein expression of bax and bcl-2 in the hepatic tissues of the rats. Exhausting exercises increased bax protein expression of hepatic tissues of rats and bax/bcl-2 ratio dramatically, but a decreased bcl-2 protein expression. In the rats fed ABPS orally by gastric intubation, the bax protein expression and bax/bcl-2 ratio obviously decreased, while bcl-2 protein expression increased. The result indicated that bax and bcl-2 co-regulated the exercise-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Feeding ABPS orally by gastric intubation to rats can inhibit the hepatocyte apoptosis in exhaustive exercise.

Modified gastric intubation in the emergency patients with poisoning-induced coma

Objective To explore the effectiveness of modified gastric intubation in the emergency patients with poisoning-induced coma.Methods 40 comatose patients were randomly divided into modified intubation group and conventional intubation group.The effectiveness was then compared the two groups.Results The success rate was greater in the modified intubation group than in the conventional intubation group and the time from the insertion to the placement of the tube was shorter.Conclusions Under the guidance of pharyngoscopy and the guided wire of the tracheal catheter,modified intubation could prevent intubation failure or damage to the mucosa due to blind insertion and prevent suffocation or inspired pneumonia by quickly sucking out the vomit in the mouth,and clear the gastric poisons promptly to save the patients.It is worth popularizing in the primary hospitals. Key words: Gastric intubation; Emergency; Poisoning-induced coma

Teratogenic effects of ochratoxin a in rabbits.

Ochratoxin A, is a food-borne mycotoxin produced by several fungal species of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. Ochratoxin A was dissolved in corn oil and given by gastric intubation to rabbits on days 6-18 of gestation with the dose levels of 0.025, 0.050 and 0.100 mg/kg body weight. When compared with controls (4.16 %), in case of 0.100 mg/kg dose group, there was a significant increase in the incidence of gross (P<0.05) and skeletal (P<0.10) anomalies. The number of live fetuses in the case of 0.100 mg/kg dose group was significantly less than those of the 0.025mg/kg dose group. When compared to controls and 0.025mg/kg dose group, the mean fetal weights and mean fetal crown to rump lengths of dose group 0.100 mg/kg were significantly lower. Major gross anomalies caused by ochratoxin A included wrist drop, rudimentary tail, knuckling of fetlock and agenesis of tail. Skeletal anomalies were agenesis of caudal vertebrae, incomplete ossification of skull bones and wavy ribs. The soft tissue anomalies included internal hydrocephalus, microphthalmia and kidney agenesis.

Effect of caffeine -coconut products interactions on induction of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes in wistar albino rats

Effect of caffeine-coconut products interactions on induction of drug-metabolizing enzyme in Wistar albino rats was studied. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups: The control group (1) received via oral route a placebo (4.0 ml of distilled water). Groups 2 to 4 were treated for a 14-day period with 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine, 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine and 50 mg/kg body weight of coconut water, and 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine and 50 mg/kg body weight of coconut milk in 4.0 ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. One day after the final exposure, the animals were anaesthetized by inhalation of an overdose of chloroform. The blood of each rat was collected by cardiac puncture while the liver of each rat was harvested and processed to examine several biochemical parameters, i.e., total protein and RNA levels, protein/RNA ratios, and activities of alanine and aspartate amino transferase (ALT and AST, respectively). The results showed that while ingestion of coconut milk and coconut water increased the values of protein and protein/RNA ratios, it decreased alanine and aspartate amino transferase (ALT and AST) activities. These effects, in turn, enhanced the induction of the metabolizing enzymes and a resultant faster clearance and elimination of the caffeine from the body, there by reducing the toxic effect on the liver.

Effect of alcohol and kolanut interaction on biochemical indices of neuronal gene expression in wistar albino rats.

Effect of alcohol and kolanut interactions on biochemical indices of neuronal gene expression in Wistar albino rats was studied. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups of five (5) rats per group. The control group (1) received via oral route a placebo (4 ml of distilled water). Groups 2-6 were treated for a period of 21-days with (10 % v/v) 50 mg/kg body weight of alcohol, 50 mg/kg body weight of kolanut, 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine, 50 mg/kg body weight of alcohol and 50 mg/kg body weight of kolanut, and 50 mg/kg body weight of alcohol and 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine in 4.0 ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. One day after the final exposure, the brain of each rat was harvested and processed to examine several biochemical parameters namely total protein, DNA, RNA and protein/RNA ratios. The status of neuronal gene expression was monitored through assessment of these parameters. The results showed that alcohol-kolanut co-administration decreased brain total protein, DNA, RNA levels and protein/RNA ratios, and inhibited gene expression. These effects, in turn, inhibited DNA transcription, MRNA splicing and protein synthesis, and polypeptide expression, which are necessary for the growth, development, differentiation and cell survival.

Effect of alcohol and kolanut interaction on brain sodium pump activity in wistar albino rats.

Effect of alcohol-kolanut interaction on sodium pump activity in wistar albino rats was studied. Thirty wistar albino rats were divided into six groups of five (5) rats per group and used for the study. The control group (1) received via oral route a placebo (4 ml of distilled water). Groups 2 to 6 were treated for a period of 21 days, with (10% v/v) of alcohol (group 2), 50mg/kg body weight of kolanut (group 3), 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine (group 4), 4 ml of 10% v/v of alcohol and 50 mg/kg body weight kolanut (group 5), 4 ml of 10% v/v of alcohol and 50 mg/kg body weight of caffeine in 4.0 ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. A day after the final exposure, the brain of each rat was harvested and processed to examine several biochemical parameters, i.e., total ATpase, ouabain-insensitive ATpase, ouabain sensitive ATpase (Na(+)-K(+)ATPase), non-enzymatic breakdown of ATP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) released. The results showed that the essential enzyme of the brain responsible for neuronal function, Na(+)-K(+)ATPase, was inhibited by alcohol-kolanut co-administration relative to control, resulting in a decrease in Na(+)-K(+)ATPase activity, ATP production, ion transport and action potential, leading to loss of neuronal activities.

Toxicological evaluation of precocene II isolated from Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) in Sprague Dawley rats

Precocene II (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2-chromene) was the main constituent isolated from Ageratum conyzoides L. and reportedly possessed antifungal activity. The study investigated the isolation, purification and toxicological effects of precocene II from A. conyzoides in Sprague Dawley rats. Precocene II was isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of the plant and the structure was determined by 1 H-, 13 C-,DEPT-NMR and MS spectral techniques. Three groups of eight rats per group were used for the study. While groups B and C were respectively administered with 25 and 50 mg/kg of precocene II in 0.25% CMC-Na for 11 days by gastric intubation, group A was administered with 0.25% CMC-Na and served as the control group. After the last treatment, animals were fasted overnight and on the 12th day, they were injected intravenously with 0.2 ml/kg body weight of phenobarbital. Animals were subsequently dissected from the abdominal region; blood was collected from the pulmonary vein into EDTA anti-coagulated and non anti-coagulated tubes. The liver, kidney and spleen tissues were extracted into separate bottles for histopathological examinations. Results from hematological study indicated that the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), plateletcrit (PCT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin count (MCHC) were significantly higher across the treated groups. Biochemical result showed that serum glucose level was significantly reduced in the treated groups. No apparent damage was noticed in the liver, kidney and spleen tissues. The result therefore suggests that precocene II possesses hypoglycemic property and could alter some hematopoietic elements but was not toxic to the liver, kidney and spleen tissues.

Therapeutic potential of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumorigenesis in female rats: effect on antioxidant system, lipid peroxidation, and hepatic marker enzymes

In this study, the therapeutic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh (Loranthaceae; HEDF) on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma was investigated in Wistar female rats at 55 days of age. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups with six animals in each group: control, DMBA (25 mg in 0.5 ml olive oil by air pouch technique), and DMBA + HEDF (250, 475, and 950 mg/kg). After 90 days of induction, HEDF were administered for 28 days, by gastric intubations. The levels of lipid peroxides and activities of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants were measured in serum, liver, kidney, and breast of both control and experimental groups. In addition to this, liver marker enzymes were also assessed. Rats treated with DMBA showed an increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by high malondialdehyde levels along with lowered activities of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymic antioxidants (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol). A significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase with a sharp increase in alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and 5′-nucleotidase was observed in the liver of mammary cancer-bearing animals. HEDF treatment caused the activity of these liver marker enzymes’ return to almost normal control levels. Furthermore, the breast tumor weight decreased significantly in the DMBA + HEDF-treated groups. This result suggests that HEDF shows antioxidant activity and play a protective role against DMBA-induced breast carcinogenesis.

Effect of vitamin C on serum lipids and electrolyte profile of albino wistar rats.

The effect of oral administration of vitamin C on serum lipids and electrolyte profile were investigated in albino rats of the Wistar strain. Eighteen (18) albino rats of opposite sexes weighing between 150-300 g were used for the study and randomly assigned on the basis of body weight and litter origin to three study groups of six animals each. The control group received via oral route a placebo (4 ml of distilled water), while test groups 1 and II received 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C in 2.5 ml and 5.0 ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. The administration of vitamin C for 30 days produced a significant [P < 0.05] decrease in total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the test groups versus control but there was no change in triglycerides (TG) and High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Computed HDL:LDL ratio also increased in the treatments relative to the control. Except for computed HDL:LDL ratio all the other changes were dose dependent and there was a slight non-significant increase in all electrolytes (Na(+), K(+); and HCO3(-) ions. The study confirms the hypocholesterolaemic effect of vitamin C and that Vitamin C has no adverse effect on serum electrolytes. It is suggested that its administration in moderate to high doses may protect against atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Effects of Sophora flavescens on rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm pneumonia

To study the therapeutical effects of the Chinese medicinal herb, Sophora flavescens (SFA) on a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) biofilm pneumonia. Rats were challenged intratracheally with alginate embedded PA strain PAO579 at the concentration of 1 x 10(9) colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU x mL(-1)). After challeng on the second day, three different doses SFA or sterile normal saline (NS) were administered by gastric intubation once a day for two weeks. Two weeks post intratracheal challenge with P. aeruginosa, parameters were evaluated. Two weeks after challenge, a remarkable serum antibody response and significant infiltration of numerous polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) with lower IFN-gamma production in the lungs were found in the model group. However, milder macroscopic and lower incidence of lung abscesses were found in all the three groups received different doses of SFA treatment compared to the model group (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the microscopic lung pathology in all SFA-treated groups were characterized by chronic inflammation dominated by mononuclear leukocytes (MN). The rat number with acute inflammation in group II, III was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum level of anti-PA IgG was down-regulated in group II and III (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001), and serum IgG level was negatively correlated with the SFA doses (r = -0.95, P < 0.01). In all the SFA-treated groups higher IFN-gamma production in the lung was found compared to the model group (P < 0.001), and the lung IFN-gamma level was positively correlated with the SFA doses (r = 0.9, P < 0.02). These findings indicate that SFA has an effect on inducing Thl type of immune response. The anti-PA activity test of SFA was weakly positive whereas NS was negative. SFA treatment significantly reduced pathology, which might be associated with a shift of local immune responding type from a Th2 like to Thl like that might provide a better protection to the rats with chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. And these results also showed that the SFA dose of 12 g x kg(-1) was the best dosage in this present study.

Differential colon DNA damage induced by azo food additives between rats and mice

Azo dyes, amaranth, allura red and new coccine, which are currently used as food color additives in Japan, have been reported to cause colon specific DNA damage in mice. To examine species difference in the DNA damage between rats and mice, each of dyes was administered to male mice (1 and 10 mg/kg) and male rats (10, 100 and 1,000 mg/kg) by gavage. Brain, lung, liver, kidney, glandular stomach, colon, urinary bladder and bone marrow were sampled 3 hr (for mice) and 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr (for rats) after the treatment. The alkaline comet assay showed DNA damage in the mouse colon 3 hr after the administration of all of the dyes at 10 mg/kg. In rats, however, none of the dyes damaged DNA. Azo dyes should undergo metabolic reduction in the colon to be adducted to DNA. To determine transit time of the dyes to the colon after their administration, gastric emptying and intestinal transport in mice and rats were examined using brilliant blue FCF (BB) as an indicator. The half times of gastric emptying were 70 and 80 min for mice and rats, respectively; and about 60% of the BB was removed from the stomach 1 hr after the gastric intubation in both mice and rats. BB reached the mouse and rat colon 1 and 3 hr after the administration, respectively. Considering the wide dose range and sampling times well covering the transit time to the colon, rats may be insensitive to these azo dye-induced DNA damage.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the crude extract and fractions of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. The total phenolic content, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), reducing power, total flavonoid content of D. triflorum were evaluated for the exploration of its antioxidant activities. Furthermore, its antiproliferative activities were investigated through the MTT method. It was compared with the antioxidant capacities of known antioxidants, including catechin, alpha-tocopherol, trolox and ascorbic acid. Among all fractions, ethyl acetate fraction was the most active in scavenging DPPH and TEAC radicals, of which 0.4 mg was equivalent to 186.6 +/- 2.5 microg and 82.5 +/- 2.1 microg of alpha-tocopherol and trolox respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude extract were equivalent to 36.60 +/- 0.1 mg catechin and 45.6 +/- 0.6 mg rutin per gram respectively. In the reducing power assay, 1.25 mg of crude extract was similar to 61.2 +/- 0.3 microg of ascorbic acid. For the assessment of the safety and toxicity of D. triflorum, LD(50) of the crude extract was greater than 10 g/kg when administered to mice through gastric intubation. The above experimental data indicated that D. triflorum was a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effect of Solanum nigrum fruit extract on the experimental model against chronic ethanol toxicity.

The possible protective effect of Solanum nigrum fruit extract (SNFEt) was investigated for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity against ethanol-induced toxicity in rats. The experimental animals were intoxicated with 20% ethanol (7.9 g/kg/day) for 30 days via gastric intubation. SNFEt was administered at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight along with the daily dose of ethanol for 30 days. From the result it was observed that ethanol-induced rats showed a significant elevation in the levels of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which lowered the antioxidant defense systems, such as, reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamins C and E, when compared to the controls. In the lipid profiles, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids were significantly elevated in the ethanol-induced group, whereas, the high density lipoproteins (HDL) were found to be reduced in the plasma, and the phospholipid levels were significantly decreased in the tissues. Supplementation of SNFEt improved the antioxidant status by decreasing the levels of TBARS and altering the lipid profiles to near normal. These activities were also compared to the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg body weight). Thus the findings of the present study indicated a significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of Solanum nigrum fruits, which offered protection against ethanol-induced toxicity.

Effect of prenatal and perinatal acrylamide on the biochemical and morphological changes in liver of developing albino rat.

Acrylamide has been employed as an experimental probe to investigate biochemical and morphological changes in developing rat liver following toxin administration in pregnant rats. Non-anesthetized pregnant rats were given acrylamide by gastric intubation at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The pups were divided into three groups: Group A, mothers were treated with saline (control group); Group B, mothers were treated with acrylamide from day D7 of gestation till birth (prenatal intoxication); Group C, mothers were treated with acrylamide from D7 of gestation to D28 after birth (perinatal intoxication). Acrylamide-induced biochemical changes (in liver and serum) and morphological changes (in liver) were studied in control and acrylamide-treated developing pups. Prenatally and perinatally administered acrylamide significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione and total thiol levels in liver. Significant inhibition of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities was observed in liver tissue. Total lipids including cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in the serum. Acrylamide treatment increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity. Sodium and potassium concentrations were increased, but calcium, phosphorus and iron levels were significantly reduced in the serum. Acrylamide produced significant electrophoretic changes in serum proteins. The most noticeable change was splitting of beta-globulin into beta1- and beta2-globulins. Light microscopy showed acrylamide-induced fatty deposits, congested central vein, vacuolization and chromatolysis in hepatocytes. Ultrastructural studies revealed vacuolated cytoplasm, lipid droplets of variable size and mitochondria with damaged cristae and vacuolization. The nuclei in acrylamide-treated groups showed marked decrease in the staining of nuclear DNA.

Intensity and duration of chronic ethanol exposure is critical for subsequent escalation of voluntary ethanol drinking in mice.

Excessive alcohol drinking continues to be an important health problem. Recent studies from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that animal models of ethanol dependence and relapse can contribute to understanding factors that contribute to excessive drinking. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the amount and duration of ethanol exposure is critical for promoting the escalation in drinking by mice given access to ethanol in a limited access paradigm. We used several methods of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure in male C57BL/6J mice that would vary in the amount and duration of exposure to ethanol as indicated by blood ethanol concentrations (BEC). After establishing baseline drinking in the mice using a 2 hours, 2 bottle choice drinking paradigm, each study involved alternating between periods of ethanol exposure and periods of limited access to ethanol (1 cycle) for a total of 3 cycles. In Study 1, mice were allowed extended access (16 hours) to ethanol for oral consumption or remained in the home cage. In Study 2, the ethanol exposure consisted of intragastric gavage of increasing doses of ethanol or isocaloric sucrose as the control. Study 3 compared intragastric gavage combined with pyrazole, an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, with vapor inhalation of ethanol using procedures known to lead to increased drinking in mice. Finally, Study 4 was a retrospective review of several studies conducted in our laboratory using inhalation procedures. The retrospective review encompassed a range of postvapor chamber BEC values and ethanol intakes that would allow a relationship between increased drinking and BEC to be examined. Allowing mice to drink for longer periods of time did not cause increased drinking in subsequent limited access sessions. Likewise, gastric intubation of ethanol which produced high BEC (>300 mg/dl) with or without pyrazole did not increase drinking. Only the vapor inhalation procedure, which was associated with sustained BEC above 175 mg/dl for the entire exposure period resulted in increased drinking. The retrospective study provided further evidence that sustained BEC levels above 175 mg/dl was critical to the escalation in drinking. We found that the intensity (amount) and duration of ethanol exposure, indexed by BEC, is critical to produce increased drinking in mice. Specifically, BEC must regularly exceed 175 mg/dl for the escalation in drinking to occur. Future studies will examine neurobiological adaptations that may underlie the increased drinking behavior caused by chronic intermittent ethanol exposure.

Effect of Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) extract on serum amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and selected indices of liver and kidney functions

In a risk assessment and safety evaluation, the effect of Rauwolfia Vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) extract on serum amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and selected indices of liver and kidney functions were investigated. Ethanolic root and leaf extracts of R. vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) were administered externally by gastric intubation to two groups of rats at dose 524 mg/kg body weight for a 7 day period. The control received 2 ml of saline for the same period. Biochemical and clinical indices of toxicity; serum aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, total bilrubin, albumin and electrolytes were assessed in serum obtained from treated animals as well as those in the control groups. The extract at the doses administered produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum aminotransferases [asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], alkaline phosphatase activities, serum conjugated bilirubin and urea concentration but a decrease in serum albumin and potassium concentrations relative to controls. The spectrum of changes in biochemical and clinical indices of toxicity were more pronounced with the root extract than the leaf extract. The results of this present work showed that hepatocellulular derangement and poor renal function is more pronounced in the ethanolic root extracts compared with the ethanolic leaf extracts.

Microarray analysis of Leflunomide-induced limb malformations in CD-1 mice

The immuno-suppressant Leflunomide, a potent inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and tyrosine kinases, is teratogenic in laboratory animals. To better understand its teratogenic mechanism, pregnant mice (CD-1) received a single dose of 70 mg/kg Leflunomide, or vehicle control, by gastric intubation on gestation day 10. Gene expression was evaluated in the pooled fore- and hindlimb buds of embryos 4 and 24 h post-treatment. The down-regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis-related genes was observed but could not be correlated with teratogenicity, since Leflunomide did not alter cholesterol concentration in limb bud. Leflunomide inhibited the mitosis of limb mesenchymal cells, which may be linked to DHODH inhibition as well as a potential effect on tyrosine kinases that mediate cytokine and growth factor signaling and that may be responsible for the Leflunomide's teratogenicity.

Effect Of Leptin Status On Neuroendocrine- Reproductive Regulation And Maternal-Fetal Nutrient Transfer In Wistar Albino Rats

Effect of leptin status on neuroendocrine-reproductive regulation in wistar rats was studied. Ten wistar rats weighing between 170-280g were randomly assigned into two study groups. The animals in Group 1 (the control) received a placebo of 5.0ml distilled water while those in Group two were treated with 100mg insulin/kg body weight of rat via gastric intubation. The experiment lasted for 21 days. One day after the final exposure, the animals were euthanized by inhalation of over dose of chloroform. The brain of each rat was harvested and processed into whole homogenate, and was used for some biochemicals assays (i.e isolation and purification of RNA, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and leptin assay). The results showed that insulin increased the secretion of leptin, which in turn, reduced feed intake, and energy balance, leading to increased MRNA expression, suggesting that leptin may beinvolved in the control of appetite and maturation of luteneizing hormone secretory axis, which may be associated with development of the neuroendocrine axis (i.e neuroendocrine signal transduction). The study may suggest that leptin may serve as effectors that link mechanism that regulate reproduction and energy balance, thus playing an importantrole in reproduction and energy balance; modulating maternal nutrient partitioning inorder to optimize the provision of nutrients for fetal growth.