Gm Body Weight Research Articles

Effect of Curcuma longa alcoholic extract on Mice Embryos Development

This study focused on determining the effect of the alcoholic extract of curcuma longa on mouse embryo, twenty adult white Swiss mice used in this study. Experimental animals were divided into four groups with six mice for each group. For mating occur, 3 females and male were placed in cage. It was confirmed that the mating took place when examining the next morning and watching the vaginal plug, and considered that the day after mating is the first day of the pregnancy. We prepared three subs lethal concentrations of curcuma longa were applied to Experimental groups except control group, 10 mg/kg, 50 mg kg/ and 100 mg/kg. From 7-14 of pregnancy we were given the pregnant mice 0.1 ml per 10 gm body weight. After 18 of pregnancy we extracted the embryo to study the effect of alcoholic extract and weights and lengths embryos and study the embryo malformation, as well as a study the weight of mice before and after experiment. This study shows a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the body weight of mice that treated with three concentrations (10 -50 -100) mg/kg compared with control group, but there is not significant different in lengths and weights of mice embryos .concentrations 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg show much malformation induced in the mice compared with embryos of control group, include cleft lips, hemorrhage, and Micromelia , as well as we observed absorbed embryos in 50 mg/kg and 100mg/kg . This study concluded that alcoholic extract of (curcuma longa) has teratogenic effects on embryos of mice.
 Keywords: curcuma longa, embryonic malformation, Micromelia , teratogenic effects.

Testicular Fibrosis, A Setback of Chemotherapy and Ameliorating Role of Ascorbic Acid

Statement of Problem: The struggle for surviving cancer individuals who have undergone chemotherapy is still a dilemma. Chemotherapeutic agent, Doxorubicin (DOX), causing testicular damage, has been a concern of oncologists for many years. As DOX causes oxidative damage on non-tumorous tissues by the foundation of free radicals, the challenges of protection with various antioxidant therapies have been attempted. The foremost objective was to reduce the cytotoxic properties of DOX to healthy cells. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, based on its antioxidant property, was applied to study its potential protection to the testicular tissues after oxidative damage by DOX. Objectives: To demonstrate fibrotic changes in the interstitium of testes generated by anthracycline DOX on the mice and designed to study the morphometric changes in DOX affected testes with co-administration of antioxidant Vitamin C. Methodolgy: An Experimental study using male mice were separated into 3 groups (A, B & C). A was treated with normal saline 1 ml intraperitoneal (IP), B was given DOX alone (0.003 mg in 0.03ml /gm body weight IP for 3 doses on 6th, 8th and 10th day of study) and DOX (0.003 mg in 0.03ml /gm body weight IP for 3 doses on 6th, 8th and 10th day of study) + Vitamin C (0.5 mg in 0.01ml/gm body weight per orum daily) was delivered to group C. Animals were sacrificed on completion and organs were kept in Bouin’s fluid and later processing and staining of the tissue was done. Result: Statistical analysis was performed, using ANOVA test to evaluate the significance of parameter among three groups. Widening of interstitium with significant interstitial fibrosis and intra tubular empty spaces were evident as compared to controls. However, co-administration of Vitamin C with DOX significantly reduced (P < 0.001) fibrosis indicating protective role of Vitamin C against DOX induced testicular damage. Conclusion: Experimental study suggested that the antioxidant Vitamin C has a potential role in improving the parameter damaged by DOX. Keywords: Doxorubicin, Vitamin C, Mice, Antioxidant, Oxidative damage, Interstitial, Fibrosis

An improved method for experimental induction of ulcerative colitis in Sprague Dawley rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory manifestation of the human colon that is linked with colorectal cancer. Development of an appropriate animal model is crucial to study the immunopathophysiology of UC wherein chemical induction is the most popular method of choice. However, unavailability of an optimum experimental model limits the success of this method. The present study aims to establish an optimized model for acetic acid-induced colitis in Sprague Dawley rats. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a six-factors Box-Behnken design was employed to generate an improved method of inducing UC in rat, predicting the case statistics, apposite investigation of quadratic response surfaces, and construction of a second-order polynomial equation. UC was diagnosed through three responses viz. weight loss, severity of diarrhea, and appearance of blood in the stool. Analysis of variance alongside RSM jointly revealed that induction of UC can be achieved with highest probability using the combination of parameters that includes 120 gm body weight, 1.5 ml of 4% acetic-acid v/v in distilled water with a single dose of treatment for 24 h including a pre-induction of 5 mins. This optimized UC-induction model was validated in-vivo through disease scoring index and hematological assessments with satisfactory level of desirability.•An improved experimental method for inducing ulcerative colitis (UC) in Sprague Dawley rats has been developed.•Box-Behnken Design-fitted Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was implicated in optimizing the experimental parameters for generating UC.•This statistically optimized and experimentally validated method resembles the recipe for the generation of UC in animal model with the highest possible desirability.

Evaluation of Diuretic activity of Fractional Extracts of Ajuga remota Benth (Lamiaceae) in Albino mice

The present study was evaluated the in vivo diuretic activity of fractional extracts of A. remota in albino mice. The dried aqueous crude extracts were subjected to soxhlet extraction by n-butanol, methanol and water solvents. The mice were randomly divided into eleven groups with 8 mice in each. All fractions were administered orally at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg to adult male mice, and the positive and negative controls were treated with furosemide (10 mg/kg, p.o) and the vehicle distilled water (2 ml/100 gm of body weight) respectively. The diuretic effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume, urinary electrolytes and urinary pH. The result indicates that aqueous and methanolic fractions at 1000 mg/kg dose produced significant (p<0.001) increase in urine output and electrolyte excretion (p<0.001) when compared to control. Additionally, potassium sparing activity (27%, p<0.05) and high natriuretic index (2.7-3.03) were produced by the n-butanol fraction relatively even if it showed minimal effect on urine output. Therefore, from the present study it may be concluded that the compounds present in methanolic and aqueous fraction are responsible for diuretic activity. This finding together with previous results on the aqueous crude extracts provides a quantitative basis for developing a new diuretic medicine from A. remota plant.

EFFECT OF KETAMINE ADMINISTRATION ON TESTICULAR FUNCTIONS IN ALBINO RATS

Ketamine, a composed mixture of (S)- and (R)-ketamine is used for anesthesia in clinical purpose since 1970. In the present study, effect of Ketamine administration on testicular functions like biochemical, gravimetrical and histological analysis has been studied. Three groups of healthy adult colony breed male albino rats having six rats maintained in each group were used for the experimental studies. The rats of groups II and III were administered Ketamine, intraperitoneally, at the dose level 1 and 3 mg/100 gm body weight respectively daily between 10:00 and 11:00 am for 21 days and group I was maintained as control. After the experimental duration, the rats were sacrificed and studied their gravimetric, biochemical and histological analyses of testis. In the results, testicular weights of the rats of group II and III showed significant reduction, histological, biochemical changes were also observed which marked cytotoxicity and inhibition of testicular functions. Histometric changes of testis diameter and surface epithelial cell height were reduced significantly. Biochemical changes are analogous to the gravimetric results. The protein and cholesterol contents are elevated significantly with the graded dose of Ketamine administration. While, in the gravimetric analysis of accessory organs like epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate gland weights were decreased significantly due to the administration of Ketamine and exhibited as endocrine disruptive drug.

Effects of Virgin coconut oil on Testicular toxicity induced by Cadmium in rats

One of major threat to the environmental pollution is the contamination the by various heavy metals. Cadmium is found to have toxic effects on testis. VCO is increasingly getting the reputation of being the most versatile and healthiest antioxidant. Objective: To study the effect pre-treatment of virgin coconut oil in cadmium induced testicular toxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Institutional ethics committee clearance was obtained before beginning the experiments. Male rats of wistar strain approximately 150-200 gm body weight was used. They were housed in the central animal house under controlled conditions of temperature and light with normal rat feed and drinking water. Animals were divided into four groups with 6 rats in each group. Sperm count and sperm morphology was done. One of the testis was used for histopathological study. The data was expressed as mean  SD. Significance of the test was set at p<0.05. Results: In the present study administration of cadmium chloride showed a significant decrease in the testicular and epididymal weight as well as sperm count and testosterone level and increase in sperm shape abnormality. Pre-treatment with Virgin coconut oil showed a significant increase in the testicular and epidydimal weight as well as sperm count and testosterone level and decrease in sperm shape abnormality Testicular section in normal control rats and Virgin treated rats showed normal features. But, in cadmium treated rats the testis showed necrosis of most of the tubules but rats pre-treated with virgin coconut oil showed that less than 25 % of the tubules had necrosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, present study showed that Cadmium administration showed a damaging effect on the testis and Virgin coconut oil showed protective role in attuning cadmium induced testicular damage

Effects of Spirulina platensis on neuropathic pain in Wistar rats

Background: In treatment of neuropathic pain, conventional analgesics showed various adverse effects. Spirulina platensis (Sp), a medicinal herb, shown to possess several beneficiary biological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic potential. Objectives: To assess the effect of Sp on neuropathic pain in Wistar rats and also to assess the involvement of ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) as its possible underlying mechanism of action. Methods: For this experimental study 120 Wistar rats of both sexes (200±50 gm body weight) were grouped into control [normal saline (NS) 5 ml/kg/day], sham control [sham surgery + NS], CCI control [Chronic constriction injury to sciatic nerve (CCI) + NS], Sp experimental [CCI + Sp 400 mg/kg/day], Gli experimental [CCI + Sp (400 ml/kg/day) + glibenclamide (15 mg/kg)] groups. Sp and NS were administered orally once daily for consecutive 21 days and single dose of glibenclamide was given intraperitoneally. Then again on the basis of neuropathic pain evaluation tests, all the groups were subdivided into ‘a’ (for walking track analysis), ‘b’ (for cold tail immersion test), ‘c’ (for von Frey test), ‘d’ (for hot plate test). The statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test, where P£0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In this study, Sp showed significantly (P£0.001) higher sciatic functional index, tail flick latency, paw withdrawal threshold and reaction time in Sp experimental rats compared to those of CCI control rats. In addition, there were significant (P£0.001) differences in the above-mentioned variables between rats of Sp experimental group and Gli experimental group. Conclusion: From the present study it could be concluded that, Spirulina platensis prevents the development of neuropathic pain in Wistar rats through opening of KATP channel. J Bngladesh Soc Physiol 2021;16(1): 1-10

Effect of Energy Drink on the Pancreas of Adult Male Albino Rat and the Possible Protective Role of Avocado Oil. Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Introduction: Energy drinks are widely used among youth as boosters to increase their concentration. Many Health disorders associated with energy drinks have been reported. Avocado oil is a natural oil extracted from avocado fruit and possess an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Aim of the work: This work was conducted to investigate the effect of energy drink on the histological structure of the pancreas of adult male albino rat and to evaluate the possible protective role of avocado oil.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups; control group, avocado oil-treated group (0.4 mg/100 gm body weight), energy drink-treated group (1.5 mg/100 gm body weight) and both avocado oil and energy drink treated group. All animals were orally administrated once daily for 4 weeks. Pancreatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was performed using insulin and caspase-3 antibodies. Results: Energy drink-treated group revealed focal disturbed architecture of the exocrine and endocrine parts of pancreas. The exocrine pancreas appeared with cytoplasmic vacuolations and deeply stained nuclei of the acinar cells in addition to congested blood vessels. Ultrastructural examination revealed both acinar and islet cells with cytoplasmic vacuolations, swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum in addition to shrunken condensed nuclei with dilated perinuclear cisternae. The immunohistochemical study showed a significant decrease in the insulin immunoreaction of β cells associated with a significant increase in caspase-3 immunoreaction in acinar and islet cells. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with avocado oil and energy drink with a non-significant change in the immunohistochemical reaction. Conclusion: Energy drink induced structural changes in the pancreas of rats and the concomitant intake of avocado oil could to some extent ameliorate such changes

Substance P failed to reverse dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction: implications in ulcerative colitis.

As controversy exists about the efficacy of substance P (SP) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) with no previous study highlighting the impact of SP on mitochondrial dysfunction in this diseased condition, it became logical to perform the present study. C57BL/6J mice were administered with DSS @ 3.5%/gm body weight for 3 cycles of 5days each followed by i.v. dose of SP @ 5nmole per kg for consecutive 7days. Histopathological features were noticed in the affected colon along with colonic mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in mitochondrial stress variables and enhanced colonic cell death. Interestingly, SP failed to reverse colitic features and proved ineffective in inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction. Unexpectedly SP alone seemed to impart detrimental effects on some of the mitochondrial functions, enhanced lipid peroxidation and increased staining intensities for caspases 3 and 9 in the normal colon. To substantiate in vivo findings and to assess free radical scavenging property of SP, Caco-2 cells were exposed to DSS with or without SP in the presence and absence of specific free radical scavengers and antioxidants. Interestingly, in vitro treatment with SP failed to restore mitochondrial functions and its efficacy proved below par compared to SOD and DMSO indicating involvement of O2 •- and •OH in the progression of UC. Besides, catalase, L-NAME and MEG proved ineffective indicating non-involvement of H2O2, NO and ONOO- in UC. Thus, SP may not be a potent anti-colitogenic agent targeting colonic mitochondrial dysfunction for maintenance of colon epithelial tract as it lacks free radical scavenging property.

Arsenic-induced uterine apoptotic damage is protected by ethyl acetate fraction of Camellia sinensis (green tea) via Bcl-2-BAX through NF-κB regulations in Wistar rats.

The non-invasive treatment strategy is indispensable to overcome the side effects of conventional treatment with chelating agents against arsenic. Presence of catechins and flavonoids inCamellia sinensis have potential antioxidant properties and other beneficial effects. The aim of the study was to explore the curative potential role of Camellia sinensis against uterine damages produced by sodium arsenite in mature albino rats. A dose of 10 mg ofCamellia sinensis ethyl acetate (CS-EA) fraction/100 gm body weight was provided to the sodium arsenite-treated rats (10 mg/Kg body weight). LC-MS analysis was used for the detection of active component in CS-EA fraction. Enzymatic antioxidants analysis carried out by reproducible native gel technique. Hormones and some pro and anti-inflammatory markers were detected by ELISA, PCR, and western blot techniques respectively. Immunostaining was performed for the detection of estradiol receptor alpha. LC-MS analysis of CS-EA fraction ensured the presence of active tea polyphenol and tea catechin of which highest peak of epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) was obtainedin this study. Significant elevations of lipid peroxidation end products followed by the diminution of antioxidant enzymes activities werenoted in arsenicated rats which were capably retrieved by the treatmentof CS-EA fraction. Post-treatment with CS-EA fraction meaningfully improved gonadotrophins and estradiol signalling in association with a highly expressing estradiol receptor-α (ERα) in the ovary and uterus followed by the maintenance of normal utero-ovarian histoarchitecture in arsenic fed rats. CS-EA fractioned treated group overturned the sodium arsenite driven higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proapoptotic markers along with a low level of anti apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and comparatively lower NF-κB signalling in the uterus via regulating IKK β kinase mostly by EGCG of CS-EA fraction. However, ethyl acetate fractionof Camellia sinensis played a critical role in minimizing arsenic-mediated uterine hypo-function.

Effects of Oral N-Acetylcysteine on the Haemato-Biochemical and Histopathological Changes on the Liver of Albino Rats

Introduction: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a direct precursor in the synthesis of intracellular Glutathione (GSH). NAC protects the liver by restoring the GSH levels or by acting as an alternate substrate for conjugation and hence, detoxification of the reactive metabolite of hepatotoxic drug. Aim: To evaluate the effects of oral NAC on the haemato-biochemical and histopathological changes on the liver of albino rats. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in animal house located at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia. The healthy albino rats of either sex weighing 150-400 gm body weight were grouped into two for the experimental study and were housed in animal house for duration of 24 hours. Before initiation of any procedures; after overnight fasting; the albino rats belonging to Group I Control Group (n=6) were administered distilled water 10 mL/kg orally; Group II NAC treated (n=6) were administered NAC 450 mg/kg as a single oral dose. Blood samples were collected after 24 hours of treatment, to evaluate the effect of NAC on the haemato-biochemical and histopathological changes on the liver. All results were expressed as Mean±SEM. Results: NAC as a single oral dose of 450 mg/kg does not caused statistically significant changes in the serum enzymes levels. Moreover, histopathology showed normal appearance of the liver was similar to that of the control treated rats, with no change in the texture and liver tissue showed normal morphology. Conclusion: NAC as a single oral dose of 450 mg/kg body weight has no toxic effect on the liver in albino rats.

The Effect of EGF on VEGF expression on Submandibular Salivary Gland of Albino Rats Receiving Doxorubicin

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has two prominent biological effects of inducing mitogenesis and migration of vascular endothelial cells and to produce permeability on the microvasculature. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), known by its mitogenic activity on different types of cells, could induce the proliferation and differentiation of the epithelial cells and stimulate its regeneration. Doxorubicin (DXR) is a widely used anticancer drug and is one of most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs, however it may cause some serious complications such as toxicity in various tissues in the body.Aims: The present study aims to investigate the effect of EGF on the VEGF immunoexpression in submandibular salivary gland tissue of rats receiving Doxorubicin (DXR).Methods and Material: 30 male Albino rats, two months old and weighing 200-250 gm body weight, were divided equally into three groups as follows: Group I (control group). Group II: rats received 20 mg/kg body weight DXR as a single intra peritoneal injection. Whereas, group III: rats received the same dose of DXR and on the next day they were injected intraperitoneally with EGF in a daily dose of 10μg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days.Submandibular salivary glands were dissected out and processed for histological investigation and immunohistochemical localization of VEGF in the glandular tissue.Statistical analysis used: ANOVA was used to compare the mean area percentage of VEGF immunostaining among the specimens of different groups followed by Tukey’s Multiple Comparison Test.Results: VEGF expression in submandibular salivary glands of rats significantly decreased after DXR injection. However, daily intraperitoneal injections of EGF restored normal levels of VEGF expression in the glandular tissue.Conclusions: EGF preserved glandular architecture after DXR injection and consequently the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in the glands to approximately the normal level.

Induction of synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases by interleukin-6; evidence for hepatic regeneration following hemi-hepatectomy.

Aim of the studyInterleukin-6 (IL-6) can play a role in hepatic regeneration through many mechanisms, one of which is the induction of synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The aim of the study is to focus on the significance and role of MMPs in the regenerative process to reveal the correlation between IL-6 and MMPs in rats following partial hepatectomy.Material and methodsFollowing hemi-hepatectomy, eighty male rats were divided into a control group and a group treated with IL-6 35 µg/100 gm body weight according to a lethality study. The blood samples were drawn from all animal groups for MMP-9 serum level assessment. For the quantitative determination of MMP-9 an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used (Cytoimmune Science Inc., MD) through the quantitative sandwich immunosorbent assay technique. A monoclonal antibody for MMP-9 was pre-coated onto microplate standards. After washing away the unbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specific for cytokine was added to the wells and color developed in proportion to the amount of total cytokine (pro and/or active) bound in the initial step. The color development was stopped and the intensity of the color was measured.ResultsThe liver regeneration rate (%) was significantly higher in the group of rats treated with IL-6 (median value was 49.55% vs. 33.20%), p < 0.001. The MMPs’ serum level was significantly higher in the group of rats with resection and treatment (median value was 8.01).ConclusionsThese results give evidence for the vital role of MMPs in the process of hepatic regeneration, the level of which, in turn, has a close relationship with the level of IL-6. MMPs have diverse effects in promoting angiogenesis, remodeling of extracellular matrix and endothelial cell proliferation.

Role of interleukin 6 in liver cell regeneration after hemi-hepatectomy, correlation with liver enzymes and flow cytometric study.

Aim of the studyLiver regeneration after hemi-hepatectomy may be affected by several growth factors and cytokines. The aim is to evaluate the importance of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the induction of liver cell regeneration and find correlations with other parameters such as liver enzymes, and DNA analysis by flow cytometric studies.Material and methods80 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were obtained and divided into two equal groups (n = 40 rats) to undergo 70% partial hepatectomy: group 1 – untreated (control) group; 40 rats not treated; and group 2 – treated group, 40 rats treated with IL-6 35 μg/100 gm body weight according to a lethality study for a period of 4 days, then hepatic resection was carried out according to the steps of Higgins and Anderson. Assessment of liver enzymes and bilirubin level was done. Flow cytometric study was done using a flow cytometer (FACSCalibur; Becton Dickinson) and DNA content was estimated with CellQuest software (Becton Dickinson).ResultsThe levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in the untreated group of rats with liver resection. A higher value of bilirubin was observed in the treated group. Rat weight at sacrification was significantly lower in the group of rats treated with IL-6 than those without treatment, p < 0.001. Liver weight at sacrification was significantly higher in the group of rats treated with IL-6 (p < 0.001). The percentage of apoptotic cells with hypodiploid DNA content was determined from DNA histograms. Untreated rat resected liver showed a peak pattern that represented liver damage with high damage of 73.4%.ConclusionsInterleukin 6 is of value in induction of liver cell regeneration after seventy percent hemi-hepatectomy as evident by increased liver cell mass, liver enzymes and flow cytometric analysis.

Administration of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf extract decreases TNF-α and IL-6 expressions in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in rats.

Objective:We aimed to determine the neem leaf extract’s effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rats.Materials and Methods:In the first phase of the study, colitis was induced by DSS administration in the case group and compared to the control group. In the second phase, 84 colitis rats were divided into groups I, II, and III receiving 7.8 mg/day of mesalazine, 100 mg/200 gm body weight, and 200 mg/200 gm body weight neem leaf extract, respectively.Results:TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were significantly increased in the case group compared to the control group. TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were decreasing in all groups receiving treatment. Group III showed an earlier decrease compared to group II. TNF-α and IL-6 expressions in group III were comparable with group I since the second week. This condition was observed in the 4th week between group II and group I.Conclusion:It can be concluded that neem leaf extract decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in DSS-induced colitis.

EXPLORATION OF IN VIVO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF 50% ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SESAMUM INDICUM L. SEED AGAINST HIGH FAT DIET INDUCED RATS

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo antioxidant potential of 50% ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum against high-fat diet-induced rats.&#x0D; Methods: Animals were treated with plant extract for 30 d, and a high-fat diet was given to all groups except plain control, throughout, out the study. And alpha-tocopherol acetate (Vit, E) was used as standard. Pre-treatment with 16 mg/100 gm of body weight of 50% ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum improved the Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidation levels significantly as compared to control group.&#x0D; Results: The present studies revealed that Sesamum indicum has significant in vivo antioxidant activity and can be used to protect tissue from oxidative stress. The result showed that the activities of SOD, catalase, lipid peroxidase, and glutathione, in the group treated with high-fat diet declined significantly than that of normal group.&#x0D; Conclusion: 50% ethanolic extract of in the dose of Sesamum indicum 16 mg/100 gm of body weight, has improved the SOD, catalase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidase levels significantly, which were comparable with high-fat-diet-induced rats. Based on this study we conclude that the 50% ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum possesses in vivo antioxidant activity and can be employed in protecting tissue from oxidative stress.

Histological Effects of Nigella Sativa on Aspirin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats.

To determine the histological effects of Nigella sativa on kidneys against aspirin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. An experimental study. Anatomy Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from January 2014 to December 2015. Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups A, B, C and D of eight animals each. Group A (control) was provided with single oral dose of 10 mg/100 gm body weight of 1% methyl cellulose. Group B (experimental group) and C (self recovery group) were provided with single oral dose of 1000 mg/kg aspirin. Group D was provided with 250 mg/kg ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa followed by 1000 mg/kg aspirin by oral gavage, after that only extract of Nigella sativa was given for seven days. Animals of groups A, C and D were sacrificed on the 8th day of experiment and that of group B on the second day of experiment. Kidneys were excised and fixed in 10% formalin solution. Hematoxylin, eosin and periodic acid Schiff's reagents were used to stain the kidney tissues. Histological slides were prepared to study proximal convoluted tubules. Histological parameters were normal in control group A. Significant impairment was present in group B. There was no self-recovery in group C. Significant improvement was present in all the parameters of group D. Nigella sativa has protective effect on aspirin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

ASCORBIC ACID

Objectives: To demonstrate the volume changes that are produced byanthracycline Doxorubicin DOX on the testes of mice and designed to study volumetric changesin DOX affected testes with co-administration of antioxidant Vitamin C. Design: An experimentalstudy. Setting: Institute of Basic Medical Sciences. Dow University of Health Sciences. Period:September 2011 to May 2012. Methods: Experimental study using thirty male mice of fiveweeks old were separated into 3 groups (A, B &amp; C). Each group had ten mice and was treatedwith normal saline 1 ml intraperitoneal (IP) in group A, DOX alone (0.003 mg in 0.03ml /gmbody weight IP for 3 doses on 6th, 8th and 10th day of study) in group B and DOX (0.003 mgin 0.03ml /gm body weight IP for 3 doses on 6th, 8th and 10th day of study) + Vitamin C (0.5mg in 0.01ml/gm body weight per orumdaily) in group C. After completion of study, animalswere sacrificed and the testes were kept in Bouin’s fluid and volume was measured. Results:By using SPSSS version 16, statistical analysis was done, using ANOVA test to evaluate thesignificance of concerned parameter among different groups studied. The administration ofDOX induced significant reduction (P &lt;0.001) of volume of testes when compared to controls.However co-administration of Vitamin C with DOX significantly increase (P &lt;0.001) the volumeas compared to DOX group. Conclusion: This study suggested that the antioxidant VitaminC has a significant role in ameliorating the damage of testes induced by DOX, showingimprovement in the morphology and morphometry of testes.

Effect of Ochratoxin-A on Mouse Embryos

This study sought to determine malformation caused by Ochratoxin-A (OTA) on mouse embryos. Twenty adult female white Swiss mice (mus msculus) were divided into four groups, with five females per group, and with one male placed with two females in a cage. Avaginal plug was observed in the early morning and the day of mating was considered as day of pregnancy followed by the first day of pregnancy. Three sub lethal concentrations of OTA were applied to the respective groups (other than the control), 1mg/kg, 2mg/kg and 4mg/kg. The animals were given 0.1 ml per 10 gm body weight per concentration of OTA once a day during days 7-14 of pregnancy. The control group animals were given distilled water. The pregnant mice were dissected, and the embryos were extracted in order to identify the effects of the OTA. Number of parameters were studied including, difference in body weight of the mice before mating and after the end of the experiment, the weights and lengths of embryo, as well as a study of embryo malformation. The study shows no significant differences in the mean body weight of the pregnant mice in the 1 mg/kg group, compared to control group. A significant (P

28-HOMOCASTASTERONE: A NOVEL DIETARY PHYTO KETO OXYSTEROL MODULATING TESTICULAR STEROID METABOLISM AND LxR mRNA EXPRESSION IN DIABETIC RAT

Objective: Present study aims to investigate 28-homocastasterone (28-HC) influences on testicular tissue in the normal and diabetic rat.Methods: Induction of diabetes was achieved by single peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b. wt) followed by 28-HC (100 µg/150 gm body weight) administration by oral gavage for 15 consecutive days to experimental rats. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, testosterone level, Liver X Receptor (LxR) mRNA expression, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and testis histology was analysed.Results: Increased cholesterol level, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) activities, testosterone level with significant elevation of LxR-α and β mRNA expression in treated rat testis. A significant reduction found inMDA and increased reducedGSH along with improved testicular architecture was observed.Conclusion: In the present study demonstrated that 28-HC induced 3βHSD, 17βHSD enzyme activity and testosterone level, thus indicative of steroidogenic potential and capable of transactivating LxR-α and β molecular operative in rat testicular tissue.