Groups In Dose-dependent Manner Research Articles

Prenatal exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene affects maternal–fetal outcomes via placental apoptosis

Prenatal exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has been suggested to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the role of placental apoptosis on BaP reproductive toxicity is poorly understood. We conducted a maternal animal model of C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and transformation-related protein 53 (Trp53) heterozygous knockout (p53KO) mice, as well as a nested case–control study involving 83 women with PB and 82 term birth from a birth cohort on prenatal exposure to BaP and preterm birth (PB). Pregnant WT and p53KO mice were randomly allocated to BaP treatment and control groups, intraperitoneally injected of low (7.8 mg/kg), medium (35 mg/kg), and high (78 mg/kg) doses of 3,4-BaP per day and equal volume of vegetable oil, from gestational day 10.5 until delivery. Results show that high-dose BaP treatment increased the incidence of preterm birth in WT mice. The number of fetal deaths and resorptions increased with increasing doses of BaP exposure in mice. Notably, significant reductions in maternal and birth weights, increases in placental weights, and decrease in the number of livebirths were observed in higher-dose BaP groups in dose-dependent manner. We additionally observed elevated p53-mediated placental apoptosis in higher BaP exposure groups, with altered expression levels of p53 and Bax/Bcl-2. In case–control study, the expression level of MMP2 was increased among women with high BaP exposure and associated with the increased risk of all PB and moderate PB. Our study provides the first evidence of BaP-induced reproductive toxicity and its adverse effects on maternal–fetal outcomes in both animal and population studies.

Dietary coriander (Coriandrum sativum L) oil improves growth, nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, tissue histomorphology and reduces omega-3 fatty acid production in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is recently emerging as an antimicrobial growth promoter in aquafeed formulations. To assess the effect of coriander seed oil in the feed of Nile tilapia five iso-nitrogenous (crude protein 40%) and iso-lipidic (crude lipid 7%) diets were prepared with graded levels of coriander oil i. e., 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/Kg referred as C0, C5, C10, C15 and C20, respectively. The fish were fed with the experimental diets twice daily for a period of 60 days in triplicate. After the feeding experiment, there observed a linear pattern in weight gain with the dietary coriander oil levels. The expression of hepatic insulin like growth factor 1 gene increased significantly in coriander oil supplemented groups in dose dependent manner in hepatic tissues of tilapia. The viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic index decreased significantly in the coriander oil treated groups. The crude protein contents increased significantly in the experimental groups; however, it did not vary significantly in between the groups. The crude lipid contents increased significantly in the last three groups (C10, C15 and C20) compared to C0 and C5. The serum glucose content decreased significantly in the last three groups i.e., C10, C15 and C20 coriander fed groups compared to C0. Whereas, the HDL level increased significantly in the 20 g/Kg treatment group compared to rest of the groups. Catalase activity increased significantly in the liver tissue of coriander oil treated groups compared to control. The liver histomorphology showed signs of storage of carbohydrate or lipid reserves in the form of vacuoles in the control group. However, in the coriander supplemented groups there was a reduction in hepatic vacuolar structures. The appearance of intestinal villi was enriched in coriander oil supplemented groups via branching. The Δ6/Δ5 desaturase increased significantly in the experimental groups compared to control. The Δ4 desaturase and elongase decreased significantly beyond 6.3% and 11.7% of coriander oil in the diet, respectively. There observed a significant increase in the percentage of saturated fatty acids in dose dependent manner. However, the unsaturated fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids decreased significantly with an increase dose of coriander oil in feed of Nile tilapia. It can be concluded from the above study that coriander essential oil can be used for better growth performance, intestinal nutrient absorption, antioxidant activity and decreasing hyperglycemia in Nile tilapia. However, higher inclusion level (above 5 g/Kg) led to decrease in the wholebody omega-3 fatty acid production.

Assessment of Anti-Hepatotoxic Effect of Bahuinia tomentosa Linn against Paracetamol induced Hepatocellular Damage In Albino Mice

In today’s modern world the chemical induced hepatotoxicity is one huge threat to human life, even the drugs which have easy accessibility and availability are also produces side effects, when they are used irrationally, so the need for antidote from herbal industry is a common factor. Bauhinia tomentosa Linn belongs to fabaceae, considered as one such potential agent which constitutes wide range of chemical compounds which has therapeutic as well as antidote effect. In this study Bahuinia tomentosa Linn was extracted with ethyl alcohol and the prepared ethanolic extract was evaluated for its hepato protective effect against Acetaminophen induced hepato toxicity in albino mice. The biochemical estimation, histo pathological studies are served as index for the assessment of hepatoprotective activity. Modification in body and liver weight, proteins, levels of biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes along with histopatological variations of extract treated groups were compared with standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. Marked hepatoprotective activity was noticed in extract treated groups in dose dependent manner. The study results revealed the antihepatato toxic effect of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn and recommended as an excellent natural source of drug in the treatment of acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity.

Glycosaminoglycans from fish waste alleviate high fat diet induced obesity via modulating plasma biomarkers and fatty acid profile of obese C57BL/6 mice

Introduction and Aim: Glycosaminoglycans are sulphated polysaccharides which shows various biological activities including anti-obesity, anti-inflammation etc., Extracted glycosaminoglycans (e-GAGs) from mackerel fish waste was studied for their potential as an anti-obesity molecule by in-vivo mechanisms. An attempt was made to study their beneficial effects in regulating plasma biomarkers and fatty acids of liver and fecal matter.
 
 Materials and Methods: In-vivo studies were conducted on male C57BL/6 mice (20-22g, 6-8 weeks of age). The animal studies had the IAEC (150/2019) clearance from CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru. Animals were fed with a high fat diet and the e-GAGs treatment was at 0.4 and 0.8% through diet. Plasma analysis was done with commercially available kits; fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography as fatty acid methyl esters. Histopathology was carried out with H&E staining.
 
 Results: Plasma biomarkers like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, creatinine and LDH were reduced in the treatment groups in dose dependent manner compared to high fat fed groups. SFA in the liver was highest in the high fat fed group (54.25%), ameliorated to 50.25 and 48.35% with the e-GAGs fed at 0.4 and 0.8% through diet respectively. Fecal fatty acid composition showed the higher (p<0.05) elimination of SFA in the treatment groups. Tissue histopathology of spleen, kidney and pancreas showed the highest damage in the high fat fed group and normalized with the e-GAGs treatment.
 
 Conclusion: e-GAGs from fish waste could be beneficial in modulating obesity via modulating fatty acid composition and tissue protection from the obesity induced damage and benefit as a potent anti-obesity molecule.

Memory Enhancing Activity of Unripe Fruits of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudraksha) in Albino Wistar Rats

Learning, the process of acquiring memory such as changing behavior due to previous experiences which is mostly studied subjects in neuroscience. Elaeocarpus ganitrus (EG) is traditionally used to treat psychoneurosis and other neuronal disorders in humans. In this EG extract doses (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) (p.o.) were used. Learning and memory activity of EG extract was assessed in albino wistar rats using the elevated plus maze, acetylcholinesterase enzyme level in whole brain tissue homogenate and was determined using one-way ANOVA by Dunnett's test. Rats pre-treated with EG extract and piracetam showed significant reduction in TL in elevated plus maze test. In addition, level of acetylcholinesterase enzyme was also decreased compared to the negative control group in dose-dependent manner which showed increase in learning and memory. The data showed that ethanolic extract of unripe fruits of Elaeocarpus ganitrus has significant effect on improving memory in the treated animals.

Limited T-Cell-Stimulating Effect of Cytochalasin-B-Induced Membrane Vesicles Isolated from Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cells.

Artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) that stably express particular HLA and co-stimulatory molecules by gene transfer have been developed to effectively stimulate T cells. To investigate whether cytochalsin-B-induced membrane vesicles derived from aAPCs (AP-CIMVs) have similar antigen-presenting functions as a cell-free system, T cell responses to different types of antigen presentation were measured using Jurkat reporter cells. First, the aggregation of AP-CIMV, which affects the measurement of function, was inhibited by nuclease treatment to produce uniform AP-CIMVs. The Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in Jurkat reporter cells was induced in a dose-dependent manner in groups stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody-coated AP-CIMVs and aAPCs, and anti-CD3/CD28 Dynabead. When Jurkat reporter cells expressing specific T cell receptors were stimulated by AP-CIMVs and aAPCs loaded with CMV pp65 peptide, AP-CIMVs showed similar stimulatory effects to that by aAPC. However, when these Jurkat reporter cells were stimulated by aAPCs endogenously expressing CMV pp65 antigen and their AP-CIMVs, the GFP expression rate by AP-CIMVs was 8.4%, which was significantly lower than 53.2% by aAPCs. Although this study showed a limited T-cell-stimulating effect of AP-CIMVs on endogenously processed antigen presentation, these results provide useful information for the development of improved cell-free systems for T cell stimulation in the future.

Lead acetate induced toxicities and antitoxic effect of Vitamin E and selenium in mice

Background: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dosages of lead in the hematological parameters of mice and to observe the antitoxic role of Vitamin E and Selenium in induced lead toxicities. Moreover, the toxic effect of lead in the reproduction of female mice was also examined. Methods: A total of 72 (48 male and 24 female) Swiss albino mice were used in the experiment. After adaptation, 42 male mice were selected for hematological studies and divided into seven groups (n=6) where Group A represented healthy control mice and Group B, C, and D were treated with lead acetate at the rate of 0.5mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 2mg/kg respectively. Similarly, three other groups B+, C+, and D+ were treated with lead acetate plus Vitamin E and Selenium at the rate of 2ml per liter drinking water. A total of 24 female mice were divided into four groups (n=6), group E represented control mice and Group F, G, and H were treated with lead acetate at the rate of 0.5mg/kg, 1mg/kg, and 2mg/kg for three weeks followed by matting and treatment was continued for another one week of gestation. Blood sample was analyzed from the hematological study group. Result: The lead treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in the value of Hb and PCV significantly whereas the value of TEC and TLC were significantly decreased in Group C and D in relation to Control. The value of ESR increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in Group D in relation to Control whereas MCV and MCH values were significantly decreased than that of control. The value of TEC, Hb, PCV, ESR, and TLC improved in the Lead plus Vitamin E- Selenium treated group as compared to the Lead treated group but, only Group C+ showed significant improvement as compared to Group C. The value of neutrophil and monocyte were significantly decreased were as lymphocyte and eosinophil were significantly increased relative to control. There was a dose-dependent effect of lead in pregnancy of female mice with the highest effect (premature delivery and infant mortality) on high dose treated mice. Conclusion: It can be concluded that lead has a great impact on hematological parameters and has an effect on various systems of the body. Premature birth and abortion are major effects of lead toxicity. Our results suggest that hemolysis of RBC and or impairment of erythropoiesis may be caused by lead toxicity and the hematological values can be restored by the use of Vitamin E plus Selenium.

The effect of deer antler from East Kalimantan to increase trabecular bone density and calcium levels in serum on osteoporotic mice.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (dexamethasone) is a primary cause of secondary osteoporosis by the decreasing formation and increasing resorption activities. Previously, the in vitro study showed that 70% ethanol and aqueous extract of deer antler have increased alkaline phosphatase in osteoblast cell that known as marker of bone formation. The mind of this study is to analyze the effect of deer antlers in increasing the bone trabecular density of osteoporosis-induced male mice. This study used a post-test control group design. A total of 54 healthy male mice were randomly divided to nine groups, i.e.,healthy control, osteoporotic, positive control, 70% ethanol (4, 8, and 12mg/kg BW), and aqueous extracts (4, 8, and 12mg/kg BW) of deer antler groups. All of the interventions were given 1mL of test sample for 4weeks orally. The bone densities were determined using histomorphometry by Image J and Adobe Photoshop. The statistical data were performed using SPSS 23 and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results showed that alendronate group, 70% ethanol, and aqueous extract groups increased bone density and calcium levels in serum (p<0.05) compared to osteoporotic group in dose dependent manner. It indicated that 70% ethanol and aqueous extract of deer antler stimulating bone turnover and aqueous extract showed the highest. Dexamethasone induction for 4weeks caused osteoporotic mice and the administration of 70% ethanol and aqueous extracts of deer antler from East Kalimantan increased trabecular bone density and calcium levels in dose dependent manner.

Corn stover biochar increased edible safety of spinach by reducing the migration of mercury from soil to spinach

Mercury (Hg) is toxic and can affect human health through soil entering food chain. Spinach absorb easily heavy metals. Corn stover biochar can improve soil structure and physicochemical property. This study wanted to establish a Hg-corn stover biochar-soil-spinach model including 1 control group (without HgCl2 and corn stover biochar) and 24 treatment groups (with HgCl2 or/and corn stover biochar). Hg concentration was 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg kg−1, respectively. Corn stover biochar contents were 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% w/w, respectively. The results showed that residual Hg concentrations was the largest and water soluble and exchangeable Hg as well as carbonate bound Hg concentrations were the lowest among five Hg forms. Hg concentrations in four Hg treatment groups were higher than the control group in dose-dependent manner. The deposition of 6 mg kg−1 Hg was the highest. Corn stover biochar decreased Hg migration from soil to leaching solution and spinach, and passivation effect of 7% concentration of corn stover biochar was the best. Besides, corn stover biochar relieved the increase of methyl Hg caused by Hg in soil. Moreover, Hg concentration in roots was the highest and Hg concentration in stems was the lowest in spinach. Furthermore, Hg absorbed by roots was more than the sum of Hg absorbed by stems and leaves. In addition, we also found that the measured soil Hg concentrations were coincided with the predicted soil Hg concentrations under 1, 2, and 4 mg kg−1 Hg concentrations, except 2 mg kg−1 Hg at 7% C. Under 6 mg kg−1 Hg concentration, measured soil Hg concentrations was lower than that of the predicted soil Hg concentrations. Taken together, our findings indicated that corn stover biochar can increase edible safety of spinach by immobilizing Hg in soil and be used as an organic amendment.

Protective effect of Corynoline on the CFA induced Rheumatoid arthritis via attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory mediators.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-standing and growing autoimmune disease. Therefore, the present study was intended to investigate the effect of Corynoline (COR) on CFA induced rheumatoid arthritis in a rat model. Results suggested that COR causes significant reduction in paw swelling, edema, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indexes and neutrophil infiltration (p < 0.01). Moreover, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin- 1β, -6, and -17, and TNF-α) and anti-collagen II-specific immunoglobulins (IgG1 and IgG2a) were decreased significantly (p < 0.01) together with increase in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) (p < 0.01) in COR-treated group in dose-dependent manner. In western blot analysis, COR-treated group showed concentration-dependent reduction of expression of COX-2, 5-LOX and NF-p65 as compared to CFA rats. Moreover, COR-treated group showed mild inflammation of cartilage with fewer cartilage erosion and synovititis with most significant reversal of arthritic features in the rats treated with 30mg/kg. It has been concluded that, COR alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritic rats, thus verifying its anti-rheumatoid arthritis property.

Tempuyung Leaves (Sonchus arvensis) Ameliorates Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Arthritis in Rats through Anti-Inflammatory Effects

BACKGROUND: Gouty arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by severe pain and swelling in one or more synovial joints, as a result from joint deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis) is a plant that has been extensively studied in the role of shedding kidney stones and diuretics. It is presumed that it also has great potential in shedding MSU crystals in the joints.&#x0D; AIM: This study focused on exploring the anti-inflammatory role of tempuyung extract (ET) on pro-inflammatory cytokines in gout arthritis white rats.&#x0D; METHODS: The extraction of tempuyung was performed to obtain ET. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following six groups, each containing five rats: Normal control group, MSU group (negative control), MSU + colchicine group (Col; 0.28 mg/kg), and MSU + ET group (at dose of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg). Gouty arthritis was induced with 50 ml of MSU solution (20 mg/ml), which was injected into the left ankle joint cavity on day 7. Synovial fluid was evacuated for the examination of Western blotting of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). A portion of synovial tissue was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde buffer for histopathological examination. Interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the synovial fluid of the joints were examined by IL-1β rat enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed with way ANOVA followed by post hoc.&#x0D; RESULTS: The histopathological image of the MSU model group showed a large number of inflammatory cells depicting an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation response decreased in the ET treatment group in dose-dependent manner. ET showed the effect of decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in both IL-1β and TNF-α, as the dose increased.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Tempuyung extract possessed an anti-gout arthritis effect in white rats induced by MSU, by reducing the inflammatory response in the synovial joint.

Elucidation of rhythmic alterations in hepatological status between two fortnight intervals through oxidative damage by ethion in indigenous chicks

ABSTRACT Present study was conducted to evaluate the rhythm of hepatological health in indigenous chicks on exposure of ethion following two fortnight intervals. In present study 24 birds were divided randomly and equally into four groups (n = 6) i.e. group I, II, III and IV. Group I served as control, group II, III and IV were administered with ethion at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, by oral route of administration for a period of two fortnight intervals. After the end of the experiment period birds were sacrificed humanely and liver and blood samples were collected for oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, scanning electron microscopic examination and serum hepatic enzyme marker evaluation respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase was observed in group II, III and IV in a dose dependent manner as compared to control group I. A significant increase in lipid peroxidase value (LPO) and reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) was noticed in ethion-treated groups in dose dependent manner as compared to control group I. There was significant alteration in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in intoxicated groups in relation to control group I. Reactive oxygen species generation was evaluated by flow cytometry revealed significant increment in ROS in group II, III and IV as compared to group I. Histopathological findings of hepatic tissues showed mild to severe necrosis and degeneration along with mononuclear cellular infiltration in group II, III and IV in comparison to group I. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed the hepatotoxicity as the intoxicated groups having attached blood cells over normal topographic surface in relation to normalcy in architecture in control group I. It is concluded from the study that ethion produced altered hepatic rhythm in dose dependent hepatotoxicity in birds by elucidating altered antioxidative parameters pertaining to oxidative stress implication along with microscopic and histopathological alteration advocated the adverse effect in hepatic tissues following fortnightly exposure in similar manner.

Assessment the effect of exposure to microplastics in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) early juvenile: I. blood biomarkers

There is a scarcity of knowledge about the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on the early juvenile stage of freshwater fish. The current study aims to inspect the exposure and post-exposure recovery of microplastics (MPs) on accumulation and blood biomarkers of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) early juvenile. Four groups of fishes were used; the first group was the control group, the second group was exposed to (1 mg/L of MPs), the third group was exposed to (10 mg/L of MPs), and the fourth group was exposed to (100 mg/L of MPs) for 15 days and 15 days of recovery. The results showed that significantly higher numbers of microplastics were observed in microplastics-exposed groups compared to control group. Biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio) showed significant increment after exposure to microplastics for 15 days compared to control group in dose dependent manner. The hematological indices (RBC's count, Hb, Ht, MCHC, Platelets, WBC's count, and monocytes) showed a significant decline after exposure to microplastics for 15 days compared to control group, while MCV and MCH showed a significant increase after exposure to microplastics for 15 days. After the recovery period, microplastics accumulations, hemato-biochemical alterations were still detected in microplastics exposed groups compared to the control group except for WBC's count and MCV which return to normal levels. MPs caused anemia and perturbations in hemato-biochemical parameters which may cause mortality of tilapia early juvenile and should be considered in a program for monitoring hazard materials in the ecosystem.

Butin Attenuates Brain Edema in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Anti Inflammatory Pathway.

BackgroundThis study evaluates the effect of butin against brain edema in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).MethodologyICH was induced by injecting bacterial collagenase in the brain and all the animals were separated into four groups such as control group, ICH group treated with vehicle, Butin 25 and 50 mg/kg group receives butin (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.)60 min after the induction of ICH in all animals. One day after neurological score, hemorrhagic injury and expressions of protein responsible for apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in the brain tissue of ICH rats.ResultNeurological scoring significantly increased and hemorrhagic lesion volume decreased in butin treated group of rats compared to ICH group. However, treatment with butin significantly decreases the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and protein expression of Cleaved caspase-3 than ICH group in dose dependent manner. Level of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain tissues were significantly decreased in the butin treated group than ICH group. In addition butin attenuates the altered signaling pathway of NF-κB in the brain tissues of ICH rats.ConclusionOur study concludes that butin attenuates the altered behavior and neuronal condition in ICH rats by reducing apoptosis and inflammatory response.

Oroxylum indicum root bark extract prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage by restoring redox balance

BackgroundOroxylum indicum Vent., a Dasamula plant used in Ayurveda possesses antioxidant properties. ObjectivesTo evaluate the cardioprotective effect of 70% methanolic extract of O. indicum Vent. root bark (OIM) against doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy in female Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and methodsCardiotoxicity was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of doxorubicin 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 4 consecutive days after a ten-day pre-treatment of animals with OIM at 200 mg/kg b.w. and 400 mg/kg b.w (p.o.). Drug treatment continued up to day 14. Probucol, orally administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. served as standard. ECG was recorded. The animals were sacrificed on day 15 and comparative analysis of serum marker levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), tissue antioxidant status based on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), reduced Glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was carried out. Histopathological examination was carried out using hematoxylin–eosin staining. ResultsECG records of OIM treated animals showed normal pattern, in comparison to the control with ST depression and arrhythmia in cardiogram. Tissue antioxidant profile (SOD, GSH and GPx) was significantly (p < 0.01) elevated in the cardiac tissue of treated group in dose-dependent manner; lipid peroxidation level was found to decrease with treatment. Comparative analysis of serum markers – CPK, LDH, SGOT and SGPT – among untreated control, standard and extract treated groups revealed that OIM extract at 400 mg/kg b.w. dose significantly reduced the levels (p < 0.01). Histological analysis revealed normal myocardial architecture in OIM treated groups. HPTLC fingerprint of OIM revealed 8 bands and detected the presence of chrysin, apigenin and quercetin. ConclusionO. indicum root bark shows marked cardio-protective activity, possibly due to the presence of antioxidant compounds acting synergistically.

Antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of Salep on Paraquat-induced rat liver injury.

AIMTo evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Salep on Paraquat-mediated liver injury.METHODSIn this experimental study, 56 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly to 7 groups as control, sham, and 5 experimental groups. In control group, rats did not receive any substance during experiment. In Sham group, rats were given distilled water according to their body weight and in experimental groups, Paraquat alone and with different doses of Salep aqueous extract (40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneal daily for 14 d. After that, liver biochemical parameter and histologic changes were analyzed and compared in different groups.RESULTSParaquat compared to control and sham groups, significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC); while level of total protein, albumin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were remarkably decreased by Paraquat. Salep at doses of 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg significantly decreased serum level of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, MDA and TOC and significantly increased total protein, albumin and TAC level as compared to Paraquat exposed group in dose dependent manner. Aqueous extract of Salep at doses of 40 mg/kg made no significant changes in serum level of mentioned biochemical parameters. Liver microscopic observation revealed that Paraquat could cause hepatocyte necrosis, degenerative changes, proliferation and activation of Kupffer cells (sporadically) which were reduced by Salep treatment.CONCLUSIONSalep possesses remarkable hepatoprotection activity against Paraquat-induced hepatic injury by having antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.): Nephroprotective against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Objectives:Daucus carota L.(DC) commonly known as carrot, folkorically used as ethnomedicine to treat nephrosis and other urinary disorders. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of ethanolic root extract of DC against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats.Methods:Nephrotoxicity in rats was induced by intraperitoneal administration of gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) for 8 days. Rats of either sex were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as control that received normal saline (i.p.) whereas Group 2 (GM) was treated with gentamicin which served as gentamicin-intoxicated group. Group 3–4 (DC200, DC 400) were pretreated with DC at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively, 1 h before the gentamicin intoxication. Following treatment, the nephroprotective effects of DC were evaluated by using serum levels of urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and creatinine levels; change in body weight and wet kidney weight along with the histological observations among the experimental groups.Results:Gentamicin intoxication induced elevated serum urea, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine levels which was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in a dose-dependent manner in groups received DC which was also evidenced by the histological observations.Conclusion:DC showed a significant nephroprotective effect in a dose-dependent manner by ameliorating the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and thus authenticates its ethnomedicinal use.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Oxidative Damage in Peripheral Blood Cells of Rat

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field that has elicited much concern due to a variety of applications in different fields such as industry, medicine, and cosmetics. These developments increase the concern among the general population. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore the possible human health effects of these nanomaterials. The present study is aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in-vivo. In order to study the toxic effects, Wistar rats were administered intravenously with various doses of IONPs (Fe2O3) through caudal vein once in a week for 28 days, and various biochemical assays such as antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, CAT, and GSH), lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and hematological parameters were evaluated. Genotoxicity was evaluated by comet assay and oxidative stress was measured by anti-oxidant enzymes. The results reveal that IONPs alter hematological factor such as RBC counts, WBC counts, neutrophils, monocytes and hemoglobin. A dose-dependent inhibition (p < 0.05) of antioxidant enzymes was found, and meanwhile the level of MDA elevated significantly (p < 0.05) in IONPs treated groups in dose-dependent manner; however comet assay results indicate that IONPs did not induce any significant DNA damage. The present study concluded that IONP affects inflammatory response, which induces the oxidative stress and may adversely affect the cellular function.

Baicalin prevents Candida albicans infections via increasing its apoptosis rate

BackgroundThese experiments were employed to explore the mechanisms underlying baicalin action on Candida albicans. Methodology and principal findingsWe detected the baicalin inhibition effects on three isotope-labeled precursors of 3H-UdR, 3H-TdR and 3H-leucine incorporation into C. albicans using the isotope incorporation technology. The activities of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and Ca2+–Mg2+ ATPase, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, the cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as the ultrastructure of C.albicans were also tested. We found that baicalin inhibited 3H-UdR, 3H-TdR and 3H-leucine incorporation into C.albicans (P<0.005). The activities of the SDH and Ca2+–Mg2+ ATPase of C.albicans in baicalin groups were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Ca2+ concentrations of C. albicans in baicalin groups were much higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The ratio of C.albicans at the G0/G1 stage increased in baicalin groups in dose dependent manner (P<0.01). There were a significant differences in the apoptosis rate of C.albicans between baicalin and control groups (P<0.01). After 12–48h incubation with baicalin (1mg/ml), C. albicans shown to be markedly damaged under transmission electron micrographs. Innovation and significanceBaicalin can increase the apoptosis rate of C. albicans. These effects of Baicalin may involved in its inhibiting the activities of the SDH and Ca2+–Mg2+ ATPase, increasing cytosolic Ca2+ content and damaging the ultrastructure of C. albicans.

청심연자탕(淸心蓮子湯)이 비만 유도 생쥐의 체중 및 혈청 지질에 미치는 영향

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cheongshimyeonja-tang water extracts(CSYJ) on high fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6J mice. Methods : The experimental animals were divided into four groups; normal diet-fed control(ND), high fat diet-fed control(HFD), HFD+CSYJ 150 mg/kg(CSYJ 150), and HFD+CSYJ 300 mg/kg(CSYJ 300). Obesity with hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding high fat diet(40%), and CSYJ was administrated orally into mice every day for 5 weeks. The effect of CSYJ on the serological parameters for Obesity with hyperlipidemia was evaluated. Results : CSYJ-treated groups revealed significantly reduced body weight and feed intake, as well as feed efficiency ratio, compared to HFD-fed group in dose-dependent manner. CSYJ reduced significantly the serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol elevated by intake of high fat diet feed, while the increased serum levels of HDL-cholesterol attenuated levels of atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor. It also reduced the blood levels of insulin and leptin in HFD group, and inhibited lipid accumulation in organs such as liver and abdomal adipose tissue. Moreover oral administration of CSYJ decreased significantly the blood level of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), and lipid peroxide(LPO), compared to HFD-fed group in dose-dependent manner. Conclusions : These results indicate that CSYJ could reduce high fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia, suggesting its clinical usefulness for declining body fat and hyperlipidemia.