Histopathological Examination Of Liver Research Articles

Development of a novel glycated protein-based fibrosis prediction score for determination of significant liver fibrosis in HCV-infected patients, a preliminary study.

The current study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of glycated albumin (GA), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and a number of routine biomarkers as noninvasive indicators of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). One hundred patients with CHC were subjected to full medical history and examination, in addition to ultrasound-guided liver biopsy and histopathological examination for assessment of liver fibrosis stage. GA and HbA1c values, GA/HbA1c ratio, liver function tests, complete blood count, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were determined. A novel noninvasive index, dubbed Fibrosis Prediction Score (FPS), was selected for predicting significant liver fibrosis based on total bilirubin, glycated albumin, platelet count, age, and AFP. A validation study for FPS was applied on archival data which include 66 diabetics' patients. The FPS had area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92 for classification of patients with significant fibrosis with 81% sensitivity and 95% specificity. The AUCs of FPS in predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.86 and 0.82, respectively. Comparison of AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 with FPS indicated increased sensitivity and specificity of FPS over APRI and FIB4 in both significant and advanced fibrosis. FPS has a good sensitivity and specificity for prediction of significant and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with CHC.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds protect against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages

Exposures to hazardous chemicals including formaldehyde are harmful to human health. In this study, the authors investigate the protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) extract against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages in mice. Administration of formaldehyde (FA) caused significant elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum creatinine, etc. Histopathological examinations of liver, kidney, and brain tissues showed the degenerations of those organs. Mice pretreated with PSO extract significantly attenuated the FA-induced elevation of SGOT (39.0 ± 1.30 vs 20.5 ± 0.65 IU/L; FA-group vs PSO treatment group), SGPT (91.8 ± 1.65 vs 51.0 ± 1.29 IU/L), serum creatinine (1.05 ± 0.07 vs 0.65 ± 0.07 IU/L), and preserved the normal histology of organ tissues. The FA-induced elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, liver, and kidneys was suppressed by pretreatment with PSO extract. The extract also attenuated the FA-induced reduction of endogenous antioxidant pools. In vitro phytochemical analyses showed that PSO extract possesses free radical scavenging and total antioxidant activities due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Thus, PSO extract has significant protective effects against FA-induced organ toxicities by scavenging oxidative stress and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves aquatic extract against lead acetate–induced liver injury in male Wistar rats

Current research was performed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on lead acetate-induced hepatic injury. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided equally into 4 groups. The first group was control, while the second, third, and fourth groups were given 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa extract only, 100mg/kg lead only, and 100mg/kg lead plus 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa leaves extract, respectively, via oral gavage for 4weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were recorded. Serum lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities, and proteins beside hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation were assessed. Liver histopathological examination and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) immunohistochemistry were performed. Administration of lead lowered (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and perturbed lipid profile than control. Lead increased liver enzyme activities and TNF-α, while reduced serum proteins and hepatic antioxidant markers compared to control. Lead aggravated hepatic DNA fragmentation beside the presence of histopathological lesions. Co-administration of aqueous Moringa extract with lead significantly alleviated lead-induced adverse effects. The administration of aqueous Moringa extract with its antioxidant significantly restored the lead perturbations through reduction of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage via amelioration of NF-kB and TNF-α which kept hepatocyte integrity and reduced serum hepatic enzyme activities.

Modulatory effect of dry orange (citrus sinensis) peel powder on bisphenol A-induced hepatic and splenic toxicity in rats

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is used as monomer in polycarbonate synthesis, and it acts as plasticizer in baby and water bottles and the production of epoxy resins which are used as inner coatings of many food and beverage cans. This study was carried out to evaluate the possible modulatory effect of dry orange peels powder (OPP) to attenuate the toxic effects of BPA on liver and spleen in rats.MethodSixty male Spargue–Dawley rats weighing 130 ± 10 g were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 for each group). Group 1: negative control, fed on balanced diet and received corn oil. Group 2: positive control, fed on balanced diet, received BPA (350 mg/kg b.w. per orally; p.o twice weekly) suspended in corn oil. Groups from 3 to 6 fed on balanced diet supplemented with OPP in the tested doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 g/Kg diet respectively, and received BPA (350 mg/kg b.w. twice weekly).ResultsThere was a significant increase in liver sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 gene expression (SREBF1), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, nitric oxide (NO), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TAGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), interluken-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin-E (IgE)levels, and total leukocytes count (TLC) in BPA group as compared to negative control group (P < 0.05).On the other hand, BPA caused a significant decrease in liver catalase activity, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), serum immunoglobulin-M (IgM) levels, blood hemoglobin% (Hb), and red blood cell (RBCs) counts compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05). Also, the histopathological examination of liver and spleen sections supported biochemical parameters showed a significant destruction in the BPA group as compared to the negative control group.ConclusionIt is observed that OPP dietary supplementation in the tested doses ameliorates deleterious effects induced by BPA. The improvement in these altered parameters in OPP supplemented groups was in a dose-dependent manner.

Protein extracts from Momordica charantia var. charantia and M. charantia var. muricata show anti-lipidemic and antioxidant properties in experimental type 2 diabetic rats.

Plant-derived compounds are used to manage dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic condition. In this study, anti-lipidemic and antioxidant properties of the protein extracts from "Charantia" (PEC) and "Muricata" (PEM) varieties of Momordica charantia were analyzed by quantifying lipids, hepatic, renal, and oxidative stress markers, and histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues. Protein extracts were orally administered at 10 (PEC10, PEM10) or 20mg/kg body weight (PEC20, PEM20). Levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides decreased but high-density lipoprotein increased significantly in treated rats as compared to untreated diabetic rats (p< .01), and attained normal physiological range in both doses. Levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione increased but thiobarbituric acid reactive substances decreased significantly in treated rats as compared to untreated diabetic rats (p< .01), and attained normal physiological range in PEM20 only. Histopathological examinations supported a protective role for the protein extracts against oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Momordica charantia, a well-known medicinal plant is traditionally used for treating diabetes in India as well as other countries. The whole plant was shown to have medicinal importance. Anti-diabetic potential of this plant was scientifically established largely using organic extracts and water extract mainly from the fruits of this plant. However, protein extracts from the seeds and fruit pulp of this plant were also proven to have anti-diabetic activity. The present study illustrates the anti-lipidemic and antioxidant effect of protein extracts from the fruit pulp of two varieties of M. charantia (Charantia and Muricata) in Streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. This study provides experimental evidence in support of its use in the management of type 2 diabetes-related complications.

Dendrobine attenuates isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced liver injury by inhibiting miR-295-5p.

The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of Dendrobine and its underlying mechanisms on liver injury induced by isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). A mouse model of liver injury was induced by intragastrically administration of 100 mg/kg INH and 100 mg/kg RIF for 14 days. The mice were intragastrically administrated with Dendrobine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) before the administration of INH and RIF. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Oxidative stress markers including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde in the liver were measured and liver histopathological examinations were performed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the interactions between miR-295-5p and CYP1A2. Dendrobine significantly decreased serum ALT and AST and inhibited the liver index and ameliorated the liver histological changes induced by INH and RIF. Besides, Dendrobine also regulated oxidative stress status in the liver by the regulation of CYP1A2. Moreover, mmu-miR-295-5p was identified to target CYP1A2 and to regulate the expression of CYP1A2. In summary, Dendrobine ameliorated INH and RIF induced mouse liver injury by miR-295-5p-mediated CYP1A2 expression.

Recombinant Flagellin and Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant Potentiate the Vaccine Efficacy of the Iron Acquisition Protein (HitA) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a notorious bacterial pathogen that can cause a variety of infections with high morbidity and mortality. The increasing multi-drug resistance of this pathogen makes it urgent to develop an effective vaccine. This study aimed at evaluation of the immunoadjuvant effect of flagellin (FliC) of Salmonella enterica and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) on the protective vaccine efficacy of P. aeruginosa recombinant iron acquisition protein (HitA). Methods: In this work, recombinant HitA, FliC and fused FliC-F-HitA proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli after cloning their respective genes into pQE31 plasmid vector. The proteins were purified using metal affinity chromatography. The immunoadjuvant effect of FliC was examined upon mixing as well as fusion with HitA antigen of P. aeruginosa in the presence of incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA). This was tested by active immunization followed by challenge using P. aeruginosa murine infection model. Results: Two weeks after the last immunization dose, serum samples were tested for antibody response which showed significant HitA-specific IgG antibody response in all immunized groups compared to control groups. A significant reduction in bacterial burden of lungs from mice immunized with HitA/FliC/IFA mixture was observed after challenge. Opsonophagocytic assay and liver histopathological examination confirmed the previous results. Conclusion: Overall, HitA recombinant protein is considered a promising vaccine candidate against P. aeruginosa upon mixing with S. enterica flagellin protein FliC and IFA.

Susceptibility to Hyperglycemia in Rats With Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior: Involvement of IL-6 Mediated Glucose Homeostasis Signaling.

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder comorbid with diabetes and may lead to high morbidity, disability, and mortality. However, the underlying mechanism behind their association remains unknown. Cytokine-mediated inflammation in brain may play important roles in the pathogenesis of depression and insulin resistance. In the present study, we subjected the rats to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 3 to 8 weeks. The tests to ascertain depression-like behaviors including open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed, and levels of morning fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body weight, food intake, histopathological examinations of liver, adipose tissues and hypothalamus, hypothalamic GLUT4 as well as the IL-6-mediated glucose homeostasis signaling pathway were measured. The results showed that CUMS exposure resulted in the depression-like behavior at various time points in rats. Moreover, the rats exhibited increased peripheral glucose levels, impaired hepatocytes and hippocampal neurons, and decreased hypothalamic GLUT4 levels after 6 weeks of CUMS exposure. Meanwhile, activated IL-6 but suppressed IL-6-mediated glucose homeostasis signaling was observed in the hypothalamus. Markers of lipid metabolism including TG, CHOL, HDL-C and LDL-C were dysregulated, and body weight and food intake were decreased in the CUMS-exposed rats. Our results show that depressed rats induced by 6-week CUMS stimulation display susceptibility to hyperglycemia, which is associated with IL-6-mediated inhibition of glucose homeostasis signaling in the hypothalamus.

Potent Antihyperglycemic Effect of an Endemic Plant from Morocco (Matthiola Maroccana Coss.) on Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and it is an endemic plant from Morocco. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) on blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. The effect of single dose (6 hours) and daily oral administration for seven days of the Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (A.P.A.E) of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) (M. maroccana) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats was observed. Furthermore, body weight, oral glucose tolerance test, liver histopathological examination, phytochemical screening, and in vitro antioxidant activity of A.P.A.E were evaluated in this study. The results showed that M. maroccana A.P.A.E exerts potent hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects on normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Also, it was able to restore body weight in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, the aqueous extract has been shown to regenerate hepatic tissues in diabetic rats. Besides, A.P.A.E revealed the presence of several phytochemical constituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and terpenoids), and possessed antioxidant activity. In conclusion, our findings showed that A.P.A.E of M. maroccana (A.P.A.E MM) possesses significant antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activities.

MON-648 Chronic Unpredictable Environmental Stress May Induce Predisposition to Diabetes Mellitus

Title: Chronic Unpredictable Environmental Stress may induce predisposition to diabetes mellitus Objective: Chronic unpredictable environmental stress (CUES) may induce predisposition to diabetes mellitus. Material & Methods: This study investigates the role of CUES on impaired homeostasis. Stressed group mice (n=20) were exposed to CUES for 16 weeks. Weekly body weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency ratio, fasting blood glucose were monitored. Plasma HbA1c, plasma cortisol, plasma epinephrine and plasma insulin, serum lipids, antioxidants and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes activity were assessed along with DNA damage and histopathological examination of liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen and skeletal muscles. Semi-quantitative expression of IL-4, IL-6 and β- actin was also assessed. Results: Fasting blood glucose levels & HbA1c in the stressed were significantly higher compared to control (p<0.001). Serum lipids were found insignificantly higher in stressed mice compared to control. Body weights of the stressed mice and feed efficiency ratio were found significant (p<0.001). Plasma corticosterone, plasma epinephrine, HOMA-IR was found to be significantly higher in the stressed group (p<0.001). Plasma insulin level was found to be significantly lower in the stressed group (p< 0.001). Significant changes were observed in antioxidants level, carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes activity, peripheral tissues and DNA integrity. Expression of IL-4, IL-6 was found significantly higher in the stressed group. Conclusions: CUES initiates pathogenesis of diabetes.

Tribulus terrestris ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

Hepatoprotection is a goal for the harmful effect of several hepatotoxic agents. The present study has been executed to assess the useful impacts of Tribulus terrestris (TT) and silymarin (SLM) against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Forty-two male rats were partitioned into six groups: group I: received 0.3% CMC-Na in distilled water, group II: TT (500mg/kg BW, orally), group III: SLM (200mg/kg, orally) for 14 consecutive days (on days 11 and 12 intraperitoneal corn oil), group IV: CCL4, group V: TT (500mg/kg BW) plus CCL4, and group VI: SLM (200mg/kg orally) plus CCL4. The CCL4 was administered (2.0ml/kg BW) intraperitoneal on days 11 and 12. Sera were collected for assessment of hepatic injury markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, liver tissue oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis (Bax and bcl-2) were done. CCL4 injection induced significant reductions in hepatic antioxidants while increased hepatic lipid peroxidation as well as serum hepatic injury biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The histopathological examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue, while immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked hepatic expression of activated Bax, and bcl-2, following CCL4 injection. TT pretreatment significantly improved all examined parameters and restored the hepatic architecture. The current study illustrated that TT effectively alleviates hepatic oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, induced by acute CCL4 intoxication. In this manner, TT has promising cytoprotective powers against hepatotoxicity induced by CCL4.

Histopathological Assessment of Hepato-Nephrotoxicity Induced by Nano Copper Particles in Adult Male Albino Rats and the Potential Protective Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid: A Chronic Study

Background: Copper nanoparticles (CNPs) have unique physical and chemical properties for this reason it was widely used in various medical and non-medical applications. This study aimed to study the toxic effect of copper nanoparticles on liver and kidney through histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues and if there is improvement of hepato-nephrotoxicity after cessation of exposure and to study the potential protective effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) against hepato-nephrotoxicity induced by copper nanoparticles. Finding: Histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues in rats received CNPs showed significant alteration, cessation of exposure can cause slight improvement and ALA can cause significant improvement. Conclusion: Copper Nanoparticles have hepato-nephrotoxic effect and ALA can be safely used as a protective agent against CNPs toxicity.

Immunomodulatory effect of curcumin on hepatic cirrhosis in experimental rats.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease. The present work aimed to evaluate the regulatory immune effect of curcumin in hepatic cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injections in experimental rats' model. Chronic liver fibrosis was induced in experiment animals by recurrent injections of CCl4 for more than 5weeks. They were divided into five groups: first group was injected with normal saline, second group with CCl4, third, fourth, and fifth groups were injected with CCl4 (intraperitoneal injection) at dose 3ml/kg, two times weekly for 6weeks supplemented with the administration of curcumin with concentrations 250, 200, and 150mg/kg. Immune response was analyzed to different treatments. Interleukin 10 (IL-10), pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-1β, and liver histopathological examinations were conducted. The results showed that estimations of IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased in curcumin groups compared with CCl4 group, whereas TNF-α and TGF-1β levels were significantly decreased comparing with CCl4 group. The histopathological examinations for liver tissues showed that curcumin treated groups have almost retained the normal structure of liver tissues. In conclusion, curcumin inhibited hepatic fibrosis and liver fibrogenesis with regulation of the immune system mechanism against invader chemical toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Curcumin is well documented for its medicinal properties, commonly used as a spice. Our work has thus demonstrated its effectiveness as an immunomodulatory agent. Practically, clinical studies have suggested that curcumin displays a diverse and powerful array of pharmacological effects in nearly all of the human body's major organ systems. These are: antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiaging, antioxidant, antibacterial infection, hepatoprotective, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular effects.

Antioxidant Potential of Morinda Lucida and Psidium Guajava Extracts and Actions Against Paracetamol- Induced Kidney and Liver Injuries in Rats

Antioxidant agents of plants origin have continued to attract interest because of the potential they hold in the maintenance of human health accompany with their minimal side effects. The present study sought to evaluate the comparative free radical scavenging activities of ethanol extracts of air dried Morinda lucida leaves (EMLL) and Psidium guajava leaves (EPGL) by measuring their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide (NOˉ) radical, 2,2 azinobis-( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS*), and inhibit lipid peroxidation (LPO). Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also determined in the plasma of the rats fed with the extracts by assaying for antiradical activity against DPPH and NO radicals in vitro. In vivo antioxidant effects of the extracts were also evaluated in paracetamol treated rats. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups for this study. Group 1 received normal feed as control, group 2 received 14.30mg/kg b.w of paracetamol by gavage, groups 3 and 4 received 400mg/kg b.w of EMLL and EPGL each for 7 days plus paracetamol on the 8th day respectively. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) status were assayed for in the kidney, liver and serum. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney were also carried out. The results showed that EMLL and EPGL exhibited free radical scavenging ability in dose dependent manner towards DPPH, NO, ABTS radicals as well as inhibition of LPO. The results of evaluation of the antioxidant potentials of the extracts while in the plasma showed that they were associated with free radical scavenging activity in vivo. Paracetamol treatment caused significant (p&lt;0.05) decreases in SOD and CAT activities, and marked increase (p&lt;0.05) in MDA levels when compared with the control. However, compared with paracetamol only group, the extracts caused significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in SOD and CAT activities and decreased MDA levels. Histopathological analysis of kidney and liver showed that the extracts were able to offer protection against paracetamol-induced kidney and liver injuries. The extracts therefore have strong antioxidant and cytoprotection abilities.

Antioxidant Potential of Morinda Lucida and Psidium Guajava Extracts and Actions Against Paracetamol- Induced Kidney and Liver Injuries in Rats

Antioxidant agents of plants origin have continued to attract interest because of the potential they hold in the maintenance of human health accompany with their minimal side effects. The present study sought to evaluate the comparative free radical scavenging activities of ethanol extracts of air dried Morinda lucida leaves (EMLL) and Psidium guajava leaves (EPGL) by measuring their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide (NOˉ) radical, 2,2 azinobis-( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS*), and inhibit lipid peroxidation (LPO). Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also determined in the plasma of the rats fed with the extracts by assaying for antiradical activity against DPPH and NO radicals in vitro. In vivo antioxidant effects of the extracts were also evaluated in paracetamol treated rats. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups for this study. Group 1 received normal feed as control, group 2 received 14.30mg/kg b.w of paracetamol by gavage, groups 3 and 4 received 400mg/kg b.w of EMLL and EPGL each for 7 days plus paracetamol on the 8th day respectively. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) status were assayed for in the kidney, liver and serum. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney were also carried out. The results showed that EMLL and EPGL exhibited free radical scavenging ability in dose dependent manner towards DPPH, NO, ABTS radicals as well as inhibition of LPO. The results of evaluation of the antioxidant potentials of the extracts while in the plasma showed that they were associated with free radical scavenging activity in vivo. Paracetamol treatment caused significant (p&lt;0.05) decreases in SOD and CAT activities, and marked increase (p&lt;0.05) in MDA levels when compared with the control. However, compared with paracetamol only group, the extracts caused significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in SOD and CAT activities and decreased MDA levels. Histopathological analysis of kidney and liver showed that the extracts were able to offer protection against paracetamol-induced kidney and liver injuries. The extracts therefore have strong antioxidant and cytoprotection abilities.

The antioxidative and immunity roles of chitosan nanoparticle and vitamin C-supplemented diets against imidacloprid toxicity on Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative and immunity roles of diets supplemented with ChNP and vitamin C on Oreochromis niloticus against sublethal Imidacloprid (IMID) toxicity effects. A total of healthy 210 tilapia fish (average initial weight 21.21 ± 0.05 g) were separated into seven groups: The first group reared on clean water and were fed a basal diet (control group which was called group C). The other six fish groups were stocked in water contaminated with sublethal IMID concentration (0.01 μg L−1) and fed supplemented diets as follows: IMID (basal diet), ChNP (5 g ChNP kg−1 diet), VC1 (250 mg vitamin C kg−1 diet), VC2 (250 mg vitamin C kg−1 diet), ChNP+ VC1 (5 g ChNP +250 mg vitamin C kg−1 diet), and ChNP+ VC2 (5 g ChNP +500 mg vitamin C kg−1 diet). The results indicated significant enhancement in all growth-performance parameters, body indices, and Survival Rates (SR) by the dietary-combined ChNP and vitamin C levels. Additionally, a diet supplemented with a combination of ChNP and vitamin C (ChNP+VC1 and ChNP+VC2) significantly decreased imidacloprid residual concentration in fish tissue compared with the IMID group. A marked increment of both hematological and antioxidative enzymes and innate immunity parameters were fortified with dietary ChNP supplementation combined with high vitamin C levels. The liver histopathological examination showed a clear improvement in all treated groups and seemed to be a normal structure in the dietary-combined ChNP and vitamin C groups. In conclusion, the combined dietary supplementation of ChNP and vitamin C exerted a beneficial health effect against imidacloprid toxicity in tilapia.

Pumpkin seed oil alleviates oxidative stress and liver damage induced by sodium nitrate in adult rats: biochemical and histological approach.

Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism. The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate. Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined. Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, progressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed. Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.

Boswellic acid protects against Bisphenol-A and gamma radiation induced hepatic steatosis and cardiac remodelling in rats: role of hepatic PPAR-α/P38 and cardiac Calcineurin-A/NFATc1/P38 pathways

Bisphenol-A (BPA) and gamma-radiation are two risky environmental pollutants that human beings are exposed to in everyday life and consequently they threaten human health via inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and eventually tissue damage. This study aims at appraising the protective effect of Boswellic Acid (BA) (250 mg/kg/day, orally) administration on BPA (150 mg/kg/day, i.p) and γ-irradiation (IR) (3 Gy/week for 4 weeks up to cumulative dose of 12 Gy/experimental course) for 4 weeks-induced damage to liver and heart tissues of rats. The present results indicated a significant improvement against damage induced by BPA and IR revealed in biochemical investigations (hepatic PPAR-α/P38 and cardiac ET-1/Calcineurin-A/NFATc1/P38) and histopathological examination of liver and heart. It could be concluded that BA possesses a protective effect against these two deleterious environmental pollutants which attracted major global concerns due to their serious toxicological impact on human health.

Dietary solutions to dyslipidemia: Milk protein-polysaccharide conjugates as liver biochemical enhancers.

Protein-polysaccharide interactions have been a focus of scientific attention. This study aimed to improve the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of buffalo total milk proteins and whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) through noncovalent interactions with Psyllium husk (ispaghula) mucilage (PHM) and Nabq mucilage (NabM). Chemical composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of milk protein-mucilage complexes were explored. The effects of resulting complexes on liver function, hyperlipidemia, and histopathology of the liver in rats fed high-fat diet (HFD) were investigated. The results showed that the complexes exerted significant effect on normalizing tested parameters; WPH-NabM had the most significantly decreased level of malondialdehyde content and the liver histopathological examination proved an improvement in all groups fed with these complexes. These complexes can be used as functional protection elements against the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: PHM, NabM, and their complexes with milk proteins were proved to improve liver function, enhancing most of its measurable parameters and also diminishing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Mice with HFD achieved better health circumstances by combining these ingredients in their diet. Knowing how much these diseases proliferate in the western world and its correlation with high-fat consumption and modern lifestyle, its conjugation with PHM/NabM-MP complexes may reduce the negative impact of unhealthy food intake and, on some parameters, even improving the whole liver function. For that reason, the present study supports and pushes forward the dissemination and consumption of ispaghula or Nabq (the polysaccharides sources) or supplements originating from them. Although many interactions concerning milk proteins have already been analyzed, our study also proposes the interaction with bioactive polysaccharides as useful, opening a field of research aimed at the better application of milk proteins.

Causes of secondary non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese children below 10 years.

This study aimed to detect etiologies and histopathological features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Egyptian children < 10years from hepatologist perspectives. Infants and children below 10years of age with biopsy-proven fatty liver over a 6-year period were included. NAFLD activity score was used to detect the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study included 66 cases whose age ranged between 5months and 10years. Transaminases were elevated in 60% patients. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) was the most common diagnosis (33.3%) followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV) (10.6%) and Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) (9.1%). The cause of steatosis could not be identified in 28.8% of cases. There was a higher prevalence of secondary causes of NAFLD in patients < 10years. Liver histopathological examination revealed preserved lobular architecture in 75.7% with minimal-to-mild fibrosis in 79%. Steatosis was macrovesicular in all specimens (severe steatosis in 39.4%). Four patients had NASH. Higher degree of steatosis was associated with more severe fibrosis (P = 0.01).Conclusion: GSD was the commonest cause of secondary NAFLD in Egyptian children < 10years followed by HCV and CDS with higher degrees of steatosis in younger patients. The degree of fibrosis was significantly related to the degree of steatosis.What is Known:• Primary non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rare in children aged less than 10years.• Secondary causes of NAFLD should be considered in patients who do not have traditional risk factors.What is New:• Glycogen storage disease, hepatitis C virus, and Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome are the commonest causes of secondary NAFLD in Egyptian children (< 10years) with higher degrees of steatosis in younger patients.• The degree of liver fibrosis is significantly related to the degree of steatosis.