Intragastric Tube Research Articles

Influence of Topiramate on the Synaptic Endings of the Temporal Lobe Neocortex in an Experimental Model of Hyperthermia-Induced Seizures: An Ultrastructural Study.

The objective of this pioneering study was to assess potentially neuroprotective properties of topiramate (TPM), a broad spectrum and newer-generation antiepileptic used against damage to synaptic endings of the temporal lobe neocortex in experimental hyperthermia-induced seizures (HS). TPM (80 mg/kg b.m.) was administered in young male Wistar rats with an intragastric tube before and immediately after HS. Specimens (1 mm3) collected from the neocortex, fixed via transcardial perfusion with paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde solution, were routinely processed for transmission-electron microscopic study, i.e., for descriptive and morphometric analysis. The ultrastructure of neocortical neuropil components affected by hyperthermic stress showed distinct swelling of pre and post-synaptic axodendritic and axospinal endings, including total disintegration. Mitochondria were markedly damaged in synaptic structures. Axoplasm of presynaptic boutons contained a decreased number of synaptic vesicles. Synaptic junctions showed active zone-shortening. Preventive administration of TPM before HS induction demonstrated neuroprotective effects against synaptic damage in approximately 1/4 of these structures. Interestingly, beneficial effects on synapsis morphology were more common in perivascular zones close to well-preserved capillaries. They were demonstrated by smaller swelling of both presynaptic and postsynaptic parts, well-preserved mitochondria, an increased number and regular distribution of synaptic vesicles within axoplasm, and a significantly increased synaptic active zones. However, topiramate used directly after HS was ineffective in the prevention of hyperthermia-evoked synaptic injury. Our findings support the hypothesis that topiramate applied before HS can protect some neocortical synapses via the vascular factor by enhancing blood–brain barrier components and improving the blood supply of gray matter in the temporal lobe, which may be significant in febrile seizure-prevention in children.

Study of the acute toxicity of the medicinal product for veterinary use Iverbutan

The purpose of the research is to study the acute oral toxicity of the medicinal product for veterinary use Iverbutan, intended for the treatment and prevention of arachnoentomoses and nematodoses of poultry.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on 30 outbred male rats weighing 210-240 g and 60 mice weighing 18–21 g. The animals were divided into experimental and control groups. The drug was administered once without dilution in the form of the provided solution using an intragastric tube. Doses of 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000 and 10 000 mg/kg were tested on mice, and on rats – 10 000, 8000, 5000, 4000 mg/kg. The animals of the control groups were injected with drinking water. Within 14 days after a single dose of the drug, the physiological state and behavior of animals, possible death, as well as the manifestation of symptoms of intoxication were monitored. The control of the body weight of the animals of the experimental and control groups was carried out on the day of the experiment (before drug administration), as well as on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 9th and 14th days.Results and discussion. It was found that after oral administration of iverbutan to experimental animals, the average lethal dose, calculated by the Kerber method, was 5600 mg/kg of body weight in mice and 7000 mg/kg of body weight in rats (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76). The average lethal dose, calculated by the Miller and Tainter method, was 5292.0±1058.6 (4233.4÷6350.6) mg/kg of body weight in mice and 6463.2±1496.9 (4966.3÷7960.1) mg/kg of body weight of rats (hazard class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76), which indicates species sensitivity.

Effect of Cadmium Chloride on the Histological Structure of Lung in Adult Male Mice with and without Parsley Oil

This study is to detect the toxic effect of cadmium chloride on the histological structure of the lung and the effect of parsley oil to amilorate these changes 
 In this experiement 40 adult male mice were divided into four groups. Goup A (control group) in this group animals were injected with the normal saline intraperitoneally single daily dose for 30 days.
 Group B injected intrapertioneally with cadmium chloride single daily dose 3.5 mg/kg body weight for 30 days.
 Group C injected intraperetonially with cadmium chloride in a dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight. Intragastric tube was put to recieve parsley oil in a dose of 0.5 ml/kg body weight prior to cadmium injection. The two drugs were given for 30 days.
 Group D recieved 0.5 ml/kg body weight by intragastric tube of parsley oil for 30 days.
 At the end of this experiement, the animals were sacrified the lungs were collected from all groups and prepared for light microscopical examination.
 Histological changes were detected in cadmium chloride treated group in comparison with the control group including congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, interstial pneumonia (decreased alveolar space), thickening of interalveolar septum and damge to the alveolar cells. All these changes were eliminated by giving parsley oil.

Toxic Effects of Methotrexate on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C: An Electron Microscopic Study

Abstract Background: The cerebellum means the little brain which located behind the big brain. It was involvedin different functions like cognition, memory and motor activity. Meth-otrexate is anti-cancer drug widely used in chemotherapy regimens. Also, it was used as an anti-inflammatory drug. Methotrexate has serious side effects on the nervous system. Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant element; it acts as a free radical scavenger especially in the nervous tissue. Aim of Study: The aim is to identify the serious toxic effect on the fine cellular structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rats, and to determine if vitamin C can protect against serious of methotrexate or not. Material and Methods: We used fifteen male albino rats and they were divided in to three groups. First group considered as control, the second received 10mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection as single dose weekly for four weeks. The third group received the same methotrexate dose and vitamin C as 20mg/kg through the intragastric tube every other day for four weeks. After one month of the experiments, rats were decapitated and brains were extracted and cerebella are separated and cut for different serial sagittal sections, they were processed for electron microscopic study. Results: Exposure to methotrexate resulted in pathological changes at cellular component of cerebellar cortex in the form shrinkage of Purkinje cell, karyolitic changes in granule cells and nuclear damage was viewed and photographed by the electron microscope, but when vitamin C was administrated at the same time, these changes were decreased within Purkinje and granule cells. Conclusion: Methotrexate is asharmful drug, it destroys the cortex oh cerebellum, but when vitamin C is administrated with it, it can diminish its harmful effect.

The Toxic Effects of Methotrexate on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Albino Rats and the Protective Role of Vitamin C: A Light Microscopic Study

Abstract Background: Cerebellum is the region of brain responsible for multiple motor and cognitive functions. It is formed of two cerebellar hemispheres separated by fissures. It is formed of lobes, lobules and folia; each folium is formed of cerebellar cortex and medulla. Methotrexate is anti-metabolic drug used in treatment of cancer, it has neurotoxic effect, and it produces oxidative stress in nervous tissue. Vitamin C is powerful anti-oxidant; it is a powerful free radical scavenger. Aim of Study: The aim of this work is to study the toxic effects of methotrexate and the possible protective role of vitamin C. Material and Methods: In this study, 30 rats are divided in to 3 groups (Group 1) received no treatment. (Group 2) received 10mg/kg methotrexate injected intraperitoneal once time per week foe four weeks. (Group 3) received vitamin C 20mg/kg by intragastric tube every other day for four weeks and methotrexate as same dos of group 2. At the end of experiment, rats are sacrificed and cerebella are taken and processed for light microscopic examination. Results: There are histological changes in group treated with methotrexate (2) in the form of decreased thickness of granular layer. Purkinje cells shows shrinkage in cell bodies, decrease in number, lost mono laminar organization. Molecular layer showed decreased cellularity. After administration of vitamin C, these cellular changes are decreased, molecular and granular cell layer thickness are restored. Conclusion: Methotrexate is a toxic drug, it destroys the cerebellar cortex, but when administrated with vitamin C, its toxicity is decreased.

Continuous versus bolus intermittent intragastric tube feeding for preterm and low birth weight infants with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a particularly common condition among preterm and low birth weight infants. These infants are more likely to have excessive regurgitation, as they do not have a fully developed antireflux mechanism. Preterm and low birth weight infants who are unable to suck oral feeds are required to be fed via an intragastric tube for varying lengths of time. Intragastric tube feeding can be delivered by the intermittent bolus method or by the continuous feeding method. Use of continuous or intermittent bolus intragastric feeding may have a positive or negative effect on the incidence or severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. • To determine whether continuous or intermittent bolus intragastric tube feeding reduces the number of episodes and the duration of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in preterm and low birth weight infants • To perform subgroup analyses for gestational age; birth weight; age in days from birth at full enteral feeding via intragastric tube (breast versus bottle); frequency of intermittent bolus feed; and type of medication for treatment of GORD (only if medication was prescribed and was given similarly to both intervention groups) SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020, Issue 7), in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions(R); and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), on 8 July 2020. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. Published and unpublished RCTs and quasi-RCTs were eligible for inclusion in this review, as were cluster-randomised and cross-over randomised trials that compared the effects of continuous versus intermittent bolus intragastric tube feeding on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in preterm and low birth weight infants. Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and quality. We planned to use the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. We found no trials that met the inclusion criteria for this review. We did not identify any randomised trials that evaluated the effects of continuous versus intermittent bolus intragastric tube feeding on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in preterm and low birth weight infants. Well-designed and adequately powered trials are needed.

Chronic limbic epilepsy models for therapy discovery: Protocols to improve efficiency.

There have been recommendations to improve therapy discovery for epilepsy by incorporating chronic epilepsy models into the preclinical process, but unpredictable seizures and difficulties in maintaining drug levels over prolonged periods have been obstacles to using these animals. We report new protocols in which drugs are administered through a new chronic gastric tube to rats with higher seizure frequencies to minimize these obstacles. Adult rats with spontaneous limbic seizures following an episode of limbic status epilepticus induced by electrical hippocampal stimulation were monitored with long-term video- electroencephalography (EEG). Animals with a predetermined baseline seizure frequency received an intragastric tube for drug administration. Carbamazepine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and phenytoin were tested with either an acute protocol (an increasing single dose every other day for a maximum of three doses) or with a chronic protocol (multiple administrations of one dose for a week). Drug levels were obtained to correlate the effect with the level. With the acute protocol, all four drugs induced a clear dose-related response. Similar dose-related responses were seen following the week-long dosing protocol for carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, and these responses were associated with drug levels that were in the human therapeutic range. The response to chronic levetiracetam was much less robust. The gastric tube route of administration was well tolerated over a number of months. Using rats with stable, higher seizure frequencies made it possible to identify the potential of a drug to suppress seizures in a realistic model of epilepsy with drug levels that are similar to those of human therapeutic levels. The acute protocol provided a full dose response in 1 week. The chronic administration protocol further differentiated drugs that may be effective long term. The gastric tube facilitates a less stressful, humane, and consistent administration of multiple doses.

Omega-3 Rich Oils Attenuate ADHD-Like Behaviour Induced by Dietary Monosodium Glutamate in Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction. The present study was designed to examine the possible modulatory effect of Fish, Walnuts or Fenugreek Oils against Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like Behavior induced by Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Fifty weaning rats were divided into five groups, (each group contain 10 rats) as follows: Group 1: Normal control rats were fed on a balanced diet. Groups from 2-5 rats were fed on a balanced diet+MSG (0.4 g kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup> diet), Group 2 served as a positive control group whereas group 3, 4 and 5 treated with Fish, Walnuts and Fenugreek oil, respectively, (200 mg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup> b.wt.) by intra-gastric tube. Biochemical and behavioural parameters were tested as well as microscopic examination of brain tissue was done. <b>Results:</b> MSG ingestion caused marked disruption in locomotors activity, memory function and brain tissue structure along with significant abnormalities in some bio-markers and reduction in the gene expression level of Bcl-2 in brain tissue. However, treatment with the tested oils showed remarkable effect by reversing the condition. <b>Conclusion:</b> Dietary supplementation with walnut; fenugreek or fish oils at the tested dose could modulate the condition of ADHD in rats.

Possible Protective Effect of Anisum Oil on Aspartame Induced Changes in Cerebellum of Albino Rats (Light and Electron Microscopic Study)

Background: Aspartame (ASP) is an artificial sweetener which might caused changes in cerebellum. Objective: To evaluate the histological changes in cerebellar cortex of albino rats treated by aspartame and the impact of co-treatment with anisum oil. Methods: The study done at Pharmacology Department lab., Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, between January and March 2020. Sixty rats divided into four equal groups: Group 1 (control group): served as control animals. Group 2 (anisum oil): received 0.5 ml/kg/d/b wt. of anisum oil once daily. Group 3 (ASP group): received daily 250 mg/kg. body wt. of ASP dissolved in distilled water and given orally to animals through intra-gastric tube for 2 months. Group 4: received 0.5 mL/kg/b wt. of anisum oil once daily as prophylaxis, followed by ASP after 2 hours for 2 months. Then rats were anesthetized and their cerebella were investigated. Results: The histopathological results revealed changes in the myelinated nerve fibers, granular cells, and Purkinje cells of ASP-treated animals. Cytoplasm of some of these cells appeared as deeply stained. Ultrastructural evaluation showed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum of Purkinje cells and degenerated mitochondria. Nuclei of Granular cells appeared less condensed. There were thickening of myelinated sheath of most of myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath of others appeared splitted. The changes were less found in co-administration of anisum oil with ASP. Conclusion: ASP neurotoxicity could affect cerebellar cortex as a target area. Meanwhile uses of oil of anisum with ASP might alleviate the toxic effect induced by ASP on brain tissue.

Inhibitory effect of Salvia coccinea on inflammatory responses through NF-κB signaling pathways in THP-1 cells and acute rat diabetes mellitus

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in diabetes and its complications. Medicinal plants possessing antioxidant activity may decrease oxidative stress by scavenging radicals and reducing power activity and would be a promising strategy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders like diabetes. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant effect of Aqueous Extract of S.coccinea leaf (AESL) in HG treated THP-1 cells and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. AESL and the standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamide were administered orally by intragastric tube for 14 days and pre-treated HG grown THP-1 cells. AESL treatment reduced HG induced increase in ROS production, NF-κB dependent proinflammatory gene expression by influencing NF-κB nuclear translocation in THP-1 cells. Oral administration of AESL inhibited STZ-induced increase in serum lipid peroxidation, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and Lactate dehydrogenase of diabetic rats. Significant increase in activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and a reduced level of glutathione, were observed in AESL treatment. The results demonstrate that AESL is useful in controlling blood glucose and also has antioxidant potential to influence the translocation of NF-κB, protect damage caused by hyperglycemia-induced inflammation.

The Effects of Grape Seed Extract on Insulin, Adiponectin and Resistin Levels in Diabetic Rats

In this study, the effects of grape seed extract on insulin, adiponectin and resistin levels in diabetic rats were aimed to investigate. Weight of about 300-350g 7-8 weeks 32 female Wistar Albino rats were used. Weight of about 300-350g 7-8 weeks 32 female Wistar Albino rats randomly divided into four groups of eight each: control group (C), group with diabetes (DM), grape seed extract group (GSE), diabetes mellitus and grape seed extract group (DM+GSE). The diabetic group 45 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally, and the grape seed extract groups (DM+GSE and GSE) grape seed extract was given orally every day with an intragastric tube for 20 days (0.6 ml/rat). Blood samples were taken from the hearts of rat‘s end of the experiment. The sera obtained were used for insulin, adiponectin and resistin analysis measured via ELISA with commercial kits. The insulin and adiponectin levels of the rats in the diabetes + grape seed extract group were found to be higher than those in the diabetes group. There was no significant change in the resistin level differences between the groups. As a result; It is possible to say that grape seed extract has an increasing effect on insulin level and adiponectin levels of diabetic rats are decreased due to diabetes and it has no significant effect on resistin levels. Detected by the positive effects of grape seed extracts, it may be useful to use for the regulating of the diabetes in human.

THE EFFECT OF BONE MARROW DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLAND OF INDUCED HYPOTHYROIDISM IN RATS (ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY)

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical disorder that results from insufficient production of thyroid hormones leading to a total decrease of metabolic demands of the body and causing serious abnormalities. Hypothyroidism is known to affect salivary glands causing deleterious changes including apoptosis and numerous cytoplasmic vacuolation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high capability of self-renewal. Thus, have enormous therapeutic potential for tissue repair. Objective: The study aimed to assess the influence of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the histological ultrastructure of submandibular salivary gland of carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism in rats. Method: Twenty one adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (seven rats each). Group I: Is considered as control group. Group II: (Carbimazole induced hypothyroidism group): animals were given a single daily oral dose of carbimazole (5mg/250g/day) dissolved in 3 ml of distilled water delivered by intragastric tube for five weeks, to induce hypothyroidism. Group III: (BM-MSCs treated group): hypothyroidism was induced similar to group II. Then rats were injected at the lateral tail vein with 1x 107 BM-MSCs cells in 0.2ml phosphate buffer saline immediately following induction of hypothyroidism. All rats were euthanized after 8 weeks (5 weeks of hypothyroidism induction + 3 weeks of stem cells injection). Submandibular salivary glands were prepared for transmission electron microscopic examination (TEM). Results: Ultrastructural results of group II revealed massive degenerative changes within the acinar and ductal cells’ nuclei and organelles, together with disruption of their intercellular junctions. Marked improvement of parenchymal cells’ architecture was detected with BM-MSCs administration in group III. Conclusion: BM-MSCs have the potentiality to repair salivary glands damage following induction of hypothyroidism.

The Possible Role of Orthoboric Acid on Adipogenesis in Adult Male Albino Rat. Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Background: obesity is a worldwide problem which leads to increased morbidity and rate of deaths. Clinical use of some therapeutic options for the prevention of overweightness is limited due to their dangerous side effects. Orthoboric acid is a new safe and beneficial treatment for prevention of high fat diet induced obesity. Aim: study the effect of orthoboric acid on adipogenesis in rats. Materials and methods: the study included 30 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided into 4 main groups. Group I: control. Group II (High Fat Diet ′′HFD′′ group): IIa (HFD 8 weeks), IIb (HFD 12 weeks). Group III (HFD and orthoboric acid group) for 8 weeks. Group IV (HFD for 12 weeks but starting from the 8th week the rats were given orthoboric acid daily for 4 weeks). Orthoboric acid was used at dose of 2.5 mg given orally via intragastric tube. Body weights of all rats were recorded weekly during the experiment. Adipose tissue specimens were collected at the end of experiment and processed for H&E, oil red O stain and anti β - catenin immunohistochemistry. Morphometric and statistical analysis were also done. Results: HFD group showed significant increase in body weight and in size of adipocytes compared to the control group meanwhile, groups of orthoboric acid showed a significant decrease in body weight and size of adipocytes relative to HFD group. As regard effect of orthoboric acid on adipogenesis, groups treated with orthoboric acid showed positive immunohistochemical reaction for β- catenin with subsequent decrease in lipid accumulation confirmed with less optically dense oil red O staining compared to HFD group. Conclusions: low dose of oral orthoboric acid was able to reduce body weight. Therefore, it can be considered as a suitable treatment for obesity due to its vital role in inhibition of adipogenesis.

Evaluation of Achyranthes aspera shoot extract as an alternative therapy for malaria

BackgroundMalaria is still a vital global health issue. The greatest disease burden is in sub-Saharan Africa. A. aspera is one of the medicinal herbs commonly used traditionally. The continuous resistance of Plasmodium falciparum, to available anti-malarial agents has led to the search for an alternative substance to combat malaria; hence, the study aimed to establish the potential of the extract from the shoot of Achyranthes aspera as an alternative anti-malarial agent against Plasmodium berghei (NK-65) strain in mice model. Acute toxicity test was performed as per the Organization for Economic Cooperative Development guidelines, 425. Rodent malaria parasite P. berghei at 1 × 107 parastemia was inoculated into Swiss albino mice of both sexes intraperitoneally. The extract was administered through oral route by an intra-gastric tube once daily for 5 days according to the Rane’s curative test. Chloroquine and Artemisinin were used as standard drugs and were administered through the same route.ResultsPhytochemical screening of A. aspera revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and balsam. A. aspera extract neither caused any sign of gross toxicity nor caused mortality in the mice up to a single dose of 5000 mg/kg/bwt. The aqueous extract, of A. aspera, showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) in parasitemia at dose 400 mg/kg/day and 600 mg/kg/day in Swiss albino mice compared to negative control. The treated mice had prolonged survival time at all doses. Extracts prevented P. berghei induced body weight loss and temperature reduction compared to the negative control.ConclusionWe conclude that the shoot extract of A. aspera is safe and displayed promising anti-malarial activity. This may account for its traditional use for malaria treatment among some locals in Nigeria.

Protective effect of Rosuvastatin on Azithromycin induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model

AimsAzithromycin is widely used broad spectrum antibiotic recently used in treatment protocol of COVID-19 for its antiviral and immunomodulatory effects combined with Hydroxychloroquine or alone. Rat models showed that Azithromycin produces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of myocardial tissue. Rosuvastatin, a synthetic statin, can attenuate myocardial ischemia with antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. This study aims to evaluate the probable protective effect of Rosuvastatin against Azithromycin induced cardiotoxicity. Main methodTwenty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups, five rats each control, Azithromycin, Rosuvastatin, and Azithromycin +Rosuvastatin groups. Azithromycin 30 mg/kg/day and Rosuvastatin 2 mg/kg/day were administrated for two weeks by an intragastric tube. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, rats were anesthetized and the following measures were carried out; Electrocardiogram, Blood samples for Biochemical analysis of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). The animals sacrificed, hearts excised, apical part processed for H&E, immunohistochemical staining, and examined by light microscope. The remaining parts of the heart were collected for assessment of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH). Key findingsThe results revealed that Rosuvastatin significantly ameliorates ECG changes, biochemical, and Oxidative stress markers alterations of Azithromycin. Histological evaluation from Azithromycin group showed marked areas of degeneration, myofibers disorganization, inflammatory infiltrate, and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed significant increase in both Caspase 3 and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) immune stain. Rosuvastatin treated group showed restoration of the cardiac muscle fibers in H&E and Immunohistochemical results. SignificanceWe concluded that Rosuvastatin significantly ameliorates the toxic changes of Azithromycin on the heart.

Protective effect of propolis on manganese chloride neurotoxicity of olfactory bulb in adult male albino rat.

Manganese (Mn) is widely used for industrial purposes and exposure to high levels of Mn may cause an irreversible brain disease. Propolis is a natural plant product; it acts as a powerful reactive oxygen species scavenger and improves the neurodegeneration process. In this study 40 adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups 10 rats each: group I (control group), group II manganese chloride (MnCl2) received 10 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, group III (propolis group) received 50 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, and group IV (MnCl2 + propolis group) received the same doses with the same duration and route as in groups II and III. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h of last dose. The olfactory bulbs removed, the right bulb cut to be processed for haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical staining and the left cut for electron microscopic studies. Results revealed that rat olfactory bulb from MnCl2 group showed darkly stained mitral cells with dark pyknotic nuclei, some show pericellular spaces and vacuolation, dark apoptotic cells in granular cells, neuropil vacuolation and pyknotic astrocyte. Electron microscopic examination showed abnormal granular cell with irregular damaged nuclear membrane, rupture of myelin fibre. Mitral nerve cell with destructed nucleus, many cytoplasmic vacuoles, swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuolated mitochondria and neuropil were observed. Manganese chloride + propolis group showed improvement compared to MnCl2 group. It was concluded that propolis can ameliorate the toxic changes of manganese chloride on rat olfactory bulb.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and/or Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Leaves Aqueous Extracts Role in Opposition to Drinking Contaminated Water Induced Male Rats Urinary Stones and Renal Deteriorations

Aims: The current research was designed to explore the role of basil and/or celery leaves aqueous extracts against urinary stones (urolithiasis) and renal deteriorations induced by drinking water contaminated with ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC) in male rats.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The Medical Research Center of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. The experiment duration was 35 days, 7 days for acclimatization followed by 28 days experimentation.&#x0D; Methodology: Fifty-five adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were classified randomly into 5 groups of ten animals each, except urolithiatic control group which contained 15 rats. Rats were treated as follow: Group I: healthy control group (HCG), rats drank distilled water and received a placebo 1 ml distilled water daily by intra-gastric tube ; Group II: urolithiatic control group (UCG), rats drank distilled water containing ( 0.75% EG and 1% AC ) and the access to water was ad libitum and received 1 ml distilled water daily by intra-gastric tube.; Group III : urolithiatic rats supplemented with aqueous basil extract(U+ABE), rats drank distilled water containing ( 0.75% EG and 1% AC) and the access to water was ad libitum and supplemented with (200mg/kg body weight) aqueous basil extract daily by intra-gastric tube.; Group IV: urolithiatic rats supplemented with aqueous celery extract(U+ACE), rats drank distilled water containing ( 0.75% EG and 1% AC) and the access to water was ad libitum and supplemented with (200mg/kg body weight) aqueous celery extract daily by intra-gastric tube. ; Group V: urolithiatic rats supplemented with aqueous basil and celery extract(U+ABE+ACE) , rats drank distilled water containing ( 0.75% EG and 1% AC) and the access to water was ad libitum and supplemented with (100mg/kg body weight) aqueous basil extract and (100mg/kg body weight) aqueous celery extract daily by intra-gastric tube. At the end of the study 28 days, 24 h urine samples were collected from each individual animal and then rats were sacrificed under sodium barbiturate anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from the hepatic portal vein, serum was separated for biochemical analyses. Kidney samples were separated for tissue homogenate preparation, urinary bladder and ureters were separated and opened to collect urinary calculi.&#x0D; Results: Research results documented that basil and celery aqueous extracts contain significant amount of active constituents including flavonoids and polyphenols. Drinking water contaminated with EG and AC caused significant decrease (p≤0.01) in urine volume, pH, urinary and renal magnesium levels with significant increase (p≤0.01) in urinary and renal calcium, phosphate and oxalate levels. It also caused significant increase in kidney function tests [serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, as well as cystatin C] levels .Also renal enzyme activities of [acidic phosphatase (ACP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] activities were significantly increased (p≤0.01) with significant decrease in renal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Water contamination also induced renal mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased complex-1 activity), apoptosis (increased caspase-3 activity) in association with a state of renal oxidative stress [increased renal malondialdehyde (MDA) level related to decreased renal reduced glutathione (GSH)level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity].Inflammation [increased renal tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF- α) and interleukin 18 (IL-18)] with suppressed immune function [decreased serum immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM)] levels were observed in urolithiatic control group. As a result of biochemical changes resulted from EG and AM administration mineral precipitation and urinary stones formation was observed in urolithiatic control group. Oral administration of aqueous basil and /or celery extracts to urolithiatic rats improved urine analysis parameters, renal functions, renal enzymes activities and mitochondrial function. Aqueous extracts also counteracted renal oxidative stress, inflammation, suppressed immune response and urinary stones formation.&#x0D; Conclusion: Research results proved that aqueous basil and/or celery extracts counteracted and ameliorated urinary stones formation and renal deteriorations associated with drinking water contaminated with EG and AC due to their content of active constituents including flavonoids and polyphenols. The most significant improvements were recorded in the group supplemented with both extracts.

Effect of Nicotine on the Rat’s Tongue and the Possible Protective Role of Royal Jelly Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Background: nicotine (NIC) is an active substance in tobacco, the excessive use of tobacco products has been associated with various lesions in the oral cavity. Royal jelly (RJ) believed by many authors to be an anti-oxidant that protects different organs. Aim of the work: this study aimed to detect the effect of nicotine on the structure of the tongue and the possible protective effect of royal jelly. Materials and methods: 30 adult male rats were equally categorized into 3 groups. Group I: 10 rats used as the control group; Group II: 10 rats received nicotine sulphate 2 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for 4 weeks; Group III: 10 rats received nicotine as the previous group and royal jelly (100 mg/kg by intra-gastric tube daily) for 4 weeks. After 24 hrs of the last dose, the animals were dissected. Tongues were processed for the histological and scanning electron microscopic study.Results: group II revealed that the lingual dorsal surface was formedof irregularly and destructed papillae. Most of these papillae were thin with blunted or absent tips. Fungiform papillae showed destruction of their epithelium and ill-defined pores. Lamina propria showed depletion of the collagen fibers, skeletal muscle fibers revealed separations and destruction. Group III revealed restoration of the normal appearance at some regions and presence of nicotine effects at the others within light microscope and apparent restoration of the normal shape as seen within the electron microscope. Conclusion nicotine has harmful effects on the tongue and the addition of RJ can decrease these harmful effects, but not prevent it.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Lupinus albus L. seed roasting ethanol extract in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) may cause specially health problem which can effect most of tissue such as liver, kidney and brain. Thus, this research aimed to examining the effects of Lupinus albus L. seed ethanol extract (LA) on the liver and renal tissues malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) level of diabetic rats. Sprague–Dawley, adult a total of 28 male rats were used in the study that were randomly divided into four groups with 7 animals in each group: Control, STZ-DM, LA and STZ-DM+LA group. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of 60 mg/kg/i.p. Streptozotocin (STZ) injection (STZ-DM and STZ-DM+LA groups). Lupinus albus L. ethanol extract was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg/p.o. via intragastric tube for 20 days (LA and STZ-DM+LA groups). At the end of the study, biochemical and histopathological examination in kidney and liver tissues were examined. STZ application significantly increased the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. When the dose of 10 mg/kg of LA significantly decreased the level of plasma glucose and liver and renal MDA. Meanwhile, the levels of liver and renal CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH were significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with Lupinus albus L. seed ethanol extract. These results indicate the role of Lupinus albus L. seed extract might as antidiabetic, antioxidant and reducing of the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Extracted after Lupinus albus seed’ roasting is a pioneer in literature and the use of LA in ethnomedicine for diabetes.

The THE ROLE OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA AND QUERCETIN IN ALLEVIATING DIMETHYLNITROSAMINE-INDUCED ACUTE SPLEEN INJURY THROUGH REGULATING OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION AND APOPTOSIS

Objective: Excessive oxidative stress is implicated in spleen injury. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and quercetin (QUR) have been shown to protect cells against oxidative stress. This study was designed to investigate their effect on dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN) induced spleen injury in male rats.&#x0D; Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; Group (1): Negative control group (Con), Group (2): DMN group, DMN was given intraperitonealy at a dose of 4 mg/kg b. wt/day for four weeks for sub-chronic injury of spleen tissue, Group (3): DMN+PRP, rats were injected intraperitonealy with DMN at a dose of 4 mg/kg b. wt/day for four weeks then treated i. v. by single dose 50 μL of PRP, then left for a period of four weeks without any treatments, Group(4): DMN+QUR, rats received intraperitonealy DMN at a dose of 4 mg/kg b. wt/day for four weeks, then treated with quercetin orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg b. wt. in aqueous suspension daily using an intragastric tube for four weeks.&#x0D; Results: DMN inoculation resulted in significant elevations of oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and xanthine oxidase levels associated with a significant decrease in Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the spleen tissue as compared to the normal control group. Moreover, DMN caused an up-regulation in the values of the splenic C-reactive protein (CRP), interleuckin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), leukotriene-C4 (LT-C4), P53 and Fas levels with a significant decline in anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 level as compared to the normal control group. PRP and QUR significantly attenuated the DMN-evoked spleen oxidative stress and modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes as compared to DMN group. In addition, treatment of DMN group with PRP or QUR resulted in an improvement in CRP, IL-6, NF-κB, LT-C4, P53 and Fas levels as compared to DMN group. Caspase-3 expression was positive in DMN group while no difference was present in control, PRP and Quercetin groups. However, the VEGF immunopositive reaction was found in DMN, PRP and Quercetin groups compared to control group. Histopathological results showed degeneration, haemorrhage, inflammatory cells and necrotoic areas in splenic tissue from DMN group compared to the treated groups where signs of recovery were observed in the whole splenic tissue.&#x0D; Conclusion: These data suggest that PRP and QUR protect rat spleen from DMN-induced oxidative stress, probably via their antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. So, PRP and QUR are promising pharmacological agents for preventing the potential spleen injury of DMN following occupational or environmental exposures.