Last Day Of Experiment Research Articles

Evaluation of cardioprotective effect of Aegle marmelos on doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity: an experimental study

Background: Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos), a medicinal herb, is widely used in the Indian system of medicine for treatment of various ailments. The methanolic extract of A. marmelos leaves had shown antioxidant effect. However, so far aqueous extract of A. marmelos is not scientifically evaluated for its cardio protective potential. Hence the present study was designed to find out cardio protective role of A. marmelos against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity.Methods: Thirty rats were randomized into five major groups (n=6). Group I received only 2ml/100g/day normal saline p.o., group II received 2ml/100g/day of normal saline p.o. followed by doxorubicin on 21st day, group III received carvedilol 30 mg/kg/day p.o., Group IV received A. marmelos 250mg/kg/day p.o. and Group V received A. marmelos 500mg/kg/day p.o. for 21days. Doxorubicin 20mg/kg i.p. single dose was given to induce cardiotoxicity in rats of group II, III, IV and V respectively on last day of experiment. Animals were sacrificed 48 hours after doxorubicin administration. Cardiac serum markers creatinine phosphokinase MB, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase were analysed biochemically. Histopathological changes were studied under light microscope.Results: All cardiac serum marker levels were found significantly (p<0.001) increased in doxorubicin group while A. marmelos pre-treated group displayed significant (p<0.001) reduction in rise of these parameters in a dose dependent manner indicating cardio protection. Histological observations further correlated the cardio protective effect of A. marmelos.Conclusions: The present study concluded that aqueous extract of A. marmelos possesses cardio protective potential against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity.

Hens can ingest extruded polystyrene in rearing buildings and lay eggs contaminated with hexabromocyclododecane

The overall concentration of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in eggs is low although abnormally high concentrations exceeding 3000 ng g−1 lw have been reported. In order to test whether these contaminations may originate from the ingestion of insulating materials in rearing buildings, a group of 55 hens raised in a collective cage was provided with a 64-g piece of extruded polystyrene (XPS, 2.59% HBCDD of which 75, 15 and 10% as α-, β- and γ-HBCDD, respectively). Hens entirely consumed the piece within 3 days, leading to a mean daily exposure of 4.7 mg HBCDD per kg body weight. Whole egg HBCDD concentration reached a maximum of 1037 ng HBCDD g−1 fresh weight (fw), recorded 2 days after the piece had disappeared, and decreased down to 86 ng g−1 fw within the 19 following days. In all these samples, HBCDD was made of 98.7 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.6% α- and β-HBCDD, respectively, and 0.1% γ-HBCDD when quantified; it was enriched in (−)α- and (+)β-HBCDD with enantiomeric fractions of 0.438 ± 0.009 and 0.579 ± 0.030, respectively. HBCDD was quantified in all the individual eggs collected the last day of experiment at concentrations ranging between 0.47 and 1361 ng g−1 fw, according to a lognormal distribution. The ingestion of XPS in degraded rearing buildings is thus a plausible cause of on-farm egg contamination by HBCDD which should be strictly avoided.

Adverse Effects of Two Kinds of Food Additive Mixtures (Flavor Enhancer, Food Preservative or Food Coloring Agent) on Physiological Parameters in Young Male Albino Rats

Background: food additives are substances used in food industry in order to improve the food’s taste, appearance by preserving its flavor and preventing it from souring. Food additives are added to the most junk and fast foods, especially food for kids. Aim of the work: this work was aimed to investigate the adverse effects of some food additives on the biochemical parameters in addition to study the side effects of these food additives in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: this study was performed on twenty four young male albino rats with an average 120-145 g body weight. Animals were divided into four groups (6 /cage); Group I (Control untreated group), Group II (administered orally with sodium nitrite (0.1 mg/kg b.wt./day) and annatto (0.065 mg/kg b.wt./day)), Group III (administered orally with sodium nitrite (0.1 mg/kg b.wt./day) and monosodium glutamate (MSG) (15 mg/kg b.wt./day)) and Group IV (administered orally with annatto (0.065 mg/kg b.wt./day) and monosodium glutamate (15 mg/kg b.wt./day)). Blood samples were collected on the last day of experiment, for biochemical estimations which included levels of serum glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, creatinine, urea, testosterone , thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), activities of AST and ALT in addition to lipid profile. Results: showed marked elevation in levels of fasting glucose, activities of AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), VLDL and ratios of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C (risk factors) as well as albumin / globulin ratio and serum thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) accompanied with marked decline in levels of serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin/ creatinine ratio, testosterone and HDL-C in all treated groups in comparison to the control group. There was a significant reduction in the body weight in groups that received (NaNO2 with annatto) and (MSG with NaNO2) while treated rats with (MSG and annatto) showed a significant increase in body weight as compared to control rats. Conclusion:Due to the harmful effects of food additives, the use of these compounds must be limited as it resulted in a vehement disturbance in the biochemical and physiological parameters that was grievously pronounced on many hormones.

Pereskia aculeata Miller leaves accelerate excisional wound healing in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae), known as Barbados gooseberry, are used as emollients and to treat skin wounds and inflammatory process in Brazilian traditional medicine. Aim of the studyThis study investigated the topical wound healing activity of gels containing the methanol extract (ME) and hexane fraction (HF) of the leaves of this plant in a model of excisional wound healing in mice. Material and methodsMice were anesthetized and excisional skin wounds were performed using a circular metal punch of 5mm diameter. Next, the animals were treated with 30µL of topical gel formulations containing the gel base (vehicle), HF 5% or ME 5%. The treatments were applied immediately after the injury and every 48h during 14 days. To verify the wound closure kinetics, a digital caliper was used throughout this period. Laser Doppler perfusion image (LDPI) was applied to evaluate the blood flow rate at the injury site. Microscopic examination of the skin tissues was performed by histopathological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin and Gomori trichrome staining. Picrosirius-red staining was also used for morphometric analysis for collagen quantification. ResultsBoth HF and ME markedly accelerated the closeness of the skin wounds; however the HF activity was more evident, as this fraction induced the increase of blood flow rate and collagen deposition when statistically compared to the vehicle. The mice skin treated with HF and ME also showed less fibroplasia, blood vessels and inflammatory cells on the last day of experiment, which indicated a more advanced wound healing process. ConclusionsAs the wound healing process was considerably accelerated, especially by HF gel formulation, the results of this study not only contributed to better understand the ethnopharmacological application of P. acuelata leaves, but also encouraged further investigations on how to explore the potential uses of this plant in skin therapies.

Is there any association between renal failure and hepatotoxic photosensitization caused by feeding foxtail millet (Setaria italica) in sheep and goats?

Photosensitivity is an abnormal skin reaction to direct sunlight exposure. Photosen sitivity occurred because of failure to excrete phylloerythrin due to hepatic dysfunction. Foxtail millet feeding can induce hepatotoxic photosensitization and influence on different organs. This study attempts to evaluate renal function and serum electrolyte status in sheep and goats experimentally feeding foxtail millet. Twelve male goats and sheep were kept in the sunlight. The animals were fed foxtail millet diet freely in a eight-week experimental period. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, hematocrit and hemoglobin were measured until last day of experiment in a weekly manner. On the last day, the animals were euthanized and kidneys were removed for pathologic examination. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement analysis by SPSS software (version 20). Three sheep showed clinical signs of photosensitivity. BUN showed a decreasing trend from the second week of the experiment. Creatinine was increased in the six and second weeks. An increase in sodium concentration in goats from fourth week was significant. Sodium levels in sheep showed a fluctuational change. Potassium and phosphorus of sheep and phosphorus in the blood of goats were increased from the second week. Potassium in goats was constant during the time. Magnesium in the blood of sheep and goats was increased from the third and fourth weeks, respectively. The hematocrit and hemoglobin increased significantly over time. Moderate to severe hyperemia with abundant deposits of blue-violet material in the collecting ducts and mild degenerative changes in the convoluted tubules in sheep kidneys and congestion in the center of the goats’ kidney were seen. In conclusion, feeding the foxtail millet can cause renal dysfunction, and changes in the balance of some serum electrolytes.

Cadmium Uptake by Plant and Transport in Soil Column under Industrial Wastewater Irrigation: A Case Study

Development of industry in Sistan and Baluchestan (SB) province in Iran, has increased the amount of Cadmium (Cd) in industrial wastewater, which is used as a secondary water supply in this area. The present study aimed to investigate the variation of Cd concentration in soil column and cultivated cucumber plant in greenhouse under short-term simulated industrial wastewater irrigation. To simulate industrial wastewater, two different solutions with concentration of 0.2 and 1 ppm of Cd were used and labeled medium and strong wastewater. The Cd concentration of higher organs and roots of plants and soil in three different depths (shallow, 20, and 30 cm) were analyzed during 65 days in six days of plant growth period. Results demonstrated that the medium and strong wastewater were unable to contaminate the fruit. However, despite a considerable amount of Cd absorption by root in the first days, Cd concentration decreased significantly during next days to 253.17 ppb in the last day of sampling. In addition, a direct relationship between Cd concentration and time was observed in soil. Furthermore, in the last day of experiment, Cd accumulated more than 1689, 175, and 124 ppb in shallow layer and depths of 20 and 30 cm of soil using 0.2 ppm Cd solution, respectively.

Improvement in Long-Term Memory following Chronic Administration of Eryngium planum Root Extract in Scopolamine Model: Behavioral and Molecular Study.

Eryngium planum L. (EP) is as a rare medicinal plant with a lot of potentials as pharmaceutical crops. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a 70% ethanol extract of EP roots (200 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses in Wistar rats linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and beta-secretase (BACE-1) mRNA levels and AChE and BuChE activities in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. On the last day of experiment, 30 min after the last dose of EP or Huperzine A (HU), scopolamine (SC) was given at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally. The results of a passive avoidance test showed an improvement in long-term memory produced by the EP extract in both scopolamine-induced rats and control group. EP caused an insignificant inhibition of AChE and BuChE activities in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. EP decreased mRNA AChE, BuChE, and BACE-1 levels, especially in the cortex. Our results suggest that the EP extract led to the improvement of the long-term memory in rats coupled with total saponin content. The mechanism of EP action is probably complicated, since HPLC-MS analysis showed 64 chemical compounds (phenolics, saponins) in the extract of EP roots.

Comparison of Photosynthesis between Treatment and Non-treatment of Lime Bordeaux Mixture in 3 Year Old Root in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Korean ginseng has been used for thousands of years as an important medicinal plant. Lime-Bordeaux mixture (LBM) was made with copper sulfate and quicklime, which was sprayed instead of pesticides in ginseng field. Net photosynthesis (<TEX>$P_N$</TEX>) was compared between Treatment and Non-treatment of LBM in 3 Year Old Ginseng. <TEX>$P_N$</TEX> in control plot recorded <TEX>$2.94{\mu}mol\;(CO_2)\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$</TEX> at the first day of experiment, which was similar until the last day of experiment. However, The <TEX>$P_N$</TEX> in LBM recorded <TEX>$2.23{\mu}mol\;(CO_2)\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$</TEX>, which was lower than that in control plot. As time goes by, The <TEX>$P_N$</TEX> in LBM was gradually increased up to <TEX>$3.21{\mu}mol\;(CO_2)\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$</TEX> and finally, it was similar with that in control plot at 7th day as a <TEX>$3.20{\mu}mol\;(CO_2)\;m^{-2}s^{-1})$</TEX>.

Resveratrol Regulates Antioxidant Status, Inhibits Cytokine Expression and Restricts Apoptosis in Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Rat Hepatic Injury

Recent studies indicate the chemopreventive role of resveratrol in many animal models like ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis, human cancer, and diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive potential of resveratrol in rat hepatic injury model by carbon tetrachloride. Male Wistar rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride (0.4 g/kg body weight) intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. Resveratrol (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg body weight) was given orally from first day until the last day of experiment. The investigation assesses the effect of resveratrol on morphological, oxidative status, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and apoptotic analysis in carbon tetrachloride-challenged liver tissue. The study indicated that the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were profoundly expressed in experimental rats, whereas resveratrol decreases the immunopositivity of TNF-α and IL-6 and restored the altered architectural structure of challenged hepatic tissue. Resveratrol also protects liver cells by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Assessment of Analgesic Activity of Red and White Lotus Seeds ( Nelumbo nucifera ) in Albino Rats

Lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) is one of the plants that have been used for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Almost all parts of the plants are used for the treatment of conditions associated with health abnormalities. In order to prove the analgesic effect of lotus seeds scientifically, a study was conducted in albino rats using the chronic pain model (experimental neuropathy). In this experiment, forty eight adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. All the rats were subjected to surgery under anasthesia as per the standard neuropathy model protocols. After the surgery the rats were divided into six groups of eight each and group I was taken as control, group II was treated with the standard drug diclofenac potassium @ 3 mg/kg on the last day of experiment. The methanolic extract of lotus seeds of red and white varieties @ 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg were fed to group III, IV, V and VI respectively, for 7 days. After the dosage periods, the number of foot withdrawal reflex of each group was calculated using acetone induced cold stimulus and the responses analyzed statistically to findout the analgesic activity. It was revealed that the white lotus seed higher dose group (600 mg/kg.b.wt) exhibited significant analgesic activity than other lotus seed treated groups.

RANTES, MDC and SDF-1α, prevent the HIVgp120-induced food and water intake decrease in rats

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-wasting syndrome might be facilitated by the HIVgp120 affecting the immunological system. We studied the effect (subchronic administration: 5 days) of HIVgp120, and a few immune-response mediators: regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES), stromal derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and their combination, on food and water intake in rats, motor control and pain perception. Eighty male adult Wistar rats received an intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of: vehicle 5 μl/day or 0.92 nmol daily of HIVgp120IIIB, RANTES, SDF-1α, or MDC, and the combination of RANTES + HIVgp120IIIB, SDF-1α + HIVgp120IIIB, or MDC + HIVgp120IIIB. Food and water intake was measured every day during administration, and 24 and 48 h after the last administration. Rats were also weighed the first and the last day of experiment in order to detect the impact of these treatments in the body weight. HIVgp120IIIB significantly decreased food and water intake. These rats gain less weight than the control (vehicle) and chemokines-treated subjects with exception of those treated with SDF-1α that also gain less weight. In addition, HIVgp120 deteriorated motor control. HIVgp120IIIB effects on food and water intake, and motor control were prevented by these chemokines. HIVgp120 + RANTES, HIVgp120 + SDF-1α, and SDF-1α alone induced hyperalgesia. Results suggest an interaction between HIVgp120 and the chemokine system to generate the HIV-wasting syndrome, the motor abnormalities and changes in pain perception.

Significance of administration of fat emulsion: hepatic changes in infant rats receiving total parenteral nutrition with and without fat

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is associated with cholestasis and hepatic steatosis, which can be lethal in infants who cannot be fed orally. The present animal study focused on the metabolic complications in the liver that may occur due to the excessive administration of fat-free TPN. Thirty infant (3-week-old) male SD rats weighing 60−70 g were randomly allocated to five groups ( n=6): the OD group received an oral diet, the FT group received an oral diet and was fasted overnight on the last day of experiment before sacrifice, the 0% fat group received TPN without fat, the 20% fat group received TPN with 20% of calories from fat emulsion, and the 40% fat group received TPN with 40% of calories from fat emulsion. All TPN regimens were isocaloric, isonitrogenic, and administered for 4 days. In the 0% fat group, plasma levels of liver enzymes were significantly higher than in the other groups. Pathological examination showed hepatomegaly and severe fatty changes without cholestasis in the 0% fat group. The results of this study in infant rats indicate the importance of including fat in the TPN regimen in order to prevent the abnormal hepatic changes associated with the excessive administration of fat-free TPN.

HCB와 PCBs에 노출된 나일틸라피아, Oreochromis niloticus의 혈액성분의 변화

유용 양식어류인 틸라피아를 대상으로 어체중당 1일 0.05, 0.25 및 0.50mg/kg의 HCB와 PCBs의 경 구투여에 의해 30일 동안 혈액성상 및 혈액화학적 변동을 조사하였다. HCB의 투여에 의한 틸라피아의 RBC 수는 20일 이후 0.50mg/kg, 30일째는 0.25mg/kg의 농도, hemoglobin 농도와 hematocrit 값은 20일 이후 0.50mg/kg 농도에서 유의한 감소를 나타냈다. PCBs의 투여에 의한 틸라피아의 RBC 수, hemoglobin 농도 및 hematocrit 값은 20일 이후 0.25mg/kg 이상의 농도에서 유의한 감소를 나타냈다. 혈청 무기성분인 calcium, magnesium 및 inorganic phosphorus 농도는 HCB를 투여한 모든 실험에서 뚜렷한 차이가 인정되지 않았다. 또한, PCBs를 투여한 모든 실험에서도 magnesium과 inorganic phosphorus 농도의 변동은 관찰되지 않았으나, calcium 농도는 20일 이후 0.50mg/kg 농도, 30일째는 0.25mg/kg 이상의 농도에서 유의한 감소를 나타냈다 HCB의 경구투여에 의한 혈청 total protein 농도는 30일째 0.50mg/kg 농도에서, PCBs의 경구투여에 의해서는 20일 이후 0.25mgfg 이상의 농도에서 유의하게 감소하였다. HCB 및 PCBs의 경구투여에 의한 glucose 농도는 20일 이후 0.25mg/kg 이상의 농도에서 유의한 증가를 나타냈다. HCB 및 PCBs의 경구 투여에 의한 GOT와 GPT 활성은 20일 이후의 0.50mg/kg에서 유의한 증가를 나타냈다. 결론적으로 HCB 및 PCBs의 경구투여에 의한 틸라피아의 혈액화학적 변동은 0.25 mg/kg 농도 이상에서 적어도 20일 후부터 영향을 받을 것으로 생각된다. The study was carried out to investigate the changes of haematological constituents induced by dietary exposure of Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in nile tilapia, Oreochhromis niloticus. The nile tilapia were fed pellet with 0.05, 0.25 and 0.50 mg/kg body weight/day of HCB and PCBs for 30 days, respectively. HCB (<TEX>$\ge$</TEX> 0.25 mg/kg) induced a significantly decreased the red blood cell count at 30 days, and the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value were significantly decreased after 20 days to 0.50 mg/kg. The diminution of red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and hamatocrit value by PCBs was found after 20 days at <TEX>$\ge$</TEX>0.25 mg/kg. The concentrations of calcium decreased significantly at 30 days at <TEX>$\ge$</TEX>0,25 mg/kg of PCBs-diet. However, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus did not show any noticeable changes in the range of 0.05<TEX>$\~$</TEX>o.50 mg/kg of HCB and PCBs compared to control group during the experimental period, The low concentration of total protein was observed at the last day of experiment to 0.50 mg/kg of HCB-diet, while total protein initiated to increase from 20 days at the 0.25 mg/kg of PCBs-diet. The glucose was significantly increased after 20 days at <TEX>$\ge$</TEX>0,25 mg/kg of HCB and PCBs, A significant increment GOT and GPT activities was noticed after 20 days at 0.50 mg/kg of HCB and PCBs, These results indicate that hematological and serum biochemical changes in the nile tilapia by dietary exposure to HCB and PCBs are affected at more than 0,25 mg/kg after 20 days.

Effect of vitamin C and E administration on haemoglobin and packed cell volume in chicken

There is an increasing interest on the effect of antioxidant in the treatment of certain pathological conditions. A low haemoglobin(Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) level in chicken were induced, by feeding them Hypericumperforatum (Aran) at a dose of (2.5) gm/kg orally in gelatin capsules and exposing them to direct sunlight at noon for (20) minutes. Experimental animals were divided into seven groups; each group consists of six animals, Vitamins C or E was administered either before Aran administration orafter cessation of Aran administration. Aran toxicity associated with several clinical signs including photosensitivity, itching, redness of skin, hyperkeratosis of comb and shaking of head and keratoconjunctivitis. In addition a significant lowering of Hb and PCV level. Vitamin C and E significantly effective in elevating the reduced Hb and PCV level when these vitamins were administered one hour before the administration of Aran or after cessation the administration of Aran, besides all the clinical signs were abolished except the persistence of mild keratinization of comb and redness of cornea, when these animals were examined in the last day of experiment. This study suggests the use of either vitamin C or E either as prophylactic against toxicity with this plant, or as medication in case of toxicity.

In vitro maturation of ovine fetal adrenal cells adenylate cyclase: Corticotropin-dependent and independent development of the response to corticotropin

The present study investigated the corticotropin (ACTH 1–24) stimulation of cAMP production by fetal and newborn ovine adrenal cells maintained in culture for 6 days in absence or presence of ACTH 1–24. When fetal cells were exposed to ACTH 1–24 for 2 hours per day from day 1 the cAMP response to ACTH 1–24 increased during the course of the experiment to become on day 6, 40 fold higher than that observed on day 1. However, when ACTH 1–24 was continuously present in the culture medium the increase of the acute response to the hormone was weaker from day 4 onwards than in the case of cells exposed to ACTH 1–24 only for 2 hours per day. Moreover, the ACTH 1–24 stimulated cAMP production on day 6 of fetal cells cultured in ACTH-free medium for 5 days was 25 fold higher than the response obtained on day 1. When newborn adrenal cells were treated with ACTH 1–24 for 2 hours per day no significant change on ACTH 1–24 induced cAMP production during the first 4 days was observed, while continuous ACTH 1–24 treatment induced some decrease. Thereafter the hormonal responsiveness increased in both cases, but was lower in the case of continuous ACTH 1–24 treatment. Moreover, on the last day of experiment, the response of cells cultured without ACTH was 3 to 5 fold higher than that of cells treated with ACTH 1–24. These data and those reported previously (J. Steroid Biochem., 1981, 15 , 445–448 and Endocrinology, 1981, 109 , 2117–2123), suggest that during fetal life, maturation of ovine adrenal adenylate cyclase is inhibited by some factor(s). ACTH can overcome this inhibition and accelerate the spontaneous maturation of adenylate cyclase. They also suggest that the action of ACTH on both mature and fetal adrenal cells is a dichotomic process including both sensitization and desensitization, the latter being less marked in immature cells.