Levels Of Marker Enzymes Research Articles

A biochemical approach to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic potential of beta-carotene as a protective agent against bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity in female Wistar albino rats.

Bromobenzene is a compound which has contributed much in understanding the mechanisms involved in xenobiotic hepatotoxicity induced by drugs and environment pollutants. In the present study, the protective and ameliorative effect of beta-carotene was investigated against bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity and compared with silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective reference drug. Beta-carotene (10 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) was administered to the rats for 9 days before intragastric intubation of bromobenzene (10 mmol/kg b.w.). Liver marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase), total protein content, bilirubin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, antioxidant status (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase) were assessed along with histopathological analysis. ELISA was performed for analysing the levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum and in the liver. Caspase-3, COX-2 and NF-κB were evaluated by Western blotting. Administration of bromobenzene resulted in elevated levels of liver marker enzymes, bilirubin, lipid peroxidation and cytokines but deterioration in total protein content, antioxidant levels and histopathological conditions. Pre-treatment with beta-carotene not only significantly decreased the levels of liver markers, lipid peroxidation and cytokines but also improved histo-architecture and increased antioxidant levels minimising oxidative stress, and reduced factors contributing to apoptosis. This significant reversal of the biochemical changes on pre-treatment with beta-carotene in comparison with rats administered with bromobenzene clearly demonstrates that beta-carotene possesses promising hepatoprotective effect through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activity and hence is suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for protection from bromobenzene.

Elucidation of malachite green induced behavioural, biochemical, and histo-architectural defects in Cyprinus carpio, as piscine model

Colours are an indispensable portion of human survival. Malachite green (MG) is a dye with a bright hue of green, used in textile, paint, and confectionery industry. For the present study, healthy fingerlings of Cyprinus carpio were exposed to sub-lethal concentration (0.087 ​mg/L) of malachite green for 15, 30, and 60 days. Assessment of chronic toxicity was made through varied organs (cornea, erythrocytes, and liver) and analytical methods, comprising behavioural, histopathological, ultra-structural (transmission electron microscopy), biochemical (antioxidant and marker enzymes) and bioaccumulation studies. Behavioural aspects, comprised of opercular and fin (dorsal and caudal) movements, presented an inverse relation with MG treatment, and displayed escaping behaviour from the experimental tank. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of MG exposed fish peripheral erythrocytes demonstrated morphological anomalies in form of clubbing, budding, and appearance of the varied shaped cells as stomatocytes, acanthocytes, dacrocytes and fusiform cells in the exposure dependent manner, instead of regular elliptical erythrocytes in control. Corneal epithelium study conducted through SEM in MG treated fish reported damaged pavements cells, microridges, and microplicae, and increased intra-microplicae distance compared to control fish. Elevated levels of serum marker enzymes and disturbed levels of antioxidant enzymes were also evident; accompanied by abundance of MDA-TBARs level suggestive of oxidative stress in MG treated fish. Bioaccumulation studies conducted revealed up to 3.06 fold dye deposition, conferring the enhanced and prolonged toxicity of the dye in the fish. Consequently, MG can be inferred as a strong cellular toxicant even at sub-lethal concentration.

Toxicity Assessment, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity on Cordia obliqua Fruit Extracts

Background: Cordia obliqua Willd plant is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is also known as clammy cherry. Very little research was carried out for identification of its medicinal importance when compared to other Cordia species Objective: To determine the safe dose and to explore the in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Cordia obliqua fruits Methods: As per our previous study the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were rich in phytoconstituents and exhibited good in vitro antioxidant effect. So the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were used for evaluation of activity. Acute toxicity study (LD50) was conducted according to OECD guidelines. For hepatoprotective activity paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity was studied using standard drug like Silymarin. The antioxidant potential] of the plant extracts were tested using three tests viz, Reduced GSH, Catalase and SOD activity Results: Acute toxicity studies showed the non-toxic nature of Cordia obliqua fruit extract upto dose of 3000mg/kg body weight. Administration of Paracetamol to rats increased the levels of marker enzymes like ALT, AST and ALP. Increase in the levels of these enzymes in serum indicates damage to the liver cells. Pretreatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cordia obliqua decreased the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and increased levels of total protein, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and comparisons histology of cells of extract which are an indication for the hepatoprotective activity. Conclusion: The fruits of Cordia obliqua are safe and effective in treatment of hepatic disorders and prevent oxidation of cells.

Antioxidant and Cardiac Enzyme Marker Studies of Thevetia peruviana Seed Hydro-Methanol Extract in Wistar Male Albino Rats

Thevetia peruviana seed kernels are used for suicide attempts in many countries centuries back. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of toxicity exposure of seed kernels by acute and subacute studies on male wistar rats taking antioxidant enzyme levels in the vital organs like liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues myocardial marker enzyme levels in serum. Results revealed that antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GPX, GSH) levels was normal in the lower groups (25, 50 mg/kg), but drastic hike was observed in CKMB and LDH cardiac biomarker enzyme levels in 100 mg/ kg groups. In the liver tissues of group IV animals a significant dose dependent increase was observed in the activities of SOD (3.15 ± 0.58), GPx (46.55 ± 4.79) and GSH activity (18.20 ± 0.56). In kidney homogenates SOD and GSH level showed a statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) elevation, but the increase in GPx level shown by group IV animals (41.50 ± 7.04) was significant (p < 0.05) The activities of SOD in brain homogenates were increased significantly in group III (2.17 ± 0.24) and group IV (2.51 ± 0.27) animals. The GPx enzyme level also increased dose dependently (p < 0.01), but the level of GSH was found an insignificant hike. The heart, supposed to be the most adversely affected organ on cardiac glycoside administration, showed undisturbed values of enzyme levels. A noticeable elevation was observed in the serum CKMB and LDH enzyme levels in a dose dependent manner, but the extract did affect only the higher dosed animals (100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05), In contrary to that, tissue homogenates of subacute animals under study showed a markedly significant hike in both CKMB and LDH levels. In conclusion, the level of toxicity and safety margin is very narrow, and the seeds really take lives of organisms, whose intake is accidentally or deliberately.

Pinus thunbergii PARL leaf protects against alcohol-induced liver disease by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism in BALB/c mice

Abstract Pinus thunbergii is a black pine that has been widely used in health-promoting foods. This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the alcohol-aqueous extract of Pinus thunbergii PARL leaves (PTE) in ethanol-induced liver-damaged mice. PTE increased the weight and survival rate of mice while reducing the levels of serum hepatic marker enzymes. PTE also restored the levels of antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues while drastically increasing lipid peroxidation concentrations. Histopathological examination of PTE-treated mice presented relatively less lipid droplets and hepatic tissue damage compared to ethanol-treated mice. Finally, to identify PTE components, Natural Products Application Solution with UNIFI along with an in-house library was processed and results revealed 35 compounds in the extract. These compounds were reported to exhibit significant antioxidant and/or hepatoprotective properties. Our results suggest that PTE improves liver function and can be developed as a food product with hepatoprotective effects.

Zingerone ameliorates tellurium induced nephrotoxicity by abating elevated serum markers in the rats

The present study was designed to investigate the nephrotoxicity of tellurium (Sodium tellurite) in rats through evaluating the level of kidney functional marker enzymes and its treatment with Zingerone. Rats were divided into four groups, Group-A (control group), Group-B (tellurium treated group), Group-C (tellurium + Zingerone treatment group), and Group-D (Zingerone treatment alone) and each group have six animals. Tellurium was given in Group-B and Group-C at the dose of 8.3mg/kg bodyweight daily orally for 15 days, while Zingerone of 100mg/kg body weight was given in Group-C as pre- and post-treatment orally for 15days. Group-D was given alone Zingerone of 100mg/kg bodyweight; orally for 15 days. Results revealed that tellurium administration significantly (P<0.001) increased the serum markers (ALP, BUN, Uric Acid and Creatinine) in Group-B as a compared to Group-A while the treatment with Zingerone significantly (P<0.001) decreased these elevated serum markers in Group-C as comparison to Group-B. There were no changes observed in the positive control (Zingerone administered Group-D). Thus, the present finding confirmed that the Zingerone plays a potential role in reducing nephrotoxicity against tellurium by abating elevated serum markers in rats.

Postnatal distribution of ZnO nanoparticles to the breast milk through oral route and their risk assessment for breastfed rat offsprings.

Various studies in rodents have shown that nanoparticles are transferred to the breast milk. Under the present study, lactating Wistar rats were repetitively gavaged 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bw of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and 50 mg kg-1 bw of bulk zinc oxide (bZnO) for 19 days after parturition. The results showed that ZnO-NPs were absorbed in the small intestine of dams and distributed to the liver. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs were distributed to the intestine and liver of rat pups through dam's milk. No significant change in body weight was observed in the dams treated with ZnO-NPs or bZnO and their offsprings as compared to the control group. The spleen weight significantly increased in the rat dams treated with 50 mg kg-1 of ZnO-NPs. ZnO-NPs were mostly excreted through feces. The levels of liver cytochrome P450 reductase and serum total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased in the rat dams treated with ZnO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) and their offsprings. The levels of serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and liver injury marker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) significantly increased in the rat dams treated with ZnO-NPs (25 and 50 mg kg-1) and their offsprings. The level of immunoglobulin A secretion in the intestinal fluid of rat dams and their offsprings is significantly increased by increasing the dose of ZnO-NPs. Histopathology of intestine and liver of offsprings whose rat dams were treated with ZnO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) showed gross pathological changes. These results provide information for the safety evaluation of ZnO-NPs use during lactation. In conclusion, a dose-dependent postnatal transfer of ZnO-NPs is hazardous to the breastfed offsprings.

Cardioprotective effect of isorhamnetin against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat heart through attenuation of apoptosis.

In this study, we investigated the effects of isorhamnetin on myocardial ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts. Isorhamnetin treatment (5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) significantly alleviated cardiac morphological injury, reduced myocardial infarct size, decreased the levels of marker enzymes (LDH and CK) and improved the haemodynamic parameters, reflected by the elevated levels of the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), coronary flow (CF) and the maximum up/down velocity of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax). Moreover, isorhamnetin reperfusion inhibited apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in the rats subjected to cardiac I/R in a dose‐dependent manner concomitant with decreased protein expression of Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3, as well as increased protein expression of Bcl‐2. In addition, I/R‐induced oxidative stress was manifestly mitigated by isorhamnetin treatment, as showed by the decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px). These results indicated that isorhamnetin exerts a protective effect against I/R‐induced myocardial injury through the attenuation of apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Citral inhibits N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of antioxidants and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the sixth position among various cancers worldwide. Recent research shows that natural and dietary compounds possess many therapeutic effects. Citral is a monoterpene aldehyde that contains geranial and neral. The present study was considered to study the role of citral against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced HCC via modulation of antioxidants and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in vivo. NDEA-alone-administered group II animals profoundly showed increased tumor incidence, reactive oxygen species, liver marker enzyme levels, serum bilirubin levels, tumor markers of carcinoembryonic antigen, α-fetoprotein, proliferative markers of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions, phase I xenobiotic-metabolic enzymes and simultaneously decreased antioxidants, and phase II enzymes levels. Citral (100 mg/kg b.w.) treatment significantly reverted the levels in group III cancer-bearing animals when compared to group II cancer-bearing animals. In group IV animals, citral-alone administration did not produce any adverse effect during the experimental condition. Based on the results, citral significantly inhibits the hepatocellular carcinogenesis through restoring the antioxidants and phase II xenobiotic-enzyme levels; thereby, it strongly proves as an antiproliferative agent against rat HCC.

Cymbopogon citratus essential oil has hepato/renal protection and anti-genotoxicity against carbon tetrachloride

Nowadays, there is an increasing trend to use aromatherapy for treatment of various diseases. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) is one of many plants which have been reported to employ successfully in aromatherapy. Herein we decided to explore the protective role of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CCEO) against hepato/renal damage and genotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the relation of this bioactivity with its chemical constituents. Six main groups of mice (five/each) were examined: I- represents negative control group, II and III- mice received oral treatment with CCl4 (1mL/kg, positive control) and CCEO (0.3 mL/kg, control plant) respectively for five consecutive days and IV-VI- represent groups of mice treated with CCEO at the three concentrations 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mL/kg plus CCl4 (five consecutive days treatment). Remarkable adverse effects of CCl4 in all the tested parameters were recorded. These effects were distinguished as an increment in the level of all liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT), blood urea, and creatinine. Also the oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione-transferase GST were affected after CCl4 treatment. Regarding to the genotoxic effect of CCl4, the percentage of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and spermatocyte cells was elevated (p< 0.05) compared with the negative control. Notable antioxidant, hepato/renal protection and anti-mutagenic potency of CCEO against CCl4 were demonstrated with a dose-related relationship. GC/MS analysis demonstrated the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents which in combination play a critical role in its antioxidant/antigenotoxic efficacy. The major components exist were E. Citral (35.13%) and Geraniol (32.83%).

Cardioprotective Effect of Ethanolic Flower Extract of ClitoriaTernatea on Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

There was a significant evidence that there are several of the medicinal plants encompass the prospective to treat cardiovascular disease. In this study, Doxorubicin is used as an effectual induction of cardiotoxicity and heart malfunction in the taken experimental rats which is an anthracycline chemotherapeutic mediator used to the treat of a wide variety of malignancies. To examine the shielding property of ethanolic flower extract of clitoraternatea (EECT) scheduled doxorubicin(DOX) persuaded cardiotoxicity via albino wistar rats,through inspect the enzymatic,non-enzymatic antioxidant position,serum enzyme and Histopathology tissue.Experimental rats been provoked cardiotoxicity by means of a generous single dose of doxorubicin (15mg /body weight ) and treated orally through an ethanolic extract of clitoraternatea (EECT) for 14 days (100 mg/kg bw, 200 mg/kg bw and 300mg/kg bw,n=5).On15 days, the rats are sacrificed by treated through Ketamine –Xylazine,Biochemical as well as histological remarks of the heart tissues had carry out. Cardiotoxicity had been calculated throughout to establish the cardio marker enzyme levels such as (LDH) Lactic acid dehydrogenase,(CK-MB) Creatinin kinase and (AST) Aspartate transaminase at the finish of the study. Managementthrough EECT of 200mg/kg and 300mg/kgconsiderablyreduced the levels of cardiac marker enzymes(p<0.05), and as wellminimize the decrease of weight of the heart of DOX treated group. In heart tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase heightsbe significantly greater than before and lipid oxide peroxide (LPO) significantly decreased in the extract (200 &300 mg /kg bw) treated rats when compared to DOX treated with the significance of P< 0.05. There was no significant recovery of the 100 mg/kg of EECT. These results will suggested that EECT having potential anti-cardiotoxic effects induced by Doxorubicin by preventing oxidative injure provoke by DOX in heart of taken experimental animals.

Ameliorative effect of Aloe gel against L-T4-induced hyperthyroidism via suppression of thyrotropin receptors, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Untreated hyperthyroidism may develop serious complications. This attempt was made to investigate the potential of Aloe vera gel in regulating experimentally induced hyperthyroidism in rats. Female Wistar rats were made hyperthyroid with L-thyroxine (L-T4) at 0.5mg/kg/day, i.p. for 14days and the effects of Aloe vera methanolic fraction (AVMF) (50 or 500mg/kg/day, p.o.,) and a conventional antithyroid drug propylthiouracil (PTU) (10mg/kg, i.p.) for 30days were studied in those hyperthyroid rats. At the end, alterations in serum thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); hepatic 5'mono-deiodinase-1(5'D1) activity, oxidative stress markers and antioxidants; serum inflammatory cytokines and the expression of thyrotropin receptor in thyroid gland were evaluated in all experimental animals. Hyperthyroid condition was confirmed by an increase in thyroid hormone levels and hepatic 5'D-1 activity with a decrease in TSH. However, either AVMF or PTU treatment in hyperthyroid rats decreased the levels of thyroid hormones and 5'D1 activity. AVMF administration in T4-induced rats also decreased the oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides and increased the antioxidant levels in liver tissues. Levels of liver marker enzymes, cytokines and different lipids were decreased in T4-induced AVMF treated rats. Further, a down regulation in the TSHR expression in thyroid was observed in AVMF or PTU treated groups. All these thyroid inhibiting effects were supported by an improvement in thyroid histology in hyperthyroid rats. It appears, about 15 compounds, as evidenced byLC-MS/MS study, mostly phenolics are involved in this anti-thyroid effects of the test compound.

Molecular mechanisms underlying gallic acid effects against cardiovascular diseases: An update review.

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is growing. CVDs are the major cause of mortality and have become one of the most important health challenges in developing countries. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural phytochemical which has been widely used against multiple conditions. The present review was designed to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this agent against CVDs. Data discussed in this review were collected from the articles published in databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Scientific Information Database between 1993 and 2018. According to the experimental studies, GA has protective actions against CVDs through increasing antioxidant enzymes capacity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and decreasing serum levels of cardiac marker enzymes, modulation of hemodynamic parameters, recovery of electrocardiogram aberrations, and preservation of histopathological changes. GA has potential cardioprotective action. Therefore, it has been suggested that this agent can be administered in underlying of CVDS.

Cardioprotective effect of the polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus on isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia in rats

The polysaccharide (OJP1), extracted from the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The present study was set up to investigate the cardioprotective effect of OJP1 on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemia injury in rats. Results showed that pretreatment with OJP1 (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced ISO-induced ST-segment elevation and the heart index, attenuated the levels of marker enzymes (AST, LDH, CK and CK-MB), along with a significantly enhanced the activities of ATPases. Moreover, pretreatment with OJP1 not only enhanced the activities of SOD, GPx and CAT in serum and myocardium, but also decreased the level of MDA. The biochemical and histopathological analysis also showed that OJP1 can alleviate the myocardial injury induced by ISO. Taken together, our results indicated that oral administration of OJP1 offered significant cardioprotective effect against the damage induced by ISO through enhancement of endogenous antioxidants.

Suppository Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Moringa oleifera on Alcohol Induce Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera root is the most underutilized part of the plant and it is rich in many phytochemicals.
 Aim of the Study: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Standardized and characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera following the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in albino wistar rats.
 Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) experimental rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, the normal control group was given just rat feed and water, group 2, negative control was administered alcohol only (1.5 ml/kg body weight), rats in group 3, 4 and 5 received combined administration of alcohol 1.5 ml/kg body weight and 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera respectively, group 6 rats were administered 250mg/body weight of extract only. At the end of fourteen days (14) the experimental rats were then sacrificed and the serum liver enzymes were then assayed.
 Results: The results obtained from the laboratory was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test was done afterwards. Rats fed alcohol only produced significant increase in the levels of enzyme markers of tissue damage (AST, ALT and ALP) compared to normal control rats. Rats in group 3, 4 and 5 that were post treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract and they had significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of these enzyme markers in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control. The extract control group had no significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of the enzyme markers when compared to the normal control; however, there was a significant increase in the serum activity of ALP of the extract control group when compared with the normal control.
 Conclusion: The present study exhibited a potent hepatoprotective effect against liver injury caused by alcohol administration. This suppository effect could be related to the antioxidant’s properties of Moringa oleifera that is rich in flavonoids and phenolic constituents of the extracts may contribute to their enzyme action.

Pomegranate Juice Diminishes The Mitochondria-Dependent Cell Death And NF-kB Signaling Pathway Induced By Copper Oxide Nanoparticles On Liver And Kidneys Of Rats.

BackgroundPomegranate (Punica granatum L) has been used since ancient times in the traditional medicine of several cultures, particularly in the Middle East. It is an essential commercial crop full of bioactive compounds with several medical applications. Pomegranate is very popular for its biological effects exerted by phenolic compounds via free radical scavenging abilities. It has revealed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is beneficial for the amelioration of liver and kidney diseases.PurposeTo elucidate the potential efficacy of pomegranate juice (PJ) against copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage.Study design37 nm sized CuO-NPs were prepared by precipitation method and characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Zetasizer nano-and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). 30 Wistar rats were partitioned into 6 equal groups as follows: Group 1 (negative control), groups 2 & 3 (PJ control groups), group 4 (CuO-NPs group), groups 5 & 6 (CuO-NPs + PJ groups). Methods: Hepato-renal protective effect of PJ was evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST,blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Cu NPs bioaccumulation in liver and kidneys was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The oxidative stress markers, Rt-PCR analysis, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out in the liver and kidneys to support the above parameters.ResultsRats injected with CuO-NPs showed higher levels of the above serum marker enzymes, alteration of oxidant–antioxidant balance together with severe pathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues and overexpression of both caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B protein (NF-ĸB) associated with upregulation of Bax gene and downregulation of Bcl2 gene in these organs. PJ ameliorated all of the above toxicological parameters.ConclusionPJ was proved to be a potential hepato-renal protective agent against liver and kidney damage induced by CuO-NPs via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Cardioprotective potential of Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Context Spinacia oleracea is rich in antioxidant phyto-constituents, termed as the natural antioxidant mixture (NAO). Objective This study investigates the cardioprotective effect of an antioxidant-rich extract of Spinacia oleracea (NAOE) and its phytoconstituent rutin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Methods Rats were treated with NAOE (400 and 800 mg/kg), rutin (50 mg/kg) and the reference drug gemfibrozil (50 mg/kg) daily for 30 days and were administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the last 2 days. Results NAOE treatment attenuated the ISO-elevated levels of serum marker enzymes (AST, LDH and CPK), troponin I, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and malondialdehyde. It also restored the ISO-skewed ECG and systolic blood pressure, and the ISO-depleted marker enzymes and endogenous antioxidants in all treated rats. Conclusion It may be concluded that NAOE treatment to ISO-challenged rats exhibited significant cardioprotective effect probably due to the potent antioxidant activity of its NAO.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Potential of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Stem Bark as Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya (Substitute) of Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Rats

Background: Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) has been considered as threatened and listed as rare at international level (IUCN, 2000). In Ayurveda classics, Rohitaka is described as Yakritpleehgulmodarhara (useful in liver and spleenic disorders). Rhododendron arboreum Sm. is used by folklore practitioners for treatment of Jaundice and marketed as Rohitaka in Nepal. Aim: To evaluate Rhododendron arboreum Sm. as an effective pratinidhi dravya (substitute) in abhava (absence) of Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) with special reference to hepatoprotective activity in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of Choorna (powder) and Kwatha (decoction) of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. (Choorna-0.54 g/kg body wt. and Kwatha- 4.32 ml/kg body wt. p. o. for 10 days along with paracetamol toxicant 3 g/kg body wt. p. o. on 6th and 8th day) were investigated against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body wt.) was used as standard hepatoprotective reference drug. Statistical Analysis Used: The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA with Dunnet's multiple ‘t’ test and level of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Paracetamol treatment led to elevated levels of liver marker enzymes and disorientation in histological observations which were significantly reversed by treatment with Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. dependent on dosage forms. Conclusion: The study revealed that both the drugs have similar hepatoprotective effect and thus Rhododendron arboreum Sm. as “Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya” for Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. with special reference to hepatoprotective activity is justified.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF ULVA LACTUCA POLYPHENOLS FRACTION: CARDIOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AGAINST ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN RATS

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the activity of Ulva lactuca polyphenols fraction in protecting the myocardial infarction induced by a high dose of isoproterenol.&#x0D; Methods: This study was carried out using Wistar albino rats divided into six groups. Group 1 was the normal group. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 received isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) i.p. twice at an interval of 24 h on the 14th and 15th day. In addition to isoproterenol, Group 3 received verapamil (5 μmol/kg) as a single dose intravenously on the 14th day 10 min before isoproterenol and Groups 4, 5, and 6 received U. lactuca polyphenols fraction at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 14 days. On the 16th day, serum and heart samples were harvested from the animals and the cardioprotective and antioxidant activities were assessed by studying the levels of cardiac functional heart marker enzymes, lipid profile, reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes.&#x0D; Results: U. lactuca polyphenols fraction, at the tested doses, restored the levels of all serum markers and enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, triglycerides, and reduced glutathione) and heart homogenate antioxidant markers (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) significantly, in dose-dependent manner.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study suggests that U. lactuca polyphenols fraction has a cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and possess antioxidant activities.

Cardioprotective effects induced by hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Alpinia zerumbet on myocardial infarction in rats

Ethnopharmacology relevanceThe leaves of Alpinia zerumbet is used in folk medicine in Brazil to treat hypertension. However, the cardioprotective effect of this plant has not been studied yet. Aim of this studyTo evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (AZE) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Material and methodsRats were pretreated orally with AZE (300 mg/kg) for 30 days prior to ISO-induced myocardial infarction. The rats were sacrificed and hearts were collected and homogenized for biochemical analysis. At the end of the experiment, cardiac marker enzyme levels, histological and morphometric parameters, and hemodynamic measurements were assessed. Phytochemical compounds were verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsRats administered with ISO showed a significant increase in cardiac marker enzymes, i.e., in creatine kinase-NAC (CK-NAC) and CK-MB. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining exhibited an increase in infarct areas. In the animals treated with ISO induced a significant increase in heart rate. Pretreatment with AZE significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. Moreover, biochemical findings were supported by histopathological observations. The GC-MS analyses of AZE identified volatile oils, kavalactones, and phytosterols. ConclusionsHaemodynamic, biochemical alteration and histopathological results suggest a cardioprotective protective effect of oral administration of AZE in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity.