Male Albino Rats Research Articles

Cicer arietinum phytosome ameliorates hepatosteatosis via downregulation of fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in rats

Abstract Background Hepatosteatosis is considered a universal problematic health due to bad lifestyle. Thereby, the current study evaluates the influence of the Cicer arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids (CAP) and newly synthesized C. arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids phytosome (CAPP) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) persuaded through a high-fat diet (HFD) in addition to tamoxifen (TAM) in male albino rats. Forty-eight rats were separated into eight groups (6 rats/group). Rats of the control group were administered distilled water for 45 consecutive days, while phosphatidyl choline (PC), CAP, and CAPP groups administered distilled water (15 days), afterward administered PC, CAP, and CAPP, respectively (500 mg/kg b.wt), orally for 30 days. All the previous groups fed normal diet for the 45 days, while NAFLD rats feed HFD for 45 days and receive TAM (200 mg/kg b.wt, i.p) daily for 15 days, followed by administration of vehicle, PC, CAP, and CAPP orally for another 30 days. Results Hepatosteatosis was appraised biochemically by significant increase in the concentrations of serum AST, ALT, γGT, LDH, ALP, total bilirubin, total lipid, triglycerides, fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), and LDL-cholesterol, as well as hepatic total lipids and triglycerides. In addition, a significant decline in serum total protein, albumin, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed in comparison with the control group. NAFLD induces oxidative stress by noteworthy increase in hepatic MDA, H2O2, and meaningful reduction in hepatic GSH, SOD, GST, GRD, and CAT levels as compared with the corresponding control group. Liver histological changes were noted in the NAFLD group as compared to the control. Interestingly, CAP and CAPP treatments modulate the abnormal effects of NAFLD in all the previous parameters. For the histological changes caused by NAFLD, the liver tissue appeared nearly normal after the treatment with CAP and CAPP. Conclusion CAP and CAPP administration may have a potential role in alleviating hepatosteatosis. This may relate to its downregulation against FAS, SCD-1, and oxidative stress.

Darbepoetin alpha has an anxiolytic and anti-neuroinflammatory effect in male rats

AimsWe aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effect of darbepoetin alpha (DEPO), an erythropoietin derivative, in a neuroinflammation model regarding different behaviors and biological pathways.MethodsForty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (control, LPS, DEPO, and DEPO + LPS). The rats were treated with 5 µg /kg DEPO once a week for four weeks, after which neuroinflammation was induced with 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The elevated plus maze, open-field, and light‒dark box tests were conducted to assess anxiety levels. Harderian gland secretions were scored via observation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), serotonin, cortisol, total antioxidant/oxidant (TAS/TOS), and total/free thiol levels were measured in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and serum.ResultsDEPO had a potent anxiolytic effect on both DEPO and DEPO + LPS groups. Compared to the control group, DEPO administration caused an increase in serotonin and BDNF levels and decreased basal cortisol and TNF-α levels in naive rats. IL-1β did not alter after DEPO administration in naive rats. Prophylactic DEPO treatment remarkably downregulated cortisol, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the DEPO + LPS group. In addition, prophylactic DEPO administration significantly attenuated the decrease in serotonin and BDNF levels in the DEPO + LPS group. Furthermore, DEPO ameliorated excessive harderian gland secretion in the DEPO + LPS group. Compared with those in the control group, the free thiol content in the serum increased after DEPO administration. No similar effect was seen in the DEPO + LPS group receiving prophylactic DEPO. TAS showed no difference among all experimental groups. DEPO administration increased TOS and OSI in the serum and prefrontal cortex but not in the striatum. This effect was not seen in the DEPO + LPS group.ConclusionDarbepoetin alpha had an anxiolytic effect on many physiological mechanisms in a neuroinflammation model and naive rats.

Exploring Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Minoxidil for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment: A detailed Animal-Based Histological and Morphometric Study.

Introduction: Androgenic alopecia (AGA), a hair loss condition caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to hair follicle receptors, negatively impacts quality of life for both men and women. Current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have limitations, highlighting the need for alternative therapies, such as human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs). Methods: In this study, forty-eight adult male Wistar albino rats (3 months old) were used. The control group (Group I) received no treatment, while the other rats underwent AGA induction via daily subcutaneous testosterone injections (100 mg/kg). These rats developed alopecia and were divided into three groups: AGA (Group II), AGA plus daily minoxidil spray (Group III), and AGA plus a single intradermal injection of HUCB-MSCs (1 ml containing 1x10^5 cells, Group IV). After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and skin specimens were prepared for histological analysis using H&E, Masson’s Trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining for CK 19, VEGF, and TUNEL antibodies. Results: It was shown that HUCB-MSCs treatment reversed structural damage to hair and follicles, normalizing conditions within one week post-injection. The treatment enhanced the anagen phase, suppressed telogen and catagen phases, reduced apoptosis, and increased VEGF and CK 19 immune reactions. Observational follow-up for Groups III and IV revealed that while the minoxidil group experienced significant hair loss after 37 days, the stem cell group exhibited dense and long hair covering the treated area. Conclusion: HUCB-MSC therapy demonstrated superior efficacy over minoxidil with no observed side effects, indicating its potential as a promising alternative for AGA treatment.

Therapeutic effects of pentoxifylline in propionic acid‐induced autism symptoms in rat models: A behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological study

AbstractObjectiveThe role of propionic acid (PPA) in eliciting behaviors analogous to autism in rat models is a documented phenomenon. This study examines the therapeutic implications of pentoxifylline—an agent traditionally used for peripheral vascular diseases—on these autism‐like behaviors by modulating brain proteins and reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a rat model.MethodsThis research involved 30 male Wistar albino rats, which were divided into three distinct groups: a baseline control set, a PPA‐treated cluster receiving a 250 mg/kg/day dose of PPA via intraperitoneal injection for a span of five days followed by saline orally, and a PPA group administered an oral dose of pentoxifylline at 300 mg/kg/day over 15 days. Subsequent to the treatment phase, euthanasia was carried out for the extraction of brain and blood samples, which were then analyzed for histopathological and biochemical markers.ResultsThe pentoxifylline‐treated subjects demonstrated a significant mitigation in the manifestation of autistic‐like behaviors, as assessed through a triad of social interaction tests. A noteworthy decline in TNF‐α levels was observed, alongside a significant rise in the concentration of adenosine triphosphate and nerve growth factor in brain tissue (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis underscored a reduction in oxidative stress and a significant preservation of neuronal cell types, specifically pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum (p < 0.001).ConclusionPentoxifylline treatment has been found to effectively reduce the behavioral symptoms associated with autism, as well as biochemical and histopathological disruptions induced by PPA in rat models, highlighting its potential as a neurotherapeutic agent.

Effect of nano-extract of Nigella sativa seeds on the histological structure of the kidneys in male albino rats treated with Tartrazine

Effect of nano-extract of Nigella sativa seeds on the histological structure of the kidneys in male albino rats treated with Tartrazine

A comparative neuro-study of solo or accompanied low and high boric acid doses with date molasses in adult male albino rats

Boric acid (BA) is a weak acid and the simplest compound resulting from the dissolution of boron in water. There is great competition to determine whether boron is an essential or nonessential nutrient. Date molasses is a potent type of sweetener with valuable components, such as flavonoids and phenolics, and has significant health benefits. This study investigated the neuro-essentiality and neurotoxicity of boric acid boron in adult male albino rat cortex and cerebellum brain areas and the impact of date molasses treatment. Animals were grouped into the following groups: control, low and high boric acid doses, 10 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, with or without 250 mg/kg date molasses. The results revealed the ability of BAs to cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in the cerebellum and cortex, revealing the ability of date molasses to decrease BA accumulation at different time intervals. Additionally, the results varied between a nonsignificant increase or decrease in calcium ion content, monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin), glucose, adenosine triphosphate, malondialdehyde and glutathione, depending on the BA dose. Moreover, date molasses mitigated any unwanted BA results. In conclusion, boric acid, which is within a permissible limit, could be essential and have a neuroprotective effect, whereas at a sublethal level, it could have a neurotoxic effect. Additionally, Date molasses can have neuroprotective effects and antagonize the neurotoxic effects of boric acid through its antioxidant and scavenging effects.

Mitochondrial respiratory pathways in immature rat heart tissue using different cardioplegic solutions.

Minor defects in the mitochondrial ATP-generating system and post-cardioplegia oxidative phosphorylation can negatively impact cardiac function in immature hearts. This study aimed to examine the mitochondrial respiratory pathway using three different cardioplegic solutions (Custodiol HTK, St. Thomas, and Del Nido) during moderate (1h) and long (3h) ischemic periods. A total of 41 male Wistar albino rats were utilized in this study. Five experiments were conducted without the use of any cardioplegic solution (CP0 group). To assess both moderate and prolonged ischemic periods, six experiments were carried out in each of the following groups: CP1 group (St. Thomas solution), CP2 group (Custodiol HTK solution), and CP3 group (Del Nido solution). After 1h, the highest mitochondrial respiration rate was observed in the CP3 group and the lowest in the CP1 group (p = 0.006). After adding ADP substrate, the highest mitochondrial ATP-production-coupled respiration was recorded in the CP3 group, which was similar to the control group CP0. After 3h, while evaluating the ratio between mitochondrial respiration ATP-production coupled and basal respiration, significant differences were found between CP1 group and CP3 group (p = 0.035), as well as between the CP1 and CP0 groups (p = 0.045). Additionally, by assessing the condition of the outer mitochondrial membrane using the Cyt C effect (Cyt/Phos [ADP]), significant differences were observed between the CP1 and CP3 group (p = 0.004), as well as between CP1 and CP0 groups (p = 0.003). Del Nido cardioplegic solution provided optimal mitochondrial protection under moderate and long myocardial ischemia conditions.

Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Cilnidpine Via Ultradeformable Vesicle Loaded Patch: Statistical Optimization, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Assessment.

The study aimed to address the limitations of oral delivery and enhance the bioavailability of Cilnidipine (often prescribed as antihypertensive drug) (CND) through the development of transdermal patches containing ultra-deformable transferosomes. CND, known for its low oral bioavailability and adverse effects, was encapsulated in transferosomes using a thin film hydration method. Seventeen formulations were made (using Box Behnken Design), varying Soya lecithin, Tween-80, and rotary evaporator's speed, and evaluated for vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency (EE %). The better formulation was selected based on these parameters and incorporated into transdermal patches. Physicochemical properties, in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation, and skin irritancy studies were conducted on the patches. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted using male Wistar albino rats. The study found that the developed transferosomal formulations had vesicle sizes between 185 nm and 401 nm, entrapment efficiency (EE%) between 63% and 92%, and zeta potential ranging from -52 mV to -20 mV. Both in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation studies showed that transferosomal formulations provided significantly better drug permeation than plain Cilnidipine patches, with increased permeation linked to higher PEG-400 concentrations. The transferosomal patches did not cause skin irritation. The optimized formulation exhibited a higher % drug release (85.7±1.5%). In pharmacokinetic studies using male Wistar albino rats, the transferosomal patch CTP-17 demonstrated a higher maximum concentration (Cmax) of 1565.068 mcg/ml and a greater area under the curve (AUC) of 13225.352 μg h/ml compared to oral administration. The study concludes that the transferosomal patches of CND offer a promising approach for effective transdermal delivery, potentially improving hypertension management for prolonged periods in a controlled manner.

A new bithiophene inhibited amyloid-β accumulation and enhanced cognitive function in the hippocampus of aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease in adult rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that gradually deteriorates an individual's ability to carry out even the simplest tasks. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of a novel bithiophene in a rat model of aluminum-induced AD pathology. A total of 108 adult male albino rats weighing 160 ± 20 g, were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) a control group administered DMSO, (2) group receiving a high dose of bithiophene (1 mg/kg), (3) a model group received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), those rats were then treated by either (4) bithiophene low dose (0.5 mg/kg), (5) high dose (1 mg/kg), or (6) memantine (20 mg/kg). Low dose bithiophene treatment was a promising strategy for mitigating oxidative stress and improving synaptic plasticity. This was demonstrated by reductions in malondialdehyde level, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and elevated glutathione content. Likewise, low dose bithiophene enhanced synaptic plasticity through a reduction in excitatory glutamate and norepinephrine levels, while increasing dopamine. Moreover, bithiophene significantly downregulated the expression of GSAP, GSK3-β, and p53, which are implicated in AD progression. This treatment also decreased caspase 3 and amyloid-β (Aβ1-42) accumulation in the hippocampus. Finally, behavioral assessments revealed that low dose bithiophene significantly enhanced learning abilities, as proved by Morris water maze. Low dose bithiophene mitigated AD through ameliorating oxidative stress, promoting synaptic plasticity, inhibiting the Aβ accumulation, and enhancing the cognitive functions in a rat model.

Spirulina Unleashed: A Pancreatic Symphony to Restore Glycemic Balance and Improve Hyperlipidemia and Antioxidant Properties by Transcriptional Modulation of Genes in a Rat Model

Hyperlipidemia is the root cause of numerous chronic conditions, leading to high mortality rates around the globe. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) microalgae serve as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. The current study examined the nutritional profile of spirulina powder in relation to strict glycemic control, specifically focusing on its potential to lower lipid levels. In an in vivo investigation, normal healthy male Wistar albino rats (n = 60) were divided into two groups: a negative control group (NC) of ten rats and a high-fat diet group (n = 50) that were fed a cholesterol-rich diet until their cholesterol levels reached or exceeded 250 mg/dL. Subsequently, the hypercholesterolemic rats were then randomly allocated to several treatment groups: a positive control (PC); a standard treatment diet (STD) involving fenofibrate at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight; and three experimental groups (T1, T2, and T3) that received spirulina powder supplementation at doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg per kg body weight, respectively, for the period of 12 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, insulin levels, lipid profiles, liver function, and expression of gene levels in the diabetogenic pathway. The study utilized spectrophotometric colorimetric methods to identify oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kit methods to measure lipid profiles and liver enzymes, and the assessment of qPCR for mRNA quantity. According to the research findings, spirulina powder has certain noteworthy features. It had the greatest quantity of chlorogenic acid (4052.90 µg/g) among seven phenolics and two flavonoid compounds obtained by HPLC-UV analysis. Furthermore, the proximate analysis demonstrated that spirulina is high in protein (16.45 ± 0.8%) and has a significant energy yield of 269.51 K-calories per 100 g. A maximal spirulina dose of 900 mg/kg/wt significantly lowered oxidative stress, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and insulin levels (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) compared to all other groups, except the NC group. The study provides remarkable proof about the pharmacological impact of spirulina powders. Significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in liver enzymes {alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)} were observed across all treatment groups, with the exception of the NC, compared to the positive control. The treatment groups had significantly greater gene expression levels of INS-1, PDX-1, IGF-1, and GLUT-2 than the positive control group (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight spirulina’s potential as a long-term regulator of hyperglycemia in rat models with induced hyperlipidemia, owing to its phenolic bioactive components that serve as antioxidants.

Beclin1/LC3II/P62 autophagy pathway activation is involved in the protective action of C-peptide against prostate injury in a rat model of type 1 diabetes

One of the undesirable complications of diabetes is sexual dysfunctions in males which may affect their fertility. This research aims to study the effect of C-peptide administration on the prostate of diabetic rats and focusing on exploring the role of the autophagy pathway in diabetic prostate and whether it is involved in C-peptide action. Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were separated into control group, diabetic group, diabetic + C-peptide and diabetic + C-peptide + 3-Methyladenine (autophagy inhibitor). Serum metabolic parameters and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were measured. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, cell proliferation and cell autophagy were evaluated in prostate tissues using biochemical, western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. C-peptide administration ameliorated the effects of diabetes on the prostate through its hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects which were reversed with autophagy inhibition. Thus, we concluded that C-peptide prevented the effects of diabetes on the prostate through stimulation of the autophagy pathway.

Investigating the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a major global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide and necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments, leading to various complications, including liver damage. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts (WBTP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Propolis samples were collected from the West Black Sea Region of Turkey and prepared as -80 °C (PP-80) and -196 °C (PP-196) water extracts. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + PP-80 (250 mg/kg), diabetic + PP-196 (250 mg/kg), and diabetic + metformin (250 mg/kg). After 35 days of treatment, various parameters were evaluated, including body weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathology of the pancreas.The results showed that WBTP extracts, especially PP-80, significantly improved body weight and reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Analysis of lipid profiles revealed improvements in HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels with WBTP treatment. The antioxidant defense systems were also enhanced in the WBTP-treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed that WBTP extracts mitigated pancreatic tissue damage in the diabetic rats.In conclusion, the WBTP extracts possess hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties, suggesting a promising avenue for further research. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both diabetes and hepatopathologies concurrently and highlights WBTP extracts as natural and potentially safer alternatives to synthetic antidiabetic drugs. Specifically, PP-80 extracts demonstrate robust effects in managing diabetes and associated liver complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, indicating their therapeutic potential.

Assessment of protective effect of Vitamin E supplementation on oxidative damage of diabetic rat spleen induced by Streptozotocin

AimsIncreased oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus may lead to splenic damage, contributing to decreased immunity. This study aims to evaluate the potential of vitamin E supplements as a protective agent against spleen injury by examining physiological, hematological, biochemical, and histological changes in diabetic rat model. MethodsDiabetes was induced in male wistar albino rats through an intraperitoneal injection of 50mg/kg Streptozotocin, and the rats were randomly divided into five groups. The rats were then administered varying doses of vitamin E for 14 consecutive days. Assessments included renal function tests, blood glucose levels, complete blood counts, lipid profiles, tissue oxidative stress and spleen histology. An acute toxicity study was also conducted on normal rats. ResultsVitamin E supplementation did not result in any mortality up to 5000mg/kg body weight. The treated diabetic group showed improved metabolic characteristics, such as normal body weight, food and water intake and a reduced spleen index compared to the untreated diabetic group. Significant improvements were observed in hematological parameters like packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, RBC (red blood cells) and WBC (white blood cells) counts. HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) of these parameters indicated that doses of 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg were most similar to normal condition. Catalase and MDA (Malondialdehyde) assays showed a substantial reduction in oxidative stress in spleen tissue and histopathological examination revealed significant regenerative effects. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that vitamin E supplementation significantly enhanced various metabolic, hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters in the diabetic group compared to those who did not receive the treatment. Among the doses tested, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg body weight were found to yield the most favorable outcomes.

Impact of Opuntia ficus-indica Juice and Empagliflozin on Glycemic Control in Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health concern characterized by high blood glucose levels. This study investigates the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) juice and empagliflozin, both alone and in combination, on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eighty Wistar albino male rats were divided into eight groups, with four groups being diabetic. Treatment options included cactus juice, empagliflozin, or both. HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and 100 days later using ELISA. In diabetic and non-diabetic rats treated with cactus juice or empagliflozin, HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, but diabetic rats had significantly lower HbA1c values than non-diabetic rats. The combined treatment provided no additional benefits over individual therapies. These findings indicate that cactus juice and empagliflozin effectively lower HbA1c levels, making their use a promising complementary approach to diabetes management. However, the combined treatment of Opuntia ficus-indica juice and empagliflozin did not yield additional reductions in HbA1c levels compared to individual treatments, with no significant synergistic effects observed throughout the study period. More research is needed to better understand the clinical applications and mechanisms in humans.

Bupropion Increased More than Five Times the Systemic Exposure to Aripiprazole: An In Vivo Study in Wistar albino Rats

Background/Objectives: In psychiatric disorders, antipsychotics and antidepressant medication are often administered together. Aripiprazole, a third-generation antipsychotic drug, is extensively metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes, while bupropion, used in depressive disorders, is known as a moderate or strong CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitor. This in vivo experiment aimed to assess the presence of a pharmacokinetic drug interaction between aripiprazole and bupropion and its magnitude on the systemic exposure of aripiprazole. Methods: 24 healthy Wistar albino male rats were included in two study groups. A single dose of 8 mg/kg aripiprazole was given to rats in the reference group, while the test group received repeated doses of bupropion for 6 days, followed by a single dose of aripiprazole. An LC-MS/MS method was developed for the concomitant quantification of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole, and non-compartmental analysis was employed to assess their pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: The mean AUC0-∞ of aripiprazole increased 5.65-fold (1117.34 ± 931.41 vs. 6311.66 ± 2978.71 hr·ng/mL), the mean Cmax increased by 96.76% and the apparent systemic clearance decreased over 9-fold after bupropion repeated doses. The exposure to aripiprazole’s active metabolite increased as well, having a 4-fold increase in the mean AUC0–∞ (from 461.13 ± 339.82 to 1878.66 ± 1446.91 hr·ng/mL) and a 2-fold increase in the mean Cmax. Conclusions: The total exposure to the aripiprazole parent compound and active moiety significantly increased after bupropion pretreatment in this preclinical in vivo experiment. Clinical studies should further establish the significance of this interaction in humans.

Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Colonic Changes of Stress Induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome of Adult Male Albino Rat Model (Histological and Morphometric study)

Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Colonic Changes of Stress Induced Irritable Bowel Syndrome of Adult Male Albino Rat Model (Histological and Morphometric study)

Impact of Vitamin C and Hydroxyurea on the Reproductive System Health in Male Rats

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a medication used to treat various diseases and is also being studied for its effects on spermatogenesis. Vitamin C (VC), an antioxidant, has been shown to protect sperm cells from oxidative stress, potentially improving fertility and sperm quality. In a study involving twenty-four adult male albino rats divided into four groups, Group 1 served as the control, Group 2 received 5 mg of vitamin C, Group 3 received 100 mg of hydroxyurea per body weight, and Group 4 received a combination of vitamin C and hydroxyurea to assess essential functions of the reproductive system, including hormone levels, antioxidant markers, oxidative stress indicators, histopathology, and identification of DNA damage. The study found that hydroxyurea significantly reduced testicular weight, SOD, CAT, and GSH while increasing FSH and MDA levels and causing abnormalities in sperm morphology. Hydroxyurea also caused apparent alterations in the histological structure of the testes and comet parameters. Rats treated with vitamin C showed a significant increase in absolute and relative epididymis weight compared to the control group. Moreover, vitamin C intervention reversed the adverse effects observed in rats fed hydroxyurea, indicating that low doses of vitamin C can protect against testicular damage.

Fabrication and Optimization of a Silodosin In Situ-Forming PLGA Implants for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Objectives: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common in older men, and alpha-adrenoceptor blockers continue to be a key part of managing these symptoms. This study aimed to formulate injectable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in situ-forming implants (ISFIs) loaded with silodosin (SLD) to address symptoms associated with BPH. This method, which ensures prolonged therapeutic effects of SLD, is intended to decrease dosing frequency and improve treatment outcomes, leading to better patient adherence. Methods: An appropriate solvent with favorable PLGA solubility, viscosity, and in vitro release profile was selected. Additionally, an I-optimal design was employed as an optimization technique. An in vivo study in albino male rats was conducted to investigate prostate-specific antigens (PSAs), prostate weight and prostatic index, histopathology, and SLD pharmacokinetics. Results: The optimized formulation showed experimental values of 29.25% for the initial burst after 2 h and 58.23% for the cumulative release of SLD after 10 days. Pharmacokinetic data revealed that the SLD–ISFI formulation had lower Cmax and higher AUC values than subcutaneous (SC) pure SLD and oral commercial SLD capsule, indicating the controlled-release impact and improved bioavailability of the ISFI systems. SLD–ISFI produced a marked drop in the prostatic index by 2.09-fold compared to the positive control. Serum PSA level decreased significantly from 0.345 ± 0.007 to 0.145 ± 0.015 ng/mL after SLD–ISFI injection compared to the positive control. Conclusions: This study indicated that the optimized SLD–ISFI formulation proved its efficacy in managing BPH.

Evaluation of the Effect of Gum Arabic on the Histological and Physiological Changes in the Liver of Albino Rats Exposed to Bisphenol A

We designed this work in order to study the protective effect of aqueous extract of gum arabic (GA) from oxidative damage induced by bisphenol A(BPA). This study was conducted on 35 male laboratory Albino rats of Sprague Dawley strain (165-210 grams) and divided into five groups. Each group included 7 rats. The experiment was performed at the animal house of Biology (College of Education for Pure Sciences). The experiment continued for 90 days under conditions Standard laboratory, as follows: The first group was the control; the second group had GA taken orally; the third group had BPA taken orally; the fourth group had GA taken first, followed by BPS, and the fifth group had BPA taken first, followed by GA. According to the above results clearly, Serum levels of AST, ALT and Lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride) indicated a highly significant increase in these parameters at group 3, While the fourth and fifth groups show significant reductions in AST, ALT, cholesterol, triglycerides, and MDA, also significant increases in GSH levels, While the histological changes in the third group were represented by the presence of a state of blood congestion with depletion of glycoprotein and degeneration of some cells, in addition to the presence of a state of necrosis of liver cells, while it was not observed severe histological changes when compared to third group in both fourth and fifth groups. In Short, the above results indicated that GA treatment for BPA-induced liver injury had Therapeutic effect through anti-free radical formation and functional role as free scavenger.

Intracavernosal mesenchymal stem cell therapy in ischaemic priapism: an experimental study.

The most common form of priapism is ischaemic and its prevalence in men has increased in recent years as a result of intracavernosal drug use. Currently, there is no approved specific treatment for ischaemic priapism other than cavernosal aspiration, which can only provide detumescence. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intracavernosal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in an ischaemic priapism model. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham (n = 6), priapism (n = 12) and priapism + MSC treatment (n = 12). The experimental groups were also divided into 1 and 12h subgroups of ischaemic priapism. The experimental model was created using a vacuum erection device and constrictive tape technique, and intracavernosal MSC were applied immediately after the tape was removed. After 4weeks, intracavernosal pressures (ICPs) and systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. Penectomy was then performed to assess histopathological and molecular changes in the rats' penile tissues. In the ischaemic priapism model, MSC therapy showed significant improvements in peak and mean ICPs and mean ICP/MAP ratio. Histopathological analysis showed significant increases in smooth-muscle/collagen ratio and e-NOS and n-NOS expression. Although there was a decrease in fibrosis, it was not significant. At the molecular level, there were significant decreases in TGF-beta and VEGF mRNA expression, whilst NGF and BDNF mRNA-expression levels showed significant increases with MSC therapy. In terms of ICPs, the therapy showed more significant improvements in short-term priapism. However, when looking at histopathological and molecular parameters, the therapy had positive effects on a wider range of parameters in the long-term priapism. MSC treatment improved cavernosal physiology and had positive effects at the histopathological and molecular level in the ischaemic priapism model.