Normal Rat Chow Research Articles

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius on sperm count and sperm motility of adult wistar rats

Background: The plant, Corchorus olitorius is consumed by many tribes and cultures for both nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Purpose: The study was therefore designed to investigate, evaluate and unravel the possible effects of the plant extract on the sperm count and sperm motility. Method: A total number of thirty two adult Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g separated into four groups labeled A,B,C and D respectively were used for the study. Animals in group A which served as the control group were fed with the normal rat chow and water only. The group B rats were administered 100mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius; while those in group C were administered 500mg/kg body weight of the extract. The group D rats received 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract. For a period of four weeks, the different experimental animal groups received the respective aforementioned treatments once daily, around nine- o’clock in the morning through oral intubation. At the end of the 28 day treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the testes and accompanying epididymis harvested for investigations using standard laboratory standards. Results: Surprisingly, semen analysis showed that group B, C and D rats had an improved and increased sperm motility rate over group (A). Again, there was a pronounced significant increase in the average sperm count of the rats treated with varying doses of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract over that of the control group, a development that appeared to be dose dependent.

Efficacy of Five Organic Acids Combination on T2- Mycotoxicosis in Rats

Mycotoxins are secondary by-products of mold metabolism and are accountable for human and animal mycotoxicosis. The most serious trichothecenic mycotoxin is the fungal T-2 mycotoxin. T-2 mycotoxin impaired nutrient absorption, metabolism, and then, eliciting severe oxidoreductive stress. Diet plays a key role beyond the supply of nutrients in order to promote animal and human health. Organic acids have been commonly used to exert antioxidative stress capacity in the liver and gut ecosystem. This study is planned to explore, the competence of using (X-MoldCid®) during chronic T-2 mycotoxicosis course in rat. Rats were allocated into 4 main groups, (CN-Gr), negative control and was allowed for the free access to the normal rats chow and the tap water for 90 days. (OAC-Gr), which was assigned as the organic acids positive control and was allowed for the free access to normal rat chow and (X-MoldCid®) in the tap water for 90 days .Group 3 or (T2-Gr) and was given the T2 contaminated chow ad libitum and group 4 (T2+OAC-Gr) .Each one of the four groups was subdivided into two subgroups (n=7) that one was sacrificed on day 45 (Subgroup A) meantime the remaining rats (Subgroup B) maintained until finishing of the entire study period (90 days). In T2 intoxicated group, liver histopathological findings revealed, lesions of reversible types (hydropic and fatty degenerations) while intestinal histopathological findings revealed, lesions of hyperactive goblet cells with sever slaughing of epithelia. In T2+OAC-Gr, the ultimate efficacy of organic acids success in limiting the apoptotic activity and preventing hepatic necroinflammatory changes which were in accordance with the improvement of antioxidative status, liver and intestinal function enzymes and other serum biochemical estimated tests. The total results of this study have been clarified the regenerative and antioxidant potentials of (X-MoldCid®) in coping with T2-toxin mediated intestinal lesions and hepatotoxicityin rats.

Maternal exposure to a mixture of Bisphenol A and Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate predisposes female offspring to growth retardation and metabolic dysfunction in adulthood

Background A newly recognized primary cause of the obesity epidemic is the developmental programming effects of plastic-derived environmental contaminants, Bisphenol A (BPA) and Diethyl-Hexyl-Phthalate (DEHP), which are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Research addressing the effects of a mixture of these EDCs is limited. Objective To assess the metabolic consequences of developmental exposure to individual as well as mixtures of BPA and DEHP in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods From gestational days 6-21, pregnant Sprague Dawley dams were orally administered either saline (control), BPA (5mg/Kg BW/day), DEHP (7.5 mg/Kg BW/day), or a combination of BPA and DEHP (B+D). Postnatal growth trajectory and intakes were monitored weekly from postnatal weeks 3-12 and daily from weeks 14-16. Female offspring were allowed to reach 14 weeks of age and were then challenged with either a high fat diet (HFD) or normal rat chow for 2 weeks. Body composition and glucose intolerance were measured before the HFD challenge, and after 1 and 2 weeks of HFD treatment. Offspring were sacrificed at week 16, and organs were dissected and weighed. Serum was assayed for insulin and corticosterone levels. Liver cholesterol levels were measured. Results No major changes were seen in female offspring prenatally exposed to BPA or DEHP alone. However, exposure to a combination of B+D induced a postnatal growth retardation that is significant from postnatal week 6 onwards (p=0.014) and a decrease in cumulative food intake (p=0.032) from weeks 3-12 when compared to controls. B+D female offspring had decreased fat (p=0.05), fluid (p=0.0009), and lean (p=0.002) mass at week 14 compared to control groups, impaired fasting glucose tolerance at week 14, significantly higher % gain in fluid (p=0.0008), lean (0.0043), and body weight (p=0.044) from weeks 14-16, and an increase in liver cholesterol levels (p=0.047). These changes were apparent in chow fed, but not HFD-fed animals. No changes were seen in insulin and corticosterone levels between the groups. Conclusion The results indicate that prenatal exposure to B+D altered the postnatal growth trajectory and metabolic profile in female offspring. This suggests a great need to reconsider the possible additive effects of exposure to EDC mixtures during pregnancy.

URIC ACID-ASSOCIATED CARDIAC TISSUE DAMAGE CAUSED BY HIGH FAT DIET IS REVERSED BY SODIUM BUTYRATE

Objective: Increased global consumption of high-fat/high-calorie diet has led to higher incidence of the multifactorial cardiometabolic syndrome especially among women. The links between glucose deregulation and eventual mortal cardiac diseases are still being investigated. However, several reports have implicated elevated uric acid (UA) in the progression of metabolic disorders especially during high-fructose diet. Also, butyrate (BUT) a short-chain fatty acid is being identified with intriguing therapeutic potentials in metabolic disorders. We therefore hypothesized that high-fat diet-induced glucose deregulation and cardiac tissue damage are associated with elevated UA and attenuated by BUT in female rats. Design and method: Twenty-four 10-week-old female Wistar rats with weights ranging from 135 to 150 g were treated with normal rat chow and distilled water (po) or sodium butyrate (200 mg/kg; po) or high-fat diet and distilled water (po) or high-fat diet and sodium butyrate. Treatments lasted for 6 weeks. Results: Results showed that high-fat diet caused glucose dysmetabolism, elevated plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), corticosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma and cardiac UA, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). High-fat diet also led to depressed reduced glutathione (GSH). Histological analysis of cardiac tissue showed cellular infarction, infiltration, and fibrosis in high-fat diet-fed rats. However, all these effects were ameliorated by BUT treatment. Conclusions: The findings here showed that high-fat diet resulted in glucose dysmetabolism and cardiac tissue damage through a uric acid (UA) - dependent mechanism and that butyrate (BUT) can protect against high-fat diet-induced cardiometabolic disorders through UA suppression and augmentation of glutathione antioxidant defenses. This study therefore demonstrates that UA is involved in high fat diet-induced cardiometabolic syndrome. However, data here shows that the UA - associated events in high fat diet will chronically engender cardiac tissue damage. Interestingly, with UA suppression, BUT treatment showed plausible beneficial glucoregulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which were potent enough to confer protection on the cardiac tissue preventing overt damage in high fat diet-fed rats. Therefore, BUT may be considered for the development of suitable therapeutic candidate in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiac derangements associated with heightened UA.

Toxicity of Soursop Leaf Powder and Its Relevance in Determining The Micronutrient Status in Formulated Complementary Food

Complementary food was produced from blends of hungry rice (A), pigeon pea (P) and soursop leaves (S). The raw materials were washed with portable water, dried at room temperature, milled with hammer mill, fermented for 24 hours at 28 ± 2 °C (28 ± 2 °C), oven-dried at 50 °C for 12 hours, remilled, sieved to 1 mm pore size and packaged in polyethylene bags for further analysis. The samples were in the ratio of 70:30:0 (sample APS), 65:30:5 (sample APS1), 60:30:10 (sample APS2) and 55:30:15 (sample APS3). Toxicity test for lethal dose (LD50) was carried out on the soursop leaves. Bioassay was carried out with male albino rats for 28 days including acclimatization period of 7 days. Feed intake and weight gain of experimental rats were recorded daily and weekly. Blood serum was collected before and after feeding trials for analyzing bioavailability of the selected micronutrients. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Means were separated using the Duncan’s multiple range test and significance was accepted at probability level of 0.05 %. The toxicity test (LD50) indicated safety of soursop leaf as an infusion (oral administration) at lower doses of 10-1000 mg/kg body weight of rats. The bioassay revealed that food intake was significantly (p < 0.05) different among the samples in the first, second and third week. Rats that ate normal rat chow had the highest food intake while the rats that ate APS3 had the lowest food intake. Weight gain was highest in rats that ate rat chow while it was lowest in the rat that ate APS3. Bioavailability of selected micronutrient revealed that calcium content had the highest bioavailability in rats fed with rat chow and lowest in AP. Sample of APS1 had the highest iron bioavailability (47.83 %) among the fortified samples and the rat chow. Zinc had the highest bioavailability (52.86 %) in APS1. The work revealed that selected vitamins were most available in APS2 and the selected minerals were most available in sample APS1.

High‐fat diet and fructose drink introduced after weaning rats, induces a better human obesity model than very high‐fat diet

In the present study, we associated a high-fat diet (HF group: 45% kcal from lipids) or very high-fat (VHF group: 60% kcal from lipids) diet with a fructose drink (10% fructose) for hydration. Normal rat chow that received the control diet (content 16.3% kcal from lipid-AIN93G) and water. The treatments were introduced soon after weaning and were administered for 70days. We aimed to compare HF and VHF groups and find which acts as a better model mimicking human obesity. Body mass gain, final body weight, adipocyte area in inguinal depots, visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots, serum triacylglycerol, and VLDL-c were all higher in the HF group, followed by the VHF group, compared to the C group. Only the HF group showed hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia and higher total caloric intake, Lee index, HOMA2-IR, and total cholesterol. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were lower in the HF and VHF groups than in the C group at the end for 70days. In Summary, the HF (45%) diet administered with fructose induced a higher similarity of metabolic and hormonal alterations associated with human obesity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: High intake of lipids with sugary drinks has been associated with obesity and its comorbidities. Although a diet with 45% or 60% of lipids is considered hyperlipidic, they are different in their effects on eating behavior and also probably from a metabolic point of view. Common sense is that the reduction in intake of lipids is favorable to health. Our study shows that this is not wholly true, and this information contributes to the guidelines for the treatment of obesity. In addition, the scientific literature on the subject has shown the most diverse results and also the use of experimental models with few similarities with human obesity. Our findings can contribute as a good model of obesity initiated during childhood to investigate possible using nutritional strategies, or the adoption of ergogenic nutritional resources in future studies, for example.

Plasma ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin levels in obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus after sleeve gastrectomy and gastric plication.

The prevalence of obesity has increased in recent decades and has become a public health problem. In obesity patients the metabolism of almost all adipokines is markedly dysregulated. Studies regarding levels of ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin after bariatric surgery reveal contradictory results. The purpose of the present study was to analyze modification of body weight and plasma levels of fasting glucose, ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin, in obese rats with T2DM after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), gastric plication (GP) and sham-operated (SO). Eighteen specimens where randomized to three weight-matched groups: Group SG underwent sleeve gastrectomy (n=6), group GP underwent gastric plication (n=6) and the control group SO underwent sham surgery (n=6). Upon surgery a normal rat chow diet (Bio-Serv® product no. F4031) was fed to the rats until the end of the experiment. Additional blood samples were harvested after 4 weeks. The results revealed that body mass decreased in the SG (783.17±101.39 vs. 658.33±86.57 g; P<0.0001) and the GP (781.33±103.12 vs. 702.33±84.06 g; P=0.004) rats after surgery. There were significant lower fasting glucose levels at 4 weeks postoperative in the SG group compared to the SO group (83.1±12.81 vs. 104.5±9.81 mg/dl; P=0.016). The same trend was observed in the GP group vs. the SO group (86.7±11.43 vs. 104.5±9.81 mg/dl; P=0.026). There was no difference regarding mean glucose levels between the SG group compared to the GP group (P>0.05). Plasma acylated ghrelin and leptin levels decreased four weeks after surgery compared to preoperative levels, while adiponectin levels increased four weeks after surgery in the SG and GP groups, respectively. The present study revealed that plasma glucose levels, ghrelin and leptin levels decreased after SG and GP, while adiponectin levels improved. This suggests that there may be hormonal contribution in weight loss.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.)-Supplemented diet in both sexes of sprague-dawley rats

Background: In Africa traditional medicine, certain plant leaves and fruits are employed in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and liver disorders. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is named among Nigerian plants that are under investigation for its medicinal activities. The present study investigates the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective potentials of C. sativus-supplemented diet in both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve male and twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study and were grouped into four equal rats – Group A: control male (CM) fed with normal rat chow, Group B: control female (CF) fed with normal rat chow, Group C: cucumber-supplemented male (CSM) fed with cucumber-supplemented diet, and Group D: cucumber-supplemented female (CSF) fed with cucumber-supplemented diet for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight change, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), hepatic lipase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were determined. Hepatic and myocytic glycogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were also assessed. Results: The result displayed a nonsignificant decrease (P > 0.05) in weight change in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF. TG and LDL downregulated significantly (P > 0.05) in CSM and CSF compared with CM and CF while HDL significantly upregulated (P

Impact of two anti-malaria drugs (artequin and chloroquine) on some hematological parameters in wistar rats

Background: Artequin (AQ) and other Artemisinin-based therapies have replaced chloroquine (CQ) as the preferred treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, due to the resistance of the parasite to CQ. This study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of CQ and AQ on some haematological parameters in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six (36) female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two batches. Each batch had three groups of six rats each, and they were placed on normal rat chow: AQ (1.6mg/100g bwt) and/or CQ (0.875mg/100g bwt) orally and once daily for three and seven days for batches 1 and 2, respectively. Full blood count was carried out by using an automated blood cell counter. Results: Results showed that the administration of AQ for three days did not significantly alter the levels of red blood cells (RBCs), RBC indices, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total and differential white blood cells (WBCs), platelet count, and platelet indices. However, CQ increased the RBCs, Hb, PCV, and eosinophils significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control. CQ also increased the total WBCs significantly (P < 0.05) compared with AQ. Both drugs decreased neutrophil but increased lymphocyte count significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control after three days of treatment. After seven days of administration, AQ significantly (P < 0.05) reduced RBC count, PCV, Hb, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and neutrophils compared with the control; both drugs reduced platelet count and PCT significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control after seven days of treatment. Conclusion: The administration of AQ or CQ at their recommended doses and duration is relatively safe. However, administering a combination of Artesunate and mefloquine, and not CQ, beyond normal duration might have negative effects on hematological parameters.

Free radical scavenging activities of anthocyanin flavonoid

Despite its nutritional content and huge application in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the use of anthocyanin remains restricted due to the difficulty in its extraction process. In this study, we examined the antioxidant effects of anthocyanin (one of the numerous flavonoids known in modern enthno-medicinal practice) on some serum free radicals in wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult wistar rats of between 100 – 250 g were procured and housed in the animal house of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. After two (2) weeks of acclimatization, the animals were then grouped into five groups of four (4) rats each (n=4). Control (Group I) rats were fed normal rat chow and water ad libitum, whereas, group II rats received 100 mg/kg body weight (bw.) of anthocyanin extract. Groups III, IV and V rats also received 200 mg/kg bw., 300 mg/kg bw., and 400 mg/kg bw of anthocyanin extract respectively for a period of four weeks, using the oro-gastric cannula post prandial. For each week, body weights were obtained, and serum assayed for changes in the levels of anti-oxidant enzyme activities [Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide Dismutase (SOD)] using appropriate biochemical procedures. Obtained results were subjected to statistical comparisons using the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey post hoc tests were also performed (where necessary) to ascertain the source(s) of mean differences between groups. We found a statistically significant decrease (at p &lt; 0.05) by week in serum CAT, MDA, GPx and SOD levels with the administration of test substance. This also proved to be dose-dependent as increasing dose cause an increase in the enzyme activities over the period of administration. Body weight changes were also duration and dose dependent. Anthocyanin therefore showed potency in improving serum antioxidant enzyme activities. We recommend similar studies on other body tissues than blood.

Comparative Study on the Protective Effect of Zinc Nanoparticle and Zinc Supplement on Carbamazepine Induced Reproductive Damage in Male Albino Rats

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the protective effect of zinc nanoparticle and zinc supplement against carbamazepine induced reproductive changes in male Albino rats.&#x0D; Study Design: In this experiment, 60 Male albino rats were used which are divided into six groups of 10 rats each. The first group was used as the control for the experiment and they were given distilled water. The second Group, Group 2 were administered with 20 mg/kg body weight of carbamazepine, group 3 were administered with 20 mg/kg of carbamazepine plus 10 mg/kg of zinc nanoparticle and Group 4 were administered with 20 mg/kg of carbamazepine plus 10 mg/kg of zinc supplement while group 5 were administered with 10 mg/kg of zinc nanoparticle and also group 6 were administered with 10 mg/kg of zinc supplement only.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Bells University of technology, Ota, Ogun State Nigeria, the research was carried out from February to June, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Zinc nanoparticle extraction was carried out to obtained Zinc nanoparticle. A 60 male albino rats with weight ranging from 140 g - 230 g were used. They were fed with normal rat chow and were allowed to acclimatize for a period of two weeks. They were then divided into six groups according to their body weight which contained the test groups and the control group. The rats were sacrificed after two weeks of test administration. They were allowed an overnight fast (24 hours). The cervical dislocation was done, and the blood was collected from the heart, in to a lithium heparinized bottle. The testes of the rats were also collected and stored in a sample bottle containing buffer and stored, the liver, kidney and the brain were collected too. The rats liver and testes were weight and macerated in 5 times the volume of the actual organ weight using homogenate buffer (phosphate buffer). The resulting homogenate was centrifuge at 10000 rmp speed for 15 mins then it was removed from the centrifuge and the supernatant was decanted and stored below 4°C.&#x0D; Result: The group administered with carbamazepine only show significant decreased in the level of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone when compared with control group, followed by the group administered with zinc nanoparticle only. However, group 6 and group 4 that were administered with zinc supplement and zinc supplement plus carbamazepine showed a significant increase in the level of these hormones when compared with control group, while group 6 which were administered with carbamazepine and zinc nanoparticle showed no significant different when compared with control group. In addition carbamazepine alone significantly increased the level of alanine transaminase (ALT) in the liver and also the group administered with zinc nanoparticle alone significantly increased the level of aspartate transaminase (AST) with decrease in the level of ALT. However, the groups administered with zinc supplement alone and in combination with carbamazepine reduced ALT and AST levels in the liver.&#x0D; Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggest that, carbamazepine induced toxicity by affecting the level of sex hormones and activities of the kidney in the male albino rats, and also zinc nanoparticle have more protective effect than zinc supplement against carbamazepine toxicity.

Anti-atherogenic effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) administration with a high cholesterol diet and its effect on hyperlipidemia in female Wistar rats.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) persists to be the world's leading reason for mortality and morbidity. The major type of CVD is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the obstruction of coronary arteries frequently instigated by arteriosclerosis (plaque buildup in the coronary artery, which hampers blood flow to the myocardial muscles). This research was conducted to examine the effects of oral intake of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) powder on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis (induced through high-fat diet) in female Wistar rats. The pharmacological effects of flaxseed are diverse. It has an antiarrhythmic effect, anti-arthritic effect, antilipidemic, atherosclerosis, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant activity effect on the body. &#x0D; Methodology: A total of 32 female Wistar rats (200 g) were divided equally into four groups. Group I (n=8) rats kept as control and given normal rat chow diet, Group II rats kept as positive control for induction of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis by addition of saturated edible fat to the standard diet (high cholesterol diet - HCD), Group III rats fed with flaxseed powder at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day in the standard rat chow diet and kept as flaxseed control, and Group IV rats supplemented with flaxseed at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day along with HCD and maintained for 15 days.&#x0D; Results: Group II rats showed higher lipid profile and glucose level. Flaxseed supplementation, along with a high cholesterol diet, drastically restored the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) decreasing frequency of CAD. Histologic investigations showed preserved myocardial walls with minor changes in flaxseed treated rats, whereas increased lymphoid aggregation with inflammation in high fat + flaxseed treated.&#x0D; Conclusion: The biochemical assays and histological results showed the moderate cardio-protective activity of flaxseed administration for 15 days along with a high-fat diet was found to moderately reduce the CVD risk in rats.

Sodium butyrate arrests pancreato-hepatic synchronous uric acid and lipid dysmetabolism in high fat diet fed Wistar rats

High fat diet (HFD) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome which is characterized by overt glucose dysmetabolism and tissue derangement. The liver and pancreas are important metabolic tissues with anatomical proximity sharing splanchnic and mesenteric circulation but it is unclear whether, there is an associated metabolic status between the two organs in health and disease. Uric acid (UA) hypersecretion and ectopic lipid accumulation are characteristic pathophysiology of an array of non-communicable diseases. Sodium butyrate (BUT) is reputed for therapeutic roles in metabolic derangement. Therefore, the present study investigated synchrony in hepatic and pancreatic UA and lipid metabolic status in HFD-induced glucose dysregulation and probed the beneficial effects of BUT. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were treated with normal rat chow and distilled water (po) or sodium butyrate (200 mg/kg; po) or high fat diet and distilled water (po) or high fat diet and sodium butyrate. Results showed that HFD increased plasma, pancreatic and hepatic triglyceride, triglyceride-glucose index, malondialdehyde, uric acid (UA), lactate dehydrogenase but reduced glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Histological analysis revealed hepatic and pancreatic architectural derangement and cellular degeneration in HFD-fed animals. However, BUT reversed the HFD-induced systemic, pancreatic and hepatic synchronous dysmetabolism with evidence of improved histology. HFD-induced lipid and UA alterations were synchronous in the pancreas and liver. BUT elicits beneficial effects on systemic and tissue HFD-induced deleterious metabolic changes which were synchronized in pancreas and liver of rats.

Author

Pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) is well known for its wide range of medicinal values which include bowel cleansing, facilitation of digestion and absorption of cholesterol, anti-cancerous effect, anti-microbial effect among many others. But not much has been reported on its cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa in spite its widespread use. The current study therefore focuses on evaluating the cytoprotective effect of the extract in wistar rats. Fifteen (15) rats weighing 160-180g were randomly assigned into three groups of five rats each. Group 1 (control), group 2 (low dose group) and group 3(high dose group). Group 1 received 0.5ml of normal saline while Groups 2 and group 3 (experimental groups) received respective doses of 0.00085ml/g body weight and 0.0017ml/g body weight of the extract. The administration was twice a day and lasted for 28 days. All the animals were allowed free access to normal rat chow and water. At the end of the experimental days, the animals were weighed after they were starved overnight. They were anaesthetized with 25% urethane (0.6ml/100g body weight). Laparotomy was performed and the stomach isolated and cut open along the greater curvature, rinsed with normal saline and fastened in place with pins on a dissecting board for ulcer examination and score. The results obtained showed mean ulcer score of 8.5±0.5mMol/l/hr, 14.75±0.48mMol/l/hr and 20.5±0.96mMol/l/hr for control, group 2 and group 3 respectively. This increase is statistically significant (p<0.001) compared to control. Pepper fruit (Dennettiatripetala) is a poor cytoprotective agent and has shown a dose-dependent poor cytoprotective influence on the gastric mucosa

Synbiotic (PoultryStar® Sol) Protects Rat Liver from Oxidoreductive Stress Induced by T2-Mycotoxicity

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolic byproducts of molds that posses harmful and detrimental impact on animal and human health. Fungal T2 mycotoxin is the most efficacious trichothecene mycotoxin. It can induce hepatic and intestinal damages through eliciting severe oxidoreductive stress. Consequently, dysbiosis (alteration in the compositional balance of intestinal microbiota) occurred that can play an important role in the pathogenesis of several liver diseases. Recently, the using of pro and prebiotics was proven to exert antioxidative stress potentials in liver and gut ecosystem. To explore, the efficacy of using synbiotic (PoultryStar® Sol) during chronic T-2 mycotoxicosis course in rat, this study was designed. Rats were allocated into 4 main groups, (CN-Gr), which was treated as the negative control and was allowed for the free access to the normal rats chow and the tap water for 90 days, (PSS-Gr), which was assigned as the synbiotic positive control group and was allowed for the free access to normal rat chow and (PoultryStar® Sol) in the tap water (20mg/rat every 5 days) for 90 days. Group 3 or (T2-Gr) and was given the T2 contaminated chow ad libitumat a level of (470 ppb) along with normal drinking water for 90 days, and Group 4 (T2+PSS-Gr) which was given the T-2 contaminated chow ad libitumat the same level of Group 3 along with synbiotic (PoultryStar® Sol) in the tap water the same dose of (PSS-Gr) for 90 days. Each one of the four groups was subdivided into two subgroups (n=7) that one was exsanguinated on day 45 (Subgroup A) meantime the remaining rats (Subgroup B) were kept until the end of the entire study period (90 days). In T2 intoxicated group, liver histopathological findings on day 45 revealed lesions of reversible types (hydropic and fatty degenerations) only. Concurrently, on day 90 the changes comprised apoptosis and some necroinflammatory lesions. In T2+PSS-Gr, the ultimate efficacy of synbiotic success in preventing hepatic necroinflammatory changes and limiting the apoptotic activity which were in accordance with the amelioration of antioxidative status, liver function enzymes and other serum biochemical estimated tests. Summing up, the total results of this study has been clarify the regenerative and antioxidant potentials of (PoultryStar® Sol) in coping with T2 toxin mediated hepatotoxicity in rats.

The Release of Satiety-Inducing Immune Factors in Response to Fat, Carbohydrate, and Protein Diets

Abstract Objectives To examine the release of satiety-inducing cytokines in response to diets rich in fat, carbohydrates or protein. Methods The feeding behavior of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats was continuously monitored for 23 hours per day. Food was made available at 1200 each day and removed at 1800 each day. Rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each and each group received a specific diet (60% fat, 60% carbohydrate, 60% protein, or normal rat chow) for 14 days. On the 15th day, rats were presented with their meal and allowed one hour to eat. Next, rats were removed from their chamber, administered an anesthetic dose of Chloral Hydrate, and had blood (hepatic portal vein) and tissue (small intestine) removed and saved for analysis before being euthanized. Samples were later tested for the presence of cytokines using standard ELIZAs. 2 rats from each group were not allowed to eat on the day of testing and their blood an tissue samples were used as a baseline. Results Results show a clear release of cytokines (IL-IB and TNF-a…but not IL-6) in both the blood and tissue samples collected. Tissue showed the highest release of IL-1B in response to the balanced diet (1050 pg/ml) with the other diets each releasing between 340–550 pg/ml. The baseline (no food) group of rats had IL-1B levels of 155 pg/ml. TNFa had a similar but lower release profile, while IL-6 was negligible. Conclusions The release of immune factors in response to diet is supported and may provide novel interventions with respect to satiety. It does not appear that the specific content of the diet is as critical as a balanced diet with respect to cytokine release. Fat, surprisingly, had a limited effect on the release of cytokines. It may be that fat requires more time to express its effects on the immune cells; or it may that fat based satiety uses mechanisms other than immune factors to enhance satiety. Overall, our findings point to a role for immune factors in the regulation of hunger and satiety that has only been minimally examined thus far. Continued work in this area is warranted to determine the effects of the immune system in normal eating behavior as well as disordered eating. Funding Sources This research was supported by the Millsaps College Faculty Development Grant and the Millsaps College Honors Project.

LOX-1 (Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1) Deletion Has Protective Effects on Stroke in the Genetic Background of Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat.

Background and Purpose- oxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) has been known for its potential to induce endothelial dysfunction and used as a major serological marker of oxidative stress. Recently, LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1), a lectin-like receptor for oxLDL, has attracted attention in studies of neuronal apoptosis and stroke. We aim to investigate the impact of LOX-1-deficiency on spontaneous hypertension-related brain damage in the present study. Methods- We generated a LOX-1 deficient strain on the genetic background of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP), an animal model of severe hypertension and spontaneous stroke. In this new disease model with stroke-proneness, we monitored the occurrence of brain abnormalities with and without salt loading by multiple procedures including T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging and also explored circulatory miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for cerebral ischemic injury by microarray analysis. Results- Both T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and physiological parameter changes could be detected at significantly delayed timing in LOX-1 knockout rats compared with wild-type SHRSP, in either case of normal rat chow and salt loading (P<0.005 in all instances; n=11-20 for SHRSP and n=13-23 for LOX-1 knockout rats). There were no significant differences in the form of magnetic resonance imaging findings between the strains. A number of miRNAs expressed in the normal rat plasma, including rno-miR-150-5p and rno-miR-320-3p, showed significant changes after spontaneous brain damage in SHRSP, whereas the corresponding changes were modest or almost unnoticeable in LOX-1 knockout rats. There appeared to be the lessening of correlation of postischemic miRNA alterations between the injured brain tissue and plasma in LOX-1 knockout rats. Conclusions- Our data show that deficiency of LOX-1 has a protective effect on spontaneous brain damage in a newly generated LOX-1-deficient strain of SHRSP. Further, our analysis of miRNAs as biomarkers for ischemic brain damage supports a potential involvement of LOX-1 in blood brain barrier disruption after cerebral ischemia. Visual Overview- An online visual overview is available for this article.

The Hypolipidemic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats

Aim of the Study: This study was undertaken to ascertain if Hibiscus sabdariffa extract can affect the lipid profile (Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL)) levels in a paracetamol- induced hepatotoxicity using albino Wistar rat as a model.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) rats used for this study were divided into three groups. Group A (n=10) served as control. Group B (n=10) was administered paracetamol only at a dose of 750 mg/kg body weight. Group C (n=10) was administered paracetamol (dose 750 mg/kg body weight) and aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa (dose 10 ml/kg body weight) of the animal for 3 weeks. All animals were allowed free access to clean drinking water and normal rat chow.&#x0D; Results: Results of the study revealed that TC was significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in the paracetamol + H. sabdariffa-treated group as compared to paracetamol-treated group and control respectively. Similar trend was observed with TG, VLDL-c, LDL-c and HDL-c. However, the decrease in HDL-c was not statistically significant when compared to control.&#x0D; Conclusion: The presence of bioactive constituents vis; anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyvenols and free radical scavenging properties in H. sabdariffa enabled a hypolipidemic effect on the animals by lowering the levels of serum TG, VLDL-c, LDL-c despite challenge on the liver. However, it was unable to produce significant effect on HDL concentration -very important cholesterol required in high level to maintain homeostasis inside the body. This may be due to the challenge on the liver as a result of the paracetamol abuse.

Amelioration of High Fructose Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance, Hyperuricemia, and Liver Oxidative Stress by Combined Use of Selective Agonists of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ in Rats

Background: The use of high-fructose (Fr) corn sweeteners and sucrose in manufactured food has markedly increased recently. This excessive Fr intake has been proposed in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome, which shows an increasing prevalence throughout the world. Objective: In this study, we questioned whether fenofibrate (FF), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α agonist, and pioglitazone (PG), a PPAR-γ agonist, might be effective in ameliorating the metabolic syndrome in a rat model. Materials and Methods: The metabolic syndrome was induced by feeding rats a high-Fr (60%) diet for 10 weeks. The rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, fed a normal rat chow; Fr + vehicle group; Fr + FF group; Fr + PG group; and Fr + (FF + PG) group (treated with both drugs). Drug or vehicle treatment was given daily for 6 weeks (from weeks 5 to 10). Thereafter, blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical studies. Results: Rats fed a high-Fr diet developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperuricemia, hypertriglyceri­demia, and hypercholesterolemia, and had increased serum alanine aminotransferase, hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde levels but decreases in both glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Rat treatment with FF and/or PG attenuated these alterations. The improvement was greater with the combined treatment than with either drug alone, and normalization of insulin sensitivity was observed only in rats treated with the combination therapy. Conclusion: Acting on the 2 main PPAR subfamilies, the combination of FF and PG provides a more efficacious therapy for modulating the changes in serum insulin, uric acid, and lipids, as well as the accompanying hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress that characterize the Fr-induced metabolic syndrome.

Potassium depletion induces cellular conversion in the outer medullary collecting duct altering Notch signaling pathway

Potassium depletion affects AQP2 expression and the cellular composition of the kidney collecting duct. This, in turn, contributes to the development of a secondary form of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and hypokalemic nephropathy. Here we show that after 14 days of potassium depletion, the cellular fraction of A-type intercalated cells increases while the fraction of principal cells decreases along the outer medullary collecting duct in rats. The intercalated cells acquired a novel distribution pattern forming rows of cells attached to each other. These morphological changes occur progressively and reverse after 7 days of recovery on normal rat chow diet. The cellular remodeling mainly occurred in the inner stripe of outer medulla similar to the previously seen effect of lithium on the collecting duct cellular profile. The cellular remodeling is associated with the appearance of cells double labelled with both specific markers of principal and type-A intercalated cells. The appearance of this cell type was associated with the downregulation of the Notch signaling via the Hes1 pathways. These results show that the epithelium of the collecting duct has a high degree of plasticity and that Notch signaling likely plays a key role during hypokalemia.