Parameters In Normal Rats Research Articles

The Effect of C. Papaya Leaf Powder on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Normal Rats

The Effect of C. Papaya Leaf Powder on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Normal Rats

Valsartan Protects in High Fat Diet During Ischemic Reperfusion Injury.

The study investigates the effect of Valsartan, an Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), on the blunted neuroprotective response of ischemic post-conditioning (iPoCo) in rats subjected to High Fat Diet (HFD). The neuroprotective response of iPoCo is blunted in conditions of vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED) associated with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Objectives: The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Valsartan, an ARB, on the blunted neuroprotective response of iPoCo in rats subjected to HFD. Wistar rats were subjected to HFD for 56 days. The cerebral ischemic injury was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 12 min followed by reperfusion of 24 hrs. iPoCo was induced by three preceding cycles of ischemia and reperfusion lasting 1 min each given immediately after BCCAO at the onset of prolonged reperfusion. The extent of the injury was assessed in terms of memory impairment using the Morris Water Maze test (MWM), sensorimotor disturbance using the neurological severity score (NSS), and cerebral infarct size using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Series of biochemical estimations including brain thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS); reduced glutathione (GSH); myeloperoxidase (MPO); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); Nrf-2 and serum cholesterol, serum nitrite levels were performed. BCCAO produced significant cerebral injury indicated by increased cerebral infarct size, memory impairment, increased NSS, and various biochemical alterations (increased cholesterol, TBARS, MPO, TNF-α, Nrf-2, and decreased nitrite and GSH levels). Significant neutrophil infiltration was also observed. iPoCo attenuated BCCAO-induced injury with respect to the above parameters in normal rats. The protective response of iPoCo was lost in HFD-treated rats. Treatment of Valsartan attenuated cerebral injury, potentiated the neuroprotective response of iPoCo in normal rats, and also restored the blunted neuroprotective effect of iPoCo in HFD-treated rats along with enhanced Nrf-2 levels. Valsartan exerted a neuroprotective effect by virtue of its multiple actions with a crucial role of Nrf2 activation.

Antidiabetic and Toxicity Studies of the Extract of Four Nigerian Medicinal Plants

Aims: To evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic efficacy and safety of the methanol extract of the combination of Senecio biafrae leaf, Xylopia aethiopica fruit, Carica papaya seed and Spondias mombin stem bark mixed together in ratio 1:1:1:1
 Study Design: Extract of medicinal plants was assayed using glucose and streptozotocin-induced herperglycaemic rats model.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Nigeria, between May, 2019 and January, 2022.
 Methodology: The extract of the combined plant parts was tested for toxicity in rats while its effects on glucose level, blood and biochemical components were also assessed. Its in-vitro anti-hyperglycaemic activity was assayed in α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory models while its in-vivo effects were tested in glucose and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also carried out.
 Results: The extract did not show any adverse effects on blood sugar levels, haematological and biochemical parameters in normal rats in sub acute toxicity tests. The extract gave comparable (p > 0.05) α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects to acarbose. In glucose-induced hyperglycaemic rats, its 100 mg/kg was the most effective dose with 19, 40, 43, and 57% activity that was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the 10, 18, 24, and 40% activity given by glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) at the same time points. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic assay, its 50 mg/kg showed 31, 85, 85 and 82 % effects on days 4, 7, 10 and 14, respectively that was significantly higher than its 100 mg/kg and glibenclamide on days 7 and 10. The extract also elicited high free radical scavenging effects in all the antioxidant assays.
 Conclusion: The extract of the combination of four Nigerian antidiabetic plants mixed together in equal ratio gave significantly better antidiabetic activity at low doses than the individual plants without toxic effects.

Effect of verapamil on bone mass, microstructure and mechanical properties in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

BackgroundVerapamil was mainly used to treat hypertension, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and improve blood glucose in patients with diabetes, but its effects on bone mass, microstructure and mechanical properties were unclear. This study described the effects of verapamil on bone mass, microstructure, macro and nano mechanical properties in type 2 diabetic rats.MethodsRat models of type 2 diabetes were treated with verapamil at doses of 4, 12, 24 and 48 mg/kg/day by gavage respectively, twice a day. After 12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed under general anesthesia. Blood glucose, blood lipid, renal function and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were obtained by serum analysis, Micro-CT scanning was used to assess the microstructure parameters of cancellous bone of femoral head, three-point bending test was used to measure maximum load and elastic modulus of femoral shaft, and nano-indentation tests were used to measure indentation moduli and hardnesses of longitudinal cortical bone in femoral shaft, longitudinal and transverse cancellous bones in femoral head.ResultsCompared with T2DM group, transverse indentation moduli of cancellous bones in VER 24 group, longitudinal and transverse indentation moduli and hardnesses of cancellous bones in VER 48 group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effects of verapamil on blood glucoses, microstructures and mechanical properties in type 2 diabetic rats were dependent on drug dose. Starting from verapamil dose of 12 mg/kg/day, with dose increasing, the concentrations of P1NP, BMD, BV/TV, Tb. Th, Tb. N, maximum loads, elastic moduli, indentation moduli and hardnesses of femurs in rats in treatment group increased gradually, the concentrations of CTX-1 decreased gradually, but these parameters did not return to the level of the corresponding parameters of normal rats. Verapamil (48 mg/kg/day) had the best therapeutic effect.ConclusionVerapamil treatment (24, 48 mg/kg/day) significantly affected nano mechanical properties of the femurs, and tended to improve bone microstructures and macro mechanical properties of the femurs, which provided guidance for the selection of verapamil dose in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients.

Dichloroacetate, a pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor, ameliorates type 2 diabetes via reduced gluconeogenesis

AimsPyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, which plays a key role in linking cytosolic glycolysis to mitochondria metabolism. PDH is physiologically inactivated by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs). Thus, activation of PDH via inhibiting PDK may lead to metabolic benefits. In the present study, we investigated the antidiabetic effect of PDK inhibition using dichloroacetate (DCA), a PDK inhibitor. Main methodsWe evaluated the effect of single dose of DCA on plasma metabolic parameters in normal rats. Next, we investigated the antidiabetic effect of DCA in diabetic ob/ob mice. In addition, we performed in vitro assays to understand the effect and mechanism of action of DCA on gluconeogenesis in mouse myoblast cell line C2C12 and rat hepatoma cell line FaO. Key findingsIn normal rats, a single dose of DCA decreased the plasma level of pyruvate, the product of glycolysis, and the plasma glucose level only in the fasting state. Meanwhile, a single dose of DCA lowered the plasma glucose level, and a three-week treatment decreased the fructosamine level in diabetic ob/ob mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated concentration-dependent suppression of lactate production in C2C12 myotubes. In addition, DCA suppressed glucose production from pyruvate and lactate in FaO hepatoma cells. Thus, DCA-mediated restricted supply of gluconeogenic substrates from the muscle to liver, and direct suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis might have contributed to its glucose-lowering effect in the current models. SignificancePDK inhibitor may be considered as a potential antidiabetic agent harboring inhibitory effect on gluconeogenesis.

Comparative effects of commonly used commercially available non‐nutritive sweeteners on diabetes‐related parameters in non‐diabetic rats

Studies of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in diabetes models have been limited to their pure forms or NNS-sweetened products. Hence, we conducted a comparative study on the effects of commercial table-top NNS on diabetes-related parameters in non-diabetic rats. Normal animals were fed for 5weeks with aqueous solutions of aspartame-, sucralose-, stevia-, sodium cyclamate- and saccharin-based commercial NNS at concentrations equivalent to the sweetness of 10% sucrose solution and thereafter food intake, blood glucose, lipid profile, and biochemical parameters were measured. Aspartame adversely affected blood cholesterols, while cyclamate increased food intake and weight gain. Stevia reduced weight gain and exhibited insulinotropic effects. These data in normal rats hypothetically suggest that stevia-based NNS may help in glycemic control and body weight management, while cyclamate- and aspartame-based NNS may increase body weight and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Further clinical studies are, however, required to confirm the results of this study. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The use of NNS is becoming more popular, especially for individuals with diabetes. However, while there are several commercial table-top NNS available in the market, little is known about how they affect most diabetes-related parameters of consumers, as most of the previous studies on NNS have been limited to their pure forms or NNS-sweetened products. Therefore, we comparatively studied the effects of some commercially available table-top forms of the different NNS (aspartame, sucralose, cyclamate, saccharin, and stevia) on diabetes-related parameters in normal rats. These findings in normal rats suggested that some commercially available NNSs like stevia-based NNS may be suitable for glycemic control and body weight management, while cyclamate- and aspartame-based NNS may increase body weight and risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, these finding in normal rats is subject to additional corroborative clinical studies.

Comparative study of imaging and histology of sacroiliac joint in normal rats based on IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI

BackgroundCurrently, few studies have described the relationship between functional MRI findings and histology of normal sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Besides, due to the difficulties in access to SIJ, authentic animal models are important in providing opportunities for quantitative parameter extraction on imaging.AimsThis study aimed at exploring the parameters of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (IVIM-DWI) and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) and comparing them with the histology of the SIJ in normal rats with different ages.MethodsA total of thirty 7-week-old male Wistar rats were included in the study. The parameters of IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI in the bone marrow and the joint space of SIJ were measured at 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, and 33 weeks. The histological analysis of the SIJ was examined using light microscopy. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe D values in the sacral and iliac bone marrow of normal rats decreased with an increase in age. One-way ANOVA analysis indicated a significant difference in D values in different age groups (P<0.005). The normal values of D*, f, Fenh (%), Senh (%/s) in the sacral bone marrow, the iliac bone marrow, and the joint space in SIJ of normal rats were obtained. The results showed that in the six groups of rats of different ages, the histology of the SIJ surface was smooth and clear, the cartilage cells were intact, and no thickening or pannus formation was observed.ConclusionsThis study obtained the IVIM-DWI and DCE-MRI parameters of the sacral and iliac bone marrow and the synovial area of the joint space in normal rats. The parameters in normal rats can be used in future research to compare to similar parameters in animal models or patients with SIJ diseases. This study serves as a guide for future research in SIJ diseases.

Effect of TRPV4 activation in a rat model of detrusor underactivity induced by bilateral pelvic nerve crush injury.

To produce an animal model of peripheral neurogenic detrusor underactivity (DU) and to evaluate the effect of TRPV4 receptor activation in this DU model. In female Sprague-Dawley rats, bilateral pelvic nerve crush (PNC) was performed by using sharp forceps. After 10 days, awake cystometrograms (CMG) were recorded in sham and PNC rats. A TRPV4 agonist (GSK 1016790A) with or without a TRPV4 antagonist (RN1734) were administered intravesically and CMG parameters were compared before and after drug administration in each group. The TRPV4 transcript level in the bladder mucosa and histological changes were also evaluated. In CMG, PNC rats showed significant increases in intercontraction intervals (ICI), number of non-voiding contractions (NVCs), baseline pressure, threshold pressure, bladder capacity, voided volumes, and post-void residual (PVR) compared to sham rats. Contraction amplitude and voiding efficiency were significantly decreased in PNC rats. In PNC rats, intravesical application of GSK1016790A (1.5 μM) significantly decreased ICI, bladder capacity, voided volume, and PVR without increasing NVCs, and these effects were blocked by RN1734 (5.0 μM). In contrast, 1.5 μM GSK1016790A had no significant effects on CMG parameters in normal rats. TRPV4 expression within the bladder mucosa of PNC rats was increased in association with urothelial thickening. Rats with bilateral PNC showed characteristics of DU, and this model seems appropriate for further evaluation of peripheral neurogenic mechanisms of DU. Also, TRPV4 receptors, the activation of which reduced bladder capacity and PVR, could be a target for DU treatment.

Lipid-lowering effects of Coffea arabica pulp aqueous extract in Caco-2 cells and hypercholesterolemic rats

BackgroundCoffea arabica pulp (CP) is the first by-product obtained from coffee berries during coffee processing. The major constituents of CP, including chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and epicatechin exhibit anti-hyperlipidemic effects in in vitro and in vivo models. Whether Coffea arabica pulp aqueous extract (CPE) has a lipid-lowering effect remains unknown. PurposeThis study examined the effect of CPE on cholesterol absorption, and identified the mechanisms involved in lowered cholesterol in in vitro and in vivo models. MethodsUptake of [3H]-cholesterol micelles and the mode of CPE inhibition were determined using human intestinal Caco-2 cells, and subsequently, confirmed using isolated rat jejunal loops. In addition, the 12-week high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats (HF) received either CPE (1000 mg/kg BW), a sole and high dose which was selected because it contained approximately 12 mg of CGA that was previously shown to have lipid-lowering effects, or ezetimibe (10 mg/kg BW), a cholesterol inhibitor. The rats were divided into HF, HF ++ CPE, and HF ++ ezetimibe groups for the next 12 weeks. Normal rats received a normal diet (ND) and CPE (ND + CPE). Body weights and lipid profiles were evaluated. Cholesterol transporter, Niemann–Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), protein expression and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) mRNA expression were determined. In vitro micellar complex properties were also investigated. ResultsCPE inhibited [3H]-cholesterol micelle transport in Caco-2 cells and rat jejunal loops in a dose-dependent, non-competitive manner partly by decreasing membrane NPC1L1 expression. Congruently, CPE and its major constituents activated LXRα which, in turn, down-regulated NPC1L1. Furthermore, CPE interfered with physicochemical characteristics of cholesterol mixed micelles. These data were consistent with decreased body weight and slowed body weight gain and improved lipid profiles by CPE in hypercholesterolemic rats while no change occurred in these parameters in normal rats. Down-regulated intestinal NPC1L1 expression mediated by increased LXRα mRNA were also observed in HF ++ CPE and ND + CPE rats. ConclusionCPE has a cholesterol-lowering effect in in vitro and in vivo via inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption by down-regulating NPC1L1 mediated LXRα activation and interfering with micellar complex formation. Accordingly, CPE could be developed as nutraceutical product to prevent dyslipidemia-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Effect of selenium on testicular damage induced by varicocele in adult male Wistar rats

ProjectVaricocele is an abnormal tortuosity and distension of the veins of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord. It is the most common surgically correctable cause of male infertility. Several studies have revealed the effects of increased oxidative stress on serum, semen, and testicular tissues in patients with varicocele or in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium selenite on testicular damage induced by experimental left varicocele in male Wistar rats. ProcedureIn the present study, the effects of oral administration of sodium selenite (at doses of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4mg/kg bw) were assessed in normal and varicocelized rats. ResultsThe varicocelized control rats showed decrease in sperm quality parameters, decreased activity of testes CAT, GPX and SOD, increased levels of MDA, and damage in testicular architecture. Administration of sodium selenite significantly reduced these changes to nearly normal levels, but did not change these parameters in normal rats. Histopathological studies further confirmed the protective effects of sodium selenite on varicocele-induced testicular damage in rats. Administrations of sodium selenite did not change these parameters in normal rats. ConclusionsTaken together, the results of this study suggest that sodium selenite treatment may have beneficial effect on the testes of varicocelized rats.

Magnesium protects against bile duct ligation-induced liver injury in male Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on cholestasis-induced hepatic injury after bile duct ligation (BDL) in male Wistar rats. In this study, the effects of 28-day, oral administration of MgSO4 (at doses of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg bw) were evaluated in normal and BDL-induced cholestatic rats. The BDL group showed significant increases in serum levels of ALP, ALT, AST, GGT and significant decreases in hepatic SOD and catalase activities. BDL rats also had significant decreases in the serum levels of albumin, bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Administration of MgSO4 significantly attenuated these changes to nearly normal levels. Administrations of MgSO4 did not change these parameters in normal rats. Histopathological studies further confirmed the protective effects of MgSO4 on cholestasis-induced hepatic injury in the BDL rat model. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that MgSO4 treatment may be beneficial in cholestasis-induced hepatotoxicity.

Pharmacological Evaluation of “Sugar Remedy,” A Polyherbal Formulation, on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mellitus in Rats

In the present study, Sugar Remedy, a polyherbal formulation (manufactured by Umalaxmi Organics Pvt Ltd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India) was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects against normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Type II diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administration of a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg. Effects of three different doses of Sugar Remedy suspension (185, 370, and 740 mg/kg/day, orally) and Metformin (500 mg/kg/day, orally) administered for 21 days were studied on parameters such as blood glucose, lipid profile, and antioxidant levels. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's test. No significant changes were noticed in blood glucose, serum lipid levels, and kidney parameters in normal rats treated with Sugar Remedy suspension alone. The efficacy of Sugar Remedy as an antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant agent in STZ-induced diabetes was comparable to that of the standard, 500 mg/kg of Metformin. Present findings provide experimental evidence that Sugar Remedy has significant antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidative effects in diabetic experimental rats. Hence, Sugar Remedy may be regarded as a promising natural and safe remedy for the prevention or delay of diabetic complications.

The effects of selected hot and cold temperament herbs based on Iranian traditional medicine on some metabolic parameters in normal rats.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of diets containing some hot and cold temperament herb seeds according to Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) on some metabolic parameters in acute (24 h) and sub-acute (7 day) experiments that were performed on rats. For each experiment, effects of diets containing 10% herb seeds in category of hot (anise, fennel, ajowan) and cold (cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin) temperaments were analyzed on body weight gain, food intake, water consumption, urine output, serum glucose (SG) and insulin levels of rats. In the acute experiment, anise or fennel fed groups showed a significant decrease in food intake and there were not any changes in other parameters. The hot temperament groups in comparison with the cold temperament ones showed a significant decrease in food intake and a significant increase in SG level. In the sub-acute experiment, anise and fennel fed groups had a significant decrease in body weight gain on the 4thday. On the 7th day, the anise fed group experienced a significant decrease in body weight gain and a significant increase in SG levels. The groups that were fed hot temperament diets compared to the ones that consumed cold temperament diets showed a significant decrease in body weight gain and food intake rates and a considerable increase in SG levels. Considering the findings of this study, one can conclude that it is possible that hot temperament herbs such as anise and fennel be useful for humans for certain conditions such as weight control.

Carvedilol alleviates adjuvant-induced arthritis and subcutaneous air pouch edema: Modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with cardiovascular complications as the leading cause of morbidity. Carvedilol is an adrenergic antagonist which has been safely used in treatment of several cardiovascular disorders. Given that carvedilol has powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties, we aimed to investigate its protective potential against arthritis that may add further benefits for its clinical usefulness especially in RA patients with concomitant cardiovascular disorders. Two models were studied in the same rat; adjuvant arthritis and subcutaneous air pouch edema. Carvedilol (10mg/kg/day p.o. for 21days) effectively suppressed inflammation in both models with comparable efficacy to the standard anti-inflammatory diclofenac (5mg/kg/day p.o.). Notably, carvedilol inhibited paw edema and abrogated the leukocyte invasion to air pouch exudates. The latter observation was confirmed by the histopathological assessment of the pouch lining that revealed mitigation of immuno-inflammatory cell influx. Carvedilol reduced/normalized oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and protein thiols) and lowered the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6), and eicosanoids (PGE2 & LTB4) in sera and exudates of arthritic rats. Interestingly, carvedilol, per se, didn't present any effect on assessed biochemical parameters in normal rats. Together, the current study highlights evidences for the promising anti-arthritic effects of carvedilol that could be mediated through attenuation of leukocyte migration, alleviation of oxidative stress and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids.

Levan from Bacillus subtilis Natto: its effects in normal and in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Levan is an exopolysaccharide of fructose primarily linked by β-(2→6) glycosidic bonds with some β-(2→1) branched chains. Due to its chemical properties, levan has possible applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bacillus subtilis is a promising industrial levan producer, as it ferments sucrose and has a high levan-formation capacity. A new strain of B. subtilis was recently isolated from Japanese food natto, and it has produced levan in large quantities. For future pharmaceutical applications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of levan produced by B. subtilis Natto, mainly as potential hypoglycemic agent, (previously optimized with a molecular weight equal to 72.37 and 4,146 kDa) in Wistar male rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin and non-diabetic rats and to monitor their plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. After 15 days of experimentation, the animals were sacrificed, and their blood samples were analyzed. The results, compared using analysis of variance, demonstrated that for this type of levan, a hypoglycemic effect was not observed, as there was no improvement of diabetes symptoms during the experiment. However, levan did not affect any studied parameters in normal rats, indicating that the exopolysaccharide can be used for other purposes.

Levan from Bacillus subtilis Natto: its effects in normal and in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Levan is an exopolysaccharide of fructose primarily linked by β-(2→6) glycosidic bonds with some β-(2→1) branched chains. Due to its chemical properties, levan has possible applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bacillus subtilis is a promising industrial levan producer, as it ferments sucrose and has a high levan-formation capacity. A new strain of B. subtilis was recently isolated from Japanese food natto, and it has produced levan in large quantities. For future pharmaceutical applications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of levan produced by B. subtilis Natto, mainly as potential hypoglycemic agent, (previously optimized with a molecular weight equal to 72.37 and 4,146 kDa) in Wistar male rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin and non-diabetic rats and to monitor their plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. After 15 days of experimentation, the animals were sacrificed, and their blood samples were analyzed. The results, compared using analysis of variance, demonstrated that for this type of levan, a hypoglycemic effect was not observed, as there was no improvement of diabetes symptoms during the experiment. However, levan did not affect any studied parameters in normal rats, indicating that the exopolysaccharide can be used for other purposes.

Pharmacological evaluation of "Glyoherb": A polyherbal formulation on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In the present study, powdered suspension of ‘Glyoherb’- sugar control granules, a polyherbal formulation (manufactured by Dhanvantri Guj. herb., Valasan, Anand, Gujarat, India) was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects against normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Type I diabetes was induced when streptozotocin 70 mg/kg was administered as a single i.p. injection. After five days of streptozotocin injection, animals showing glycosuria (fasting blood sugar level >200 mg/dl) were considered as diabetic. Daily oral administration of ‘Glyoherb’ suspension in 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses for 28 days produced a dose-dependant decrease in blood glucose levels. It also produced a significant decrease in elevated serum triglyceride, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, atherogenic index, serum urea, and creatinine and in antioxidant parameters in a dose dependant manner. Results were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. No significant changes were noticed in blood glucose, serum lipid levels and kidney parameters in normal rats treated with ‘Glyoherb’ suspension alone. The efficacy of ‘Glyoherb’ suspension as an antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant agent in streptozotocin-induced diabetes was comparable to that of the standard drug Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg).

In vivo insulin-mimetic activity of [ N, N′-1,3-propyl-bis(salicyladimine)]oxovanadium(IV)

[ N, N′-1,3-Propyl-bis(salicyladimine)]oxovanadium(IV) – an oxovanadium complex has been tested for bioactivity as an insulin-enhancing agent. Its structure reveals that the vanadium(IV) ion is hexacoordinated and situated in a distorted octahedral environment. The complex was administered intragastrically to both normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats for two weeks. The results showed that the complex, at a dose of 10.0 and 20.0 mg V·kg −1, could lower the blood glucose level in STZ-diabetic rats and improve the response to an oral glucose challenge. This complex did not alter these parameters in normal rats. It was suggested that the complex exerted an antidiabetic effect in STZ-diabetic rats.

Effect of dried immature leaves and fruit Ficus carcia On some biochemical parameters in normal rats

The effect of dried Ficus carcia leaves and fruit, before fruit maturing stage, (each of concentration 5% and 10%) were studied on the apparent digestibility and growth index of normal rats. These effects were also studied on blood hemoglobin level and its iron content ,and also on the glucose, cholesterol and total protein levels in the serum. 24 male weanling albino rats derived from (wister and Sprague - Dawley) types, with age of (30-35) day, and weight of (36-90) g were used. The rats were divided into six groups according to body weight. The first and fourth groups consumed the control groups, which fed for ten days (experimental period) the ideal diet only. The second, third, fifth and sixth groups were fed respectively : ideal diet plus 5% dried leaves, ideal diet plus 10% dried leaves, ideal diet plus 5% dried fruit and ideal diet plus 10% dried fruit. The statistical results showed a significant increasing in apparent digestibility of groups 5 & 6 that fed on 5% and 10% dried figue fruit respectively compared with the control group (PO.05) while insignificant differences was showed in growth index of all animals groups that fed on dried leaves or fruit, compared with the control groups. The results showed a significant increasing in the hemoglobin amount and its iron of group that fed on 10% dried figue leaves compared with the control group (PO.05). It was showed also a significant decreased in glucose level of groups 5 and 6 that fed on 5% and 10% dried fruit respectively, compared with the control group (PO.05). Also, showed a significant decreased in cholesterol level of group 2 and 6 that fed on 5% and 1.0% of dried leaves and fruit respectively, compared with the control groups (PO.05). A significant increasing also showed in the total protein level of groups 2 and 3 that fed on 5% and 10 % dried figue leaves respectively, compared with control group (PO.05),

Prenatal malnutrition-induced hypertension in young rats is prevented by neonatal capsaicin treatment

Prenatal malnutrition-induced fetal growth retardation in the rat results in elevated arterial blood pressure at adulthood. To test the contribution of cardiovascular sensory C fibers in the hypertensive state, arterial blood pressure was measured in prenatally undernourished rats treated at birth with capsaicin. The effects of the neonatal capsaicin treatment on heart rate and respiratory frequency were also evaluated. Maternal malnutrition resulted in body and brain weights deficits in the offspring that were not modified by neonatal capsaicin treatment. Capsaicin treatment did not change the cardiovascular parameters in normal rats, but prevented the elevation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate in malnourished animals. These results indicate that elevation of arterial blood pressure in prenatally malnourished rats depends on the activity of some sensory unmyelinated C fibers.