Received Olive Oil Research Articles

Does Olive Oil Attenuate Ciprofloxacin-Induced Renal Cortical Toxicity? Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for treatment of many infections. Olive oil is rich in compounds that have strong antioxidant activity.Aim: To assess CPFX-induced renal cortical structural changes in albino rats and to evaluate whether or not olive oil could attenuate such changes.Materials and Methods: Thirty two male albino rats were used and divided into 4 groups. Control group received distilled water, OO group received olive oil (5ml/kg/day), CPFX group received CPFX (20 mg/kg/day) and CPFX+OO group received both CPFX and olive oil as the previous groups. All medications were continued for 14 days. Renal cortex specimens were processed for light and electron microscopy. Morphometric study and statistical analysis for the results were also performed.Results: CPFX group revealed irregularity and shrinkage of renal corpuscles with loss of vascular component and capsular space obliteration. The mesangial cells were significantly increased. The renal tubules showed dilatation with significant increase in proximal convoluted tubules diameter, marked degeneration, significant increase in the darkly stained nuclei of their lining cells and intraluminal casts. Congested glomerular capillaries and peritubular blood vessels were also observed. Ultrastructurally, there were thickening of glomerular basement membrane, fusion of glomerular capillary endothelium and podocyte pedicles. Cytoplasmic empty areas and vacuolations, swollen mitochondria, nuclear changes were also found in the tubules. CPFX + OO group showed less structural changes.Conclusion: Olive oil has ameliorating effect on ciprofloxacin-induced renal cortical toxicity.

MITIGATING EFFECTS OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE AGAINST REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY INDUCED BY DICHLOROVOS IN MALE RATS

Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Z. officinalein mitigating oxidative damage and reproductive toxicity in the testis, induced by chronic dichlorovos administration in male Wistar rats.Methods: Twenty four adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats in each group. Group I received olive oil (1 ml/ kg bwt/day) and served as control group, while Group II was administered dichlorovos (20 mg/kg bwt/day) and Group III & IV received a combination of dichlorovos (20 mg/kg bwt) andZingiber officinale (ginger) extract (100 & 200 mg/kg bwt) for 45 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed.Results: The weight of the reproductive organs and serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels were assayed. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) (indexed by MDA) and antioxidants enzymes GSH, SOD, CAT were also analysed. Dichlorovos treatment decreased the weight of testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle as well as the serumlevels of FSH, LH and testosterone. There was a decrease in the activities of GSH, SOD and CAT as well as an increase in MDA concentration.Conclusion: Co-administration of aqueous extract ofZingiber officinalewith dichlorovos showed protective effect and increases the reproductive organs weight and enhancesserum hormones level along with increased antioxidants activities and reduced lipid peroxidation. This indicates that Zingiber officinale mitigates reproductive toxicity and oxidative damage induced by dichlorovos exposure due to its antioxidant activity in the testes.

Effects of camphor on histomorphometric and histochemical parameters of testicular tissue in mice

Background: In traditional medicine of some Asian countries it is believed that camphor could act as a sexual depressant. However, limited studies have been published on this issue. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, effects of camphor on testes, sperm and serum factors, and roles of vitamin E as antioxidant in treatment of toxicity of camphor for testes were studied. METHODS: Fifty adult male mice (20-25 g) were categorized into five groups. Control group, two control sham groups received olive oil and combined vitamin E and olive oil respectively, and two treatment groups received camphor and combined camphor and vitamin E, respectively. Camphor with doses of 30 mg/kg/day and vitamin E with doses of 100 mg/kg/day were prepared. All substances were administered using gavage. After 35 days, blood was collected from the animal heart for serology and testosterone assessment. Sperms were collected and tissue samples were removed and fixed in Bouin and liquid nitrogen. Paraffin embedded and freezing sections were stained with H&E and specific stain and studied. RESULTS: Results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, average proportions of live and mature sperms and major testicular morphometric parameters (p>0.05). Although histochemical changes were seen, no changes were observed in serum testosterone in groups that received camphor. Vitamin E moderated toxicity of camphor in immature sperms, diameter of lumen and TDI index. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that camphor includes adverse effects on parameters of testes and sperm quality. Furthermore, vitamin E, as an antioxidant, can moderate toxicity of camphor.

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the primary omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the independent effects of EPA and DHA on lipid and apolipoprotein levels, as well as on inflammatory biomarkers of CVD risk, using doses often used in the general population. DesignA blinded, randomized 6-week trial was performed in 121 healthy, normolipidemic subjects who received olive oil placebo 6g/d, EPA 600mg/d, EPA 1800mg/d, or DHA 600mg/d. The EPA was derived from genetically modified yeast. ResultsThe subjects tolerated the supplements well with no safety issues; and the expected treatment-specific increases in plasma EPA and DHA levels were observed. Compared to placebo, the DHA group had significant decreases in postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations (−20%, −52.2mg/dL, P=0.03), significant increases in fasting and postprandial low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (+18.4%, 17.1mg/dL, P=0.001), with no significant changes in inflammatory biomarkers. No significant effects were observed in the EPA 600mg/d group. The high-dose EPA group had significant decreases in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 concentrations (Lp-PLA2) (−14.1%, −21.4ng/mL, P=0.003). ConclusionsThe beneficial effects of EPA 1800mg/d on CVD risk reduction may relate in part to the lowering of Lp-PLA2 without adversely affecting LDL-C. In contrast, DHA decreased postprandial TG, but raised LDL-C. Our observations indicate that these dietary fatty acids have divergent effects on cardiovascular risk markers.

Protective effect of ellagic acid against cyclosporine A-induced histopathological, ultrastructural changes, oxidative stress, and cytogenotoxicity in albino rats

ABSTRACTCyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressor agent, which is most frequently used in transplant surgeries and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of ellagic acid (EA) against CsA-induced testicular histopathology and ultrastructure changes, oxidative stress, and cytogenotoxicity in male albino rats. Rats were divided into six groups; the first group was used as a control, the second group received a subcutaneous injection of slightly alkaline solution, the third group received olive oil orally, the fourth group was injected subcutaneously with EA at a dose of 10 mg/kg b. wt./day, the fifth group was treated with CsA as oral solution at a dose of 15 mg/kg b. wt for 30 days, and the sixth group was treated with CsA simultaneously with EA. Treatment with EA simultaneously with CsA resulted in significant protection. The positive control animals taking CsA alone showed marked histopathological, ultrastructure, and genetic manifestations accompanied by an elevated content of lipid peroxidation and marked reduction of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (Px) activity, and glutathione concentration in the homogenate of testis tissues. The toxic side effects in testis and bone marrow tissues were greatly ablated with a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation level and elevation in CAT and Px activities and glutathione concentration when using EA. Thus, EA may be used in combination with CsA to improve the histopathological, oxidative stress, and cytogenotoxicity parameters of testicular toxicity induced by CsA due to its antioxidant effects.

STUDY THE SHORT TERM CHRONIC TOXICITY OF CYCLOSPORINE EXPOSURE ON TESTIS, HEART AND LUNGS AND THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF LARGININE IN ADULT ALBINO RATS

Objective: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug widely used after organ transplantation or in treatment of auto-immune diseases. However, several side effects are commonly associated with CsA long term intake. The Aim of the present study was to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity (8 weeks) of CsA on testis, heart and lungs in adult male albino rats, and to determine the potential protective effect of amino acid L-arginine. Material and Methods: A total of 48 adult male albino rats divided into in to 4 groups. Group I (control group) which is subdivided into 3 groups each of 8 rats: Group I.a- negative control group each rat received only regular diet and water. Group I.b- positive control group: each rat received olive oil (0.5 cc) emulsion daily by oral gavage. Group I.c- positive control group: each rat received distilled water (0.5 cc) daily by oral gavage. Group II. Cyclosporine CsA group: (8 rats) each rat received Cyclosporine CsA 74 mg/kg (120 of LD50) in an olive oil emulsion (0.5 cc) daily by oral gavage .Group III. L-Arginine group: (8 rats) each rat received L-Arginine 300 mg/ kg daily by oral gavage .Group IV. Cyclosporine CsA plus L-Arginine group: (8 rats) each rat received 300 mg/ kg/day of L- Arginine by oral gavage a week before CsA treatment was initiated. The rats then received Cyclosporine CsA (74mg/kg in an olive oil emulsion) by oral gavage for 8 weeks. After the end of the study, blood samples were taken to measure serum testosterone levels. Testis, heart, and lungs were removed and subjected to histopathological study. Results: In CsA treated (group II), there was a significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels. Histopathological changes were in the form of (testis showed extensive degeneration of seminiferous tubules, necrosis and interstitial edema), (heart showed extensive connective tissue formation among myocardial fibers with disorganization of myocardial fibers confirmed by Masson’s Trichrome Stained sections revealing extensive fibrosis( and (lungs showed large area of acute bronchopneumonia, many alveolar walls are covered by fibrin exudates and inflammatory cellular infiltrate). While Cyclosporine CsA plus L-Arginine group (group IV) revealed partial improvement in the previous histopathological changes. The heart, showed mild myocardial disorganization and sparse connective tissue among myocardial fibers. The lung showed edematous thickening of the alveolar walls and sparse inflammatory cellular infiltrate and the testis showed that most of seminiferous tubules retain its normal structure, few show degeneration and necrosis. Conclusion: From the previous results, it can be concluded that CsA induced toxic effects in the testis as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological changes. Also,Heart and lungs showed histopathological damage. Pre-treatment with L-Arginine group (IV) reduced the subsequent CsA injury in testis, heart and lungs.

The Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10 Combination on Ovarian Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: An Experimental Study.

Objective. This study aims to evaluate whether alpha-lipoic acid and/or coenzyme Q10 can protect the prepubertal ovarian tissue from ischemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model of ovarian torsion. Materials and Methods. Forty-two female preadolescent Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups randomly. The sham group had laparotomy without torsion; the other groups had torsion/detorsion procedure. After undergoing torsion, group 2 received saline, group 3 received olive oil, group 4 received alpha-lipoic acid, group 5 received coenzyme Q10, and group 6 received both alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 orally. The oxidant-antioxidant statuses of these groups were compared using biochemical measurement of oxidized/reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde, pathological evaluation of damage and apoptosis within the ovarian tissue, and immunohistochemical assessment of nitric oxide synthase. Results. The left ovaries of the alpha-lipoic acid + coenzyme Q10 group had significantly lower apoptosis scores and significantly higher nitric oxide synthase content than the left ovaries of the control groups. The alpha-lipoic acid + coenzyme Q10 group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase levels and serum malondialdehyde concentrations than the sham group. Conclusions. The combination of alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 has beneficial effects on oxidative stress induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury related to ovarian torsion.

Palm Oil-Derived Phytosterol: Glutathione Antioxidant Status in Rats Exposed to Carbon Tetrachloride

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant effect of phytosterol from palm oil by studying its ability to improve antioxidant status of rats induced with oxidative stress by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were divided into four groups of normal control (NC), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), phytosterol (P) and phytosterol plus carbon tetrachloride (P+CCl4). The P and P+CCl4 groups received weekly phytosterol pre-treatment via subcutaneous injections at 140 mg/kg rat weight for 5 weeks while the NC and CCl4 groups only received olive oil (vehicle). Carbon tetrachloride at the dose determined by a preliminary study was given as single oral dose to induce lipid peroxidation in the CCl4 and P+CCl4 groups. After 24 hours, the rats were sacrificed and the heart, liver, kidney and lung were isolated for the determination of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. Carbon tetrachloride caused significant reduction in the GSH:GSSH ratio in all major organs. Phytosterol pre-treatment as in the P+CCl4 group significantly increased the GSH:GSSG ratio in major organs. The present findings indicate that phytosterols keep tissue glutathione concentration in normal levels which may indicate improving antioxidant status in major organs of the rats treated with carbon tetrachloride.

Effects of postoperative parenteral nutrition with different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (PN) using different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.MethodsFifty-two patients were randomized to receive soybean oil + medium chain triglycerides (MCT) (group I), soybean oil + olive oil (group II), soybean oil + olive oil + fish oil (group III) as a lipid source. PN was started on postoperative day 1 and patients were maintained on PN for a minimum period of 4 days. Laboratory variables (CRP, prealbumin, transferrin) were measured before surgery and on postoperative days.ResultsThree treatment groups were included in the study. Patients in group I received long chain triglycerides (LCT) + LCT/MCT emulsion (%75 LCT + %25 LCT/MCT); Patients in group II received olive oil based emulsion (80% olive oil + 20% soybean oil, ClinOleic); Patients in group III received fish oil in addition to olive oil based emulsion (%85 ClinOleic + %15 Omegaven; Fresenius Kabi). The following 14 parameters were assessed: body weight, CRP, prealbumin, transferrin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidized low density lipoprotein-2, complete blood cell, international normalized ratio, D-dimer, activated partially thromboplastin time, prothrombin time. All other parameters showed no differences among the groups.ConclusionThe results of our trial demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of soybean oil/olive oil based lipid emulsions for use in PN regarding inflammatory response and oxidant capacity in the treatment of patients.

Asessment of the Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Costus after</i> “Ker Gawl” on Cyclosporine a Induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective : Costus afer has long been used in traditional African setting in several instances though lack a prove of evidence for its numerous acclaimed potentials, however, this study is designed to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of aqueous leaf extract of C. afer against cyclosporine A (CsA) induced hepatotoxicity. Methods : Rats of similar weight were divided into six groups of five rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and toxic control received olive oil and 50 mg/kg CsA p.o., respectively. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were given 375, 750, 1125 mg/kg p.o of the extract, and 100 mg/kg silymarin an hour prior to 50 mg/kg CsA, respectively, for 5 days. Physical, biochemical, and histological parameters estimated by reported methods serves as scientific evidence in the study. Results : C. afer significantly restored catalase (P < 0.005), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.005), malondialdehyde (P < 0.005), and glutathione (P < 0.05) levels dose dependently. In all cases as mentioned previously, C. afer at all dose level promoted significant (P < 0.05) restoration of serum liver parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, conjugated bilirubin, total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological reports, which showed attenuation of hepatocellular necrosis. Conclusion : Aqueous leaf extract of C . afer dose dependently prevented the significant changes on the physical, biochemical, and histological changes induced by CsA in the liver. Therefore, aqueous leaf extract of C. afer can be employed as an economic agent to treat liver diseases related to CsA administration and possibly other hepatotoxic drugs.

Protective Role of Lycopene against Cadmium Induced Haematological Changes in Swiss Albino Mice

Cadmium is one of the toxic, hazardous metals widely dispersed in the environment in high levels. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of lycopene on hematological parameters in cadmium exposed mice. Albino mice were divided into four groups. Group I were control mice, group II received cadmium (0.32mg/kg bw) only, group III received olive oil (20mg/kg bw) only and group IV received an acute dose of cadmium followed by daily administration of lycopene (20mg/kg bw) for 15 days. On the day of autopsy blood samples were collected into ethylenediaminetetra acid (EDTA) bottles, for assessing hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC) and WBC differentials, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The results showed significant reduction in hemoglobin level, RBC and WBC count and all the hematological parameters in cadmium treated mice as compared to control. Administration of lycopene reversed almost all the abnormalities in the blood parameters showing significant protection against cadmium induced toxicity in mice. It is concluded that lycopene showed affordable protection against cadmium induced toxicity on blood profile.

Alteration of delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) enzymes by Hot-nature diet with co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients

BackgroundThe effect of nutrition and dietary supplements as environmental factors has been suggested as possible factors affecting both disease risk and progression in on the course of multiple sclerosis with complex genetic-risk profiles. This study was aimed to assess regulation of surface-membrane enzymes such as Delta-6-desaturase (FADS2), secretory Phospholipase A2(sPLA2) by hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-natured dietary intervention in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Methods and materialsIn this double blind, randomized trial, 100 RRMS patients with Extended disability status score (EDSS)<6 were allocated into 3 groups: “Group A” who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils along with advised Hot nature diet; “Group B”, who received olive oil; “Group C”, who received the co-supplemented oils. Clinically EDSS and functional score as well as biochemical parameters [blood cells polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), FADS2, sPLA2] were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. ResultsMean follow-up was 180±2.9SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25±8.07 years with disease duration 6.80±4.33 years). There was no significant difference in studies parameters at baseline. After 6 months, significant improvements in EDSS and functional score were found in the groups A and C while EDSS and pyramidal score showed significant increase in group B. Alteration of biochemical parameters showed improvement in groups A and C whereas there was worsening condition for group B after the intervention. ConclusionThe co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot nature diet can have beneficial effects in improving clinical symptoms and signs in RRMS patients which were confirmed by regulation of surface-membrane enzymes.

Bisphenol A induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in hepatic tissue of female rat offspring

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting compound widely spread in our living environment. It is a contaminant with increasing exposure to it and exerts both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. Due to the limited information concerning the effect of BPA on the liver, the present study was designed to assess hepatic tissue injury induced by early life exposure to BPA in female rat offspring. Rat dams (n=9) were gavaged with 0.5 and 50mgof BPA/kgb.w./day throughout lactation until weaning. The sham group received olive oil for the same duration while the control group did not receive any injection. The liver tissue was collected from female pups at different pubertal periods (PND50, 90 and 110) to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers, extent of DNA damage and histopathological changes. Our results indicated that early life exposure to BPA significantly increased oxidative/nitrosative stress, decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, induced DNA damage and chronic severe inflammation in the hepatic tissue in a time dependent manner. These data suggested that BPA causes long-term adverse effects on the liver, which leads to deleterious effects in the liver of female rat offspring.

Cardioprotective Effect of Leaf and Root Extracts of Newbouldia laevis against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced-Cardiotoxicity in Albino Rats

Various parts of Newbouldia laevis are used by traditional medicine practitioners in Eastern Nigeria for treatment/management of several disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to investigate cardioprotective potential of aqueous leaf and root extracts of the plant in albino rats. Forty-four (44) adult male albino rats, used in this study, were placed into eleven (11) groups (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K), four rats in each group. Groups A, B, C and D were orally administered with 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body of leaf extract respectively, while Original Research Article Agbafor et al.; EJMP, 9(3): 1-7, 2015; Article no.EJMP.17673 2 groups E, F, G and H were given the same doses of root extract correspondingly. Group I received 1.2 mg/kg body weight of aspirin (a cardioprotective drug), while groups J and K were given distilled water. Administration lasted seven (7) consecutive days. On the seventh day, all groups, except K, were given 2.5 ml/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally two hours after extract/aspirin administration. Group K received olive oil. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides in the extracts. The activity of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and concentration of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) in the serum of extractand aspirin-treated groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the untreated negative control in which these parameters were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in normal control. Serum lipid profile of the animals also followed the same trend. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the extractand aspirintreated groups relative to the negative control. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the extractand aspirin-treated groups and normal control than in the untreated negative control. The effect of the extracts were dose-dependent, and that of 800 mg/kg leaf extract was significantly higher (P<0.05) than 1.2 mg/kg aspirin. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the groups given leaf extract and those treated with root extract. These findings are indicative of possible cardioprotective potential of the extracts, and may be partly responsible for their efficacy against cardiovascular diseases.

Prophylactic Treatment with Adlay Bran Extract Reduces the Risk of Severe Acute Radiation Dermatitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

Acute radiation dermatitis is a frequent adverse effect in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy, but there are only a small number of studies providing evidence-based interventions for this clinical condition. Adlay is a cereal crop that has been previously shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of oral prophylactic treatment with adlay bran extract in reducing the risk of severe acute radiation dermatitis. A total of 110 patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy were analyzed. Using a prospective, randomized, double-blind design, 73 patients received oral treatment with adlay bran extract and 37 patients received olive oil (placebo). Treatment was started at the beginning of radiation therapy and continued until the termination of radiation treatment. Our results showed that the occurrence of severe acute radiation dermatitis (RTOG grade 2 or higher) was significantly lower in patients treated with oral adlay bran extract compared to placebo (45.2% versus 75.7%, adjusted odds ratio 0.24). No serious adverse effects from adlay bran treatment were noted. In conclusion, prophylactic oral treatment with adlay bran extract reduces the risk of severe acute radiation dermatitis and may have potential use in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity.

BackgroundDuring menopause, the decrease of estrogenic secretion induces the disruption of skin functioning, thus causing the decline in skin elasticity characteristic of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin elasticity.Materials and methodsSixty postmenopausal women consumed butter during the stabilization period and were randomly divided into two groups for the intervention period: the treatment group of 30 participants received dietary argan oil, the control group of 30 participants received olive oil, and both groups applied cosmetic argan oil in the left volar forearm during a 60-day period. Assessments of skin elasticity parameters, ie, the three R-parameters (R2 or gross-elasticity of the skin, R5 or net elasticity of the skin, and R7 or biological elasticity), and the resonance running time (RRT) at both volar forearms of the two groups were performed during three visits: before starting oils consumption and application, after 30 days of oils consumption and application, and after 60 days of oils consumption and application.ResultsThe consumption of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P<0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P=0.002). The application of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P=0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P<0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil have an anti-aging effect on the skin demonstrated by the improvement of skin elasticity, characterized by an increase of R-parameters (R2, R5, and R7) and a decrease of RRT.

D-Pinitol Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective activity of D-Pinitol against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The animals were divided into six groups, with each group consisting of six animals. Group I animals served as normal controls and received olive oil vehicle (1.0 ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally). Group II rats served as CCl4 controls, which received 30% CCl4 suspended in olive oil (3.0 ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally) twice a week for 4 weeks. Group III rats were treated with 30% CCl4 suspended in olive oil (3.0 ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally) twice a week for 4 weeks, followed by D-Pinitol (100 mg/kg body weight) given for 28 days intragastrically. Group IV rats received D-Pinitol alone at a concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight for 28 days intragastrically. At the end of the experimental period, serum marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly increased in group II animals. On the other hand, D-Pinitol treatment significantly decreased marker enzymes and LPO levels and increased the antioxidant level. CYP expression was also investigated. Therefore, the present study revealed that D-Pinitol acts as a protective agent by decreasing metabolic activation of xenobiotics through its antioxidant nature.

2‐(2‐Nitrovinyl)furan Promotes Oxidation of Cellular Proteins, Lipids, and DNA of Male Rat Liver and Kidney

The effect of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan on the redox status of male rat liver and kidney was evaluated. Twenty male rats were randomized into four groups; group A received olive oil and groups B, C, and D rats received 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan intraperitoneally, daily at 24 h interval, respectively, for 14 days. 2-(2-Nitrovinyl)furan significantly reduced (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase activities in male rat liver and kidney with a corresponding increase in serum. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and levels of reduced glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio in the liver and kidney of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, GSSG, protein carbonyl, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, and fragmented DNA (%) in 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats increased significantly (P < 0.05). Overall, data from this study revealed that 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems.

Activity of liver enzymes in multiple sclerosis patients with Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention

It is unknown whether diets with a high dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) can modify oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, or liver dysfunction, all of which are risk factors for multiple sclerosis disease. This study assesses alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in MS patients treated with co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils as well as Hot-nature diet and the therapeutic potential this intervention. In this double blind, randomized trial, 100 MS patients with EDSS<6 were allocated into 3 groups: "group A", who received co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with advised Hot-nature diet; "group B",who received olive oil; and "group C", who received the co-supplemented oils. Clinically, EDSS as well as serum level of liver enzymes (GGT, AST, and ALT) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Mean follow-up was 180±2.9 SD days (N=65, 23 M and 42 F aged 34.25±8.07 years with disease duration of 6.80±4.33 years). There was no significant difference in the study parameters at baseline. Serum levels of liver enzymes (GGT, AST, and ALT) were serially monitored. Intervention was associated with liver function alteration in three groups. Significance decreased in EDSS score and the levels of liver enzymes were found in groups A and C, whereas elevated serum liver enzymes and EDSS score were observed in group B after the intervention. Selecting foods according to their Total antioxidant capacity such as co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with Hot-nature diet affects antioxidant intake and can have beneficial effects on improving EDSS score and activity of liver enzymes in RRMS patients.

Assessment of ototoxicity of tea tree oil in a chinchilla animal model

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to examine the effects of tea tree oil on hearing function and cochlear morphology after intratympanic administration in a chinchilla animal model. MethodsNine chinchillas received intratympanic injection of 3% tea tree oil dissolved in olive oil in one ear, whereas the contralateral control ear received olive oil only. Outcome measures included auditory brainstem responses conducted before treatment and at 10 days and 30 days following the injection. Post-mortem cochlear morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. ResultsAt 10 and 30 days following the injection, there was no significant change in auditory brain response thresholds at 8, 16, 20 or 25kHz. Scanning electron microscopy imaging showed no damage to auditory hair cells. ConclusionTea tree oil (3%) does not appear to be ototoxic in a chinchilla animal model. Future preclinical and clinical studies are required to establish the effectiveness of TTO in treating otitis.