Received Tap Water Research Articles

Ameliorative property of Kigelia africana crude and flavonoid leaf extracts on aluminum-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Liver diseases could be life threatening. The liver, being an organ of biotransformation of xenobiotics, makes it a target for oxidative stress since most toxins are pro-oxidants. This study investigated the protective property of Kigelia africana crude leaf extract (KAE) and its flavonoid-rich fraction (FKAE) on AlCl3-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Animals in the negative control group received tap water orally. The hepatotoxic group received 17 mg/kg AlCl3 daily, for four consecutive weeks. Positive control group received rivastigmine (0.3 mg/kg/day), while groups 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg KAE, respectively, daily for 2 weeks followed by combination of KAE treatment with AlCl3 administration for a further 4 weeks. Groups 6 and 7 were treated in a similar way to groups 4 and 5 but with 50 and 100 mg/kg FKAE, respectively. Markers of oxidative stress, electrolyte levels, and histopathological changes were evaluated in the liver of animals after the period of treatment. Results obtained revealed that 100 mg/kg KAE and both doses of FKAE significantly mitigated AlCl3-induced oxidative stress, electrolyte disturbance, and histological alterations in rats. It is suggested that Kigelia africana could be a potential source of effective hepatoprotectants.

Long-term exposure to fluoride as a factor promoting changes in the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases (COX1 and COX2) in various rat brain structures

Background: Sixty percent of the mammalian brain is composed of lipids including arachidonic acid (AA). AA released from cell membranes is metabolised in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway to prostanoids – biologically active substances involved in the regulation of many processes including inflammation. It has been shown that long-term exposure to fluoride in pre and neonatal period is dangerous because this element is able to penetrate through the placenta and to cross the blood-brain barrier. Exposure to fluoride during the development affects metabolism and physiology of neurons and glia which results in the impairment of cognitive functions but the exact mechanisms of fluoride neurotoxicity are not clearly defined. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to fluoride during the development affects COXes activity and the synthesis of prostanoids. Material and methods: Pre- and postnatal toxicity model in Wistar rats was used. Experimental animals received 50 mg/L of NaF in drinking water ad libitum, while control animals received tap water. In cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and striatum were measured fluoride concentration, COX1 and COX2 genes expression, immunolocalization of the enzymatic proteins and concentration of PGE2 and TXB2. Results: of this study showed statistically significant changes in the concentration of fluoride in brain structures between study group and control animals. Moreover, significant changes in the expression level of COX1 and COX2, and in the concentration of PGE2 and TXB2 were observed. Conclusion: Exposure to fluoride in the prenatal and neonatal period result in the increase in COX2 activity and increase in PGE2 concentration in rats brain, which may lead to disturbances in central nervous system homeostasis.‬‬

The Effects of High Peripubertal Caffeine Exposure on the Adrenal Gland in Immature Male and Female Rats.

The consumption of high levels of dietary caffeine has increased in children and adolescents. Human and animal studies have shown that chronic intake of high doses of caffeine affects serum glucocorticoid levels. Given that glucocorticoids play a role in peripubertal organ growth and development, chronic high doses of caffeine during puberty might impair maturation of the adrenal glands. To evaluate any effects of caffeine exposure on growing adrenal glands, 22-day-old male (n = 30) and female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups (n = 10/group); group 1 received tap water (control) and groups 2 and 3 received water containing 120 and 180 mg/kg/day caffeine, respectively, via gavage for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, adrenal glands were weighed and processed for histological analysis. Relative adrenal weights increased in both groups of caffeine-fed males and females, whereas absolute weights were decreased in the females. In the female caffeine-fed groups the adrenal cortical areas resembled irregularly arranged cords and the medullary area was significantly increased, whereas no such effects were seen in the male rats. Our results indicate that the harmful effects of caffeine on the adrenal glands of immature rats differ between females and males. Although female rats seemed to be more susceptible to damage based on the changes in the microarchitecture of the adrenal glands, caffeine affected corticosterone production in both female and male rats. In addition, increased basal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels in caffeine-fed groups may reflect decreased cortical function. Therefore, caffeine may induce an endocrine imbalance that disturbs the establishment of the hypothalamo–pituitary adrenal axis during puberty, thereby leading to abnormal stress responses.

Pharmacological Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on the Vasopressor Responses in Male Wistar Rats with Insulin Resistance

Several lines of evidence have shown the potential role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in insulin resistance. However, up to date, the effect of H2S has not been evaluated in the cardiovascular alterations by fructose‐induced insulin resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of NaHS (sodium hydrosulfide; H2S donor), DL‐propargylglicine (DL‐PPG; cystathionine‐Ɣ‐lyase inhibitor) and hydroxylamine (HA; cystathionine‐β‐synthase inhibitor) on the vasopressor responses induced by sympathetic stimulation (0.03–3 Hz) or by bolus injections of the noradrenaline agonists (α1/2; 0.003–3 μg/kg), methoxamine (α1; 3–100 μg/kg) and UK‐14304 (α2; 0.03–30 μg/kg) in rats with fructose‐induced insulin resistance. For this purpose, 36 rats were divided in two groups. The first group (n=30) was treated with fructose (15% in drinking water) during 20 weeks, while the second group (control; n=6) received tap water. 16 weeks after the treatment with fructose, the first group was divided in 5 subgroups (n=6 each), which received daily i.p. administration during 4 weeks with: (1) nothing; (2) phosphate buffer saline (PBS; 1 mL/g); (3) NaHS (5.6 mg/kg); (4) DL‐PPG (10 mg/kg); and (5) HA (10 mg/g). Next, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin levels were determined before and after administration of glucose (2 g/kg, p.o.). Finally, under anesthesia with isoflurane, animals were pithed and prepared to determine the vasopressor responses induced by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Animals treated with fructose showed hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Interestingly, these parameters were reverted by HA but not by PBS. NaHS decreased blood pressure while DL‐PPG increased blood pressure and diminished HOMA‐index. In animals with insulin resistance, the vasopressor responses to sympathetic stimulation were decreased (1 and 3 Hz) while those induced by noradrenaline, methoxamine and UK 14,304 remained unchanged when they were compared with control. PBS and DL‐PPG failed to modify the vasopressor responses aforementioned. On the other hand, NaHS increased the vasopressor responses to sympathetic stimulation (3 Hz), noradrenaline (1 μg/kg) and methoxamine (30 μg/kg), but the responses to UK‐14304 was no modify. HA decreased the vasopressor responses to sympathetic stimulation (1 and 3 Hz), noradrenaline (0.1–3 μg/kg), methoxamine (30 and 100 μg/kg) and UK‐14304 (3–30 μg/kg). These results suggest that chronic treatment with NaHS, but not DL‐PPG, was able to revert the cardiovascular alterations induced by fructose‐induced insulin resistance suggesting a beneficial effect of H2S in the cardiovascular system. In contrast, HA produced: (1) a marked decreased on sympathetic function which may explain its anti‐hypertensive effect; and (2) a significant reduction on insulin resistance. These data may suggest that H2S could be implicated in the pathophysiology of the insulin resistance.Support or Funding InformationThe authors acknowledge to Conacyt (Grant No. 252702) for its financial support.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Lycopene and resveratrol ameliorate zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Industrial products contained nano-zinc oxide (ZnONP) can gain access to the aquaculture environment causing hazardous effects on the living biota. Therefore, this work was planned to examine the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of lycopene (LYC) and/or resveratrol (RES) against ZnONP toxicity in Nile tilapia. Five groups with 20 fish each were used; Control, received tap water only; ZnONP group, was intoxicated with ZnONP (50 mg/L); ZnONP-LYC group, was exposed to ZnONP and LYC (500 mg/ kg of the diet); ZnONP-RES group, was exposed to ZnONP and RES (50 mg/kg of the diet); ZnONP-LYC-RES group, was exposed to ZnONP and a combination of LYC and RES. The experiment was continued for 30 days. Fish blood and tissues were then assembled for determination of liver and kidney function and oxidative stress status in liver, kidney, and gills tissue. Results revealed a considerable elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, urea, and creatinine with a noticeable lowering of total proteins and albumin serum levels in response to ZnONP intoxication. In addition, there were significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduction in the reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. However, treatment with LYC and/or RES ameliorated the ZnONP-inflicted oxidative stress which possibly attributed to their beneficial antioxidant activities.

Investigating Co, Cu, and Pb retention and remobilization after drying and rewetting treatments in greenhouse laboratory-scale constructed treatments with and without Typha angustifolia, and connected phytoremediation potential

There is critical concern over heavy metals because they are biotoxins. The best management option is elimination or at least minimization of effluence into the environment, but in several regions, mining wastewater or acid mine drainage (AMD) effluence into natural wetlands has continued. The ability of wetlands to attenuate heavy metals in mining wastewater and AMD has led to natural wetlands being used as recipients of these effluents in many parts of the world. Ten greenhouse-based laboratory-scale constructed wetlands (GLCW) were set up at IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education to understand the mechanisms and fate of heavy metals in three Zambian wetlands in attenuation of Co, Cu, and Pb. These were operated as Free Water Surface Constructed Wetlands (FWS-CWs). The principal investigations compared how vegetated and unvegetated microcosm artificial wetlands retained controlled additions of heavy metals and the effect of drying and rewetting on that. The potential for phytoremediation using Typha angustifolia was also investigated. Typha angustifolia was planted in three vegetated and compared with one unvegetated treatment. Treatments A, B, and, the investigated, Treatment D received synthetic wastewater containing Co, Cu, and Pb, while a control, Treatment C, received tap water. Water samples were taken throughout the experiment, and sediment samples collected after the first flushing and before drying. Samples of T. angustifolia were taken before drying the wetlands. Analyses for Co, Cu, and Pb were made in the water and sediment, and in roots, stems and leaves of plant samples. The unvegetated Dutch sediments GLCWs removed more Co from wastewater (52%) than the vegetated Dutch and Zambian sediments GLCWs (13% and −4%, respectively). There was a similar removal of Cu among the GLCWs receiving wastewater (81%–87%). The removal of Pb was significantly higher in the vegetated Dutch sediment GLCWs than the unvegetated Dutch sediments GLCWs, (89% and 72%, respectively). It was concluded that a hectare of the vegetated Zambian sediments with similar design parameters of 50 mg/m2.day for Co, Cu, and Pb used in the experiment would on average retain 83 g/day of Co, and 417 g/day of both Cu and Pb. After drying, Co, Cu, and Pb washed out on the first day of rewetting. The washout after that took only a few days. How long the metals washed out of the GLCWs was in order Co > Cu > Pb. T. angustifolia could neither be classified as an accumulator nor an excluder species because the concentrations of Co, Cu, and Pb in the sediments and T. angustifolia were below phytotoxic levels mainly due to a short running period of the experiment.

Fructose-induced metabolic disturbances in rats and its impact on stomach endocrine cell number and smooth muscle contractility

Context: Gastric ghrelin-positive endocrine cells (GHR + EC) were most dense in the oxyntic mucosa.Objective: We evaluated ECs and contractile activity in rat stomach with metabolic disorders.Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Control (n = 9) received tap water and Fructose (n = 9) drank 15% fructose solution for 12 weeks. Streptozotocin was applied in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. two weeks after the beginning of the experiment on Fructose group. Smooth-muscle strips from the stomach were influenced by Angiotensin II for analysis of parameters of contractions. Stomach samples were elaborated with immunohistochemistry for ghrelin, somatostatin, gastrin antibodies and with double immunofluorescence.Results: In treated animals, GHR + EC were significantly increased in the corpus where somatostatin-positive cells were decreased. Contractile activity was decreased.Conclusions: The increase number of GHR + EC was discussed in the context of Somatostatin and Gastrin-positive ECs variations and correlated with the decrease of smooth muscle contraction.

Amelioration of Prenatal Lead-Induced Learning and Memory Impairments by Methanolic Extract of Zataria Multiflora in Male Rats

Introduction:The current study aimed at evaluating the effects of Zataria Multiflora (ZM) on learning and memory of adult male offspring rats with prenatal lead-exposure.Methods:Pregnant rats in the case group received tap water containing 0.2% lead acetate throughout the gestation period. Control rats had free access to lead-free tap water. Two male offspring (two-month-old, weighing 180–200 g) from each mother were randomly selected and treated with either Z. Multiflora (50, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/Intraperitoneally (I.P)/20 day) or saline. Spatial memory of the control, saline, and ZM-treated rats was evaluated by a training trial and probe test using Morris water maze (6–8 rat/group).Results:The obtained results showed memory deficits including increased escape latency, and a greater traveled distance, as well as decrements in the frequency of crossings into target quadrants in prenatally lead-exposed male offspring compared with the controls. ZM treatment (200 mg/kg/i.p) ameliorated the memory deficits in male offspring by increasing the time spent and traveled distance in the trigger zone (P<0.01 vs. saline).There was no significant difference in swimming speed between the groups.Conclusion:The results showed memory deficits in prenatally lead-exposed male offspring. ZM treatment (especially 200 mg/kg) had beneficial effects on cognitive behavior and was indicated as the improvement of lead-induced memory deficits in prenatally lead-exposed male rats. The exact mechanism(s) is not determined yet, but it could be mediated through the anticholinesterase and antioxidant effects and also alterations in Central Nervous System (CNS) and neurotransmission in the central nervous system.

A Histological and an Immunohistochemical Study on the Effects of Iron Overdose on the Basal Ganglia of the Adult Albino Rat

Background: Iron is the most abundant element on earth and an essential metal for life. It is used extensively by proteins involved in the electron transport chain, the active centers of many enzymes and oxygen transport. It is essential for the adequate development and functioning of the brain. The regulation of the iron metabolism is crucial since both the iron deficiency and the iron overload can cause a disease.Aim of the Work: To detect the effects of iron exposure during the postnatal period on the putamen, the subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra in adult albino rats.Material and Methods: A total number of twenty albino rats were used in the study. They were equally divided into a control group and an experimental group. The control group received tap water orally. The experimental group received 15 mg/kg of ferrous gluconate orally. The regimen started at postnatal day 12 and continued until three months old. The rats were anaesthetized and the brains were extracted. The specimens from the fixed brains were dissected and processed for the light and the electron microscopic examination. Morphometric measurements were also done.Results: The light microscopic study of the treated group revealed neurons of putamen had dense darkly stained nuclei and vacuolations appeared within the neuropil. Wide spaces between darkly stained neurons of the subthalamic nucleus were detected. The neuropil of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) had many vacuoles and most of the neurons had darkly stained nuclei. Immunohistochemistry of the putamen using anti-TH demonstrated a reduction of TH expression in a patchy manner. Immunohistochemistry of SNc showed a weak TH immunoreactivity in the neuropil of the treated group and a reduction in the number of TH immunopositive neurons in comparison with the control group. The electron microscopic study of the SNc and putamen of the treated group showed degeneration of the mitochondria, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, heterochromatic nuclei with irregular outline and marked loss of cell organelles in the cytoplasm. Morphometric studies revealed a significant reduction in the cell count and surface area of the neurons in SNc and putamen of the treated group in comparison with the control group.Conclusion: Iron overdose during postnatal period produces degeneration of the putamen, subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra in the adult albino rat.

SODIUM FLUORIDE-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN LIVER OF SWISS ALBINO MICE AND AMELIORATION BY OCIMUM SANCTUM LINN.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate hepatotoxicity induced by sodium fluoride (NaF) in Swiss albino mice and amelioration by Ocimum sanctum Linn.Methods: Mice were divided into six groups, Group I received tap water, Group II received low dose of NaF (8 mg/L), Group III high dose of NaF (80 mg/L) in drinking water, Group IV tap water along with 250 mg/kg body weight/day leaf extract of O. sanctum Linn., Group V 8 mg/L NaF in drinking water and 250 mg/kg body weight leaf extract of O. sanctum Linn., and Group VI 80 mg/L NaF in drinking water along with leaf extract of O. sanctum Linn. 250 mg/kg body weight/day for 90 days. On the 91st day, the animals were autopsied and liver tissue samples were taken to assess histopathological changes and oxidative stress by estimating glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase.Results: A highly significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes occurred with the high dose (Group III). Hepatic histopathological architecture exhibited deformities, namely, ballooning, hypertrophy, hepatocellular necrosis, infiltration of mononuclear cells, deformed central vein, sinusoidal dilation, and binucleated cells. Low-dose group (Group II) showed a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels as compared to control group, and histological sections of liver showed dilated sinusoids, infiltration of mononuclear cells, ballooning, and hypertrophy of hepatocytes. Groups IV and V showed no pathological features. Group VI showed less damage to the liver as compared to Group III.Conclusion: The results revealed that the administration of leaf extract of O. sanctum Linn. elicited protection against NaF-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. It may, therefore, be inferred that fluoride caused hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice at the tested dose levels can be ameliorated by O. sanctum Linn.

Effects of long-term oral nitrate administration on adiposity in normal adult female rats

IntroductionNitric oxide (NO) deficiency is associated with obesity. Nitrate could act as a substrate for production of NO and is a novel therapeutic agent in obesity. This study aims at determining effects of long-term nitrate administration on obesity indices in normal adult female rats. MethodsFemale Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10/each): i.e. control group received tap water and three treatment groups received water containing 50, 100 and 150 mg/L sodium nitrate for 6 months. Body weight (g) was measured monthly; naso-anal length (cm) and obesity indices including body mass index (BMI), Lee index, abdominal and thoracic circumferences were determined every two months. Both white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) were weighted and then adiposity index was calculated. In addition, level of NOx (nitrate + nitrite) in serum and adipose tissues were measured at the end of the study. ResultsCompared to controls, body weights and naso-anal length were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in all nitrate-treated rats. Compared to controls, nitrate-treated rats had also lower adiposity indices, BMI, Lee index, abdominal and thoracic circumferences (13%, 17% and 22% for BMI and 5%, 6% and 8% for lee index at dose 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, respectively). In addition, nitrate administration increased NOx levels in serum and adipose tissues. ConclusionsLong-term nitrate administration has favorable effects on adiposity. It increases brown and decreases white adipose tissues in normal female rats; these observations could potentially help in management of obesity.

Pre-and postnatal exposition to fluorides induce changes in rats liver morphology by impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms and COX induction

IntroductionFluorides are common in the environment and are absorbed mostly in the stomach and gut, it can easily move through cell membranes and its accumulation can cause harmful effects in skeletal and soft tissues. One of the most important F- accumulation sites is the liver.The aim of this study was to determine whether F- can cause inflammation in rat liver by affecting the activity of antioxidant enzymes and changes in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2). Materials and methodsAn in vivo model of prenatal and postnatal exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) was used to carry out the experiment. Animals from control group received tap water to drink, while animals exposed to F- received drinking water containing NaF, 50 mg/L. In serum and liver we analyzed F- concentration, in liver - antioxidant enzymes activity, PGE2 and TXB2 concentration and immunolocalization of COX1 and COX2 proteins were measured. ResultsWe observed significant changes in F- concentration only in liver. The results of this study showed that F- affects antioxidant enzymes activity, COX2 protein expression and PGE2 synthesis in liver. Also, in some regions of the liver of rats exposed to F-, the hepatocytes were diffusely altered, with changes resembling microvesicular steatosis. ConclusionChronic exposure to F− during development causes an accumulation of this element in the liver and changes in antioxidant enzymes activity and cyclooxygenase expression. Long term exposure to this element is toxic to the liver and can cause disturbances in its homeostasis.

The role of the baroreflex and parasympathetic nervous system in fructose-induced cardiac and metabolic alterations

It is well-established that baroreflex sensitivity is essential for blood pressure control, and also plays a key role in the modulation of disease-induced metabolic alterations. In order to investigate the role of the baroreflex in the cardiometabolic and inflammatory derangements promoted by fructose overload, Wistar rats underwent sinoaortic denervation (SAD) or sham surgery and were studied 90 days after receiving tap water (Den and Ctrl) or a 10% fructose solution (Fruc and Den-Fruc). All experimental groups showed marked and similar degree of baroreflex impairment compared to Ctrl. As expected, fructose overload effectively induced metabolic syndrome; however, when it was associated with SAD, several alterations were attenuated. While Fruc rats displayed increased sympathetic modulation and tone and reduced vagal modulation compared to Ctrl animals, Den-Fruc rats showed greater vagal tone and modulation when compared to the Fruc group. Moreover, the Den-Fruc group showed augmented expression of β1 adrenergic receptors and TNF/IL-10 ratio and reduction of β2 in the left ventricle. The increase in vagal function was correlated with improved insulin sensitivity (r2 = 0.76), and decreased abdominal fat (r2 = −0.78) and β2 receptors (r2 = −0.85). Our results showed that: (1) chronic fructose overload induced severe baroreflex impairment, i.e. in a similar magnitude to that observed in SAD rats, which is accompanied by cardiometabolic dysfunctions; (2) the compensatory enhancement in parasympathetic function in SAD rats submitted to fructose intake may point out the possibility of use of approaches that improve vagal function as therapeutic target to attenuate fructose-induced cardiometabolic dysfunctions.

Hydrogen peroxide modulates redox status, energy metabolism, and gene expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in rat liver.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels on blood and liver oxidative status, energy metabolites, and gene expression in male albino rats at two time intervals (2 and 4weeks). A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups. The first group received tap water and served as control. The second group received low dose of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ; 0.25%), The third group received medium dose of H2 O2 (0.5%) and the fourth group received high dose of H2 O2 (1%) in drinking water. Present data showed that medium and high dose increased oxidative stress markers, decreased cell energy, and decreased antioxidant enzyme gene expression (GPx and Nrf2) and its downstream in contrast low dose did not show significant effects. This study might indicate that hydrogen peroxide medium level is the best dose for redox model status.

Early paracetamol exposure decreases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in striatum and affects social behaviour and exploration in rats

The biochemical and behavioral responses to prenatal and early postnatal exposure to paracetamol in rats are not well understood. The effect of daily maternal and early life administration of 5 mg/kg (group P5) or 15 mg/kg paracetamol (group P15) was evaluated in two-month old male rats, relative to control animals receiving tap water (Con). Social behavior and episodic memory were investigated with Social Interaction and Novel Object Recognition (NOR) tests. Quantification of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Control animals exhibited a higher total frequency of social interactions and greater frequency of sniffing compared to rats exposed to paracetamol, and we found a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of pinning in paracetamol-treated animals. Rats from the 15 mg/kg group exhibited a greater interest in objects in the NOR test and spent more time exploring objects during the familiarization and choice phases. Biochemical analysis showed significant differences in striatal BDNF between the groups, specifically, a nearly two-fold decrease in striatal BDNF in the paracetamol groups (P5: 6.78 ± 0.60 pg/mg; P15: 6.06 ± 0.46 pg/mg) relative to the control group (Con: 11.33 ± 2.00 pg/mg). These results indicate that paracetamol exposure induces changes in social behaviour and exploration in rats and results in a significant decrease of striatal BDNF.

PRODUCTIVE, EGG QUALITY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF GIMMIZAH CHICKEN AS AFFECTED BY MAGNETIZED WATER OF DIFFERENT STRENGTHS

A total number of 120 28 week-old laying hens of Gimmizah strain were distributed among four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment and ten hens per replicate. The first group kept as a control group received non-magnetized tap water and the other groups received tap water exposed to different intensity of magnetic strengths 2000, 3000 and 4000 gauss respectively. Laying hens were housed in 12 floor pens (2 m × 1.2 m × 2 m) furnished with wheat straw. Laying hens on - 3000 and 4000 gauss magnetized water consumed significantly more feeds and all groups on the magnetized water had significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group. Egg weight and egg mass were significantly increased in groups supplemented with different strengths of magnetized water compared with the control group and albumen (%) and albumen dry matter (%) were significantly higher of groups offered 2000 and 3000 gauss tap water. Yolk (%) was significantly higher of group on 3000 gauss tap water compared to the control group. Shell thickness was significantly increased in group received 4000 gauss tap water compared with control group. Blood serum glucose and globulin were significantly increased in groups supplemented with 2000 and 3000 gauss water compared with the control group and group supplemented with 4000 gauss water. However, all groups supplemented with different strength of magnetic water had significantly decreased albumin/ globulin ratio. Serum phosphorus level, and blood pH increased. Triiodothyronine increased significantly in groups received magnetized water compared to control and the 2000 gauss group showed the highest response. Red blood cell count (RBCs) and haemoglobin (Hgb) were significantly increased in groups supplemented with 2000 and 3000 gauss water compared with control group.It could be concluded that productive performance, physiological response and egg shell qualityof Gimmizah chicken were improved due to offering magnetized water with 2000 gauss was adequate to provide the beneficial effects.

Caffeine consumption disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation in freely behaving rats.

Caffeine, one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive substances in the world, has long been known to alter neurological functions, such as alertness, attention, and memory. Despite caffeine's popularity, systematic investigations of its effects on synaptic plasticity in the brain are still lacking. Here we used a freely behaving rodent model of long‐term potentiation (LTP), a frequently studied form of synaptic plasticity, to assess the effects of caffeine consumption on hippocampal plasticity. LTP, which is a persistent increase in the strength of synaptic connections between neurons, is a cellular mechanism widely considered to underlie the processes of learning and memory. A group of 10‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were administered caffeine (1 g/L) in their drinking water 3 weeks prior to collection of electrophysiological data. Another group of age‐matched animals received tap water and served as controls. Stimulating and recording electrodes were chronically implanted in the perforant pathway (PP) and dentate gyrus (DG) region of the hippocampus, respectively, to permit stable electrophysiological recordings of synaptic transmission at this synapse. Population spike amplitude (PSA) measures of LTP induction and duration were acquired in vivo while animals were freely behaving using a well‐established electrophysiological recording protocol. Results indicate caffeine‐treated rats (n = 9) had a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced level of LTP induction compared with controls (n = 10). More studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism through which caffeine alters LTP induction in this freely behaving model of synaptic plasticity.

Voluntary exercise training restores anticontractile effect of NO in coronary arteries of adult rats with antenatal/early postnatal hypothyroidism

IntroductionOur recent study showed that NO-mediated anticontractile effect of endothelium is absent in coronary arteries of adult rats, which suffered from antenatal/early postnatal hypothyroidism. This study tested the hypothesis that exercise training would improve such detrimental consequences of early thyroid deficiency. Design and methodsWistar dams received propylthiouracil (PTU, 7 ppm) in drinking water during gestation and two weeks postpartum; control dams received tap water. Six-week-old male offspring of control (CON) and PTU dams was divided into sedentary (CON-Sed, n = 12; PTU-Sed, n = 10) and trained (CON-Tr, n = 12; PTU-Tr, n = 10) groups; the latter had 24-h access to running wheels. Eight weeks later coronary arteries were studied by wire myography. Anticontractile effect of NO was assessed by the effects of NOS inhibitor L-NNA on the basal tone and contractile response to U46619. Oxidative phosphorylation complexes and eNOS were estimated by Western blotting. ResultsT3/T4 and TSH levels (ELISA) were normalized in the progeny of PTU-treated dams at the age of 6 weeks and were not affected by training. Total running distance did not differ between CON-Tr and PTU-Tr. The contents of oxidative phosphorylation complexes were increased post-training in triceps brachii muscle from CON-Tr and PTU-Tr and in heart from PTU-Tr. Coronary arteries of PTU-Sed compared to CON-Sed demonstrated higher basal tone and contractile response to U46619, which were not further increased by L-NNA. The effects of L-NNA on the basal tone and contractile response to U46619 did not differ in CON-Tr and PTU-Tr groups, but were elevated in PTU-Tr compared to PTU-Sed group. PTU-Tr rats in comparison to PTU-Sed group had higher eNOS content in heart. Responses of coronary arteries to DEA/NO did not differ among all experimental groups. ConclusionsLong-lasting coronary endothelial dysfunction resulted from transient thyroid deficiency during the antenatal/early postnatal period can be corrected by voluntary exercise training.

Long-term consumption of energy drinks induces biochemical and ultrastructural alterations in the heart muscle.

Objective:Energy drinks (EDs) target young and active individuals and they are being marketed as enhancers of energy, concentration, and physical and cognitive performance. Their long-term consumption raises serious health concerns related to cardiovascular events. Here we investigate the effects of long-term Red Bull® consumption and its combination with alcohol on certain biochemical parameters and the ultrastructure of the myocardium.Methods:Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups and given different treatments via oral administration. The Control (C) group received tap water, the Red Bull (RB) group received 1.5 ml/100 g body weight of Red Bull, the ethanol group (E) received 0.486 mg/100 g body weight of ethanol, and the Red Bull and ethanol (RBE) received a combination of the two beverages for 30 days. In the last 6 days of the experiment, the animals were tested for their physical performance by conducting a weight-loaded forced swim test. Immediately after swimming exhaustion, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and samples of the heart muscle were harvested for ultrastructural and biochemical analyses.Results:Our results showed a significant increase in the heart glucose and glycogen concentrations in the RB and RBE groups. Total cholesterol concentration significantly decreased in the RBE and RB groups. Total protein concentration and ALT and AST activities increased in all groups. The biochemical changes were accompanied by ultrastructural alterations.Conclusion:Based on these results, we recommend that athletes and active persons should avoid the long-term consumption of the Red Bull ED and, particularly, its combination with alcohol.

Implementation of Humane Endpoints in a Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis Study in Rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of several biological parameters for the prediction of tumor development and animal welfare in a rat model of urinary bladder cancer. The control group (n=9) received tap water while the test group (n=12) received the carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) in drinking water. A score sheet with biological variables was used to monitor animals' welfare. Body weight, food and drink consumption and rectal temperature were measured weekly. Blood and urine samples were collected. Animals from the control group exhibited a slightly higher body weight and body weight gain. The final urine volume was higher in BBN group (p<0.05). All animals from the BBN group exhibited macroscopic hematuria at 35th week. Four animals were anemic in the last week of the experiment. The routine control of hematuria was a useful non-invasive biomarker of disease progression that may be used as a potential earlier humane endpoint. Animals did not show clinical signs of suffering that justified their sacrifice before the end of the study.