Relative Organ Weights Of Liver Research Articles

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Acute Toxicity Study of Methanol leaf extracts of Musanga cercropioides

Musanga cercropioides is a plant that is used to treat a variety of ailments in many African countries. However, just a few studies have been conducted to assess the toxicity of the various sections of this plant. The goal of this study was to determine the toxicity profile of Musanga cercropioides methanol leaf extract in albino rats. Lorke's approach was used to conduct an acute toxicity study. In the first phase, nine (9) albino rats were randomly divided into three (3) groups of three (3) animals each. Each of the animals were orally administered 10,100 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract. In the second phase, twelve (12) animals were used, which were divided into four groups of three (3) animals each. The first three groups received single doses of 1500, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg, respectively, while the fourth group which served as a control was given distilled water orally. After observation for 14 days, no signs of mortality were identified. The maximum dose supplied (5000 mg/kg body weight) did not affect the test animals' mortality or general behavior. When the treated groups were compared to the control groups, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in biochemical markers, body weight, or relative organ weights of liver, kidney, heart, and spleen. These findings show that oral administration of Musanga cercropioides methanol leaf extract is safe at a dose of up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar albino rats.

Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective efficacy of Cichorium intybus following imidacloprid induced subchronic toxicity in WLH cockerels

The current research work was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of Cichorium intybus following subchronic exposure of imidacloprid in white leghorn (WLH) chicks. Thirty, 6 to 8 weeks old chicks of 300-350 g weight were randomly and equally divided into five groups. Group I served as control and was fed normal grower ration and other were fed medicated ration containing Cichorium intybus leaf powder @ 5000 ppm in Group II, imidacloprid @ 100 ppm in Group III, imidacloprid @ 100 ppm + silymarin @ 100 ppm in Group IV and imidacloprid @ 100 ppm + Cichorium intybus leaf powder @ 5000 ppm in Group V, respectively, for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters at 4th and 8th week revealed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) with an increase in absolute and relative organ weights of liver and kidney after 8 weeks and a significant decline in total protein, albumin and globulin in imidacloprid treated Group III as compared to control (Group I). However, the simultaneous administration of Cichorium intybus leaf powder (CILP) in Group V revealed amelioration in these parameters at par with Groups I and IV. Thus, amelioration of imidacloprid induced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects following simultaneous CILP administration indicates hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of Cichorium intybus in imidacloprid intoxicated cockerels.

Hepatorenal Toxicity Induced by Maternal Exposure to Topical Betamethasone Prior to Fertilization in Newborn Rabbits

Background: Synthetic glucocorticoids, such as Betamethasone, are used for treatment of skin disease including Psoriasis. No enough evidences are present about the side effect of maternal exposure to betamethasone, before fertilization, on new-born. So, the goal of the present study was to determine these side effects on liver and kidney. Methods: In the present study, two doses of betamethasone (0.02 and 0.2 mg/kg b.w) were used. At the end of the experimental period (after 3 weeks of delivery), six new-born rabbits of both sexes (1 newborn rabbit per mother) were dissected under light anesthesia and blood, liver and kidney samples were collected. All the measurements were performed in one assay. Result: Maternal exposure to betamethasone, for 2 months before fertilization, induced toxicity in new-born rabbits and decrease the relative organ weight of liver and kidney in new-born rabbits. The biochemical changes involved induction of oxidative, alterations in hepatic and renal parameters. Moreover, structural changes in liver and kidney new-born rabbits were observed. So, this study suggested that females must take care in using treatment with betamethasone before fertilization to avoid toxicity of their offspring.

Crinum jagus (J. Thomps. Dandy): Antioxidant and protective properties as a medicinal plant on toluene-induced oxidative stress damages in liver and kidney of rats

Crinum jagus (C. jagus; J. Thomps.) Dandy (Liliaceae) is a pantropical plant known for its medicinal values and pharmacological properties. The study assessed the protective effects and changes in oxidative stress indices due to C. jagus leaf extracts on the toluene-induced liver and kidney injuries in rats. The study was conducted on 8-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 80), weighing 243.3 ± 1.42 g. Group I, 1 ml/kg distilled water for 7 days; Group II, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 1 ml/kg distilled water for 7 days; Group III, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg methanolic extract for 7 days; Group IV, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg aqueous extract for 7 days; Group V, 500 mg/kg methanolic extract for 7 days; Group VI, 500 mg/kg aqueous extract for 7 days; Group VII, 500 mg/kg of vitamin C for 7 days; Group, VIII, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg vitamin C for 7 days, all administrations were given by oral gavage. The phytochemical contents, absolute and relative organ weights of liver and kidneys, liver and kidney function tests, antioxidant status, as well as histological tests were analyzed using standard protocols. The tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols were in highest concentration in both extracts, content in methanol extract (57.04 ± 1.51 mgg−1, 35.43 ± 1.03 mgg−1, 28.2 ± 0.34 mgg−1 respectively) > aqueous extract (18.74 ± 1.01 mgg−1, 13.43 ± 0.47 mgg−1, 19.65 ± 0.21 mgg−1 respectively). In the negative control group (II), bodyweights significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 22%, liver weight and kidney weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 42% and 83% respectively, liver-to-bodyweight and kidney-to-bodyweight ratios increased significantly (P < 0.05); serum liver function tests (LFTs) i.e., bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and serum kidney function tests (creatinine and urea) were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated; oxidant status (tissue malondialdehyde; MDA) was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated, antioxidant status i.e., tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced; with markedly visible renal and hepatic histopathological findings, compared to the normal control group. In C. jagus extract test groups (III and IV), the parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated and reversed to normal/near normal compared to the negative control. The LFTs, kidney function tests, and antioxidant status were significantly (P < 0.05) more improved with the methanol extract test and standard control groups compared to the aqueous extract test group; Also, the methanol extract test group showed better histological features than the aqueous extract test and standard control groups. The methanolic extract shows better antioxidant potential due to the availability of more nonenzymatic antioxidants (tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols). The findings showed that toluene is a very aggressive xenobiotic due to the promotion of oxidative stress and peroxidation of cellular lipids, but C. jagus leaves provide significant protection through the reducing power of nonenzymatic antioxidants and their ability to induce endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and glutathione reductase or GR) causing reduced cellular lipid peroxidation and tissue damages, quickened tissue repair, and improved cell biology of liver and kidneys during toluene toxicity. The methanol leaf extract provides better protection and should be advanced for more experimental and clinical studies to confirm its efficacy in alleviating oxidative stress tissue injuries, specifically due to toluene.

Sub-chronic toxicity study of arecae semen aqueous extract in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceArecae semen, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been used as vermifuge and digestant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential toxicity effect of arecae semen has not been completely investigated. The aim of the studyThe present study was aimed at evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of arecae semen by oral administration in Wistar rats. Materials and methodsA total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 males and 15 females per group). The treated groups were given arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at the dose of 750, 1500 and 4500mg/kg/day by oral administration respectively, and the control group was received distilled water only. The rats and their consumed feed were weighted every 3 days. The clinical changes and mortality were observed and recorded daily. Hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organ weights, urinalysis and histopathological examination of all rats were tested at the end of the 30-day treatment period and another 10-day recovery period. ResultsDeaths, weight loss, diarrhea, sluggish action, tremors and body curl up were observed in the 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups during the study. The relative organ weights of liver and testis in male rats of 4500mg/kg group were significantly different compared with the control group at the end of the treatment period. As for laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences at the dose of 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups compared with the control group in the study, except the white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (CHOL). In addition, the results of histopathological examination and feed intake showed no significant difference compared with the control group. ConclusionsThe results showed that ASAE at the dose of 750mg/kg/day was safe, but long-term oral administration of ASAE with high dosage was toxic. Moreover, the toxic ingredients of ASAE including arecoline, and also some other compounds should be researched.

Effect of Acute and Chronic Treatment of the 80% Ethanolic Fruit Extract of &lt;i&gt;Embelia schimperi&lt;/i&gt; on Blood, Liver and Kidney of Rats

Embelia schimperi Vatke is traditionally used for its medicinal value in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. It has been used for the treatment of intestinal parasites especially tapeworm infestations for centuries in Ethiopia. However, there are limited published reports about the chronic toxicity of this plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment of the 80% ethanolic extract of dried fruits of E. schimperi in rats. The fruits of the plant were collected from Bahir Dar area, north-western Ethiopia; dried, crushed into powder and percolated in 80% ethanol. The percolate was concentrated in a vacuum rotary evaporator to remove the organic solvent. The remaining aqueous solution was placed in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 40 o C to remove the remaining water. The residue was then washed with petroleum ether until the washings were colourless. The final dried mass was weighed, packed in a sample bottle and stored at –4 o C until it was used. The extract was then orally administered to rats at doses of 400 and 1600 mg/kg/day for 24 weeks. Initial and final body weights and absolute weight of liver and kidney were recorded. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of haematological and biochemical parameters. The animals were then sacrificed and dissected carefully to collect the liver and kidney for histopathological studies. The hydroalcoholic fruit extract of E. schimperi at doses of 400 and 1600 mg/kg was not significantly associated with body weight change and relative organ weights of liver and kidney. Out of all the haematological and biochemical parameters determined, only platelets and AST concentration were significantly increased with treatment of the hydroalcoholic fruit extract. The histopathological findings showed liver and kidney tissue inflammations in treated groups. Moreover, considerable inflammatory cells were observed in kidney sections of rats treated with 1600 mg/kg as compared to controls. Results of the current study clearly showed that chronic treatment with 80% ethanolic fruit extract of E. schimperi did not result in toxicity in the rat. However, the significant changes observed in platelets count and AST concentrations suggest that the plant extract might have mild toxicity as indicated by inflammatory cells observed in kidney sections. Keywords : Embelia schimperi , 80% ethanolic fruit extract, acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, rats.

Effects of low-protein diets supplemented with indispensable amino acids on growth performance, intestinal morphology and immunological parameters in 13 to 35 kg pigs

The objective of this study was to determine if a moderate or high reduction of dietary CP, supplemented with indispensable amino acids (IAA), would affect growth, intestinal morphology and immunological parameters of pigs. A total of 40 barrows (initial BW=13.50±0.50 kg, 45±2 day of age) were used in a completely randomized block design, and allocated to four dietary treatments containing CP levels at 20.00%, 17.16%, 15.30% and 13.90%, respectively. Industrial AA were added to meet the IAA requirements of pigs. After 4-week feeding, blood and tissue samples were obtained from pigs. The results showed that reducing dietary CP level decreased average daily gain, plasma urea nitrogen concentration and relative organ weights of liver and pancreas (P<0.01), and increased feed conversion ratio (P<0.01). Pigs fed the 13.90% CP diet had significantly lower growth performance than that of pigs fed higher CP at 20.00%, 17.16% or 15.30%. Moreover, reducing dietary CP level decreased villous height in duodenum (P<0.01) and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P<0.01). The reduction in the dietary CP level increased plasma concentrations of methionine, alanine (P<0.01) and lysine (P<0.05), and decreased arginine (P<0.05). Intriguingly, reducing dietary CP level from 20.00% to 13.90% resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentration of IgG (P<0.05), percentage of CD3+T cells of the peripheral blood (P<0.01), also down-regulated the mRNA abundance of innate immunity-related genes on toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (P<0.01) and nuclear factor kappa B (P<0.05) in the ileum. These results indicate that reducing dietary CP level from 20.00% to 15.30%, supplemented with IAA, had no significant effect on growth performance and had a limited effect on immunological parameters. However, a further reduction of dietary CP level up to 13.90% would lead to poor growth performance and organ development, associated with the modifications of intestinal morphology and immune function.

Effect of Diet Supplementation with Food Industry By-Products on Diabetic Rats

The present research work aimed to study the effects of 3 nutritional food industry by-products (orange peels, peanut skin peels and pomegranate peel) on regulating blood glucose level. 66 male adult Sprague-Dawely rats weighing 125 ± 5 g each were used. These rats were injected with alloxan for inducing diabetes. The negative control group consisted of rats fed on basal diet, while the positive control group consisted of (3 - 11) sub-groups fed on basal diet in addition to 5%, 7.5% and 10% of nutritional food industry by-products. After 4 weeks the effect of the different experimental diets on body weight gain, organs relative weight, blood glucose level, liver functions and kidney functions was recorded for the negative group and all the positive sub-groups. The results revealed that there was non-significant difference between all relative organ weights of liver, kidney and pancreas compared to control negative. Blood glucose level significantly decreased in all sub-groups compared to the control positive group.

Effects of the plant extract YGF251 on growth performance, meat quality, relative organ weight, nutrient digestibility and blood profiles in broiler chickens: possible role of insulin-like growth factor 1

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of different concentrations of the dietary plant extract supplement YGF251 (young growth factor) on growth performance, blood profiles, relative organ weight, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in broiler chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens with an average initial body weight of 40.25 &amp;plusmn; 0.5 g were randomly allotted to one of four treatments lasting four weeks with 10 replicates per treatment and 16 chicks per replicate pen. Dietary treatments consisted of: CON (basal diet); YGF0.05 (CON + 0.05% YGF251); YGF0.1 (CON + 0.10% YGF251); YGF0.15 (CON + 0.15% YGF251). There were no statistical differences in body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) throughout the whole experiment. However, broiler chickens fed with YGF0.1 diets had greater body weight gains (BWG) than chickens fed CON diets during eight to 28 days and zero to 28 days although the means of pH value, breast meat colour, WHC, drip loss, the relative organ weights of liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and breast muscle were not affected by any dietary supplementation (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The relative weight of abdominal fat in the CON treatment group was significantly higher than the YGF0.05 and YGF0.1 treatments, although relative gizzard weight was lower with CON treatment compared to YGF0.1 treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Femur length and weight were significantly higher in the YGF251-supplemented chicks than in chicks fed the control diet (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Broiler chickens fed the YGF0.1 diet had significantly higher blood IgG counts compared to chicks fed the CON and YGF0.05 diets (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, YGF251-supplemented chicks exhibited increased IGF-I concentrations compared to the CON to YGF0.1 treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The results of this study indicate that supplementation with 0.1% YGF251 can increase body weight, IgG and energy digestibility and reduce relative abdominal fat and gizzard weight in broiler chickens, while at all concentrations tested YGF251-supplemented chicks showed higher results for femur length and weight and serum IGF-I concentrations compared to the control treatment in broiler chickens. &amp;nbsp;

Lack of hypoglycemic activity in total flavonoid fraction of Wrightia tinctoria on alloxan induced hyperglycemia

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb) (R. Br. Linn., Family- Apocynaceae) total flavonoid (WTTF) fraction on alloxan induced hyperglycemia. Materials and Methods: Total flavonoid fraction from WTTF seed was separated and LD 50 calculated as 1006.93 mg/kg, i.p., following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 423. The effect of total flavonoid fraction was observed in three different dose levels 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg. Hypoglycemic activity was carried out using alloxan induced hyperglycemia model. The parameters observed were body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, urea and creatinine along with relative organ weight of liver, kidney, and pancreas. Results: Total flavonoid fraction of W. tinctoria did not have any significant effect on reducing glucose level. WTTF had significantly reduced creatinine ( P P Conclusion: All the findings indicate absence of antidiabetic activity in W. tinctoria seed but possible presence of liver and kidney protective property.

Effects of dietary ω-3 fatty acid-enriched microalgae supplementation on growth performance, blood profiles, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat in broilers

A total of 300 2-d-old ROSS 308 (BW of 42.6±0.1 g) broiler chicks were randomly allotted to one of the three dietary treatments as follows: (1) CON (basal diet), (2) MA0.1 [basal diet +0.1% microalgae (Schizochytrium JB5) powder], and (3) MA0.2 [basal diet+0.2% microalgae (Schizochytrium JB5) powder]. There were five replicate pens per treatment with 20 birds per pen. Dietary microalgae did not affect the growth performance, red blood cells, white blood cells, and relative organ weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, abdominal fat, bursa of Fabricius, and breast meat (P>0.05). However, the inclusion of microalgae increased lymphocyte concentration compared to those that were fed a basal diet (P<0.05). The stearic acid composition of breast muscle was lower in MA0.1 treatment than CON treatment (P<0.05). Dietary microalgae powder increased the oleic acid, DHA, ω-3 fatty acid, and USFA compositions compared to the CON group (P<0.05). Microalgae supplementation reduced ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid ratio, saturated fatty acid contents and SFA/USFA ratio than those fed a basal diet (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary ω-3-fatty-acid-enriched microalgae supplementation can improve the fatty acid composition of breast meat without affecting the growth performance in broilers.

Soy and curcumin supplementation inhibits dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats

Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐cancer properties and extensively studied for its therapeutic aspects in a variety of disorders. Soy consumption associates with lower incidence of chronic diseases in epidemiological and clinical studies in many Asian countries. This study was to investigate the effect of soy and curcumin mix on liver injury and its fundamental mechanism. SD Rats were intraperitoneally injected dimethylnitrosamine (10 mg/kg) three times per week for four consecutive weeks. Soy and curcumin mix (50 or 100 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage daily for four weeks. Liver morphology, histochemistry, function, and fibrotic status were examined. Fermented soy and curcumin supplementation alleviated the dimethylnitrosamine‐induced changes in the relative organ weights of liver, kidney, and spleen and serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (p &lt;0.05). Fibrogenesis and activation of hepatic stellate cells were relieved upon soy and cucumin supplementation as evidenced by histopathological examination and gene expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, respectively. These data demonstrated that fermented soy and curcumin preparations exhibited inhibitory effects in experimental model of liver fibrosis, suggesting their promising role in clinical intervention.This work was supported by the National Science Council grants, NSC 100‐2313‐B‐309‐003, to A‐C Cheng, and NSC 98‐2320‐B‐309‐002‐MY3, to M‐F Lee.

Pterostilbene inhibits dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats

Pterostilbene exhibits pleiotropic effects including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐proliferatory, and pain‐relieving pharmacological activities in various experimental settings. This study was to investigate the effect of pterostilbene on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. SD Rats were intraperitoneally given dimethylnitrosamine (10 mg/kg) three days per week for four weeks. Pterostilbene (10 or 20 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage daily. Liver function, morphology, histochemistry, and fibrotic status were examined. Pterostilbene supplementation alleviated the DMN‐induced changes in the relative organ weights of liver, kidney, and spleen and serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (p &lt;0.05). Fibrotic status and inactivation of hepatic stellate cells were improved upon pterostilbene supplementation as evidenced by histopathological examination and gene expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, respectively. These data demonstrated that pterostilbene exhibited hepatoprotective effects in experimental fibrosis, suggesting its potential application in clinical intervention.This work was supported by the National Science Council grants, NSC 98‐2320‐B‐309‐002‐MY3, to M‐F Lee, and NSC 100‐2313‐B‐309‐003, to A‐C Cheng.

Antioxidant effect of vegetable oils containing conjugated linolenic acid isomers against induced tissue lipid peroxidation and inflammation in rat model

The purpose of the present study was to examine the antioxidant activity of two typical oils obtained from two vegetables, bitter gourd seed and snake gourd seed, containing two different isomers of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) against oxidative stress induced by sodium arsenite in relation to tissue lipid peroxidation and inflammation. Male albino rats were taken as subject and divided into six groups: Group 1 was control and Group 2 was treated with sodium arsenite (Sa; 10 mg/Kg BW); Groups 3–6 were orally treated with different doses of seed oils maintaining definite concentration of CLnA isomers (0.5% and 1.0% of total lipid for each CLnA isomer) along with sodium arsenite. There was significant increase in lipid peroxidation, pro-oxidant enzyme activity and decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in brain due to Sa administration. Decrease in total protein content was also observed in plasma, liver and brain of Sa treated group. Significant decrease in phospholipid content and increase in total lipid content and cholesterol content were observed in arsenite treated group. There was significant increase in relative organ weight of liver due to Sa administration. Fatty acid profile of liver and brain lipid shows significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in most of the polyunsaturated fatty acids and increase in arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) (75.23%) due to inflammation after arsenite treatment. Administration of experimental oils made almost complete restoration of those altered parameters. Overall, these two oils were effective in protecting tissue lipid profiles which were altered due to oxidative stress.

Twenty eight-day dietary toxicity study of Luo Han fruit concentrate in Hsd:SD ® rats

A 28-day dietary study was conducted in Hsd:SD ® rats to evaluate the safety of PureLo ®, a non-caloric powdered concentrate of the Chinese fruit Luo Han Guo, which derives its sweetening properties from triterpene glycosides called mogrosides. Groups of 20 rats (10/sex/group) were fed diets containing 0, 10,000, 30,000, or 100,000 ppm PureLo ® for 28 days (OECD, Redbook 2000). PureLo was well tolerated and produced no significant adverse effects. Reduced body weight and body weight gain in high-dose animals of both sexes were related to sporadic reductions in food consumption; there were no overall differences in feed efficiency. Statistically significant changes in clinical chemistry (decreased bilirubin, increased total protein) and relative organ weights of liver, adrenals, ovaries and/or testes, and epididymides were not correlated with any histopathological findings and were not considered adverse. Although a few clinical and pathological findings suggest possible treatment-related effects, particularly in the high-dose group, these findings were transient, not dose-dependent, non-adverse, inconsistent, occurred only in one sex, and/or not supported by histopathological findings. Under the conditions of this study and based on the toxicological endpoints evaluated, the NOAEL for PureLo ® was 100,000 ppm in the diet, the highest level tested, equivalent to 7.07 and 7.48 g/kg bw/day for male and female rats, respectively.

돼지고기 급여가 납에 중독된 흰쥐의 해독과정에 미치는 영향

돼지고기 섭취 시 우리 체내에 축적되는 납의 중독을 완화시킬 수 있는가를 살피고자 흰쥐에 7주동안 납의 임상적인 중독현상을 유발시키고 이어서 7주 동안 납을 중단하고 해독과정을 유발시키면서 돼지고기 투여에 의한 납 해독 효과를 비교하는 시험을 실시하였다. 납 중독에 의해 체중저하, 헤모글로빈과 헤마토크릿 저하, 상대적 간과 신장의 무게 증가, 대퇴골, 신장, 간에서의 납 축적 등을 확인하였다. 해독 시에 돼지고기를 섭취시킨 경우 유의적으로 식이 효율이 높아졌다. 또한 돼지고기 섭취가 상대적 간과 신장의 상대적 무게에 영향을 주는 인자인 것으로 나타났다(p<0.05). 간에서의 납 축적에 영향을 미치는 요인으로는 납 중독 여부(p<0.0005), 돼지고기 섭취(p<0.0005), 납과 돼지고기 섭취의 상호작용(p<0.0005)이 모두 작용하는 것으로 나타났다. 간에 있는 DALAD함량은 대조구에 비해서 돼지고기 첨가구에서 납 첨가 수준에 관계없이 유의적으로 높아졌음을 볼 수 있었다. 이 결과로서 돼지고기가 납에 중독된 흰쥐에서 해독과정을 향상시킬 수 있는 것으로 사료되었다. To investigate the detoxification effect of pork on the lead toxicity, the comparison tests were performed, in which Sprague Dawley(SD) rats were clinically treated with lead during the first 7 weeks and observed the detoxification effects induced by pork feeding during the second 7 weeks. As results of lead intoxication, decreases of body weight, hemoglobin and hematocrit and the increases of weight and relative organ weight of liver and kidney were observed. Also the accumulation of lead in tibia, kidney and liver was recognized. In case of pork feeding at detoxification stage the feed efficiency was significantly increased in pork feeding group rats than the those of control rats. The pork feeding seemed to be a factor affecting relative organ weight of liver and kidney(p<0.05). It was shown that the factors affecting the accumulation of lead in liver included the lead intoxication(p<0.0005), pork feeding(p<0.0005) and interaction of above two(p<0.0005). It was observed that the content of DALAD in liver increased with significance in pork fed group compared with control group regardless of lead treatment levels. From this result, it was considered that pork feeding improved the detoxification process of SD rats intoxicated with lead.

Du-Zhong ( Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) leaves inhibits CCl 4-induced hepatic damage in rats

The protective effects of water extract of Du-Zhong ( Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) leaves (WEDZ) and its active compound (protocatechuic acid; PCA) on liver damage were evaluated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were orally treated with WEDZ (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg bw) or PCA (0.1 g/kg bw) with administration of CCl 4 (0.5 ml/rat, 20% CCl 4 in olive oil) for 28 consecutive days. It showed that CCl 4-treated rats increased the relative organ weights of liver and kidney. CCl 4-induced rats liver damage and significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the GOT, GPT, LDH and ALP levels in serum as compared with the control group. Treatment with WEDZ or PCA could decrease the GOT, GPT, LDH and ALP levels in serum when compared with CCl 4-treated group. CCl 4-treated rats also significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased the GSH content in liver and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in serum whereas increased ( p < 0.05) MDA content in liver as compared with the control group. Treatment with WEDZ or PCA also significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the GSH content and significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased the MDA content in liver. Administration of WEDZ or PCA could increase the activities of GPx, GRd and GST in liver. Liver histopathology showed that WEDZ or PCA reduced the incidence of liver lesions including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, lymphocytes infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, hepatic necrosis and fibrous connective tissue proliferated induced by CCl 4 in rats. The data suggest that oral administration with WEDZ for 28 consecutive days significantly decrease the intensity of hepatic damage induced by CCl 4 in rats.

Effects of Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposite on Growing/Finishing Pigs during Aflatoxicosis

Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of modified montmorillonite nanocomposite (MMN) to reduce the toxic effects of aflatoxin (AF) in growing/finishing pigs. 96 weaned pigs were assigned to four dietary treatment groups (0 g of MMN and 0 mg of AF/kg feed, 3 g of MMN/kg feed, 0.1 mg of AF/kg feed, and 3 g of MMN plus 0.1 mg of AF/kg feed). Body weight gain (BW gain), feed/gain ratio, serum biochemical values and enzyme activities were evaluated. Compared with the control, AF alone markedly reduced BW gain and resulted in a significantly higher feed/gain ratio. There were no differences in BW gain and feed/gain ratio between 0.3% MMN or 0.3% MMN plus AF and the control. These results suggested that the deleterious effects of AF were ameliorated by MMN addition. AF intake markedly increased relative organ weights of liver, kidney, spleen and pancreas, and resulted in significant alterations of serum parameters. However, these parameters for pigs fed diets containing MMN and AF returned to normal values, indicating that MMN had the ability to recover the AF-decreased performance, organ damage and to correct aberrations in serum parameters. These findings in our study suggested that MMN can effectively modulate the toxicity of AF in growing/finishing pigs and may offer a novel approach to the preventive management of aflatoxicosis in animals. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 9 : 1305-1309)

Chronic toxicity and carcinogenic evaluation of diisononyl phthalate in rats.

Groups of 110 Fischer 344 rats/sex were fed diisononyl phthalate (DINP) at dietary levels of 0, 0.03, 0.3, and 0.6 wt% for periods up to 2 years. Interim sacrifices of 10 predesignated rats/sex/dose were at 6, 12, and 18 months with surviving animals sacrificed at 24 months. At study termination, survival was in excess of 60% for every group. At the mid or high dose, the following biological effects were noted: slight decreases in food consumption and body weight; slight increase in mortality; a dose-related increase in relative organ weights of liver and kidney; and some slight effects on urinalysis, hematologic, and clinical chemistry parameters. No peroxisome induction was observed in livers of treated rats compared with controls. No clear treatment-related nonneoplastic or neoplastic lesions were found. However, mononuclear cell leukemia (MNCL) and changes known to be associated with an increased incidence of MNCL were seen in the mid-dose and high-dose groups. A literature review suggests that MNCL is a common finding in aging F344 rats and that this increased incidence in rats treated with DINP is not relevant to man. A clear no-observed-effect level was demonstrated for all biological end points at a dietary level of 0. 03 wt% or approximately 17 mg/kg/day of DINP.

Chronic Toxicity and Carcinogenic Evaluation of Diisononyl Phthalate in Rats

Groups of 110 Fischer 344 rats/sex were fed diisononyl phthalate (DINP) at dietary levels of 0, 0.03, 0.3, and 0.6 wt% for periods up to 2 years. Interim sacrifices of 10 predesignated rats/sexsol;dose were at 6, 12, and 18 months with surviving animals sacrificed at 24 months. At study termination, survival was in excess of 60% for every group. At the mid or high dose, the following biological effects were noted: slight decreases in food consumption and body weight; slight increase in mortality; a dose-related increase in relative organ weights of liver and kidney; and some slight effects on urinalysis, hematologic, and clinical chemistry parameters. No peroxisome induction was observed in livers of treated rats compared with controls. No clear treatment-related nonneoplastic or neoplastic lesions were found. However, mononuclear cell leukemia (MNCL) and changes known to be associated with an increased incidence of MNCL were seen in the mid-dose and high-dose groups. A literature review suggests that MNCL is a common finding in aging F344 rats and that this increased incidence in rats treated with DINP is not relevant to man. A clear no-observed-effect level was demonstrated for all biological end points at a dietary level of 0.03 wt% or approximately 17 mgsol;kgsol;day of DINP.