Significant Histopathological Changes Research Articles

The Acute Toxicity of Rutin in Mice

Acute toxicity is a step to evaluate the toxicity of a substance. Rutin is one of the flavonoid compounds with a variety of pharmacological effects. The aim of the study is to calculate the lethal dose that affect fifty percent of the mice used in the experiment (LD50). Thirty Swiss albino male and 30 non-pregnant female mice have been divided equally and randomly into 5 treated groups and one control group (n=5) Rutin has been administered with concentrations 5, 2.5.1.25,0.625 and 0.312 g/kg administered as a single dose intraperitoneally (IP) while the control group received 1% DMSO (IP). Animals were observed for any morbidity and mortality for 14 days. After 14 days the animal blood collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then all animals are euthanized for histopathological evaluation. The results showed the LD50 was 1.51 g/kg for male mice while for female mice was1.49 g/kg. No significant changes were observed at dose of 1.25glkg (female) and 0.625, 0.312 glkg (both sexes) in body weight measurements and in biochemical or hematological assays. Moreover no significant histopathological changes were reported compared to control.. It can be concluded that Rutin is practically a non-toxic substance.

Regulation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor attenuates neuroinflammation and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis in experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis

BackgroundStreptococcus pneumoniae meningitis is a destructive central nervous system (CNS) infection with acute and long-term neurological disorders. Previous studies suggest that p75NTR signaling influences cell survival, apoptosis, and proliferation in brain-injured conditions. However, the role of p75NTR signaling in regulating pneumococcal meningitis (PM)-induced neuroinflammation and altered neurogenesis remains largely to be elucidated.Methodsp75NTR signaling activation in the pathological process of PM was assessed. During acute PM, a small-molecule p75NTR modulator LM11A-31 or vehicle was intranasally administered for 3 days prior to S. pneumoniae exposure. At 24 h post-infection, clinical severity, histopathology, astrocytes/microglia activation, neuronal apoptosis and necrosis, inflammation-related transcription factors and proinflammatory cytokines/mediators were evaluated. Additionally, p75NTR was knocked down by the adenovirus-mediated short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) to ascertain the role of p75NTR in PM. During long-term PM, the intranasal administration of LM11A-31 or vehicle was continued for 7 days after successfully establishing the PM model. Dynamic changes in inflammation and hippocampal neurogenesis were assessed.ResultsOur results revealed that both 24 h (acute) and 7, 14, 28 day (long-term) groups of infected rats showed increased p75NTR expression in the brain. During acute PM, modulation of p75NTR through pretreatment of PM model with LM11A-31 significantly alleviated S. pneumoniae-induced clinical severity, histopathological injury and the activation of astrocytes and microglia. LM11A-31 pretreatment also significantly ameliorated neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, we found that blocking p75NTR with LM11A-31 decreased the expression of inflammation-related transcription factors (NF-κBp65, C/EBPβ) and proinflammatory cytokines/mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS). Furthermore, p75NTR knockdown induced significant changes in histopathology and inflammation-related transcription factors expression. Importantly, long-term LM11A-31 treatment accelerated the resolution of PM-induced inflammation and significantly improved hippocampal neurogenesis.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the p75NTR signaling plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of PM. Targeting p75NTR has beneficial effects on PM rats by alleviating neuroinflammation and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis. Thus, the p75NTR signaling may be a potential therapeutic target to improve the outcome of PM.

The Anatomical Substrate for Sick Sinus Syndrome in Dogs

The hearts of 28 dogs, clinically diagnosed as having symptomatic sick sinus syndrome (SSS), were examined post mortem, with a particular focus on the sinus node (SN) region. The affected dogs were divided into two groups according to the findings of ambulatory electrocardiography: 16 dogs with severe sinoatrial (SA) block and/or sinus arrest (group A) and 12 dogs with long sinus or atrial pauses due to SA block and/or sinus arrest accompanied by atrial tachyarrhythmias (group B). The most significant histopathological changes found in both SSS groups were extensive destruction of the SN characterized by depletion of nodal cells with fatty or fibrofatty replacement and interruption of contiguity between the SN and the surrounding atrial myocardium. Furthermore, in group B, the SN lesions were combined with fibrosis of the atrial myocardium. The results of this investigation improve our understanding of the close relationship between the electrocardiogram findings and pathological alterations in each group. Because most human cases of SSS are due to degenerative fibrosis of the SN, the loss and disappearance of nodal cells with a corresponding increase in fatty or fibrofatty tissue, may be specific to canine cases of SSS.

Histopathological study of parasitic effect of Dactylogyrus vastator (Nybelin, 1924) on the Catla catla in culture ponds in Darbhanga

The current investigation was undertaken to study the gill histopathologies due to infestation of helminth parasite, monogenetic trematode, Dactylogyrus vastator (Nybelin, 1924) in the Indian major carp, Catla catla. There were only symptomatic samples of diseased fishes comprised of fingerlings and adults of Catla catla collected and examined. Behaviour respond studied- partial suffocation, lethargic swimming and clinical sign observed as their gills were very pale in colour and had haemorrhagic and inflamed areas at the sites of parasite attachments. The significant histopathological lesions and changes were seen in the gills where the parasites were found attached to the lamellar tissues causing local erosions of the epithelium and hyperplasia of the secondary lamellar epithelium and fusion of adjacent secondary lamellae, vascular congestion leading to aneurysm besides, clumbing of the tips in secondary lamellae, congested gill showed accumulation of blood leading to swelling hypertrophy in secondary lamellae, autolysis of epithelium and secondary lamellae and severe edema and necrosis were observed in gill of C. catla. No changes were noticed in other organs of the affected fishes. In severe infestations the fishes showed growth retardation. The histopathological analysis for parasites in fish will be useful tool for fish health management.

The effects of systemic and local fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor treatments on the metabolomic profile of lungs.

The contribution of the endocannabinoid system to both physiology and pathological processes in the respiratory system makes it a promising target for inflammatory airway diseases. Previously, we have shown that increasing the tissue endocannabinoid levels by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors can prevent airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. In this study, the changes in the levels of major metabolites of endocannabinoids by systemic and local FAAH or MAGL inhibitor treatments were evaluated. Mice were treated with either the FAAH inhibitor URB597 or the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 by local (intranasal) or systemic (intraperitoneal) application. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and lungs were isolated afterward in order to perform histopathological and metabolomic analyses. There were no significant histopathological changes in the lungs and neutrophil, and macrophage and lymphocyte numbers in BAL fluid were not altered after local and systemic treatments. However, GC-MS-based metabolomics profile allowed us to identify 102 metabolites in lung samples, among which levels of 75 metabolites were significantly different from the control. The metabolites whose levels were changed by treatments were mostly related to the endocannabinoid system and energy metabolism. Therefore, these changes may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of URB597 and JZL184 treatments in mice.

New in vivo model to assess macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes in Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's Disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis causing curvature and erectile dysfunction. The pathophysiology is not well understood and, for this reason, treatment options are limited. The aim of the present study is to analyze and compare whether single or multiple instillations of plasma in the TA of rats is capable of triggering macroscopic, histopathological, and molecular changes consistent with PD. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: a single instillation of plasma in the TA; Group 2: a single instillation of distilled water in the TA; Group 3: four instillations of plasma in the TA (1x per week); and Group 4: four instillations of distilled water in the TA (1× per week). Forty-five days after the last instillation a manual inspection of the corpus cavernosum, a penile erection test and a penectomy were performed to obtain material for histopathological and molecular analysis. It was observed that 31.25% of the rats that received repeated instillations of plasma presented penile curvature according to the erection test, while none of the rats from the control group or group with one instillation of plasma presented curvature. In the animals that received four instillations of plasma, the following differences were observed in relation to the control group: increase in fibrosis and the deposition of collagen I. The protein expression of heparanase (HPSE) and TGF-β increased in the groups that received a single or four instillations of plasma, and the protein expression of heparanase-2 (HPSE-2), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP-2) showed an increase in the group that received four instillations of plasma. There was a significant increase in the gene expression of HPSE, MMP-9, and TGF-β in the group that received four instillations of plasma. In the analysis of the glycosaminoglycans, an increase was observed in the secretion of galactosaminoglycans chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) in the group that received four instillations of plasma. Previous studies have demonstrated increased protein expression. of HPSE, MMP-9 and TGF-β with instillation of blood in the TA; however, there was no increase in gene expression. In the present study, the increase in the expression of TGF-β with plasma instillations, proved to be more reliable. The two models with plasma (one or four instillations) demonstrated significant histopathological and molecular changes when compared to the control group. However, only in the group with four plasma instillations there was a macroscopic change. The idea is that repeatedly extravasation of TGF-β present in plasma of predisposed individuals acts as a trigger for the development and maintenance of changes in the extracellular matrix that perpetuate an anomalous inflammatory process present in PD. The present study shows that the repeated instillation of plasma is a low cost in vivo model for the study of PD.

Effect of Dietary Lactobacillus casei on Physiometabolic Responses and Liver Histopathology in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) After Exposure to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

A 60-day feeding trial was performed to assess the dietary effect of Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic supplement on some serum biochemical parameters and liver histopathology in common carp fry after exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (IoNPs). Six treatments were prepared as follows: control (no IoNP exposure and no dietary probiotic), P6: 106CFU/g probiotic diet, P7: 107CFU/g probiotic diet, NPs: 0.15mg/l IoNPs, NPs + P6: 0.15mg/l IoNPs with 106CFU/g probiotic diet, and NPs + P7: 0.15mg/l IoNPs with 107CFU/gprobiotic diet. Based on the results, serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly increased in 0.15mg/l IoNPs, P7, and NPs + P6 treatments compared to the control group. In addition, the examination of antioxidant enzymes showed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol and glutathione S-transferase as well as malondialdehyde level. IoNPs also caused significant histopathological changes in the fish liver during the experiment such as hyperemia in sinusoidal spaces, hepatocytes vacuolation and necrosis, pyknosis, and disruption of hepatic lobules and atrophy. Results revealed the protective effects of dietary L. casei to mitigate the adverse impacts of IoNPs on the physiological processes of common carp.

Effect of transient obstructive cholestasis on liver histology: a cross-sectional study.

The role of transient obstructive cholestasis on liver histology remains undetermined. To investigate whether transient cholestasis impairs liver histology. Cross-sectional study at a public university hospital (UNICAMP), Brazil. 169 individuals undergoing cholecystectomy, with or without cholestasis. were enrolled. Histopathological findings were correlated with clinical and biochemical characteristics. Biliary hepatopathy was more frequent in individuals with resolved cholestasis than in those with active obstruction or no jaundice (P < 0.01), as also were fibrosis and ductular proliferation (P = 0.02). Cholestasis was commoner in individuals with resolved obstruction than in those with no history (P < 0.01) or active cholestasis (P < 0.05). Biliary hepatopathy was associated with longer duration of cholestasis (P < 0.001) and higher bilirubin levels (P = 0.02) in individuals with active obstruction; with lower body mass index (P = 0.02) and longer cholestasis (P < 0.001) in individuals with resolved obstruction; and with longer cholestasis (P < 0.001) and longer interval between endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and surgery (P = 0.03) overall. In individuals with active obstruction, duration of cholestasis (R = 0.7; P < 0.001) and bilirubin levels (R = 0.6; P = 0.004) were independently correlated with cholestasis severity. Duration of cholestasis (R = 0.7; P < 0.001) was independently correlated with ductular proliferation severity. Transient cholestasis was associated with significant histopathological changes, even after its resolution. Longer duration of obstruction correlated with greater severity of histopathological changes, especially cholestasis and ductular proliferation. This emphasizes the need for early treatment of obstructive cholestasis.

Advances in forensic diagnosis of electric shock death in the absence of typical electrical marks.

Electrical injury is a relatively uncommon but potentially devastating form of multi-system injury with high morbidity and mortality. In common electric injury cases, it is usually difficult to find characteristic changes of electric injury in major organs by using routine histopathological test methods unless there are landmark traces of electric injury, known as electric marks. How to determine electric shock death, especially in the absence of typical electrical marks on the body surface in some cases (which account for about two-thirds of electric injury cases), remains a challenging problem in forensic practice. Our summary shows that many current related studies have focused their efforts to find characteristic histopathological changes in major organs of the body caused by electric injury. Based on the results obtained through comparison of the literature, we find that it may be more urgent and important to find the optimal autopsy or sampling sites in cases with no typical electric marks, knowing that these sites may often reflect the most significant histopathological changes of electric injury, for instance anatomy and sampling of the anterior wrist and the medial malleolus in cases involving the hand-to-foot electric circuit pathway. In this article, we make a summary of advances in identification methods of electric injury, hoping that it could provide some new insights for further research in this field.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Gentisic Acid on 5-Fluorouracil-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a very potent and effective antineoplastic drug that has been widely used for the management of various types of cancer. However, the clinical use of 5-FU is often associated with severe toxicities including hepatotoxicity, which limit its therapeutic use as a potent anticancer agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of a plant phenolic acid, gentisic acid (GA) (2,5-dihyroxybenzoic acid), against hepatotoxicity induced by 5-FU administration in Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into six groups, with six rats per group. Among these, group I and II served as normal control and 5-FU control groups, respectively. The rats in these groups received distilled water (1 mL/kg) for 14 days by oral route. Groups III, IV, V, and VI served as test groups and received GA at doses of 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, via oral route for 14 days. From Day 9 onwards, all the groups, except group I, received intraperitoneal dose of 5-FU (20 mg/kg body weight) for five days up to day 14. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, blood was withdrawn for biochemical estimations, and hepatic tissues were excised for histopathological evaluations. Administration of 5-FU at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant increase in the serum levels of hepatic biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. In comparison to these, 5-FU treatment resulted in a reduction in total protein content (TPC). This was accompanied by significant histopathological changes in the hepatic tissues of the rats, indicating severe hepatotoxicity. Pre- and co-administration of GA with 5-FU at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 14 days resulted in a dose-dependent amelioration of the 5-FU induced alterations in the biochemical and histopathological parameters. The results of the study highlighted the potential of GA as a hepatoprotective agent for the prevention of 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity.

Acute, Sub-Acute and Genotoxicity Assessment of &lt;i&gt;Cocculus hirsutus&lt;/i&gt; Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats

Acute (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) and 28-day (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) toxicity assessments of Cocculus hirsutus hydroalcoholic leaf extract (CH-Ex) were performed in Wistar rats consistent with OECD guidelines 423 and 407 respectively. Average body weights were recorded, blood and biochemical parameters were analyzed and histopathological studies were performed. At doses (12.5–100 μg/ml), genotoxicity assessments were conducted on pUC 19 plasmid by evaluating DNA damage protection. Acute toxicity assessment categorized CH-Ex as safe and non-toxic (category 5). The 28-day toxicity assessments showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) changes in body weights, hematology and histopathology. At 400 mg/kg females exhibited a slight decline in SGPT, creatinine and BUN levels, while male rats exhibited a slight enhancement of SGOT and ALP levels (p&lt;0.05). CH-Ex exhibited strong ability to protect DNA damage from oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner.

Subchronic oral toxicity study of rhubarb extract in Sprague-Dawley rats

ObjectiveThe study was primarily used to evaluate subchronic oral toxicity of rhubarb extract. MethodsThe rhubarb extract was orally administered to rats at doses of 0.00, 0.65, 1.62 and 4.05 g/kg BW/day for 13 weeks with a recovery period of 4 weeks. The weight and the relative organ weight of the kidney in the 0.65 g/kg BW group were significantly increased but no significant changes were seen in renal histopathology. When the rats received rhubarb extract at 1.62 g/kg BW or above, the relative weight of the spleen and kidney were significantly increased; the kidney was also swollen and black with hydronephrosis. Histologic examination showed that there was an obvious increase in pigment deposition in renal tubular epithelial cells. No toxic related changes were observed in the 0.65 g/kg BW group, even though organ weight was increased and relative ratio to body weight of kidney were observed at 0.65 g/kg BW dosage, no significant renal histopathologic changes were detected at this dose. Based on the current study conditions and results, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of rhubarb extract in rats is 0.65 g/kg BW/day.

Investigation of the Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester against Cisplatin-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Cisplatin (CP) is used as an effective chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of various solid tumors. However, side effects such as hepatotoxicity limit the use of the drug. We investigated the protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the active ingredients of propolis, against hepatotoxicity caused by CP treatment in the liver. 38 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Control group was given physiological saline solution for 12 day. CP group was given a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) on the day 7. CP+CAPE group, was given CAPE (10 μmol/kg/day) for 12 days and a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) on day 7. CAPE group was given CAPE (10 μmol/kg/day for 12 days. Livers of rats sacrificed on the 14th day were stained with hematoxylin-eosin after histological tissue follow-up. The preparations were evaluated histopathologically and scored. Rat weights were measured and recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment. CP caused significant histopathological changes in the liver. CP also prevented the increase in rat weight. CAPE played an effective role as a protective agent against the histopathological changes caused by CP and showed signs of tissue healing. Our results show that CAPE can be protective against hepatotoxicity associated with CP.

Fungicidal activity of grapefruit seed extract against the pathogenic Candida species causing oral candidiasis

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) against Candida species and to confirm the biological safety. Two-fold serial dilutions of GSE or miconazole were prepared. Cell suspensions of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, or Candida parapsilosis were added to each diluted solution, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The MFC/MIC ratio was calculated to determine whether the substance had a fungistatic or fungicidal activity. Each Candida species treated with GSE were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy. The effect of GSE on EpiOral™, a three-dimensional tissue model, was assessed by tissue viability assay and histological analysis. GSE was applied to the mandibular gingiva of Japanese white rabbits, and the gingival tissues were histopathologically assessed. GSE demonstrated a fungicidal effect against all tested Candida species, whereas miconazole demonstrated a fungicidal effect against only C. albicans. SEM images showed various cell damage patterns in GSE-treated Candida cells. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that almost all Candida cells were killed by GSE-treated. EpiOral™ treated with GSE showed no effect on the tissue viability and there was no remarkable difference between GSE and control groups in the histological analysis. The histopathological observation in the oral mucosa treated with GSE showed no significant histopathological changes. Taken together, GSE has a fungicidal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis, and no adverse effects were observed in vitro and in vivo.

Expression of CD3 and CD20 in Antistreptolysin-O Titer Seropositive and Seronegative Children with Chronic Tonsillitis.

Background:Chronic tonsillitis (CT) is a common inflammatory illness in children, and serum antistreptolysin O titer (ASOT) is a common investigation performed for these cases and considered a perfect sign for tonsillectomy.Objective:To evaluate the expression of tonsillar T-and B-lymphocytes markers in relation to seropositive or seronegative ASOT in cases of CT.Materials and Methods:Thirty children (15 males and 15 females) aged 6–10 years were divided equally into two groups: Group A seropositive ASOT (≥400 IU) and Group B seronegative ASOT (<400 IU). Both performed bilateral tonsillectomy. Specimens from the removed tonsils were taken and prepared for light microscopic examination and immunohistochemical evaluation of CD20 and CD3 expression.Results:Seropositive ASOT group showed significant histopathologic changes in the form of hyperplasia of the stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium, Urgas's abscess, and severe lymphocytic infiltration. Immunohistochemical results of seropositive ASOT group showed marked expression of CD3 and CD20, while seronegative ASOT group showed mild expression of CD3 and CD20.Conclusion:Seropositive ASOT CT, in addition to histopathological changes, is associated with significant increase in both B-lymphocytes (CD20 expression) and T-lymphocytes (CD3 expression) markers.

The Effects of Folic Acid on Testicular Histology, Sperm Quality, and Spermatogenesis Indices Following 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Exposure in Adult Male Rats.

BackgroundThere is an increasing concern over acute exposure of amphetamine and its derivative such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on male reproductive toxicity. Supplementary vitamins can reduce the oxidative stresses and repair the damages on reproductive organs. This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of folic acid (FA) on reproductive indices, the antioxidant enzyme activities, and histological changes of testis on adult male rats treated by MDMA.MethodsThis experimental study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups: control, MDMA, FA, and MDMA + FA. Animals received a dose of 10 mg/kg of MDMA and 1 mg/kg of FA for 7 or 14 days. Rats were anesthetized and sperm quality parameters (number, concentration, motility, and morphology), spermatogenesis indices [the mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD), spermiogenesis index (SI), repopulation index (RI), and tubular differentiation index (TDI)], changes on testicular structure, antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) beside serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were measured. Data were analyzed, using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and SPSS software.FindingsMDMA (both 7 and 14 days) caused significant changes in sperm quality (P < 0.001), spermatogenesis indices (P < 0.001), testicular histopathology, and level of LH, FSH, testosterone beside the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and MDA) (P < 0.001). Supplementation of FA in association with MDMA partially reversed these parameters and made them close to the control group.ConclusionThe results suggested that FA could reduce the adverse effect of MDMA on reproductive ability in adult male rats.

Neuroprotective Effects of Hesperidin and Benfotiamine against Paraquat Induced Spinal Cord Neurotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Introduction: There are extensive people exposures to paraquat (PQ) herbicide resulting in human health hazards. Aim of the Work: To compare the beneficial neuroprotective effects of hesperidin and benfotiamine on paraquat (PQ)-induced spinal cord neurotoxic effects in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups as following: control, paraquat (PQ 20.8 mg/kg, oral gavage (e.g.)), paraquat + benfotiamine (50 mg/kg, oral gavage (e.g.)) and paraquat + hesperidin (40 mg/kg, oral gavage (e.g.)). PQ is given as the previous dose. Rats are treated 6 days per week. Results: There was a significant increased mean value of malondialdehyde associated with a significant reduction in the content of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes activities associated with a significant increase in Serum phosphorylated neurofilament-H, neurospecific enolase and s100 levels were recorded and significant spinal cord histopathological changes in paraquat treated group as compared to their corresponding values in the control group and immunohistochemical examination confirmed these results. Upon supplementation with benfotiamine and hesperidin to paraquat treated rats, there was a significant decrease in the mean values of malondialdehyde associated with a marked increase in the content of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes activities associated with a significant decrease in Serum phosphorylated neurofilament-H, neurospecific enolase and s100 levels were also recorded with significant improvement of spinal cord architecture when compared with the paraquat treated group. Conclusion: The use of benfotiamine and hesperidin produced a significant protection against all of the above-mentioned changes.

Apoptotic endocrinal toxic effects of perchlorate in human placental cells.

Perchlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and has many adverse health effects. This study investigated the potential oxidative, apoptotic, and endocrinal toxic effects of perchlorate in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HP-MSCs). HP-MSCs were treated with two doses of perchlorate (5 and 15 μg/L) for three days. The perchlorate's effects were detected by histopathological examination, aromatase/CYP19 A1 activity, reactive oxygen species production (ROS), and Caspase-3 expression. The highest perchlorate concentration (15 μg/L) caused significant placental histopathological changes. The placental cell viability was significantly affected by a significant increase in ROS generation; caspase-3 expression, and a significant reduction of CYP 19 activity. Despite the slight induction effect of the lowest perchlorate concentration (5 μg/L) on caspase 3 expression, CYP 19 activity, and ROS generation, it did not affect placental cellular viability. This study suggested that perchlorate could modulate aromatase activity and placental cytotoxicity. The continuous monitoring of the actual perchlorate exposure is needed and could be cost-effective.

Identification of Novel Feline Paramyxoviruses in Guignas (Leopardus guigna) from Chile.

The family of paramyxoviruses has received growing attention as several new species have been identified recently, notably two different clusters in domestic cats, designated as feline morbillivirus (FeMV) and feline paramyxovirus (FPaV). Their phylogenetic origin and whether wild felids also harbor these viruses are currently unknown. Kidney samples from 35 guignas (Leopardus guigna), a wild felid from Chile, were investigated for paramyxoviruses using consensus-RT-PCR. In addition, thirteen serum samples of guignas were screened for the presence of FeMV-specific antibodies by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Viral RNA was detected in 31% of the kidney samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two well-supported clusters, related to isolates from domestic cats, rodents and bats. No significant histopathology changes were recorded in infected guignas. Serology identified two samples which were positive for FeMV-specific antibodies. Our study highlights the diversity of paramyxovirus infections in felids with special emphasis on guignas from Chile.

Assessing the safety of using the dry extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae) during pregnancy of Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJusticia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae), popularly known as tilo, chambá and anador, is widely used in folk medicine in Latin American countries as a sedative, anti-anxiety, reducing menopause symptoms and in the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory tract. Although J. pectoralis is widely used by the female population, there are no studies on the safety of using this species during pregnancy. Aim of this studyTo evaluate the effects of prenatal treatment with dry extract from the aerial parts of J. pectoralis on maternal and developmental toxicity in Wistar rats. Material and methodsPregnant Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were treated from gestational day (GD) 0–20 with the vehicle (control group) or with the dry extract of J. pectoralis at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg. During pregnancy, clinical signs of toxicity, maternal weight, feed and water intake were evaluated. On GD 21, rats were anesthetized and intracardiac blood was collected to evaluate biochemical parameters. During cesarean section, reproductive performance parameters were recorded. The liver, kidneys, uterus and ovaries were removed for histopathological analysis. Fetuses were examined for possible malformations and/or skeletal and visceral variations. ResultsTreatment with dry extract of J. pectoralis did not alter weight gain, feed intake or biochemical and maternal reproductive performance parameters There were also no significant histopathological changes in the maternal organs, as well as external, skeletal and visceral malformations in the fetuses. ConclusionOral administration of J. pectoralis dry extract during pregnancy did not induce maternal toxicity or embryotoxic and teratogenic effects.