Standard Rat Chow Research Articles

Biflavonoid quercetin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities via modulation of inflammatory cytokines, brain neurotransmitters, and astrocyte immunoreactivity.

Cyclophosphamide use has been associated with increased oxidative stress in cells and tissues. Quercetin's antioxidative properties make it of potential benefit in such conditions of oxidative stress. To assess quercetin's ability to mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities in rats. Sixty rats were assigned into six groups. Groups A and D served as normal and cyclophosphamide control and were fed standard rat chow, groups B and E were fed quercetin supplemented diet (100 mg/kg of feed), while those in groups C and F were fed quercetin at 200 mg/kg of feed. Groups A-C received intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline on days 1 and 2, while D-F received ip cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg/day on days 1 and 2). On day 21, behavioural tests were carried out, animals were sacrificed and blood samples taken. Organs were processed for histological study. Quercetin reversed cyclophosphamide-induced decrease in body weight, food intake and total antioxidant capacity, and increase in lipid peroxidation (p = 0.001), It also reversed derangement in levels of liver transaminase, urea, creatinine and proinflammatory cytokines (p = 0.001). Improvement in working-memory and anxiety-related behaviours were also observed. Finally, quercetin reversed alterations in levels of acetylcholine, dopamine and brain-derived neurotropic factor (p = 0.021); while reducing serotonin levels and astrocyte immunoreactivity. Quercetin shows significant ability to protect against cyclophosphamide-induced changes in rats.

Dietary Zinc Status in Offspring of Pregnant Rats Fed on a Zinc-Deficient Diet Is Associated with Serum Albumin, Ast, and Alt Levels

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate whether dietary zinc status is associated with serum albumin, AST and ALT levels in male offspring of mother rats fed a zinc deficient diet. Methods: The study was carried out on male offspring (Groups 1, 2, 3) born to rats fed a zinc deficient diet and on male offspring (Group 4) born to mothers fed a standard diet. Group 1: Zinc deficient, Group 2; standard rat chow, Group 3: Zinc supplemented diet. Animals of group 4 were used as control group. After the completion of the experimental stages of the study, albumin, AST, ALT, free and total bilirubin levels in serum samples taken from animals were determined by spectrophotometric method. Results: Dietary zinc deficiency (group 1) significantly decreased serum albumin values (p<0.004). Animals in both the zinc deficient (Group 1) group and the Group 2 animals born to mothers fed a zinc deficient diet and fed standard rat chow had the highest AST and ALT levels (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study is the first to show that dietary zinc status can directly affect liver function in rats born to zinc deficient mothers by causing changes in serum albumin, AST and ALT levels.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Aqueou Extract on Histology of Liver and Its Biochemical Parameters in Heigher Fat Diets Induced Obesity in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Obesity has emerged as a major health problem and risk factor for various disorders worldwide. Obesity has been defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation triggered by disproportion in energy intake than expenditure. Obesity is a non-communicable medical disorder that has largely been accepted as a reflection of healthy living and affluence among Nigerians. It is usually defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2.
 Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the histopathological and biochemical effect of Moringa olerifera aqueous leaf extract on obesity induced albino rat.
 Methodology: A total number of 25 healthy albino rats were used. The group 1 served as negative control group consisting of 5 rats including, they were given water ad libitum and were fed with standard rat chow for 12 weeks. The group 2 consist of 5 rats, received water ad libitum and were administered orally with high-fat diet in the dose of 1ml daily of mixture of melted pig fat and hydrogenated vegetable oil in 3:2 ratio respectively for 12weeks and also fed with a standard rat chow and served as obese positive control group. The group 3 also consist of 5 rats, served as standard control group in which they were fed orally with high fat diet in a dose of 1ml of mixture of melted pig fat and hydrogenated vegetable oil in 3:2 ratio for 6 weeks and were orally administered standard drug orlistat 12mg/kg body weight daily for another 6 weeks. While group 4 and group 5 have 5 rats each received water and were administered orally with melted pig fat and hydrogenated vegetable oil 1ml daily for 6 weeks and standard rat chow after 6 weeks of feeding, moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract in a dose of 200mg/kgbwt and 400mg/kgbwt respectively, daily for another 6 weeks the dose of extract chosen were based on the result of acute toxicity (LD50) study conducted.
 Results: The LD50 of M. oleifera is more than 5000mg/kgbwt as all doses below this incurred zero percentage of death among all groups of rats, shows no toxicity or mortality recorded after 24 hours all the animals in both Phase I and Phase II. The biochemical Parameters of Liver shows that there was no statistical significant difference in results of the parameters of all the groups when compared among the groups. Liver section shows hepatic fatty deposition when compared with control group. While A Group1 and B Group 4 Treated 200mg/kg shows no hepatic fatty deposition in hepatocytes and central vein. So also in A Group 1 and B Group 5 Treated 400mg/kg shows normal hepatocytes and central vein.
 Conclusion: This study shows that Moringa oleifera leaf extract possesses anti-hepatic fatty deposition properties like that of selected standard drugs. At higher acceptable dose of Moringa oleifera demonstrated better anti-obesity properties with the selected standard drugs. Hence, leaf extract of Moringa. oleifera is beneficial in the management of dietary obesity.

Effects of comfort food diet on the penile morphology of stressed rats

PurposeTo investigate the effects of chronic stress, associated or not with comfort food, on the morphology of the penis. Materials & methodsThirty-two adult Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: Control group (C), receiving standard rat chow, and under normal conditions; Stressed group (S), receiving standard chow, and submitted to stressful situations; Control + comfort food group (C + CF), receiving standard chow and comfort food, and under normal conditions; and Stressed + comfort food group (S + CF), receiving standard chow and comfort food, and submitted to stressful situations. At 10 weeks of age, food supply and stress were initiated. All groups had ad libitum access to standard chow and water, and groups receiving comfort food also had access to Froot Loops®. Chronic stress was induced by restriction, animals were contained daily in polypropylene tubes for 2 h, for eight weeks. After eight weeks all animals were killed; penises were removed for histomorphometric analysis. ResultsBody mass was similar among the groups. Food intake in S + CF group was lower than in other groups. Concerning food preference, groups C + CF and S + CF preferred comfort food over the standard chow, with this preference being higher in S + CF than in C + CF. The area of the corpora cavernosa without tunica albuginea was lower in group S + CF than in group C. Most interestingly, the surface density of connective tissue in the corpora cavernosa was higher in groups S and S + CF compared to group C. In contrast, smooth muscle surface density was markedly lower in S + CF compared to groups C and C + CF, while group S also had reduced smooth muscle in comparison to group C. ConclusionChronic stress caused a morphological alteration on penile histomorphometry. Also, stress increased the preference for comfort foods which caused more deleterious effects in some parameters.

Increased abundance of bacteria of the family Muribaculaceae achieved by fecal microbiome transplantation correlates with the inhibition of kidney calcium oxalate stone deposition in experimental rats.

The incidence of nephrolithiasis is increasing rapidly worldwide. Calcium oxalate is the most common constituent, contributing to approximately 80% of all kidney stones. The gut microbiome, through its oxalate-degrading ability, may play a role in decreasing morbidity due to urinary calculus. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) has been reported to be effective in restoring the gastrointestinal microbial community in different conditions. The transplantation of whole communities that have oxalate-degrading function may be a more effective strategy than the transplantation of isolated strains. FMT was carried out in male guinea pigs and male Sprague-Dawley laboratory rats (SDRs). Fresh feces were collected from guinea pigs housed in metabolic cages. SDRs were divided into four groups: two groups received standard rat chow (SC) (groups SC and SC + FMT), and two groups were fed a 5% potassium oxalate diet (OD) (groups OD + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and OD + FMT). On day 14, groups OD + PBS, OD + FMT, and SC + FMT received either PBS or guinea pig feces by esophageal gavage. The composition of the microbiota of guinea pigs and SDRs was analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Biochemical analysis of urine samples from SDRs revealed the presence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, which were presumed to originate from kidney stones. Renal function was examined using real-time PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining for renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and osteopontin (OPN) expression. FMT resulted in a gut microbiota that was a mixture of guinea pig and SDR bacteria. A microbial network involving Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium was activated by FMT in group OD + FMT. As a result, urinary oxalate, calcium, uric acid, creatinine and urea in urine samples were reduced significantly. Similarly, significant reduction of uric acid and blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio in serum samples was observed (p < 0.05). Microscopic observations revealed a high CaOx crystal score (4+) in the kidneys of rats in group OD + PBS, whereas a lower score (2+) was observed in the rats in group OD + FMT. Up-regulation of OPN and down-regulation of renin were also associated with FMT. A microbial network involving Muribaculaceae and other oxalate-degrading bacteria achieved by FMT was capable of reducing urinary oxalate excretion and CaOx crystal deposition in the kidney through increasing intestinal oxalate degradation. FMT may exert a renoprotective function in oxalate-related kidney stones.

Vitamin D3 alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation via the SREBP-1-c/ PPARα-NF-κB/IR-S2 signaling pathway.

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease characterized by fat deposits in liver cells, which can lead to hepatitis and fibrosis. This study attempted to explore the protective effect of vitamin D3 (VitD) against NAFLD. Methods: Adult male albino rats were randomized into four separate groups: the negative control group was fed a standard rat chow; the positive group received a high-fat diet (20%) and 25% fructose water (NAFLD); the VitD control group was intramuscularly treated with VitD (1,000 IU/kg BW) 3days per week for 10 weeks; and the NAFLD group was treated with VitD therapy. Biochemical and hepatic histological analyses were performed. Hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions were also studied. Hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c (SREBP-1-c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and insulin receptor substrate-2 was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results and discussion: The NAFLD rats exhibited elevated terminal body weight, hepatic injury markers, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Moreover, the NAFLD rats had increased SREBP-1-c expression and reduced PPAR-α and IRS-2 expressions. Histological analysis showed hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NAFLD group. In contrast, VitD administration improved the serum biochemical parameters and hepatic redox status in NAFLD rats. Also, VitD treatment ameliorated hepatic inflammation and steatosis in the NAFLD group by decreasing the expression of SREBP-1-c and increasing the expression of PPAR-α. Overall, these results suggest that VitD could have a protective effect against NAFLD and its associated complication.

109 Effects of Fat-Rich Nutrients in the Pancreas of an Experimental Burn Model

Abstract Introduction Oversupply of nutrients overstimulates beta cells in standard conditions, and severe burn injuries increase the metabolic needs. In this study, we investigated the effects of fat-rich nutrients on the endocrine pancreas during the acute phase of severe burns. Methods Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Two groups were fed with standard commercial rat chow (1 with sham procedure and 1 with burn procedure), and the third group (also with burn procedure) was fed a fat-rich diet (60% kcal fat). The burn procedure involved a 25% total body surface area fullthickness burn. Blood samples were taken at 36 hours and 7 days after burn injury or sham procedure. On postburn day 7, skin biopsies were taken and a pancreatectomy was performed. Pancreatic tissues were examined under light microscopy; islets size and cellularity were calculated and investigated immunohistochemically. Results Plasma glucose, C-Peptide, and insulin levels were similar in all the study groups 36 hours and 7 days after burn induction or sham procedure. There was a significant increase in the number of cells per one islet in the burn group given a fat-rich diet compared with the other groups (P = .05). Caspase-3 was strongly expressed in both groups with burn injuries. Conclusions Overconsumption of certain fats can lead to a compensatory response by beta cells that eventually can progress to beta-cell dysfunction during the acute phase of burns. Severe burns induce pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia. Providing excessive fat nutrients during the acute postburn period attenuates this response. Despite the morphophysiological changes observed in the pancreas, all animals in our study achieved similar glycemic homeostasis. Applicability of Research to Practice The delivery of nutritional support is a vital element of burn care, and the main goal is simply to avoid nutritional complications. Lipotoxicity contributes to multisystem organ failure and worse clinical outcomes in obese patients and mice with pancreatitis. Neutralization of IL-1β produces beneficial effects on postburn glycemic control and improves survival. apoptosis in the pancreas of patients with severe burns may be linked to a series of events that can induce Caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release, and these pathways may be influenced by the nutritional status, especially in the early postburn phase. Effective nutritional assessment and management can optimize wound healing and decrease complications and mortality.

Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Contribute to the Combined Electroacupuncture Modulation of Hypertension in Salt-Sensitive Rats

Elevated sympathetic activities and low-grade chronic inflammation are observed in hypertensive (HTNive) patients and animals including dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive (DSSH) rats. We have shown that stimulation of the deep peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve by combined electroacupuncture (cEA) at the combination of two sets of acupoints ST36-37 and SP6-7 decreased blood pressure (BP) and proinflammatory cytokines in HTNive subjects through sympathoinhibition and anti-inflammation. Acetylcholine (ACh), the primary neurotransmitter of parasympathetic nerves, is known to participate in modulation of inflammation. We hypothesized that α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) play an important role in the BP lowering effects of cEA in DSSH rats. DSS rats were fed with 4% salt diet and randomly allocated into three groups (4 rats/group). Once they developed moderate hypertension (SBP 160±5 mmHg), one group was treated with Sham-EA (no electrical stimulations), and two groups were treated with cEA. Both cEA and Sham-EA groups were given twice weekly for eight weeks. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) is a α7nAChR antagonist. MLA (2.4 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (ip) daily into one group of cEA treated rats (n=4) during the last three weeks with cEA treatments. In a similar manner, the other cEA group and the Sham-EA group received daily saline ip injection for three weeks. Another four DSS rats were fed with standard rat chow and treated as the normotensive (NTN) controls. Systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) of rats were measured with Tail-cuff via CODA system once a week. At the end of the experiment, compared to Sham-EA rats (207.8±2.5 mmHg, DBP 144.6±3.2 mmHg), cEA decreased SBP (138.8±0.8 mmHg) by 33.2% and DBP (98.6±1.7 mmHg) by 24.25%. Blockade of α7nAChR with MLA partially reversed the cEA BP lowering effects (SBP 193.4±2.6 mmHg and DBP 136.5±2.4 mmHg), and BPs in cEA+MLA treated rats were still significantly lower than Sham-EA-treated rats after the reveral. BPs of NTNive rats remained in the normal BP ranges throughout the 13 weeks of the experiment (from 135.9±2.8 to 134.2±1.1 mmHg). In conclusion, systemic antagonism of α7nAChR with MLA partially reversed the BP lowering effects of cEA in DSSH rats. National Institute of Health National Center for Complementary &amp; Integrative Health Grant (1RO1AT011306). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Diet-related changes in the control mechanisms for vasomotion in the microcirculation

Diet affects peripheral blood flow and the control mechanisms for microcirculation. Our objective was to determine the extent to which the five main control mechanisms of cutaneous microcirculation i.e., cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and metabolic factors are affected by poor diet and prebiotic intake, and the associated changes in gut microbiome. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 6-8 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four groups (n=7 each): Group 1 – Regular-diet (CON), Group 2 – Cafeteria-diet (CAF), Group 3 - Regular-diet with inulin prebiotic (PRE), and Group 4 – Cafeteria-diet with prebiotic (PRE-CAF). Groups 1 and 3 received standard rat chow with macronutrient content (kcal) of 75.9% carbohydrates, 14.1% protein and 10% fat. Groups 2 and 4 had access to 200 ml of commercial soft drink; they also received standard chow plus a CAF diet consisting of white-bread, canned-sausages, and cookies with macronutrient content (kcal) of 38% carbohydrates, 14% protein and 48% fat. Groups 3 and 4 were given a 10 % (w/w) inulin prebiotic dissolved in the water or drink. Food, water and soft drink were available ad libitum and supplied daily for six months. Faecal samples were collected from rats during experimental weeks 0 to13. The composition of gut microbiome was determined using 16S rRNA analysis. At the end of six months, Laser-Doppler Flowmetry was recorded from the palmar surface of the forepaw while maintaining the rat’s body temperature at 35–37oC with a heating blanket. Perfusion analysis was used to estimate the microvascular blood flow within the selected region of interest. The spectral composition of flowmotion was analysed with Continuous Wavelet Transform using the Morlet mother wavelet. We used the following published frequency bands for rats for the spectral analysis for the control of microvascular flowmotion: cardiac (2-5 Hz), respiratory (0.7-2 Hz), myogenic (0.2–0.7 Hz), neurogenic (0.08–0.2 Hz), and metabolic control (0.01–0.08 Hz). Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS using ANOVA and post-hoc analyses; p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean (±SEM) weights (g) of the rats after six months were: CON (537±44), PRE (510±54), CAF (640±43) and PRE-CAF (608±73); there was significant increase in weight of the CAF group compared to the CON, and of the PRE-CAF group compared to the PRE group. Skin perfusion was significantly lower in the CAF group compared to the CON group or the PRE-CAF group. Compared to the CON group, the CAF group had significant decreases in all the wavelet bands. Additionally, there were significant decreases in the myogenic, neurogenic and metabolic bands in the CAF group compared to the PRE-CAF group. There were no significant differences between the CON and PRE groups in the perfusion or any of the wavelet parameters. Analysis of the microbiome showed Allobaculum spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Coriobacteriaceae UCG-02 were significantly more abundant in the prebiotic groups. Funding provided by UWI, Trinidad This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Biochemical and histopathological assessment of transgenic cowpea in male Wistar rats

Cowpea is one of the most consumed legumes in Africa. Recombinant DNA technology has been used to insert foreign genes into plants genome thereby creating a new generation of plants with desired traits. Such plants possess improved seed quality, yield and resistance to pests and pathogens. The aim of this work is to assess the safety profile of an improved variety of cowpea by examining its effect on the liver and kidney.Native cowpea and improved variety of cowpea, IT89KD, were fed to Wistar rats which were divided into 3 groups. One group was fed poultry feed with 50% native cowpea and the second group was fed poultry feed with 50% improved cowpea variety while the control group was fed standard rat chow. At the end of 40 days feeding period, improved varieties group were found to have higher protein content than normal variety. Also, there was elevation in the following liver enzymes, Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin in the group fed with improved variety. The presence of black arrowheads and inflammation in liver and kidneys of rats fed with Genetically Modified(GM)cowpea was observed. This suggests that caution should be applied in the use of GM Cowpea as feed for Wistar rats and food for man.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus administration to anorexigenic neuropeptides and some biochemical parameters on rats fed with a high-fat diet

AimOne of the rapidly rising global public health concern is obesity. Over the past three decades, the prevalence of obesity has doubled/tripled in several nations around the world, most likely as a result of urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and increased intake of high-calorie processed foods. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus administration on rats exposed to high-fat diet experimentally on anorexigenic peptides in the brain and some biochemical parameters in the serum. MethodsIn the study, 4 different experimental groups were formed. Group 1 was designated as the control group and fed with a standard rat chow (SD). Group 2 was designated as the high-fat diet (HFD) fed group. Group 3 fed with SD and L. acidophilus probiotic administered. Group 4 fed with HFD and L. acidophilus probiotic administered. At the end of the experiment, leptin, serotonin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured in the brain tissue and serum. Glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), total protein (TP), albumin, uric acid, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined in the serum. ResultsAt the end of the study, it was found that there was an increase in body weight and body mass index in Group 2 compared to Group 1. It was determined that the levels of AST, ALT, TG, TC, glucose, leptin in the serum were significantly high (P < 0.05). The levels of GLP-1 and serotonin in the serum and in the brain were significantly low (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in TG and TC in Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05). The leptin hormone levels in serum and brain were significantly higher in Group 2 than in other groups (P < 0.05). GLP-1 and serotonin levels were found to be significantly low (P < 0.05). The leptin levels in the serum of Groups 3 and 4 decreased significantly compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05). ConclusionIt was found that probiotic supplementation in high-fat diet had positive effects on anorexigenic peptides. It was concluded that L. acidophilus probiotic can be recommended as a food supplement in the treatment of obesity.

Investigation of the effects of atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus on some hormones and oxidative stress in experimental hypercholesterolemia

AimThe investigation of serum leptin, ghrelin, insulin, seratonin hormones, NO, total oxidant/antioxidant status and brain cannaboid 1 receptor protein and apoptotic cell levels in atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus administrated experimental hypercholesterolemia was aimed in the project. MethodsIn the study, 5 experimental groups were formed. Group 1 was fed with standard rat chow, and Group 2 was fed with 2% cholesterol added standard rat chow for 8 weeks. Group 3 was fed with 2% cholesterol feed and received atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/day) for the last 4 weeks. Group 4 was given L. acidophilus (2 ×108 cfu/kg/day). Group 5 was given atorvastatin and L. acidophilus probiotic in the last 4 weeks of the experiment period. After the experimental period, blood samples were taken from each rat. Rats were sacrificed and brain tissues were taken for analyzes. In sera samples, leptin, ghrelin, insulin, serotonin hormones and NO levels were measured with ELISA. In brain samples, cannabinoid 1 receptor proteins and apoptosis levels were measured by ELISA. Total oxidant and antioxidant levels were investigated with using Rel Assay Kits. ResultsThe addition of cholesterol to feeds increased the levels of serum cholesterol, insulin and leptin levels; on the other hand, reduced the levels of serotonin and ghrelin. In hypercholesterolemia, total oxidant and NO levels were increased, and total antioxidant levels were decreased. ConclusionThe results showed that administrations of L. acidophilus and atorvastatin might be recommended for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Inositol hexaphosphate promotes intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome via an HDAC3-mediated epigenetic pathway.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) has high morbidity and mortality rates, and promoting intestinal adaptation of the residual intestine is a critical treatment. Dietary inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, but its effect on SBS remains unclear. This study aimed at investigating the effect of IP6 on SBS and clarified its underlying mechanism. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (3-week-old) were randomly assigned into four groups (Sham, Sham + IP6, SBS, and SBS + IP6 groups). Rats were fed standard pelleted rat chow and underwent resection of 75% of the small intestine after 1 week of acclimation. They received 1 mL IP6 treatment (2 mg/g) or sterile water daily for 13 days by gavage. Intestinal length, levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) activity, and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cell-6 (IEC-6) were detected. IP6 treatment increased the length of the residual intestine in rats with SBS. Furthermore, IP6 treatment caused an increase in body weight, intestinal mucosal weight, and IEC proliferation, and a decrease in intestinal permeability. IP6 treatment led to higher levels of IP3 in feces and serum, and higher HDAC3 activity of the intestine. Interestingly, HDAC3 activity was positively correlated with the levels of IP3 in feces (r = 0.49, P = 0.01) and serum (r = 0.44, P = 0.03). Consistently, IP3 treatment promoted the proliferation of IEC-6 cells by increasing HDAC3 activity in vitro. IP3 regulated the Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3)/Cyclin D1 (CCND1) signaling pathway. IP6 treatment promotes intestinal adaptation in rats with SBS. IP6 is metabolized to IP3 to increase HDAC3 activity to regulate the FOXO3/CCND1 signaling pathway and may represent a potential therapeutic approach for patients with SBS.

Deneysel hiperkolesterolemide Atorvastatin ve Lactobacillus acidophilus'un kolesterol metabolizmasına etkisi

Hypercholesterolemia is a very common health problem in the world. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of administering atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic on cholesterol metabolism, and formation of neurosterides and myelin. Five groups were formed in the study. Group-1 was fed with standard rat chow as a control group. Group-2 was designated as hypercholosterolemi group and fed with cholesterol added rat chow. Group-3 was fed with cholesterol and atorvastatin. L.acidophilus probiotic was given in the last four weeks of the experiment to Group-4. L.acidophilus and atorvastatin were given together for the last four weeks to the Group-5. At the end of the trial, some biochemical parameters were determined by autoanalyzer device and ELISA. LDL receptor, HMG-CoA reductase, GAPDH genes were determined by RT-PCR. In the case of adding cholesterol to the diet, total cholesterol in the serum, LDL-cholesterol level increased, HDL-cholesterol level decreased, liver enzyme activity increased, Ox-LDL level increased significantly in the brain, testosterone, progesterone, MBP level, nNOS activity were significantly increased. GAPDH gene gave bands at the same intensities in brain and liver of in all groups. When compared with GAPDH, band intensities of the LDL receptor, and HMG-CoA reductase genes were decreased. It was determined that the hypocholesteric effect of the combination of statin and probiotic is better and neurosterides have a positive contribution to the level of serotonin hormone. In conclusion, L. acidophilus probiotic can be recommended as an alternative treatment with atorvastatin in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology of rats and impact of comfort food diet as an ameliorating agent

Objectives To investigate the effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology and the impact of food preference (standard or comfort foods) on the bladder of stressed rats. Methods In total, 32 Wistar male rats (3 months old) were divided into four groups: control (C), stressed (S), control + comfort food (C + CF), and stressed + comfort food (S + CF). Groups C and C + CF were maintained under normal conditions, while groups S and S + CF were subjected to chronic stress by the restraint method. Groups C and S received standard rat chow, while groups C + CF and S + CF received comfort food (Froot Loops®) and standard chow. The stress stimuli were induced daily for 2 h over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, all animals were killed, and the bladders were removed and used for histomorphometric analysis. Results Body mass was similar among the groups. Stress did not promote differences regarding food intake, but animals receiving comfort food showed higher calories intake (in kcal/Kg) than animals receiving only standard chow. The C + CF and S + CF groups preferred comfort food over the standard chow; this preference was higher in the S + CF than in the C + CF group. The surface density of smooth muscle was reduced in stressed animals, while connective tissue and elastic system fiber content were increased in stressed groups. Further, epithelial height was increased in rats submitted to chronic stress. The surface density of elastic system fibers was decreased by the consumption of comfort food. Conclusions Chronic stress induces morphological modifications on the bladder wall and epithelium. These modifications may be related to lower urinary tract symptoms. Additionally, chronic stress caused a higher preference for comfort food intake which did not ameliorate or aggravate the stress-induced bladder alterations.

The inclusion of garlic and turmeric powder in high-fructose diets protects against the development of metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats

The worldwide prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is largely attributable to excessive consumption of high-energy food sweeteners and lifestyle practices that encourage physical inactivity. This study was designed to evaluate the potential benefits of garlic and/or turmeric in down-regulating the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 3 rats per group. Group 1 received standard rat chow, Group 2 received a high-fructose diet only, while Group 3 received a 2% turmeric-supplemented high-fructose diet. Groups 4 and 5 were fed a standard diet supplemented with 2% each of garlic and turmeric:garlic (50% w/w), respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were respectively fed a high-fructose diet supplemented with 2% garlic, a standard diet supplemented with 2% turmeric, and a high-fructose diet supplemented with 2% turmeric:garlic (50% w/w). Feed intake and changes in body weight were monitored weekly and after 56 days, the rats were sacrificed. Activities of serum antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile, and atherogenic indices were determined. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed from the measured blood glucose and insulin levels. The positive control (Group 2) gained weight significantly (p &lt; 0.05) when compared with groups that received diet supplementation. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and atherogenic indices of diet-supplemented groups were significantly low (p &lt; 0.05) when compared with the positive control. Interestingly, while no differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed in the catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in the high-fat diet group supplemented with 2% mixed turmeric:garlic when compared with the normal control, activities of these enzymes in the garlic and/or turmeric supplemented high-fructose diet groups were significantly elevated (p &lt; 0.05) when compared with the positive control. The HOMA-IR and atherogenic indices results revealed the inclusion of turmeric and garlic in a high-fat diet had anti-dyslipidemic effects, decreased oxidative stress, and reduced coronary risk factors. Our findings strongly suggest supplementation of high-calorie diets with garlic and/or turmeric powder has potential long-term health benefits in individuals exposed to the risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

Efficacy of the Hibiscus surattensis L. Leaves Active Fraction in Reducing the Levels of HbA1c, AGEs, and Glucose Uptake in Muscle Cells of Diabetic Type 2 Model Rat

Hibiscus surattensis L. is a traditional medicinal plant often used for diabetes treatment in Indonesia, especially in Central Sulawesi. The leaves contain mainly kaempferol, morine, and trifolin which have various pharmacological effects, including high antioxidant properties and the potential to increase insulin secretion. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of the Hibiscus surattensis L. leaves (HSL) active fraction in reducing the levels of HbA1c, AGEs, and GLUT-4 expression in the muscle tissue of rat model with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a high-fat and fructose diet of 1.8 g/kg BW (HFD/HF) for 8 weeks. A total of 20 male rats were randomly assigned into four groups namely (1) normal control diet with standard rat chow; (2) negative control with HFD/HF diet; (3) treatment group with metformin 100 mg/kg BW as standard; (4) treatment group given HSL active fraction (FEA) 50 mg/kg BW. All treatments were given orally for 21 days and the data were analyzed by ANOVA and continued with the LSD post hoc test. HFD/HF induction significantly increased the HbA1c and AGEs levels 3.5 times and 1.88 times higher than the normal control group. Moreover, the treatments significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) HbA1c and AGEs levels compared to the negative control on day 21. Blood HbA1C levels with FEA treatment decreased by 56.4%, while AGEs reduced by 54.7%. GLUT 4 expression in the muscle tissue was significantly different from the negative control with p&lt;0.05. The results also indicate that the administration of FEA had an antidiabetic effect by reducing the levels of HbA1C and AGEs along with other potentially beneficial effects on the treatment of type 2 DM with the probable mechanism of targeting GLUT4 glucose transporter by increasing its translocation and expression.

Perindopril prevents development of obesity and hypertension in middle aged diet-induced obese rat models of metabolic syndrome

AimsThe therapeutic properties of anti-hypertensive medications that extend beyond blood pressure lowering have started to become important clinical targets in recent years. This study aimed to assess the cardioprotective effects of perindopril in attenuating complications associated with metabolic syndrome in diet induced obese rats. Main methodsMale Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats aged 16 weeks were fed either standard rat chow (SC) or given a high-fat-high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet for 20 weeks. Perindopril treatment (1 mg/kg/day) was administered to a subset of WKY rats commencing at week 8 of the 20 week HFHC feeding period. Body weights, food, water and energy intakes, blood pressure, heart rate and glucose tolerance were measured throughout the treatment period. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, lipid levels, cardiac collagen deposition, vascular function, aortic and cardiac electrical function were examined after the treatment. Key findingsWKY rats developed metabolic syndrome after 20 weeks of HFHC feeding, evidenced by the presence of abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Perindopril treatment prevented the development of obesity and hypertension in WKY-HFHC. Perindopril improved blood lipid profiles in HFHC rats with decreases in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Type I collagen levels were decreased in WKY-HFHC rats along with decreases in left ventricle mass. Perindopril treated rats also showed improved cardiac electrical function indicated by decreases in action potential at 90 % of repolarisation in WKY-HFHC rats. SignificanceThese results show that perindopril has a profound effect on preventing the development of metabolic syndrome in animals fed a HFHC diet.

Effect of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Spinach Extract on Triton X-100-Induced Atherosclerosis in Rats.

The effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) synthesized using Spinacia oleracea leaf extract on Triton X-100-induced atherosclerosis in white Wistar rats was determined. FeONPs were characterized to determine their size, structure, composition, and shape. In vitro antioxidant activity of FeONPs against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) was determined. Atherosclerosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 5% Triton X-100 (100 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. Group 1 received standard rat chow and water. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg body weight of Triton X-100 and a standard diet. Group 3 received 100 mg/kg body weight of Triton X-100 followed by 20 mg/kg body weight of atorvastatin for 21 days. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 100 mg/kg body weight Triton X-100 was followed by variable concentrations of 100, 300, and 500 µg/kg body weight FeONPs, respectively, for 21 days. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid, liver, antioxidant, and cardiovascular markers. Histopathology of the heart was also examined. Characterization revealed the amorphous nature, functional groups, and clustered topography of FeONPs. An upregulated antioxidant activity of FeONPs was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of Triton X-100 showed elevated levels of lipid biomarkers except for high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which decreased in group 2 in comparison to group 1. Liver, antioxidant, and cardiovascular biomarkers all significantly increased. The structural alteration was observed in the heart tissue following histopathology examination. Administration of FeONPs significantly decreased all biomarkers and increased the level of HDL. Also, tissue architecture was restored. Our findings demonstrated that FeONPs were effective in ameliorating Triton X-100-induced atherosclerosis in rats.

Attenuating potential of aluminum sulphate (alum) on testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in male Wistar rats

The effect of aluminum sulphate (alum) on Testosterone propionate (TP)-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in male Wistar rats was studied. Eighty mature male Wistar rats, with an average weight of 210g, were randomly distributed into eight groups comprising ten rats. Group 1 received only food and water, while Groups 2, and 4 to 8 were given 3 mg/kg b.w of TP subcutaneously and Group 3 received only 25 % alum solution for 28 days. Thereafter, Groups 4 to 8 were treated with 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 40% alum solution respectively while group 2 remained untreated for another 28 days. The animals were fed with standard rat chow and clean water ad libitum. Sperm morphology and characteristics were observed and measured. A variety of haematological and biochemical markers were assessed. Histopathology of the testes was examined. The volume (0.10 ± 0.00 ml) viability (68.33 ± 4.41 %), activity (41.25 ± 1.25 %), and sperm count (36.67 ± 3.33 ×106) were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) in group 2 when compared with the respective values obtained in group 1. Treatment with different concentrations of Alum solution significantly (p&lt;0.05) reversed abnormal sperm features observed in group 2. Superoxide dismutase (0.90 ± 0.01 U/L) was significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in group 2, but the values were restored to normal after treatment with varying concentrations of Alum solutions. Photomicrographs of the testis of group 2 rats revealed a distorted testis, however, there was a significant recovery after treatment which suggested that treatment with Alum reduces TP-induced BPH.