Toxicity In Female Wistar Rats Research Articles

The Impact of administration of Annona muricata leaf on estrogen and progesterone functions following mercury-induced toxicity in adult female Wistar rats

Environmental toxicants have been linked to female reproductive dysfunction resulting from oxidative stress. The study assesses the impact of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (EAM) on ovarian and uterine function following mercury-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. The study involved 40 female Wistar rats, each weighing 114–156g, divided into eight groups of five animals each. Group A received feed and water only; group B received 500 mg/kg of EAM only; and group C received 25 mg/kg of mercury chloride (HgCl2). Groups D and E received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and were treated with 25 mg/kg of HgCl2, respectively. Group F received 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and treated immediately with co-administrstion of 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks. Groups G and H received 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks, respectively. Progesterone amd Estrogen levels were measured at the end of the administration. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25, with inferential statistics performed, and significant values were set at p≤0.05. Administration of mercury resulted in a decreased level of estrogen, and progesterone. EAM treatments resulted in statistically significant increased levels of progesteron in groups E, F, G and H; group D also showed an increase, though not statistically significant. Estrogen levels were increased in groups F, G and H, but groups D and E showed a decrease in estrogen levels, though not statistically significant. The study reveals that EAM enhances female reproductive hormonal levels and may turn out into a potential capable of reversing or preventing female infertility linked to mercury chloride toxicity.

Possible Ameliorative Effects of Different Treatment Regimens Using Bone Marrow-mesenchymal Stem Cells of Doxorubicin-induced Toxicity in Female Wistar Rats

Possible Ameliorative Effects of Different Treatment Regimens Using Bone Marrow-mesenchymal Stem Cells of Doxorubicin-induced Toxicity in Female Wistar Rats

Preventive Effects of Traditional Plant Concoction “Combo” on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Exposure to chemotherapeutic agents like cyclophosphamide (a drug for cancer treatment), leads to infertility due to its toxic effect on the ovaries. Combo, “a commonly used plant concoction in traditional medicine for the treatment of infertility” is composed of Clove (dried flower), garlic (bulb), ginger (rhizome), and turmeric (rhizome). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible prophylactic effects of Combo therapy in cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in female Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 6 animals each. Group A (normal control) received distilled water only. Group B (negative control) received 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide only, while group C (positive control) received only 29mg/kg of Combo. On the other hand, groups D, E and F were pretreated with Combo doses of (15, 29, and 290 mg/kg) and were later treated with 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide after 7 days. All administrations were done orally. The reproductive hormones assayed were oestrogen and progesterone, while the oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated include glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. Their levels were used as diagnostic markers for assessing the reproductive functions of the ovaries. Combo pre-treatment significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and significantly (p<0.05) increased glutathione, oestrogen and progesterone levels when compared with cyclophosphamide group. Histopathological investigation showed that Combo mitigated degenerative cells in follicles, stromal oedema, and atresia of the follicles when compared with cyclophosphamide group. In conclusion, Combo has fertility potentials and can protect against ovarian degeneration in cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.

Acute Toxicity of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Ipomoea reptans Poir Leaves Extract on Female Wistar Rats

Ipomoea reptans Poir has many health benefits, such as decreasing blood glucose and as an antioxidant. Self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are an innovation in pharmaceutical technology that minimizes drug molecules and maximizes surface area, thus increasing drug absorption. This study aimed to investigate SNEDDS of I. reptans acute toxicity in female Wistar rats. An acute toxicity test was done using a limit test of OECD 423. Female Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, with three animals for each group being used per step. No animals died after they were given SNEDDS of I. reptans leaves extract at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. No toxic effect was detected at clinical examination and histopathology of the organ. SNEDDS of I. reptans leaves extract had an LD50 cut-off value of 5000 mg/kg.

Oral iron supplementation ameliorated alterations in iron uptake and utilization in copper-toxic female Wistar rats.

Women are more susceptible to both iron deficiency and copper toxicity due to monthly flow and estrogen action, respectively. Oral iron is beneficial for menstruating women and enhances erythropoiesis, but both deficiency and excess of copper impact iron absorption and mobilization. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of mitigating copper toxicity in female Wistar rats while supplementing with iron. 20 female rats (160-180g) were grouped into four: Groups 1 (Control) received 0.3mls normal saline, 2- copper-toxic (100m mg/kg Copper sulphate), 3- Copper-toxic+Iron (100 mg/kg Copper sulphate + 1 mg/kg Ferrous sulphate) and 4- Iron (1 mg/kg Ferrous sulphate). All treatment was administered orally for 5 weeks. Blood was collected retro-orbitally after light anesthesia into EDTA and plain bottles for hematological, serum copper, iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) analysis. Liver was excised for copper and iron levels while bone marrow was harvested for myeloid/erythroid ratio. The data were analyzed by one-Way ANOVA and statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Iron supplementation significantly increased packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and myeloid/erythroid ratio, compared to the copper-toxic group. Serum iron and TIBC were significantly increased while liver copper and iron levels reduced significantly in iron supplemented group compared to the copper-toxic group. Oral iron supplementation mitigated alterations in iron absorption and mobilization following copper toxicity.

Berberis aristata DC Extract Counteracts the High Fat Diet-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Female Wistar Rats via Modulating Oxidative Stress and Resistance to Leptin and Insulin.

The plant Berberis aristata is traditionally used and scientifically validated for treating obesity and hyperlipidemia. It is also traditionally used to treat gynecological abnormalities. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Berberis aristata for obesity-related reproductive changes and chemically characterize it. High-fat diet was given to 36 female rats for six weeks to induce obesity and infertility. These obese rats were treated with 10 mg/kg orlistat or the plant extract at 125-500 mg/kg for 45 days. The GC-MS analysis of the plant extract included fructose, thymic acid and other hydrocarbons. The plant extract revealed a remarkable free radical scavenging activity. The treated animals exhibited a decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.001), insulin and leptin levels (p<0.05), visceral fat, and body weight while increasing the estradiol level at 500 mg/kg dose of the plant extract as compared with untreated animals as demonstrated from the histology of the ovary. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were significantly (p<0.01-0.001) ameliorated in treated rats. B. aristata exhibited substantial potential against obesity-inducedreproductive damage in female rats by reducing oxidative stress and resistance to leptin and insulin.

Vitamin C reduced Pausinytalia Yohimbe induced reproductive toxicity in female Wister rats

Medicinal plants have been used as a source of ailments healing for several years and had gained acceptance as well as widespread use in many cultures of the world. Pausinytalia Yohimbe ( P.yohimbe ) had been used in folklore medicine by tribes in Nigeria as aphrodisiac. Despite its beneficial effects as an aphrodisiac, we had demonstrated that chronic use of P.yohimbe had adverse effects on both male and female reproductive systems as evidenced by its effects on hormonal and structural changes in the reproductive systems. This study was done to determine if Vitamin C a potent anti oxidant can ameliorate the toxic effects of P.yohimbe. Twenty female Wistar rats weighing 160 -200g with normal estrus cycles were randomly allotted into four experimental groups of five rats each. Group A was the control group while groups B, C and D served as test groups. Group A received distilled water while group B received 5% Vitamin C only, group C received 150mg/kg body weight and D received vitamin C and 150mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of P. yohimbe respectively for 4 weeks via oral gavage. Estrus cycles of the rats were evaluated daily and were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Blood samples obtained were used for hormonal assay (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and progesterone). Ovaries and uteri removed were used for Heamatoxylin and Eosin staining for histology. Vitamin C restored normal estrus cycle, improved gonadotropins (FSH and LH) production, and also ameliorated the degenerative changes in both ovaries and uteri of rats treated with P. yohimbe . Vitamin C had no significant effects on estradiol and progesterone production of rats treated with P. yohimbe . We concluded that Vitamin C ameliorated P. yohimbe induced reproductive toxicity in female Wistar rats. It may be that the mechanism of P. yohimbe induced reproductive tissue destruction and gonadotropins decrease is via oxidative stress. Vitamin C may be recommended for those chronically exposed to P. yohimbe for prevention. Keywords: Pausinytalia Yohimbe, Reproductive hormones, Reproductive toxicity, Vitamin C, Wister rats DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/72-06 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Ameliorative effect of curcumin and ascorbic acid against ultraviolet B radiation-induced thyroid toxicity in female Wistar rats: A haematological and biochemical study

The present study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of curcumin and ascorbic acid against ultraviolet (UVB)-induced thyroid toxicity and to study the haemtological and biochemical parameters. Twenty-four female Wistar rats, aged 3-4 months and weighing 130-150 g, were used, and the rats were divided into four Groups (Groups I to IV). Group I received standard food and water ad libitum and was treated as a control; Group II received a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 hrs/day. Group III received 280 nm UVB radiation for 2 hrs/day and received curcumin 25 mg/kg body weight given orally. Group IV received 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 hrs/day and received ascorbic acid 250 mg/kg body weight given orally. All the treatments were consequently performed for 15 days. The results showed that haemtological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb) (p&lt;0.05), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), MCV, MCH, and MCHC decreased significantly. Biochemical parameters included lipid peroxidation (LPO) (p&lt;0.05), H2O2 (p&lt;0.01), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p&lt; 0.01), catalase (p&lt;0.01), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (p&lt;0.01), and glutathione reductase. NO increased, and glutathione (GSH) (p&lt;0.01) decreased significantly. However, cotreatment with curcumin and ascorbic acid significantly increased the haemtological parameters. In addition, oxidative parameters such as LPO (p&lt;0.01), SOD (p&lt; 0.01), CAT (p&lt;0.01), GST (p&lt;0.01), and NO (p&lt;0.01) significantly increased, and GSH (p&lt;0.01) significantly decreased upon cotreatment with curcumin and ascorbic acid. The results indicated the ameliorative effect of curcumin and ascorbic acid against UVB-induced thyroid toxicity in female Wistar rats.

Prolonged Administration of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth. Prevents Impairment of Redox Status, Renal Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Damage in 2K1C-Hypertensive Rats by Inhibiting ACE Activity and NO-GMPC Pathway Activation.

Rudgea viburnoides is widely found in the Brazilian Cerrado, and commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine. In this study, we evaluated the effects of prolonged administration of the aqueous extract from R. viburnoides leaves (AERV) on impaired redox status, renal dysfunction, and cardiovascular damage in 2K1C hypertensive rats, as well as its chemical composition by LC-DAD-MS. Renal hypertension (two kidney, one-clip model) was surgically induced in male Wistar rats and AERV (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally five weeks after surgery for 28 days. Renal function was assessed and urinary electrolytes, pH, and density were measured. Electrocardiography, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Cardiac and mesenteric vascular beds were isolated for cardiac morphometry and evaluation of vascular reactivity, and aortic rings were also isolated for measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, and the redox status was assessed. Prolonged treatment with AERV preserved urine excretion and electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl−), reversed electrocardiographic changes, left ventricular hypertrophy and changes in vascular reactivity induced by hypertension, and reduced blood pressure and heart rate. This effect was associated with a positive modulation of tissue redox state, activation of the NO/cGMP pathway, and inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Glycosylated iridoids, chlorogenic acids, glycosylated triterpenes, O-glycosylated flavonols, and triterpenoid saponins were annotated. AERV showed no acute toxicity in female Wistar rats. Therefore, AERV treatment reduced the progression of cardiorenal disease in 2K1C hypertensive rats, which can be involved with an important attenuation of oxidative stress, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, and activation of the NO/cGMP pathway.

Xylopia aethiopica ethanol seed extract suppresses Cadmium chloride-induced ovary and gonadotropins toxicity in adult female Wistar rats.

Objective:Xylopia aethiopica is a common plant in West Africa, with wide applications in trado-medical management of several diseases. Thus, our study aimed to analyze the histology and hormonal effects of ethanol extracts of Xylopia aethiopica seeds on cadmium chloride-induced reproductive dysfunction in female Wistar rats.Methods:We used twenty-five rats weighing 120-150g for this study. The rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Group 1: received only distilled water orally; Group 2: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride orally; Group 3: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride plus 50 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds orally; Group 4: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride plus 100 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds orally, and Group 5: received 100 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds only, orally. We administered the extracts for 14 days, after which we slaughtered the animals following chloroform anesthesia. We took the blood samples by cardiac puncture for hormonal assay. The ovaries and uterus were harvested for histology. We analyzed the data using ANOVA, and the differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05.Results:The body weight of the rats showed a dose-dependent reduction (p<0.05), compared with the controls. Xylopia aethiopica seeds significantly (p<0.05) reversed the detrimental effects of Cadmium on LH and FSH. The histological analysis of the ovary showed significant improvement upon treatment with Xylopia aethiopica extract in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions:The ameliorative effects of Xylopia aethiopica against cadmium chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in female Wistar rats may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluation of a standardized green coffee bean extract (CGA-7™) in Wistar albino rats.

Objective:Despite having numerous physiological benefits, toxicological assessment of green coffee beans is sparce. Here, we document the oral acute and sub-chronic toxicity of a standardized decaffeinated green coffee bean extract containing 50% chlorogenic acids (CGA-7™) in rats.Methods:We have performed a limit test at single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg to evaluate the acute toxicity in female Wistar rats. Furthermore, repeated dose 90-day toxicity study was conducted to assess the risk of long-term use of CGA-7.Result:A 14-day observation revealed no clinical signs of toxicity or mortality in animals at 2000 mg/kg acute oral dose of CGA-7. The administration of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg CGA-7 showed significant alterations in some parameters such as food consumption, relative organ weights of brain and spleen, haematological and biochemical parameters compared to control. These changes were not consistent and dose-dependent throughout the study. Furthermore, the changes were within the physiological range and toxicologically insignificant. CGA-7 did not affect the normal metabolism and physiology of the animals up to 1000 mg/kg dose. Macroscopic and histological examination of organs did not reveal any organ toxicity.Conclusion:Finally, the findings from this study suggest the safety of green coffee bean extract.

Impact of environments factors in reproductive function: Protective effect of cinnamon against the mercury chloride induced toxicity in female Wistar rats (ovary and brain)

Mercury affects several organs and disrupts their functioning, and cinnamonis known for its antioxidant properties so in this study we evaluate the effectof cinnamon extract against the effect of mercury in ovary and brain. 20 female wistar rats were subdivided into four groups (01):received gavage andintraperitonial injection of physiological serum, (02): received gavage withphysiological serum and intraperitonial injection of HgCl2at dose of 0.25mg/Kg/BW/7days, (03): received gavage with hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamonat dose of 100mg/Kg/BW/7days and intraperitonial injection of physiologicalserum, (04): received gavage with hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon atdose of 100mg/Kg/BW/7days and intraperitonial injection of HgCl2 at dose of0.25mg/Kg/BW/7days. Ovaries and brains were removed to weigh and prepared for histological study and blood were collected for hormonal study.The body weight increased significantly in the mercury-treated group (p =0.001) compared to the control group, a significant increase of left ovaries (p= 0.011) in the treated group with mercury compared to the other groups.The histological section on the brain of the mercury-treated group showsdiffuse cerebral fibrosis. Histological study shows an irregular developmentof ovarian follicles and an increase of atretic follicles in mercury treatedgroup, and cinnamon protect the ovary from the oxidative damage ofmercury. Cinnamon has protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress in ovarian tissue and brain.

Lycopene: Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects toward Bisphenol A-Induced Toxicity in Female Wistar Rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA)—an endocrine disruptor xenoestrogen—is widely spread in the environment. Lycopene (LYC) is an antioxidant phytochemical carotenoid. The hereby study was designed to verify the deleterious effect of BPA on cyclic female rats' hepatic tissue as well as evaluation of the effect of LYC toward BPA hepatic perturbation. Twenty-eight female Wistar rats were allocated equally into four groups: control group, LYC group (10 mg/kg B.wt), BPA group (10 mg/kg B.wt), and BPA + LYC group (the same doses as former groups). The treatments were given daily via gavage to the rats for 30 days. The rats in BPA displayed high activities of serum liver enzymes with low levels of total proteins (TP) and albumin. Moreover, BPA induced hepatic oxidative stress via depletion of antioxidant enzymes concomitant with augmentation of lipid peroxidation, increased comet tail DNA %, and overexpression of caspase-3. Meanwhile, LYC administration reduced the cytotoxic effects of BPA on hepatic tissue, through improving the liver function biomarkers and oxidant-antioxidant state as well as DNA damage around the control values. These findings were confirmed by hepatic histopathological examination. Finally, LYC credited to have a noticeable protective effect versus BPA provoked oxidative injury and apoptosis of the liver tissue.

The effects of hexachloronaphthalene on selected parameters of heme biosynthesis and systemic toxicity in female wistar rats after 90‐day oral exposure

Hexachloronaphthalenes (HxCNs) are the most toxic congeners of polychlorinated naphthalenes, a group of compounds lately included into the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This study presents the effects of 90-day intragastric administration of HxCN to female Wistar rats at doses of 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg body weight. The study examined selected parameters of the heme synthesis pathway, oxidative stress, hepatic cytochromes level, and basic hematology indicators. A micronucleus test was also performed. The subchronic exposure of rats to HxCN resulted in disruption of heme biosynthesis, hematological disturbances, and hepatotoxicity. The highest dose of HxCN inhibited aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) and uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-D). Accumulation of higher carboxylated porphyrins in the liver and increased excretion of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the urine was observed after a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. The most sensitive effect of HxCN in rats was very strong induction of hepatic CYP1A1 activity, which was observed after the lowest dose. The highest dose of HxCN induced significant thrombocytopenia, thymic atrophy and hepatotoxicity, expressed as hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis.

Antioxidative effects of aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts against Triazophos induced hepatic and renal toxicity in female Wistar rats

Oxidative stress (OS) is a major cause of hepatic and renal disorders, so present investigation was designed to evaluate the antioxidative efficacy of aqueous broccoli extract (BE) via three different doses – 10, 20 and 30mmol – of glucosinolates against toxic effects of triazophos (TZ), an organophosphorous pesticide, in female rats during 30days experiment. Six groups of rats were made and were orally intubated with TZ and BE as per experimental design. TZ and BE induced OS biomarkers of hepatic and renal toxicity – ALT, AST, urea and creatinine – were noticed in plasma, while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) were estimated in liver and kidney along with histological and apoptotic observation. Plasma ALT, AST, urea and creatinine levels along with organ OS parameters as CAT, SOD, GST and GPx were subtly improved in all BE+TZ treated rats. Decreased LPO and reduced apoptosis along with improved histoarchitecture was observed in all BE+TZ treated rats. Present study suggest that the administration of broccoli extract and TZ combination in rats can prevent severe alterations of hepatic and renal biochemical markers and disruptions of histological structure by antioxidative potential of BE from sprouts.

Antioxidant activity of polyphenolic extract of Phyllanthus emblica against lead acetate induced oxidative stress

Phyllanthus emblica (Euphorbiaceae) possesses a vast ethnomedical history and represents a phytochemical reservoir of heuristic medicinal value. Polyphenolic extract of P. emblica fruits, was investigated for antioxidant potential against lead acetate induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. The liver of female Wistar rats treated with lead acetate at different concentrations showed significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, lead acetate also caused decrease in reduced glutathione content in rat liver. However, the co-incubation of extract and lead acetate showed significant protection in concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the polyphenolic extract of P. emblica fruits also found to have potent free radical scavenging activity as assessed by reducing power assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50 15.5 μg/mL), superoxide radical (IC50 26 μg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays (IC50 22 μg/mL) under in vitro conditions. Moreover the phytochemical characterization of the extract was also measured by determining total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. This activity of the extract may be due to the total polyphenolic contents present in it. The present study concluded that a polyphenolic rich fraction of P. emblica fruits is a potential source of natural antioxidants and thus could prevent oxidative stress induced by heavy metal toxicants.

Ethylene glycol induced renal toxicity in female Wistar rats

The calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis due to ethylene glycol treatment has long been observed in male species but the prevalence of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in female species due to ethylene glycol has been still a subject of controversy. Ethylene glycol was administered in drinking water at three different doses (0.4%, 0.75% and 1.0%, v/v) for 28 days in female Wistar rats. Ethylene glycol treatment caused significant decrease in body weight and corresponding increase in relative organ weight with significant hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria and proteinuria as well as increased retention of calcium, oxalate, phosphate and total protein in kidney in a dose — and time — dependent manner. However, calcium level was significantly reduced in the serum while an increase in total protein and phosphate level in serum was observed. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in magnesium level in urine, serum and kidney due to ethylene glycol. The effects were also confirmed in histopathological studies.

Biological assessment (antiviral and antioxidant) and acute toxicity of essential oils from Drimys angustifolia and D. brasiliensis

The genus Drimys presents the widest geographical distribution of the Winteraceae family, which comprises seven genera and about 120 species. In Brazil, the genus is found from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul and occur in two species, Drimys angustifolia Miers, and D. brasiliensis Miers, Winteraceae, popularly known as “cascade- anta”, characterized by the presence of fl avonoids and essential oils. It is used in folk medicine as an antiscorbutic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, antipyretic, antibacterial, and against asthma and bronchitis, besides having insecticidal properties. In addition to the known biological activities, it is very important to explore new applications in the treatment of physiological disorders or diseases caused by parasites. Based on this information, in this study we propose to evaluate volatile oils of the species D. brasiliensis and D. angustifolia, as an antioxidant, using the model of the DPPH radical as an antiviral against human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and acute toxicity in vivo. The two species were not able to reduce the DPPH radical and showed interesting antiviral activity, signifi cantly reducing the virus titers in vitro assays. Regarding the in vivo toxicity in female Wistar rats, treatment with the two species showed interesting signs in animals such as salivation, ptosis, tremor, decreased motor activity. In addition the oils of D. brasiliensis to other signs, some animals showed increased urination and diarrhea.

Combined and individual administration of diethyl phthalate and polychlorinated biphenyls and its toxicity in female Wistar rats

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants and known to act as xenoestrogens. PCBs and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants because both are used as plasticizers and in various other industrial applications. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the interactive toxicity of DEP and PCBs in young female Wistar rats. Healthy young female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 100 g (7–8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to five groups of six each. Group I female rats were fed on normal diet and water ad libitum. Group II female rats were maintained on normal diet mixed with corn oil at 16.5 mg/kg diet/day and 0.94 mg/kg body weight/day as oil control. Groups III and IV female rats were given Clophen A60 and DEP dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/(kg diet day), which is approximately equal to 2.85 mg/(kg body weight day), individually to each group. Group V female rats received a mixture of DEP and Clophen A60, each dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/(kg diet day), which is approximately equal to 2.85 mg/(kg body weight day). Treatment was carried out for 150 days and after the completion of treatment, serum and liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters in the serum and liver were assessed. Liver weight to body weight ratio showed significant increase in Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. In the three treated groups, there was significant decrease in liver glutathione (GSH) and glutathione reductase (GR). Alanine amino transferase (ALT) was significantly increased in the liver of the three treated groups and in the serum of Clophen A60 and DEP alone treated groups and significant decrease only in the serum of Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. Significant increase in liver and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was observed in the three treated groups. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly increased only in the serum of the Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats, whereas significant decrease in the serum and liver of DEP alone treated rats was observed. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and cholesterol levels were highly significant in the liver and serum of DEP treated rats. In addition, cholesterol level was significantly increased in the liver and serum of Clophen A60 treated rats and only in the liver of Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was significantly increased in the liver of Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats and highly significant increase in the serum of Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. There was significant increase in triglyceride levels in the liver and serum of Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats, whereas significant increase in triglyceride levels in the serum of DEP alone treated rats was observed. Glycogen levels were significantly increased in the liver of Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats, whereas serum glucose levels showed significant decrease, but in Clophen A60 alone treated rats showed significant increase in liver glycogen and serum glucose, whereas DEP alone treated rats showed significant increase in only serum glucose levels. Lipid peroxidation was increased in the liver of DEP treated rats, which was highly significant, compared to significant increase in Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. Histology of liver showed severe vacuolation, loss of hepatic architecture and granular deposits in the hepatocytes of DEP and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats, whereas in Clophen A60 alone treated rats, hepatocytes showed hyper pigmentation mild loss of hepatic architecture in centrilobular and periportal area.

Ferulic Acid Modulates Altered Lipid Profiles and Prooxidant/Antioxidant Status in Circulation During Nicotine-Induced Toxicity: A Dose-Dependent Study

Nicotine, an active ingredient of tobacco smoke, is known to induce hyperlipidemia and disturb the prooxidant-antioxidant status. In our study, ferulic acid, a naturally occurring nutritional compound, was tested for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic property in a dose-dependent manner against nicotine-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. We tested three different doses of ferulic acid—10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg/kg body weight—for their protective effects. The activities of biochemical marker enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, levels of peroxidative indices (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides), nitric oxide, and circulatory lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids) were increased significantly in the nicotine-treated group when compared to normal, which were brought down in ferulic acid-treated groups. The antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione) was found to be decreased in the nicotine-treated group, and was significantly increased in ferulic acid-administered groups. Further, ferulic acid also positively modulated the nicotine-induced changes in the micronutrients (zinc and copper) level. The dose 20 mg/kg body weight was found to be more effective than the other two doses. Our data suggest that FA exerts its preventive effects by modulating the degree of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, lipid profiles, and trace element levels during nicotine-induced toxicity.