Male Wistar Strain Rats Research Articles

Mitochondrial alterations in aging rat brain: effective role of (−)-epigallo catechin gallate

Aging is a multi-factorial process which involves deprivation in body's metabolism. Brain mitochondria are prone to oxidative damage owing to their high metabolic rate. The decline in antioxidant system during aging augments the neuronal damage to mitochondrial components like antioxidant system, Kreb's cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes. Since brain is an organ rich in fatty acids, lipid peroxidation products like hydroxynonenal are predominant. Those lipid peroxidation products conjugate with amino acids to form adducts which alter their structural and functional properties. Epigallo catechin gallate is a potent antioxidant which is rich in green tea extract. This study elucidated the antioxidant potential of epigallo catechin gallate to counteract the mitochondrial oxidative damage in brain. The study comprised of young (3–4 months old; 150±20g) and aged (above 24 months; 420±20g) male albino rats of Wistar strain in Groups I and II. Groups III and IV comprised of young and aged rats supplemented with epigallo catechin gallate (2mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Antioxidants, Kreb's cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes were assayed in the mitochondrial fraction. Hydroxynonenal expression was carried out using immunohistochemical analysis. Epigallo catechin gallate supplementation decreased the expression of hydroxynonenal in aged brain, up-regulated the antioxidant system and augmented the activities of Kreb's cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes in aged brain mitochondria thus proving its antioxidant potential at the level of mitochondria.

Biochemical studies on the effect of curcumin and embelin during N-nitrosodiethylamine/phenobarbital induced-hepatocarcinogenesis in wistar rats

The biochemical effects of administration of embelin a benzoquinone derivative from Embelia ribes and curcumin (diferuloyl methane) isolated from Curcuma longa against a 2 step hepatocarcinogenic regimen comprising of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA)/phenobarbital (PB) was studied in wistar strain male albino rats with respect to lipid profile, renal function tests and levels of blood glucose. Rats administered DENA/PB showed hyper cholesterolaemia, hyper triglyceridaemia, elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL), free fatty acids (FFA), very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) levels and decreased urea levels. Pre- and co-treatment with embelin and curcumin for 14 weeks significantly prevented the biochemical alterations induced by DENA/PB. Results of our study suggest the protective and hypolipidemic effects of embelin and curcumin during chemically- induced hepatocarcinogenesis in wistar rats.

Regional differences in fiber characteristics in the rat temporalis muscle

The behavioral differences in muscle use are related to the fiber type composition of the muscles among other variables. The aim of this study was to examine the degree of heterogeneity in the fiber type composition in the rat temporalis muscle. The temporalis muscle was taken from 10-week-old Wistar strain male rats (n = 5). Fiber types were classified by immunohistochemical staining according to their myosin heavy chain content. The anterior temporalis revealed an obvious regional difference of the fiber type distribution, whereas the posterior temporalis was homogeneous. The deep anterior temporalis showed a predominant proportion of type IIA fibers and was the only muscle portion displaying slow type fibers (< 10%). The other two muscle portions, the superficial anterior and posterior temporalis, did not differ significantly from each other and contained mainly type IIB fibers. Moreover, the deep anterior temporalis was the only muscle portion showing slow type fibers (< 10%). In the deep portion, type IIX fibers revealed the largest cross-sectional area (1943.1 +/- 613.7 microm(2)), which was significantly (P < 0.01) larger than those of type IIA and I + IIA fibers. The cross-sectional area of type IIB fibers was the largest in the remaining two muscle portions and was significantly (P < 0.01) larger than that of type IIX fibers. In conclusion, temporalis muscle in rats showed an obvious heterogeneity of fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area, which suggests multiple functions of this muscle.

Evaluation of in vivo antioxidant activities of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in STZ-diabetic rats

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides treatment on blood glucose, serum insulin level, lipid peroxidation, nonenzymic and enzymic antioxidants in the plasma and liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was studied. Adult male rats of Wistar strain, weighing 195 to 250 g, were randomized into control and experimental groups. Experiment group rats were induced diabetes by administration of STZ (45 mg/kg b.wt.) intraperitoneally. The diabetic rats were treated with G. lucidum polysaccharides (60, 120, 180 mg/kg b.wt.) dissolved in 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) for 30 days. The normal control rats were treated with 15% DMSO for 30 days. Streptozotocin treatment elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes), and reduced nonenzymic antioxidants (vitamin C and reduced glutathione, vitamin E) levels, and enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activities in the plasma and liver of untreated diabetic control rats. Decreased level of serum insulin and increased level of blood glucose (BG) were observed in the plasma of untreated diabetic control rats. G. lucidum polysaccharides treatment significantly and dose-dependently increased nonenzymic and enzymic antioxidants, serum insulin level and reduced lipid peroxidation, blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats. From the present study, it can be concluded that G. lucidum polysaccharides can be considered as a potent antioxidant.

Reversible histoarchitecture study of testis and cauda epididymis and changes in cauda epididymal epithelial cell types on treatment with benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves in albino rats

In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess whether the effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on the ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis, its subsequent recovery in the seminiferous epithelium and fertility of male albino rats. Wistar strain male albino rats were orally administered benzene extract of 250 mg/kg body weight of O. sanctum leaves followed by subsequent recovery maintaining suitable controls for 48 days. Results indicate decrease in the weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Other accessory organs were not affected. Total count, cell and nuclei diameters of germ cells and Leydig cells were reduced. Cauda epididymis exhibited significant reduction in epithelial height and nuclei diameter of epithelial cells. Cells showed vacuolization with exhibit of signs of degeneration. Ultra study revealed that, in general, the cauda epididymis was affected and in particular, the principal, clear and basal cells were highly disturbed. Further, there was decrease in the size of lipid droplets, mitochondria, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum and accumulation of lysosomal bodies. Fertility performance test showed no implantation in female rats mated with O. sanctum treated rats. Moreover, their recovery after withdrawal of treatment was observed suggesting that the effect of the treatment is transient and reversible. A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of the plant.

Características ultra-estruturais do nó sinoatrial de rato Wistar

The superstructural features of five Wistar strain male rats' sinoatrial node (SAN) at 3-mo-old were studied through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Small fragments with the regions containing the SAN were cut off, fixed in glutaraldehyde 2.5% and processed according to the conventional technique for TEM. The morphology of the sinoatrial node of the rats is similar as found in other mammals. The SAN is an independent anatomic structure of the atrial myocardial, constituted of typical cells (nodal myocytes, transition cells and nodal cells principally) immersed in the extra cellular matrix where collagen fibers, fibroblasts and nerve predominate

Role of sulphated polysaccharides from Sargassum Wightii in Cyclosporine A-induced oxidative liver injury in rats.

BackgroundSeaweeds or marine algae have long been made up a key part of the Asian diet, and as an antioxidant, sulphated polysaccharides have piqued the interest of many researchers as one of the ocean's greatest treasures. The present investigation suggests the therapeutic potential of sulphated polysaccharides from marine brown algae "Sargassum wightii" in Cyclosporine A (CsA)- induced liver injury. CsA is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in the field of organ transplantations and various autoimmune disorders. However, hepatotoxicity due to CsA remains to be one of the major clinical challenges.MethodsThe effect of sulphated polysaccharides on CsA-induced hepatotoxicity was studied in adult male albino rats of Wistar strain, and the animals were randomized into four groups with six rats in each. Group I served as vehicle control. Group II rats were given CsA at a dosage of 25 mg/kg body weight, orally for 21 days. Group III rats were given sulphated polysaccharides at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously for 21 days. Group IV rats were given sulphated polysaccharides simultaneously along with CsA, as mentioned in Group II for 21 days.ResultsCsA provoked hepatotoxicity was evident from the decreased activities of hepatic marker enzymes. A significant rise in the level of oxidants, along with a striking decline in both the enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, marks the severity of oxidative stress in CsA-induced rats. This in turn led to enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine and protein carbonyls, along with a decrease in ATPase activities and alterations in lipid profile. Histopathological changes also strongly support the above aberrations. However, concomitant treatment with sulphated polysaccharides restored the above deformities to near control and prevented the morphological alterations significantly.ConclusionThus, the present study highlights that sulphated polysaccharides can act therapeutically against CsA-induced hepatotoxicity.Key WordsCyclosporine A; hepatic markers; antioxidants; hyperlipidemia; macromolecules; sulphated polysaccharides.

The Effect of Mechanical Loading on the Metabolism of Growth Plate Chondrocytes

It is well known that mechanical loading influences the endochondral bone formation essential for the growth and development of longitudinal bones. The question was, however, asked whether the effect of mechanical loading on the chondrocyte metabolism is dependent on the loading frequency. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of tensile loadings with various frequencies on the proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes and extracellular matrix synthesis. The chondrocytes obtained from rib growth plate cartilage of 4-week-old male Wistar strain rats were cultured by day 4 and day 11 and used as proliferating and matrix-forming chondrocytes, respectively. Intermittent tensile stresses with different frequencies were applied to each stage chondrocyte. DNA syntheses were examined by measuring the incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine into the cells. Furthermore, the rates of collagen and proteoglycan syntheses were determined by measuring the incorporation of [2,3-(3)H]proline and [(35)S]sulfate into the cells, respectively. At the proliferating stage, intermittent tensions with the frequencies of 30 cycles/min and 150 cycles/min significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated the syntheses of DNA, which indicates the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation. At the matrix-forming stage, collagen, and proteoglycan syntheses also enhanced with increase of the loading frequency. In particular, the intermittent tension with the frequencies of 30 cycles/min and 150 cycles/min increased significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) both the collagen and proteoglycan syntheses. These results suggest that the proliferation and differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes are regulated by the mechanical loading and that the chondrocyte metabolism enhanced with increase of loading frequency. These may give more insight into the possible mechanism leading to endochondral bone formation.

Histopathological Finding of Burn Healing Using Ambarella Leaf (Spondias dulcis F.) and Coconut Oil on Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The aims of this research was to find out the histopathological finding of II B degree burns healing on rats (Rattus norvegicus) usingambarella leaf (Spondias dulcis F.) and coconut oil. Experimental animals used were 12 male Wistar strain rats,with the age of 2-3 months, and100-200 grams BW. This study used 4 treatment groups, each treatment consisted of 3 rats. The II B degree burns on the backs of rats madeusing electrical solder connected to the metal. Treatment was done 2 times a day for 21 days, P1 (double distilled water), P2 (ambarella leaf anddouble distilled water), P3 (coconut oil), and P4 (ambarella leaf and coconut oil). Skin sampling was performed on day 7, 14, and 21 forhistopathological preparations and then stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Parameters observed such as inflammatory reactions anddistribution of collagen tissue was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the P4 group contained fewer inflammatory cell infiltrationand more dense collagen tissue than group P1, P2, and P3. It can be concluded that group P4 (ambarella leaf and coconut oil) showshistopathological finding burns healing better than the other treatment groups.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Key words: ambarella leaf, burns, coconut oil, healing

Effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and insulin replacement on rat ventral prostate

Background Diabetes mellitus due to insulin deficiency has adverse effect on all organ systems including reproductive organs. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats provides a relevant model to study reproductive dysfunction under diabetic conditions, as they exhibit a number of deficits in reproductive function that resemble those seen in humans. The present investigation was designed to delineate the impact of STZ-induced diabetes and insulin replacement on the rat ventral prostate. Methods Healthy adult male rats of Wistar strain were divided into three groups: Group I: Control; Group II: STZ-diabetic (rats were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight); Group III: Insulin replaced (after 3 days of STZ treatment, a group of adult male diabetic rats was given insulin at a dose of 3 U/100 g body weight in two equally divided doses at 08:00 and 18:00 h). All the rats were killed after 20 days of treatment and ventral prostate was removed and processed for biochemical estimations such as glucose oxidation, nuclear and cytosolic androgen and estrogen receptors, fructose, acid and alkaline phosphatases. Results STZ-diabetes significantly decreased the body weight. Glucose oxidation, androgen and estrogen receptor concentration were also decreased in ventral prostate, but the fructose concentration was increased. Specific activities of both acid and alkaline phosphatases were also markedly decreased due to diabetes. Conclusion The results of this study suggest adverse effects of STZ-induced diabetes on the biochemical profiles as well as androgen and estrogen receptors of rat ventral prostate. Amelioration of these changes (partially or completely) by insulin replacement indicates that optimal insulin is essential for maintaining functional integrity of ventral prostate.

Effects of chronic subanesthetic ketamine application as an experimental schizophrenia model on emotional and cognitive behaviours

Event Abstract Back to Event Effects of chronic subanesthetic ketamine application as an experimental schizophrenia model on emotional and cognitive behaviours T.Alper Karsli1*, M. Mengi1 and Ertan Yurdakos1 1 Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey Ketamine, a non-selective NMDA receptor antagonist, is known to induce psychosis-like symptoms. Ketamine induces psychosis in healthy people and exacerbates present symptoms of schizophrenics. Given the fact that systematic injection of ketamine at a subanesthetic dose as low as 30mg/kg for five days is capable of disrupting latent inhibition performance of rats nearly 30 days later following the last injection, it is also possible that the same treatment also results in emotional learning and memory problems as observed in schizophrenia. This study is conducted to find out whether intraperitoneal (i.p) ketamin application for 5 days at a subanesthetic dose, which is proposed to be a new schizophrenia model, simulates the endotypic cognitive and emotional problems observed in schizophrenics by using Morris Water Maze, Porsolt Swimming Test, Open field and Holeboard tests. Male rats of Wistar strain weighing in a range from 230 to 250gr. were used in this study. Two experimental groups (n=9) were injected with 35mg/kg i.p ketamine for 5 days. In the first experimental group Open field, Holeboard and Porsolt swimming tests were applied starting 15 days after the last day of injection. Each of these tests was separated from one another by 24 hours. Morris Water Maze was used in the second experimental group. Control groups were injected with 0,25ml i.p saline for 5 days which then followed by the same procedure applied to the experimental groups. Results were analysed with Mann-Whitney U test for inter-group comparisons and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for intra-group comparisons. There was no statistically significant difference among the daily learning levels of the first experimental group on the Morris Water Maze, which was applied for 4 days, whereas for the control group there were significant differences among the daily learning levels. The second experimental group displayed significantly longer immobilization and shorter struggle time on the second swimming test (PST 2) compared to the first test (PST 1) conducted 24 hours before. No significant differences were observed for the experimental group on immobilization and struggle parameters between PST 1 and PST 2. The time spent for freezing behaviour in both Open field and Holeboard tests were significantly shorter for the experimental group compared to the control group; there were no statistically significant differences on any of the other parameters in both tests for the experimental group. Our results indicate that injection with i.p ketamine at a subanesthetic dose for five days, which is proposed to be a new animal model of psychosis, actually models the deterioration in cognitive and emotional learning problems observed in schizophrenics. This work was supported by the Research Found of The University of Istanbul. Project number: T-668/30062005 Conference: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience, Bodrum, Turkey, 1 Sep - 5 Sep, 2008. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Animal Models of Cognition Citation: Karsli T, Mengi M and Yurdakos E (2008). Effects of chronic subanesthetic ketamine application as an experimental schizophrenia model on emotional and cognitive behaviours. Conference Abstract: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.09.2009.01.078 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 01 Dec 2008; Published Online: 01 Dec 2008. * Correspondence: T.Alper Karsli, Department of Physiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey, karslita@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers T.Alper Karsli M. Mengi Ertan Yurdakos Google T.Alper Karsli M. Mengi Ertan Yurdakos Google Scholar T.Alper Karsli M. Mengi Ertan Yurdakos PubMed T.Alper Karsli M. Mengi Ertan Yurdakos Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

ニッケルフリーチタン基形状記憶合金を利用したラットの矯正学的歯の移動に関する研究

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance and the usefulness of a newly developed Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloy (SMA) wire in orthodontic tooth movement by comparing with a nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy wire. A Titanium-niobium-aluminum (Ti-24Nb3Al) SMA wire, which was considered to be biocompatible because it contained no nickel, was newly developed and mechanical property of this new alloy was improved by severe cold rolling reduction. Twenty-one male Wistar-strain rats (age; 6 weeks) were used in the animal experiment. A Ti-Nb-Al alloy wire and an orthodontic superelastic wire (Ni-Ti alloy wire) were set in the oral cavities of rats, and orthodontic palatal movement of maxillary first molars was performed with an initial load of 15 gf. The amount of tooth movement was measured and periodontal structures were histologically examined. The Ti-Nb-Al alloy wire was effective for palatal tooth movement without any adverse reaction in rats. There was no significant difference in the amount of tooth movement between the Ti-Nb-Al group and the Ni-Ti group. Histological observation of the periodontal tissues revealed no differences between the two groups. These results indicate that Ti-Nb-Al alloy wire has excellent mechanical properties suitable for orthodontic tooth movement, suggesting that Ti-Nb-Al wire may be used as a practical nickel-free shape memory and superelastic alloy wire for orthodontic treatment as a substitute for Ni-Ti alloy wire. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.48.367]

Impact of Aluminum on Protein Malnourished Rat Brain

Available reports suggesting that aluminum and protein deficiency both are causing deficits in the neurobehavioral development learning. It has been aimed to study the impact of protein malnutrition on the general responses of brain to aluminum exposure. Male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 80-100g were injected intraperitoneally, at a dose of 4.2 mg / Kg body weight (15 % of LD50 ) / day for 4 weeks while they were maintained on either 18% protein diet or 6% protein diet. Rat brain aluminum content was significantly increased in the aluminum-exposed rats of the normal protein diet group but this increase was insignificant in the low protein diet group. The changes in brain weight, acid and alkaline phosphoesterases, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, DNA, RNA and protein contents suggested a nonspecific impact of dietary protein status on the response of brain to aluminum exposure. Name of the department and Institution where the work was done: Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta. The source of any support received: University Grants Commission, New Delhi. India.

Attenuation of senescence-induced oxidative exacerbations in aged rat brain by (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon which involves free radicals and oxidative stress. Brain is more susceptible and vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high-polyunsaturated fatty acid content and high rate of aerobic metabolism. Since the antioxidant defense system is diminished during aging, antioxidant supplementation might be a protective strategy against age-associated oxidative damage. The present study evaluates the antioxidant potential of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol present in green tea against age-associated oxidative damage in rat brain. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were used in the study. Group I (young) and Group II (aged) rats received saline alone orally for 30 days. Group III (young) and Group IV (aged) rats received EGCG (2mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 30 days. Antioxidant status and oxidative damage were assessed. EGCG brought about an augmentation in the activities of enzymic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and improved the non-enzymic antioxidants like tocopherol, ascorbic acid and glutathione. EGCG ameliorated the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. Thus, EGCG has emerged out as a good antioxidant neutraceutical and a neuroprotective agent in alleviating the age-associated oxidative damage in aged rat brain.

A study on low dose cypermethrin induced histopathology, lipid peroxidation and marker enzyme changes in male rat

The short term effect of low dose synthetic pyrethroid and insecticide α-cypermethrin was investigated in selected tissues of male albino Wistar strain rats. Cellular antioxidant activities, specific enzyme markers and tissue histopathology were studied using this compound at 5, 10, 25 and 50 mM at given time points during independent experiments. α-Cypermethrin was administered intradermally. Selective tissue responses were determined 6 h post administration employing control and experimental animals using established methods. Different doses of α-cypermethrin increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the brain, heart, liver, kidney and testis of the male rats. Alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme activity levels were altered in these tissues and in the serum. Cytotoxic effects produced by α-cypermethrin were reflected in histopathology sections of the treated tissues. α-Cypermethrin decreased the cellular antioxidant activity, altered marker enzyme activity and effected histopathological changes in the treated animal tissues.

Remedial effect of lupeol and its ester derivative on hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative and inflammatory stresses

In the hypercholesterolemic condition, the net result of combined lipemic-oxidative and inflammatory aberrations is manifested as an increase in adhesion molecule expression, increased vascular permeability, and the progress of atherogenesis. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the role of lupeol and its ester derivative on oxidative and inflammatory abnormalities in hypercholesterolemic condition. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male albino rats of Wistar strain by feeding them a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) containing normal rat chow supplemented with 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid for 30 days. The pentacyclic triterpene, lupeol, and the ester derivative of lupeol, lupeol linoleate, were supplemented (50 mg/kg body weight per day, PO) during the last 15 days. Oxidative stress in HCD-fed animals was characterized by a significant increase in reactive oxygen species with concomitant decrease in the thiol levels in heart. Cardiac nuclear factor- κ B nuclear translocation was confirmed by immunohistochemisty in HCD-fed rats. The tumor necrosis factor- α levels showed an increase in hypercholesterolemic condition, whereas a departure toward control values and decreased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor- κ B and oxidative stress were notable in supplementation with triterpenes. The nitric oxide levels and mRNA expression for inducible nitric oxide synthase was also significantly increased in HCD-fed animals. Treatment with lupeol and lupeol linoleate reversed the nitrosative stress to near normalcy. These observations highlight the beneficial effects of the triterpene, lupeol, and linoleate ester in ameliorating the oxidative and inflammatory abnormalities in the hypercholesterolemic conditions.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in an animal model of hyperoxaluria: A prophylactic approach with fucoidan

Oxalate/calcium oxalate toxicity is mediated through generation of reactive oxygen species in a process that partly depends upon events that induce mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important event favoring stone formation. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether mitochondria is a target for oxalate/calcium oxalate and the plausible role of naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans from edible seaweed, fucoidan in ameliorating mitochondrial damage. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups and treated as follows: Group I: vehicle treated control, Group II: hyperoxaluria was induced with 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days, Group III: fucoidan from F. vesiculosus (5 mg/kg b.wt, s.c) from the 8th day of the experimental period, Group IV: ethylene glycol + fucoidan treated rats. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes like succinate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and respiratory complex enzyme activities were assessed to evaluate mitochondrial function. Oxidative stress was assessed based on the activities of antioxidant enzymes, level of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione. Mitochondrial swelling was also analyzed. Ultra structural changes in renal tissue were analyzed with electron microscope. Hyperoxaluria induced a decrease in the activities of TCA cycle enzymes and respiratory complex enzymes. The oxidative stress was evident by the decrease in antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and an increase in reactive species and lipid peroxidation in mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage was evident by increased mitochondrial swelling. Administration of fucoidan, decreased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation ( P < 0.05), mitochondrial swelling and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels ( P < 0.05) and normalized the activities of mitochondrial TCA cycle and respiratory complex enzymes ( P < 0.05). From the present study, it can be concluded that mitochondrial damage is an essential event in hyperoxaluria, and fucoidan was able to effectively prevent it and thereby the renal damage in hyperoxaluria.

Preventive Effects ofMoringa oleifera(Lam) on Hyperlipidemia and Hepatocyte Ultrastructural Changes in Iron Deficient Rats

The effects of Moringa oleifera (MO), Moringaceae on hyperlipidemia and hepatocyte ultrastructural changes caused by iron deficiency were investigated. Four-week-old male Wistar-strain rats were fed a control diet based on AIN-93G (C), an iron deficient diet (FeD), a FeD + 0.5% MO (FeD-m) diet, or a FeD + MO 1% (FeD-M) diet for 4 weeks. It was found that MO reduced iron-deficient diet-induced increases in serum and hepatic lipids with dose-dependent increases of serum quercetin and kaempherol, but did not prevent anemia. By electron microscopy, in iron deficient hepatocytes, slightly swollen mitochondria and few glycogen granules were observed, but glycogen granules increased and mitochondria were normalized by treatment with MO. Furthermore, lipoproteins were observed in the Golgi complex under treatment with MO. These results suggest a possible beneficial effect of MO in the prevention of hyperlipidemia and ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes due to iron-deficiency.

Effect of Some Vajikaran Herbs on Pendiculation Activities and In vitro Sperm Count in Male

Ayurveda holds a special position amongst the various traditional systems of medicine. Vajikaran is a speciality in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India dealing with herbs possessing rejuvenative and revitalizing properties for improving sexual dynamics. In the present study, the effect of five vajikaran herbs on pendiculatory activity and in-vitro sperm count was assessed. The lyophilized aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd., Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F., Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo and Orchis latifolia Linn.(200 mg/Kg b.w.) were administered orally to wistar strain male albino rats. Following this the effect of all the five drugs was evaluated for pendiculatory activity. The effect of extract on in-vitro sperm count was also assessed in a separate experiment where the initial sperm count and count after 30 min of incubation was determined. The results show that the herbs could significantly (P < 0.05) improve the pendiculatory activity in male rats after 14 days of treatment. Similarly, the extract could also preserve the in-vitro sperm count significantly when compared to control group after 30 min. of incubation. Hence the present study further supports the use of these plants as vajikaran or aphrodisiac in traditional Indian medicine.

Heterogeneity of fiber characteristics in the rat masseter and digastric muscles

The functional requirements in muscle use are related to the fiber type composition of the muscles and the cross-sectional area of the individual fibers. We investigated the heterogeneity in the fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area in two muscles with an opposing function, namely the digastric and masseter muscles (n = 5 for each muscle) of adult male rats, by means of immunohistochemical staining according to their myosin heavy chain (MyHC) content. The digastric and masseter muscles were taken from Wistar strain male rats 10 weeks old. In the masseter six predefined sample locations were examined; in the digastric four. Most regions showed dominant proportions of type IIA and IIX fibers. However, both muscles also revealed a regional heterogeneity in their fiber type distribution. In the digastric, type I fibers were detected only at the central and deep areas of the anterior and posterior belly, respectively. Meanwhile, the peripheral area of the anterior belly contained a higher proportion of type IIB fibers. In the masseter, the type I fibers were absent. In the superficial masseter the distribution of IIA and IIB fibers was significantly different between the superior and inferior regions. In the deep masseter, regional differences were observed among all four examined areas, of which the posterolateral region contained the highest proportion of type IIB fibers. The cross-sectional areas of type IIB fibers were always the largest, followed by the type IIX and IIA fibers. Only a few differences in cross-sectional area of corresponding fiber types were detected between the various sites. In conclusion, the masseter and digastric muscles showed an obvious heterogeneity of fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area. Their heterogeneity reflects the complex role of the both muscles during function. This detailed description of the fiber type composition can serve as a reference for future studies examining the muscular adaptations after the onset of various diseases in the masticatory system.