Vitamin E protects developing rat hippocampus and cerebellum against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis

The Combined Effects of Perinatal Ethanol and Early-Life Stress on Cognition and Risk-Taking Behavior through Oxidative Stress in Rats

Both prenatal ethanol and early-life stress have been shown to induce reduced risk-taking and explorative behavior as well as cognitive dysfunction in the offspring. In this study, we examined the effect of combined exposure to ethanol and early stress on maternal care, exploratory behavior, memory performances, and oxidative stress in male offspring. Pregnant rats were exposed to ethanol (4 g/kg) from gestational day (GD) 6-to postnatal day (PND) 14 and limited nesting material (LNS) from PND0-PND14 individually or in combination. Maternal behavior was evaluated during diurnal cycle. The level of corticosterone hormone and markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in the pups. Risk-taking and explorative behavior were assessed with the elevated-plus maze (EPM) test and cognitive behavior with the Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition (NORT), and object location memory (OLM) tests. In the mothers, perinatal alcohol or LNS either alone or in combination decreased maternal behavior. In the offspring, the combination of the two factors significantly increased the pup's plasma corticosterone concentration in comparison with ethanol and LNS alone. Reduced risk-taking behavior was observed in the ethanol, LNS and ethanol + LNS groups compared with the control group, and this was amplified in the co-exposure of ethanol and LNS groups. The MWM, NORT, and OLM tests revealed spatial and recognition memory impairment in the ethanol and LNS groups. This impairment was more profound in the co-exposure of ethanol and LNS. Also, we observed a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the hippocampus of ethanol and LNS co-exposed animals as compared with individual exposure of ethanol and LNS. While each factor independently produced similar outcomes, the results indicate that the dual exposure paradigm could significantly strengthen the outcomes.

Aberrant neurogenesis and late onset suppression of synaptic plasticity as well as sustained neuroinflammation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus after developmental exposure to ethanol in rats

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The present study investigated the effects of maternal oral ethanol (EtOH) exposure (0, 10, or 12.5 % in drinking water) from gestational day 6 until day 21 post-delivery (weaning) on postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis at weaning and in adulthood on postnatal day 77 in rat offspring. At weaning, type-3 neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were decreased in the subgranular zone (SGZ), accompanied by Chrnb2 downregulation and Grin2b upregulation in the dentate gyrus (DG). These results suggested suppression of CHRNB2-mediated cholinergic signaling in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons in the DG hilus and increased glutamatergic signaling through the NR2B subtype of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, resulting in NPC reduction. In contrast, upregulation of Chrna7 may increase CHRNA7-mediated cholinergic signaling in immature granule cells, and upregulation of Ntrk2 may cause an increase in somatostatin-immunoreactive ⁽⁺⁾ GABAergic interneurons, suggesting a compensatory response against NPC reduction. Promotion of SGZ cell proliferation increased type-2a NPCs. Moreover, an increase in calbindin-d-29 K⁺ interneurons and upregulation of Reln, Drd2, Tgfb2, Il18, and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor subunit genes might participate in this compensatory response. In adulthood, reduction of FOS⁺ cells and downregulation of Fos and Arc suggested suppression of granule cell synaptic plasticity, reflecting upregulation of Tnf and downregulation of Cntf, Ntrk2, and AMPA-type glutamate receptor genes. In the DG hilus, gliosis and hyper-ramified microglia, accompanying upregulation of C3, appeared at weaning, suggesting contribution to suppressed synaptic plasticity in adulthood. M1 microglia increased throughout adulthood, suggesting sustained neuroinflammation. These results indicate that maternal EtOH exposure temporarily disrupts hippocampal neurogenesis and later suppresses synaptic plasticity. Induction of neuroinflammation might initially ameliorate neurogenesis (as evident by upregulation of Tgfb2 and Il18) but later suppress synaptic plasticity (as evident by upregulation of C3 at weaning and Tnf in adulthood).

Effects of Maternal and Progeny Dietary Vitamin E on Growth Performance and Antioxidant Status of Progeny Chicks before and after Egg Storage

Simple Summary

Prolonged egg storage duration has been indicated to decrease the quality of hatchlings and the growth performance of offspring. Maternal nutrition plays a vital role in growth of chicks post-hatch. However, no work has been performed to evaluate whether or not maternal nutrition could improve the growth performance of offspring hatched from stored eggs. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of maternal and progeny dietary vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance and antioxidant status of offspring before and after egg storage. Our results showed that maternal dietary vitamin E (VE) supplementation of 200 or 400 mg/kg could improve the growth performance and antioxidant status of offspring hatched from stored eggs, but not for that of offspring hatched from unstored eggs. These findings suggested that maternal dietary vitamin E was beneficial to improve the quality of long-term storage eggs.

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to investigate the effects of maternal and progeny dietary vitamin E (VE) supplementation on the growth performance and antioxidant status of offspring before and after egg storage. A total of 576 75-week-old Ross 308 breeder hens were assigned to three dietary VE treatments (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) with 6 replicates of 32 hens for 12 weeks. Two trials were conducted with offspring hatched from eggs laid at weeks 9 and 12 of breeder feeding trial, respectively. Trial 1 was conducted by a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with three levels of maternal dietary VE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and two levels of progeny dietary VE (0 and 35 mg/kg). Trial 2 was conducted with three maternal dietary VE treatment (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and chicks were hatched from eggs stored for 14 d and received the same progeny diet with no addition of VE. Results showed that in trial 1, maternal (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and progeny (0 and 35 mg/kg) dietary VE supplementation did not affect the growth performance of offspring hatched from unstored eggs (p > 0.05). In trial 2, in the case of long-term egg storage, maternal dietary VE supplementation of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the body weight (BW) of 21- and 42-d-old offspring and the body weight gain (BWG) of offspring from 1 to 21 d (p < 0.05), and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of offspring from 1 to 21 d (p < 0.05) compared to 100 mg/kg VE. As the maternal dietary VE levels increased, the liver and serum antioxidant status of offspring enhanced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal dietary VE supplementation of 200 or 400 mg/kg could improve the growth performance and anti-oxidant status of offspring hatched from stored eggs, but not for that of offspring hatched from unstored eggs. The suitable VE level for the broiler breeder diet was 400 mg/kg in the case of long-term egg storage.

The impacts of egg storage time and maternal dietary vitamin E on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of progeny chicks

Two trials were designed to investigate the impacts of egg storage time and maternal dietary vitamin E (VE) supplementation on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of progeny chicks. In total 512 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (71-wk-old) were assigned to 2 dietary VE treatments (6 and 100 mg/kg) for 14 wk. Progeny chicks used in trials 1 and 2 were originated from eggs laid at week 10 (stored 0 d) and week 8 (stored 14 d), and week 14 (stored 0 d) and week 12 (stored 14 d), respectively. The 4 groups in trial 1 consisted of 2 levels of maternal VE (6 and 100 mg/kg) and 2 egg storage time (0 and 14 d). The 8 groups in trial 2 consisted of 2 levels of maternal VE (6 and 100 mg/kg), 2 egg storage time (0 and 14 d) and progeny sex (male and female). In trial 1, egg storage decreased the body weight, the liver total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity of 21-day-old offspring (P < 0.05), and the body weight gain and feed intake from 8 to 21 d and 1 to 21 d (P < 0.05); and increased the serum and liver malonaldehyde (MDA) of 7-day-old offspring and the ratio of feed: gain (F/G) from 1 to 7 d (P < 0.05). Maternal VE (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) decreased the F/G from 1 to 7 d and increased the serum total superoxide dismutase of 21-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). In trial 2, egg storage decreased the body weight of 42-day-old offspring, and the body weight gain and feed intake from 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05); and increased the serum and liver MDA of 21- and 42-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). Maternal VE (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) reduced the serum MDA of 7-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). Interactively, maternal VE (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) reduced the serum MDA of offspring originated from stored eggs (P < 0.05), but not for that of offspring originated from unstored eggs in the two trials. It can be concluded that egg storage (14 vs. 0 d) decreased the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of offspring, while maternal dietary VE (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) supplementation could partly alleviate the reduction of antioxidant capacity (except for growth performance) of offspring induced by egg storage for the early phase post-hatch.

The Effects of Broiler Breeder Dietary Vitamin E and Egg Storage Time on the Quality of Eggs and Newly Hatched Chicks

Simple Summary

Broiler breeder dietary vitamin E supplementation has been indicated to enhance the antioxidant status of egg yolks, embryos, and newly hatched chicks. However, knowledge of the relationships involving breeder dietary vitamin E, the egg storage time, and the quality of the eggs and newly hatched chicks in poultry, especially in broiler breeders, is still limited. Here, we aimed to provide important evidence regarding broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time intervention in egg characteristics and hatchability and the antioxidant status of the egg yolks and newly hatched chicks. Our results showed that prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) increased the embryonic mortality, decreased the hatchability, and impaired the antioxidant status of egg yolks and newly hatched chicks, while increasing the broiler breeder dietary vitamin E levels (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) improved the livability of embryos and the antioxidant status of newly hatched chicks in the case of long-term egg storage. These findings suggested that broiler breeder dietary vitamin E could be applied in extending the storage time of breeder eggs.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time on the egg characteristics, hatchability, and antioxidant status of the egg yolks and newly hatched chicks. A total of 512 71-week-old Ross 308 breeder hens were fed the same basic diets containing 6 or 100 mg/kg vitamin E for 12 weeks. During this time, a total of 1532, 1464, and 1316 eggs were independently collected at weeks 8, 10, and 12, respectively, and subsequently stored for 0 or 14 d before hatching. The outcomes from three trials showed that prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) negatively affected (p < 0.05) the egg characteristics, hatchability traits, and the yolk total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05). Chicks derived from the stored eggs exhibited higher malonaldehyde (MDA) and T-AOC in the serum and yolk sac (p < 0.05). Broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.05) the hatchability and the antioxidant status of the yolks as indicated by a higher α-tocopherol content and T-AOC and lower MDA level (p < 0.05). The supplementation of vitamin E also remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (yolk sac, weeks 8 and 12) and T-AOC (serum, weeks 8, 10, and 12; yolk sac, weeks 8 and 12) and decreased (p < 0.05) the MDA content of chicks (yolk sac, week 10; serum, week 12). Interactions (p < 0.05) were found between the broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time on the hatchability and antioxidant status of chick tissues. Broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.05) the hatchability and the T-AOC in the serum and liver of chicks, and decreased (p < 0.05) the early embryonic mortality and the MDA content in the yolk sacs of chicks derived from eggs stored for 14 d but not for 0 d. In conclusion, prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) increased the embryonic mortality, decreased the hatchability, and impaired the antioxidant status of egg yolks and newly hatched chicks, while the addition of broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) could partly relieve these adverse impacts induced by long-term egg storage.

Effects of maternal dietary vitamin E on the egg characteristics, hatchability and offspring quality of prolonged storage eggs of broiler breeder hens

This research aims to evaluate the effects of maternal vitamin E (VE) dietary supplementation on the egg characteristics, hatchability and antioxidant status of the embryo and newly hatched chicks of prolonged storage eggs. A total of 576 75-week-old Ross 308 breeder hens were randomly allocated into three dietary VE treatments (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) with 6 replicates of 32 hens, for a 12-week feeding trial. At week 12, a total of 710 eggs were collected over a 5-day period, and eggs per treatment were attributed into 5 replicates and stored for 14 days until incubation. The egg yolk, trunk and head of 7-day-old embryo and the serum, liver, brain and yolk sac of newly hatched chicks were sampled for the evaluation of antioxidant status. Results showed that as maternal dietary VE levels increased, yolk α-tocopherol concentration increased (p < .05). Compared with 100 mg/kg VE, the use of 200 and 400 mg/kg VE increased the hatchability of set/fertile eggs and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of liver and serum in chicks (p < .05), and decreased both the early embryonic mortality and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of trunk and head in 7-day-old embryos (p < .05); moreover, 400 mg/kg VE increased the yolk T-AOC (p < .05) and decreased yolk and brain MDA content of chicks (p < .05). Brain T-AOC of chicks in 200 mg/kg VE group was improved compared to that of chicks in 100 mg/kg VE group (p < .05). In conclusion, maternal dietary VE at 200 or 400 mg/kg could increase hatchability by decreasing early embryonic mortality and increasing the antioxidant status of egg yolk, embryo and newly hatched chicks as breeder egg storage was prolonged to 14-18 days. The suitable VE level for the broiler breeder diet was 200 mg/kg as breeder egg storage was prolonged.

Apoptosis of Purkinje and granular cells of the cerebellum following chronic ethanol intake

Ethanol alters motricity, learning, cognition, and cellular metabolism in the cerebellum. We evaluated the effect of ethanol on apoptosis in Golgi, Purkinje, and granule cells of the cerebellum in adult rats. There were two groups of 20 rats: a control group that did not consume ethanol and an experimental group of UChA rats that consumed ethanol at 10% (<2 g ethanol/kg body weight/day). At 120 days old, rats were anesthetized and decapitated, and their cerebella were collected and fixed. Cerebellar sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), caspase-3, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and insulin-like growth factor 1-receptor (IGF-1R); real-time PCR (RT-PCR) to determine caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF-1R gene expression; and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We identified fragmentation of DNA and an increase in caspase-3 protein and XIAP in Purkinje cells, whereas granule cells exhibited increased caspase-3 and XIAP. IGF-1R expression was unchanged. There was no significant difference in gene expression of caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF-1R. There were an increase in lipid droplets, a reduction in the cellular cytoplasm in electron-dense nuclei, and changes in the myelin sheath in the cerebellar cortex. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that ethanol induced apoptosis in the Purkinje and granule cells of the cerebellum of adult UChA rats.

Synthesis of a Novel Nitronyl Nitroxide Radical and Determination of its Protective Effects Against Infrasound-Induced Injury

Infrasound causes functional disorders and structural injury to the central nervous system. However, few anti-infrasound drugs exist, and they are inefficient. Nitronyl nitroxide radicals have been reported to be good antioxidants that act as superoxide dismutase mimics and directly react with reactive oxygen species, such as ·OH, H2O2, and O 2 (∙) -. Our previous research showed that the nitronyl nitroxide radical L-NNNBP has good protective effects against β-amyloid deposition and memory deficits in an AD rat model of APP/PS1. The objective of the present study was to find a new group of anti-infrasound drugs and determine the underlying pharmacological actions of nitronyl nitroxide radicals against infrasound-induced neuronal impairment in vivo. We synthesized a new stable nitronyl nitroxide radical, NRbt, and characterized its crystal structure. The results of the anti-oxidative damage effects of NRbt and the positive control drug tempol showed that they could significantly increase the SOD activity, CAT activity and GSH level and decrease the MDA level in rat hippocampi compared with infrasound exposure without pretreatment. Moreover, the ability of NRbt to regulate the activity or level of these biochemical markers was better than that of tempol. Our results showed that both NRbt and tempol significantly protected against the learning and memory impairments induced by infrasound exposure in a Morris water maze, but there were no significant differences in the path length or escape latency between the rats in the tempol group and the three NRbt groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the infrasound-induced neuronal apoptosis in rat hippocampi was significantly suppressed by NRbt and tempol. The results demonstrated that compared with the infrasound exposure group, the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated and the expressions of Bax and caspase-3 were down-regulated in rats pretreated with NRbt (40 mg/kg) or tempol (40 mg/kg). These results showed that the newly synthesized nitronyl nitroxide radical, NRbt, may be an effective anti-infrasound drug because of its capacity to inhibit the oxidative damage of free radicals induced by infrasound exposure.

Ethanol intake-induced apoptosis in glial cells and axonal disorders in the cerebellar white matter of UChA rats (voluntary ethanol consumers)

Ethanol intake may cause alterations in cellular metabolism altering motricity, learning and cognition. The cerebellum is one of the most susceptible organs to ethanol-related disorders during development, and is associated with oxidative stress-induced apoptosis being crucial for pathogenic consequences. The UChA variety is a special strain of Wistar rat genetically selected and represents a rare model for the studies related to genetic, biochemical, physiological, nutritional, and pharmacological effects of ethanol. We evaluated the structure and apoptosis in the cerebellar white matter of UChA rats. There were two groups of 09 rats: a control group that did not consume ethanol, and an experimental group of UChA rats that consumed ethanol at 10% (v/v) (<2 g ethanol/kg body weight/day). At 120 days old, rats were anaesthetized followed by decapitation, and their cerebella were collected and fixed. Cerebellar sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for Caspase-3 and XIAP and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UChA group showed more glial cells immunoreactive for caspase-3 and less for XIAP than control group. Alcohol consumption affected myelin integrity. Severe ultrastructural damages in UChA group were observed such as disruption of the myelin sheath, disorganization and deformation of its components, and an increase in the interaxonal spaces. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that ethanol induced apoptosis in the glial cells and promoted an intense change in the myelin sheath of UChA rats, which may cause functional disorders.

Vitamin E attenuates neurotoxicity induced by deltamethrin in rats

Background

The safety of Deltamethrin (DM) has been raised as a point of concern. The current investigation was envisaged to explore the responsiveness of oxidative stress parameters, DNA fragmentation and expression levels of TP53, cycloxygenase 2 (COX2) and cytochrome p4502E1 (CYP2E1) as toxicological endpoint in rats treated with DM. as well as attention was provided to the neuroprotective effect of vitamin E (VE).

Methods

Four different groups of rats were used in this study, group I served as control, group II received DM (0.6 mg/kg BW), group III received both DM plus VE and finally group IV received VE only (200 mg/kg BW). The treatment regimen was extending for one month for all groups and the brain tissues were collected for further analysis.

Results

The obtained results showed a highly statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, nitric oxide concentration, and DNA fragmentation percentage and expression level of CYP2E1, TP53 and COX2 genes, in addition statistical significant reduction in total antioxidant capacity in DM treated group as compared to control were detected. Oral administration of VE attenuated the neurotoxic effects of DM through improvement of oxidative status, DNA fragmentation percentage and suppressing the expression level of CYP2E1, TP53 and COX2 genes.

Conclusion

From this study we concluded that VE supplementation has beneficial impacts on DM neurotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.

Effect of trichlorfon on hepatic lipid accumulation in crucian carp Carassius auratus gibelio

This study evaluated the toxic effects of the organophosphate pesticide trichlorfon on hepatic lipid accumulation in crucian carp Carassius auratus gibelio. Seventy-five fish were divided into five groups (each group in triplicate), and then exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/L of trichlorfon and fed with commercial feed for 30 d. At the end of the experiment, plasma and hepatic lipid metabolic biochemical status were analyzed. Triglyceride contents were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in liver but decreased in plasma after 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/L trichlorfon treatments. Plasma insulin contents were markedly (P < 0.05) increased when trichlorfon concentrations were 0.5, 1.0, and 4.0 mg/L. There were no significant differences in hepatic hormone-sensitive lipase contents between the trichlorfon-treated fish and the controls. Hepatic cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate, very-low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B100 contents were decreased in the fish when trichlorfon concentration was 2.0 mg/L. Furthermore, electron microscope observations showed rough endoplasmic reticulum dilatation and mitochondrial vacuolization in hepatocytes with trichlorfon exposure. On the basis of morphological and physiological evidence, trichlorfon influenced crucian carp hepatic pathways of lipid metabolism and hepatocellular ultrastructure, which resulted in lipid accumulation in the liver.

Effect of trichlorfon on oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis of Carassius auratus gibelio in vivo

To investigate the effect of trichlorfon on oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis of Carassius auratus gibelio in vivo, the fish were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg l(-1) trichlorfon concentrations for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, plasm antioxidant activities, hepatic total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) activity, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and hepatocyte apoptosis rate were analyzed. The results showed hepatic T-NOS activities, XOD activities and hepatocyte apoptosis rate were increased with trichlorfon concentration increase. The hepatic MDA content was increased significantly at 4.0 mg l(-1) trichlorfon treatment. The disturbance of antioxidative balance was observed based on the monitoring of the plasm superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and vitamin E levels. The current study revealed that trichlorfon influenced fish plasma antioxidative status, caused lipid peroxidation (LPO) then resulted in hepatocytes apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effects of the 17β-estradiol against ethanol-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in the developing male rat cerebellum: biochemical, histological and behavioral changes

During particular periods of central nervous system (CNS) development, exposure to ethanol can decrease regional brain growth and can result in selective loss of neurons. Unfortunately, there are few effective means of attenuating damage in the immature brain. In this study, the possible antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of 17β-estradiol against ethanol-induced neurotoxicity was investigated. 17β-estradiol (600 μg/kg) was injected subcutaneously in postnatal day (PD) 4 and 5, 30 min prior to intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (6g/kg) in rat pups. Ninety minutes after injection of ethanol, the activities of several antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) in vermis of cerebellum were assayed. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were also measured as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Behavioral studies, including rotarod and locomotor activity tests were performed in PD 21-23 and histological study was performed after completion of behavioral measurements in postnatal day 23. The results of the present work demonstrated that ethanol could induce lipid peroxidation, increase TBARS levels and decrease glutathione peroxidase levels in pup cerebellum. We also observed that ethanol impaired performance on the rotarod and locomotor activities of rat pups. However, treatment with 17β-estradiol significantly attenuated motoric impairment, the lipid peroxidation process and restored the levels of antioxidants. Histological analysis also indicated that ethanol could decrease vermis Purkinje cell count and 17β-estradiol prevented this toxic effect. These results suggest that ethanol may induce lipid peroxidation in the rat pups cerebellum while treatment with 17β-estradiol improves motor deficits by protecting the cerebellum against ethanol toxicity.

Protective effects of aucubin on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of aucubin on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Exposure of PC12 cells to 0.25 mm H₂O₂ induced a leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and decreased cell viability, as shown by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. In a dose over 0.1 mm, aucubin increased PC12 cellular viability and markedly attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptotic cell death. Quantitation of apoptosis by flow cytometry indicated that aucubin inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Nuclear damage was alleviated by aucubin, as shown by Hoechst staining. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde were reduced and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was augmented in these cells. These results indicated that aucubin inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells through regulation of the endogenous oxidant-antioxidant balance. Our results suggest that aucubin is a potential protective agent for the treatment of oxidative-stress-induced neurodegenerative disease.

Effect of saccharin on albino rats’ blood indices and the therapeutic action of vitamins C and E

The present work aimed to study some blood indices of rats as affected by saccharin and the therapeutic action of vitamins C and E. The used adult female Rattus norvegicus albino rats in the present study were weighing 100—120 g. Administration of saccharin at a dose of 35 mg kg—1body weight (b.wt.) day—1for 35 days significantly decreased serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein and albumin values. These decrements were by 20.16%, 22.76%, 44.92%, 20.16% and 40.44%, respectively, compared to control level (p value < 0.01). But it increased levels of kidney function indices. The effect of saccharin was more pronounced on creatinine. Activities of Alanine aminotranferease (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly following saccharin treatment to rats. Concerning hematoligical parameters, the more obvious changes were observed in the increment of white blood cell (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and platelets (PLT) and the decrease in hematocrit, hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cells (RBCs) count in response to the administration of saccharin. In general, vitamin C or E (150 mg kg—1b.wt. day—1for 35 days) was able to reduce the effects of saccharin intake. Both vitamins, however, generally have beneficial effects in reducing the changes in the studied parameters.

Protective effect of vitamin E against ethanol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia, DNA damage, and atrophy in the developing male rat brain

BACKGROUND

Chronic alcoholism leads to elevated plasma and brain homocysteine (Hcy) levels, as demonstrated by clinical investigations and animal experiments. It has been posited that elevated levels of Hcy mediate DNA damage, brain atrophy, and excitotoxicity. The current study sought to elucidate the effect of vitamin E on ethanol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia, DNA damage, and atrophy in the developing hippocampus and cerebellum of rats.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats received ethanol with or without vitamin E from gestation day 7 throughout lactation. Weight changes in the brain, hippocampus and cerebellum, DNA damage, and Hcy levels in the plasma, hippocampus, and cerebellum of male offspring were measured at the end of lactation.

RESULTS

The results revealed that along with a significant decrease in brain, cerebellum, and hippocampus weights in animals that received alcohol, the levels of DNA damage and Hcy significantly increased. Significant amelioration of brain atrophy and DNA damage as well as restoration of the elevated level of Hcy to that of controls were found in vitamin E-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings strongly support the idea that ethanol intake by dams during pregnancy and lactation induces Hcy-mediated oxidative stress in the developing hippocampus and cerebellum of offspring rats, and that these effects can be alleviated by vitamin E as an antioxidant.