Nephroprotective effects of Colpomenia sinuosa (Derbes & Solier) against carbon tetrachloride induced kidney injury in Wistar rats

A Standardized Phlorotannin Supplement Attenuates Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disruption in Mice

In our previous studies, a standardized phlorotannin (brown seaweed polyphenol) supplement (PS) exhibited sleep-promoting effects via type A γ-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine receptors in mice. In addition, in human clinical trials, it decreased wake after sleep onset in adults with sleep disturbance. In this follow-up study, we investigated whether PS attenuates caffeine-induced sleep disruption in mice. The effects of PS were evaluated in a caffeine model by analyzing sleep architecture based on electroencephalogram and electromyogram findings, and were compared with the effects of a well-known sedative-hypnotic drug zolpidem (ZPD). As expected, oral administration of caffeine (25 mg/kg) significantly increased sleep latency and decreased the amount of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS). In the caffeine + PS and caffeine + ZPD groups, PS (500 mg/kg) attenuated caffeine-induced sleep disruption, and its effects were comparable with those of ZPD (10 mg/kg). In particular, PS inhibited the arousal effects of caffeine without change in delta activity during NREMS, whereas ZPD produced a decrease in the delta activity. Considering global trends in coffee and energy drink consumption, our finding suggest that PS may be useful to relieve transitory insomnia symptoms caused by caffeine consumption, unlike the prescription drug ZPD.

Histoprotective effect of vitamin D against carbon tetrachloride nephrotoxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effect of vitamin D against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups ((A) control; (B) 10-week exposure to CCl4; (C) 10-week exposure to CCl4 + vitamin D treatment; and (D) 10-week exposure to CCl4 + 12 weeks of vitamin D treatment). The CCl4 dose (1.5 ml kg−1) was injected subcutaneously twice a week, while the 0.5 mg kg−1 dose of vitamin D was administered intraperitoneally every day, as appropriate for each group. Whole animal and kidney weights as well as serum urea, creatinine, and glucose levels were measured. Kidney tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and periodic acid–Schiff. Tubular and glomerular degeneration were detected in the kidney tissues of CCl4-treated rats, together with dilatation and vacuolization within the tubules and hemorrhage in the intertubular region. In the kidney glomeruli; congestion, atrophy, and adhesion to parietal layer were observed. Tissue disorganization and aggregation of Bowman’s capsules were noted. Mononuclear cell infiltration was observed between the glomeruli and the tubules. In contrast, the kidney sections and functional parameters of vitamin D-treated rats were similar to the controls, suggesting that vitamin D treatment is able to reduce renal damage.

Carbon tetrachloride-induced kidney damage and protective effect of Amaranthus lividus L. in rats

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of water extract of Amaranthus lividus L. ( A. lividus) (Amaranthaceae) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in kidneys of rats. For this purpose, male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with A. lividus (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) daily for 9 days and a single dose of CCl4 was applied intraperitoneally (50% in olive oil; 1.5 mL/kg b.w.) on the 10th day. All rats were killed 24 h after CCl4 administration, and kidneys were excised and used for determination of histopathological and biochemical parameters. CCl4 administration caused a remarkable increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione levels and glutathione- S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity when compared to the control group. Pretreatment with A. lividus (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly prevented the elevation in LPO level and MPO activity as well as protected the decrease in CAT activity but did not alter other biochemical parameters. The protective effect of A. lividus was further evident through the decreased histological alterations in kidneys. In conclusion, this study has indicated that A. lividus possesses protective and antioxidant effects against CCl4-induced oxidative kidney damage.