Effects of 4-n-octylphenol on the induction of mammary tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rats

Studies on the potential protective effect of cinnamon against bisphenol A- and octylphenol-induced oxidative stress in male albino rats

Among the numerous chemicals discharged into the surrounding environment, bisphenol A (BPA) and octylphenol (OP) have been shown to increase oxidative stress in body by disturbing the prooxidant/antioxidant balance of cells. Cinnamon aqueous extract (CAE) is a natural product rich in polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant activity. This study was designed to investigate the protective efficacy of CAE against oxidative disorders induced by BPA and OP in male albino rats. Animals were divided into 6 groups (10 rats each) and treated orally, 3 times weekly for 50 days. Group 1: control vehicle (olive oil); group 2 (25 mg BPA/kg b.wt./day); group 3 (25 mg OP/kg b.wt./day); group 4 (200 mg CAE/kg b.wt./day); group 5 (CAE 2 h before BPA administration); and group 6 (CAE 2 h before OP administration). BPA- and OP-exposed groups showed insignificant elevation in the final body weight; weight gains and significant reduction only in the relative kidneys weight. Also, BPA and OP exposure resulted in significant increase in serum urea, creatinine and kidney, brain, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Significant reduction in tissues reduced glutathione (GSH) contents; catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also recorded in BPA and OP exposed animals compared to the control vehicle group. Pretreatment with CAE 2 h either before BPA or OP administration ameliorated the BPA- and OP-induced body weight; weight gains and relative organs weight changes and biochemical adverse effects. CAE pretreatment also protected against the recorded pathological changes in kidney, brain and testis. In conclusion, CAE could ameliorate the oxidative toxic effects of BPA and OP indicating its protective antioxidant effect.

Effects of exposure period and dose of diethylstilbestrol on pregnancy in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exposure period and dose of diethylstilbestrol (DES), which has strong estrogenic activity, on pregnancy in rats. All rats with observed vaginal plugs or sperm in vaginal smear tests after mating were divided into 3 groups: those fed a normal diet, a diet mixed with DES throughout pregnancy and a diet mixed with DES from day 13 of pregnancy. DES was mixed into the diet at 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ppm. All bred rats fed the normal diet and 0.1 ppm DES from day 13 of pregnancy delivered pups, while none of the rats treated with 1-100 ppm DES during pregnancy and 100 ppm DES from day 13 of pregnancy delivered any pups. The number of male and female pups born decreased in rats treated with 10 ppm DES from day 13 of pregnancy. These results suggest that DES could affect pregnancy and that the exposure period and dose may result in sterility, abortion, poor fetal growth and reduced number of pups born.