Ameliorating Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Cyclosporine-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

INTRODUCTION

Olive leaves are traditionally used in the Mediterranean basin in many medical conditions for its potent antioxidant activity. Cyclosporine A, a well-known immunosuppressant, can induce nephrotoxicity through oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of olive leaf extract (OLE) on cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar rats (180 g to 200 g) were classified into 5 groups, each containing 6 rats. The first group received normal saline and served as control. The second group was treated with cyclosporine, 25 mg/kg for 21 days for nephrotoxicity induction. Groups 3 to 5 were treated with cyclosporine, 25 mg/kg in addition to different doses of OLE (40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, and 120 mg/kg), respectively, for 21 days. After 21 days, the rats' body weights were recorded and the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected and the animals were necropsied. Both kidneys were removed, one for histopathological and one for antioxidant activity evaluations.

RESULTS

Cyclosporine significantly reduced body weight and kidney weight; serum total protein, albumin, and sodium levels; and renal glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. It also increased serum urea, creatinine, and calcium levels as compared to the control group. Groups 4 and 5 showed a significantly greater body weight and kidney weight; higher serum sodium, total protein, and albumin levels; greater glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase; and lower serum urea, creatinine, and calcium levels as compared to group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with OLE can alleviate cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity when used in a proper dose.

Dynamic of cercarial production of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria alexandrina

The susceptibility of B. alexandrina to infection with S. mansoni miracidia varies due to biological & ecological parameters. In case of snail infection in less than 4 or 5 months productivity doubled between 1 and 2 miracidium, but with more than 2 miracidia with practically no increase in productivity. In more than 5 months, there no was discernible difference in productivity between monomiracidial and polymiracidial infections. The production of cercariae was characterized by very irregular daily emissions and by the alternation of periods of high and low emissions, which gave rise to a production rhythm.

Toxoplasma antibodies in normal and complicated pregnancy

A total of 70 women with complicated pregnancy and 20 ones with normal pregnancy were selected. They were all RH positive and free from syphilis, brucellosis and malignany. Both groups were subjected to detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies levels by the indirect haemagglutination tests (IHAT-IgG) and by ELISA (IgG and IgM). The results showed that all controls (normal pregnancy) were IHA-IgG and ELISA-IgM negative. However, two of the controls (10%) were ELISA. IgG positive. As to the women with complicated pregnancy 68/70 or 97.1% were IHAT positive. When using ELISA, 57/70 or 81.4% were IgG positive and 42/70 or 60% were IgM positive. The results revealed a significant difference between the complicated cases and controls. The diagnosis of abortion, stillbirth, premature labour, or neonatal death due to Toxoplasma infection needs careful and laborious evaluation. The use of ELISA (IgG & IgM) is a must, as it is more sensitive and specific than IHAT.