Protective Effect of Chrysin against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Metabolic Impairment and Pancreatitis in Male Rats

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of chrysin (CH) on metabolic impairment and pancreatic injury caused by sub-chronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) intoxication in male rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n=8). Intraperitoneal injections of chrysin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg for 45 days) and CPF (10 mg/kg for 45 days) gavage were performed. Present findings indicated that the serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol, as well as body weight, were increased in the CPF-exposed group.

RESULTS

It was also found that CPF decreased superoxide dismutase activity as well as increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the pancreatic tissue of exposed animals. Histopathological examination also confirmed the toxic effects of CPF on pancreatic tissue as mostly evidenced by infiltration of inflammatory cells and necrosis. CH (50 mg/kg) decreased blood glucose concentration (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.05), and LDL-C in CPF-exposed animals. CH decreased the pancreas levels of MDA in all treated CPF-exposed groups versus the non-treated CPF-exposed group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant difference was not seen in the NO and MDA levels and SOD activity between CH-treated (50 mg/kg) animals exposed to CPF and controls. A significant difference was not seen in the NO and MDA levels and SOD activity between CHtreated (50 mg/kg) animals exposed to CPF and controls.

CONCLUSION

A significant difference was not seen in the NO and MDA levels and SOD activity between CH-treated (50 mg/kg) animals exposed to CPF and controls. In conclusion, CH could prevent initiate and progress of CPF-induced metabolic impairment by modulating oxidative stress in pancreatic tissue as a target organ of organophosphorus pesticides.

Influence of Pinealectomy and Long-term Melatonin Administration on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Gouty Arthritis

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints or soft tissue. MSU crystals are potent inflammation inducers. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful endogenous anti-inflammatory agent and effective in reducing cellular damage. In the present study, possible underlying mechanisms associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects were investigated in rats with gouty arthritis and melatonin deprivation treated with MLT. Fifty-six rats were divided into seven groups: control, sham control, pinealectomy (PNX), MSU (on the 30th day, single-dose 20 mg/ml, intraperitoneal), MSU + MLT (10 mg/kg/day for 30 days, intraperitoneal), MSU + PINX and MSU + PINX + MLT. PNX procedure was performed on the first day of the study. As compared to the controls, the results showed that MSU administration caused significant increases in oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and total oxidant status). Besides, significant decreases in antioxidant defense systems (glutathione, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status) were observed. A statistically significant increase was found in the mean histopathological damage score in the groups that received MSU injection. It was found that histopathological changes were significantly reduced in the MSU + MLT group given MLT. In our study, it was determined that many histopathological changes, as well as swelling and temperature increase in the joint, which are markers of inflammation, were significantly reduced with MLT supplementation. These results suggest that melatonin ameliorates MSU-induced gout in the rat through inhibition of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine production.

Maternal aerobic running during mid or late gestation improves the quality of oogenesis and folliculogenesis in the ovary of neonatal rats: An experimental study

Background

Regular maternal exercise in pregnancy enhances the physiological, metabolic, and psychological health of mother and fetus.

Objective

To determine the effect of maternal aerobic running during mid or late gestation on plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone and the histological alterations in the ovary of neonatal rats.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-one female Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental groups to exercises during the 2 nd or 3 rd wk of pregnancy (n = 14) and a control group (n = 7). After birth, the neonate's blood was obtained and the estrogen and progesterone levels were evaluated. The ovaries were then removed and used for histological investigations and apoptic assessment.

Results

Higher concentrations of estrogen and progesterone were found in the neonates of the experimental groups (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. The experimental groups had a large ovarian diameter (2 nd wk: p = 0.044; 3 rd wk: p = 0.005) and angiogenesis (2 nd wk: p = 0.003; 3 rd wk: p = 0.001). In addition, significant enhancements were seen in the the experimental groups in terms of the number (2 nd wk: p = 0.017; p = 0.035) and diameter (2 nd wk: p = 0.046; 3 rd wk: p = 0.004) of primordial follicles, as well as in the diameter of primary oocytes (2 nd wk: p = 0.073; 3 rd wk: p = 0.019) compared to the control group. Moreover, rats that exercised had a lower number of apoptotic primordial follicles than the control group (2 nd wk: p = 0.001; 3 rd wk: p = 0.001).

Conclusion

It was shown that maternal aerobic running can lead to increased plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone, also improved histological characteristics of the ovary in neonatal rats.

Effect of biotin supplementation on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve in the rat

Background and purpose

Neuropathic pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain that is very difficult to treat. Numerous studies have shown the potential role of vitamins in relieving both hyperalgesia and allodynia. Based on the convincing evidence, this study was designed to evaluate the possible antinociceptive effect of biotin on neuropathic pain in rats.

Experimental approach

This study was performed on male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-300 g. Neuropathic pain was induced by tying the sciatic nerve. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve resulted in hyperalgesia and allodynia. To measure the thermal hyperalgesia, the plantar test was used. Also to evaluate the cold and mechanical allodynia, acetone test and von Frey test were applied. Biotin (4, 8, and 16 mg/kg) was administered orally as two different treatment regimens, acute and chronic.

Findings/Results

Acute oral administration of biotin (4, 8, and 16 mg/kg p.o.) on the 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st postoperative days couldn't reduce pain sensitivity compared to the CCI group. However, following the oral administration of biotin (8 and 16 mg/kg p.o.) from the first day after the surgery until day 21, mechanical allodynia (P < 0.001) and heat hyperalgesia (P < 0.05) significantly relieved.

Conclusion and implications

Our results suggest that biotin can be considered as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of neuropathic pain, and supplementation with this vitamin could reduce the required doses of analgesic drugs. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella Sativa seed on dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats: An experimental study

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed as a plant, the consumption of which has been recommended in Islam, on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rats.

Materials and Methods

This experimental study was carried out on 36 Wistar female rats (3 wk, 60 ± 10 gr). Then rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6/each): control; PCOS-induced (DHEA 60 mg/kg/sc); PCOS+ Metformine (30 mg/kg); and three experimental groups receiving DHEA + hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa seeds in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Blood samples were taken for the evaluation of sexual hormones, oxidative stress, glucose, and insulin after 30 days of treatment. Ovarian tissue was used for histopathological study.

Results

The serum levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, glucose, insulin resistance, malondialdehyde, and insulin (p ≤ 0.001) and estrogen increased while the levels of progesterone (p = 0.01) and antioxidant enzymes in the PCOS group decreased (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The administration of the N. sativa extract to the PCOS rats resulted in remarkable changes in the serumic factors relative to the PCOS group. In addition, the extract improved the structure of the ovarian tissue in the PCOS rat. The histopathological results which are in accordance with biochemical findings imply that N. sativa seed could be useful in the treatment of PCOS, the higher doses of the extract being more effective.

Effects of monosodium glutamate on testicular structural and functional alterations induced by quinine therapy in rat: An experimental study

Background

Quinine (QU) as an anti-malarial drug induces alterations in testicular tissue. Toxic effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the male reproductive system have been recognized.

Objective

To investigate the impact of MSG administration on the intensity of gonadotoxicity of QU.

Materials and Methods

Sixty eight-wk old Wistar rats weighing 180-200 gr were divided into six groups (n = 10/each): the first group as a control; the second and third groups received low and high doses of MSG (2 & 4 gr/kg i.p.), respectively, for 28 days; the fourth group received QU for seven days (25 mg/kg); and in the fifth and sixth groups, QU was gavaged following the MSG administration (MSG + QU) from day 22 to day 28. Serum testosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Testes samples were prepared for tissue MDA levels, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry of p53. Sperm analysis was performed on cauda epididymis.

Results

Serum and tissue MDA levels were increased in treated groups compared to the control group. This increment was higher in the MSG + QU groups. The testosterone levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in all treated groups. In addition, histomorphometric indices and tubular epithelium population were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in QU, MSG + QU, and consequently in high-dose MSG, QU, MSG + QU groups. All spermatogenic indices were reduced in the treated groups, particularly in the MSG + QU groups. Sperm motility and viability indices were reduced significantly (p = 0.003) in the MSG + QU groups. Finally, the overexpression of p53 was observed in the MSG + QU groups.

Conclusion

The administration of MSG before and during QU therapy may intensify testicular tissue alterations.

Chlorpyrifos with age-dependent effects in cardiac tissue of male rats

Age-dependent toxic effects of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) have not fully understood. Current study aimed to investigate the cardiotoxic damage of chlorpyrifos (CPF) by evaluating oxidative modifications in young (2-month old), middle-aged (10-month old), and aged (20-month old) rats. Five mg/kg of CPF was administered orally for 45 days to young, middle-aged, and aged male Wistar rats. At the end, animals were anesthetized and the heart of each rat was dissected for biochemical assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed in the cardiac tissue of rats. The results indicated an increase in the levels of MDA and NO, and also a decline in the levels of GSH and TAC as well as a decrease in the SOD activity in the heart of aged rats compared with young rats. CPF administration deteriorated these changes in the heart of exposed rats compared with the age-matched controls. Additionally, these oxidative modifications were more severe in aged rats versus other age. In conclusion, advancing age may increase oxidative changes in the heart of animals exposed to CPF. It is suggested that aging can affect cardiac toxicity induced by OPs.

Toxicity study of ethanolic stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica on fertility indices of male rats: An experimental study

Background

The uses of toxicologically unscreened plants to enhance fertility can be associated with adverse consequences.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic stem back extract of X. aethiopica (EEXA) on the fertility indices of male albino rats.

Materials and Methods

Sixty male albino rats (weighing 200-250 gr) were grouped and administered by gavage with 200-800 mg/kg of EEXA daily for 15, 30, and 60 days. After the administration of EEXA, the rats were weighed and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected, serum samples were extracted, and evaluated for testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels. The testes, epididymis, and prostrate were harvested, weighed and testes were evaluated for sperm parameters.

Results

Significant increase in body weight (p = 0.02) with significant decreases in testes (p = 0.01), epididymis (p = 0.01), and prostate (p = 0.02) weights occurred in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Significant (p < 0.001) dose and time- dependent decreases in sperm count, volume, motility, and normal morphology were obtained in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) effects on sperm pH when compared to control. Furthermore, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased whereas serum prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels were significantly increased in a dose-dependent fashion in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The findings in this study showed that the use of X. aethiopica may be detrimental to male reproduction function.

The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study

Background

Nitrosamines as a carcinogenic agent has unfavorable effects on some of the male reproductive parameters. Pentoxifylline (PX) is a xanthine derivative used as a drug inhibiting the inflammatory factors, reducing blood viscosity, improving peripheral blood flow, and so on. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of PX against Dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-inducing the damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats (8 wk, 220-250 gr) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6/each): normal control and DMN control groups (40 mg/kg); PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), and DMN + PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and the gavage applied daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were assessed.

Results

The values of all parameters reduced significantly in the DMN control group compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). The PX and PX + DMN treatments at all entirely doses improved all parameters significantly compared to the DMN control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DMN caused detrimental effects on reproductive parameters. Also, no significant modifications were observed in PX treatments at all doses compared to the normal control group. PX compensated the toxic effect of DMN on reproductive parameters.

The protective effect of vitamin E on rats' ovarian follicles following an administration of diazinon: An experimental study

Background

Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate insecticide that has been widely utilized in agriculture all over the world and caused many negative effects on different species such as plants and animal species, especially on a human.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E on rats' ovarian follicles following an administration of diazinon.

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a control group (without any intervention), sham group (received only pure olive oil, as solvent), experimental group I (DZN+olive oil, 60 mg/kg), experimental group II (vitamin E, 200 mg/kg), and experimental group III (DZN: 60 mg/kg+vitamin E: 200 mg/kg). All drugs were injected intraperitoneally, except vitamin E which was administrated by gavage. The animals were scarified after two weeks and left ovary was used to measure proliferation of ovarian follicles. Tissues were analyzed by the PCNA technique and viewed with an optical microscope for evaluating cells proliferation.

Results

The result of the present study revealed that the number of proliferative cells in the experimental group I decreased significantly in contrast to the control group in secondary and Graffian follicles (p< 0.001). The administration of vitamin E plus DZN significantly increased proliferative cells compared to the DZN group (p< 0.001). Primordial follicles showed that all study groups were lacking PCNA positive cells, which means no expression of PCNA in these follicles. The results of this study showed that primary follicles in all study groups had a few and scattered PCNA positive cells with no significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusion

Results showed that DZN reduced proliferation in secondary and Graffian follicles and vitamin E increased it. The results of this study suggested that vitamin E by its antioxidant activity was able to improve the DZN-induced ovarian toxicity.

Curcumin and Nanocurcumin Oral Supplementation Improve Muscle Healing in a Rat Model of Surgical Muscle Laceration

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin oral supplementation on the muscle healing rate of an animal model of surgical muscle laceration.

METHODS

Thirty-two male adult rats were randomly divided into sham, control, curcumin, and nanocurcumin groups. Partial transection of the gastrocnemius muscle was made in the right limb of the control and treatment groups. The sham and control groups received normal saline, curcumin group received 500 mg/kg of curcumin and nanocurcumin group received 100 mg curcumin-loaded nanomicelles orally every day. They euthanized two weeks later and the specimens were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome methods. Aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were measured in blood samples.

RESULTS

The percentage of collagen fibers in the nanocurcumin group was significantly lesser than the control and curcumin groups (p<0.001). Muscle fiber regeneration in the treatment groups was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001). The blood vessels of the nanocurcumin group were significantly more than other groups (p<0.001). Plasma AST had a significant difference in the control group compared to the sham and nanocurcumin groups (p=0.026). The plasma CPK level of the control group was also significantly higher than other groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although oral curcumin supplementation has little effects because of its poor bioavailability, embedding it in nanoparticles could enhance its systemic effects in promoting the muscle healing process.

Effect of resveratrol administration on muscle glycogen levels in rats subjected to acute swimming exercise

The present study aims to examine how resveratrol administration affects muscle glycogen levels in rats subjected to an acute swimming exercise bout. The study was conducted on adult male rats of Wistar-Albino. The 28 rats used in the study were equally divided among four groups: Group 1, Control Group: The group fed on a standard diet and not subjected to any procedure. Group 2, Control Swimming Group: The group fed on a standard diet and subjected to an acute swimming exercise bout for 30 minutes at the end of the study. Group 3, Resveratrol Group: The group fed on a standard diet and given (10 mg/kg) resveratrol in drinking water for four weeks. Group 4, Resveratrol + Swimming Group: The group fed on a standard diet, given (10 mg/kg) resveratrol in drinking water for four weeks and subjected to a 30-minute acute swimming exercise at the end of the study. At the end of the four weeks, the animals were decapitated, muscle glycogen levels using immunohistochemical method. The highest muscle glycogen levels were obtained in the resveratrol-administered Group 3 and the lowest levels in group 2 (swimming group) (p&lt;0.05). The results of the study demonstrate that resveratrol support had a protective and/or regulatory effect on mucle glycogen in both exercised and not-exercised rats.

Chronic copper exposure elicit neurotoxic responses in rat brain: Assessment of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine activity, oxidative stress and neurobehavioral parameters

Copper (Cu), one of the essential transition metal acts as a prosthetic group for variety of proteins and metalloenzymes. However, it may be hazardous when administered in excess. Copper induced memory impairment and progression of neurodegenerative diseases have not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exposure to copper sulphate (10mg/kg and 20mg/kg body weight, daily for 16 weeks) on brain copper concentration, few biochemical parameters indicative of oxidative stress and on different neurobehavioral functions in male Sprague Dawley rats. Copper-administered animals showed significant increase in brain copper concentration and a depleted Ceruloplasmin level. Different neurobehavioral studies revealed impaired memory and motor coordination in copper exposed rat. Spontaneous locomotors activity and depression symptoms were also noted in copper intoxicated rats. 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level, one of the predominant forms of free radical-induced oxidative lesions, and has been widely used as a biomarker for oxidative stress, increased in copper treated group. Copper induced oxidative stress in the brain was also evident from the increased lipid per oxidation (LPO) and nitrite level, depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), and reduced activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. The present study thus suggests a significant correlation between copper induced oxidative stress and changes in neurobehavioral function in rats. The changes were more pronounced in animals exposed to a higher dose of copper (20mg/kg) than the lower dose.

The Involvement of Intra-Hippocampal Dopamine Receptors in the Conditioned Place Preference Induced By Orexin Administration into the Rat Ventral Tegmental Area

The activity of dopamine (DA)-containing neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a key mechanism in mesolimbic reward processing that has modulatory effects on different diencephalic structures like hippocampus (HIP), and receives inhibitory feedback and excitatory feed forward control. In addition, within the hippocampus, DA receptors are mostly located in the dorsal part (CA1) and dopaminergic innervations are predominant in this sub-region. The current study aimed to examine the effect of intra-hippocampal CA1 administration of SCH23390 and Sulpiride as D1- and D2-like receptor antagonists on the acquisition of orexin-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), respectively. Cannulas were unilaterally implanted into the VTA and HIP of adult male albino Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. For induction of CPP, orexin A (10 ng/0.3 µL saline) was daily microinjected into the VTA during a three-day conditioning phase. Thereafter, various doses of SCH23390 and Sulpiride (0.25, 1 and 4 µg) were unilaterally injected into the CA1 during this 3-day conditioning phase after intra-VTA administration. The conditioning score was then calculated. Results revealed that intra-CA1 administration of D1- and D2-like receptor antagonists during the 3-day conditioning phase attenuated the acquisition of place preference by orexin A in a dose-dependent manner. It seems the effect of D2-like receptor antagonist within the CA1 region of hippocampus on this phenomenon was found to be more considerable than that of D1-like receptor antagonist. It is concluded that orexin-induced CPP may be mediated, at least in part, by stimulation of DA receptors in the CA1.

Protective effect of date extract on rat nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin, clinical, histological and antioxidant evidences

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of the date extract (Phoenix dactylifera) on certain biochemical parameters and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index in nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin. The rats used in the study were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 8 rats: control group, date extract (DE) group, gentamicin (GEN) group, gentamicin+date extract (GEN+DE) group. Blood samples and kidney tissues were taken 24 hours after eight days of trial. Urea, Creatinine, BUN, Na, Cl and K analyzes on the serum samples were carried out in auto analyzer. One of the kidney tissues was examined histopathologically. The supernatant, which was obtained by homogenizing the other kidney tissue was used in TAS and TOS analyzes. OSI was calculated using the formula. Urea, Creatinine, and BUN levels were higher in the GEN group, when compared to the other groups (p&lt;0.001), while Na (p&lt;0.05), Cl and K levels (p&lt;0.001) were lower than those of the other groups. When the control group and the GEN group were compared, it was observed that the level of TAS decreased in the renal tissue and the level of TAS increased in the GEN+DE group. It was determined that TOS (p&lt;0.01) and OSI (p&lt;0.001) levels increased in the GEN group and renal TOS and OSI levels decreased in the GEN+DE group when compared to the GEN group. In conclusion, when the histopathological changes in kidney tissue with antioxidant and oxidant status in nephrotoxicity with gentamicin are examined, it can be said that date extract with gentamicin attenuates nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin and date extract protects the kidney.

Pinealectomy alters IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in primary thymocyte culture of rats

Melatonin, produced mainly by the pineal gland, has an immunomodulatory role. However, the effects of the pineal gland and/or melatonin on thymus cytokine levels such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 are not well known. Twenty-one male Wistar rats (220-250 gr) were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): intact control, sham, and pinealectomy. Primary thymocyte cultures were prepared from each group and dispensed into well plates as Control, DMSO (or vehicle), Sham-pinealectomy, Pinealectomy, Pinealectomy+10µM melatonin, and Pinealectomy+100µM melatonin. IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 concentrations were measured in the thymocytes (as nonstimulated and Concanavalin A-stimulated) after 24 h. IFN-γ levels significantly increased and IL-10 levels significantly decreased in both media prepared from pinealectomized rats. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of IL-4. In the pinealectomy+10µM melatonin group, IFN-γ and IL-10 levels did not differ from the pinealectomy group. However, the dose of 100µM melatonin caused a decrease in levels of IFN-γ in both thymocyte media and an increase in the concentration of IL-10 in Concanavalin A-stimulated thymocytes. In conclusion, pineal gland and/or melatonin affect IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in the thymus gland.

Grape seed extract effects on serum amylase levels and immunohistochemical alterations in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In this study, serum amylase activity and structural changes of the pancreatic tissue in rats under the effects of grape seed extract were investigated. Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. First one was the control group. The second group was the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) group (45 mg/kg), while the third group was the grape seed extract (GSE) group, where the GSE was administrated intragastrically for 20 days (at 0.6 ml/rat). Lastly, the fourth group was the diabetes mellitus+GSE (DM+GSE) group. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for amylase activity. Caspase 3 expressions were inspected with immunohistochemistry. Amylase levels in the diabetic group were found to be the lowest (794.00±44.85 U/L, p&lt;0.001), while the GSE group had the highest value (1623.63±80.04 U/L, p&lt;0.001) Number of apoptotic cells was increased in Langerhans islets of the diabetic group. In the control and GSE groups, the apoptotic cells were found to be almost entirely absent. Increased number of apoptotic cells was found in the DM group, while decreased number of apoptotic cells was found in the DM+GSE group. Furthermore, atrophy in Langerhans islets, hyperemia in capillary veins, hydropic degeneration and necrosis in islet cells were determined in the diabetic group. Only mild hydropic degeneration in islet cells of Langerhans was observed in the DM+GSE group. Histopathologically beneficial changes in the pancreases were detected when grape seed extract was given to diabetic rats. As a conclusion, GSE was determined to have positive effects on the function and structure of the pancreas, improving enzyme activities and the structure of the Langerhans islets.

The determination of the effect of some 1,3,4 thiadiazole derivatives on biochemical content (Fatty Acids, Sterols, Lipophilic Vitamins) in rat liver

Thiadiazole derivatives and its metal compounds have antibacterial, antifungal, antitumoral, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. In the study, the effects caused by thiadiazole ligand and its metal complexes upon the fatty acids and lipophilic vitamins in livers of rats were examined. The fatty acids in liver were specified by GC while the lipophilic vitamins were specified by HPLC. It was observed that the amounts of oleic acids (18:1, n-9) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) notably increased in the Mn complex group while the amounts of arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6) notably increased in the ligand group, compared to control group. The amounts of vitamin K2, vitamin D3 and α-tocopherol considerably increased in all groups compared to control group. It was noted that the amounts of α-tocopherol were elevated in both the Mn and Cr complex groups compared to control group. However, this elevation was matching with the amount in the same groups. Nevertheless, the amount of retinol was determined to be lower in the Mn complex group compared to other groups. Accordingly, it can be considered that thanks to the utilization of toxic metals such as manganese, cadmium and chrome, unsaturated fatty acids influenced the activities of the enzymes in liver tissue, which are in charge of fatty acid chain elongation.

The effects of apomorphine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

It is becoming progressively more understandable that overdose of paracetamol in both humans and animals causes severe hepatotoxicity. Apomorphine is known as a neuroprotective agent. Due to the protective effect,  apomorphine had been tested in experimental studies on different models. Findings obtained through series of expriments suggested that apomorphine may also be useful in liver toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship among the hepatoprotective mechanism of apomorphine and to determine the possible role of apomorphine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 30 Sprague Dawley rats (adult male) were distributed into 5 groups. Group 1 was the control group and did not receive any medication. Group 2 received only paracetamol 2 g/kg by intragastric gavage to induce hepatotoxicity. Groups 3 and 4 were given apomorphine 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were given 2g/kg  of Paracetamol. In Group 5, rats were treated with 2 mg/kg of apomorphine. Drug-treated rats were given food for the next 24 h until they were sacrified. Moreover, we also performed AST, ALT measurements in serum, MDA and SOD levels in liver tissues and histopathological analysis of the liver in all groups. Apomorphine had positive effects on both liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers and histopathological results in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, apomorphine at 2 mg/kg dose was significantly more protective as compared to 1 mg/kg as evidenced by the histopathological examination results. It was thought that apomorphine was found hepatoprotective on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity, especially at higher doses such as 2 mg/kg.

Ghrelin and NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 expression in unilateral testicular torsion-induced rats with and without N-acetylcysteine

Testicular torsion (TT) is a common urological problem in the field of pediatric surgery. The degree and duration of torsion determines the degree of testicular damage; however, its effects on the expression of octanoylated ghrelin and nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) /nesfatin-1 synthetized from testicular tissue remain unclear. We explored the effects of experimentally induced unilateral TT on serum and contralateral testicular tissue ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels, and determined whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAS) treatment had any effects on their expression. A total of 42 Wistar Albino strain rats were divided into 7 groups: Group (G) I control, GII sham, GIII 12-hour torsion, GIV 12-hour torsion + detorsion + 100 mg/kg NAS, GV 24-hour torsion, GVI 24-hour torsion + detorsion + 100 mg/kg NAS, and GVII 100 mg/kg NAS. Octanoylated ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 concentrations were evaluated in serum using the ELISA method and in testicular tissue with immunohistochemical methods. Immunoreactivity of octanoylated ghrelin significantly increased in GI compared to GIII, GV, and GVI (p&lt;0.05). NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity increased in GV and GVIII relative to GI (p&lt;0.05). In the 12-hour torsion group, a significant decrease in octanoylated ghrelin levels with NAS treatment was observed; however, in the 24-hour torsion group, a significant decrease was not observed. In the 12-hour torsion + NAS treatment group, a significant change was not observed in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expression. Following 24-hour torsion, an increase in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels was observed, and NAS treatment did not reverse this increase. It was determined that increases in the expression of octanoylated ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1, the latter of which was a result of TT, reflect damage in this tissue. Importantly, NAS treatment could prevent this damage. Thus, there may be a clinical application for the combined use of NAS and octanoylated ghrelin in preventing TT-related infertility.

Inhibition of mTOR signaling Confers Protection against Cerebral Ischemic Injury in Acute Hyperglycemic Rats

Hyperglycemia is known to exacerbate neuronal death resulted from cerebral ischemia. The mechanisms are not fully understood. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth, division and apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that activation of mTOR may mediate ischemic brain damage. The objective of the present experiment is to explore whether mTOR mediates ischemic brain damage in acute hyperglycemic animals. Rats were subjected to 10 min of forebrain ischemia under euglycemic, hyperglycemic and rapamycin-treated hyperglycemic conditions. The rat brain samples were collected from the cortex and hippocampi after 3h and 16h of reperfusion. The results showed that hyperglycemia significantly increased neuronal death in the cortex and hippocampus and the exacerbation effect of hyperglycemia was associated with further activation of mTOR under control and/or ischemic conditions. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin ameliorated the damage and suppressed hyperglycemia-elevated p-MTOR, p-P70S6K and p-S6. In addition, hyperglycemia per se increased the levels of cytosolic cytochrome c and autophagy marker LC3-II, while rapamycin alleviated these alterations. It is concluded that activation of mTOR signaling may play a detrimental role in mediating the aggravating effect of hyperglycemia on cerebral ischemia.

Immunohistochemistry of cerebellar seizures: mossy fiber afferents play an important role in seizure spread and initiation in the rat

Clinical reports suggest the participation of the cerebellum in epilepsy. Mossy fibers are the main excitatory afferents of the cerebellar cortex; most of them use glutamate and strongly excite granule cells through NMDA and AMPA receptors. The role of the ponto-cerebellar mossy fibers in cerebellar neuronal hyperactivity was investigated in the present study in experimental adult Wistar rats. We detected neuronal hyperactivity through the expression of the glutamate-induced c-fos protein, by means of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting in the vermis and in the hemispheres. Generalized seizures were induced by means of intraperitoneal 4-aminopyridine injections. Following the 4-aminopyridine seizures, the c-fos expression of cerebellar granule cells was significantly elevated at 1.5h in every lobule. Maximum c-fos expression was seen at 3h. The role of the ponto-cerebellar mossy fiber afferents in the induction of c-fos expression was examined after the transection of the middle cerebellar peduncle on the left side. Immunohistochemical analysis 14 days after the surgery revealed that the synapsin I immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in the cerebellar cortex on the operated side, compared to the sham-operated controls and to the non-operated cerebellar hemisphere of the operated animals, indicating the degeneration of mossy fiber terminals. Transection of the middle cerebellar peduncle suppressed cerebellar c-fos expression in the vermis and in the hemispheres significantly. These findings suggest the strong involvement of the middle cerebellar peduncle and the ponto-cerebellar mossy fibers in the pathophysiology of cerebellar epilepsy.

Effect of hepatic iron concentration reduction on hepatic fibrosis and damage in rats with cholestatic liver disease

AIM: To assess the effect of iron reduction after phlebotomy in rats with “normal” hepatic iron concentration (HIC) on the progression of hepatic fibrosis, as a result of bile duct ligation (BDL).

METHODS: Rats underwent phlebotomy before or after sham operation or BDL. Animals undergone only BDL or sham operation served as controls. Two weeks after surgery, indices of hepatic damage and fibrosis were evaluated.

RESULTS: Phlebotomy lowered HIC. Phlebotomy after BDL was associated with body weight increase, lower hepatic weight, less portal hypertension, less periportal necrosis, less portal inflammation, lower hepatic activity index score and higher albumin levels. On the other hand, phlebotomy before BDL was associated with body weight decrease and hepatic activity index score increase. Phlebotomy after sham operation was not associated with any hepatic or systemic adverse effects.

CONCLUSION: Reduction of HIC after induction of liver damage may have beneficial effects in BDL rats. However, iron deficiency could induce impairment of liver function and may make the liver more susceptible to insults like BDL.