Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Inappropriate and excess vitamin supplementation, particularly for vitamin A, is increasingly recognized as a public health problem in developed countries. On the other hand, blind supplementation of vitamin A, for children in developing countries is a subject of controversy in the literature. The crucial role of vitamin A in the process of spermatogenesis in adult rodents is well established, but only a few publications are consecrated to the long-term effect of vitamin A intake at a young age on testicular development and differentiation. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of acute supplementation at an early age, in the post-natal period, on spermatogenesis and testicular trophicity at adult age. Material and Methods: Young Wistar Albinos rats of 22 days received an acute high dose of supplementation of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate). The control group, group 1, received only extra virgin olive oil, Group 2 a dose of 7000 IU/kg of retinyl palmitate, group 3, 14,000 IU/kg, and Group 4 a dose of 28,000 IU/kg. At 10 weeks of age, the testes’ testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. For histological assessment, sections were stained with Hematoxylin eosin, and the Johnsen score was used to evaluate spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. Results: The average testicular weights of rats were significantly lower in group 4 (p < 0.05), and so was the testosterone level in the testis compared to the control group (p .01). Most of the seminiferous tubules were concerned by an arrest of spermatogenesis and the Johnsen score was decreased with a mean score of 5.96 ± 1.60 (p .001) in that Group. In Group 3, Johnsen’s score was significantly better than the one obtained with the control. Conclusion: We observed a negative effect in the long term with a high acute dose of supplementation of retinyl palmitate at a young age, on testicular development and differentiation. Despite a return to normal diet after that supplementation, during childhood, impaired spermatogenesis was identified at the adult age with an arrest of spermatogenesis. The reversibility of that lack of differentiation by a return to a normal diet is questionable and would need more investigation.

Physiological Character and Gene Mapping in a New Green-revertible Albino Mutant in Rice

A green-revertible albino mutant-Qiufeng M was found from the japonica rice （Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica） Qiufeng in the field. The first three leaves of the mutant were albino with some green. The leaf color became pale green since the fourth leaf and the glume had the same phenomenon as the first three leaves. The measuring data of the pigment content confirmed the visually observed results. It truly had a remarkable changing process in the leaf color in Qiufeng M. Comparison of the main agronomic characters between Qiufeng and Qiufeng M indicated that the neck length and grain weight showed significant difference at the 1% level, and other characters were not different. Genetic analysis showed that the green-revertible albino trait was controlled by a single recessive nucleic gene. Using 209 recessive mutant individuals in the F2 population derived from the cross Pei＇ai 64S × Qiufeng M, a gene, tentatively named gra（t）, was located between the SSR markers of RM475 and RM2-22 on the long arm of chromosome 2. The genetic distance were 17.3 cM and 2.9 cM respectively.

Disruption of phytoene desaturase gene results in albino and dwarf phenotypes in Arabidopsis by impairing chlorophyll, carotenoid, and gibberellin biosynthesis

Carotenoids play an important role in many physiological processes in plants and the phytoene desaturase gene （PDS3） encodes one of the important enzymes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Here we report the identification and analysis of a T-DNA insertion mutant of PDS3 gene. Functional complementation confirmed that both the albino and dwarfphenotypes ofthepds3 mutant resulted from functional disruption of the PDS3 gene. Chloroplast development was arrested at the proplastid stage in thepds3 mutant. Further analysis showed that high level ofphytoene was accumulated in the pds3 mutant. Addition of exogenous GA3 could partially rescue the dwarf phenotype, suggesting that the dwarf phenotype ofthepds3 mutant might be due to GA deficiency. Microarray and RT-PCR analysis showed that disrupting PDS3 gene resulted in gene expression changes involved in at least 20 metabolic pathways, including the inhibition of many genes in carotenoid, chlorophyll, and GA biosynthesis pathways. Our data suggest that the accumulated phytoene in the pds3 mutant might play an important role in certain negative feedbacks to affect gene expression of diverse cellular pathways.

Bioassay of Eucalyptus extracts for anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(eac) cells in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To evaluate the antineoplastic activity of Eucalyptus extract(EUE) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)in Swiss albino mice.Methods:Preliminary examination of four plant extracts(namely Eucalyptus,Costus,Azadirachla.Feroniai has been done by observing the reduction ability of number of EAC cells in previously inoculated Swiss alliino mice.Among them as EuE showed maximum capability,the whole study has been conducted with EuE only. Important parameters viz.enhancement of life span,reduction of average tumor weight etc.have been studied.In addition the effects of EuE on hematological parameters in both normal and EAC inoculated mice have been measured.Effect of EuE on normal peritoneal cells has also been studied.Results:EuE reduced tumor burden remarkably.It reduced the tumor growth rate and enhanced the life span of EAC bearing mice noticeably.It reversed back the hematological parameters towards normal,reduced the Irasplanlability of EAC cells and enhanced the immunomodulatory effects in mice.The host toxic effect of EuE in mice is minimum and mostly reversible with time.All such data have been compared with those obtained by running parallel experiments with bleomycin at dose 0.3 mg/kg(i.p.).Conclusions:The Eucalyptus extract may be considered as a potent anticancer agent for advanced researches.

Hazardous effects of fried potato chips on the development of retina in albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the hazardous effects of fried potato chips upon the retina of two developmental stages of the albino rats aged 7 and 14 days from parturition.Methods:Pregnant rats were arranged into two groups:control pregnant rats and consequently their delivered newborns until reaching 7 and 14 days old from parturition and fried potato chips group in which pregnant rats at the 6th day of gestation maintained on diet formed of fried potato chips supplied from the market mixed with standard diet at a concentration of 50%per each till 7 and 14 postpartum.Three fold integrated approaches were adopted,namely,histological,ultrastructural and proteomic analysis.Results:Histological examination of the retina of the experimental offsprings revealed many histopathological changes,including massive degeneration,vacuolization and cell loss in the ganglion cell layer,as well as general reduction in retinal size.At the ultrastructural level,the retina of experimental offsprings exhibited number of deformities,including ill differentiated and degenerated nuclear layer,malformed and vacuolated pigment epithelium with vesiculated and fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum,degenerated outer segment of photoreceptors,as well as swollen choriocapillaris and loss of neuronal cells.Proteomic analysis of retina of the two experimental developmental stages showed variations in the expressed proteins as a result of intoxication which illustrated the adverse toxic effects of fried potato chips upon the retina.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the effect of fried potato chips on the development of retina in rats may be due to the presence of acrylamide or its metabolite.

Comparison of the Quality Characteristics of 4 Albinos Tea

The made tea quality and chemical characteristics of 4 albinos cultivars were investigated. It shows that constitutes of micro-elements, contents of polyphenols and total amino acids in 4 samples are much different due to the biological diversity. The DPPH free radicals scavenging ability of the 4 albinos tea is also different. The free radicals scavenging rate has a significant positive correlation to the content of total polyphenols, total catechins, as well as C, CG, GCG, EGCG, but there is no positive relationship to the content of Zn, Se.

Chronic effect of olive oil on some neurotransmitter contents in different brain regions and physiological, histological structure of liver and kidney of male albino rats

Olive oil is an important source of mono-unsaturated fat and a prime component of the Mediterranean diet. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and its high content of anti-oxidative substances. The objective of this study was to investigate the basis for the epidemiological information relating to the health benefits associated with the consumption of ex-tra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). The effect of olive oil on norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and gamm-aminobutyric acid (GABA) con-tents in different brain regions and histological structure of liver and kindey of male albino rats was studied. The chronic administration of olive oil (7.5 mg/kg body wt.) caused a significant increase in norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) , serotonin (5-HT) and gamm-aminobutyric acid (GABA) con-tent in different brain regions (Cerebellum, striatum, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, brain steam and hip-pocampus) of male albino rats. The increase in NE, DA, 5-HT, and GABA content in the different CNS areas of male albino rat may be due to the inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin binding which plays an important role in the release of these neurotransmitters. The results, also, revealed that urea and creatinne con-centrations in rats with oral administration with olive oil were decreased. Meanwhile, the activities of the enzymes AsT, AlT and ALP were elevated. The pre-sent results indicated that there is no change in tis-sues of kidney after treated with virgin olive oil. Olive oil may potentially be safe for use as a sedative drug. improvement also led to the reductions in risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Tyrosinase (Tyr) Gene Mutation in Albino Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Tyrosinase is encoded by the Tyr (c or albino) locus and is the key enzyme in pigment biosynthesis. Loss of function of this enzyme caused by gene mutation results in albinism. Most cases of albinism are caused by missense mutations of tyrosinase. Albino mutations in Tyr have been identified in various animals, including human, mouse, rat, rabbit, cattle, cat, and ferret, but not in gerbil. We created two new gerbil strains: MON/Num/a (inbred agouti phenotype) and MON/Num/c (albino phenotype). Here, we report that four nucleotide substitutions in the Tyr gene caused two missense mutations in amino acids in the albino gerbil: a G-to-A mutation at position 204 in exon 1 caused R77H, and A-to-G at position 1392 and G-to-T at position 1393 in exon 5 caused Q473R. The substitution at position 1408 in exon 5 was silent. These missense mutations are conserved in all albino phenotypes we tested. Therefore, we suggest that these mutations are responsible for albinism in gerbil.

Assessments of Immunological Activity of Achillea Millefolium Methanolic Extract on Albino Male Mice

Achillea millefolium （Asteraceae） is a permanent herb highly recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties. However, studies on phytochemical constituents of A. millefolium underlying these properties are scarce. The present work focuses on examining the effect of methanol extract of A. millefolium L. on total and differential blood cells account on albino male mice. The results showed the methanol extract increased the account of lymphocyte, and monocyte cells, and total account as well as this extract showed high decrease in the oxidative stress of MTX after the interfere between the extract and MTX due to increase in the leucocyte cells compared with controls. Concluded from these results that methanol extract of A. millefolium has ability enhancement in leucocyte cells in the blood and it has detoxification effect of MTX.

Histological Features of Parotid Gland of Albino Rats Exposed to. Smokeless Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco is very common personal habit of people living in various areas of Asia which is an alarming sign for the development of different oral diseases in such people. The aim of present study was to investigate effects of smokeless tobacco on parofid glands of the Aalbano rats by using various percentages of the smokeless tobacco. The rats were divided into three different groups, control group （A） no smokeless tobacco, experimental group （B） 5% smokeless tobacco and experimental group （C） 10% of smokeless tobacco with different feeds required according parameters. Weekly weight gain and partid gland were analyzed through student P test and histological structures were recorded through HE stain and Retculin stain. The results showed that as compared to control group body, weight of the rats was decreased in groups B and C having smokeless tobacco percentage in the diet. Weight of parotid gland as compared to control group was decreased in groups B and C with diet of smokeless tobacco. Further, histological observation under HE stain showed that parofid gland of group B showed mild narrowing of ductal lumen, collapse of vessels and stromal was also increased, in group C parenchyrnal tissues with loss of acini found damaged and glandular dystrop and lymphatic infiltration were determined moderate to severe. Meanwhile, reticulin stain showed that vascular collapses were shown because of increasing in stromal glandular atrophy in group C as compared to control group. In conclusion, this study showed that smokeless tobacco caused serious injuries in the tissue level in parotid gland with high percentage of smokeless tobacco which highlight health hazards on its consumption.

Transcription profiling using RNA-Seq demonstrates expression differences in the body walls of juvenile albino and normal sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus

Sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus are one of the most important aquaculture species in China. Their normal body color is black to fi t their surroundings. Wild albinos are rare and hard to breed. To understand the differences between albino and normal(control) sea cucumbers at the transcriptional level, we sequenced the transcriptomes in their body-wall tissues using RNA-Seq high-throughput sequencing. Approximately 4.876 million(M) and 4.884 M 200-nucleotide-long cDNA reads were produced in the cDNA libraries derived from the body walls of albino and control samples, respectively. A total of 9 561(46.89%) putative genes were identifi ed from among the RNA-Seq reads in both libraries. After fi ltering, 837 signifi cantly differentially regulated genes were identifi ed in the albino library compared with in the control library, and 3.6% of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were found to have changed those more than fi ve-fold. The expression levels of 10 DEGs were checked by real-time PCR and the results were in full accord with the RNA-Seq expression trends, although the amplitude of the differences in expression levels was lower in all cases. A series of pathways were signifi cantly enriched for the DEGs. These pathways were closely related to phagocytosis, the complement and coagulation cascades, apoptosis-related diseases, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and cell adhesion. The differences in gene expression and enriched pathways between the albino and control sea cucumbers offer control targets for cultivating excellent albino A. japonicus strains in the future.

Ultrastructural Identification of the Basal-Granulated Cells in the Duodenum of Albino Rat

The fine structure of the crypt epithelium of the duodenal mucosa in albino rats was studied to represent the types and distribution of the basal-granulated or endocrine cells. Twenty male animals were used. Perfusion-fixation was made and samples of duodenal mucosa were taken and processed to prepare epon-embedded specimens for examination by a transmission electron microscope. Cells containing membrane-bound granules were seen in the crypt epithelium. They were identified to be basal-granulated cells. Six different types of such cells were demonstrated. All of the cells were of the closed type. The possible functional significance of these closed cell types was discussed. Correlation among the distributions of such cells in the intestine of albino rat might enable the physiologists, internists and other research workers to study several biologically active peptides with well-established functions other than those which have long been investigated.

The Nephrotoxic Impact of Oseltamivir in Male Albino Rats after Repeated Exposure

The effects of oseltamivir administration, effectively against influenza viruses A and B, on some selected parameters of rat kidney function were investigated to evaluate its possible nephrotoxic effects. Eighteen (18) albino male Wistar rats with body weights ranging from 150 - 190 g were divided into three groups, the first group (T1) was treated orally with 1 mg/kg BW as a therapeutic dose of oseltamivir for 7 consecutive days. The second group (T2) was treated with the same dose for six weeks, while the control group was dosed with distilled water. The results revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid and serum creatinine in group T2, while the T1 group showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum uric acid only. Kidney histopathological lesions in the T1 rats showed atrophy of the glomerular tufts, dilation of the Bowman’s space, deposition of hyaline droplets within the lumen of the proximal and distal convoluted renal tubules, a cloudy swelling of the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules with perivascular lymphocytic cuffing and severe congestion of the interstitial renal blood vessels. The kidneys of the T2 rats showed necrosis of the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules and cystic dilation with complete dissolution of their epithelial linings. There was vacuolation of the glomerular tuft with proliferation of the parietal layer of the Bowman’s capsule, and a serum protein presence in the glomerular space. Mild interstitial fibrosis and thickening of the Bowman’s capsule were also observed. Similarly, there was fibrous thickening of the kidney capsule with mild medullary interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, oseltamivir administered in repeated doses to rats induced some deleterious nephrotoxic effects in a time-dependent manner.

Reversal Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine on <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Leaves-Induced Sub-Acute Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: M. oleifera is a highly valued medicinal plant used widely from time immemorial to treat various ailments. However, with continued un-standardized use of the plant leaves, studies have reported organ toxicity to the liver, kidney and the heart. As communities continue to use M. oleifera leaves for its medicinal and nutritional values, there is need to find an antidote for its hepatotoxicity. Aim: The study established the reversal effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) on M. oleifera aqueous leaf extract-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Twenty-four (24) rats received a toxic dose (8.05 g/kg bwt) of M. oleifera leaf extract for 28 days to cause sub-acute hepatotoxicity. They were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I received 1 ml normal (control group), Group II received 1000 ng/kg NAC, Group III received 1200 mg/kg NAC and Group IV received 1500 mg/kg NAC. Another group of 6 rats (Group V) received 0.75 mg/kg Paracetamol to cause hepatotoxicity. Group V (a positive control) received the prescribed clinical dose of 1200 mg/kg NAC which reverses the hepatotoxicity. All the NAC doses were given once a day intragastric for 7 days. On days: 1, 3 and 7 of receiving NAC, liver serum enzymes and bilirubin were measured. On day 7 the animals were sacrificed and liver tissue harvested for histopathology analysis. Results: A dose of 8.05 g/kg of M. oleifera leaf extract and 0.75 mg/kg Paracetamol were able to induce hepatotoxicity in Wister albino rats in 28 days. The M. oleifera extract induced hepatotoxic rats treated with NAC at doses of 1000 mg/kg, 1200 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg, had a reduction in mean serum liver enzymes, plus reduced mean serum bilirubin levels. The liver histopathological analysis showed reduced inflammation after treatment with NAC for 3 and 7 days in the M. oleifera and paracetamol induced hepatotoxic rats. Conclusion: NAC can reverse M. oleifera leaf aqueous extract-induced sub-acute hepatotoxicity in Wistar Albino rats.

Effect of maternal exposure to octylphenol (4-tert-octylphenol) on the growth of the adrenal gland in male albino rats

4-tert-octylphenol (OP) is environmental pollutants that have been shown widespread impact estrogenic and toxic to the cells of mammals in culture. The effects of OP on the reproductive system of adult male vertebrates especially humans are virtually unknown. Thus, in the present investigation, pregnant females of albino rats were orally treated during pregnancy and until 21 days after birth (the period of lactation) with octylphenol (OP) at doses 0 (vehicle: corn oil), 40 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg on the epididymis of male rats at puberty (12 weeks of age). The present result showed that there is non-significant in the number;the size of newborn rats and there increased in mortality rate of newborn rats of the pregnant female treatment with dose low-and high-octylphenol compared to the control group. there is increased in the average body weight and percentage of gain in body weight of male rats from mothers of small treatment (G2, G3) and the control group (G1) for 12 weeks of age. Also, histological results showed that the adrenal gland in the group which was given high dose of octylphenol (G3) show that Severe histological changes in the cortex. When examining medulla and found large areas of necrosis and cell degradation, necrosis and cell death sharply.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Green Tea Extract against Cyclophosphamide Induced Liver Injury in Albino Rats

Background: Green tea intake is accompanied with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders;hence green tea extract has been included as dietary supplement along with other supplements and multivitamins. Aim of the Work: Studying the effect of cyclophosphamide administration on the liver of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of green tea extract. Material and Methods: The current study was carried out on 45 adult male albino rats. They were divided into three equal groups (each included 15 rats). Group I (control group) was injected intraperitoneally with normal saline at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight twice weekly for 9 weeks. Group II was injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (CP) (150 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Group III: rats received green tea extracts orally (50 mg/kg/day) for three weeks, and then continued for further two weeks concomitantly with intraperitoneally cyclophosphamide (CP) injected (150 mg/kg/day). Results: Rats exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP) showed several histological and histochemical changes in their liver. These changes were improved by using green tea. Conclusion: The present work showed that green tea had preventive and therapeutic effect upon livers of albino rats after they were exposed to CP.

Exposure to a 2.5 GHz Non-ionizing Electromagnetic Field Alters Hematological Profiles, Biochemical Parameters, and Induces Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats

Modern technology has witnessed milestone achievements in the telecommunication industry.However,the widespread application of telecommunication technology is believed to heighten electromagnetic field(EMF)‘pollution’in our environment[1]and subject living organisms to various sources of electromagnetic emissions.These emissions include;microwaves.

Clinical Characteristics of Nystagmus in Albinos Living in Libreville

Introduction: Nystagmus is a static ocular disorder characterized by an oscillatory, involuntary and rhythmic movement of eyes. In Libreville, no data on the subject is available. The purpose of this study is to describe clinical characteristics of nystagmus in albinos living in Libreville. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study including 43 albinos with oculocutaneous albinism and nystagmus during the period from February 01, 2017 to February 01, 2018. Variables studied were age, sex, visual acuity, objective refraction, characteristics of the nystagmus including morphology, direction, intensity and associated signs such as stiff neck and squint. Results: The mean age was 21.2 ± 17 years with a female-dominated ratio of 0.53. The visual acuity from afar without correction (AVLSC) was less than 3/10 in 88.4% of the cases. The most common ametropia was astigmatism in 51.2% of cases. Nystagmus was present in all albinos. The spring type was found in 69.7% of cases. The direction was horizontal in 67.4% of the cases and rotary in 32.6% of the cases. The intensity was moderate in 55.8% of cases. The blocking position was the primary near vision position in 69.7% of the cases. Nystagmus was associated with a stiff neck in 28% of the cases and strabismus in 48.8% of the cases. Conclusion: The albinos nystagmus living in Libreville is of the spring type, horizontal direction, of moderate intensity and calmed in the primary position in near vision.

Impact of Selenium on Microtubules Polymarisation of Spermatozoa of Endosulfan Exposed Swiss Albino Mice

Pesticide plays a vital role in agricultural, industrial and residemial pest control. In recent years the ‘pesticide problem＇ has been the focus of public interest because these chemicals have a very important role in agriculture but these chemicals also act like endocrine disruptor. Experiments were carried out on 12 weeks old mice with 30 ± 2 gm. b.w. Endosulfan were administered at 3 mg/kg b.w daily by gavage method for five weeks followed by selenium treatment at 10 μg/kg.b.w./day for five weeks. 9 ＋ 2 arrangment were clearly observed in control group mice with well structured dynein and nexin arm while Endosulfan treated group show depolymerised microtubule and 9 ＋ 1 arrangment with degenerated mitochondria. While selenium treated group shows restoration of 9 ＋ 2 arrangement of microtubule. It is evident from study that endosulfan causes depolymerisation of microtubule while selenium administered group show normal polymerized microtubule and restores normal fertility in mice.

Albino Anser cygnoides Discovered in Poyang Lake of Jiangxi Province

An individual of Anser cygnoides with albinism was found on November 30,2020 in Poyang Lake.Albinism was observed in body part rather than head and neck of the bird.This is the first report of albinism of A.cygnoides in China.