Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of Heracleum persicum L. extract on rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Heracleum persicum L.against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Methods:Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including control(normal saline),gentamicin(80 mg/kg/d for 10 d),Heracleum persicum(750 mg/kg/d),and gentamicin(10 d)+Heracleum persicum extract at three different doses(250,500,and 750 mg/kg/d for 40 d).Urine creatinine,urea,protein,and albumin levels were determined.In addition,serum urea,creatinine,sodium,potassium,cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10),glutathione peroxidase activity,total antioxidant capacity,kidney malondialdehyde,stereological parameters,and expressions of apoptosis-related genes(p53,Bax,Bcl-2,and caspase-3)were measured.The LD50 of Heracleum persicum extract was determined based on Lorke’s method.Histopathological evaluation was also performed.Results:In addition to decreased urine protein and albumin,and increased creatinine and urea,co-treatment with gentamicin and Heracleum persicum significantly reduced levels of creatinine and urea,and increased sodium and potassium in serum.Heracleum persicum treatment also improved stereological parameters and serum inflammatory cytokines.There was a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as a reduction in malondialdehyde level.Furthermore,treatment with Heracleum persicum extracts downregulated p53,caspase-3,and Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 expressions.In histopathological evaluation,Heracleum persicum extracts showed protection against gentamicin-induced renal damages.Conclusions:Heracleum persicum exhibits protective effects against gentamicin-induced structural and functional renal impairments.

The antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats

Background : Diabetes-induced oxidative stress can have adverse effects on sperm and its DNA integrity. The Ashrasi date palm(ADP) has potent antioxidant properties.The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ADP hydroalcoholic extract on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic rats.Methods : Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups( n = 7): 1, control;2, diabetic;3– 5, diabetic + ADP(30, 90 and 270 mg/kg for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively). After preparation of ADP extract and its phytochemical screening, it was administered orally to rats, once a day for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in all groups were investigated.Results : At doses of 90 and 270 mg/kg, ADP extract significantly increased the sperm viability compared to diabetic group 2( p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively)and resulted in a significant decrease in immotile sperm( p = 0.002 and p = 0.006,respectively). At a dose of 270 mg/kg, a considerable enhancement of forward sperm motility was observed( p = 0.04) and there was a significant decrease in sperm DNA fragmentation( p = 0.04).Conclusions : The findings of the present study show for the first time that the hydroalcoholic extract of ADP has protective and antioxidant effects against diabetesinduced oxidative stress and can improve sperm parameters and protect sperm DNA integrity.